Your Own Private Paradise

You've battled packed parking lots and frazzled parents
desperately seeking an Xbox 360, not to mention your overly
inquisitive relatives, now it's time to follow the
psychiatrist's... er, doctor's, orders and book a relaxing
all-about-you vacation.

But the last thing you want is to surround yourself with
boisterous throngs of people. Imagine relaxing beachfront on
your own veranda, next to your private pool. Watch the sun rise
and set, take soothing walks on the sandy beach, sip pina
coladas and dine on traditional local cuisine. Cabo Villas, a
division of Earth, Sea & Sky Vacations, have the perfect remedy
for winter ailments: private beachfront villas, houses and
estates in sunny Cabo San Lucas.

With more than 70 beachfront properties, you're sure to find one
to fit your lifestyle and budget. Cabo Villas arranges special
onsite services, from chef-prepared meals to spa treatments, to
make your escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life
complete. Basically, you won't have to lift a finger (that is,
unless you need to break up the slush at the bottom of your
margarita glass). Each property is unique, lending to a
one-of-a-kind experience. The Villa Maria offers unparalleled
ocean and mountain views from its hillside location. You'll
forget all about the shoving match at the mall once you set foot
in one of the elegant hacienda-style rooms, with marble and
Cantera tile floors, ceiling fans, and colonial furnishings.
Fall asleep in your king size bed with the doors to your terrace
open, letting the warm ocean breeze wash away holiday stress.
Wake up to the sun rising over the Bay of San Lucas and then
head downstairs for a swim in your private swimming pool while
your personal chef prepares a breakfast fit for royalty. This
6,000 square foot, 4-bedroom villa (sleeps 10) is available for
$1,440-$1,800 a night.

If the holidays really got you down, Villa las Flores offers
countless opportunities to undue the damage done by harsh winter
weather and cruel holiday shoppers. Watch the whales swim by as
you soak off negative vibes in your private Jacuzzi, or enjoy a
massage or steam-bath in your master bedroom suite. Forget about
overdone rump roast and lumpy mashed potatoes as you savor a
gourmet dinner prepared by a chef on your spacious patio,
surrounded by magnificent ocean and mountain views. You'll have
plenty of room to roam among Villas las Flores- 12,344 square
feet. This 7- bedroom estate is available for $1,440 - $2,200 a
night.

Finding your own private hideaway is easy. Just log on to www.CaboVillas.com and
search their listings- you can even view streaming videos of the
properties online and make your reservations right then and
there. You'll get all the amenities and prompt service you'd get
at a luxury resort, with the benefit of having your own private
space. Reserve your villa today.

Florida Alligator Stalking Vacations

Alligators were the furthest thing from our minds as my wife Ana and I traveled along the coast of northern Florida. We had paid $23 to camp in our conversion van at a beautiful state park on the beach the night before. In the morning we saw a dolphin swimming near shore.

Then we heard we could camp for free at the isolated campgrounds which dotted the Apalachicola National Forest. Our frugality sent us into alligator country.

We spent two nights in the dark woods next to the dark waters of a slow river. Our only company was an old guy who seemed to be living there, and a nice couple with their two-year-old daughter. Lester was from England, Kari from Texas, and Indya was born in Guatamala. They met in India, of course.

Our little group circled the fire at night, trading stories, and occasionally sneaking down to the water with flashlights to look for the eyes of alligators. We heard splashes in the night, but saw nothing.

Lake Talquin

When the old guy told us camping was free at Wiliams Landing, on Lake Talquin, we all moved up there for a week. The hot showers convinced us. We continued trading stories around the fire each night, but now we saw all kinds of wildlife. Armadillos walked through camp, giant grey herons fished just offshore from the van, and there were racoons, owls, squirrels, ducks, and turtles. Then was also the monster.

March is a great time to get out in the woods in Florida, so I was poking around near a corner of the lake, when I heard the splash. There were no fish that big, I knew, and we had already seen two small alligators sunning themselves the day before. This one had to be a giant. Ana and I returned the next morning, and again heard the splash. It was under the water before we could see it.

In the coming days, we visited the monster each morning once the sun was high enough for him to come out and soak up the heat. We caught enough glimpses to know he was at least ten feet long. Kari and Lester made a Crocodile Hunter movie of us stalking it.

In time, it no longer panicked, but just slowly lowered itself into the water, as if getting ready to hunt us properly. We stopped trying to get so close to it. Our gang went to view alligators safely after that, from the tour boat at Wakulla Springs.

About the Author

Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the United States and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. Read more stories, tips and travel information at: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com

Nags Head A Perfect Oceanside Getaway That Is Rich In Hist

Nags Head has grown into a summer resort area and has some
of the best beach recreation on the North Carolina Coast.
The name of the town has many tales associated with it. The
most popular is the story that pirates would tie lanterns to
the necks of their horses or nags, and walk them on the
beach at night. The ship captains, thinking this was a safe
opportunity to rob the ships. This is a far cry from Nags
Head's attraction today. Once a remote area, Nags Head now
has accomodations ranging from classic, old timey cottages
to oceanfront vacation homes. Other options include cozy
cottages, quaint bed and breakfasts, Hotels and motels.

Whether you are single, a couple, or a family, the area is
well suited for virtually any type of vacation plans. Nags
Head has a reputation as a top notch recreational
destination. Watersports and fishing related activities
abound. Let's not forget the world renowned Oregon Fishing
Inlet. This area is home to some of the top world-class deep
sea fishing. There's always the poular amuesment parks with
miniature golf, waterslides, and go-karts.

The world's tallest sand dune on the east coast calls Nags
Head it's home. Jockey's Ridge is approximately 100 feet
tall. Feeling adventurous? Jockey's Ridge is the ideal place
to hang glide. Or if you want to chill out, you can walk the
beach, watch the sunrise, or enjoy a breathtaking sunset, or
just explore the numerous nature trails.

There's tons of opportunities to pick up souveniers along
the way. There are outlet stores, an indoor mall and many
local specialty shops. No vacation would be complete without
checking out the local restaurants. There are many locally
owned restaurants as well as all of the national chain
restaurants. The selection of food is excellent. From
chicken fingers to filet mignon. Make sure to try the
seafood, since much of it is locally caught, and therefore,
extremely fresh!

Right down the road (from Nags Head) is the town of Kill
Devil Hills. You can easily spend a good half day here,
without seeing all the sights. This town became famous when
the Wright Brothers made history when they flew the first
airplane here in 1903. The Wright Brothers National Memorial
is made of granite, rises 61 feet into the air and is the
focal point of this town. A 314-acre national park honors
this momentous event with a flight museum and an airstrip.
Take one of the air tours of the Outer Banks. Its a
spectacular, and exciting way to get a bird's eye view of
these islands.

The Visitor's Center, is a gorgeous glass covered structure
that showcases a replica of that simple canvas-covered
605-pound doubled-winged plane, which Orville Wright flew on
that history-making day. Looking at it today, it's hard to
imagine that it could even get off the ground.

A popular attraction for kids and adults alike, is kite
flying. One of the reasons the Wright Brtothers picked this
area was because it is so windy. This makes for consistently
soaring kite flying. The Park Service supplies simple box
kites and 20 feet of string. It's normal to see dozens of
kids and adults (acting like kids) laughing and with huge
smiles on their faces, with their own flying contraptions in
a pleasant five mile an hour breeze. When you visit, be sure
to make time for touring the various museum exhibits. You
can even attend a ranger conducted program, take a tour of
the reconstructed camp buildings and the first flight trail
area, and climb up Kill Devil Hill to view the memorial
pylon.

Located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Nags Head and
Kill Devil Hills offers residents and visitors alike, a
unique and relaxing environment with plenty of fascinating,
and fun things to see and do year-round.

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

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

All inclusive travel planning

Ever tried to cram all your travel plans into one small budget and short schedule? If you have, you will know the true meaning of a frugal and haphazard vacation. Some people think that all-inclusive vacation packages leave very little space for them to have fun and there's no flexibility. But they are wrong.

You can save money with an all-inclusive vacation package

If you're really tight on the budget, booking an all-inclusive vacation package can save you quite a big chunk of cash. Because these all-inclusive package vacation companies have close ties with hotels and popular tourist spots in the country, they can get a better rate than you can! Hence, normally, the discounts and savings will be passed on to you - the all-inclusive vacation customers, tourists and visitors!

All-inclusive vacations are hassle-free

Planning a vacation can give you headaches! When you book an all-inclusive vacation package, you're actually giving yourself the chance to COMPLETELY enjoy the vacation without having to worry about the nitty-gritty details. Your accommodation, food, entertainment and traveling are all taken care of. The only thing that you and your family members have to worry about is how much fun you're going to have during the vacation. Some tourists and vacationers like to get an all-inclusive vacation package because there's lack of time. Some people have to contend with last minute plans. The all-inclusive vacation packages can be real life savers in this instance. Even honeymooners love all-inclusive packages because they don't want to have to worry about meals, entertainment, activities, transportation and accommodation when they should be focused on each other!

Mealtime fun with all-inclusive vacation packages

One of the most worrisome things for tourists is WHERE to eat. Because we are not familiar with the country and the booklets that we can get from airports are hardly accurate (most of the time), meal times are worrying. When we're visiting another country, we want to try another delicacy, something new.and cheap. Who better to tell you where to find it than an all-inclusive vacation planner? They have all the ropes, hang on to them and enjoy the meal!

All-inclusive packages - tells you the cultural differences between races and religions

You can read all you want from the Internet or from books on the different cultures and religions in the country that you're visitingand yet, whenever you're on an all-inclusive vacation package, the tourist guide will STILL tell you things that surprises you! and this is an important point because you don't really want to step on someone's toes when you're in THEIR country.

Besides all of that, with all-inclusive vacation packages, you don't have to worry about where to have fun because they plan everything for you. All-inclusive vacation packages are definitely worth it!

Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.vacation-source.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

About the Author

Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.vacation-source.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Are You Looking to Buy a Property or Home in the Costa Brava Region of Spain?

There are many types of properties available including villas, apartments, townhouses, farmhouses, waterfront villas, fincas and apartments, both new and old, throughout the region and the timing could not be better.

The Costa Brava was the first of the Spanish \bucket and spade\ resorts that started off the major UK fascination with Spanish holidays, however this surge in popularity was accompanied by a surge in high rise building to accommodate the tourists resulting in a severely blighted landscape with hardly an inch of coastline left unspoiled in the major tourism areas - this actually led to revised building regulations in Spain which makes it impossible to happen again anywhere on Spains coastlines.

Over the last few years the local government in this region have been toiling hard to return the area to the naturally rugged \wild coast\ of Spain and have made major headway in revamping this resort area into a once again beautiful Spanish holiday destination (this used to be the area that the Spaniards used for vacations!)

Due to the overdeveloped reputation the property prices in the Costa Brava have not risen as high as some of the other regions and therefore now is the time for prudent investors to be thinking about buying (or holidaying) in this area.

Bear in mind however the rock bottom prices that were available in Spain are long gone, prices in the Costa Brava region are cheaper but they are not bargain basement!

The main coastal areas of the Costa Brava are Roses, Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, Pineda, Santa Susana, Calella, Malgrat and Blanes. Each offers a unique experience on Spains \wild coast\ along with great deals on homes within walking distance of secluded and charming beaches.

How to get there;
Barcelona International Airport (BCN) is located just south-west of the Costa Brava in the municipality of El Prat de Llobregat.

Girona International Airport (GRO) is the Costa Brava\'s resident airport, & is located some 40 km from the coast & 12 km from Girona itself.

There are many property companies offering discounted inspection trips to the Costa Brava to check out there estate listings, this can be a very cheap way to experience the beauty of the region. Offers available are in the range of 50-100 per person for a 3-5 day trip including hotels and flights!

Author writes many articles dealing with cheap Costa Brava holidays and budget travel

Alternative Spain

Most tourists think of beaches and cheap alcohol when Spain is
mentioned, but this holiday Mecca has another very different
side and it is to be found in the north of the country.

Beyond the stifling heat, endless bars and towering hotels of
the Costa's there is another Spain where overseas tourism is
limited, the sound of a foreign voice still turns heads and
every shop, business and even tourist office closes for the
afternoon siesta. The place is Galicia, alternatively know as
green Spain, wet Spain and the region of rivers.

Galicia lies just above Portugal and has scenery and people that
are distinct and different from those of the country's southern
provinces. Galicia has a seasonal climate, plenty of rain in
winter and, unfortunately, sometimes some in summer as well. The
scenery is a combination of lush meadows, dense forests and
mountainous vistas and the coastline is filled with many
picturesque bays. Galicia has more beaches than any of Spain's
other regions, but it also has a drawback in the form of cooler
sea temperatures.

History and culture are two of the big draws for tourists
thinking of visiting this region of Spain. Galicia is a Celtic
nation and still has the ruins of ancient Celtic settlements
called Castros as well as a multitude of churches, cathedrals,
monasteries and convents.

In keeping with the rest of Spain's regions, Galicia is itself
subdivided into provinces of which there are four. The best
known and most visited of these provinces is that of A Coruna.
The A Coruna province also holds the famous city of Santiago
de Compostela, famed for its massive cathedral and holy
pilgrimage known as the Way of Saint James. The provincial
capitol of A Coruna has also become increasingly appealing to
holiday makers and possesses the world's oldest lighthouse
dating back to Roman times. It is also a beautiful city with a
harbour surrounded by tall buildings composed of many windows
giving it the nickname of the glass city.

Leaving A
Coruna, Galicia's other provinces are Pontevedra, with the
regions largest city Vigo, Ourense with a medieval old town and
Lugo, whose capitol has a complete Roman wall surrounding it.
The big cities though are not the only attractions of Galicia
and many would argue that it is the towns and villages, many of
which are on the coast, that represent the real spirit of the
region. A large number of these towns still operate as working
fishing villages and in some respects their way of life has
changed little over the last century. Examples of these towns
include Muros, A Pobra do Caraminal and the larger Ribeira .

Finally any visitor to Galicia will sell themselves short if
they fail to sample some of the regions famous seafood. The
speciality of the area is pulpo (octopus), but if that does
not appeal, try calamares (fried squid rings) with a squeeze
of lemon. Shellfish are also part of the staple diet in Galicia
and the many crustaceans, of which percebes is a particular
example, will give you an indication of a Galician delicacy.

Luggage Tips For Air Travel

The Guide to Lightening the Travel Load

Traveling with light luggage has been a common rule known to
many travelers. It is a very common, and simple, guide yet it
still remains as the most violated one. Didn't they say that the
simplest rules are the ones hardest to follow?

Surely, one has to pack everything that is needed for the trip.
Never leave anything that is definitely going to be used during
the trip. For over-anticipating possibilities during a trip, the
luggage may end as a heavy burden for a short trip.

Here are guidelines to determine what to bring for those trips:

1. Consider the number of days for the trip.

If the trip will be within one to three days, all the things
that a traveler may need could fit in hand-carried luggage.
Decide on the number of clothes needed and add another set, in
case of accidents. More than that would just weigh down the
baggage unnecessarily. If, upon arriving, you determine that the
trip must be extended, you can always shop for clothes or have
the used ones washed and just mix-match these for a different
ensemble.

2. Determine the nature of the trip. What type of events will
one attend during the trip?

This will help in deciding what type of clothes to bring. If one
barely have time to run or exercise in the morning, then, it
will be unnecessary to bring running shoes. If there is barely
time for social gatherings, then leave the formal evening
outfits at home.

If unsure of the schedule during the trip, then choose clothes
that may be worn for casual and formal meetings and even formal
dinner parties.

3. When packing, roll the clothes carefully to maximize the
space of the suitcase. Place the heavier garments on the lower
part of the suitcase to balance its weight. The smaller
garments, such as the socks, should be placed to fill the spaces
between the larger clothes.

4. If during the trip, you accumulated souvenirs, it is cheaper
to have those shipped home instead of bringing them together
with the luggage. If these are fragile, make sure that these are
insured. Another option is to have some clothes shipped home
instead, and pack the souvenirs with the luggage or in the
hand-carried bag.

These tips will definitely ease one's worries when preparing for
the next trip.

Holidays to Bulgaria

Holidays To Bulgaria

A lot more people these days are choosing Bulgaria for their
summer holiday. As more and more people are discovering Bulgaria
as holiday destination the tour operators and flight companies
are starting to expand their service into this country. There is
still an awful lot for Bulgaria to do before they get accession
into the EU ( which is currently set for 2007 ).

Bulgaria has a lovely coastline and there are 2 main holiday
destinations one in the north called Golden Sands and one in the
south called Sunny Beach. These 2 destinations are where the
main hotels accommodations are located.Large tour operators are
based in these resorts the likes of First Choice. When having a
holiday in Bulgaria there is two options to choose from. The
first being the normal package holiday from travel agents which
you will be staying in the normal hotel at half board or all
inclusive. The second option would be a private villa or
apartment booked directly with the villa or apartment owner.
After that you will have to book your own flights to the country.

The second option of the private villa or apartment in Bulgaria
is a very cost effective option. Lets have a look at the process.

There is a few websites offering villa or apartment Holidays to
Bulgaria. Your first point of contact would be the internet to
search for the options available to you. Now because the private
rental market in Bulgaria is in its infancy the prices of villas
or apartments are very reasonable. This would cost you a lot
less than booking a private rental in the likes of Spain. Once
you have chosen the property you are wanting to book you would
contact the owner directly to either check availability or to
book the property.

Flights is the harder bit there is a few companies that have
just come on the market offering cheap flights to Bulgaria the
likes of wizzair but with this company it is not a directly
flight you usually have to stop off in Budapest. The main
company is First Choice which offer the best deals I have seen
on the internet to date. As Bulgaria gets more and more popular
with British tourists then more of the cheap flight companies
will introduce regular flights to the country making it an
easier option for people. Generally a private rental Holiday
done through the internet yourself should save you roughly about
100 - 150 per person.

Lets have a look at the destinations for Bulgaria. Golden Sands
is the smallest of the 2 big resorts it is found about 20km
outside Varna and is a beach resort to rival any of the european
resorts and with the prices of things in Bulgaria it is likely
that you would not spend as much on a holiday to Bulgaria as you
would to other European resorts.

Sunny Beach is the southern resort and is 4 times as big as
Golden Sands. Again Golden sands is a beach resort like any
european resorts with a multitude of hotels apartments and
villas for rent. The restaurants are delicious and the
friendliness of the locals always make you feel at home.

There are other not so well known smaller resorts the likes of
Albena, Kranevo, Sozopol, Sinemoretz, Balchik that are worth
visiting and all within easy reach of either a City the likes of
Varna or Bourgas or one of the bigger resorts.

What is becoming more popular these days is the rural holidays
to Bulgaria where people just want to get away from the hustle
and bustle of normal life and want a more relaxed, friendly
atmosphere. Staing in a rural area and experiencing the real
Bulgarian way of life is a must. The locals are so friendly and
are only too happy to invite yo to experience their way of life.
Village life in Bulgaria is recommended if you are looking for
relaxation or de-stressing as nothing is more calming than life
in a real Bulgarian Village.

In Summary as Bulgaria gets more popular with british tourists
there is an abundance of private rental property for
holidaymakers to choose from. Bulgaria is a lovely country which
is waiting to be explored. It is an unspoilt country with plenty
to offer holidaymakers that are looking either for a busy
nightlife or the peace and quiet rural life of the countryside.
So why not have a look at what is on offer in Bulgaria and book
your Holiday to Bulgaria now.

Learning to sail the USA way

The syllabus can be readily divided into two parts. The Keelboat Sailing Certification Program is made up of seven stages while Small Boat Sailing Program contains a further two stages.

The Basic Small Boat Sailing Standard requires no previous experience or qualifications. It is the first course in the Small Boat Sailing Program. Students must demonstrate a theoretical knowledge of the names and functions of various parts of a boat together with common sailing terms, the sail and its ancillary components, the International Rules for Collision Prevention both at sea and on inland waters and hey should demonstrate a basic knowledge of safety procedures. On the practical side they must show they can tread water for 5 minutes and swim 100 metres, rig, launch and retrieve the boat, set and trim the sails, sail both upwind and downwind, tack and gybe, correctly apply the rules of the road, recover a man overboard, recover from a capsize, accept and pass a towline, tie four specified Knots within a given time. Upon completion he or she will be able to sail a centerboard or multihull sailboat in light to moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters.

The first course in the Keelboat Sailing Certification Program is known as Basic Keelboat. No experience or qualifications are necessary. To complete the course students will be required to demonstrate that they can put a name to and describe the workings of various parts of a boat including the hull, keel, deck bow and stern. The components of both the running and standing rigging. The different sails including the names of part of a sail - foot, leech, luff, head, tack and clew. The various spars, mast and boom. They will be familiar with sailing terminology used to describe various manoeuvres such as gybing and coming about. Students will understand the points of sail be it close hauled, reaching or running. They will understand the basics of collision avoidance including rules of the road. They will demonstrate they are familiar with regulations covering registration and identification, proper waste disposal, who to notify in the event of an accident and what safety equipment is requires by law to be carried on a vessel and how it is used. They will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of buoyage Participants will know how to anchor a boat and describe the choice of anchors and their attributes and failings. On the practical side they must demonstrate sail handling skills, they will display competence at the helm including mooring, sailing both upwind and downwind together with a successful tack and gybe. They will complete a successful man overboard recovery. They will show they know how to tie 6 different knots and understand their various uses. Upon completion of the course students should be able to sail a boat of some 20 feet in length in moderate winds in familiar waters.

The second stage is called Basic Coastal Cruising and students must hold the Basic Keelboat Sailing Certificate prior to undertaking this course. The course looks at safety on board including equipment and procedures. An understanding of fire prevention and fighting is required. Students will be required to demonstrate a knowledge of first aid and the treatment of hypothermia. Basic meteorology is considered and students must demonstrate an understanding of shipping forecasts. An understanding of the relationship between the skipper and crew and the respective duties of each is required. Students must be able to undertake basic chartwork including depths; types of bottom, hazards, bouys, beacons and lights. The practical side of this course looks at boat handling under power and sail, man overboard recovery, the various points of sail, reefing and heaving to, docking and mooring and some knot work. When completed the sailor should be able to cruise safely in regional waters on a sailboat of up to 30 feet in length, in moderate winds and sea conditions.

Trailerable Multihull Standard, this course is the second in the Small Boat Sailing Program. It may be taught as part of or following the Basic Coastal Cruising course. Completion of the Basic Keelboat is a prerequisite prior to taking this course. On the theory side students must be able to identify and name the various parts of a multihull that are not found on a monohull including the different wing decks, hulls, cross arms, three point rig, bridle line, safety nets, seagull and dolphin strikers. They will be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of multihulls including, performance, comfort safety and the danger of capsize. On the practical side the sailor will demonstrate: how to cast of and leave the quay with at least two different wind directions relative to the bow and then return and berth alongside, pick up a mooring buoy, manoeuvre in a restricted space, reverse, recover a man overboard, the different points of sail, tacking and gybing, sail a compass course within 10 degrees. They will anchor in the following ways, bow anchor and bridle and single bow with a stern line to the shore. When completed sailors are able to cruise safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew on an auxiliary multihull sailboat of up to 30 feet in length, in moderate wind and sea conditions.

Bareboat Chartering is the next stage. Participants are expected to hold the Basic Coastal Cruising Certificate before doing this course. The theory side covers the preparation of both crew and boat for a one week cruise including the preparation of a passage plan. Meteorology is considered including a look at fog and onshore and offshore winds. Seamanship is looked at and students should know what action is required if the engine fails, they should know how to anchor the boat bow or stern to. On the practical side the student will be able to undertake daily and weekly maintenance tasks, manoeuvre the boat under power in a restricted space, pick up a mooring buoy, use the VHF radio. The following navigational skills are required, plotting a course and establishing the compass heading and calculating an estimated time of arrival. Establishing a fix using visual bearing. Use a chart to pilot the boat into an unfamiliar harbour. Students must obtain and interpret a shipping forecast. When completed the individual can act as skipper of a boat up to 50 feet in length sailing by day in coastal waters.

The next stage is known as Coastal Navigation. This is a theory only course and no prior experience or knowledge is required. Students will be required to demonstrate knowledge of various State and Federal regulations pertaining to sailing. They must understand how the use navigational instruments including both steering and hand bearing compasses, binoculars, depth sounder, log, parallel rule and dividers. Participants must display an understanding of tide tables and their use when dealing with secondary ports. They should be able to convert bearings and compass courses between, compass, magnetic and true, plot a dead reckoning position, understand the effect of current and leeway when estimating a position and plot a position by two or more bearings, a running fix and a bearing and distance. Finally they will need to demonstrate a knowledge of buoyage and lights.

The Cruising Catamaran course deals exclusively with multihull sailing and concentrates on the differences a sailor finds as opposed to monohull sailing. Participants should have completed the Bareboat Chartering stage. On the theory side students must be able to identify and name the various parts of a multihull that are not found on a monohull including the different wing decks, hulls, cross arms, three point rig, bridle line, safety nets, seagull and dolphin strikers. They will be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of multihulls including, performance, comfort safety and the danger of capsize. On the practical side the sailor will demonstrate: how to cast of and leave the quay with at least two different wind directions relative to the bow and then return and berth alongside, pick up a mooring buoy, manoeuvre in a restricted space, reverse, recover a man overboard, the different points of sail, tacking and gybing, sail a compass course within 10 degrees. They will anchor in the following ways, two anchors of the bow or stern, bow anchor and bridle, single bow with a stern line to the shore and bow to fixed mooring. Upon completion the person can skipper a multihull sailboat of up to 50 foot in length by day in coastal waters.

Advanced Coastal Cruising follows and participants should have completed both the Bareboat Chartering and Coastal Navigation stages. Students will be required to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the theory of sailing, an understanding of meteorology including the various cloud formations and the weather that can be expected with each. They will understand the needs of heavy weather sailing, the necessary sail changes and the use of the correct safety equipment and procedures. They will be able to describe: how set a second anchor to reduce swinging, how to recover a fouled anchor, how to use a trip line and an anchor buoy and when and how to set an anchor watch. They will describe how to tow or be towed. They will have a knowledge of distress signals. Students will correctly describe the actions required in the following emergency situations: a dismasting, running aground on a lee shore and engine failure. Students will be able to carry out maintenance and repairs on the engine. On the water students must: sail on all points of the wind and tack and gybe in a wind of at least 15 knots, sail a compass course to within 10 degrees, carry out a man overboard recovery in darkness. They will demonstrate their ability to set, sail with including a gybe, douse and pack a spinnaker. And finally they will stand a navigation watch of 20 miles both at day and night. When completed a person can skipper a sailing vessel of up to 50 feet in length both during day and night in coastal waters regardless of weather and sea conditions.

The next stage is called Celestial Navigation. The course is theory based and requires no experience or prior qualifications. The student must be able to demonstrate the Celestial Navigation required to navigate a sailboat on an offshore passage. The successful student will have demonstrated their ability to: Convert longitude into time and standard time and zone time to GMT. They will be able to calculate: the zone time given longitude, the chronometer error given a previous error and the daily rate, the time of meridian passage of the sun and calculate the boat\'s latitude from the observed meridian altitude of the sun, the times of sunrise, sunset and twilight, plot celestial lines of position on a Mercator projection or on a universal plotting sheet and the true bearing of a low altitude celestial body in order to determine the error and deviation of the compass. The student will be able to apply the corrections for index error, dip of the horizon, and total correction to convert sextant altitudes of the sun, stars, planets, and moon to true altitudes, determine the latitude at twilight by means of the Pole Star and the approximate azimuths and altitudes of the navigational stars and planets at twilight. In addition they will be capable of solving the navigational triangle using a navigation table and advance the LOP obtained from a sun sight to another LOP obtained from the sun at a later time and find the boat\'s position using a running fix (sun-run-sun).

This celestial theory can be put into practice during the Offshore Passage Making course. Entrants should be certified to the Advanced Coastal Cruising level. The student will plan a passage across either the Pacific or North Atlantic using Great Circle Plotting Charts and Climatic Charts. They must show an understanding of the essential factors to be considered when selecting a vessel for an offshore ocean passage of at least 1000 miles including hull construction and shape, keel, rig, and rudder type, fuel and water capacity. They must provide a list of tools and spares required for such a voyage. They must victual the boat for four people on passage for seven days. They must list the items to be carried in the first aid kit and describe basic treatments for injuries and illnesses that may occur together with identifying a source of mare advanced medical information while on passage. They will prepare a watch keeping system and define the duties of crew members both on and off watch. They will design a maintenance plan to cover: Bilges, electronic equipment, fuel system, hatches, galley equipment, rigging, safety equipment sea cocks, steering and the water system. They will describe the procedures to be undertaken in the following emergency situations: abandon ship, dismasting, fire onboard, lightning strike, man overboard. A comprehensive knowledge of the International Regulation for Preventing Collision at Sea must be demonstrated. When the course is completed is the sailor cans skipper a sailing vessel on offshore passages in any weather.

Ken Jones runs a Sailing Site. More information about ASA Sailing Courses can be found here To find an ASA Sailing Course in your area visit the Marine Directory.

Immigration to Canada Pass Mark Areas

In this article, I will explain the different areas of the
Canadian Immigration Skilled Worker Pass Mark.

Education One of the goals of the Canadian immigration system is
to attract skilled workers to their country. Skilled workers
usually have more than a high school diploma, so the Pass-Mark
system rewards higher point totals for advanced studies.
However, you don't need a master's degree or above to get a high
score in this area. In fact, you'll also get points if you've
earned a bachelor's degree, completed an apprenticeship, or
attended a trade/vocational school.

Language Canada, unlike the United States, has an official
language. In fact, it has two: English and French. For this
reason, the country looks for immigrants who know at least one
of those languages. Additionally, a permanent resident who can
easily communicate has a better chance of being successful than
one who does not. Language ability is measured according to your
proficiency in four separate areas: reading, listening, writing,
and speaking. Your abilities in each of those four are ranked as
high proficiency, moderate proficiency, basic proficiency, or no
proficiency. You'll also receive additional points if you know
BOTH English and French to some degree.

Work Experience Again, Canada wants people who are ready to
enter the Canadian job market and who have skills that will be
useful to employers. This requires experience. Points are
awarded based on how much experience you have in your specific
field. To receive the maximum number of points, you need more
than four years of experience.

Age/Arranged Employment/Adaptability These three areas don't
provide many additional points, but they can be important if you
are lacking in one area. All three are used to determine how
likely you are to fit in once you move to Canada. Age is a
factor because individuals who are younger than 17 or older than
53 may have trouble finding employment and fitting into Canadian
life. Individuals who are between the ages of 21 and 49
generally receive the highest number of points available.
Although you do receive extra points if you already have a job
lined up in Canada when you apply, it is not a necessity. As
long as you have the education, language ability, and work
experience, you shouldn't worry about finding a job in advance.

Finally, adaptability covers several issues, including the
education of your spouse or partner who will be moving to Canada
with you and the family connections you already have in the
country. These extra points can make a big difference if your
score is hovering just under 67.

In the next section of the report, we'll look at the documents
you need in support of these six areas and why it is so
important to prepare them correctly when you are applying.

England's Hidden Gems

Many visitors to England decide to visit the familiar locations on the tourist trail - the likes of London, Oxford, Windsor and Bath.



The reasons for visiting those locations are obvious - all of those locations boast wonderful history, architecture and some fine places to stay.



Sticking to the more obvious tourist spots does, however, have a downside. Visitors undoubtedly miss out on some of the beautiful parts of the country that are often just as rich in history, architecture and culture. I wonder, for instance, how many tourists ever think to visit the city of Winchester. Indeed, if you're not from the UK, have you even heard of Winchester? Let me expand a little on exactly what you could be missing...



Winchester was once the capital of England and the site of William the Conqueror's Castle. It also has links with the tales of King Arthur: a version of his famous Round Table still stands in the Great Hall. Jane Austen is just one of many famous people to have lived in the city.



So where is Winchester? Well, not so far from the eaten track as you might imagine! The city is south of London and can be reached from our modern day capital via a train journey of approximately one hour (trains depart at regular intervals from London Waterloo station).



On arriving in Winchester, you'll find that you can walk into the very heart of this compact city in just 10 minutes. The centre of the city is dominated by the fine cathedral - surely one of the most splendid in the country. The city's streets are laid out much as they were in Roman times - walking around Winchester is to stroll through England's history.



Why not pay Winchester a visit and find out about one of England's hidden gems.

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

Keith Barrett writes regularly about visiting Winchester for Whatever the Weather.

Wyoming Travels

Wyoming is a state of great scenic beauty. Grasslands, mountains, forests, deserts, rivers and lakes present tourists with some of the most breathtaking scenery. Panoramic mountain views, rushing trout streams and sky-scraping aspen, spruce and fir trees provide a stunning backdrop at Wyoming\'s national parks, forests and monuments. Wyoming boasts of having America\'s first national monument, Devils Tower, which is popular for its hiking and climbing expeditions. It is also home to the country\'s first national forest, Shoshone National Forest, which is one of the largest forests in the country. Visitors will get to see the better part of Wyoming wildlife in these forests. Yellowstone National Park is the world\'s first national park. It also happens to be America\'s second largest. Even though the park is home to hundreds of species of birds, game fish and mammals it is most famous for its black and grizzly bears.

Every region of Wyoming has its own unique vegetation, wildlife, weather and geologic formations. From Old Faithful to Devils Tower, nature has sketched amazing landscapes and geo-thermal features for people to enjoy. Yellowstone National Park and Hot Springs State Park have many geo-thermal attractions. It offers a variety of out door tourist activities like float trip on the Snake River, herding cattle in the Big Horn Mountains, biking in the Snowy Range or climbing the Tetons. Tourists will also find wonderful trail, which allow them to hike, backpack or fly-fish. Wildlife photography or bird watching is also another good way to pass time, as the state is teeming with animal and bird wildlife. For tourists who enjoy physical exercise, Wyoming offers rock climbing, kayaking, snowboarding, parasailing, hang gliding, windsurfing, jet skiing or spelunking. Water sports like Boating, water skiing, fishing and other recreational activities associated with Wyoming\'s many rivers are also popular. Camping is also popular. It is allowed in both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Some other tourist attractions are horseback riding, golf and game hunting. From the thrill seeker to the nature lover, Wyoming has something to offer everyone.

Wyoming provides detailed information on Wyoming, Wyoming Game And Fish, Wyoming Travels, Wyoming Vacations and more. Wyoming is affiliated with Charleston.

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

Crime Against Caribbean Travelers: Should You Believe the Hype?

Since the 1980s, the Caribbean region has been struggling
against its own inner demon: crime. Citizens of the Caribbean
have quickly learned that rising crime rates on one island can
negatively affect other islands in the vicinity. While the
islands still offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the
world, travelers can sometimes feel insecure about their
surroundings, making relaxation more of a challenge.

Several recent news stories about crimes in the Caribbean,
including the highly covered disappearance of Alabama teenager
Natalee Holloway, have reignited the debate over how to keep the
islands safe for travelers. Concern for safety has even inspired
a conference in late October, the second Caribbean Conference on
Crime and Criminal Justice, and a statement by the Caribbean
Commissioners of Police about ways travelers can stay safe.
These efforts are visible steps officials are taking to help
travelers feel more secure about their vacations, especially as
the Caribbean\'s tourist season approaches.

Studying Crimes

One of the biggest problems in studying crime among the islands
has been that, until recently, few efforts had been made to
distinguish crime against island residents from crime against
visitors. Obtaining clear and specific crime data has become an
important step toward fighting crime in the islands, and newer
studies have revealed that violent crimes against vacationers in
the Caribbean islands are indeed rare occurrences. While
Jamaica, for example, may be known for its high murder rates,
the vast majority of murders are crimes by Jamaican nationals
against Jamaican nationals.

Vacationers planning a trip to the islands are more likely to
encounter petty theft and other nonviolent crimes than anything
else. However, as recent events have shown, this is not a
certainty. Some believe that areas inundated with tourists have
higher crime rates against tourists because there are as many
visitors as residents, while others believe that the relaxed
attitude of most travelers is the main contributing factor in
these crimes. Although there are several different theories
about this, one thing is certain - travelers who take
precautions generally do not experience such problems during
their stay.

Staying Safe

The best way to be safe during Caribbean travel is to avoid
making the mistakes most vacationers make - just because you\'re
on vacation doesn\'t mean you shouldn\'t be cautious. Leaving
doors unlocked, leaving valuables in plain view in a hotel room
or rental car, displaying too much wealth, and wearing flashy
jewelry are all ways to attract thieves. Remember that you are
far from home, and replacing valuables, such as a stolen wallet,
will be even more difficult. Take the same precautions you would
take at home or in any big city to avoid losing important items.

Another way travelers can stumble upon trouble is by walking
into \bad\ areas of town. It\'s common sense to avoid walking
down a dark alley in most cities, but vacationers may not always
recognize a part of town that locals know to avoid. If an area
makes you feel uneasy, or would make you feel uneasy at home,
it\'s probably best to avoid that area, especially at night.
Women particularly should take extra precautions at night and
avoid walking alone.

While some believe that tourist-heavy areas inspire more crimes
against tourists, these areas have established more rigid
security measures to help travelers stay safe. It is difficult
to determine whether these areas are more or less safe than any
other location. However, one certainty is that most travelers to
the Caribbean have never experienced any sort of crime.

Travelers who return year after year to experience all the
Caribbean offers rarely tell stories of vacations turning into
horrible experiences. So with just a bit of caution in mind,
it\'s still safe to relax on a Caribbean vacation while the
island governments work to put a stop to the troubles that can
keep travelers from their shores.

Luxury Cruising

A great cruise is much more than a journey. Blending the grandeur and nobility of seafaring with the imagination and style of the good life, it is my favorite way to explore the world. Moving up to a luxury ship helps make memories that endure forever.

The right ship or cruise line is one that makes you very comfortable and very special while fulfilling all your vacation desires. You need to look at the size of the vessel, the nature of the experience, the activities available, dining schedules, on board dress code and the style of service. Equally important are your itinerary, the type of accommodations, and the cost of the cruise, along with the inclusions that may be offered.

Ships in the luxury category are generally smaller than the mass-market vessels with passenger capacities ranging from less than 100 to near 900 and offer the most generously proportioned and inviting accommodation. Many of the staterooms will feature private verandah, sitting areas and rich dcor and deluxe amenities. The standard of service you will enjoy can be measured by looking at the crew to guest ratios. Exceptional service will be found on ships that have a ratio of one (or more) crewmembers to every two guests and mirror the warmth and discretion of finest hospitality. The following unique cruising styles can be celebrated each in its own right - so you can choose to travel elegantly with companions who share your sensibilities.

Ultimate luxury cruises are quite formal and embody the ceremony of cruising, recalling the days when traveling by ship was an event in itself. Voyages in this category offer the ultimate travel experience and excellence in every detail. These cruises are breath taking in every respect and offer you an atmosphere of sumptuous refinement with service that is truly indulgent. Guests are treated to the finest meals in exquisite dining rooms and in a single seating. Jackets and ties are generally the rule for dinner and tuxedos are not uncommon with a dress code that is observed faithfully.

Casual elegance cruises offer a luxurious cruise experience with a esort elegant country club type of shipboard atmosphere. Windstar Cruises, vessels are wonderful examples for traveling in unregimented, graceful and subtle luxury. Shipboard lifestyle on this type of cruise is generally unstructured, with few organized activities. In keeping with the contemporary, easygoing atmosphere on board these ships, the style of dress is casually refined. Jackets, if worn, are casual and ties must be left at home! The dining experience is flawless with the added flexibility and convenience of open seating. You ennjoy dining at your leisure with your choice of new found friends. Ships in this category tend to be smaller and the service on board is of the highest calibre.

The last category of luxury cruise is unique exploration. You can explore many of the world's most intriguing destinations while enjoying a friendly comfortable cruise experience. The ships in this category offer overall excellent cruise value. The ships themselves are anything by ordinary and each have their own unique features and highlights. The emphasis for these voyages is on the special itineraries.

Ports of call have been carefully selected to highlight the history and culture of each region. Each offer you the opportunity to experience, learn and explore. Most of the vessels in this class include an official guide or guest lecturer, theatres for lectures, enrichment programs and often an extensive library. The on board environment is relaxed and the service is very personal.

The dress is generally resort casual by day and varies for evening dining depending upon the ship. Whether experiencing an Antarctic expedition, the Amazon River or the national heritage of the legendary clipper ship, this class of cruising gives you a unique blend of style and adventure.

When choosing your next cruise, take time to examine the possibilities of Seabourn, Windstar, SeaDream Cunard, Radisson, Crystal, and Silversea. These cruise lines allow you to follow your own desires and inner rhythms, discovering your own unique vision of Utopia.

Bon Voyage

Sid Kaplan
http://www.cruisevacationsguide.com

Sid Kaplan has extensive experience in the travel business. He owned and operated a large retail cruise only agency in Canada and his wife has 25 years experience working for major cruise lines. Their website is Cruise Vacations Guide which offers advice and tips to those look to create memorable cruise vacations. Shore excursion and land tour information is also provided.

The Cruise For You

You may have heard stories from friends about their
disappointing cruise experience because their kids were bored.
Or your recently married cousin\'s honeymoon cruise was
nerve-wracking because she went during Spring Break when the
cruise ship was populated with partying college kids. Deciding
on the cruise for you takes a little time, but it is well worth
the effort.

First of all, ask yourself what you want to get out of the
cruise. Are you in it for the rest and relaxation? Are you
looking for exotic destinations so you can explore to your
heart\'s content when the ship docks? Will you be traveling with
your children? Do you want to learn something fun a la Discovery
Channel? Looking to dress up for dinner and go dancing every
night? Or are you a real partier and want to meet singles or
couples your own age?

That\'s a lot to think about, isn\'t it? If you are going on the
cruise for just rest and relaxation and partake of the ship\'s
activities, invest in a cabin that has windows or its own
veranda. You\'ll want to enjoy the sea air sometimes without
running into anyone else, so your own balcony is the perfect
solution.

Kids need constant entertainment so if you want to travel with
them, you need to find a cruise that will not only accommodate
them but also give you some adult stimulation. Some of the
cruise lines that cater to families have great rates and even
offer special \kids cruise free\ promotions. Prices often
include the cost of meals, snacks for the kids, child care
programs and other activities to keep kids occupied while the
adults go play. Be sure that if you want to go on a cruise
during the holidays to book at least a year in advance. Those
are popular travel times and fill up quickly.

If you are the swinging single type or just want to party a lot,
there are some cruise lines that cater to the young crowds.
Typically filled with rebel rousers from eighteen years of age
to mid-thirties, expect to not a get a lot of sleep. A lot of
the cruises are sunny, tropical destinations like Mexico and
Bermuda.

Are you more of the adventurer type and want to head to the
ancient ruins of Mexican cities like Chichen Itza? Or is
exploring the Nile or Amazon Rivers more your style? Consider an
enrichment cruise. Lectures offered by \National Geographic or
Discovery\ type experts are often on board and give you a closer
look at these new worlds before you head off on adventures when
your ship docks.

No matter what you decide, there is a cruise just waiting for
you! Are you a quilter or Elvis fan? Themed cruises are fun. If
you are a smoker, there are cruise ships that allow it. Don\'t
want to miss your workouts just because you are in the middle of
an ocean? No problem! Many cruise ships offer gyms, swimming
pools, rock-climbing walls and other activities to get your
blood pumping.

Do your research! You can avoid those snafus that your friends
and cousin experienced. And when you get back from your own
cruise, you can brag about the great time you had.

Cayman Restaurants Seaside Gazebos Are Hot Seats For Fine Dining And Exquisite Cayman Wedding!

Imagine a picture-perfect Cayman wedding in a setting of old world style and elegance! Wouldn\'t the magnificent Caribbean seas just south of George Town amidst the exotic tropical paradise of the Cayman Islands tickle your fancies? Yes, those dreaming of a romantic Cayman wedding are welcome to the ideal destinations of Grand Cayman, gifted with a delightful wedding chapels, and enchanting seaside gazebos. With a-la carte dining on the water\'s edge, with professional wedding planners, photography and limousine services, they are ready to create exclusive Caribbean wedding packages, waiting to be explored by those seeking unforgettable weddings or honeymoons or even cocktail dinner parties with exclusive Caribbean food and hospitality.

Wedding in Cayman Islands is a treasured experience with various customized wedding packages and cruise ship-wedding facilities. Complete with a charming seaside gazebos and exquisite marquees created for theme parties, they make your wedding in Cayman the most memorable ever.

Does the vision of delicious Caribbean cuisine and dessert wines, impeccably served in a setting of old world style and elegance in the Grand Cayman restaurants haunt you so much that you are desperate to explore their pleasures on your D-day? Behold, Grand Cayman\'s fine dining establishments reckon you on that extra-special day when you are one with the sweetheart of your dreams! Offering you the best of Cayman fine dining and hospitality, they leave a lasting impression on your palate, and heart.

A romantic Caribbean wedding in Cayman Islands is a dream for many. At Grand Cayman\'s idyllic wedding destinations, it comes true, with exclusive services for those aspiring for a memorable wedding in Cayman Islands.

Some of its features include:

Exclusive Caribbean and European cuisine for weddings in Cayman Islands, including soups and appetizers, mouth-watering salads, seafood delicacies, exotic desserts and wedding cakes, Caribbean, Spanish and Italian coffee. Not to forget are the classy dessert wines that hold delight of a memorable wedding in Cayman old-world style.

Indoor banquets maintaining their classic elegance. Private dinners, cocktail receptions at the warm, cozy dining rooms, offering scenic views of the seaside are bound to make your Cayman wedding grand and elegant.

Outdoor wedding gazebos for a perfect seaside-wedding backdrop, created for exclusive cocktail wedding receptions.

Exquisite marquees acting as the perfect location for a romantic ceremony of wedding in this beautiful island. Needless to say, these act as perfect settings for customized wedding theme parties.

Exclusive Caribbean entertainment, including floorshows, classical shows, harp players, DJs and exclusive boat trips.

Wedding limousine services, catering to the transportation needs of the couple, marked with privacy, comfort and luxury.

With traditional wedding packages, Feng Shui packages combining timeless design principles with environment-friendly materials, with exclusive wedding packages designed for those who aspire to spend their day in Grand Old style, there are fascinating wedding packages offered by these grand wedding destinations that cater to your personalized wedding in Cayman. Not only that, some exclusive ones even look into the legal aspects of your wedding in Cayman Islands.

Those craving for the taste of old-fashioned plantation atmosphere attracting celebrities and royalty with intriguing Caribbean dishes, fascinating wedding cakes and champagn and taped music will find these really worth enjoying.

However, all said and done, great cuisines and unforgettable dessert wines are not the only things that Grand Cayman restaurants offer. With Cayman fine dining pleasures offered at the exquisite seaside gazebos of Grand Cayman restaurants, the smell of seafood mingles with the smell of the ocean, the sound of the waves and the golden hues cast by one of the world\'s most beautiful sunsets. No wonder, then, that the Grand Cayman restaurants today are hot seats for US vacation tourists, with delectable Cayman fine dining accommodating the diverse tastes of people coming for a business luncheon, a romantic dinner, and even for a picturesque Cayman wedding. No wonder then, that nestled in the Caribbean, just one-hour south of Miami, Cayman destination weddings today account for nearly 10 percent of the overall 2.4 million marriages held in the United States each year (according to the \'Conde Nast Bridal Group\' report). Discover their pleasures, and let your special day go off without a hitch, with the sea beckoning you and your sweetheart!

** Lopa Bhattacharya (Banerjee) is a content writer/developer working on websites for overseas/Indian clientele. Has worked for various corporate website projects, CD-Rom presentations, brochures, flyers and other communication materials on varied themes ranging from travel, hotel industry, photography, web design and software development to US-based clubs and network communities. Was previously an editorial associate for a news, culture and entertainment portal based on the life and times of Kolkata.

AntwerpDiamond Capital Of Europe

Antwerp is a city in the north of Belgium. The city is home to a population of 457,749 inhabitants and it is thought to date back to Gallo-Roman times. Antwerp became extremely prosperous in the 15th century, as foreign trade guilds began settling in the area. During World War II, the German army occupied the city and much of Antwerp\'s original architecture was destroyed. Following the liberation of the city on September 4th, 1944, the German army attempted to destroy Antwerp\'s port - one of the biggest in the world.

Today, Antwerp remains a prosperous city and it is one of the three chief centres for the global diamond industry. Although much of the city\'s historical architecture has been destroyed, some stunning examples do remain, not least the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, the Baroque St. Carolus Borromeus Church and St Andrew\'s Church built by Saxon Augustinian monks in 1529. One of Antwerp\'s most popular attractions is Antwerp Zoo - the oldest zoo in the world. The zoo has been in the centre of the city for over 160 years and despite its age, it boasts an extremely progressive attitude and is part of many international breeding programmes. The city is also home to the very modern Aquatopia aquarium, boasting a range landscapes such as rainforests, underwater caves and coral reefs.

Antwerp has been renowned for its shopping opportunities since the 16th century, and today, the city does not disappoint. The Central Station area is famed for its stunning diamond trade, while the Meir district is the perfect destination for high street clothes shopping. The area around Nationalestraat is a must for shoppers looking for unique fashion designed by Belgian artists.

Antwerp is famed for its cultural output and the South District is home to an abundance of galleries, museums, unique shops and charming cafes. Some museums in the area include: MUHKA, the Museum of Modern Art and the Zuiderpershuis centre for intercultural art. The district is also home to Het Muntplein, an area where graffiti artists are encouraged to display their work.

Dara Ward manages over 150 travel websites. These include Hotels in Antwerp and Dublin Hotels in Dublin He is based in Wexford Ireland.

The Great Colorado OutdoorsBy Heather Davis

Few places have been as abundantly blessed by nature as
Colorado. The exquisite beauty of its dramatic landscape strikes
awe in those who behold the wonder of its majestic mountain
ranges, deep canyons, and flowered valleys. Come experience
Colorado, and discover the great outdoors at their greatest.

Garden of the Gods Park

The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center offers guided
nature walks along the parks paved and unpaved trails, as well
as free presentations on geology, ecology, cultural history, and
more. There is a caf on-site to tame growling appetites. Group
tours include a one-hour guided tour and buffet or boxed lunch,
as well as comp theater tickets and meals for drivers and
escorts. 719-634-6666, www.gardenofgods.com Academy Riding
Stables offers tours of the park on horseback. 719-633-5667.

Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site features an American Indian Area,
1860s Galloway Homestead, 1880s Chambers Farm, and the Orchard
House built by General William Jackson Palmer in 1907. Special
events are featured on a regular basis and include musical
performances, an 1880s baseball game, annual Fall Harvest
Festival, and annual Holiday Evening Celebration. 719-578-6777.

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde, Spanish for green table, is Colorados oldest
national park. It was here that the aboriginal pueblo builders
known as the Anasazi lived from as early as 550 A.D. until 1300
A.D. The park features over 4,000 archeological sites, 600 of
which are cliff dwellings. Ranger tours guide visitors through
Cliff Palace and Balcony House on Chapin Mesa, as well as Long
House on Wetherill Mesa. Summer evenings, rangers present
programs at Morefield Campground Amphitheater.

A drive along Mesa Top Loop Road is a great way to take in the
views. Top geologic sights include Geologic Outlook and Park
Point, the roads highest point. Summer and fall are perfect for
stargazing at Montezuma and Mancos Overlooks. Bird watchers will
want to check out Petroglyph Point or Spruce Canyon Trails. Mule
deer and wild turkey are common wildlife throughout the park.
970-529-4465, www.nps.gov/meve

Pikes Peak

Discover the natural wonder that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to
write the lyrics to America the Beautiful in 1893. On her first
trip here, Bates wrote, All of the wonder of America seemed
displayed there, with sea-like expanse. Rising to a height of
14,110 feet, it is the most visited mountain in North America.
It acquired early fame due to its location at the eastern edge
of the Rocky Mountains, when pioneers penned the 1859 gold rush
slogan Pikes Peak or Bust.

This article is sponsored by: www.grouptravelblog.com

Mirage Hotel Las Vegas Review

The Mirage was the first mega-resort in Las Vegas. Built by
Steve Wynn, who later built Treasure Island, the Bellagio, and
Wynn Las Vegas. The Mirage is one of our favorite hotels in Las
Vegas.

The Mirage Las Vegas has been working hard to improve the hotel.
They\'ve added a new dining option -- the Carnegie Deli -- which
offers another casual dining option. Kokomo\'s is a great place
to get steak or lobster. The California Pizza Kitchen is a great
option for visitors on a budget. The flagship restaurant at
Mirage Las Vegas is Renoir, which offers fine French cuisine.

The most impressive improvement is the new baccarat and
high-stakes blackjack room. All we can say is, WOW! One of the
big casino companies finally got something right! This is the
most impressive place to play blackjack -- anywhere. When the
Mirage decided to redesign their high-stakes blackjack and
baccarat room, they apparently decided to raise the bar. No
other room in Vegas (or anywhere else in the world but Monte
Carlo) can hold a candle to this one. The room consists of eight
blackjack tables with a bar and lounge. The ultra-hip New York
style lounge reminds us more of the lounge at the Hudson Hotel
in Manhattan than of a place to play blackjack. If you\'re going
to Vegas to play blackjack, and you\'re willing to play a minimum
of $100 per hand, this is your destination. During peak times,
several of the tables are bumped up to $300 per hand minimum,
but you can almost always find a $100 table. Half the tables are
six-deck shoe games, and half are double-deck games dealt by
hand.

Mirage also has one of the best pools in Las Vegas. It\'s not
quite as fancy as Mandalay Bay\'s (which has a wave pool and lazy
river) and doesn\'t have poolside blackjack tables like Wynn Las
Vegas, but for those just looking for a nice pool area to relax
in, Mirage\'s is better than most of the strip hotels in Vegas.

Behind the pool is the dolphin habitat and Siegfried & Roy\'s
secret garden. Both are worth more than the price of admission.
If you like animals, make sure you get to Mirage to check these
exhibits out.

The biggest weakness of the Mirage is the quality of the rooms.
The suites are fabulous, but if you are staying in a regular
hotel deluxe room, they could use a little work. I\'m not sure
why the Mirage Las Vegas hasn\'t spent the money to renovate all
of its basic hotel rooms. The ones that have been renovated are
nice. The others seem dingy, have low-grade hotel beds and
bedding, and have tiny bathrooms. Of course, you probably aren\'t
planning to spend much time in your room when you go to Las
Vegas, so this is a problem that is easily overlooked.

Overall, the Mirage Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is a great option
for your stay. The location is great, being near Bellagio,
Caesar\'s, Harrah\'s, Venetian, Treasure Island, and Wynn Las Vegas. Our recommendation is that if you want
a great room, stay at Wynn or Bellagio, but even if you do that,
make sure to go to Mirage to play blackjack, because you won\'t
find a better place to play!

Digital Camera on Cruise Ship Vacation

A great time that you have on cruise ship for sure deserves to
be preserved for future memory. We all know by now that the best
tool for that is a digital camera. However, proper use of
digital camera is not something that everyone is familiar with.
What camera is perfect for me? How to get best of it? What needs
to be considered when taking camera on cruise?

Today\'s market is overwhelmed with tons of different models and
new ones are being launched almost weekly. Top brands cover all
aspects of digital photography as well as all types of users.
First choose the right camera and decide how many mega pixels
(MP) resolution you want. Basic rule of thumb says that 2MP will
give you film-quality photos up to 6x9 inches, 3MP up to 8x10,
4MP up to 11X14 inches and 5MP up to 14x17 inches. Of course,
more mega pixels means more expensive camera so this choice
depends on funds you have for this purchase. Amount of mega
pixels is not the only thing that determines quality of
pictures, though it is the most significant. However there are
many more features you need to consider when choosing a camera.
Here are a few that are most important:

Choose a camera that has optical viewfinder beside the LCD
screen. LCD screen has one drawback that is almost unusable
under sunlight, and of course, cruise vacation means a lot of
sunshine scenes. That\'s why you should definitely need to have
option of using optical viewfinder.

Image storage - this question depends on few sub-questions. How
many pictures do you plan to make? How long your cruise is going
to last? Do you have your computer (laptop) with you? Here you
need to make a simple calculation before you go to cruise. First
check how many pictures you can store on your present card. Then
multiply that with how many pictures you are about planning to
make during cruise

and you can approximately know how much memory you need.
Example: your camera store 60 pictures on one 128MB card. Then
you decide: \On my

7-days cruise I will make about 100 photos\. So simply get
another 128MB card, which makes 256MB total capacity, and it
should be enough for about 120

photos. Tip: Always have more cards with smaller capacity rather
than only one with big capacity. In this way if one card gets
corrupted or damaged you will have

your photos saved on the others. Whole different situation is if
you carry your laptop with you on cruise. If that\'s the case you
can transfer your photos on it on daily basis. Also, on almost

every ship there is a photo shop available so you can use their
service (either for transferring photos on some media or having
them printed out), but keep in

mind that they will charge for it. Price of this service varies
from company to company and if you plan to use it, you better
check prices before.

Batteries are also very delicate detail. Most of today\'s modern
cameras use rechargeable NiMH batteries. Murphy\'s Law says that
they will get dry out right at the moment you need them the most
and there is no place near by where you can buy the new ones.
This has been confirmed so many times that you should really
follow general rule - always and absolutely always carry an
extra pair of batteries with you (not to mention they should be
charged night before).

Take some time and read manual and find out about settings.
Learn how to use outdoor mode for shutting beach scenes and at
evening dark mode for formal night. If you fail to manage these
functions you will end up with pictures of poor quality.

Watch out for water - digital cameras are not waterproof, unless
it is strictly specified. If you plan to have some photos during
water sports activities it is good idea that instead of using
your digital camera buy and use one cheap disposable
waterproof camera that are usually available around. Preserving
moments for lifetime memories has never been more affordable and
easier. Top brand manufacturers offer variety of choices and
options to help you make the most of your cruise experience.

A Guide to Your Ideal Ski Resort and Vacation

Few things in life are better than an adventurous and exciting vacation. Especially a ski vacation. Whether it's a family outing, a romantic get-away with your special someone, or you are going solo in search of snow and fun in the sun, this site can assist you in determining which destination is right for you. First decision--a ski resort in the United States or a trip to a more exotic foreign destination--perhaps the majestic and scenic Alps? If you decide on an North American ski vacation, your next decision might be choosing which geographic region of the United States most beckons you.

Thanks to the presence of the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevadas, and the Cascades, the western portions of the United States feature breathtaking scenery in addition to fantastic skiing conditions. With 12,000 foot peaks, azure blue skies and hundreds of inches of snow it doesn't get much better. Do you want to blast down the ruggedly beautiful mountains of Montana through waist-deep, dry powder the natives call white smoke?

Maybe skiing with the rich and famous is more your style--if so try Aspen, Colorado, known for its majestic four mountains. Mammoth Mountain, Vail, Jackson Hole, Steamboat Springs, Taos, Snowbird, the hundreds of runs and resorts of Utah, Washington, California, and Idaho. Simply too many to list!

Just north of the 49th parallel (the Canadian border) lie some of the world's best skiing options featuring the top ski resort destinations. Banff/Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada, located in the heart of Canada's Banff National Park, ranks as one of the most scenic mountain resorts in North America, if not the entire world.

And Whistler/Blackcomb in British Columbia with 8,000 skiable acres and its 100+ bars and restaurants in the village is definitely a must do destination. These magnificent mountain peaks provide gorgeous scenery, abundant snowfall, pristine wildlife areas, and the steepest vertical drop in North America. The Japanese have repeatedly ranked it as their favorite international destination.

One valuable tip for planning a ski vacation--get all of your necessary items in a single package or as some travel agents refer to it--undling. In simple terms it means to get your airline tickets, hotel accommodations, car rental, lift tickets all from a single source at the same time. Some agencies will even make arrangements for off-slope activities that you are interested in. These inclusive packages make vacationing easy, affordable, convenient and fun. Use online searches to find the best resorts, the most affordable prices and the best travel companies.

A ski vacation can provide you and your family the perfect break during the long, dark winter months, and allow you to experience some quality bonding time. Picture your family conquering the slopes, making snow angels, riding snowmobiles or soaking in the heavenly heated pool as the brilliant stars twinkle brightly overhead. You can choose from a wide array of destinations, accommodations and flight plans. No matter where you want to ski or snowboard, you will find the best deals on the Internet.

Whether you are an experienced downhill racer, a beginning snowboarder, or someone in between, you can get a mountain of free skiing information by doing some research on the Internet. Comparison shop and gain the knowledge you need to become a smart ski shopper!

About the Author

Larry Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 years at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently V.P. of Elfin Enterprises, Inc., an Internet business providing useful and valuable information on a variety of timely topics. For a chalet full of information, resources and tips about ski resorts, visit http://www.SkiResortSpot.com

Travel France

Known throughout the world for its influence on the arts, fashion, food and culture, the nation of France is among the most historically significant of the past one thousand years. Travelers to France will enjoy all that it has to offer to its visitors; from the unique character of Paris to the charm and beauty of the French countryside, individuals who visit France can choose a travel experience unlike any other.



Travelers to France should remember that the country has experienced one of the most exciting and tumultuous histories in all of Europe. This history is on display in every part of the country including the beaches of Normandy and the palaces of Versailles. The French people are very proud of their history and are not shy about telling visitors that the history of France is the most important history in the world.



Visitors who travel to France should not miss any of these highlights:



Normandy:

The beaches of Normandy, located on the English Channel, are famous for the Allied invasion that took place during World War Two. Today, those beaches are preserved as both a museum and memorial to soldiers the soldiers who began the long campaign to liberate France from German occupation. Visitors will be impressed by the numerous monuments that honor the forces that were lost during the invasion of 1944.



Versailles:

Located southwest of Paris, Versailles is the home of the Royal Palaces of the French King, Louis the Fourteenth. In 1682, the king moved his royal court from Paris to Versailles where the center of the French monarchy remained for the next 100 years. Today, visitors can tour Versailles and enjoy the many buildings that were added during the reigns of Louis the fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth. Don\'t miss Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon and Petit Hameau, the home of Marie Antoinette.



Paris:

With enough attractions to fill a lifetime of traveling, the city of Paris offers travelers to France with many options to stay busy. Visitors should visit the Louvre, one of the world\'s most famous museums and home to Da Vinci\'s Mona Lisa. Don\'t forget about the Eiffel Tower, the Cathedral at Notre Dame, the Champs-Ellyses and the Arc de Triomphe. With so much to see and do, visitors to Paris can also take in its fine French style and cuisine by spending time at a local caf and enjoying the fine food and wine.



Chamonix:

Located in a spectacular valley in the French Alps, the town of Chamonix is famous for its mountain recreation and skiing. The Alps offer excellent skiing and the lodges of Chamonix provide travelers with fine accommodations and an opportunity to enjoy a quaint mountain town. In spring and summer, don\'t miss out on Chamonix\'s fine alpine hiking, as well.



Cannes:

In the south of France, Cannes is the home of the world\'s most famous film festival. For a few weeks every year in May, the sleepy town is overrun with cell phones and the rich, famous and beautiful stars that arrive to see the latest in independent films. Visitors who avoid the film festival will enjoy some of France\'s most enjoyable beaches.

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

Before you Travel France
visit BestTripGuide.com for all your travel needs.

Submitted with Article Distributor.

A Close Encounter with Wild Dolphins

My first glimpse of Tangalooma's famous wild dolphins was from the boat that ferried us to Moreton Island 75 minutes from Brisbane, Australia. They arched their black silken bodies out of the water as though to greet us as we docked at the island's main pier. I was down at the pier later that night for an up close and personal meeting with these friendly sea mammals; a group of eight that frolicked in the floodlit waters as they waited for the party to start.

Along with the other guests of the Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort, the only one on the island, I trooped down to the beach, picked up a fish in each hand from a bucket and stepped into the water. Immediately a dolphin swam up to me. Large, gentle eyes looked into mine; pleading to be fed. I bent over and held the fish in the water and the dolphin gratefully accepted my offering in its smiling mouth. And then lingered on a while, I like to believe to say thank you, before swimming out and repeating the ritual with the next guest who stepped up to feed it.
The wild dolphins that visited this little outcrop every day of the year to bum a snack and say hello to us, their distant cousins that lived on the land, was only a fraction of the thrills that Tangalooma had to offer its guests. Over two days in this island paradise, I would snorkel with schools of colourful fish, scuba diving within shipwrecks, ride All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) across sandy banks and even go tobogganing down desert dunes.
Indeed, still recall the moment I lay flat on my stomach on a plank at the summit of a sand dune and looked down the treacherous plunge ahead of me. The moment of panic, however, had passed. I had already committed to the tobogganing run and focused my attention on doing it right. I grasped the front of the plank and lifted it off the sand and made sure that my elbows and feet were well up in the air so that they did not get scraped as I raced down the dune.

'Let it rip?' Alcester, our Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort tour manager and guide queried. 'Let it rip!' I responded. The next moment I was tearing down the face of the dune. I don't know what speeds I reached, but it seemed like over 100 kmp and with the ground whizzing under me, no more than a foot from my face, it was both terrifying and exhilarating. When eventually I came to a complete stop at the bottom of the dune I stayed still on the plank, savouring the thrill of the ride. A little later I was trudging up the dune for one more zany run down its slope. It was the culminating highlight of the island safari which started with a drive through dense native forests that emerged onto a bleak desert in the middle of the outcrop.

Back at the resort I checked in at the resort's dive unit and kitted up - tanks, wetsuit, the works - for an underwater adventure. A little boat ferried us to the dive site at the far end of the island where the rusted superstructure of sunken vessels spooked the sky above the water. Soon I was swimming with fellow divers around battered hulls of ships resting upon the seabed and admiring the new marine ecosystem of colourful coral and tropical fish that had evolved around these ghostly galleons. I felt my pulse start to quicken when Lea, our dive leader and my diving buddy, led us into heart of one of these wrecks. Sensing my apprehension, she held my hand while we swam through an underwater passageway. I emerged from the ordeal with the sense of elation that comes from having confronted my worst fears and survived.
The rest of the dive was a visual delight. Soft coral swayed to the rhythm of the currents while brilliantly hued fish in amazing shapes and sizes waltzed around us in this bizarre underwater wonderland where life flourished in the midst of ancient wrecks.

That evening I slowed down the pace of the adventure and lazed around in the shallow of one of the many swimming pools that dot the property. I lay in the water and congratulated myself for following up on the lead I found on Traveljini.com. I was browsing through the site looking for something in India - Traveljini.com is the leading travel portal in the country - when I noticed that it was offering a close encounter with wild dolphins package in Australia. Before I knew it I was hooked; curiosity turned to desire and desire to compulsion. I had to get to Tangalooma. Now that I was here, it was all Traveljini.com promised it would be and more.
Later that evening I was down by the floodlit pier to interact with the Tangalooma bottlenose dolphins once more. The ranger attached to the Dolphin Research Centre assured us that the feeding ceremony accounted for only around 20% of the dolphins' diet and that they had to depend on their own hunting instincts to catch fish in the open seas. According to her the contact between dolphin and humans on this island goes back a long way to the time when the two cooperated to catch fish. The dolphins would herd schools of fish towards the shore where the aborigine would catch them in their nets. Once the catch was hauled in, the local fishermen would throw back a part of it into the water for the dolphins to feed on.

The next morning I shifted back into high gear when I mounted an all terrain vehicles (ATV), a modified four-wheel motorcycle with a souped up engine, and went speeding down a deserted beach before heading for a dusty rollercoaster ride over sand dunes that waved over the island. It was a fitting finale to an adventure that lifted me to zany heights and gifted me with peaceful and quiet moments; an adventure during which I had the good fortune to be part, if only briefly, of the legendary bonding between humans and dolphins.
Gustasp Irani

About the Author

Travel Writer for the past 25 years.
Currently working for Traveljini.com

Why Las Vegas Hotel Rooms For You?

Las Vegas has more than 100,000 hotel rooms to choose from. There is something for every budget, and enough entertainment within walking distance to keep anyone occupied for months, never mind the usual weekend stay or honeymoon. There are few cities which have as many luxury hotels as Las Vegas.



For travellers searching for top of the line accommodation, try the Four Seasons Las Vegas. It offers an oasis of tranquil elegance, comfort, luxury, and seclusion. Though it has no in-house casino, it is adjacent to Mandalay Bay Casino. Four Seasons Las Vegas is a tranquil retreat from the bustling city. This hotel offers 424 rooms are located on floors 35-39, and the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the famous Las Vegas Strip. The Business Center and Concierge service at this hotel have an extremely good reputation for meeting special needs of guests, such as arranging limousine services on a moment\'s notice.



The Bellagio, a Las Vegas landmark, is a five-star hotel located on the 122-acre site of the legendary Dunes Hotel and Golf Course at the corner of Flamingo and Las Vegas Blvds. It contains one of the most attractive casinos in Las Vegas as well as numerous shops and restaurants. Bellagio\'s world-famous fountains combine opera, classical and whimsical music with a breathtaking water and light show. The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens holds rows of exotic plants and flowers with unique displays for every season and holiday. It\'s an inviting location for a honeymoon photo opportunity.



Caesars Palace is the long-standing epitome of Las Vegas luxury hotels. It holds the famous Forum Shops, Spago, an Imax theater, and a new shopping wing and tower. For those guests who want to relax and be pampered, this hotel offers the Spa at Caesars, Venus the Salon, and the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis.



Caesars also offers guests access to the exclusive Cascata Golf Club. It features mountain scenery, beautiful waterfalls and rivers, and panoramic views combined with challenging holes and velvety greens to produce a golfing experience unparalleled anywhere else in the world. No expense has been spared, from the opulent clubhouse and pro shop to the personal and attentive service personel. Cascata was named listed as #56 by Golfweek Magazine in its article \2004 America\'s Best Top 100 Modern Courses\. Golfweek also listed Cascata as #2 in Nevada in their list of \America\'s Best State-by-State Public Access Courses\. In addition to be being named in Golfweeks America\'s Best Modern Courses, Gary Galyean at Golf Magazine named Cascata #19 in the \Top 45 Courses Since 1959\.



Luxor is a Nile-theme hotel which features a sphinx and a large pyramid which has become a Las Vegas landmark. The Pyramid has 2,256 rooms with 236 Spa suites, two in each corner of every floor. The rooms are reached by inclinating elevators which travel sideways at a 39-degree angle up 30 stories. The Luxor features a wide variety of restaurants and entertainment.



Mandalay Bay is a tropical-theme new resort offering visitors the chance to walk inside a plexiglass tunnel through the Shark Reef Aquarium, which holds sharks and rays. The hotel has a 30,000 square foot world-class Spa Mandalay and the 11 acre Mandalay Beach pool complex. The House of Blues music theatre has a seating capacity of approximately 1,800, and plays host to an eclectic mix of live music.



The Mirage Hotel is has an exploding volcano and a 20,000 gallon aquarium the greet guests as they enter this luxury hotel. The large pool complex has a quarter mile of shoreline along two large pools and smaller lagoons, and features a grotto and waterslides. The 2.5-million-gallon Dolphin Habitat is home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.



The Mirage Hotel Tiger Habitat is the open-air home of Siegfried & Roy\'s Royal White Tigers, available for viewing by the public during the day and evening. The tigers\' environment features a swimming pool with fountains and simulated mountain terrain. Unlike conventional tigers, which have black and gold markings,

white tigers are white with black stripes, pink paws and ice-blue eyes.



Visitors can find French-themed shopping and dining at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. It has a replica of the Arc De Triomphe and a half-scale Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower Experience allows guests to ride 460 feet to the top to see a stunning, panoramic view of the valley.



Paris is not the only European city recreated in miniature. The Venetian, renowned for its spacious and luxurious rooms, has gondolas in the midst of Las Vegas, as well as the Grand Canal Shoppes, a 500,000 square foot shopping plaza complete with cobblestone streets and beautiful traditional venetian style storefronts. The Grand Canal Shoppes host Streetmosphere, a cast of Carnivale street performers and opera singers.



For bargain hunters, the Rio hotel is not the newest or most elaborate building in town, but this all-suite Las Vegas hotel just off the Strip was rated No. 1 in value by Cond Nast Traveler.



The Rio was voted to have the best slot club according to Casino Player 2004. The Rio has more than 100,000 square feet of casino floor, hosting around 1,200 state-of-the-art slot and video poker machines, more than 80 table games including blackjack, craps, baccarat, roulette, Let It Ride, Caribbean Stud Poker and Mini-Baccarat as well as a Keno Lounge and full-service Race and Sports Book.



The Rio offers a great variety of entertainment all under one roof, from afternoon programs to risque late-night adult revues and interactive theater such as Tina and Tony\'s Wedding.



The Rio has opened a new restaurant, the Mah Jong Chinese Noodle Bar, which offers authentic Cantonese and Chinese dishes such as Beef Brisket Noodle Soup, Preserved Egg and Pork Congee as well as seafood entrees like Salt & Pepper Seabass and Scallops with Asparagus. Asian inspired decor and a fluent Chinese staff make this restaurant a memorable place to dine.



This list is just a small sample of the luxurious theme hotels available in Las Vegas. This city has something unique for every taste and budget.

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

J Schipper loves Las Vegas
Private Jet Charters
The Life Of Luxury

Florida Vacation Destinations

Florida is the place known for its beauty and fun filled vacations. As you have already decided to go for a vacation in Florida, the foremost requirement becomes a travel guide, which makes you aware of the attractions and how to visit all of them.

Florida the sunny state is not only restricted to the beauty of beaches, clear water, and sparkling snow, but a lot more. It\'s a state with diverse culture and beautiful people. It\'s rich arts and culture lets you rediscover yourself and its splendid beauty revitalizes your mind. The \'Sunshine State\' can be explored in three parts, Southern Florida, Central Florida, and Northern Florida.

Northern Florida is composed of beautiful cities and beaches. These cities give you the luxury of indulging in various water sports and recreational activities like fishing.

Ft. Lauderdale, St. Petersburg, Miami and Key Largo are the major cities in southern Florida. These cities are known for the beautiful beaches and nightlife. The world\'s number one beach, Black Beach, is located in Miami. Miami and St. Petersburg are also popular as they are centers for arts and entertainment.

Central Florida boasts Tampa bay, the home of Busch Gardens, and Orlando the home of Disney World. You can also find Sea World in Orlando. In east Orlando you can find the popular Daytona Beach. From Daytona beach, the NASA Kennedy Space center is only a short drive. Florida vacations offer a gripping, exciting, and thrilling experience. So pack you bags and explore the world of water and sand.

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

Florida Vacations provides detailed information on Florida Vacations, Florida Vacation Rentals, Florida Vacation Homes, Florida Vacation Destinations and more. Florida Vacations is affliated with Florida Keys Vacation Rentals.