Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs

There are enough hotels and condominiums available for rent in
Steamboat Springs, Colorado, that one week in each and you\'d be
there for the better part of two years. From the downtown area
to the base of the mountains you\'ll find a dazzling array of
hotels in Steamboat Springs -- from modestly priced motel rooms
to the most luxurious ski lodges you could possibly imagine. And
as is the case these days in any desirable resort area, there
are condos available everywhere. For such a small town it\'s hard
to believe that there are over 5,000 rooms available for rent.

The price range is impressive as well. Probably the cheapest
room you could get during the winter skiing season in Steamboat
Springs will cost you about $150 per night. And should you hit
the lottery and end up in one of the luxurious Steamboat Springs
hotels to celebrate, you might end up paying as much as $700 per
night for the privilege.

There are motels with coffee shops where you can get some donuts
and coffee before hitting the slopes all the way up to the
luxury hotels some of which offer a sumptuous buffet with
everything imaginable waiting for you to help start your day. It
all depends on your pocket book and what it is that you wish to
experience while you are visiting Steamboat Springs.

There aren\'t a lot of choices when it comes to Steamboat Springs
bed & breakfast style lodging. There are eight establishments
around town that fall into this category and they range in price
from about $100 to $300 per night. The most famous one is called
Moving Mountains, a lodge that recreates the look and feel of a
traditional European mountain chalet. Located on Steamboat
Mountain about a mile and a half from the base and close to the
Thunderbird high-speed quad lifts, you will see remarkable views
of the surrounding environment from both inside your room and
from the outdoor hot tub. Eat there and you\'ll be served by a
four star gourmet chef who will create dishes usually reserved
for four star European restaurants. Hire one of their limousines
to drive you around the area and you\'ll feel like a king
surveying his mountain kingdom. Unbeatable luxury for a fraction
of the price it would cost you anywhere outside of Steamboat
Springs.

Fun Things to Do on Your Vacation!

That\'s the intent of this article, to wake up some ideas in your head, and plan for things to do in Florida and any of your travels.

When we venture down to Florida or anywhere for that fact of the matter, we first figure out what activities we definitely don\'t want to miss. Here is our list of favorite things to do on vacation

1. Sit on the beach and play in the ocean. This is a no brainer. We love to walk the beach, bathe in the sun, play in the waves, and watch the beautiful people.

What types of things do you do on your vacation? What activities do you have planned? Do you relax, go active, or a little of both?

2. Play golf. Golf is a great game. There are excellent golf courses all over the world to choose from and you can even plan an entire golf vacation.

3. Go fishing. Deep sea fishing or fishing from a pier is a blast. If you have never done this try it once, you\'ll love it.

4. Other sporting activities like scuba, snorkeling, water skiing, parasailing, renting jet skis, or whatever. There are a ton of water activities to choose from.

5. Day trips and tours are awesome choices. Rent a boat for the day. Take a barefoot cruise. Venture over to Orlando and go to Disney World or any theme park. Dinner cruises, exploring, hiking, tours at local sites, and anything else that you can think of.

6. Go shopping! Yes, the ladies will love this one and probably already have it planned. I hate to shop, but it is actually fun when I am on vacation. It wears me out though. Take some extra money and visit the local shops, find souvenirs, and spend some of that hard-earned money.

7. Drive around. We have rented convertibles or motorcycles for a couple of days and just explored the area. One time, we went from Miami to Key West and spent the day there. Another time, we traveled up the A1A highway along the Atlantic Coast of Florida, enjoying the luxurious homes, yachts, and views. You can even do this as a weekend getaway. Find a cool spot that\'s only 6 hours or less away and take off. We always have fun doing this.

8. Take in local entertainment, events, restaurants, and such. Go dancing, find the best watering holes, do something romantic, party likes its 1999. Remember, you are on vacation and it\'s time to have some fun and do stuff you don\'t usually get to do at home.

The list is as endless as your imagination. These are just a few general ideas that we always plan on doing. Be creative and try new things.

Enjoy your trip, have a good time, and tell us your stories!!!

Discount Florida Vacations is a total Florida vacation guide offering fun, sun, tips, ideas, checklists, help, recommendations, resources, and experiences for anyone traveling to Florida. You can find excellent information or plan your trip with us at http://www.discount-florida-vacations.com

Great European Ski Resorts for Singles

If you yell single in the lift line, there are several European resorts catering to your desires for fun and companionship.

France's Val d'Isre is known for its lively nightlife and its group lessons, a winning combination for single snow sport enthusiasts. In November at the Ski School, choose either a full week or a long weekend of intensive courses designed to set you up for the season. Participants ski on the Grand Motte Glacier in Tignes. Many skiers and snowboarders come on their own to these early season clinics to enjoy the group atmosphere.

Once those ski skills are honed, head to Switzerland's legendary Verbier. Verbier, situated at an altitude of 1,500 meters (4,875 feet) is part of the skiing area in the Four Valles, which offers over 410 kilometers (256 miles) of runs for all levels and 92 ski-lift installations, which can all be used with a single ski pass. The highest point of this area at high altitude is the summit of the Mont Fort glacier, at 3,330 meters (10,825 feet), and it offers ideal skiing conditions from the beginning to the end of the season. After a day on its challenging slopes you can head to the village center, a hub of activity where all the hotspots are found. Visit the Farinet, Fer Cheval and Garbo, where bars and cafs can be found aplenty around the town square and alleys.

Also providing both world-renowned skiing and nightlife is Austria's St. Anton. St. Anton am Arlberg was the host for the 2001 World Alpine Championships and is arguably one of the best ski resorts in the world. St. Anton is the resort for a challenge, with awesome off-trail, moguls and powder. Snowboarders have only recently been welcomed at this resort, but now have a great variety to choose from. In addition to variety on the hill, St Anton offers a wide range of aprs-ski, with bars and clubs galore.

In Italy, singles will find what they're looking for at Sauze d'Ouix. Famous for its aprs-ski, Sauze d'Oulx manages to surprise many visitors. The ski area is extensive and varied, linked to Sansicario, Sestriere, and also Montgenevre just across the border in France. There are pretty, quaint little cobbled streets in the old part of the village, and it is a popular weekend retreat for Italians from Turin or Milan. Winter activities include ice skating, torchlight descents, and cinema; as well as a good range of lively bars and restaurants and a weekly market.

Every skier should go to Klosters at least once in their lifetime. The area is giant and so popular that it always feels like a big party. As it is always the case with busy resorts, the on-slope dining and bars are lively and top quality. The Youth Hostel has some cozy single rooms and is filled with singles from around the world looking for a good time on the slope and off.

Andorra is geared to the single, adult skier who is looking for something different. It is populated in the winter by mainly Spanish, French, and English skiers who don't seem to mind the college-like atmosphere which includes cramming several people into a room, eating late in the evening, and going to loud crowded bars.

These are just of few of the European resorts designed with the single in mind.

Ready to plan?
http://www.ski-europe.com/rfp/ser.html

For more articles like this you can subscribe to www.skieuropereport.com or email: travel@ski-europe.com

This article is reprinted with permission of www.ski-europe.com

About the Author

Chryss Cada has been a freelance ski writer for more than a dozen years.

Her travel writing appears on-line, in print and on the airwaves. As a freelance journalist she covers breaking news and regional trends for the Boston Globe. She has a nationally syndicated lifestyle column that appears in papers across the country, including The Washington Post and she's working on her first novel.

Injuries While Traveling A Paremedics Point of View

Adventure Travels in general are much more prone to injury while on vacation than someone who is doing a city-tour or a cruise. That\'s just the nature of sports. Even the most careful person can get injured.

In addition to the normal health-care issues which can occur at any given time, such as the flu, a cold, or even a heart attack, the adventure traveler is at risk for sport related injuries. A skier can take a tumble and fracture a leg, a hiker can sprain an ankle, and a mountain biker could fall and get a concussion. When you are at home, or in the United States, you are aware of how to handle such injuries. You know which emergency number to call, you know how the hospital works, the people involved speak English, and your insurance will cover it. But when you are on an adventure travel vacation abroad, you may not be familiar with the health care system.

Health care in European countries, such as Germany, Austria, and France, is excellent, and hospitals are equally capable of treating injuries as hospitals in the states. These countries also have Emergency Medical Services which are similar to those in the United States. However, the adventure traveler still faces a number of difficulties in getting help. First, as a traveler, it is unlikely that you have a cell phone, which functions in Europe, which you can use to call for help. Second, you may not speak the native language, and may not be able to adequately explain where you are, and not everyone speaks adequate English. Third, you may face payment issues if your insurance does not cover international accidents. However, theses problems can all be avoided with a little bit of advance planning.

When doing an extreme sport, regardless of where you are, you should never do it alone, as the risk that when you are injured, you unable to call for help, is too great. Similarly, when traveling internationally, you should never venture off alone to mountain bike through the woods, or ski off piste; and if you do, you should always tell someone roughly where you will be. If you do travel with someone who has a cell phone which functions internationally, be sure to store the local emergency numbers in the phone, and bring it with you.

The language barrier is unfortunately a problem with no easy solution. Although many Europeans speak excellent English, there is no guarantee that those whom you come into contact with will, especially in the EMS. In hospitals communication is normally not a problem; if the doctor does not speak English, there are normally English speaking members of the staff available to translate. The best way to avoid translation issues is to carry a tourism book or dictionary with you where phrases are listed in English with the native equivalent. This is especially important if you have allergies or existing health problems!

The easiest way to avoid these problems is to travel in a tour group. I know, you are probably thinking \A tour group, how boring,\ but it doesn\'t have to be boring! There are a number of companies which offer guided adventure travel tours, which offer [breal Adventure Travel[/b not \adventure travel for retirees.\ By traveling in a group, you have the extra security that the guide is familiar with the local health care system, native language, and also most likely has a cell phone near by at all times. This alone can mean the difference between life and death when the injuries are serious.

Finally, be sure to inform yourself, before departing for your vacation, weather or not your insurance covers international health care, and if so what types. For instance, I had an insurance policy once which covered inpatient treatment over 24 hours. Any medical care which was under 24 hours, I had to pay for myself.

Despite the additional risks that come from being an adventure traveler, if you plan a little bit in advance, you can travel with a feeling of security.

Corey Hannum is the president of European Adventure Travel, a provider of guided luxury adventure travel tours in Europe, and authors the Adventure Travel News blog. He is also a certified paramedic, and has bachelors\' degree in German. In addition, he is a dedicated skier and sports enthusiast.

Sailing on the Costa del Sol

Spain is part of the European Union and all EU and American nationals can visit the country for a period of no longer than 90 days solely with a passport. EU national can apply for a residency permit if they wish to extend their stay. Non EU nationals can apply for a further 90 day extension. These regulations do not appear to be enforced as far as the yachtsman living aboard is concerned. It is advisable to clear customs if entering Spain for the first time. The vessel\'s registration papers and the passports of crew members will be required. A certificate of competence, evidence of the boat\'s VAT status, a crew list with passport details, the radio license and a certificate of insurance may also be required. A VAT (Value Added Tax) paid or exempt yacht can apply for a \permiso aduanero\ . This allows for an indefinite stay in the country and can be helpful when importing yacht spares from other EU countries. Boats registered outside the EU on which VAT has not been paid may be imported into the EU for a period not exceeding six months in any twelve, after that VAT becomes due. This period can often be extended by prior arrangement with the local custom authorities. There is a legal requirement for foreign vessels to fly their own national maritime flag together with the courtesy flag of Spain.

It is worth considering the following equipment when cruising this area. An SSB radio is useful for obtaining weather forecasts. It is very hot in the summer and ventilation is important. It may be worth fitting extra hatches and a wind scoop over the fore hatch will help a lot. An awning or biminy, covering the cockpit, to provide shelter from the sun is a must. A cockpit table is useful as eating outside during the summer months is one of the pleasures of cruising. Mosquitoes can be a problem and many boats screen all openings while others rely on mosquito coils, insecticides and repellents. Sunburn is the other hazard cruisers should be aware of, the sun can be deceptively strong while the boat is underway, plenty of cream and a hat will go along way to avoid the misery of sunstroke.

There is a constant east going current of between 1 and 2 knots flowing through the straight of Gibraltar and between the Costa del Sol and the north African coast. There is some tide to be considered at the western end of the region, Gibraltar sees 1 metre at most. This diminishes the further east traveled. The weather is affected by several systems and is consequently difficult to predict. There is an old saying that in the summer months nine days of light winds will be followed by a full blown gale that is inaccurate. A wind from the northwest is known as the \tramotana\. It can be dangerous because it can arrive and reach gale force in as little as 15 minutes. It often lasts for 3 days and can blow in excess of a week. The wind from the east, the \levante\ can also blow for several days at gale force. Annual rainfall at Gibraltar is 760mm. The Costa del Sol will experience about 4 days a month of fog. Summer temperatures can exceed 35 degrees C and the winter months see around 15 degrees.

The remainder of this article looks principally at the harbours of the Costa del Sol. There are also numerous anchorages bbut only a few of the notable ones are mentioned here.

Marina Bay is largest of Gibraltar\'s three marinas with 350 berths. Most berthing is stern/bow to. Larger yachts can lie alongside. Water and electricity on the pontoons. Within the complex you will find a chandlers, launderette and a good selection of restaurants and bars. There is an indoor market less than 5 minutes walk from the marina. Queensway Marina is much quieter than Gibraltar\'s other two marinas. Security is excellent with all the pontoons being gated. Within the complex you will find several restaurants and bars. Gibraltar itself was ceded from the Spanish to the British in the early 18th century and for most of it\'s history since that time Spain has been trying to get it back. There is evidence of this wherever you go on the rock. The rock itself is honeycombed with tunnels constructed at one time or another for the purposes of adding to the defences of Gibraltar. Many of the older tunnels are open to the public and feature exhibitions of how life was for the soldiers of the day. Many of the tunnels are most definitely not open to the public and there is considerable speculation as to what might be seen in these. You can see Rosia Bay where Admiral Lord Nelson\'s body was bought ashore from HMS Victory following his famous victory over a combined French and Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson\'s body was returned to Britain for a hero\'s funeral but many of the seamen who died alongside him in the battle are buried on the rock at the Trafalgar cemetery. Take a cable car ride to the top of the rock, stunning views of Spain and across the straights to Morocco. Up here you will also find the famous colony of Barbary apes. Rumor has it that only when the apes are no more will the British leave the Rock. A rumor taken seriously by Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Britain during the Second World War, who on learning of their dwindling population ordered more to be bought to the Rock from Africa.

Puerto de Sotogrande is an attractive marina complex surrounded by apartments, shops, bars and restaurants. The overall design has been inspired by Portofino. There are sandy beaches to either side of the marina and golf, riding, tennis and squash courts nearby. One of the most expensive marinas on this part of the coast.

One of my favorites is Puerto de la Duquessa. Not too big and not to noisy. The marina is surrounded by apartments, shops, restaurants and bars. The marina offers free medical care to it\'s users. There are sandy beaches either side of the marina. The village of Sabinillas is 5 minutes walk to the north. Another bus will take you to the village of Casares which clings to the side of a mountain. Marbella, popular with the rich and famous is another bus journey away. Don\'t expect to see the famous on the bus though, they are the ones in the Ferraris. Hire a car and drive up to the picturesque town of Ronda.

Puerto de Estapona is a medium sized marina with the usual development of restaurants and bars.

Puerto de Jose Banus, the marina of the rich and famous and the prices reflect this. Whitewashed, Andalucian style building surround the marina, hosting boutiques, bars, restaurants and night clubs. There are several Yacht Charter and Yacht Brokerage operations within the marina complex. Marbella is 15 minutes away by car or bus. Good beach to the west of the marina which belongs to the hotel and allows berth holders access. This can be arranged at the control tower. Many golf courses in the area.

The small marina at Puerto de Marbella is surrounded by tourist developments. The marina can be noisy at night during the summer months. Wind from the east, south and southwest can produce a heavy swell within the harbour. Be prepared to double up on lines. Beaches on either side of the marina but these get very crowded during the summer months. The town itself is well worth exploring. Don\'t miss the famous Orange Square which can be found at the heart of the city centre.

Puerto de Cabopino is a pleasant, small harbour surrounded by Andalucian style houses which makes a nice change from the normal high rise developments. Good shelter within the harbour. Limited space for transient yachts and it is recommended that you call ahead to confirm there is a berth available. Marina charges are on the high side. Cabopino beach, with it\'s fine sand is reckoned to be one of the best on the Costa del Sol

Good shelter can be found at Puerto de Fuengirola. The nearby town is both noisy and very busy during the summer months. All provisions can be obtained in the town. There are good beaches on either side of the marina but these get very crowded during the summer months.

Puerto de Benalmadena is a huge marina with over 150,000 square metres of water. There is good shelter with the only swell being experienced in a W gale. Whilst the surrounding area is the usual overpowering high rise blacks the marina itself is quite attractive. It was named best marina in the world in both 1995 and 1998. There are over 200 commercial premises including boutiques, night clubs and the usual numerous restaurants and bars. There is also a sea life centre. There are good beaches on either side of the marina. Malaga airport is just 8 km away.

Puerto de Malaga is the major commercial and fishing port of the Costa del Sol. The only facilities for yachts are at the Real Club Mediterraneo de Malaga and there is little room for visitors. Malaga, known as the \City of Flowers\ is both interesting and charming. It can be reached on foot from the port.

The small harbour of Puerto del Candado is found 3.5 miles E of Malaga. Suitable for vessels drawing 2m or less. With strong winds from the W - SW considerable swell builds up and the harbour becomes uncomfortable. Harbour charges are low

Puerto de Puerto Caleta de Velez is a quiet fishing harbour 22 miles to east of Malaga. There are beaches on either side of the marina.

The anchorages of Fondeadero de Neja and Cala de Miel are both worth a visit. Cala de Miel has a fresh water spring.

Marina del Este is a purpose built marina set amongst a huge housing development in a beautiful area. Wind from NE - E produces a limited amount of swell within the marina. Harbour charges are high in the summer months. There is a small beach close to the harbour and a pool at the yacht club. There are prehistoric caves to be seen at Nerja. The city of Granada and the famous Alhambra can be seen in a days trip. As can the Alpahurras valley, with it\'s charming villages, towered over by the magnificent Sierra Nevada.

Once a small fishing port, Puerto de Motril has developed into a commercial port serving the inland city of Granada. Beaches on either side of the harbour.

The harbour of Puerto de Adra was founded by the Phoenicians and has been in use ever since. Today it is both a commercial and fishing port. The continual movement of the fishing boats makes for much disturbance. Facilities are limited. Harbour charges are high. Beaches on either side of the harbour. Adra town is small and has little in the way of development for tourism.

Puerto de Almerimar, a very large marina with the capacity for over 1,000 boats. Excellent shelter from everything but strong SW winds when some swell can build up towards the entrance of the harbour. Prices are low. Astonishingly so compared to some other marinas on the Costa del Sol. Sandy beaches on either side of the marina. This part of the coast is covered with plastic greenhouses, it has to be seen to be appreciated both for the vast number of acres under cover and it\'s ugliness.

Puerto de Roquetas del Mar is a small fishing harbour. Strong winds from the SE - NE make the harbour uncomfortable.

Good shelter can be found at Puerto de del Aguadulce except with wind from the ESE which can cause some swell making conditions uncomfortable. The marina can cater for some 150 boats. The complex includes a swimming pool and squash court. Sandy beaches to the S with waters clean enough to merit a blue CE flag. Two 18 hole golf courses.

The Puerto de Almeria is a commercial & fishing port. Yachts use the Club de Mar del Almeria. There are several large rusty industrial structures close by a dominating the view and giving the place a rather grim feel. Overall the shelter is good but strong winds from the E produce swell that makes it uncomfortable within the marina. The Alcazaba inAlmeria, a Moorish castle, is well worth a visit.

Ken Jones runs a Sailing Site. More information about Cruising can be found here To find other Marine Services on the Costa del Sol visit the Marine Directory.

Hotels Hotels Hotels...which one do I choose!

Hotels in Las Vegas furnish a guest with the excitement, amenities and appeal of this wonderful destination. Everyone has heard of Circus Circus. Its appealing restaurants, theme parks, shops, gaming and the world's greatest circus acts guarantees good fun for everyone. Best of all, it continues to be the value leader on the Las Vegas Strip. The possibilities are unlimited in where to stay, when you play in Las Vegas! Some things to consider when selecting a hotel are its amenities, restaurants, attractions and more. Check out the casinos for games, dining and entertainment.

Hotels like Hilton have the hottest entertainment acts performing nightly. From the nightclub center stage to the world famous theater, only the top acts in show business perform on stage at the Las Vegas Hilton. It has spacious accommodations, which provides you a homey atmosphere and makes you feel like a pampered guest. Heck, you can even enjoy yourself in cheap hotels or discount hotels.

Hotel Marriot ----What I really liked about the room was the huge Jacuzzi tub that you could lay down in. That is ultimate pleasure! There are several restaurants presently at the JW Marriott. The pool is one of the best features at the JW Marriott. It offers a serene environment to host board meetings or romantic weddings, receptions and social affairs. Wedding parties have the opportunity to select a venue sited for rehearsal dinners, bridesmaid's brunches or evening parties when staying at the Marriott.

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.a1-vacations-4u.com/

mjy610@hotmail.com

Your Vacation First Aid Kit

Your vacation supplies must include a first-aid kit.



Have it available while traveling and take it with you whenever you go walking, hiking, or any activity that takes you away from civilization.



You can use just about any type of container for your first-aid kit. It's best if the container is lightweight, like plastic, and has a good lid. A handle can be useful also. A small toolbox, lunchbox, fishing tackle box or even kitchen Tupperware would work.



Here is a list of things to consider including in your vacation first-aid kit. This is not a comprehensive list and you may have other items to add.



You should have some sterile gauze with adhesive tape and scissors to cut them. Make sure the scissors are sharp. Also multiple sizes of band-aids. Tip: Sanitary napkins are sterile and make good compresses to stop bleeding.



To clean cuts and wounds include antibiotic cream, hydrogen peroxide and antiseptic wipes.



Consider including aspirin and acetaminophen, instant cold packs, calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream.



Also, antacid, insect repellent, motion sickness medication, anti-diarrhea medication, sunscreen, cold and flu tablets



If anyone is taking prescription medicine be sure to bring enough for the whole trip.



The first-aid kit is a good place to store a list of emergency numbers along with your medical insurance information.



It's always a good idea to have a first-aid manual on hand and review it before you leave. This way you will be much more prepared should a situation arise where you need it. This is a great opportunity for children to learn a little about first-aid so review the manual with them too.



Other miscellaneous items that could be helpful are thermometer, latex gloves, tweezers and flashlight with spare batteries.



Keep your vacation first-aid kit easily accessible at all times but away from small children.

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

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

Highway Madness: Holiday Travel In New Jersey

My family decided to brave the state\'s highway system one recent Thanksgiving by traveling the New Jersey Turnpike south to my sister\'s house off of Exit 7A. We started on Exit 18, knowing full well that we would hit some traffic before we arrived at her home some 70 miles later. Little did we know that our trip would be a bit of an adventure: not the type we would have liked to participated in either.

It was shortly after the noon hour when our car passed through the EZPass booth. We soon found ourselves traveling past Newark Liberty Airport and the \bucolic beauty\ of industrial Linden, NJ. Choosing the car-only lanes seemed most sensible; with enough big rigs and buses on the road we didn\'t want to subject our midsize car to the wake of a tandem trailer whooshing on by. Soon after making that decision we noticed brake lights more than one mile down the road and a helicopter hovering overhead. Uh oh, this did not look good.

As we arrived near the stopped traffic, police cars and emergency vehicles screamed by along the shoulder. Within ten minutes we were upon the scene: a green minivan had gone off the road and flipped on its side. We didn\'t want to stare too closely but it did look like as if a small tree was sticking out of the windshield. We all said a prayer for the inhabitants and were thanking God that the rescue workers were already there doing what they do best. Moments later the traffic broke and we found ourselves once again heading south on the turnpike with not a little bit of thanks to God on our part that we were safe.

Holiday travel in New Jersey is fun. Okay, barely tolerable is more like it. If you have family more than 25 miles away, more than likely you will be on one of the major roadways at some point in your trip. It seemed, at times, that the entire New Jersey populace was going where we were going. I only hoped that my sister had a large enough turkey for everyone.

By Exit 8A, traffic had slowed again so we decided to exit the turnpike and follow Route 130 south. Not a great choice as Route 130 is a four lane roadway desperately needing more lanes and less traffic lights. Still, we felt that it beat the turnpike parking lot syndrome.

Near Cranbury we began to experience deja vu all over again as the saying goes. Stopped traffic. Sirens. Emergency vehicles spotted in front of us. The entire highway closed and traffic rerouted. Unlike the previous accident, we weren\'t going to witness the rescue attempt. So, we said some more prayers for the victims, exited Route 130, and found ourselves following other cars through the town of Cranbury.

At this point, we were in unfamiliar territory, but I didn\'t mind it. Cranbury is a lovely historic town that seems set in the mid-19th century. Nothing is new, everything is preserved. If you must be detoured somewhere in New Jersey, this town is the place to visit. Tastefully decked out in Christmas splendor, Cranbury looks nicer than Walgreen\'s town of Perfect. It isn\'t perfect, but it is real!

Somehow by following signs -- there are places in New Jersey where signs will get you where you are going -- we arrived at my sister\'s home. We shared our stories of accident scenes witnessed, a detour taken, and a town admired. The highway madness of earlier that day soon faded away as we enjoyed the company of family and our Thanksgiving feast.

In the early evening we decided to take our tired children and head home. Traffic was much lighter and it moved quickly. Heading north on the New Jersey Turnpike, we decided to exit the road and travel north on the Garden State Parkway, which would bring us closer to our home. What had been a two hour trip down was looking like a 75 minute sprint home. Everything was clear and seemed uneventful. How soon that would change.

We noticed in the vicinity of the Union tolls that traffic was slowing down. At first, we chalked it up to the usual bobbing and weaving one must do in order to find the correct toll lane. However, as we made the approach to the tolls we looked over to the southbound lane and saw the all too familiar scenery of emergency vehicles. Not again.

This time the scene seemed even more horrific. Pulled off the road just south of the toll booths was a public transit bus. A police officer stood outside shining a light through the broken passenger windows. We could see all the windows were blown out by a fire that appeared to have consumed the bus. None of us wanted to imagine what happened; we simply grimaced and said yet another prayer to Almighty God for mercy.

The remainder of the trip home found our car engulfed in silence.Looking back, I certainly can give thanks for not being involved in any one of the three accidents. We don\'t know if any produced fatalities, but we do know that lives were changed that day. Whether people were speeding, cut off, falling asleep behind the wheel, or for whatever other reason the accident happened, we will never know. Quite frankly, it no longer mattered.

What we do know is this: even under the best conditions and in the best weather, road trips cannot be taken for granted. New Jersey roads are crowded, but serious accidents occur all over the country. That is why our family prays for traveling mercies before we take an extended trip and why we are quick to hold victims up in prayer when we come upon an accident scene.Life is too precious to do anything less.

This article originally appeared on Townstead.com, a defunct site managed by Matt Keegan. It was part of his \Life in New Jersey\ series of articles.

Matthew Keegan is the owner of a successful article writing, web design, and marketing business based in North Carolina, USA. He manages several sites including the Corporate Flight Attendant Community and the Aviation Employment Board. Please visit The Article Writer to review selections from his portfolio.

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They don\'t come any bigger than the Big Apple - king of the
hill, top of the heap, New York. It has world-class museums, big
statues, even bigger buildings, outrageous excess, and a whole
lot of whooo-wheee! New York is a densely packed mass of
humanity and all this living on top of one another makes the New
Yorker a special kind of person.

Major Attractions include the American Museum of Natural
History, Central Park, Empire State Building, Metropolitan
Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, SoHo, Statue of Liberty,
the Empire State Building, Times Square, Tribeca, Greenwich
Village and many more.

There are some 50 officially recognized parades each year, along
with more than 400 street fairs. Times Square\'s New Year\'s Eve
festivities are probably the most famous in the world; less
popular is the 5 mile (8km) midnight run in Central Park. On 5
January, thousands of children wander up 5th Ave, in a cavalcade
of sheep, camels and donkeys, for the Three Kings Parade. The St
Patrick\'s Day Parade down 5th Ave on 17 March has been held
every year for 200 years. In mid-May the International Food
Festival clogs 9th Ave, while in June Tibetan Monks discuss
transcendental matters in Central Park as part of Change Your
Mind Day. The JVC Jazz Festival is also held in June, as is the
free Shakespeare in the Park, where some of the screen\'s biggest
stars do the bard in Central Park. On 4 July, Macy\'s sponsors an
Independence Day fireworks spectacle on the East River. The
city\'s premier black neighborhood celebrates Harlem Week in
August, and on Labor Day over one million people take part in
the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade in Brooklyn, the
biggest single event for the year. The New York Film Festival
also takes place in September. Macy\'s Thanksgiving Parade in
November is always popular, and for more festive cheer don\'t
miss the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting on the
following Tuesday

The website hotelconxions.com allows leisure and business
travelers searching the Internet a place to search for
information on places to go and a hotel to stay in New York and
other US cities. User have the choice to book on line or call a
toll free number 1 800 522 9991 to reserve a hotel room in New
York. Its user-friendly format allows visitors to research
prices and what to see and do in New York and other cities with
the click of a button. Destination deal information and rich
imagery of the region are profiled on the site. Secure
reservations with instant email receipt available. Confirmation
is a guarantee for all customers. Whether traveling for business
or pleasure, Hotelconxions knows the area and can recommend
lodging and activities that will make every stay memorable.

All information pertaining to www.hotelconxions.com has been
extensively Presented in the pages of the site and offers a
unique user experience blending creativity and functionality.
This comprehensive portal enables Hotelconxions to showcase of
all its Hotels, Hotels and Resorts in USA in a detailed fashion,
including dedicated sections on the site for each Hotel and
Resort.

Our inventory of hotels of New York include prime properties
such as Edison Hotel: Theater District, three star, full service
tourist class hotel New York Hemlsley: Modern four star hotel
located on Manhattan\'s luxurious east side with deluxe guest
room amenities Kimberly Suite Hotel: Midtown Luxury Suite & Spa
Hotel Hotel St. James: located in the heart of Times Square
Mellinnium Broadway Hotel: A beautiful four star Art Deco hotel
located in New York City\'s renowned Theater District

And many more...

For further information please visit our site:
www.hotelconxions.com

The Best Carnival Cruise Deals

What is the best way to relax on a vacation - a cruise? Right?
However there is no free lunch, everything comes at a price. But
to get the best, price is never a concern, but the value is.
Taking a longer vacation on a high end cruise liner can set you
back by a huge amount. Good for you that you don't have to spend
a fortune on a wonderful vacation, to an exotic location like
Caribbean.

Just visit the Carnival's website and feel the difference.
Usually when the departure time is nearing, the company offers
deals that are unbeatable and unthinkable of. The lesser the
bookings the better the savings for you. The company loses money
if it runs empty houses, so they start offering significant
discounts to fill in vacancies. The direct relationship is with
the passengers; they would want to go in on a filled cruise and
makes them believe that they are headed for the right
destination.

On the same lines, you get a good bargain at few websites. There
are quite a few websites that offer you amazing discounts on
major cruises. These are very handy when you have a budget
constraint. The flip side is that you may not get to choose. So,
you may not be able to customize as many options as you would if
buying from another source, but you can still get a great deal
on a luxury cruise.

There are also special promotions that may be offered from
Carnival for various reasons. The reasons are many - company
anniversary, milestones or other related factors... You should
simply check the company's website periodically to see what they
have available. When it comes to deals, the more research you
do, the less you will probably have to pay.

So a well planned and a cozy vacation is just a click away and
the best way to ensure is to do your homework. Research well and
everything else falls in place

Sensational Scuba Diving Trips

<strong>In a world that's covered with water, the selection of
destinations for scuba diving trips is endless.</strong>

Many recreational activities are limited as to where they
can be found, but scuba diving is one of those sports that
can be enjoyed the world over. Thousands of travelers
schedule scuba diving trips each year as part of their
yearly vacations.

Divers who prefer not to travel too far can find a location
within close flying distance. Others who prefer something a
little more exotic can certainly locate incredible diving in
a far-off country.

Wherever your desire to travel may take you, the diving is
sure to be exciting and varied. Each scuba diving trip
offers something different from the one before, thanks to
the diverse marine life living in the oceans of the world.

Consider some of these worldwide scuba diving destinations
for your next diving trip.

<strong>St. Lucia</strong>

Located in the southeastern Caribbean, St. Lucia is not only
a divine destination to visit on land, but also the ideal
place to enjoy an incredible scuba diving vacation. Wrecks
are plentiful and there are lots of shallow reefs.

Divers should be sure to visit The Pinnacles, considered one
of the best diving sites in the Caribbean. You'll also want
to visit the wreck of the Lesleen M., home to humongous crab
and lobster.

<strong>Dominica</strong>

Guests come to Dominica specifically to bask in the true
natural beauty of the island. One of the Lesser Antilles and
located between Guadalupe and Martinique, the island
attracts hundreds of eco-tourists each year.

Coral reefs are plentiful, there are a few wrecks, and
guests can even dive in two of the island's hot springs.
Subterranean volcanic activity makes the waters around
Dominica fascinating.

Don't miss Scott's Head, at the south end of the island,
where night diving is quite popular and pretty amazing.

<strong>The Florida Keys</strong>

For U.S. residents who prefer domestic travel, the Florida
Keys offer a number of fine diving opportunities. From end
to end, the waters around the keys are full of reefs that
give divers a close looks at dozens of varieties of fish.

The wreck of the British freighter Benwood, run aground
towards the end of World War II, is a terrific place to see
huge grunts and snappers as well as beautiful Atlantic
spadefish.

<strong>Italy</strong>

Italy's island of Sardinia, the 2nd largest in the
Mediterranean, is considered one of the premiere diving
locations in the world. Thanks to its temperate
Mediterranean climate, Sardinia is truly a year-round diving
mecca.

The sea boasts lots of caves and coral reefs and you'll see
fish here that you won't find on domestic or Caribbean
dives. As the Mediterranean was the site of many World War
II naval battles, wrecks are plentiful and varied.

<strong>Australia and New Zealand</strong>

A scuba diving trip to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia
is, of course, the dream of every avid diver. In fact, all
the waters around Australia and New Zealand are perfect for
diving.

The waters around the continent are both tropical and
temperate so marine life is quite varied. Dive shops are
plentiful so it's never hard to find a dive trip to fit your
needs.

<strong>Additional Destinations</strong>

Possible diving destinations are too numerous to mention.
Choose a part of the world you wish to visit and check out
local diving locations in that area.

Most of the islands of the Caribbean offer great diving
opportunities. More exotic destinations may include the
South Pacific, the Red Sea, Spain's Canary Islands, or the
coastal areas of Africa.

<strong>Certification</strong>

So you won't be disappointed, be sure that your diving
certification is up-to-date before you depart on a scuba
diving trip. Check the requirements for each destination to
be certain that you comply.
About the Author

Pat is one of the authors of Leisure Time Places, a weblog about vacations and travel destinations. Click here for more exciting vacation ideas.

Mother Earth Hosts Our Travels

As conscious traveling Paupers we must always be concerned about our dear Mother Earth. If you think about it, you travel across her face, and She is the host to your journey; without Her we could not find the unfolding adventures that attract and feed our souls.



I have found some valuable resources for us to use and publisize, all of which are dedicated to responsible travel and care of our environment.



International Ecotourism Society

202-347-9203 www.ecotourism.org



A well-established nonprofit group which conducts research, publishes articles, provides consumer information, and has a directory of members around the world. With Rainforest Alliance, it recently started an ecotourism certification standards program.



Sustainable Travel International

720-273-2975 www.sustainabletravelinternational.org



Formed three years ago to bridge the gapbetween research and ocnsumer information and to promote sustainable development and eco-friendly travel. Offers a carbon offset program and last month started an eco-certification program that will follow standards laid out by the International Ecotourism Society.



Responsible Travel Handbook

www.travelearning.com



Created this year for the Educational Travel Conference meeting, this lengthy guide has a wealth of contributors and information. (Click on responsible tourism to download).



Lonely Planet Code Green: Trips of a Lifetime That Won\'t Cost The Earth

by Kelly Lorimer- Lonely pLanet Publications



The first \green travel\ book to be published by Lonely Planet includes dozens of \responsible travel experiences\ and provides traveler information on responsible and eco-travel. Lonely Planet also runs a discussion board on responsible travel at http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com



Better World Club

866-238-1137 www.betterworldclub.com



The environmentally conscious alternative to the American Automobile Association, offering auto and bicycle road assistance, has resources on hybrid car rentals, green lodging, and carbon offsets.



Let us join and use these groups when planning our trips. By raising our level of consciousness and employing \'green\' tactics and travel itineraries we will, each in our own small way, be contributing to a healthier world where we act as stewards to the environment while discovering the rich and breathtaking rewards of travel.

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

Victor K. Pryles is the author of \Travel Cheap-Travel Well!- Confessions Of A Traveling Pauper avaialble at: www.paupertravel.com His daily blog is at: pauper-travel.blogspot.com/ He also offers a Free E-Course: \The Top 100 Travel Planning Websites\ at his website.

Information on Germany

To start I would like to say that most people are right, Germany is a GREAT place to visit. I heard on the radio the other day that over 4 million Americans visited Germany in 2005 and to be honest it did not surprise me at all. With so many beautiful things to see and experience who wouldn\'t be interested?



Lets start off with the obvious attractions: Castles, German Beer and German Food.



Castles: Arguably the number one attraction of Germany. Castles are one of Germanys most historic prized possessions. With at least one Castle in every single decent sized town in Germany, you will always have a place to visit no matter where your travels in Germany take you. Most of these Castles have nice restaurants inside where you are given information on the historic value of the establishment, not to mention great food in my experience.



German Beer: Many say that German beer is the best in the world, because of this many German breweries are hesitant to give up their \'tricks of the trade\' many saying \'its in the water\'. Whether this is true or not Germany definitely has a reputation for providing delicious preservative free beer. The German government actually mandates that only a few main ingredients are to be added to the beer and no preservatives can be added, BY LAW.



German Food: I am sure that you all have either heard about or tried some of the typical German dishes, i.e. Schnitzel, Wursts (German sausage) and Spatzle, but what you may not have tried are some of the \'not so traditional\' but common dishes in Germany. If you are planning a trip to Germany I recommend going to any German restaurant and ordering the house special. Most restaurants, just like in the U.S., have a house special that is different from restaurant to restaurant and will usually be very delicious.

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

For more Information on Germany and German recipes please visit www.thegermantruth.com

The Hottest Tickets of 2006 Now Available With Superbreak

Short Breaks are now on sale to a huge variety of summer Rock,
pop and sporting events. These include Westlife, Shirley Bassey
and James Blunt as well as The British Grand Prix, Ladies Day at
Royal Ascot and The Open Golf Championship. Superbreak
http://www.superbreak.com makes it both easy and affordable with
packages that include overnight hotel accommodation and tickets
to your chosen event.

Here are just a few of the leading concert and events packages -
many more are available. But hurry, they sell out fast!

WESTLIFE - from 119pp - There are still packages available to
see Westlife on their eagerly anticipated \'Face to Face 06\' tour
promoting their no 1 album. Westlife will perform some of their
classic favourites alongside songs from their new \'Face to Face\'
album. Dates available are 21 or 22 April in Manchester, 28
April in Sheffield, 5 or 6 May in Glasgow, 12 or 13 May in
Brighton, 14 May in Cardiff and 18 or 19 May at Wembly. A
package for the Glasgow gig costs 119 per person including one
night\'s b/b accommodation at the four star Glasgow Marriott
Hotel and a top priced ticket to see the gig at the SECC
Glasgow. Two share.

BRITISH GRAND PRIX, SILVERSTONE - 299pp - This year it takes
place on 9 and 10 June at Silverstone. The British Grand Prix is
a highlight of the F1 calendar and offers the chance to see the
world\'s greatest F1 drivers battle on one of the fastest tracks
in Europe. A package costs 299 per person including two night\'s
accommodation on a b/b basis at the three star Novotel Coventry,
two all day visits to the Grand Prix and return coach transfers.
Two share.

LADIES DAY AT ROYAL ASCOT - 109pp - Britain\'s most popular flat
race meeting returns home in 2006 with ladies day taking place
on 22 June. See the highest quality racing combined with high
fashion and the daily Royal procession. A package cost 109 per
person staying one night b/b at the four star Sheraton Heathrow
an all day admission ticket to Royal Ascot on Ladies Day and
return coach transfers. Two share.

JAMES BLUNT - from 149pp - See James Blunt live at 3 fantastic
locations across the UK in 2006. Two million copies of his
platinum debut album \'Back To Bedlam\' have already been sold,
don\'t miss out on this great live experience. He will play
Harewood House near Leeds on 30 June, Blenheim Palace in
Oxfordshire on 1 July and Leeds Castle in Kent on 2 July. A
package for the Blenheim Palace concert costs 149 per person
including one night\'s b/b at the three-star Heythrop Park Hotel
and including a seated ticket to the concert and coach
transfers. Two share.

Who are Superbreak.com?

Superbreak.com, incorporating Theatrebreak.com, is the internet
division of Superbreak Mini Holidays Limited, the market leader
for short breaks throughout the UK. Superbreak is part of
Holidaybreak plc, a publicly quoted leisure company whose share
price can be found in most major UK newspapers, or at
http://www.holidaybreak.com.

Based in York, England, Superbreak specialises in booking 2-5
star hotel accommodation throughout Britain for the leisure
traveller. Superbreak hold allocations of rooms at all hotels
and we can book up to and including the day of departure.

Travel Italy Italy's must see Art and Architecture

#TITLE#Travel Chicago - Tour The Must See Sites Even Local Chicagoans
Visit!#/TITLE#

The allure of Chicago is completely understandable. Located in
the middle of the country amongst corn fields and pressed up
against Lake Michigan, this fast paced action packed city is
full of excitement. The winters are cold, but the summers are
hot and fun-filled. There is more to do in Chicago, than someone
could possibly complete in a lifetime.

But, for those travelers interested in seeing some of Chicago\'s
favorite sites through its residents\' eyes, please read on.

Signature Room at Hancock Tower - The top of the Hancock
Tower provides one of the most amazing views of Chicago around.
The Sears Tower may be taller, but the Hancock is closer to the
lake and offers views of the Sears Tower itself. Skip the
observation deck and instead make a trip to the Signature Room.
You might run into local Chicagoans during brunch when prices
are quite reasonable. Drinks are similarly priced to other
lounges, so a nightcap is always a fun option, but dinner will
set you back quite a bit. The restaurant is actually one floor
above the viewing deck so you can enjoy an amazing view while
eating and drinking. Location: Michigan Ave

Chicago Blues and Jazz - Chicago has long been well known
as home to some of the world\'s best Blues and Jazz musicians.
This fact became evident even to non-music lovers in the 70s and
80s with classic movies such as the Blues Brothers and Adventure
in Babysitting. For music fans, a trip to Chicago is not
complete without experiencing some good blues or jazz. There are
a wide variety of blues clubs located on the South Side and Jazz
clubs such as the Green Mill in uptown, which has said to be
frequented by Al Capone and other Chicago notables. But, if you
are in town, check out the Chicago Blues Fest held in early
June. Other summer music festivals include the Chicago Jazz
Festival, Chicago Gospel Music Festival, and more. Location: The
Green Mill is located at 4802 N. Broadway Ave.

Tru Restaurant - Charlie Trotter\'s restaurant has made a
name for itself throughout the United States and the world as
the best place for a multi-course tasting menu. But locals know
that the knew up and coming restaurant to beat is Tru\'s
restaurant. A four party visit will involve up to 12 courses,
with each member of the party receiving different selections.
Wow! One imagines how the cooks can possibly keep up, but
throughout your 3 hour meal, you will never be disappointed by
the wait staff or the chef. Location: 696 N. St. Clair St.

Chicago Museum Tour - Chicago has some of the best
museums in the country. The Art Institute has one of the most
amazing and large collections in the world. Take a walk through
the museum on a Tuesday, when admission is free (although
donations are always recommended) and if you are a movie fan
remember the walk by Ferris Bueller. But, the Art Institute
isn\'t the only great museum in Chicago. The Museum of Science
and Industry is a great museum where you can actually walk
through a sub, and of course the FieldMuseum home to the Sue the
largest T-Rex skeleton in the world.

Chicago Architecture Tour - Chicago\'s name in
architecture, began in the 1800s and continues today. If you
want to take a walk and see the great architecture of Chicago,
there is more than a day\'s worth of sites. You can begin with
famous buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright (check out the Unity
Temple at 875 Lake St) and Louis Sullivan (Visit his famous
Carson Pirie Scott flagship on State St). The Monadnock, and
Mies van der Rohe\'s Post office are also well worth a visit. For
some modern masterpieces, visit the Illinois Institute of
Technology\'s campus to see Mies\' Crown Hall, Rem Koolhaas\'
Campus Center, and Helmut Jahn\'s new Dorms. A visit to
Millennium Park is also worth a trip, where you can see one of
Gehry\'s latest and soon Renzo Piano\'s addition to the Art
Institute.

Chicago is home to some of the most city proud residents. And
there is no wonder why- there is so much to see and do in
Chicago! Check out the favorite tourist sites, but if you are
interested in seeing some of the local\'s favorite Chicago sites,
check out the list above and see some of what truly makes
Chicago special.

For more information and photos of Chicago, check out Chicago
Info and Chic
ago Sculptures

For more exciting destinations check out our Trip of
the Week Site

Following Links to Hawaii

I've often used the Net for planning my personal and business trips. Trips to Australia, Hawaii, Seattle and Las Vegas, to name a few, are a cinch to plan on the Net... If you know how to go about it. The main problem with the Internet these days is that people often are overwhelmed by information overload.

Many destinations have many sites covering details on vacationing there and Hawaii is no exception. In fact, Hawaii, as a travel destination, is covered by numerous websites covering everything from activities to mountain biking, and snorkeling to luaus. So many sites and so little time.

Thought there are many activities, hotels and ways to get to Hawaii, they are limited and after a while you'll discover that many sites on the various topics cover the same ground. This is both good and bad: Good, in that you have numerous choices to choose from for look and feel and price. Let's face it, some sites are easier to navigate than others, while some also have better privacy statements and ease of contact. Also, competition generally keeps prices lower. The bad: Well, there's just so many choices and one can easily become overwhelmed.

My suggestion here is not to try and visit every Hawaii travel website on the planet, but to check out a few and stick with those you feel at ease with regarding navigation, product, pricing and privacy. There are many excellent Hawaii travel sites out there, so the first thing to do is to target how you want to get there, where you want to stay and what you actually plan to do once you are there. If you're like most visitors to the Islands these days, you'll arrive by air.

If you have frequent flyer accounts, you'll likely choose one of those airlines, otherwise, leave this open until you have completed some rudimentary pricing. The quickest, but not always the cheapest, is to book a non-stop flight. Cruises from the Mainland are available, but are quite expensive and are generally round trip, round-island cruises, with little time actually on the Islands.

As for your planned activities, once your list is made, I would highly recommend checking out activity agents and when satisfied, book your day tours, dinner cruises and submarine tours, etc. in advance. Why? Well, depending on the season--high or low--some of the more popular activities can book out quickly, leaving you high and dry looking for alternatives. This leads me to: Do you really want to be spending your valuable vacation time calling around to book activities to fill your days with fun, culture and adventure. Also, reserving your activities allows for better insight on itinerary and what your trip to paradise is going to cost. Valuable, if you're on a tight timetable or budget.

Where to stay... Well many areas have many styles of accommodation, from hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts, to condos to luxury resorts. Oahu's noted for its tourist hotels and condos in Waikiki to luxury spa resorts. Maui, Kauai and Hawaii have their fair share of luxury resorts and bed and breakfasts.

Once you have your rough general itinerary, it's now time to search using appropriate terms, such as hawaii vacation, fun things to do in hawaii and hawaii airfare, etc. Line up 3 to 5 good sites for each topic--some sites will cover them all--and then start clicking. Explore each site to sort out the better from the good and keep your eyes open for any travel, accommodation or activity options you may have missed when composing your itinerary. Add these items to your list and keep clicking.

After spending quality time with your long list, it's now time to decide which one(s) you feel most at ease with. These are the ones you should use for planning and booking your vacation necessities. If unsure about a few, send off a question by email or phone. You can tell a lot about a company on how they respond, if they respond. Obviously, if some don't respond or respond inappropriately, drop them from your list... You don't need the aggravation.

Now, get serious about planning and booking your itinerary. If you have a problem offering your credit card via the Net, many agents can accept same via telephone. Personally, given the pre-planning above, I, have never had a problem and I've ordered thousands of dollars of stuff via the Internet with no problems whatsoever. Given my life in general, I doubt that this has anything to do with luck. Once done, you'll have a great sense of accomplishment and very likely, a fantastic vacation in paradise. So, get clicking and planning and before you know it, you will have followed all your favorite links to Hawaii... Aloha!

About the Author

Dave Davis is a long-time freelance writer and editor who loves to travel and learn about new destinations. His favorite: Hawaii. Go to http://www.TraveltoHawaiiReviewed.com to check out more resources and information of vacationing in Hawaii. Copyright 2005 - D3 Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Scenic Train Rides Around The World

I\'m not sure why on scenic train rides you can have a beer, but you can\'t on a bus. In any case, this is one of the reasons to take a train ride. Another reason is that they go where the roads don\'t, so you\'ll see scenery you miss when driving. Trains don\'t have to stop at traffic lights, and you can get up and walk around. Finally, trains are relaxing for all the reasons above AND the rythym of the rails.

Amtrak has scenic sections, and there are also numerous dinner trains operating around the United States now. However, the most scenic train rides are the classics. Below are a few to whet your appetite.

The Silverton-Durango Narrow Gage

I first caught this train far from any road. I was in the Weminuche Wilderness Area, next to a footbridge over the Animas river, where they stop if backpackers there flag them down. More recently, my wife and I took the train from Silverton to Durango. Wherever you catch this train, it will be an experience you won\'t forget.

It is a classic steam locomotive that goes through Colorado\'s San Juan Mountains, along the Animas river. At times you\'ll look out the window, over the edge, to the water hundreds of feet below. In Silverton you can eat good food, buy souvenirs, and see an old-west mining town that hasn\'t much with time.

La Nariz Del Diablo

Train rides on this line, which goes from Riobamba to Alausi, Ecuador, are scenic and adventurous. On our recent trip, my wife stayed inside, but I rode on the roof for the first half of the ride. Despite the occasional rain, there were twenty other travelers up there. I highly recommend you pay the dollar to rent a pillow to sit on. Your final destination is a valley with a view of a rock formation high above, called \La Nariz Del Diablo,\ or \The Devil\'s Nose.\

Be careful of tree branches if you\'re on the roof, and be prepared for a five-hour ride. It starts in downtown Riobamba, in the highlands of the central Andes Mountains. You\'ll travel through \cloud forests\ and finally down to a much warmer climate. Interestingly, the train descends some streches of track caboose-first. There\'s a lunch stop in one of the small mountain towns. When we took the train (May 2004), it was limited to 40 passengers, and tickets sold out quickly.

Agawa Canyon Railroad

One of the more scenic train rides in the north, starts and ends in Sault Saint Marie, Ontario, Canada, just over the border from Sault Saint Marie, Michigan. It\'s an all-day trip that goes through a rocky and heavily-wooded wilderness, along the Agawa River, to Agawa Canyon. At the canyon, you can have a picnic in a beautiful meadow, or just relax and enjoy the scenery, before reboarding for the return trip.

Autumn, when the maples have all changed color, is the most beautiful time to take the train. It\'s also the most difficult time to get tickets, so plan far ahead. The route is also run as the scenic \Snow Train,\ in winter.

The Thunder Mountain Line

Thunder Mountain Line has scenic train rides that take several routes in Idaho, starting from Horseshoe Bend and Cascade. Depending on the route you choose, you\'ll travel through dramatic narrow canyons, sagebrush-covered hills, mountain meadows, or pristine evergreen forests. The tracks follow the mountain trails settlers used a hundred years before. You may see deer, fox, elk, blue herons, osprey, and bald eagles. Rides vary from three to five hours, depending on the route.

Amtrak\'s Scenic Train Rides

The California Zephyr, Amtrak\'s train from Chicago to San Francisco, passes through the Rocky Mountains and the more beautiful (in my opinion) Sierra Nevadas. The Coast Starlight goes from Seattle to Los Angeles, with views of snow-covered mountains, thick forests, and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline. Amtrak\'s Auto Train is a unique scenic train ride that allows you to take your car with you from Lorton, Viginia, to Florida.

Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. To read their stories, tips and travel information, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com

Journeys through Asturias greenest Spain

The Road Goes Ever On and OnDown to the Door Where It Began. So wrote J.R.R. Tolkien, creator of The Lord Of the Rings. My family lives in Middle-Earth; around here it's called Asturias. Surrounded by green mountains and rolling hills, the landscape bears strong resemblance to the descriptions found in Tolkien's works. Located on the north coast of Spain, Asturias is known for being fresh, temperate and green. Very green. Spaniards call it Paraiso Natural, a 'Natural Paradise'. Wandering around the countryside here, I half expect to see elves, trolls, and halflings- and I must say some folk around here do indeed resemble hobbits, or characters out of a children's story. Very quaint and picturesque.

As I go walking around this land, the thought of roads and ways 'going ever on' becomes reality. Every village is connected to the surrounding fields and woods by a network of linking cowpaths, which ultimately reach the next set of paths, and so on. Tolkien was right, all roads are one, like a river with many branches. That's what I love most about the walking (or running or biking or horseback or however you choose); every time is different, because after 4 years of exploring here I still find new ways, paths I have yet to tread, or new connections with the old ones. This is real magic.

The environment here is similar to that of lower Britain, to Atlantic France. But much softer in climate, warmer and sunnier (at times). The coastal north of Spain is separated from the rest of the peninsula by a chain of mountains, the Cantabric mountain range. This blocks out the southern heat, and forms a southern border to the great Maritime Arc of North-West Europe. This is about as far south one can go and still be in Northern Europe, geographically. Culturally is another story, because many different people have come through this land at one time or another. The Celtic influence is strong; bagpipes and wooden shoes are commonplace. So are castanyets (Arabic finger cymbals), Gypsy sounds from Andalucia (South Spain), and olive oil from the Mediterranean. Asturias is certainly part of Spain, only it lies up north, beyond a barrier of high mountains
(the tallest peak is the third-highest in Europe) that have historically blocked out much of the rest of the country. The mountains are hard to get over, but these days tunnels drilled through work well, what with the freeway and alla high speed train line is due at some point in the future, so for now we must content ourselves with standard Eurorail. There is an international airport as well. By car it's 4 hours to Madrid, and about 3 hours to the border with France. Asturias is an average 50 miles (90 km) wide, and a debatable 150 miles long (depending how you mark it).

Given the climate, this is too far north for much wine-making, but apple trees grow in abundance, so alcoholic cider is the local drink. And it is renowned throughout Spain, now gaining popularity abroad as well. The cider is thin and vinegary, best for clearing the digestion, although there is also a sweet version, without alcohol. I like it after a nice run through the hills, which brings us back to the paths. When one goes out 'trekking' it will soon be noticed that there are many many trees, including the apple. Chestnut, oak, sycamore, ash, beech, walnut, hazel, firs, and eucalyptuswhich is an import that took root in the last century. There are also some palms, especially closer to the coast (another import of course). In orchards or standing alone there are cherry, pear, apple, plum, fig, peach, besides a multitude of berry bushes- blackberry, currant, raspberry, european blueberry. A favorite pastime when out and about is stopping to enjoy some of nature's gifts, a welcome refreshment on a long hike.

It bears repeating that although this is a Northern clime, Asturias is far enough south to support a variety of flora; in addition to the trees named above there are oranges and lemons that do quite well, as long as they are in a good spot, and kiwis (must have come with the eucalyptus). As with real estate, everything is 'location, location'. A protected hill-side facing south is perfect for flora that need the heat. Which is also a good spot for tomatoes, peppers, or melons. There many gardens here, both floral and vegetable. Sometimes they pop up in surprising places, far from any house, along side some path with stone walls and thick hedges. Rows of corn, with beans climbing the stalks; potatoes and varied greens; different vegetables and herbs; produce and plenty in season. A careful eye will spot wild herbs when moving about the land: mint, thyme, marjoram, rosemarysome of these have been planted, and grown wild, others happen on their own. Watch out for stinging nettles, but at least there is no poison ivy!

I have learned something about grazing animals from all this. Even regular milk cows have a natural environment (outside of feed-lots and stalls). Sometimes during a walk a clearing in the woods will appear, and behold! Cows grazing among the trees and in the meadows. They actually like wandering about, feeding off the land, winding in and out among the trees, clambering up hill-sides, getting a cool drink from the creek, relaxing in the shadejust like humans! Deer are also found, and it is quite common to encounter these. There is a smaller kind and a larger more standard variety (bushy white tails) and these will graze where they find pasture, or move around the woods. Wild boar are plentiful, and hunting for these and the deer are common. Some areas have been designated 'hunting zones', as well as the 'fishing zones'. This is a trout and salmon
area; the coast is of course known for the variety and abundance of marine life. In the higher mountains there are bear and wolves, but so far I have stuck more to the
'in- between' places, away from the coast and yet below the heights. We are here surrounded by lower mountains, yet impressive. These provide a plethora of ways to go, from hilly countryside to higher climbs, where the trees thin out and goats pasture. The autochthonous breed of cow (usually for meat) is the 'Asturian of the Mountains' which half resembles a goat in it's lanky toughness, narrow head with goatish horns, and the ability to scramble over rocky mountain-sides with the best of them. These days, with a declining human population, and a vanishing tradition of cowherding, people are putting a variety of grazing animals out to pasture, if only to keep the grass down and maintain the fields. Sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, whatever will eat the prairie- we know a family that keeps ostriches!

One of the best routes to take in this particular area is called Fuensanta, which takes its name from the famous springwater found there. This water is bottled and sold throughout Europe, and the natural beauty and freshness of the place tells why. Here is a gorge which rises steeply into the mountains, reaching a series of waterfalls which are the source for all this wetness. Fill your bottles up at the beginning of the path (there is a public fountain) and walk the 6 mile (10 km) loop, following the rise of the land to the falls and then descending again. Make sure you brought some empty bottles in the car so you can fill them up for drinking at home.

Yes, we live in Middle-Earth. I know this to be true when on an early morning the mist hangs over the valleys and dales between hills, when the rolling fields rise to meet the looming mountains at sunset, when the stars shine clear and bright in the night-sky. The view from a highpoint shows the landscape dotted with houses, fields, grazing animals, gardens, fruit trees, and the wooded slopes of the mountains surround valleys of hills. There is land to plow and woods to walk and waters to swim. The sea is less than an hour away from the ski-slopes on high mountains, whose peaks are snowy most of the year and tower in the distance. This land is indeed a Natural Paradise.

J Michael
www.waytospain.com

About the Author

Email: greenspain@ziplip.com
Website: http://www.waytospain.com
Occupations/Activities: Travel (nature/outdoor), Accommodation (rural
Location: Asturias, Spain
WAYTOSPAIN offers eco-tours and Spanish language classes in Asturias for small private groups. WAYTOSPAIN follows the principles of responsible travel and sustainable tourism.

Lake Como Italy's Finest Lake

At the base of the Alps to the west and not far from the Dolomites to the east, the Italian lake district has numerous lakes, but only two of any size that are frequented by tourists to any degree. These are Maggiore, with Locarno at its northwestern tip and Como the larger of the two and by almost any tourist standard, the more scenic of the two.

Lake Como (Lago di Como) stretches from the north to its southern limit at the city of Como on its longest branch - just under a hundred miles and about sixty miles on the shorter eastern arm. Como is the lake to visit if you have a limited number of days in Italy and want to see all you can fit in. Europeans and southern Italians who can afford it have long summered in the Lakes region. The shores are populated with pink villas of all shapes and sizes, hotels grand and small, quaint little villages, from the city of Como north to Menaggio.

If you\'re driving and approaching Lake Como from the north, perhaps from St. Moritz or Innsbruck, an excellent place to stop is Varenna. It\'s on the east side of the widest part of the lake where it splits into two branches and forms a near perfect triangle with Bellagio at the centre of the fork and Menaggio on the west side of the lake.

So park your car, check into your hotel or B and B for two or three days and soak up some Italian small town atmosphere. Varenna is actually on the quieter side of the lake, with a small harbour, a romantic promenade, narrow lanes and its own villa. There\'s benches along the promenade, so bring along something to munch on, watch the lovers walking up and down the \passerella\ (lakeside walk) at dusk and watch the ferries and ubiquitous motorboats (and regrettably speed boats too) churning up and down the lake.

Next day, take a ferry south to Bellagio. Go anywhere you want around Lake Como, but go by ferry. There\'s lots of them, they\'re not that expensive and it really adds to your holiday here. Driving along the shores of Como is just not worth it. It\'s one small town after another, so most of the time you crawl along at 10-20 mph. And you can see very little of the lake, what you do see is a lot of fences, high walls, etc. and signs in many languages that all translate into one phrase: \Keep Out!\ It was that way the first time I came here in 1960-61 and it has only gotten worse. Word from the wise whether you come by car, or by train from Milano, travel by ferry after you get here.

Bellagio, the \Pearl of the Lake\ is a combination of class, Old World elegance and affluence. Lots of shops and stalls, selling high priced items for the most part. If you must buy something, shop up the hill where the locals shop. Some lovely lakeside cafes. As I was once told \A nice place to see, an expensive place to be\.

When you have tired of Bellagio, then take the ferry to Menaggio. This puts you across the lake and just a short ferry ride back to your base in Varenna. It\'s also only eight miles as the crow flies from Lugano on the Swiss border. Menaggio is a lower priced smaller edition of Bellagio and my favorite of the two. Lake Como is too dirty to swim in but if you are in the mood to take a dip, Menaggio has a nice public pool. Take advantage of it, good public pools are few and far between in most parts of Italy.

If you can spend another day in this area, then next day take the ferry again to Bellagio, but stay on it (or change to another - it depends on the schedule) and get off across the lake at Tremezzo. If you are interested in Grand Hotels, this is the spot. The rich and famous have been staying here for two centuries, even Best Western is here, but where we want to go is the Villa Carlotta.

Built by a Marquis in the eighteenth century, later modified by a Count, with gardens designed by several Dukes. you get the picture; here you walk among the ghosts of royalty. There\'s a Botanical Garden well worth the visit by itself, but in addition there is a museum with marble statuary, famous paintings and a large collection of seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth century furniture. Some parts of the Villa itself have been open in the past to guided tours, mostly at the whim of whoever is the current owners and how badly they need the money for upkeep. It\'s hard to do this place justice with only word pictures. The Villa itself is an imposing building fronted by a series of ivy-draped marble colonnades facing onto the lake.

So there you have it, a fine three day restful holiday on one small section of Lake Como. Enjoy!

Oh and by the way, if you see George Clooney relaxing at his villa south of Bellagio on the west side of the lake, give him a wave for me.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Tourism

Galiano Getaway

With much anticipation, we headed out for our adventure to one of our favourite islands. We were downing our breakfast at the terminal when the call to board the ferry came. We headed out to our car where the line was already starting to move. Perfect timing or blind luck? We were on our way.

The weather was perfect and the water was calm for our trip through the Southern Gulf Islands to Galiano Island. The Queen of Cumberland, a small inter-island ferry, navigated the narrow passage past Peers Island, an island community just opposite the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. From the ferry we could see the viewpoints on the island jewels that make up the Southern Gulf Islands. Wharburton-Pike on Saturna, Bold Bluff on Pender, the spectacular Cliff of Mount Maxwell on Salt Spring, and the Bluffs on Galiano make up the view points where you can see most of the Southern Gulf Islands and the San Juan Islands in the United States.

Often on ferry crossings Killer Whales (Orcas) pass nearby or you can see porpoise feeding in Haro Strait. The Ferry passed by Ruckles Provincial Park on Salt Spring Island. The green grassy slopes are a great place to camp. As the ferry pulled into Sturdies Bay, we had to wait momentarily as the ferry from Vancouver backed out into Active Pass. Active Pass - between Mayne and Galiano - is truly one of the most beautiful passages I have ever travelled. On one trip through the pass, we witnessed a transient Killer Whale devouring a sea lion within inches of the Ferry. It was a glimpse of raw nature that few get to see.

From the ferry terminal it was a short drive to the Woodstone Country Inn, our host for day one on Galiano. The Inn sits in a pastoral setting surrounded by lush green farmland. As you walk into the Inn you constantly realize you are in a special place. The architecture is elegant and the rooms are spacious. Gail Nielsen-Pich, the proprietor, greeted us warmly. She made us feel right at home and invited us to tea and the goodies she makes available in the lounge later in the afternoon.

Our room was spacious with a huge bed and sitting area with a fireplace. The West wall was all windows and looks over the pastures to the mountains in the distance. We had a private deck with a beautiful view of the valley.

We spent the afternoon exploring the south end of Galiano and visited a number of beaches, took in the spectacular views from the Bluffs and then drove to Retreat Cove where we explored a fascinating sandstone cave etched into the sandstone shoreline. Gail recommended the Market Caf for lunch and it was excellent. If you visit the caf, be sure to check out the one-of-a-kind washroom. Then, it was back to Woodstone for tea and goodies. Back in our room we enjoyed a glass of Australian Charaz and relaxed soaking up the view of the valley.

Dinner was exquisite. Potato soup with truffle oil, cucumber salad, and beef tenderloin that was to-die-for. The meal was not complete until we tasted Gail\'s incredible bread pudding, undoubtedly the best bread pudding in the world. See you at breakfast!

Ron Kirstein is the owner of a Canadian Travel & Tourism Web site (since 1995). Ron has traveled the length and breadth of Vancouver Island BC Canada in search of adventures; see http://tourismmall.victoria.bc.ca/travelmagazine

Record Numbers Set To Travel This Holiday

Linknet Travel News Digest - December 21, 2005 - Travel may be
expensive this time of year, but the AAA is still predicting
this will be a record year for travel in the U.S.

The organization estimates that 63.5 million Americans will
journey 50 miles or more from home for either Christmas or New
Year's. This is up 1.7 percent from last year. Approximately 81
percent will travel by automobile.

Travel plans are aided this year by the calendar. With both
Christmas and New Year's Day falling on Sunday, that makes for
two long weekends, and for many people, an entire week of
holiday revelling.

==>Travel Websites Still Offering Deals

If you've waited till the last minute to make your winter or
holiday travel arrangements, there may still be deals to have --
in spite of the fact that most travel sites are usually pretty
pricey this time of year.

Rather than fly planes with empty seats, the major airlines will
usually turn these seats over to online ticket sellers. Because
you are dealing with relatively small numbers of empty seats,
the deals can disappear quickly. A deal you find in the morning
may not be around in the afternoon.

Some sites where you can find deals: http://Priceline.com, http://Cheaptickets.com, and http://Hotwire.com

Be prepared to act quickly, and take what you get. The real
cheap tickets often have a one or two day stay overs, and are
non-refundable.

==>Tips for Travelling with Children

Why not use some of that idle travel time to pack in some
learning activities for the kids. Here are some tips for parents
who want to engage their children in learning, creating, and
exploring.

1. Take a sketch pad along. Create a family memory book with
your children. Share family holiday memories and illustrate them
in the book..

2. Bring along some blank note paper or note cards, and help
your child create some original greeting cards. Illustrate them
with original drawings, and add short original verses.

3. Encourage reading during travel. Bring some of your
children's favorite books and encourage your children to read.
Discuss the topics before you leave and let the kids help choose
the topics.

4. Instead of videos or DVDs, why not buy a talking book
(recorded version of a classic) and play that while you travel.

==>Passports Required for Caribbean Destinations in New Year

The North Port Sun Herald reports that if you are travelling to
the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central or South America, you will need
a passport as of January 1, 2006.

The passport is not required by the destination countries. It is
required to get back into the U.S. These new measures have been
instituted in what is called the Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative, in order to strengthen border security. Plans also
call for passports required for travel to and from Mexico and
Canada by January 2007, although this policy is currently under
review.

Advice for the Theme Park Weary

When you just can\'t take another day at the theme parks on your
Orlando vacation consider these suggestions:

Book a Spa Treatment - What better way to soothe fragile nerves
and sore feet than a session at one of Orlando\'s resort spas. On
Disney property there\'s the Grand Floridian as well as the
Saratoga Springs Spa where one of their luxurious treatments are
a perfect addition to your vacation. Off property you can\'t do
any better than the ultra luxurious Ritz-Carlton Spa or the
Gaylord Palms Canyon Ranch Spa. Those staying at a Universal
Resort should consider an exotic Javanese treatment at the
Mandara Spa at Portofino Bay Hotel.

Relax At Your Resort\'s Pool - Orlando\'s resort pools are
justifiably renowned for their spectacular theming. Disney
offers some of the best, particularly Stormalong Bay at the
Yacht and Beach Club, a 3-acre mini waterpark, or the boulder
lined beauty at the Wilderness Lodge featuring waterfalls and
its very own geyser. Off property, the Hyatt Regency Grand
Cypress\' fantasyland pool is cooled by twelve waterfalls and at
the JW Marriott\'s \Lazy River\ you can float to your heart\'s
content. And at Universal Orlando\'s Hard Rock Hotel is the
coolest (and I don\'t just mean the water temperature) pool
around with an underwater sound system, sand beach, and poolside
cabanas.

Spend Time On Disney\'s Waterways - Disney has miles of lakes and
lagoons to explore. You\'ll find that most Disney resorts have a
marina where many types of watercraft are available for hire.
Sailboats, pontoon and canopy boats, Sea Raycers, even a 48-foot
yacht. Take your pick. Perhaps the biggest bang for your buck is
to be had at the Contemporary Resort where in addition to the
above you\'ll also find parasailing, waterskiing, tubing, and
wakeboarding on beautiful Bay Lake.

Cool Off at a Disney Waterpark - Disney has two wonderful
waterparks: Blizzard Beach, a perfect place for daredevils, and
Typhoon Lagoon where you\'ll find a whopper of a surf pool along
with tamer attractions. Spend your day hopping from one crazy
waterslide to another or just kick back and relax on a lounge
chair for the afternoon.

Shop Till You Drop in The Mall at Millenia - For one of
Orlando\'s best shopping experiences head to this fabulous new
mall just minutes from Universal Orlando. Here you\'ll find only
the best with stores such as Neiman Marcus, Gucci, Jimmy Choo,
Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany. But fair warning: this trip could
end up costing a pretty penny. Those with great taste but
thriftier intentions will love the Orlando Premium Outlets Mall
located just across I-4 from Downtown Disney where designer
outlet stores such as Hugo Boss, Armani, Escada, Ermenegildo
Zegna, and Burberry won\'t break the bank.

Head to Downtown Disney - For a change of pace there\'s Downtown
Disney. Here you\'ll find over 70 shops, restaurants, and
nightclubs plus a 24-screen theater, Disney Quest with five
floors of virtual games and adventures, even a Cirque du Soleil.
Adults will want to pick a great restaurant for dinner like
Wolfgang Puck or Portofino Yacht Club and then head to Pleasure
Island to party down until the wee hours of the morning.

Swim With a Dolphin - Perhaps the most unusual experience in
Orlando is Discovery Cove. Spend up close and personal time with
your very own dolphin friend, snorkel with tropical fish and
rays, even feed birds right out of your hand. Then relax on a
sandy beach with little or no crowds. Definitely a day to be
remembered.

Make the Rounds Resort Hopping - Spend a few hours ogling at
Disney\'s wonderfully themed resorts. And best of all, it doesn\'t
cost a thing. Board the monorail at the Ticket and
Transportation Center and hop off at each of the three Magic
Kingdom resorts. First the Polynesian, a tropical wonderland,
then the Grand Floridian, Disney\'s flagship resort, and lastly
the Contemporary where you\'ll enjoy the Grand Concourse with the
monorail silently gliding overhead. Out back you can catch a
boat to the Wilderness Lodge, Disney\'s most beautiful resort
modeled after an early 1900s national park lodge. Then catch a
boat to the Magic Kingdom and a ferry to the TTC where you
started. It\'s a grand circle that can\'t be beat.

Online Hotel Booking for London

London is one of the best tourist destinations in the world.
It's often remarked by visitors to the West End that there seems
to be a lack of churches in London: this is because they are
crammed into the City, far too many to serve today's atheistic
populace (Mammon is better served with banks - at the latest
survey fewer than one million believers attend church on a
regular basis in the whole of England) and some are relegated to
monuments or the private chapels of the guilds. A number of
excellent parks are there to visit for the travelers visiting
London in United Kingdom.

In virtually all areas, walking on the grass, picnicking and
ball games are permitted. However, some Royal Parks close at
night and are patrolled by Parks Police. Skating and bicycling
are prohibited in most areas of most parks, Regent's Park,
Holland Park, Coram's Fields, Battersea Park, Hampstead Heath,
Blackheath and Greenwich Park, It rolls southward onto
Blackheath, a table of green, sadly crossed by the main road to
Dover (it was once a favourite of highwaymen). Tube: Cutty Sark
(Docklands) Train to Greenwich or Blackheath from Charing Cross,
Waterloo or London Bridge)

It is said that the accommodation is always best in London UK.
Compare the price with other hotels in London. Offers 80%
discounted rates for London hotels. Book online & save money.
For any hotel booking in London My-London-hotels.com is the
right choice because this facilitates you to book hotel online
as per your choice and requirement & budget. Visit the site and
check out the hotels available with discounted prices.

Egypt resorts and attractions

If you make a decision to spend your vacation in Egypt, usually you have a choice of two sea resorts - Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh. They both are very popular, but Hurghada is situated in African continent while Sharm El Sheikh lies on Sinai peninsula.

About 30 years ago Hurghada was just a simple fishing village. But now, with it's a resort with crystal clear water, untouched reefs. It has become one of the best Egyptian tourist destinations. A significant part of its fame Hurghada gained as one of the best diving centres of the world. Like all oriental cities Hurghada make living out of trade, so if when you walk along the city, be ready to beat off the pressing offers of the sellers, deserving to make you buy their souvenirs. There are some more entertainments except shopping and diving in Hurghada. You can make a jeep trip to a desert, visit Bedouin's village there; you can see corals and some natural preserves. Hurghada is also has aqua-park. Fishing is one of the popular tourist's activities in Hurghada too. Today, Hurghada is known as a party town, particularly among Europeans. Locals and others will tell you that life begins at night in Hurghada, with the many, many clubs.

The best time to visit Hurghada is October-November. In winter there are strong winds and it becomes dark very early.

When you are in Hurghada don't miss the chance to see one of the most outstanding monuments of Egypt history - Luxor and the Valley of the King. Pharaoh's tombs and ancient temples are worth visiting.

Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the most accessible and developed tourist resort communities on the Sinai peninsula. All around are Bedouins, colorful tents, mountains and sea. Na'ama Beach is one of the center of the tourist activities. Located just north of Sharm, this area is developing into a resort town of its own. For those who like shopping, the Sharm El-Sheikh mall provides shops with both foreign and local products, including jewelry, leather goods, clothing, pottery and books. Nobody leaves Sharm el-Sheikh without several useless but very pleasant souvenirs. Like Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh is famous for diving too, but it has more diversity in corals.

Those, who choose Sharm el-Sheikh also has opportunity to watch the attraction of Sinai peninsula - The Monastery of St Catherine, Mount Sinai (or Mountain of Moses), Pharaoh's Island and Salah El Din Citadel, Nabq National Park, Ras Abu Galum National Park and so-called 'Coloured Canyon'.

The last but not the least of the Egypt must-sees is Cairo with its pyramids. From either Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh it will be a long trip, but you will never regret it!

When you going to Egypt, be aware that 3-star hotels in Egypt have nothing to do with 3-star hotels in Europe. So, it's better to choose 4 or 5 star hotel. Probably it saves you from many inconveniences. Often, the large hotels have zoos, playgrounds, discos, bars, a number of pools and even small theaters. So, may be you will to want to leave your hotel.

Anyway, a trip to Egypt promises to be exotic and interesting expierence.

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

For booking a hotel in any part of the world, please, go to www.hotelsrates.net

Big Savings on Gas While you Travel!

Gas prices are soaring! This has resulted in elevated travel expenses. If you travel by car, YOU have some control over the costs.



Here are some ways to save money on gas:



* Switch to synthetic motor oil. It reduces engine friction and may make your car a little less ravenous at the gas station. (There are brands available claiming 5%-20% increases in fuel economy.)



* Use the manufacturer\'s recommended grade of oil. Manufacturer specs are based on what is best for your specific vehicle.



* Buy gas with the recommended octane rating. Premium can actually be detrimental to many engines.



* Fill up during the coolest times of day. You get more gas in each gallon, because liquids expand in the heat. The pumps are measuring gallons, not weight.



* Make sure that the gas cap is tight after you fill up. Gas evaporates easily - you can lose an appreciable amount through an improperly seated cap.



* Check your tires before your holiday and inflate them to the manufacturer\'s recommendations. Underinflated tires create drag and increase gas consumption. Always carry a tire gauge in your glove compartment.



* Never drive on bald tires! Besides being unsafe, they also increase fuel consumption.



* Don\'t leave your engine idling for long periods of time. This includes pre-warming - one minute is all you need. Start off slowly, then use normal speeds after a couple of minutes.



* Don\'t continually start and stop your engine. Each start burns about the same amount of gas as one minute of idle time.



* Drive the speed limit on highways - speeding devours gas. Activate your cruise control whenever possible, and when cruise is not engaged remember the \'egg\' trick: drive like you have a raw egg between the floorboards and the gas pedal.



* Stop lights in cities are usually set to synchronize with the posted speed limit. Drive the speed limit and you are more likely to hit a long series of green lights. Stopping at red lights increases idle time and gas consumption.



* Drive in a way that entails minimal use of the brakes.



* Don\'t pack more than you need. The more weight you carry, the more gas you use.



* Decrease wind resistance. A car caked with mud, snow, or ice will cause drag and burn more gas than a sleek, clean vehicle.



* Don\'t use the air conditioner unless necessary. Vehicle air conditioners increase fuel consumption.



* Pamper your vehicle by ensuring that it goes in for regular tune-ups and maintenance. Slight adjustments can mean dramatic fuel savings. Ask the maintenance people to add fuel injector cleaner whenever the oil is changed.



* Some communities have websites that post fuel prices at local gas stations. Do your research before you leave to find out where the cheapest stations are. Use common sense: driving too far out of your way will gobble up more gas than you save. Try gasbuddy.com (USA and Canada) and your favorite search engines.



* If you own a gas guzzler, try trading with a relative or neighbor for a smaller vehicle while you vacation. (Make sure that insurance policies on both vehicles are in order first.)



* Use your feet! Once you get to your destination, walk whenever possible. Walking is how you really get to know an area.



Save money, save the environment - and have more cash to spend on your vacation!

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

Kathy Steinemann is a webmaster who writes for:

* 111 Travel Directory

* 1000+ Travel Tips

* Adult Escapes