Vacation in Madrid, Spain – The Capital of Art and Culture

This is certainly an excellent idea, and if you are considering spending a week or two here, then there is certainly more than enough to keep you entertained, from the lavish artwork and galleries throughout the city

A vacation in Madrid allows you tom enjoy all that is Spanish.  Madrid is the epitome of art, culture and fine cuisine, but all too often, it can be impossible to fully appreciate what this magnificent city has to offer. Indeed, a visit to Madrid can often feel but a scratch on t
e surface, and for this reason, more and more people are dedicating an entire vacation to this city in order to  appreciate fully everything that it has to offer.

This is certainly an excellent idea, and if you are considering spending a week or two here, then there is certainly more than enough to keep you entertained, from the lavish artwork and galleries throughout the city, the ancient buildings, temples and other icons of history which have survived as a testament to their builders, and of course the Spanish way of life is easily recognized here, and you can enjoy watching life pass you by in its energetic, colorful way, whilst you enjoy a cool drink outside a street cafe.

Whilst walking through the city can be thoroughly enjoyable, and provides an excellent way of seeing many of the sights at close quarters, the best possible way to enjoy this city is to have your own, experienced driver. Being chauffeured through the streets of Madrid will ensure that your time is well spent.

You will be able to see more of the many beautiful, and well known squares, or plazas, such as the Plaza de Espana, the Plaza Mayor Puerto del Sol and also of course the many famous streets and avenues, such as Castellana and the Gran Via as well. Walking these streets during your vacation in Madrid would be time consuming, and tiring in the Spanish heat, so having a driver will make a big difference if you are able to take advantage of such a luxury.

One of the most striking aspects of Madrid is its art; indeed, the city is considered to be one of the most important cultural destinations for art galleries and art related museums, and it is quite possible to spend several days simply browsing the vast range of artistic culture. If you have a guide, he or she will be able to direct you to those galleries and museums which feature art from eras which most interest you, in order to make best use of your holiday time. However, the three of the best art museums can be found in the famous Golden Triangle of Art, in the vicinity of Paseo del Prado.

These three main museums include the world famous Prado Museum, and it is here that you will be able to come face to face with Diego Velแzquez's Las Meninas, as well as witness first hand Francisco de Goya's La maja vestida and also his La maja desnuda. Pablo Picasso is also represented, naturally, and you can find his recently returned Guernica hanging in the Reina Sofia Museum.

As well as art and culture, Spain, and in particular the area around the outskirts of Madrid is well known for something else: excellent wine. No vacation in Madrid is complete without a visit to the vineyards of La Mancha, home of Don Quixote. If the rain in Spain allegedly falls mainly on the plain, the plains in this case might well refer to the La Mancha, a vast arid, fertile area in which a large variety of crops, including barley, wheat, grapes and cereals are grown. It is the expansive cereal crops which have given rise to the large number of windmills noted here, but the extensive vines are used to cultivate and produce a large number of excellent wines.

If you really want a holiday to remember, and want to taste all that Madrid has to offer, then it is easy to argue that Spanish culture includes its generations-old wine growing tradition, and the best way to appreciate this is to book a visit to a winery. As an example, this opportunity is available as an exclusive tour provided through a limited number of agents, and it is worth finding one to enjoy the hospitality offered by such wineries as the Bodegas Osborne Malpica. Your personal tastes are almost certainly likely to be catered for, with a wide range of different local wines produced using grapes such as the robust Tempranillo, more famous for the Riojas of the North, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah.

After soaking up the art and culture of Madrid, washed down with not a few glasses of the local vineyard's finest, you may decide to freshen up by visiting the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain region very close by. Here are breathtaking views, enchanting hiking opportunities and a whole range of exhilarating mountain sports; you don't even need to be a climber, with a dedicated mountain railway escorting you all the way up.

There really is much more to see and do in Madrid, that a holiday in Spain couldn't possibly give you enough time to appreciate the art, culture, history and unique flavor of this city. If you're considering a visit , be like the grapes on the vine – and spend time soaking up as much as you possibly can – it's well worth the time.  It is very easy to spend two weeks on a vacation in Madrid and still wish you had time for more. 

About the author

If you are seeking a luxury Madrid Spain vacation, you can't beat the personal service offered by Ultitude with top class accommodation, food and travel. Ultitude provides you with a luxury travel experience for a fabulous Madrid Spain vacation.

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Where to Enjoy Northern Lights Tours

The Northern Lights tours are very exciting. You could plan a Northern Lights vacation and spend your time enjoying the fantastic views that are abundant at this time. Many people travel to areas of the world that have spectacular views of the Northern Lights for their vacations. Tours are available to provide you with the best possible advantage points for viewing this incredible show in the sky.

Northern Lights Vacations

 

You can make some travel arrangements to Scandinavia, Greenland, Alaska
or Canada to see the beautiful Northern Lights. Tour guides in these areas will take you to some of the remote places away from the lights of the city so you have no distractions. Norway is another popular place to see the lights because of the mild winters. You can sit for hours and enjoy the phenomenon that happens a few times a month in Norway, and every other night in Finnmark if the sky is clear. You can schedule a vacation during the time when this spectacular event will be displaying its brightness.

 

If you travel to Norway for the Northern Lights vacation special, you can see the lights between September and April. The lights happen all the time, but they are the brightest during the winter months when the skies are black. The best view is when the sky is clear and dark, which is why most people take the Northern Lights tour which is planned at specific times that are best for viewing.

 

Make Time to See the Northern Lights

 

Everyone should make some time and travel arrangements to see the Northern Lights at least once in their lives. Vacation packages for a few days can be worth the money if you can see such a beautiful display of nature. There is nothing more exciting that seeing this incredible phenomenon in the sky. Although Norway is the best place to see the event, you can see them in other areas, but if you want to enjoy the full beauty of the lights, you will enjoy the sights from the northern part of the country. 

 

Not only can you see the , and  that make you want to see them more.

About the author

The auroras (also known as the northern lights) are one of the wonders of science. Let northernlightsguide.com provide you with great information on this spectacle.

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Where to Enjoy Northern Lights Tours

The Northern Lights tours are very exciting. You could plan a Northern Lights vacation and spend your time enjoying the fantastic views that are abundant at this time. Many people travel to areas of the world that have spectacular views of the Northern Lights for their vacations. Tours are available to provide you with the best possible advantage points for viewing this incredible show in the sky.

Northern Lights Vacations

 

You can make some travel arrangements to Scandinavia, Greenland, Alaska
or Canada to see the beautiful Northern Lights. Tour guides in these areas will take you to some of the remote places away from the lights of the city so you have no distractions. Norway is another popular place to see the lights because of the mild winters. You can sit for hours and enjoy the phenomenon that happens a few times a month in Norway, and every other night in Finnmark if the sky is clear. You can schedule a vacation during the time when this spectacular event will be displaying its brightness.

 

If you travel to Norway for the Northern Lights vacation special, you can see the lights between September and April. The lights happen all the time, but they are the brightest during the winter months when the skies are black. The best view is when the sky is clear and dark, which is why most people take the Northern Lights tour which is planned at specific times that are best for viewing.

 

Make Time to See the Northern Lights

 

Everyone should make some time and travel arrangements to see the Northern Lights at least once in their lives. Vacation packages for a few days can be worth the money if you can see such a beautiful display of nature. There is nothing more exciting that seeing this incredible phenomenon in the sky. Although Norway is the best place to see the event, you can see them in other areas, but if you want to enjoy the full beauty of the lights, you will enjoy the sights from the northern part of the country. 

 

Not only can you see the , and  that make you want to see them more.

About the author

The auroras (also known as the northern lights) are one of the wonders of science. Let northernlightsguide.com provide you with great information on this spectacle.

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Check travel advice before you leave

Not many people will have been aware that, up until the end of February, Madagascar was the only country in the world, apart from Somalia, that the Foreign Office were advising Britions not to travel to, giving it a higher risk factor than Afghanistan, Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although Madagascar is not on most tourist routes, the recent political turmoil on the Island does show that, whilst most holiday destinations are generally strife free, it still pays to check out where you are going befor
you travel.

The best place to do this is by checking with the Foreign Office which has up to date advice on all countries and to log on to www.fco.gov.uk/travel is a wise precaution, particularly if you plan to travel to parts of the world off the beaten track. Should you become caught up in what is neatly termed, civil commotion or civil unrest, you need to be aware that most , be wise and avoid those areas where a heightened tension exists.

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Spring Break A Family Affair on the Alabama Gulf Coast

Spring break can speed by, but with some planning and coordination, a family can pack in something for everyone and still come away feeling like each person has done that little something special he or she was looking forward to by visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast. No matter the range of ages or interests involved, there is something available to suit every need.

If you gathered the family and asked each member to list the attractions each would like to find at the perfect spring break vacation destination, what would that lis
include?

Would there be recreation activities such as fishing, boating, golfing, tennis, water skiing and swimming? Would there be nature activities such as hikes, walks and visits to parks or zoos? Would there be science and history activities such as trips to museums or forts?

Would there be thrill-seeking activities such as parasailing or hitting the amusement or water park?  How about shopping? Dining? Sleeping in? Staying up late? Family time? Alone time for mom and dad? 

There is one destination that promises -- and delivers -- all this and more. It's the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Spring break is almost here, and with just a little homework, a family of any size and combination of ages and interests can pack a whole lot of fun into those brief few days.

But where, oh where, to begin? The aforementioned list-making exercise is not a bad way to start. Find out what each person hopes to do while visiting the area, and that will give you a running start at either packing in the most activities you can or spreading out the fun so that everyone comes home refreshed and not exhausted.

Another consideration is reservations. Once you have booked accommodations, you also need to find out if any of your planned activities have to be scheduled in advance. If, for instance, you want to go deep-sea fishing, you will need to charter your trip ahead of time. While many local attractions are designed for walk-up traffic, many also offer special tours or events for those who call ahead. Guided walks or special encounters with zoo residents are just a couple of examples.

Planning ahead also allows for finding out if summer-season venues have opened for spring-break crowds. Although the Alabama Gulf Coast is a year-round destination, a minuscule number of venues open only for the summer. Check ahead so your schedule can flow smoothly.

Now that you have an idea of what is on each person's agenda and what is available to fill those wishes, it's time to start planning logistics. After all, you don't want to try to pack in a day's fun only to find out your events are on opposite ends of the coast. The less time spent getting around, the more time spent having fun.

Speaking of having fun, some of the sites that families might want to consider include historic Fort Morgan, which played a role in at least four wars; Gulf State Park, home to freshwater lakes, camping facilities and hiking trails; the Gulf Shores Zoo, also known as "The Little Zoo That Could" for its efforts to keep its residents safe during hurricanes; or The Wharf, with its movie theaters, restaurants, shops and giant Ferris wheel.

Be sure to pencil in plenty of stops for refreshment, because you will want to sample all the delights the local culinary scene has to offer. Fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood is available year-round.

Of course, no one wants to skimp on time at the main attraction: The sparkling white sands and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether your group is of the "early-to-rise" persuasion or considers sunset the start of the action, the Alabama Gulf Coast is ready for one and all. From break-of-day walks to set the pace for activity to late-night strolls for lovers, the sparkling sands and breaking surf are a perfect setting for a getaway.

With just a little planning, and a bit of cooperation, spring break at the Alabama Gulf Coast can be the perfect mix of sun and fun, family and freedom, refreshment and rejuvenation. And while the week whips by at break-neck speed, there is one bright spot: Summer is just weeks away.

To find out more about what the Alabama Gulf Coast has to offer , visit http://www.thebeachiscalling.org/. Check out the Travel Tools drop-down menu for guides to help in planning your visit.

About the author

 

Carol Weaver is a local writer who is looking forward to welcoming family and friends for their annual spring-break visits.

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Kanha National Park in India

An article on Kanha and its fabulous wildlife...

Kanha is situated in the State Madhya Pradesh and it was created in 1955. Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh. It is a National Park cum tiger reserve extends over an area of over 1,940-sq-kms. Many in species in danger of extinction have been saved here. It's  picturesque setting was an inspiration to Rudyard Kipling who based his famous novel Jungle Book here.

The park has extensive grasslands and is well-known
for multiplicity of flora and fauna. Rigorous conservation efforts saving the Park's wildlife, makes Kanha the most well maintained National Park in India.

A magnificent place inside the Park is Bamni Dadar, popularly known as Sunset Point. The place offers most awe-inspiring forest environment. At Kanha one can easily see Sambar and Gaur in wild abundance. It is and amazing natural world and bird habitat. Everyday sighting of Tigers wandering in the wild at Kanha make it a very popular tourist destination as well. This Tiger realm is an ideal habitat for the both predator and prey. Kanha is famous for , and fly catchers.

There is a museum at Kanha illustrating wildlife and activity of the park and tribal culture. There are luxury hotels in Kanha for more affordable stay one can book a budget resort which are in plenty. Kanha accommodation is full duringpeak safari season.

Best time to visit is in winters which at times are pleasant with an average maximum and minimum temperature. The park is closed from July to August during the monsoon rains. 

About the author

Uday writes on Kanha National Park often as he is a naturalist in the park. He writes about the Kanha hotels and the wildlife lodges around the park. He takes number of tourists on the park visit every year. He is fond of tigers and other wild animals who he loves watching. Uday publishes wildlife articles on the Internet.

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Stunning Contrasts Of Western Australia

There are so many luxury tours and five star hotels and resorts in Western Australia you could spend a lifetime here! From secluded, unspoilt beaches to the night life in Perth, from the wineries of the Margaret River region to the wilderness of the Kimberley's, you will find something to fascinate you. Why not take a few combined tours to really get to know this rugged region of Australia.

Stay a few days in Perth, in one of the many fabulous five star hotels. Enjoy some champagne while you take in a sunset over the In
ian Ocean. Spend some time soaking up the night life, visit the art galleries and enjoy some live entertainment over a delicious a la carte dinner.

You could also stay at Cape Lodge, a small boutique five star hotel, in the Margaret River district. Set around two lakes and located around its own vineyard, your privacy is guaranteed. It was voted in the top 100 hotels in the world in 2005. Go canoeing, play tennis or have a massage. Take a luxury picnic with you from the fine dining restaurant and enjoy the local area or treat yourself to lunch at one of the many wineries.

For the lovers of great rail journeys, book a tour on the Western Spirit. This luxury train travel takes you on a tour from Perth to Adelaide. With a night spent at a 5 star hotel in Kalgoorlie, you will visit the Super Pit, taking in a tour of the mine and the minerals gallery. While on-board, be treated to poetry recitals and enjoy Aussie Bush Tales while crossing the vast Nullarbor Plain.

From Adelaide join the combined train/boat luxury tour, 'The Ghan and Kimberley's'. Travel north through Alice Springs and visiting Uluru. Spend two nights in Darwin before boarding the Oceanic Discoverer where you spend ten delicious nights soaking up the atmosphere of this unique wilderness. Sail through Buccaneer Archipelago with its hundreds of wild islands and see the horizontal waterfalls at Talbot Bay as the large tide recedes.

Another great luxury travel package is 'Cable Beach and Kimberley'. With four nights at the Cable Beach Club Resort, there is plenty to do in this fun packed luxury tour. Broome is the hub of the pearling industry and there are exquisite beaches to explore and adventure activities such as parasailing and tandem free falling skydiving. Pay a visit to historic Chinatown and grab a bargain at the markets on Sunday. Included is a sea plane tour to the north, including the horizontal waterfalls at Talbot Bay.

When in the Kimberley's, there is luxury accommodation waiting for you at Voyagers El Questro. Set amid one million acres of some of the most spectacular wilderness in the world, you will enjoy dining in style at any of the fabulous cliffs or waterfalls that abound. Relax in the thermal Zebedee Springs, fish for barramundi, and explore the Bungle Bungles which are fascinating sandstone formations shaped like beehives. Book the Chamberlain Suite with its superb views over the gorge and watch both the sunrise and sunset over the gorge from the privacy of your own room.

The East Kimberley package is another way to see this magnificent country. Beginning at Kununurra, the package takes in the El Questro Station, the Bungle Bungles and includes two nights at Emma Gorge Resort. Enjoy the local tropical fruits , discover the droplet waterfalls and stay close to nature in tented cabins.

Western Australia is certainly an amazing place to visit with many luxury tours and the luxury accommodation for your total enjoyment.

About the author

Karen Cooke is a professional consultant with Travel Associates, an exclusive Australian travel agency catering to the premium travel market. More helpful travel tips and suggestions are available at http://www.travel-associates.com.au.

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The Fascination Of Victoria, Australia

For such a small Australian state, Victoria has a lot to offer in luxury tours, luxury holidays and luxury accommodation. From skiing packages at Mt Buller or Falls Creek to scuba diving round the 19th century wrecks in Port Philip Bay, there is something for everyone's taste.

In the west of the State, explore the Grampians, or the Gariwerds as they are traditionally known, where you will discover over 60 different sites depicting traditional Aboriginal drawings. For one of the most spectacular drives in Australia, take
a luxury tour down the Great Ocean Road. A different view awaits you at every turn. Enjoy the sandstone apparitions, affectionately known as the Twelve Apostles, standing tall and proud at the edge of the water.

To enjoy this region at your leisure, stay at Mantra Deep Blue, set on a little peninsula between Stingray and Lady Bays. This unique luxury resort makes use of a natural mineral aquifer which lays several hundred metres below the buildings. Enjoy the heated pool, treat yourself to a massage or pamper package. After a long day sightseeing, hop into the private spa therapy pool to completely relax. The two bedroom deluxe suite has a queen and king size bed, all modern technology and a generous balcony overlooking this fabulous
coastline. Enjoy your wedding in one of the large function rooms and stay on for your luxury honeymoon.

While at Mantra Deep Blue, scuba dive through twenty metre high kelp forests, swim into caves and revel in the variety and abundance of fish. This rugged coastline is protected by several marine parks and has some of the best diving in Australia. Come in winter and see the magnificent Southern Right Whales and enjoy the steeplechase and horse racing carnival. Take in the folk festival in March or the sprint car classic in January. There is always plenty to do here for your luxury vacation on the southern coast of Victoria.

Just an hour's drive from Melbourne, you will find a whole range of pleasurable activities. The Mornington Peninsula offers secluded beaches, fantastic golf courses and spectacular fishing. Check out the local wineries and sample some fine food from this rich and fertile region by buying direct from the farm gate or side stall. Visit the Fairy Penguins on Philip Island a stone's throw away. Swim with the dolphins at Sorrento and afterwards indulge yourself in one of the sidewalk cafes or excellent restaurants.

For your luxury hotel on the Peninsula, stay at Peppers Moonah Links Resort. Known for its eighteen hole championship golf course, it also offers badminton, croquet, tennis and volleyball. Work out at the gym, take a swim or just laze round the pool. This luxury resort has been designed to mould with the rolling sand dunes and each suite has views over the golf course or sculptured gardens. All luxury suites come with all modern technology and are spacious and fully equipped.

Tired after all that golfing and sight-seeing? Then spend some time at the Endota Spa and pamper yourself with a massage. For something completely different, book in for the spa's signature treatment where you will be bathed with your own blend of aromatherapy oils, smothered in honey and wrapped in clay. Finally , be rinsed off with waves of water... a truly amazing experience.

Victoria is a great place to visit for your luxury holiday in that special luxury accommodation.

About the author

Karen Cooke is a professional consultant with Travel Associates, an exclusive Australian travel agency catering to the premium travel market. More helpful travel tips and suggestions are available at http://www.travel-associates.com.au.

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The Best Bits Of The United Kingdom

No matter what your interests are, you are sure to enjoy a luxury UK vacation. Here are our suggestions on the best places to include in your itinerary.

If you like visiting traditional English gardens then there are plenty on offer in the UK. Enjoy a leisurely walk or a gourmet picnic in some of the most prestigious gardens such as England's Newby Hall and gardens, Castle Howard, formal terraces of Northumbria, Arley Hall and gardens, or the many historic homes in the south-east of England. Scotland's Royal Botani
Gardens and Malleny Gardens, both in Edinburgh, provide splendid displays of centuries-old hedges and old-fashioned roses that have to be seen to be believed. The Channel Islands have the most outstanding display of wildflowers while the National Botanic Garden of Wales, in Carmarthenshire, is home to the world's largest single span glasshouse. The International Rose Garden in Ireland's Belfast displays over 25,000 rose bushes. During summer, the fragrance as you walk through these gardens is one that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime.

If shopping is on your agenda then you are sure to love the offerings in England. London is surely one of the best shopping destinations in the world, particularly in the bustling Oxford and Regent Streets and Notting Hill. You are sure to find stunning one-of-a-kind outfits here, with a selection of designer boutiques, international labels and of course, the world-famous Harrods department store. For fine antiques, your best selections can be found throughout the historical villages in the East of England or Northamptonshire. The Northamptonshire region also offers a selection of specialty boutiques and delicious farmers markets, where you can purchase some of the freshest fine foods in all of Britain.

Of course, with all this shopping you are sure to need plenty of rest stops to replenish your energy, and you will find no shortage of delicious treats along your journey. While in Wales you will enjoy plenty of opportunities to indulge in some of the region's tastiest organic foods along with fresh venison. Meanwhile Scotland offers you a selection of working whiskey distilleries such as Benromach Distillery in Forres and the Glen Moray Distillery on the River Lossie in Elgin. Naturally you will be able to savour the fine malt whiskey these distilleries produce and even meet some of the local craftsmen.

Luxury trips are never complete without lots of pampering, and you can enjoy that throughout the UK. There are many day spas to choose from but if you are looking for absolute opulence, then Mayfair's exclusive Elemis Day Spa is just what you need. This lavish spa has been voted as Europe's Leading Day Spa and is sure to delight you. Many of the UK's five star resorts will also be only too happy to provide you with relaxing pampering treatments. While visiting England's West Country, a stay at The Cowshed is worthwhile. Pampering at this exquisite venue is only available to Babington House guests, but if you enjoying a luxury holiday in the UK then Babington House should also be on your itinerary. This superb venue boasts prestigious designer rooms along with its own private cinema and library.

The UK also offers visitors a vast range of events and activities throughout the year. The UK social scene is buzzing with something almost year-round, from the Edinburgh Tattoo, Ascot races, Buckingham Palace visits or a day at Wimbledon to watch the tennis, there is sure to be something ideal for you. Golf lovers will be fascinated by the high quality of golf courses in the UK, including The De Vere Belfry in Warwickshire, the hallowed Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland or Celtic Manor in Wales.

There are also numerous galleries and museums where you can immerse yourself in ancient artefacts and historical relics of the UK, not to mention some of the world's most prestigious art pieces and collectors' editions.

Where else can you experience theatre so abundantly as in Britain? While in London it is worthwhile ensuring you take in a West End show - these are often the talk of the town.

Throughout the cities and regional UK you are sure to encounter many other theatre, opera and cabaret productions, along with an abundance of live music and festivals.

Whether you choose to engross yourself in the historic wealth of the UK or its amazing shopping venues; the local art gallery or tranquil pampering at one of the many 5 star resorts , you're sure to bring back many precious memories of your UK luxury tour.

About the author

Karen Cooke is a professional consultant with Travel Associates, an exclusive Australian travel agency catering to the premium travel market. More helpful travel tips and suggestions are available at http://www.travel-associates.com.au.

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Don\'t Be A Victim Of Travel Theft

Our Hilton Head vacation was the most incredible vacation we have ever been on. I just can not stop talking about it to all of my friends and family.

You can almost guarantee that if there is going to be a problem it will be when you are on vacation in an unfamiliar place but by following a few simple rules, the consequences can be minimized. These things can often ruin a vacation and leave a bad taste in the mouth for a particular location; they can even be expensive! Things can even get to the point where you can feel lik
a prisoner as you become reluctant to leave your room. It doesn't matter if you are visiting a local market or out for an evening meal, traveling safely is about the application of common sense when you are in an unfamiliar location.

If you ever get that distinct feeling that something is wrong, which often happens on vacation, that is your instinct giving you a warning that you should take notice of. Always be careful about traveling with all your documents and money if you are just going to town to see the sights or have a meal. Take just what you need for the day and leave the rest in the hotel safe as it is better to lose a little, rather then everything. One easy thing to do to protect your money is not carry all of it around at once or leave it in just one location where a thief can steal everything you have quite easily.

As an added measure when using travel safely methods, carry credit cards from different accounts; should one be lost or stolen there is a second to fall back on. Many resorts are renowned for bag and camera snatching which is not so easy to do if they are over your head and shoulder. Always avoid letting something hang from your shoulder next to the road as it is easy to grab something from the back of a motorbike as it passes you. From a criminal's point of view, large groups of tourists are just treated as easy targets and because they do this sort of thing all the time , they are extremely good at it.

It is often our arrogance that lets us become victims of theft and other deceptions because we do not believe that anyone will pull the wool over our eyes but this is how the criminals earn their living. If you use a small backpack or day bag when wandering the streets or local markets why not buy a small padlock because would be pickpockets will be put off straight away.

About the author

P Abbey owns and operates http://www.hiltonheadvacationbest.com hilton had shipyard

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What Does Travel Business Opportunities Offer?

Our Hilton Head vacation was the most incredible vacation we have ever been on. I just can not stop talking about it to all of my friends and family.

You must also do adequate research and gather enough information. Starting a home business also requires many of the above preparations and planning as mentioned above. You can not start any type of business from home. The problem at home is lack of space. It is also a growing industry.

Your customer base should be known to you for your travel business, other than your
family and friends. You ought to look beyond your usual circle of people, otherwise your business would shrink. If you want to know more about travel patterns and where you could find your future customers, try the internet. You could also find more about where to find them. You could start your research about travel business by visiting various travel review sites. These sites can throw important information about where your customers go and what they need.

Another thing to consider is your availability to your customers.
Travel business opportunity requires you to be available to your customers either by phone or e mail. People would like to get confirmation that you are going to be there when they need you. Also you must return or answer  all telephone calls. Be prepared to answer customer queries, note their comments and be of assistance even if you run an online agency.

Even when the products are intangible, make sure that you know as much as possible about them. To be able to advise your customers properly, you need to visit the places yourself to get a first-hand feel. Pick a particular category which you could offer to your customers. For example, selling cruises could be easier at a particular time of the year or you might offer some discount holiday packages which are completely unknown. Thorough knowledge about these products could mean more business opportunities for you. Hotels would love to give you discounted rates and even a free room for getting in more business for them.

If you are passionate about your business , you would get good returns. Your positive enthusiasm would definitely impact your customers too. You can meet great people who want to fun while you make a fortune helping them. This is one of the greatest opportunities for someone who loves to travel and wish to help others with their travel plans.

About the author

P Abbey owns and operates http://www.hiltonheadvacationbest.com hilton had villa

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Points To Consider With Traveling And Safety

A timeshare can be easily defined as a self catering option to the rented properties.

Like most Americans, I like to travel a lot and I think, you too like to go on vacations. If you want to take a vacation break, it doesn’t actually mean that you’re guaranteed with safety.  But we should never disregard the fact that danger or any trouble can always get in our way no matter where we go. Today let me give you some safety hints on how to have a safe vacation break.

Never put your address on any luggage th
t you are carrying during your travels. A baggage tag is more likely to be found along with your luggage and the only personal details that is advisable to be written there are your name and phone number. This way, if somebody is going to return it, they can call for information.

The reason you won't want to put your full postal address on it is because if the thief finds something worth of value, they may think there's more at your home. It’s a rather safe bet to just settle on leaving your first and last name.

Let me tell you something about any important document to be carried. Just keep things like clothes in your case, which even if lost, would not hurt you that much. Never place valuables in your case such as your credit cards, passport, important documents, etc. As I pointed out on my previous tip, all of your personal details can be easily accessed if these valuable things will be stolen.

Don't be flashy: Some travelers love to show off their cash and a lot of them show it off but deep down, they're thousands in debt. If a crook sees that you're wearing flash jewelry, they may want to stalk you and you may find yourself in an unfamiliar area you don't want to be in. In the sense of traveling, you are just one of the travelers roaming at the airport and so no one would really care about your appearance thus you don’t have to be flamboyant. Just think to yourself, "How many people do you really check out for their style"?

Clean out the wallet: Before you go on your next trip, try and clean out your billfold. It is highly recommended by most  experts to just leave some of your important documents and other charge cards at home in a safe vault so that you will not bulk yourself with those multiple charge cards that might only get lost. It's always best to take along at least one credit card. It is essential to note down the telephone number of the charge card company, so that in the event of the card getting lost or stolen, you can inform the company immediately.

Considering all of the many available points with regards to traveling and safety, your judgment at its best is needed for you to choose what’s effective and what’s not. Being not to flashy and avoiding the flaunting of worthwhile or high-priced things are just some of the most important things to consider. If you can follow the tip that is to carry only the things that you can afford to lose , then no doubt that you will be one of the safest travelers ever known.

About the author

P Abbey owns and operates http://www.timesharesreviewed.com/timeshareresaleresort.html Timeshare Resale Resort

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The Top 5 Beach Towns in Australia to Hit this Winter

Before you head to the land down under, check out what you can do & see at these 5 top beach towns in Australia.

A savvy road trip planner knows that if she sees a trip with both the words March and Beach in the itinerary, chances are she's looking at a destination near or south of the equator. While someone living in the Northern hemisphere might remark, "February & March are our bundle-up months," an Aussie would say, "Nah, mate, that's the hook end of summer here."

Summer is equated with beaches...and fun! And there
s no reason why you can't enjoy a summer road trip in July or August and get another taste of it in February or March (or vice versa). Memories of your double summer vacations will keep you toasty all winter long.

So let's plan a road trip to one of Australia's beach towns. BUT FIRST, DID YOU KNOW Australia is the only country that has a whole continent to itself? While Antarctica is also a continent unto itself, it is not considered a country nor has it been claimed by any other country. That said, even though it's the "smallest" continent, it still has over 4 million square miles, a population of over 20 million people and some of the most awesome beaches you'll find anywhere in the world.

AUSTRALIA'S SEASONS:

- Summer: December to February (first rains in November with the Wet Season in January and February, into the last of rains mid-April)

- Autumn: March to May (Last of rains into the beginning of the hot dry period)

- Winter: June to August (cooler dry period)

- Spring: September to November (humid period into the first rains)

Okay, time for your ROAD TRIP PLANNING! Here are 5 of the best beach towns to choose from for building your road trip itinerary. Keep in mind you're visiting during Australia's peak season so it's best to book early.

BYRON BAY, NEW SOUTH WALES: The locals head to Byron Bay when the Wet sets in. The town has several beaches that are popular with surfers. This resort attracts international tourists as well as backpackers who like to travel along the Australian coastline. Whales, bottlenose dolphins frequent this area known for its wildlife. Activities run the gamut from sunning on the white sandy beaches to parasailing, hang-gliding, surfing and scuba diving. The overall atmosphere of this town is laid back and non-pretentious.

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND: The Gold Coast is known for its sunny climate, popular surfing beaches, a dominate skyline, not to mention a lush rainforest. That's not counting the active nightlife and the variety of things to do there. It's become an extremely popular destination for those living in North America. You'll find all sorts of water sports to add to your road trip planner. More than 10 million people visited the Gold Coast in 2008 so this is definitely a place you'll want to book your hotel early.

JERVIS BAY, NEW SOUTH WALES: Jervis Bay is stunning and one of the most popular spots along the South Coast. Part of it is protected as a National Park and includes areas for recreational fishing and scuba diving (popular diving sites include the Labyrinths, Fairey Firefly aeroplane, Ten Fathom Reef, and Bowen Island). Besides scuba diving, kayaking has grown very popular recently. Since this area is only two hours south of Sydney, many locals head here for the weekend so start your road trip planner mid-week to get the best hotel rooms.

NOOSA, QUEENSLAND: Noosa is about a two-hour drive from Brisbane. It's on a section of the coastline best known as the Sunshine Coast. Popular as a holiday resort city, it's quieter than the Gold Coast but more sophisticated. Surfers love coming here even though accommodations are tougher to secure. The many beaches surrounding Noosa offer varied activities, including optional clothing at Alexandria Beach.

PORT DOUGLAS, QUEENSLAND: Port Douglas is another place where you'll need to book early if you want to stay there during peak season. Its main claim to fame - and deservedly so - is the Great Barrier Reef. Then of course, there's the primo surfing, and 4-wheel driving. Snorkeling is always popular but this may be the spot where you decide to take it a step further & learn to scuba dive just so you can immerse yourself in the Great Barrier Reef.

So how do you choose just one destination? No problem. Since each beach town has a different flavor , decide on what type of experience appeals to you this time around and place the others in your road trip planner as great options for next year's "winter" vacation.

About the author

To plan your next road trip, try our ultimate road trip planner, which leverages the collective wisdom of thousands of users worldwide, and makes road trip planning interactive and fun.

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Paris: world’s fashion and cultural pivot Mecca

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Paris- the world's cultural pivot and fashion Mecca. Who wouldn't want to visit the enticing capital of France at least once in a lifetime? Getting away from the Charles de Gaulle International Airport on arrival may not be as easy as it sounds as the terminals are all spread out.

If you have booked your accommodation in one of the , take the Eurostar train instead. The experience will be nothing short of unforgettable. 

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Madrid: Sophisticated Profligate

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Madrid has been in existence since the dawn of civilization, yet premier evidence of it may be traced to mid-ninth century via a small palace constructed on the orders of Mohammad I. Now taken over by Palacio Real, it has undergone several modifications. Madrid itself has been the site of several wars. Never mind its restless history, the city is perhaps the liveliest in the world. 

It combines the sophistication of , there are car-hire agencies practically dotting the city.

So what are waiting for? Pack your bags for Madrid beckons!

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Things To Do In And Around Melbourne #4 :: High Country

Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, Australia. Melbourne offers great shopping and dining and Victoria has got a beautiful countryside and coast line combining beautiful national and state parks with quiet little villages and some larger regional centres. The High Country, located north-east of Melbourne offers amazing scenery due to the Victorian Alps and also provides you with a few history lessons...

Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, Australia. Melbourne offers great shoppi
g and dining and Victoria has got a beautiful countryside and coast line which combines beautiful national and state parks with quiet little villages and some larger regional centres. The High Country offers amazing scenery due to the Victorian Alps and also provides you with a few history lessons. It is a brilliant part of the country to explore as part of your holiday or visit to Victoria.


What is the High Country?

The High Country is located northeast of Melbourne. It is the alpine region of Victoria, leading up to the Murray River. Quite some visitors to Australia would be surprised to find out that Australia has got more than beaches, bush and desert. The Alpine National Park and the Southern Great Dividing Range are a testament to that. Towns in the area like Bright and Falls Creek are flooded with visitors all throughout the year. In the winter there are great skiing opportunities and in the other seasons there are plenty of hikes and outdoor activities to be done.


Bright and Falls Creek

Bright is in the Ovens Valley and is a great base to "set up camp". Bright is basically located at the foot of Mt Buffalo National Park which offers plenty of hikes. Even just driving up the mountain is a great experience as you stop along the way to take pictures of waterfalls and of the views.
From Bright you can do day-trips by car to Falls Creek and other destinations following the Alpine tourist route. As a driver who has done it I can warn you that it is a pretty exhausting experience. When taking on a few mountains on a day with all the crazy twists and turns you will want to make sure you take a number of breaks. Ideally you'd have a second driver accompanying you in case you really wear out behind the wheel.


Glenrowan

An experience not to be missed is a visit to Glenrowan, not far from Bright. Glenrowan takes you back to the era of Ned Kelly, the infamous bush ranger. The jury is still out on whether he is a hero or not. There are, even nowadays, many Kelly fans who consider Ned and his Gang part of that what embodies the true Australian spirit and identity.

Ned turned into a fugitive along with his comrades after a number of events involving the police. In some of these events he was unfairly treated.
After he executed policemen in Stringybark Creek (you can still visit the Kelly tree there, a witness to the events on that day) he had the highest price on his head in the whole Commonwealth and had the whole of the Victorian police chasing him.

Ned decided to take on bigger things and decided to derail a police train and then execute everyone still alive on the train. He was waiting for the debacle to happen in the Glenrowan pub with 60 hostages.
One of the hostages, a local school teacher, escaped and stopped the train before it de-railed.
The police then surrounded the Glenrowan pub and started a night long gun battle.
The pub burnt down, three gang members got killed and Ned was captured and eventually sentenced to death and hung in Melbourne Goal.

It is interesting that many Kelly fans nowadays get upset when you call Ned a criminal which is what you'd call anyone who executes policemen, takes hostages and aims to de-rail a policetrain with no intention other than to murder people....
Anyway, I guess I did not keep my opinion to myself, but I encourage you to work out the full story and come up with your own opinion about Ned and his gang. A visit to Glenrowan will help shape your opinion!


So as you see there is a wide variety of things to be done. Whether it is to visit some of the Kelly sights, to do some skiing or go on an outdoor adventure, the High Country is a great destination. Depending on where you go it is 3-5 hrs away from Melbourne, which makes it very accessible , even for a long weekend!

About the author

Dominique Vangheel lives in Melbourne and loves it. His site I Love Melbourne is dedicated to Melbourne and Victoria and features the best things to do in and around Melbourne and Melbourne accommodation tips.
This article may be reprinted in its entirety only if unaltered and the resource box is included, with live and spiderable links pointing to http://www.i-love-melbourne.com

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A Safari Vacation in Kenya – An African Holiday Never to be Forgotten

A safari vacation in Kenya is undoubtedly an African holiday never to forget. A vacation or safari in Africa, particularly in Kenya, remains one of the most popular and memorable experiences one can ever possibly undertake.Although the majority of your memories of Kenya will be animal related, there is much to enjoy and to appreciate that is not in wild and arid plains of the highlands.

A safari vacation in Kenya is undoubtedly an African holiday never to forget. A vacation or safari
in Africa, particularly in Kenya, remains one of the most popular and memorable experiences one can ever possibly undertake. It is more than simply a vacation – it is an exploration of the origins of Man, and an appreciation of some of the glorious and iconic animals in the world, within their true habitat. From lions and leopards to elephants and wildebeest, a Kenyan safari is the ultimate in exotic experiences, and will create tales and memories to share and enjoy for the rest of your life.

Although the majority of your memories of Kenya will be animal related, there is much to enjoy and to appreciate that is not in wild and arid plains of the highlands. Indeed, you would be well advised to spend at least a day or two in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. If you have ever read Karen Blixen's famous book, 'Out of Africa', you will enjoy visiting her house here, built in 1912, and exploring many of the scenes and locations described in the book, and the subsequent film adaptation of course.

Also in Nairobi you will find a number of animal sanctuaries, such as the one for elephants, and the one for giraffes. Seeing these animals up so close, and especially watching the adorable young animals cavorting around, is a real pleasure. If you are fortunate enough to have the luxury of a good guide, they will be able to take you through the city, allowing you the time to appreciate the many cultural, historical and natural wonders on offer, whilst also ensuring you get to see a broad slice of Kenyan life.

Naturally, much of your holiday here will be spent either on safari, or at least excursions into the highlands and plains to watch the animals in the wild. It will be necessary to remind yourself frequently that you are not watching a natural history program on television, but that you are just a short distance away from the very real kings of the African plain. Watching lions, giraffes, elephants, leopards and wildebeest in their natural habitat, and surrounded by wild, open landscape that stretches to the distant mountains on the horizon, will require plenty of spare film in your camera.

Not surprisingly, many film crews and top naturalists come here, although it's well worth knowing when the best seasons are for watching the animals. Although Kenya enjoys a tropical climate towards the coast, and a more arid climate further inland towards the rising highlands and plains, it does experience two rainy seasons. The longest of these takes place between April and June, with most of the rain tending to fall during the afternoons. Between October and December there can be a slightly shorter rainy season.

The best months for a safari vacation in Kenya can be between June and September, as it is during this period that the annual animal migration takes place, with hundreds of thousands of blue wildebeest journeying across the plains. This is often captured by film crews who travel here especially for this remarkable footage. Imagine being there, yourself, with a guide to take you to the best locations where you can watch one of the most incredible and awe inspiring natural events taking place before your very eyes.

Africa is a vast continent, accounting for a fifth of the entire land mass of the Earth, and Kenya itself occupies well over half a million square kilometers. Because of the sheer scale, it is easy to forget, as you look out through the crisp white curtains at your window towards the peaks in the distance, that the tallest of those peaks is Kilimanjaro itself, the highest peak in Africa, the top of which is almost 20,000 feet above sea level.

It's unlikely that, on even a luxury holiday in Kenya, you'll wish to scramble up the mountain, since its beauty can be appreciated from all around, but should you be interested, Kilimanjaro offers every possible climate on earth, from the arid dryness of the base, through tropic regions, and towards the top there are monumental glaciers and snow that lasts all year round. Perhaps just as astonishing is the fact that there is mobile phone reception at the top – the highest mobile reception in the world!

If at all possible, make sure you book an excursion to see the Great Rift Valley, 6000 kilometers of breathtaking scenery. To make the most of this, there is only one way to appreciate it fully – and that is to book a flight. Flying across the immense trough, with a guide to help identify the features and aspects to you, will be something you will remember for a very long time.

Whether you choose unrivaled views a full safari, or a holiday with safari excursions, Kenya will provide you with outstanding, and, opportunities and experiences, with all the best of Africa on hand for your pleasure. Always remember to look at the stars at night – the African plains have a secret that will stay with you forever. A safari vacation in Kenya is, to most , the ultimate in adventure vacations: an African holiday never to forget.

About the author

If you are seeking a luxury Kenya safari vacation, you can't beat the personal service offered by Ultitude with top class accommodation, food and travel. Ultitude provides you with a luxury travel experience for a fabulous Kenya safari vacation.

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Passeggiata along the Arno

By Mary Murfin Bayley

Everywhere in Italy the hours of passeggiata are a daily pleasure, when people spill into the streets to walk, shop, gossip and show themselves off before dinner. Florence, though, has one of the most beautiful frameworks for the passeggiata in the whole country, the sidewalks on both sides of the Arno. Sometime between the hours of 4 and 8, depending on the season, everyone who can get out of the house or leave their shop or business, flocks to the side of the river, to the streets called lungarni, (translates
imply as "along the arno") where the late afternoon sun glints off  the windows and casts the rippling facades of the building onto the heavy reflective surface of the river. The gorgeous afternoon light and shadows, the pinks and oranges of the sky along the low hills, and the palest blue overhead turn the walk into a time of intensely shared enjoyment, like a public fireworks display, but these fireworks muted and slow changing.
Men and women walk along arm in arm, or pause in the middle of the bridges to look up river towards the Ponte Vecchio or down river to the distant snowy Appenines, or stop and lean out over the balustrades trying to catch a picture. We have all seen photographs of the river in this light, the beautifully named bridges, Ponte Trinita, Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Carraia, each one framing the reflection of the other, the variations of color in the strips of water between them, the V- shaped ripples caused by the currents rushing against the bridges arched supports. However photographs and paintings, pretty as they might be, cannot catch the sensation of being part of this communal passeggiata. It is in the sound of the rushing water, the cheerful, affectionate voices calling to each other, the teasing of the young men and squeals of kids, the roar of the motorcycles. It is in the fresh shaking of air from the waterfalls, the smell of the mud, and the sense of moving through beauty as much as looking at it that makes this passeggiata such a delight. Whenever I am in Florence and the weather is good I feel very restless and agitated during these hours if I am forced to stay inside. I'll find any excuse to set my work aside or hustle visitors and houseguests down to the river. Even when it has been rainy or gray all day there can be a sudden, surprising shift of light at this hour as the sun sinks below the clouds and leans against the city.
If you have a limited time in Florence you can make this passeggiata part of your sightseeing. Here's how: Let's say it is an hour or two before sunset. You have already been to see the Uffizi and Michelangelo's David and the Palazzo Pitti.  Now it is time to enjoy the passeggiata. Start yours with a quick stop to see one of the most unusual and beautiful frescoes in Florence. A work which visitors sometimes miss on a short stay.
At the end of the Ponte Vecchio on the other side of the river Arno from the Uffizi (Oltrarno) there is a little church called Santa Felicita, felicitously named. It is a lovely little baroque church, usually free of tourists. Take a moment and a deep breath to enjoy the incense, the quiet, the high windows. Then turn to where a real delight lurks is the small chapel on your right as you've entered, the Capponi chapel. Feed a Euro into the machine by the grill and the lights will come on and reveal the incredible mannerist frescoes of the Deposition by Pontormo. The light machine also gives you access to an audio recording describing the fresco in several language but I wouldn't bother. Just stand there and enjoy, amazed, those the intense, sherbert and icecream colors, the wild and crazy line of this style, which took the high rennaisance into the delightful eccentricities and excess known as mannerism. The mourning figures have a strange dreaminess, packed as they are in a wildly serpentine composition of bodies wear bright pastel colored tunics that resemble ballet leotards. They don't seem to be paying attention to the central figure but gaze out, almost as if surprised at their own extremely rendered beauty. On the right next to the window is Pontormo's Annunziata, with the gentle looking madonna turning towards us. Just glimpsing her makes your stay in Florence worth while.
Don't stay too long, gazing, though, because you don't want to miss the afternoon light. Now  step out of the little church and turn left along the narrow street known as Borgo San Jacopo. Stroll to the end of this street and then turn right and walk the half blcok down to the river (don't forget to notice the wonderful little fountain at the end of this street.
Aha. You come out, the light is even more beautiful, and as it fades the sky turns an intense blue. Passeggiata accompli.
From here to get back to the UNA Hotel you cross back and stroll along, enjoying the park that lines the river. Plenty of time for a glass of sparkling Prosecco, before dinner.
Cross Ponte Trinita, taking in the view upriver and down, starting to come into its full beauty. On the other side walk half a block down and turn left into the church of Santa Trinita. The frescoe. Step back out, glancing across the street. There, the building that is now Ferragamo , is the same building that the little boy was shown falling out of.
Now walk along the river to Ognissanti. The river is in full beauty right now. Don't forget to notice how the light shines through the cupola of the church of San Frediano di Cestello. Go into the Cenacolo of Oginissanti and look at the Ghirlandaio.

About the author

UNA Hotels & Resorts
UNAWAY Hotels

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Kerala tourism places

An article on Kerala state tourism and places of interest..............

Kerela is a very small State in the southern west region of India. It is beautiful country with unique customs, art forms and festivals. The main festival is Onam which they celebrate in huge manner, in that they take out big procession of elephants and organize a boat race for the community.

Kerala is one of the top tourist destinations of the World as designated by National Geographic Traveler a Wor
d popular travel magazine.  

The state is famous for ivory and spice which are export to different countries. The , beaches and lagoons Kerela is tourist hot spot. The wild life of Kerala is very interesting and Periyar is tiger Reserve is the chief attraction .Many visitors spend their vacation Kerala and the number is growing.

About the author

Uday is a freelance writer and loves to travel hence he writes often of affordable package tours to Indian destinations. He has visited many destination in India of importance to tourism. He writes often on tourism in Kerala, Rajasthan and Goa. Uday writes on many topics and publishes them on the Net.  

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Orlando Luxury Villas: Enjoy your Orlando Vacation at Half the Price

Orlando luxury villas offer you all you could wish for in accommodation during your Orlando vacation. When most people book their vacation in Orlando, they check up on what hotel accommodation is available

Orlando luxury villas offer you all you could wish for in accommodation during your Orlando vacation. When most people book their vacation in Orlando, they check up on what hotel accommodation is available and on the room prices. They rarely think about Orlando vacation villas or condos. Why is that?

When you book a
vacation you want to have a good time, and have everything looked after for you. You want a maid to clean your room and fresh towels every day. You want coffee-making facilities in your room, an ice machine in the corridor and a mini bar, not to mention a trouser press and everything else that you consider 'luxury'. You likely consider renting a villa to be self-catering, and you have no intention of cooking on your vacation.

Well here's reality! Orlando luxury villas are available that can provide everything you can get in a hotel - and a lot more. OK, no room service or maid, but how dirty are you going to get that it's a big chore to tidy up now and again. Let's have a look at two different situations and compare them to hotels. We shall compare services, facilities and prices, and then you can decide which you would prefer.

1. A Couple with Two Children

a) The Hotel If you book a hotel for your Orlando vacation, you get a small TV in a corner, one or two chairs if you are lucky and a small en-suite bathroom. You can drink in the expensive bar, or use the instant coffee and kettle provided. Would you be happy with your two children having their own hotel room? Would you be worrying if they were safe, or what they were doing? Perhaps you will decide to book one family room so you are all together.

Compare that with home! You are meant to be on an Orlando vacation where you should be enjoying more luxury than you get at home. Yet you are living in one room. How can you possibly believe that living in one room for your entire vacation is luxury? Sure, you will be out most of the timer. But not all the time! In fact you are likely staying out to avoid going back to your hotel room. Great vacation!

b) The Orlando Vacation Villa Orlando luxury villas offer you a room for everybody - your kids can each have their own room. Each has a TV and DVD player. You have a pool and Jacuzzi, and three bathrooms, in addition to a huge lounge with LCD widescreen TV, fully fitted kitchen and a pool deck to chill out on after a hard day at Disney World.

If you don't like cooking for yourself then you don't have to - Orlando has some fabulous places to eat, from gourmet and ethnic restaurants to fast food such as KFC and Taco Bell. You have your own coffee machine, not instant, and can put a snack together when you are hungry without expensive room service.

Guess the price for the 3 bedroom Orlando vacation villa? $145 a night for the whole party. Compare that to two hotel rooms. If you went with friends and their family, you would share $200 for four 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms in a resort villa a pool and loads of sports facilities. All just 5 minutes from Disney. Still prefer that hotel?

2. Party of 7 Couples Let's say seven of you are having an Orlando vacation - you would need 7 hotel rooms, and likely have to go back to your individual rooms at the end of the night or sit in a bar drinking at hotel prices.

You can rent 7 bedroom luxury Orlando vacation villas that offers you a TV and DVD in every room, air hockey and full sized pool table, free play games arcade, fee internet, Xbox and Playstation . . . Guess what that would cost a day for 10 minutes from Disney World? $325! You can get better Orlando rental villas at up to $500, but for 14 adults you are talking about an average $30 each a day. Still prefer that hotel room?

You can find vacation villas in many areas of Orlando, at a wide range of prices, but those above are typical. Few people who have tried them go back to booking hotels, and if your vacation is to last seven days or more, it really is a no brainer, particularly if there is a group of you. You have the option of a hotel room or a luxury villa at a lower price.

You don't live in one room at home, your vacation should be something you experience only once a year and so should be something special, so why live in one room on your vacation. Orlando luxury villas will provide you with what you deserve on your Orlando vacation , so get out there and check them out!

About the author

Mark Whichard is an Orlando tourism expert and writes frequently about attractions in and around Orlando. He is the proprietor of Disney Rents Vacation Homes and you can get great deals on Orlando Vacation Home Rentals at this website http://www.disneyrents.com

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A Luxury Fiji Vacation is No Fantasy – Discover Your Dreams with a Holiday in Fiji

It's true:  a luxury Fiji vacation is not a fantasy. Rarely does fantasy meet reality, but in Fiji, a holiday becomes a trip to paradise. There is a very good reason why almost any holiday brochure, poster or other advert tries to portray everyone's dream idea of paradise: we'd all like to go there one day.

It's true:  a luxury Fiji vacation is not a fantasy. Rarely does fantasy meet reality, but in Fiji, a holiday becomes a trip to paradise. There is a very good reason why a
most any holiday brochure, poster or other advert tries to portray everyone's dream idea of paradise: we'd all like to go there one day.

But looking out at another grey, damp Monday morning, images of palm trees and white sand, the swell of the deep, blue ocean rolling over itself to kiss the shores, the almost unmoving sun drenching everything in warm, golden rays, and the distant call of an exotic bird echoing from the misty groves seem so far away.

If you are used to luxury, you are likely reading this lying cocooned within the comfortable folds of your hammock, swinging lazily beneath the dappled palms as they flutter gently in the faintly discernable breeze; your only effort is timing your swings from side to side just right so that you catch hold of your chilled bottle of champagne.

Mind you, if you're really doing this in style, you'd have a waiter on hand to do all that exhausting pouring yourself, leaving you to contemplate whether there could be any possible way of achieving the ultimate paradise island. So why Fiji, and not some other paradise island?

There can be few places on earth, quite literally, which can manage to live up to this ideal image, but without doubt, the Fiji islands are as close to paradise as it is ever possible to get.  It really is possible to find your fantasy escape during a holiday in Fiji, your quiet, isolated bay, your very own palm trees and, should you choose to indulge yourself completely, service on hand to ensure your every whim is catered for.

A luxury Fiji vacation is not just a trip abroad, it is a real chance to indulge yourself; time here is time spent re-energising yourself, making time, and space, for you. With over 322 islands in the archipelago chain, you can be sure of finding your own isolated bay or inlet, your own private paradise. Despite the apparent isolation, however, it always seems to be some minor miracle that the waiters are still able to provide ice cold champagne whenever you so desire.

There is no such thing as a bad villa, or a villa without a view in Fiji, but there can be no doubt that, though all villas are equal, some are undoubtedly more equal than others. If you are truly to create your perfect paradise, nothing can quite compare to a beachfront villa. Just imagine waking up with the sunlight streaming across your room, the only sounds outside are the gentle drumming of the ocean waves just a few feet away, and the call of birds in the distance as they sing to each other of sun and life. Stepping outside to enjoy breakfast served to you on your veranda will transport you from the world you once knew. The only thing between you and the rest of the world is a hammock, two palm trees and soft, warm sand that is so white it almost looks like snow.

This all sounds very perfect, but you might start to wonder whether, day after day, you might want to look for something else to do to help break up all those endless hours of time dedicated to you. Why not hire a boat, and have a picnic hamper made up for you? It is a fact well proven that picnics always taste better when packed by someone else, and as you are driven across the water, and dropped off at a secluded, private bay, you will be able to enjoy getting away from all that getting away time. Although there are 322 islands, only 106 of these are inhabited, and in addition, there are over 500 islets. Your boat guide will certainly be able to find you a personal, private bay, where you are free to enjoy a well-earned picnic, complete with chilled wine.

Of course, a Fiji vacation is not just about the perfect paradise beaches. There are beautiful tropical forests, ideal for hiking or exploring, and after trekking along paths that look as though they lead to lost civilisations, nothing quite prepares you for the unexpected views which suddenly break out between the trees.

You might want to take your golf clubs, and experience the dazzling course available, although you may find the ocean views a little distracting. As well as enjoying a round of golf, whether you're a professional or a keen amateur, you could always try your hand at croquet.

While you are admiring all that ocean, you'll probably very quickly start to feel drawn towards its steadily beating rhythm, and whether you choose to go swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving, you're certain to have an amazing time. There are coaches available to help teach you to scuba dive properly, leading to certification, but even if you just choose snorkelling, the wealth of life and colour here is unbelievable. After an enthusiastic exploration of this oceanic city, you may decide to enjoy a few of the treatments available at the luxury spas, before selecting what to eat for dinner from a menu that is as diverse as it is fresh.

There can be no doubt that a holiday in Fiji is the closest thing to paradise, and it is here that your fantasy island dreams can really come true. A trip here is an escape, not just from the humdrum world of home, but an escape from your everyday self , and a chance to explore a new world and a new you. A luxury Fiji vacation is exactly that - sheer luxury in a paradise setting.

About the author

If you are seeking a luxury Fiji vacation, you can't beat the personal service offered by Ultitude with top class accommodation, food and travel. Ultitude provides you with a luxury travel experience for a fabulous Fiji vacation.

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Active Travel Asia Launches New Vietnam Trekking Tour

Active Travel Asia launches new trekking tours in Pu Luong Nature Reserve with discount online rates.

The Pu Luong Nature Reserve is an area of outstanding beauty, cultural interest and high biodiversity value stretching from Mai Chau in the north west to Cuc Phuong National Park in the south east. The region is blessed with rich forest, limestone panoramas, magnificent rice terraces and breathtaking scenery. On this trip , travelers can experience the everyday life and cultur
of Thai and Muong ethnic minorities and spend nights with friendly locals.

Itinerary At Glance
Day 1: Transfer to Pu Luong/Trek to Hang Village
Day 2: Trek to Kho Muong Village
Day 3: Trek to Cao Hoong Village
Day 4: Trek to Hin Village
Day 5: Trek/drive to Mai Chau
Day 6: Mai Chau - Hanoi

Price Promotion (Per person) - Valid to 30 Sep 09 on
http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=30

Inclusion:

AC vehicle
English or French speaking guide
Porter & cook
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Home stay permissions
First-aid kit
Water & Snack
Entrance fees & Sightseeing fees

Exclusion:

Travel insurance
Visa
Tips
Personal expenses

More information at Trek Pu Luong

About the author

Active Travel Vietnam

Add: # 31, Alley 4, Dang Van Ngu street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: (84-4) 35738569
Fax: (84-4) 35738570
Email: vietnamadventureguide@gmail.com
Website: http://www.activetravelvietnam.com

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Active Travel Asia Company Guarantees the Best Rate of Conquer Mount Fansipan Tours - Sin Chai Route

Active Travel Asia guarantees the best rate of tour "Conquer mount Fansipan tours - Sin Chai route" with over 15% Discount.

At 3143m Mt. Fansipan is the highest peak in Vietnam and the entire Indochina peninsula. This remote trek provides plenty to see and absorb, from the scattered rocks inscribed with drawings and designs of unknown origin, to the French influenced hill retreat town of Sapa with its minority groups, beautiful villas and cherry forests. The trek to the top of
Mt. Fansipan is challenging and will be fully supported every step of the way by tour guides, porters and cooks who's local knowledge and understanding of the different hill-tribe cultures, then pass along the way will add to the uniqueness of this exhilarating journey.

Highlights

Awesome scenery
Great view from the summit
Challenging trails
Fully supported

Night 1: Night train to Lao Cai.

Transfer from your hotel to Hanoi Railway Station for the night train to Lao Cai. Overnight in AC soft sleeper cabin.

Summary
Transfer hotel – railway station: AC vehicle
Accommodation: Soft sleeper in AC cabin

Day 1: Lao Cai – Sapa – Cat Cat Village

Arrive in Lao Cai around 5.30 am. Travelers will take 1hr bus ride uphill to the beautiful town of Sapa. The ride give you a glimpse of the stunning vistas and impressive rice terraces. Upon arrival in Sapa Town, travelers have breakfast in local restaurant. Free time for the rest of the day to explore the town.

Optional walking tour begins at 1 pm to Lao Chai Village, home to Black H'mong people. Overnight in Sapa

Summary
Transfer Lao Cai – Sapa: 1 hr
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
Activity: Free at leisure
Meals: Breakfast

Day 2: Sapa – Heavens Gate – 2900m

Travelers travel by car toward the Silver Waterfall where Travelers will be able to take a short walk to the waterfall. Travelers will then drive further to Heaven Gate, the highest peak of roads in Vietnam. From there, travelers can see Fansipan, the highest peak of Indochina mountains as well as enjoy stunning view of Binh Lu valley. The trek will be relatively soft until lunchtime. After a couple of hours of hiking, travelers will have a break at a nice spot in the forest and enjoy a good lunch. With new energy travelers start ascending as well as descending towards the campsite. En route travelers have opportunity to enjoy the scenery and magnificent views to Sapa area and beautiful landscape of Lai Chau province. It will be arrived to the campsite at 2900m ASL in the late afternoon. Now it is time to relax and enjoy a well prepared dinner.

Summary
Trekking: 5 hrs/ascend 2,900 m from 1,600 m (Sapa)
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: 2900m – the top of Fansipan – 2700m

After having breakfast, it is climbed to the top, where travelers can celebrate your victory. From there, travelers can enjoy the best view to beautiful sceneries. Travelers will then start descending. Travelers stop on the way at a nice spot for lunch.

After lunch, travelers start the tough trek, which is all the way downhill through rainforest. This part requires a great concentration to step on steep trail until Travelers meet the campsite at 2700m ASL. Here travelers spend another night in tent.

Summary
Trekking: 6 hrs/ascend 3,143 m and descend to 2,700m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: 2700m – Sin Chai – Sapa

Travelers wake up in the fresh and pure morning in wild nature, before heading back to civilization. Travelers trek downhill through well protected forest and after a couple of hours of hiking, Travelers stop for lunch. Travelers will then continue descending toward Sin Chai village of Back H'mong minority. On the way travelers will be able to enjoy valley views and beautiful surrounding. Travelers stop at the village for a while before we go by car back to Sapa, where travelers can celebrate our achievement, taking shower and relax until transfer to Lao Cai Railway Station for the night train back to Hanoi.

Summary
Trekking: 6 hrs/descend to 1,600m
Accommodation: Night train back to Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast , Lunch

Day 5: Back to Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi early morning. Tour ends

More details at Trek Fansipan Mountain

About the author

Active Travel Vietnam

Add: # 31, Alley 4, Dang Van Ngu street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: (84-4) 35738569
Fax: (84-4) 35738570
Email: vietnamadventureguide@gmail.com
Website: http://www.activetravelvietnam.com

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Winged wayfarers of all types make stops on Alabama Gulf Coast

Ask almost anyone who resides along the Alabama Gulf Coast and they will tell you how vital their beloved "snowbirds" are. The arrival each year is much-heralded; as spring approaches, residents know it soon will be time again to say "so long for now."

But before the snowbirds all head north, there is a chance for one more exciting, educational, entertaining experience for old friends and new to share. It's the Spring Bird Banding Session in Fort Morgan State Historical Park, Fort, Morgan, Alabama. Dates for 2009 are March 28 t
rough April 9, and the site is 51 State Highway 180 West, Gulf Shores.

For two weeks each spring and fall, a group of trained volunteers with the Hummer/Bird Study Group spend hours each day capturing and banding neo-tropical migrant birds. The group's Web site states there are dozens of species banded each session. Some sessions also yield large numbers of Ruby-throated hummingbirds.

In the Fall 2008 session, the group documented 1,112 birds representing 69 species. Nineteen were Ruby-throated hummingbirds, while hawks, flycatchers, wrens, warblers, vireo, sparrows and jays were among the other species counted and banded. The gray catbird was the most commonly documented, at 269.

In the Spring 2008 session, the group documented 65 species but more than double the number of birds, 2,805. In addition to the 134 Ruby-throated hummingbirds, volunteers also banded cuckoos, sparrows, orioles, grackles and parula. The greatest number of a single species was 666 black-and-white vireo.

The study group's Web site states that Fort Morgan is the first landfall and last departure site for thousands of migrating birds, giving group members the chance to monitor populations and health conditions and gain valuable insight into the effects of weather on the migration patterns of birds.

The Hummer/Bird Study Group was founded by Bob and Martha Sargent more than 20 years ago. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization so that those who believe, as the Sargents do, in the importance of studying the avian population may make contributions that are tax-deductible. The Hummer/Bird Study Group supports research by banders and now boasts thousands of members in nearly every state.

While research is vital, the group's Web site states that the outreach that takes place during the spring and fall banding sessions at Fort Morgan is just as important. More than 6,000 people visit the banding station, the site states, putting "civilian" shoulder-to-shoulder with experts and highly trained volunteers to see how birds are identified and banded. Visitors of all ages are allowed to touch, hold and even release many of the birds -- a rare opportunity indeed.

Viewing the banding session can be done at no additional charge for those who have paid admission to historic Fort Morgan. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 6 to 12 years old. Sessions are for early birds, so to speak, as they usually take place from before dawn to about mid-afternoon. Of course, that depends on the birds.

Lawn chairs and binoculars are welcome, but pets are not.

To learn more about the work of the Hummer/Bird Study Group, visit the Web site or call Bob or Martha Sargent, 205-681-2888. E-mail Rubythroat@aol.com.

Of course, avian activity on the Alabama Gulf Coast hardly is limited to two weeks in the spring and fall. Points along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico are home to scores of species, not to mention the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. The trail actually is a series of loops spanning two counties in southern Alabama most frequently visited by birders -- and birds, naturally. The Web site for the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail offers maps, descriptions of trails, a Code of Ethics for bird watchers and other resources.

To learn more about the work of the Hummer/Bird Study Group, visit the Web site, www.hummingbirdsplus.org. For information on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, visit www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com. To find out about all the opportunities the Alabama Gulf Coast has to offer , visit www.thebeachiscalling.org.

About the author

Carol Weaver is a nature-lover who enjoys watching hummingbirds visit her backyard feeders. She goes to the banding station to mingle with other "bird brains."

Read more!

Winged wayfarers of all types make stops on Alabama Gulf Coast

Ask almost anyone who resides along the Alabama Gulf Coast and they will tell you how vital their beloved "snowbirds" are. The arrival each year is much-heralded; as spring approaches, residents know it soon will be time again to say "so long for now."

But before the snowbirds all head north, there is a chance for one more exciting, educational, entertaining experience for old friends and new to share. It's the Spring Bird Banding Session in Fort Morgan State Historical Park, Fort, Morgan, Alabama. Dates for 2009 are March 28 t
rough April 9, and the site is 51 State Highway 180 West, Gulf Shores.

For two weeks each spring and fall, a group of trained volunteers with the Hummer/Bird Study Group spend hours each day capturing and banding neo-tropical migrant birds. The group's Web site states there are dozens of species banded each session. Some sessions also yield large numbers of Ruby-throated hummingbirds.

In the Fall 2008 session, the group documented 1,112 birds representing 69 species. Nineteen were Ruby-throated hummingbirds, while hawks, flycatchers, wrens, warblers, vireo, sparrows and jays were among the other species counted and banded. The gray catbird was the most commonly documented, at 269.

In the Spring 2008 session, the group documented 65 species but more than double the number of birds, 2,805. In addition to the 134 Ruby-throated hummingbirds, volunteers also banded cuckoos, sparrows, orioles, grackles and parula. The greatest number of a single species was 666 black-and-white vireo.

The study group's Web site states that Fort Morgan is the first landfall and last departure site for thousands of migrating birds, giving group members the chance to monitor populations and health conditions and gain valuable insight into the effects of weather on the migration patterns of birds.

The Hummer/Bird Study Group was founded by Bob and Martha Sargent more than 20 years ago. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization so that those who believe, as the Sargents do, in the importance of studying the avian population may make contributions that are tax-deductible. The Hummer/Bird Study Group supports research by banders and now boasts thousands of members in nearly every state.

While research is vital, the group's Web site states that the outreach that takes place during the spring and fall banding sessions at Fort Morgan is just as important. More than 6,000 people visit the banding station, the site states, putting "civilian" shoulder-to-shoulder with experts and highly trained volunteers to see how birds are identified and banded. Visitors of all ages are allowed to touch, hold and even release many of the birds -- a rare opportunity indeed.

Viewing the banding session can be done at no additional charge for those who have paid admission to historic Fort Morgan. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 6 to 12 years old. Sessions are for early birds, so to speak, as they usually take place from before dawn to about mid-afternoon. Of course, that depends on the birds.

Lawn chairs and binoculars are welcome, but pets are not.

To learn more about the work of the Hummer/Bird Study Group, visit the Web site or call Bob or Martha Sargent, 205-681-2888. E-mail Rubythroat@aol.com.

Of course, avian activity on the Alabama Gulf Coast hardly is limited to two weeks in the spring and fall. Points along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico are home to scores of species, not to mention the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. The trail actually is a series of loops spanning two counties in southern Alabama most frequently visited by birders -- and birds, naturally. The Web site for the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail offers maps, descriptions of trails, a Code of Ethics for bird watchers and other resources.

To learn more about the work of the Hummer/Bird Study Group, visit the Web site, www.hummingbirdsplus.org. For information on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, visit www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com. To find out about all the opportunities the Alabama Gulf Coast has to offer , visit www.thebeachiscalling.org.

About the author

Carol Weaver is a nature-lover who enjoys watching hummingbirds visit her backyard feeders. She goes to the banding station to mingle with other "bird brains."

Read more!

The Azores - Holidays out of the Ordinary

The Azores - not the most obvious place to consider for a holiday, but one which will reward a closer look for anyone looking for something out of the ordinary. The Azores, due of course to their remote location in the Atlantic, is area largely unexplored by UK and European visitors; and for good reason - they are secluded, peaceful and untouched by time

The Azores - not the most obvious place to consider for a holiday, but one which will reward a closer look for anyone looking for something out of the ordinary.

The Az
res form an enchanting archipelago of nine emerald green islands set in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal (1,500km) and North America (3,900km). The Azoreans have made a substantial contribution to Portuguese culture and many important figures originate from the islands. On the Azores, you can step into the past and discover the beauty and tranquility of these nine fascinating islands.

The Azores, due of course to their remote location in the Atlantic, is area largely unexplored by UK and European visitors; and for good reason - they are secluded, peaceful and untouched by time.

The key to the Azores is in the beauty of the archipelago is in the pristine nature that lies within its shores. Lush green rolling hills, vibrant pink Azaleas, crystal blue waters, a profusion of purple hydrangeas and sheer black volcanic rocks - a rainbow of colours affording a photographic opportunity at every turn!

Each island is unique and a multi-island tour is a must for anyone wishing to truly discover the wealth of attractions on offer.

There is a whole host of activities available - including excellent whale and dolphin watching, a truly fascinating geological history tour, swimming with dolphins, bird watching, diving, golf, off-road jeep safaris, walking and cycling are all possible. All these activities, however, are geared to remain as low-impact as possible.

Where else in Europe can you participate in such a variety of activities, all year-round, amongst the most beautiful of surroundings? The Azores are very much nature's own playground. Keen gardeners, artists and photographers will be in their element.

Holiday durations of three, seven, ten, eleven and fourteen nights are available with such operators as Sunvil in the UK - and it is possible to combine a stay in the Azores with a holiday in Madeira or on the Portuguese mainland.

Flexibility is always possible, with tailor-made itineraries across all nine islands incorporating as little or as much as you wish.

The unique beauty of the Azores and the individual character of each island provide an opportunity to explore an area of spectacular natural scenery. As the islands are geographically diverse the first time visitor would do well to think about a pre-booked itinerary of the archipelago which can include six islands (Sao Miguel, Flores, Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge , Terceira) with an excursion on each.

About the author

Jimi St.Pierre in association with travel correspondent Penny Church, has worked with Sunvil - the "real Azores" - to produce elements of this article. Find Azores holiday brochures online with map-based holiday brochure finder Travelwhere, where you will also find a wide range of holiday brochures featuring the Azores and other major holiday destinations.

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Gulf State Park Pier expected to open by summer

With features taken from some of the most popular fishing destinations in the region, the now-under-construction Gulf State Park Pier promises to be a fishing paradise. It is expected to be open in May, just in time for summer visitors to check out its amenities. These include its 1,500-plus-foot length, additional restrooms, picnic tables, an air-conditioned snack bar and handicap-accessible everything, from the parking lot to the end of the pier. It is longer, wider and stronger than its predecessor.

If you're ready for redfish or hankering to hang some tackle just for the halibut, the wait is almost over. Officials have announced that they expect the Gulf State Park Pier to be ready in May, just in time for summer visitors.   The pier's completion has been a long time coming, but that somehow seems suitable because the pier is long -- at 1,512 feet, it will be the longest in the Gulf of Mexico. It will be 20 feet wide and 20 feet high and will be outfitted for the comforts of outdoorsmen of all ages and ability levels. 
The new pier is at 20800 E. Beach Blvd. in Gulf Shores. When it is completed, it will have two restroom facilities, a tackle shop and a concession stand with dining facilities inside and out. The entire structure is American with Disabilities Act-compliant, and it features special railings designed so anglers in wheelchairs can pull up and have a place to set their tackleboxes, bait and other items at lap-level or higher rather than having to reach down to the ground.   A 65-foot octagon over the coast's second sand bar will offer prime fishing for cobia, king mackerel and tarpon, information from the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau states. Artificial reefs will be added to bring in more fish and will be accessible by boat. Some plans call for the remnants of the old pier to be used in creating the artificial reefs, but permitting issues have yet to be decided.   Built in 1968, the original pier was a fixture of the Alabama Gulf Coast until it became a casualty of Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Local and state officials took the opportunity provided by Ivan to overhaul a significant portion of Gulf State Park, updating and modernizing where possible, tearing down and rebuilding elsewhere.
When officials realized a facelift to the aging pier would be as expensive as a new pier, they opted for a modern replacement. State-of-the-art engineering has enabled designers to create a structure expected to withstand a Category 3 hurricane. The design also is expected to dramatically reduce the time needed to made repairs after storm damage occurs because the damage should be mostly cosmetic and not structural.   Safety is important, but anglers and others who will be using the new pier want to be able to appreciate its amenities. These include its size, as it is several hundred feet longer than its predecessor and is more than twice as wide across the octagon. The additional length is especially important on days when the Gulf is rough, because anglers can cast into deeper, clearer water where fish still will be swimming -- and biting. Local fishermen expect the additional territory to yield excellent results for highly desirable species of fish. At least one local expert has said he expects the new pier's size alone to be responsible for double the number of good days of fishing. It also is higher above the water.   Picnic tables will be a welcome "site" for those who want to take advantage of the view and the warm breezes of the Gulf of Mexico, but the snack bar will have air-conditioned seating for those who come hungry, empty-handed and looking for a respite from the sun.   Alabama requires anglers to be licensed for fishing, and those licenses will be available at the pier alongside bait, tackle and other necessities.   Not everyone who uses the pier will be there for the fishing. Some will come to enjoy the sun or to watch for wildlife. Locals have reported seeing all types of marine life from the old pier , including whales and manatees.   State and local officials visited several popular piers in the region as plans for the new Gulf State Park Pier were crafted. Having new safety and comfort features plus the best options other locales have to offer makes Gulf State Park truly a "keeper."

About the author

 
Carol Weaver is looking forward to visiting the new and improved Gulf State Park Pier when it reopens. She has fond memories of fishing there on family vacations.   If you're ready to fish AND cut bait, visit http://www.thebeachiscalling.org/ to book accommodations, schedule excursions and use the Travel Tools to make planning your visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast a breeze.

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