Travel

Hawaii - Lonely Planet Travel Video

2009-11-23T20:04:00.000-08:00

Amsterdam - Lonely Planet Travel Video

2009-02-27T20:06:00.000-08:00

ZaZa Travel (feat. Buddha Bless)

2008-06-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

Eating Fresh, Healthy And Light In Nice

2008-01-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

Pay attention! During your stay in Nice, you’ll have to make serious efforts in order to manage eating as probably accustomed – unhealthy food and delicious artificial drinks. Well, Nice will assault you from all sides with fresh, light products, both healthy and pure. You will have to get used to that, too bad for your “modern” eating habits…

Nice is a small, pretty city that looks well after its visitors, serving them fresh salty breezes the Mediterranean way, French pebbled beaches, festivals with a carnival touch, and really interesting museums – such a corner of paradise should indeed offer special dishes.

Where light and fresh dishes are equally delicious

Therefore, don’t expect large chunks of beef or pork to drop on your plates. The food you will be served in Nice is good for both your health and for your taste buds, and the meat to be found on top might be either mutton, poultry or some small game. It’s the historical and geographical circumstances that have influenced the Nicoise cuisine, like the short intervals of heavy rain not suited for managing pasturelands or large vegetable gardens. As a consequence, the dishes that people around here are used to eat are more or less frugal and as they have done so for such a long time, their cuisine eventually developed a remarkable range of delicious nuances and tastes, always prepared in the same light, easy way. Well, it’s unlikely that you think of all that while enjoying a sandwich filled with a Provençal type of mixture, containing for example, fresh basil, goat cheese, olive oil (used by the Nicois for centuries instead of butter) and mesclun (a local salad mix); or, a Swiss chard tart, or a socca (made of chick-pea flour, water, olive oil and onions). Now that you have some recipes to consider, you should also know that, also due to the geo-culinary considerations mentioned above, the menus equally offer seafood and Italian pasta (the Italian cuisine is quite related to that of Nice).

Where wine is rosé and beer is fruity

Local drinks are the food equivalent in terms of their fine, light nature. Unlike most Nicoise dishes and the many wines you have sipped, the best wines in town are rose. If you are not used to them, you might get a funny feeling at first, but soon you’ll see that they make a wonderful match with the blue Mediterranean sky and with your Nicoise salad. Here’s a little advice: in restaurants, it’s not practical, as far as your budget is concerned, to order an entire bottle at your table – it’s better to order only a glass of wine or a half-pitcher (50 cl). However, if you really want a bottle of wine all for yourself, go to a small wine store and patiently discuss with the trader the merits of each make (note that you’d better not contradict him, nor doubt the superiority of French products). In case you’re not entirely committed to wine, you may always refresh with the help of a “bière pression Monaco”, a rather special beer with grenadine (the contrast of these two tastes is surprisingly delicious).

Dinner just like mother used to make

If you wish to find some good restaurants, it’s enough to go for a little walk on the streets of Old Nice. Of course, you could check out other parts of the city as well, but this corner has become over the years a classic host for the traditional Nicoise cuisine. Don’t worry about your budget having to suffer, even if we’re talking about restaurants in the famous Nice on the Riviera. Quite the opposite. For example, you may try “Chez Palmyre” on Straight Street (la Rue Droite). This may not be a luxury restaurant typically elegant or even a bit snobbish, but the local dishes served here are delicious and according to the traditional cuisine. The somewhat short menu doesn’t seem to offer much choice, but it changes from one day to another. Here is an example of a complete meal: vegetable soup with croutons, Nicoise salad, fish… now that you have an idea about it, you can see how simple and yet so delicious it all is. Servicing is nice and welcoming, and if the fine weather allows it, you may dine in the open (the restaurant’s interior is ok, but not quite dazzling) where the charming atmosphere of this old district will help with your digestion. “Chez Teresa”, in Cours Saleya (Flower Market), is yet another restaurant famous for its excellent traditional dishes, especially for its socca (served to you right from the oven).

Well, it does seem that Nice not only offers relaxation for your overworked body and for your lowered mood; Nice also offers your stomach a well-deserved holiday, away from fat-filled diets, junk food and other food dangers to which you expose yourself all year long. One thing’s for sure, at least your stomach will wish to come back to Nice as soon as possible.

Laurent Fabier is well known as a partner editor for http://www.nicehotelreservation.com His experience ranges from important contributions in written media to news or online travel magazines ( http://www.magvoyage.com )

Travel Essentials: Four items not to forget

2007-12-21T01:51:00.000-08:00

Whether you’re a busy business traveller heading off to yet another meeting, or a backpacker about to embark on a gap-year adventure, there are some vital items that no traveller should leave behind. The following will help make your trip much more pleasant, so don't forget to pack these essentials.

Ear Plugs
Travelling is an inherently tiring process often requiring early starts and late nights. Combine this with unfamiliar beds and noisy hotel guests, and you're going to need all the help you can get to fall asleep. Enter the ear plugs; these simple pieces of wax or foam can be a saviour for tired travellers, allowing you to block out the auditory world, and sink into a much needed deep and refreshing sleep. Ear plugs come in a surprising variety of shapes and sizes and can also range considerably in price. Start off with a cheaper foam pair and see how they perform; a recent review of ear plugs by Slate Magazine found that out of 8 different pairs, the ear plugs that cost 50p per pair turned out to be the most effective and comfortable.

Eye Mask
It's all very well cutting out the sounds, but what about light? Who hasn't switched off the light in the hotel bedroom, only to find that the flickering street lights outside deny you of your sleep? A good eye mask will allow you to block out annoying light pollution by night, and should also enable you to get some shut-eye during daylight hours.

Power Adapter
In this world of the mobile phone, laptop computer, PDA, Nintendo DS, and MP3 player, there's little reason to get bored whilst in transit. But one thing you will require to keep these devices alive is electricity; and remember, different countries have different plug sockets and different power outputs. To ensure you can plug into your destination's national grid, get a worldwide adaptor that will allow you to tap the supply from your host country, anywhere in the world.

Travel Bag
It's no good having all the essential items if you've got nowhere to put them, therefore make sure you've got a good, strong bag to put everything in. The type of bag will obviously vary depending on the type of traveller; backpackers favour, well… backpacks and business travellers tend to go for hard-shell wheelie cases. Both should also carry a travel make up bag for small loose items such as toothbrushes and toiletries.

If you remember to pack these four essential items, you'll have gone a little way to making your trip smoother and more comfortable. Happy travels!

Plan Your Affordable Travel Ahead

2007-11-09T02:06:00.000-08:00

We all wait with patient for those yearly travel events to come around. Well, maybe we don't wait so patiently, but the point is they don't come around too often. What most of us struggle for is a reasonable travel plan with all the perks of an outstanding vacation. It's true; we want to have our pie and eat it too. Days and long hours spent in a cubicle remind us of how much we truly deserve these breaks. Now, the trick is to wisely plan a wonderful, yet inexpensive go away in advance. Meaning as soon as you can. A year in advance is NOT too early. If you do plan ahead, you're much more likely to get the lodging of your choice and spend less time searching for things once you get there.

They say the early bird gets the worm. I believe this is totally true concerning vacations and travel getaways. It just makes sense to plan in advance so you can be sure you next vacation is enjoyed to the fullest. Take the hotel you're booking for example. This is quite possibly the most expensive aspect of your trip. Now, let’s back to the affordable travel plan. To book a great lodging, you should start early and resort to the web. Online you can see all hotels and motels, check findhotelall.com it’s a worldwide hotel directory, for availability in your destination area.

Check out the ones that seem most interesting and suitable for your family. Sort through room rates and be sure to see if they change at different parts of the year. Some may go way up. If you're able to find that ideal lodging, go ahead and book it in advance. This way you will definitely have a place to stay once you arrive. A second aspect of affordable travel to consider is transportation.

Whether you decide to fly, go by train, or drive is completely up to you, but I do recommend that you compare rates for all three. If gas prices are up, it may save you some dough to fly or take the train in. The train can actually be a fun adventure if you've never tried it before. And finally, you might consider mapping out your activities in advance. Find out where the hot spots and fantastic restaurants are before you head out. This can save you time and gas money.

Making "affordable travel" truly affordable is about prioritizing. You're most likely going on vacation to have fun. Not to shop! You can do that any time. Focus your vacation cash on more important things like a fine lodging, gourmet meals, and local activities. This will make it a vacation to remember.
Business owner of vacation rental worldwide directory www.holidayhomes.ca , Holiday Homes directly from the owner.

Wheelchair Lifts and Their Uses

2007-11-09T02:05:00.000-08:00

Wheelchair lifts are devices designed to provide those in wheelchairs, or people with problems with mobility, with a way of moving from one level in their homes to another. They are not traditional enclosed elevators. They are open and also lift wheelchairs into vans or cars for easy transport.

Wheelchair lifts may be used for various reasons. One reason could be that you may have just begun using a wheelchair and your home has a flight of stairs. Investing in a chair lift makes it easier for you to be independent. The fear of losing their independence is what bothers most people.

Another purpose solved by the wheelchair lift is to get in and out of a minivan or a car. Wheelchairs are heavy and traveling is no fun sitting in a wheelchair and these lifts erase all the unease about going out.

Basically they are used to transport wheelchairs from one location to another, from the bottom of the staircase to the top of the staircase, from the top of the staircase to the bottom, from the ground into a vehicle, or from any place where a wheelchair cannot move on its own. These lifts are extremely convenient because they alleviate the need of having the person in the wheelchair get out of their chair, and also the need to lift or carry a wheelchair into a vehicle or up the stairs.

Two technologies are used in the making of these lifts, hydraulic and electric.

Hydraulic lifts use fluid for operation and this ensures that no shock or jerks are felt with sudden stopping of the lifts. These are expensive and require more maintenance, but are very comfortable.

Electric lifts use electricity and most also have an emergency battery back-up system, in case of power outages. These are cheaper than hydraulic lifts and require less maintenance.

There are disabled lifts like portable inclined wheelchair lifts and vertical wheelchair lifts. An inclined lift goes up on an angle, from one floor to the next, whereas a vertical lift goes vertically from one floor to another, with the maximum vertical travel being 14 feet.

They also come in different features, materials, and mechanisms. They are helpful in several ways and give the confidence that life does not change with a disability.

Wheelchair lifts have to pass through high security measures and fulfill the safety standards before they enter the market. Before buying one, ensure you understand your requirements.
Read more about applications for wheelchair lifts and how your home can be fitted with a vertical lift by visiting www.usmedicalsupplies.com.

Javea Holidays – Real Spain And Holiday Resort In One Place

2007-11-09T02:03:00.000-08:00

Spain is a popular holiday destination for British tourists. Some of the resorts are very well-known such as Benidorm, but there are others that are equally good for a holiday. A few miles north of Benidorm lies the Costa Blanca holiday resort of Javea. The town lies in a large bay between the peninsulas of “La Nao” and “San Antoni” and is split into three areas, each with their own character and facilities.

The most popular area with holiday makers is the “Arenal” which is a beach set in a small bay within Javea bay. There are a couple of volleyball courts, palm trees, and enough shops, bars, and restaurants to ensure that you never need to leave the Arenal during your entire holiday in Javea if you don’t want to.

If you need something to eat or drink there is always something open around this beach. All through the day various bars and restaurants are open ranging from small coffee shops offering drinks, sandwiches and tapas (Spanish appetisers), to large restaurants offering full three-course meals, lunches, and cakes. The prices also vary offering something for every budget. A three course meal in Javea can cost anything from 7.99 Euros (£5.50 approx.) to 40 Euros (£28 approx.)

When evening falls the late bars and nightclubs begin to open, along with Javea’s famous craft stalls. The stalls attract people from all around the Northern Costa Blanca. Many of the items for sale are hand-made and not available in any of the local gift shops including, jewellery, clothing, ornaments, and accessories. Some of the stalls offer services such as hair-styling and personal caricatures.

This part of Javea is also where most of the holiday villas are with views over either the sea or the mountains and valleys around the town.

A short drive along the sea-front brings you to Javea Port. The road itself is only a few metres from the sea, and runs along the beach itself. There are a string of wooden beach bars spread along this road all the way to the port.

Javea port is the quiet holiday resort contrasting with the Arenal. The rocky sea-front is lined with bars, restaurants, and small intimate hotels. The port is overlooked by the cliffs of “San Antoni” and numerous luxury villas.

The port plays host to the Javea International Festival each year. This is usually a three day event and aims to bring together in one place people from all countries. During each evening there is music performed on the large outdoor stage. Each act represents each country taking part in the festival and ensures that the audience is treated to a night of constantly changing music and dancing.

For holiday makers that want to see what the real Spain is like, and not the Spain from the holiday brochures, a trip to the Old Town or “Pueblo” is a good idea. The old church and indoor market stand next to each other and are worth a visit, as well as exploring the narrow streets that criss-cross the town. Javea’s old town is also where the weekly market is held where you are sure to pick up a bargain or two.

If you enjoy beach holidays, but also want to experience some of the real Spain, then Javea can offer you the best of both worlds.
Chris Farrow has lived on Spain's Costa Blanca for 6 years and works on behalf of the property management and holiday villa rental companies www.totalcarespain.com and www.totalcarerentals.com

History of Paris France can be traced back to 250 BC

2007-11-09T02:01:00.000-08:00

France is a country that is steeped in history and wherever you turn, you can see the magnificent buildings and monuments that have been constructed throughout the centuries.

The first signs of civilisation around the Paris region of France date back to around the fourth millennium BC where dug out canoes have been found. And even as long ago at the time of 250 BC there was a fishing village along the River Seine in what we now know as Paris and because of the strategic position of the area for controlling river shipping, it was always under a different rule. The Romans took over after the revolt of 52 BC.

After Attila the Hun invaded the region in 451, it was thought that Paris was to be attacked, but according to legend Sainte Genevieve, who is still the patron saint of Paris today, saved it.

Clovis l commissioned the first cathedral and the first abbey, which was dedicated to Sainte Genevieve and he was buried in Paris on his death in 511, alongside St Genevieve.

It became under the rule of the Franks, but the city was neglected by the Empire and suffered grievously from Viking raiders who repeatedly sailed upriver to attack it. In 885 the city was faced with a massive Viking invasion force, believed to have numbered 700 ships and 30,000 men!

The Grand-nephew of Count Odo, was elected King of France in 987 and he again made Paris his capital and founded the Capetian dynasty, which still exists today.

It is as early as the 12th century that the distinctive character of the Paris districts started emerging and the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris was built in 1163 in the Ile de la Cite area of Paris, which was the centre of government and religious life.

Philippe Auguste became the king in 1180, and under his rule there were a number of major building works, which were carried out in Paris. He built a new city wall and began the construction of the Palais du Louvre, as well as paving streets and establishing a covered market at Les Halles.

Edward III of England claimed the French throne by virtue of his decent, but the French barons rejected this, and hence the Hundred Years war began and the history of Paris in the 14th century was dictated by outbreaks of plague, political violence and uprisings.

The English captured Paris in 1420, but Henry V of England died at the Chateau de Vincennes, just outside Paris city in 1422 and despite the assistance of Joan of Arc, Charles VII of France tried but failed to retake the city in 1429.

Of any Valois monarch, Francois I probably had the greatest impact on Paris, transforming the Louvre and establishing a glittering court including people such as Leonardo da Vinci.

King Henri IV made Paris his place of residence and he undertook a number of major public works in the city. This included construction of the Pont Neuf, Saint-Louis Hospital, Place des Vosges and Place Dauphine. He also made extensions to the Louvre.

Paris became the intellectual and cultural capital of the Western world during the latter half of the 18th century, as it became a centre of the enlightenment and new thinking, which was encouraged by the state, with King Louis's mistress, Madame de Pompadour, supporting the city's intellectuals and prompting the king to construct striking new monuments.

Paris became the capital of an empire and a great military power and in a ceremony held in the Notre-Dame Cathedral in May 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor.

Russian and Austrian armies invaded France in 1814 and on 31 March 1814, Paris fell to the Russians, which was the first time in around 400 years that the city had been conquered by a foreign power.

Paris was again retaken back by the French and this city continued to grow and expand with more famous monuments being built and just with this very brief history focusing on Paris, the History of France is fascinating and there are numerous sites that you can still marvel at the architecture from years gone by.
www.placesinfrance.com Martyn Davis European Traveller, Author and Business Development Manager For all your French holiday needs and travel guide to France, with tourist information, landmarks and attractions. www.placesinfrance.com/french_history.html">History of Paris France

The Eiffel Tower to be taken down in 20 years!

2007-11-09T01:58:00.000-08:00

The Eiffel Tower in Paris has become an icon for France and is known around the world for its daring and unusual structure.

This Paris landmark was named after its engineer designer Gustave Eiffel and was constructed between 1887 and 1889, and was built as the entrance arch for the Exposition Universelle, which was a World's Fair marking the centennial celebration of the French Revolution, with the Eiffel Tower being inaugurated on 31 March 1889, and opened on 6 May 1889.

With 200,000,000 people having visited the Eiffel Tower since its construction, it makes this monument the most visited paid monument per year and being the tallest monument in the world until 1930 and still the tallest in Paris, the Eiffel Tower has seen some major events over its time.

But when the Eiffel Tower was built, it was met with resistance, as the public felt it was an eyesore, even though the people of Paris today would not wish to be without it, as it is widely considered to be a striking piece of structural art!

People were also shocked at the daring shape, questioning Gustave Eiffel wondering if he really was a good engineer, but being that he and his engineers were renowned bridge builders, he came back with comments stating that it was based on mathematical calculations utilising wind resistance.

And including the 24m antenna, the Eiffel Tower is 324m high, weighs in at 7,300 tons and can sway 6 to 7cm in the wind and due to the thermal expansion of the metal on the side facing the sun, depending upon the ambient temperature, the top of the tower may shift away from the sun by up to 18cm.

Due to the fact the Gustave Eiffel was only given a permit for the Eiffel Tower to stand for 20 years, as it passed to the city, the Eiffel Tower was to be taken down in 20 years, but because it became valuable as a communications resource, it was allowed to remain in place even after the permit had expired.

And because the Eiffel Tower was originally meant to be a temporary structure, it now has to be repainted every 7 years, just to stop this famous monument from rusting!

There are three levels in all and the stairs begin at the south towers, but both the first and second levels are accessible by stairs and lifts. Yet the third level summit is only accessible by lift. On the first platform, the stairs continue up from the east tower.

Taking the steps is not for the feint hearted, as the actual count of stairs includes 9 steps to the ticket booth at the base of the Eiffel Tower, 328 steps to the first level, 340 steps to the second level, and 18 steps to the lift platform on the second level. And when exiting the lift at the third level, there are another 15 more steps to ascend to the upper observation platform. Whether you think this a good idea or not, the actual step count is printed periodically on the side of the stairs to give you an indication of your progress and there are a total of 710 steps!!!

At least you can always have dinner at the restaurant to catch your breath before going back down to the bottom, or if you are more energetic then you could go ice skating, which has been held at the Eiffel Tower every winter since 2004!

And although most people have the idea that the Eiffel Tower can be seen from almost anywhere in Paris, this is actually not the case and there are only a few of the taller buildings that can get a clear view of the tower.

Even if people hadn’t heard of the Eiffel Tower before, if they like James Bond movies, then they were sure to know of it after the 1985 movie A View to a Kill as James Bond chases May Day played by actress Grace Jones at the Eiffel Tower as she parachuted from the tower. The video of the movie's theme also included several scenes of the pop group Duran Duran staged on the tower as well.

On New Year's Eve of 2000 for the Millennium celebrations, the Eiffel Tower played a major role in Paris, as it had fireworks that exploded from the whole length of the tower in a spectacular display.

So if you haven’t ever had the opportunity to visit the Eiffel Tower, then it is well worth the effort, as the views over Paris as you are ascending is breath taking and a sight you will not forget.
www.placesinfrance.com Martyn Davis European Traveller, Author and Business Development Manager For all your French holiday needs and travel guide to France, with tourist information, landmarks and attractions. The Eiffel Tower Paris France

Amritsar Flight

2007-11-09T01:55:00.000-08:00

There are many reasons to find yourself an Amritsar flight; a cheap Amritsar flight can actually result in one of the finest vacations imaginable. In fact, many tourists, backpackers, and simple citizens do this every single day for many different reasons. By far the most important reason, and the one that is usually at the top of one’s list for finding an Amritsar flight is religion. Home to important artifacts and sites for the Hindu Religion, as well as home to what is the actual heart and soul of the Sikh Religion, an Amritsar flight takes you right to the center of what is most important to two of the major religions in India, and the world.

Amritsar is located in Punjab, India. There is a swiftly growing population, reported last to be over 1,500,000 in the city, and over 3,695,077 in the entire area – it is a region that draws thousands of tourists every year. In the northwest part of India, Amritsar is located close to Pakistan - in fact, it is only 51 kilometers from Lahore, Pakistan. The name of the town comes from Amrit-Sarovar, and means “the Pool of the Nectar of Immortality”.

Although there are other reasons for finding an Amritsar flight - including exploration of the many tourist attractions, the general culture of India, or the many handicrafts and fairs by which to find them, the main reason to come to Amritsar remains religion.

The majority of the people who can be found on an Amritsar flight include Indian citizens who have perhaps migrated to the UK in recent years. Usually they are going back to Amritsar for a number of reasons. They may wish to visit their relatives, and they may be curious as to how the old city is faring. Often, second generation Indian immigrants visit Amritsar to explore their heritage and to meet their ancestors.

However, whether they are citizens of India, recent migrants to the UK, or people of any other ethnicity in the world, most of the visitors to Amritsar are there for religious or spiritual reasons. The area is quite important in both the Sikh Religion and the Hindu Religion.

When it comes to the Hindu Religion, there are several main important areas that tourists and citizens alike will flock to after their Amritsar flight. These include the Durgiana Mandir, which is one of the most important sites in Hindu. You can also visit Sage Valmiki’s Ashram Named as Ram Tirath. This is another important site where you can learn a lot about Hindu, and it is also a very sacred site as well. Other important Hindu sites include Mata Lal Devi Madir, and the Ram Tirath. Also, the Shivala Bhaian Temple, as well as the Maha Kali Mandir, near the Escorts hospital. The Gopal Mandir is also very popular among Hindu tourists and worshippers alike.

The Sikh Religion is also an important reason that many people find and take an Amritsar flight. The Golden Temple, which is called the Harmandir Sahib is one of the most famous Sihk Religious buildings in the entire world - in fact, it is considered to be the heart of the entire Sikh Religion. It is because of this building that many Sikh followers seek out a flight.

There are other places in the city that are important to the Sikh religion, and also why some might seek out an Amritsar flight. These include the Gurdwara Manji Sahib Devan Asthan, which is very famous and important in the religion. It is not the only area, of course. The Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, in Tarn Taran is located twenty-five kilometers south of Amritsar and is a very important religious marker for the Sikh religion.

Other religious points of interest include the Akal Takht, and the Guru da Bagh, as well as the Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib. These are all-important facets in the Sikh Religion and should always be treated as such.

Because of the number of religions areas and sites that one can see on an Amritsar flight, is important that you know as a traveler there are going to be certain things that you should and shouldn’t do. Many religious sites in Amritsar and the surrounding region are open to the public, which means that followers of the Sikh and Hindu religions, as well as non-followers, can visit them. Many tourists and backpackers choose to take a flight to Amritsar to learn about these two important religions. However, if you are not a member of the religions, it is a good idea to know a little something about them before you take your Amritsar flight. While most of the areas are open and welcoming, there are several that you should not enter, and there are several things that you should be careful of when you are visiting these areas.

For Cheap flights to Indian Tel: 08700 490002 or +44 (0)1780 484824 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm or Sat - Sun 10am - 4pm or visit www.jigsawconferences.co.uk/travel/india/cheap-flights-to-india.aspx or for general travel enquiries visit www.jigsawconferences.co.uk/travel Our staff are multilingual and very friendly with many years of experience.

Bermuda, Travel, Vacation And Relax, No Pollen

2007-11-09T01:53:00.000-08:00

Bermuda has a remarkably mild climate that seldom sees extremes of either hot or cold. During the winter months (December through March), temperatures average 70F. The hottest part of the year is between May and mid-October, when temperatures range from 75F to 85F. The summer months are somewhat drier, although rainfall is spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Bermuda's climate is relatively favourable to hay fever sufferers. Ragweed is non-existent, and pollens of other weeds are quickly blown out to sea.

Bermuda is lush and alive with natural splendour. You'll find the Island is vibrant with over 4,500 marine organisms, 1,100 insects and spiders, 750 different types of fungi, 1,000 varieties of plant life, 350 bird species, and 650 species of fishes. Meander through aromatic gardens, explore fascinating caves, and swim with fishes of all colours, shapes and sizes, and you'll discover why Bermuda is a celebration of fauna and flora that will delight your senses. To get back to nature, go to Bermuda.

Bermuda was born of a turbulent marriage between the fiery lava of volcanic eruptions and the tempestuous waters of the North Atlantic more than 100 million years ago. Over eons the ocean's currents and prevailing winds sculpted the pyrogenic rock and covered it with layers of limestone. Migrating birds carried seminal elements from North America and the Caribbean. And on the 26-mile long archipelago, they fertilised the soil with the seeds and spores that would blossom and flourish on this island paradise. The animal population arrived here with great determination and a little luck. There are no land bridges to Bermuda, and no convenient chain of islands, so only animals that were able to fly, swim, or drift along on some form of flotsam were able to make a home here. Finally, the finishing touches were added by human seafarers who planted shrubs and flowering trees.

Bermuda is famous for its hospitality and its beautiful environment, but while your trip to Bermuda may only take you a couple of hours, it is quite difficult to reach for migrating animals. There are no land bridges or island chains leading from the distant mainland over 600 miles away. Only those animals with the ability to fly, swim, or hitch rides on floating rafts of vegetation have been able to land on shore and make themselves at home. Of course, some of our non-native species arrived in an easier fashion they were brought over on ships long ago and introduced by well-intentioned, but perhaps short-sighted people. So, because of Bermuda's location far out in the Atlantic Ocean, there are no endemic mammals on this beautiful Island. As you explore, you will not see the familiar squirrels or raccoons, but rather, a fine assortment of amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Experience Bermuda's wild side explore their land and sea and you'll be certain to discover a rich community of animal life that will inspire you to return there year after year. Just like the birds.
Robert Barner is a writer, loves to travel and make money. Extremely disenchanted with the travel industry as a whole, a free newsletter was started, travelvacationandgrowrich.com. This newsletter gives the traveler tips and secrets for traveling wholesale rather than retail. Shows how to get a commission check every time they travel and then get a tax write off when they travel! For more info: www.travelvacationandgrowrich.com

Travel Tips – Packing Your Bags!

2007-11-09T01:52:00.000-08:00

A vacation is supposed to be a way to have fun – not an army training experience where you lug a heavy pack for miles and end up sore and tired. It can be difficult to decide what, and how, to pack. Hopefully this guide will help you decide what is important, and what to leave at home. Planning in advance can help you remember the useful things, and stop the panic that happens when you forget the essentials.

One of the most basic travel packing tips is to make a list – it may seem silly or pointless, but seriously, it's so much easier to just tick off items as you put them in the suitcase. Trying to remember everything will just lead to you either forgetting something, or packing something twice.

Selecting Luggage

Picking the right suitcase, or suitcases, will make your journey much easier too. If you want to use a carry-on, check with the airline to make sure your suitcase is the right size – finding out at the last minute that you need to go all the way back to check in because your bag is too big can be quite frustrating.

When selecting a suitcase, look for one that has a sturdy, pull out handle, and wheels that are made of a durable material. Be wary of ones with small handles that are attached directly to the material of the case, as these can often tear or come loose.

If you need to pack expensive evening wear, or garments that wrinkle easily, some people find that putting them in a garment bag first, then loosely laying it in the suitcase – without making any hard folds, can help it survive the journey intact. If you have to cram your suitcase full of clothing, then you may have to make use of an iron at the hotel.

Packing Your Suitcase

Many people find that rolling clothing, instead of folding it, can prevent wrinkles, and also makes the clothes take up less space in the suitcase.

If you are going on a long holiday, then you may find that it is better to pack a wardrobe based around one or two colors, so that you can mix and match items to make your wardrobe last longer. Colours such as black, navy and khaki make a good base choice as they 'go with everything.

Make sure that you take your medication, travel documents, and other essential items in your carry-on luggage. You may need a note from your doctor if you wish to bring liquid medication on board.

If you are stuck for ideas on what to pack, there are lots of web sites that offer tips and advice – you can even download pre-done packing lists and just tweak them to your own liking.

However you do it, just remember that a little preparation before you leave will go a long way towards making your trip more enjoyable.
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Black Boaters Summit 2007 Promo

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The Ancient Quarter of Hanoi

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Hanoi and Hoi An are perhaps the only two urban centers of Vietnam where an ancient quarter is still preserved. Due to the impact of climatic conditions, the construction materials and wars, the present physiognomy of the ancient quarter only dated back to the end of the 19th century. But according to various historical sources, this area was the core of Thang Long, the capital, since its establishment in the 11th century. This means that this area has existed for nearly one thousand years.

The ancient quarter has the form of an isosceles triangle the top of which is Hang Than Street, the Eastern side is the Red river dyke, and the Western side is hang Cot, Hang Dieu and Hang Da Street, while the base is formed by hang bong, Hang Gai, Cau Go Streets. Prior to the arrival of the French, the ancient quarter had this common feature: criss-crossing streets like on a chess board, most of the streets bearing the name of the products made or traded there. Sugar Street, Silver Street, Bamboo Basket Street etc. "Tube-house" line both sides of the streets: They are long, narrow shop houses which sometimes and on another street; the front room is a shop for selling or producing goods, behind it is an open -air inner courtyard which provides light and ventilation and which is also used for raising decorative fish or ornamental plants and supplementary area. Most are none-storey house, with up-turned roofs covered with small red tiles, the two walls surpassing in height the roof to be built in the shape of steps and the edge of roof being two strange pillars. Some houses have second storey but it is usually low, and seldom does be very small, because the population was forbidden, under the feudal regime, to look at the face of the Emperor, particularly from above, when he was passing.

These days, the Ancient Quarter becomes "must see" destination for every tourist visiting Hanoi - The Capital of Vietnam.
For more information about Hanoi and it's features, visit Vietnam Travel - A complete Guide for your travel in Vietnam.

Luxurious South Africa

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There are sunsets and then there are sunsets. But in my mind not much can beat lounging high up on a secluded deck overlooking the African bush, enjoying a sumptuous picnic dinner and local wines, as you watch the sun set beyond the wandering herds on the savannah.

Spend a luxurious night up there and you’ll enjoy the sunrise too, looking out over the huge swathe of land that is the magnificent country of South Africa. Washed by the Atlantic and Indian oceans, South Africa is truly a paradise of natural history and so much more.

Whether camping out in the wilds is your thing or you’d rather enjoy the ultimate luxury while experiencing your African safari, the Kruger National Park has it all. The park has a selection of luxury private lodges where you won’t only be spoiled by excellent game viewing, but also by superb cuisine, world-class service and choice South African wines, and even pampering massages, and reflexology.

A luxury Kruger safari doesn't come cheap, but it's worth every penny. The last thing you’ll be thinking about is money as you swim in the cool water of the pool or relax after a game drive in your lavish tent that’s a thousand miles from your memories of family camping trips as a kid.

All this and wildlife too! In the south of the park, towards the Sabie and Crocodile rivers you can hope to see the best of African flora and fauna such as the Big Five – herds of Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, and Buffalo wallowing in the refreshing water – as well as cheetah and many others. Meanwhile the northern part of the park is often referred as the birding paradise.

After a safari there’s nothing like getting back to civilization, and the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town is the ideal spot. Filled with a wonderful selection of restaurants and an incredible array of local museums and galleries, there’s plenty to do even when the rains hit the city.

No trip to Cape Town would be complete without a visit to its most famous landmark, Table Mountain. The cable car to the top is great fun and offers stunning views of the city, but nothing beats hiking the three kilometer trail uphill to the top of this dramatic sandstone plateau that dominates the metropolitan skyline with its distinctive shape that inspired many a myth and legend. The downhill’s a lot easier if you catch the last cable car back!

Having reached the end of the African continent, it would be wrong not to go all the way down to the Cape of Good Hope. Wander among the unique flora and fauna of the world-famous nature reserve, smile at the goofy penguin colony at Boulders, and look out to where oceans meet. Getting in the water can be a little hairy, but a cage dive allows you to get up close and personal to the great white in their own environment without ending up shark food.

Another good thing about Cape Town is that it’s just a stone’s throw from South Africa’s world-famous Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Drive three
quarters of an hour northeast to some of the most majestic scenery in the country where you can check out art galleries, stay at winery lodges and blend olive oil amid the vineyard scattered hills and mountains.

Heading out along the southern coast on a tour of the famous Garden Route will have you winding your way up a narrow stretch of South Africa’s eastern coast, pressed against the Indian Ocean by a protective line of rugged purple hued granite and sandstone mountains – the Langeberge (long mountains) and the Outeniqua Mountains. And even if your navigation skills leave something to be desired, the Garden route is foolproof so there’s little chance of getting lost along the way from Mossel Bay to Port Elizabeth, leaving you plenty of chance to enjoy the ever changing colours of the imposing mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards and orchards, as well as the multitude of attractions.

A week exploring the Garden Route at a leisurely pace offers an unforgettable adventure. In season (July to December), you can simply sit on a bench and watch whales frolic from one of the most spectacular vantage points in the world at Walker Bay, then head off to be mesmerized by beautiful beaches and pristine forests, visit the Cango Caves and ogle the ostriches.

With all the diversity South Africa has to offer travelers, it’s been aptly nicknamed the Rainbow Nation. Its spectacular and varied land and its friendly people never fail to captivate those who venture this far south.
Lindsay Carswell is a passionate adventurer and explorer. Having lived on three continents she has currently settled in the world’s original cultural melting pot, New York City, where she works as a television producer and freelance writer. Luxury South Africa Safaris

Finding Accommodations in Cape Town

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Western Cape Accommodation is the premier source for finding the perfect place to stay during your exotic South African vacation. The company offers a wide range of accommodations including self-catering apartments that are already furnished, cottages, guest houses, hotels, bed and breakfasts, luxury hotels, nature reserves and game lodges. Western Cape Accommodation is also a great resource for booking the activities you want to participate in during your stay.

All of this service’s accommodations have been officially approved and meet the standards of the South African Tourism Board as well as the standards of accreditation of the Local Tourism Organizations. It is extremely important to Western Cape Accommodation’s staff that your South African vacation be a memorable one, so allow them to help you to book your adventure trips as well!

Some of the more popular attractions include different vineyards, nature reserves, and other centers. The MTN ScienCentre is located at the Canal Walk Shopping Walk and offers tons of fun for everyone. Over 300 science and technology displays will wow you and your family as you stroll through the center.

If you’re a wine buff, you’ll love the Alluvia Wine Estate. It’s located in the heart of the Cape Winelands and offer five star accommodations. You can take private lessons on the PGA golf course or go on invigorating hikes. Another good place to check out is Knorhoek Wines. You’ll be seduced by the rock pool and outdoor lapa. Knorhoek Wines is a popular place for weddings and other functions as well.

While in South Africa, you absolutely must visit a nature reserve or two. The Limietberg Nature Reserve stretches from Wolsey to Villiersdorp and is surrounding by beautiful mountain scenery. If you’re into archaeology, then you’ll want to stop by the Outeniqua Nature Reserve in order to view the rock paintings of the Khoisan tribe.

Whether you’re a nature lover, wine drinker, or adventurer, Western Cape Accommodation can book the ideal and ultimate vacation for you and your loved ones. Why wait for the perfect South African vacation?
Western Cape Accommodation is the premier tool for booking your ultimate South African vacation.