Friday, October 5, 2007
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
The Passion of the Black HIlls Passion Play in Spearfish, South Dakota
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The Stars at Night, Are Big and Bright, Deep in the Heart of Texas, and Often Accompanied by Bats
The Stars at Night, Are Big and Bright, Deep in the Heart of Texas, and Often Accompanied by Bats
Ooops. Oh those engineers. When they reconstructed the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas in 1980, they inadvertently created a unique ECO-TOURISM DESTINATION, and an experience not available many places in the world. The bridge was evidently the perfect roosting place for bats and now houses the largest urban bat colony in North America. Yes, not only does Texas have the Alamo, it’s very batty! The largest bat colony in the world is also near San Antonio (about 60 miles from Austin).
Who knew?
A huge colony roosts under this bridge in downtown Austin, and when they egress of a summer night to go out and hunt for food, it is a sight to behold. I have taken visitors of all ages to see the spectacle and even the teenagers (you know how hard they are to impress, or admit it) sat spellbound. It’s just creepy enough. For driving directions and map, go here: http://www.batcon.org/discover/congress_map_outoftowners.html .
Popular? It’s estimated that over 100,000 people come to see the bats fly out every year, generating a healthy hunk of change for the city of Austin.
The spectacle has all the elements of a good watch – mystery, a bit of the creeps, expec-TA-shun, and results that don’t disappoint. Tension builds as dusk falls and all eyes turn to the bridge, waiting. Then you see one bat and the crowd cheers, then another, then a million. Silently they head out into the night and to think of where all those bats are heading – well, I often saw them dive-bombing my swimming pool at night.
Of course the City had to do some educating when the public became, um, upset about all the 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats that migrate from Mexico to call the bridge their home from mid-March to early November. I’d call that “wintering in Texas,” but, okay, it’s a migration.
Do we love bats? Well, we don’t like to touch them – no joke, don’t ever mess with a bat. But we must appreciate the fact that those bats heading out across Austin can each eat 600 mosquitoes in an hour and won’t poison the environment. They also pollinate plants. (Other favorites include many crop pests such as cutworms, cucumber beetles, and corn borer moths.) 600 mosquitoes x 1.5 million bats x 8 night hours? You do the math! For a quickie on bat lore, go here: http://www.nps.gov/wica/bats.htm .
Might you get rabies? According to the National Park Service, only 10 humans have contracted rabies from bats in more than 30 years. Most people who do die of rabies contract it from our much better friend, the dog. In the Austin-area, bat rich as it is, there have been no recorded human cases of bat-transmitted rabies.
It sort of adds to the excitement of the adventure, but when you’re sitting there looking up, how would you catch one? If one falls to the ground, it is probably injured or sick, and your animal-lore in general will tell you to leave any wild animal alone. In this case, just get away. And if you like to grub around under the bridge, assuming you could, well, haven’t you heard about guano? Ick!
According to experts, bats are rarely aggressive, even when injured, and do we appreciate them ecologically? I haven’t checked, but I doubt if you’re swatting a lot of mosquitoes as you sit there watching.
And, hey, it could happen anywhere. The BCI warns, “Persons who wake up with a bat in the same room [now where might that be?] where they have been sleeping are advised to submit it for testing, especially if the bat is unable to fly or seems weak.”
Now wouldn’t you rather
have the bats out in the open heading for insects than in a room with you!
Yes, you would.
I’ll throw my personal experience in here. Incredibly my son and I were draped around a statue across from the Alamo trying to get a good view of some president who was arriving, when a bat torpedoed into the statue and fell, stunned, at our feet. While mothers and kids screamed, the former in fear, and the latter in delight, the poor bat just flailed around. You could’ve picked it up with gloves, but we just walked away. It was unable to fly, and uninterested in humans.
But let me stress again, there’s no heroism involved; the bats coming from the bridge are far away and they’re on a mission. You might suggest to thrill the older children, if you’re that type, that they are going to turn your way, but they have a plan and I guess they’re herd animals. What would you do anyway? Whistle?
One way you can view them is from a cruise on Capital Cruise Boats (http://www.capitalcruises.com/html/bat.htm ) or Lone Star River Boats.
Another way is sitting on the outside bat-viewing decks of TGI Friday’s in the Radisson Hotel on Town Lake, and the Shoreline Bar & Grill restaurant in the Hyatt-Regency Austin hotel. If I bring adults, we usually enjoy a gourmet meal at the latter. If I bring kids or teens, TGI Fridays is the place.
When do they leave? Depends on time of year, weather conditions, colony size and bat mood. But
Ooops. Oh those engineers. When they reconstructed the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas in 1980, they inadvertently created a unique ECO-TOURISM DESTINATION, and an experience not available many places in the world. The bridge was evidently the perfect roosting place for bats and now houses the largest urban bat colony in North America. Yes, not only does Texas have the Alamo, it’s very batty! The largest bat colony in the world is also near San Antonio (about 60 miles from Austin).
Who knew?
A huge colony roosts under this bridge in downtown Austin, and when they egress of a summer night to go out and hunt for food, it is a sight to behold. I have taken visitors of all ages to see the spectacle and even the teenagers (you know how hard they are to impress, or admit it) sat spellbound. It’s just creepy enough. For driving directions and map, go here: http://www.batcon.org/discover/congress_map_outoftowners.html .
Popular? It’s estimated that over 100,000 people come to see the bats fly out every year, generating a healthy hunk of change for the city of Austin.
The spectacle has all the elements of a good watch – mystery, a bit of the creeps, expec-TA-shun, and results that don’t disappoint. Tension builds as dusk falls and all eyes turn to the bridge, waiting. Then you see one bat and the crowd cheers, then another, then a million. Silently they head out into the night and to think of where all those bats are heading – well, I often saw them dive-bombing my swimming pool at night.
Of course the City had to do some educating when the public became, um, upset about all the 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats that migrate from Mexico to call the bridge their home from mid-March to early November. I’d call that “wintering in Texas,” but, okay, it’s a migration.
Do we love bats? Well, we don’t like to touch them – no joke, don’t ever mess with a bat. But we must appreciate the fact that those bats heading out across Austin can each eat 600 mosquitoes in an hour and won’t poison the environment. They also pollinate plants. (Other favorites include many crop pests such as cutworms, cucumber beetles, and corn borer moths.) 600 mosquitoes x 1.5 million bats x 8 night hours? You do the math! For a quickie on bat lore, go here: http://www.nps.gov/wica/bats.htm .
Might you get rabies? According to the National Park Service, only 10 humans have contracted rabies from bats in more than 30 years. Most people who do die of rabies contract it from our much better friend, the dog. In the Austin-area, bat rich as it is, there have been no recorded human cases of bat-transmitted rabies.
It sort of adds to the excitement of the adventure, but when you’re sitting there looking up, how would you catch one? If one falls to the ground, it is probably injured or sick, and your animal-lore in general will tell you to leave any wild animal alone. In this case, just get away. And if you like to grub around under the bridge, assuming you could, well, haven’t you heard about guano? Ick!
According to experts, bats are rarely aggressive, even when injured, and do we appreciate them ecologically? I haven’t checked, but I doubt if you’re swatting a lot of mosquitoes as you sit there watching.
And, hey, it could happen anywhere. The BCI warns, “Persons who wake up with a bat in the same room [now where might that be?] where they have been sleeping are advised to submit it for testing, especially if the bat is unable to fly or seems weak.”
Now wouldn’t you rather
have the bats out in the open heading for insects than in a room with you!
Yes, you would.
I’ll throw my personal experience in here. Incredibly my son and I were draped around a statue across from the Alamo trying to get a good view of some president who was arriving, when a bat torpedoed into the statue and fell, stunned, at our feet. While mothers and kids screamed, the former in fear, and the latter in delight, the poor bat just flailed around. You could’ve picked it up with gloves, but we just walked away. It was unable to fly, and uninterested in humans.
But let me stress again, there’s no heroism involved; the bats coming from the bridge are far away and they’re on a mission. You might suggest to thrill the older children, if you’re that type, that they are going to turn your way, but they have a plan and I guess they’re herd animals. What would you do anyway? Whistle?
One way you can view them is from a cruise on Capital Cruise Boats (http://www.capitalcruises.com/html/bat.htm ) or Lone Star River Boats.
Another way is sitting on the outside bat-viewing decks of TGI Friday’s in the Radisson Hotel on Town Lake, and the Shoreline Bar & Grill restaurant in the Hyatt-Regency Austin hotel. If I bring adults, we usually enjoy a gourmet meal at the latter. If I bring kids or teens, TGI Fridays is the place.
When do they leave? Depends on time of year, weather conditions, colony size and bat mood. But
50 Cents on the Dollar in the Dominican Republic
50 Cents on the Dollar in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a tin-pot third world banana republic.
There is extreme poverty everywhere and complete government mismanagement. Things have gotten even worse with the new president Leonel Fernandez. He has devalued the dollar by 50% and raised taxes and prices to insure poverty for his people. There is no money- dollars or pesos in circulation. The only people who have it worse are the neighboring Haitans!
The dollar exchange rate continues to decline and the prices continue to rise. There are people striking and hunger and poverty in the streets. Every day the merchants can be seen raising their prices out of greed and hoping that no one will notice. I went shopping and noticed that the Super Polo and La Sirena stores
seem to be particularly guilty of this practice of raising prices daily. The Denny’s store in Santiago seems to be the only store that is not gouging consumers.
Their Zona Franca that exports products can barely keep their doors open from the 50% devaluation of the dollar in the Dominican Republic. Their tourism has taken a sharp decline. It seems things were better with the previous president Hippolito Mejia.
It is still a great place for a Caribbean vacation. I recommend you compare prices with other Caribbean destinations with the sharp devaluation of the dollar.
An American observer.
The Dominican Republic is a tin-pot third world banana republic.
There is extreme poverty everywhere and complete government mismanagement. Things have gotten even worse with the new president Leonel Fernandez. He has devalued the dollar by 50% and raised taxes and prices to insure poverty for his people. There is no money- dollars or pesos in circulation. The only people who have it worse are the neighboring Haitans!
The dollar exchange rate continues to decline and the prices continue to rise. There are people striking and hunger and poverty in the streets. Every day the merchants can be seen raising their prices out of greed and hoping that no one will notice. I went shopping and noticed that the Super Polo and La Sirena stores
seem to be particularly guilty of this practice of raising prices daily. The Denny’s store in Santiago seems to be the only store that is not gouging consumers.
Their Zona Franca that exports products can barely keep their doors open from the 50% devaluation of the dollar in the Dominican Republic. Their tourism has taken a sharp decline. It seems things were better with the previous president Hippolito Mejia.
It is still a great place for a Caribbean vacation. I recommend you compare prices with other Caribbean destinations with the sharp devaluation of the dollar.
An American observer.
About the Author
My name is Bob Kelly. I am a retired insurance agent who enjoys traveling to exotic and interesting tropical destinations.
© 2006 RTEC.IN - All Rights Reserved.
Top Holiday Destinations 2005
op Holiday Destinations 2005
Copyright 2005 Hugh Griffin
countries with lower property prices. In addition it was felt by some that Spanish property prices were near their peak while Eastern European property was expected to increase in value and would therefore represent a better investment. Inmueble magazine reports that foreign demand for Spanish property has fallen by 9 per cent. However prices in coastal regions rose by up to 15 per cent in 2005 and are expected to grow by between 7 and 9 per cent in 2006.
Copyright 2005 Hugh Griffin
Spain and France are still the top holiday destinations for British tourists. However recent statistics show that tourism in Eastern Europe is rising sharply. In particular the number of trips to Poland and Bulgaria has increased significantly. Statistics from the Office of National Statistics showed that tourist numbers visiting Bulgaria and Poland nearly doubled while visits to China increased by 43 per cent. Trips to India were up by 33 per cent and trips to Mexico increased by 21 per cent.
Although Spain and France are still the top holiday destinations for British tourists the number of trips to Spain rose by only 1 per cent while trips to France fell by 3 per cent. Trips to Portugal also dropped slightly (5 per cent down). A leading travel agent suggested that the reason for the increase in popularity of Eastern Europe was price. A hotel in Paris charges a much higher price per person per night than a hotel in Budapest or Prague. In addition the cost of eating out and the cost of alcohol, food and entertainment was likely to be considerably less in Eastern Europe.
Another factor to consider is the overseas property market. With spiralling property prices in Western Europe many families buying a holiday home are increasingly finding that they are being priced out of the Spanish Costas and the French Riviera. John Hickson, an independent property expert with Saharapress.com said that he had seen "a huge increase in interest in properties in Croatia and Bulgaria in recent years". The property buyer can simply get more house for their money in
countries with lower property prices. In addition it was felt by some that Spanish property prices were near their peak while Eastern European property was expected to increase in value and would therefore represent a better investment. Inmueble magazine reports that foreign demand for Spanish property has fallen by 9 per cent. However prices in coastal regions rose by up to 15 per cent in 2005 and are expected to grow by between 7 and 9 per cent in 2006.
Lastminute.com have reported that summer breaks in Tunisia are increasingly popular and saw a significant increase in bookings for Tunisia this summer. Greece and Italy were the company's top destinations this summer. ABTA, the Association of British Travel Agents, said that short-haul destinations accounted for 90 per cent of holidays. Overall ABTA reported that the number of foreign trips from the UK has increased to 42 million per year. This compares to about 12 million trips in the 1970s.
The number of British tourists travelling to holiday destinations abroad is shown below:
1. Spain 13.8 million 2. France 11.6 million 3. USA 4.1 million 5. Italy 2.9 million 6. Greece 2.7 million 7. Germany 2.3 million 8. Turkey 1.1 million 9. Czech Republic 0.7 million 10. India 0.6 million
About the Author
Hugh Griffin is an independent travel writer and has written a number of highly acclaimed travel guides available at http://www.tourist-information-worldwide.com and http://www.horizonpress.com/diy-holidays
Sustainable Tourism In The Selous Game Reserve
Sustainable Tourism In The Selous Game Reserve
Winning the battle for sustainable Tourism in the Selous Game Reserve are a small staff of about 350 game scouts and technical staff; that is one scout per 140 square kilometers. The headquarters for the Selous Game Reserve staff are in the Northern section of the Selous at Matambwe. The battle for sustainable tourism in this vast game reserve has not been easy and hard lessons have been learnt and now the battle for sustainable tourism is beginning to be realized.
Half the income from the Selous is returned to the reserve to help keep this park in existence. A second scheme is involving the communities around the park; by allowing controlled hunting by the local communities and thereby providing direct tangible benefits for the local people. Without local support from surrounding villages poaching would be impossible to maintain. Working with and through the local communities rather than against them has helped the reserve to flourish.
As a direct result of international pressures hunting was banned in the 1980’s and an immediate consequence was a devastating decline on animal populations; especially the elephant populations. Hunting has been reintroduced, well away from the photographic safari areas. The money charged from these hunting safaris generates the main source of income to maintain the reserve. It is though that as a direct result of reintroducing hunting that poaching is no longer a threat and animal numbers had increased noticeably over the past decade. Sustainable hunting safaris are strictly controlled and they are allowed in the reserve between the months of July and November. Without this income the reserve in its present sate would not exist.
The reserve has set
out restricts for tourism in the Selous to keep the human impact as low as possible. Tourist numbers are kept low and lodges and camps strictly controlled. Over the past two years there have been several new camps. The lakes in the west of Tanzania and especially the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater in the north of Tanzania have be overwhelmed by a tourism explosion over the past few years. Park fees have been increased dramatically from January 1, 2006 to direct tourists from these areas and into the lesser know areas such as the Selous.
The tourism areas are all in the north of the Selous game reserve and south of the Rufiji River is a true wilderness. However, there are plans to develop this area for the photographic safaris to reduce the pressure on the lake area’s and the northern National Parks. Tanzania is keen to maintain its parks and keep tourism under control and human impact to a minimum. For further information on sustainable tourism or for information on how to find your way around the Selous Game Reserve contact us through website below.
Winning the battle for sustainable Tourism in the Selous Game Reserve are a small staff of about 350 game scouts and technical staff; that is one scout per 140 square kilometers. The headquarters for the Selous Game Reserve staff are in the Northern section of the Selous at Matambwe. The battle for sustainable tourism in this vast game reserve has not been easy and hard lessons have been learnt and now the battle for sustainable tourism is beginning to be realized.
Half the income from the Selous is returned to the reserve to help keep this park in existence. A second scheme is involving the communities around the park; by allowing controlled hunting by the local communities and thereby providing direct tangible benefits for the local people. Without local support from surrounding villages poaching would be impossible to maintain. Working with and through the local communities rather than against them has helped the reserve to flourish.
As a direct result of international pressures hunting was banned in the 1980’s and an immediate consequence was a devastating decline on animal populations; especially the elephant populations. Hunting has been reintroduced, well away from the photographic safari areas. The money charged from these hunting safaris generates the main source of income to maintain the reserve. It is though that as a direct result of reintroducing hunting that poaching is no longer a threat and animal numbers had increased noticeably over the past decade. Sustainable hunting safaris are strictly controlled and they are allowed in the reserve between the months of July and November. Without this income the reserve in its present sate would not exist.
The reserve has set
out restricts for tourism in the Selous to keep the human impact as low as possible. Tourist numbers are kept low and lodges and camps strictly controlled. Over the past two years there have been several new camps. The lakes in the west of Tanzania and especially the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater in the north of Tanzania have be overwhelmed by a tourism explosion over the past few years. Park fees have been increased dramatically from January 1, 2006 to direct tourists from these areas and into the lesser know areas such as the Selous.
The tourism areas are all in the north of the Selous game reserve and south of the Rufiji River is a true wilderness. However, there are plans to develop this area for the photographic safaris to reduce the pressure on the lake area’s and the northern National Parks. Tanzania is keen to maintain its parks and keep tourism under control and human impact to a minimum. For further information on sustainable tourism or for information on how to find your way around the Selous Game Reserve contact us through website below.
About the Author: For further information on sustainable tourism or for information on how to find your way around the Selous Game Reserve contact http://www.betheladventure.co.uk or http://www.aardvark-expeditions.com Using responsible tourism to change lives.
Source: www.isnare.com
Barcelona Spain - So Much Fun In One Day
Barcelona Spain - So Much Fun In One Day
The city of Barcelona, Spain, as all the Iberian Peninsula, has been clearly marked by its long history which dates to the Roman times. But what really left a deep impression and can still be fully appreciated today is what the Arabs left behind. Not only can you awe at the lovely cathedrals, temples and other buildings but you can feel it in the powerful, brave character of the people in Catalunya. The cities of Lleida, Girona, Tarragona and Barcelona make up the region called Catalunya and with it an extensive shore line which starts at the French border and goes mid-way down the Mediterranean until the Community of Valencia.
four areas: The Gothic Neighbourhood, La Ribera, Las Ramblas ( flowered promenade ) and the Raval. It is so easy to find and get there because there are four distinctive landmarks that lead us by the hand as if it were a famous framed picture. Using the Catalunya Square as its left frontier, you go straight down Las Ramblas Street until you see the impressive Christopher Columbus Monument towering over you as soon as you reach the edge of the port. Leisurely strolling towards the north in the direction of the Olympic Port you come across the Cuitadella Park. At this point turn left to feast your eyes on the emotive Arch of Triumph some blocks away. Within this enclosed circle of narrow cobblestone streets and typically set up shops, you are wrapped up in living history.
The city of Barcelona, Spain, as all the Iberian Peninsula, has been clearly marked by its long history which dates to the Roman times. But what really left a deep impression and can still be fully appreciated today is what the Arabs left behind. Not only can you awe at the lovely cathedrals, temples and other buildings but you can feel it in the powerful, brave character of the people in Catalunya. The cities of Lleida, Girona, Tarragona and Barcelona make up the region called Catalunya and with it an extensive shore line which starts at the French border and goes mid-way down the Mediterranean until the Community of Valencia.
Having so much coast, Barcelona has not only been able to captivate tourism in the summer with excellent beach resorts, hotels and water sports, but also thanks to its cultural and architectural activities. One of the most outstanding sights that everyone wants to see when traveling to Barcelona is the Sacred Family or as many people know it even though they do not speak Spanish is the famous Sagrada Familia at the Placa de la Sagrada Square. Antonio Gaudi, a renowned architect started to build a church for the needy in 1883. He, together with other architects, worked on this project which was supported by donations from those who cared. In 1898 he decided that he wanted his masterpiece to one of the most original known up until then and changed the typical bell towers which were always square to be rounded off. He also added the Swiss cheese appearance to them. By around 1923, the chapel called Saint Joseph, the east facing and the crypt had been completed. It had been worked on vigorously up until Gaudi died in 1926 and therefore buried in the crypt designed by him. Since then all the bell towers and other parts have been completed but it still has not been finished. But all around the city you can find gaudi´s works: La Pedrera, Mila House, and the park Guell. But The Sagrada Familia is still one of the most impressive pieces of architecture ever seen.
A city full of Museums and Attractions
But if you are looking for more strong emotions, then head over to the Picasso Museum. This museum is shared between five medieval palaces which contain a nice overall view of his different fazes. Therefore, it lets you travel from Malaga which was his home town to Paris, so well reflected in his paintings, to Russia and his captivating detailed ballet paintings and finally to Barcelona where he settled. This is an absolute must and even more interesting is that it costs so little, has long visiting hours to let you roam about, great public transport combinations and is found in the Cuitat Vella Parc. The Ciutat Vella ( the beautiful city ), was once the entire city of Barcelona until the end of the 14th century and was the principal and only surviving zones made up of
four areas: The Gothic Neighbourhood, La Ribera, Las Ramblas ( flowered promenade ) and the Raval. It is so easy to find and get there because there are four distinctive landmarks that lead us by the hand as if it were a famous framed picture. Using the Catalunya Square as its left frontier, you go straight down Las Ramblas Street until you see the impressive Christopher Columbus Monument towering over you as soon as you reach the edge of the port. Leisurely strolling towards the north in the direction of the Olympic Port you come across the Cuitadella Park. At this point turn left to feast your eyes on the emotive Arch of Triumph some blocks away. Within this enclosed circle of narrow cobblestone streets and typically set up shops, you are wrapped up in living history.
It does not matter if you are an avid Barcelona Football ( Soccer ) fan and know that this team is usually called ´Barca´, or just a visitor who wants to enjoy a good match, do not forget to pass by the Nou Camp football stadium to reserve or buy your tickets. Football season is usually between September and May. This year Fran Rikard has led the Barca to win the Spanish Football League so there will be a lot of celebrations and neat souvenirs to buy. The Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, as this area is referred to, has clean cared for beaches and caters to the tourist both inside the city as well as on the outskirts with a wide selection of accomodations. There chalets, semi-detached homes and apartments for rent or all kinds of hotels starting from a simple youth hostel, passing through a bed and breakfast type lodging to three, four and five star hotels. Whether you are going to be in Barcelona for a romantic honeymoon, just a quick weekend get away, family holidays or a business trip, you can enjoy yourself in one way or another.
You will never be bored because the information available on Barcelona can be easily found on the net, through travel agencies, or going directly to a tourist information booth when you arrive at the airport. This information is offered to you in many different languages and is usually free. It provides the traveler with precise information about museums and other monuments ( their prices and hours ), temporary exhibitions, banks, entertainment, restaurants and shopping areas, the sorts of hotels and where they are all located on very simple maps.
About the Author
Rob Carlton wrote many contributions to http://www.barcelona-information.com a web site full of travel tips on Barcelona. Within his publications he is gives practical tips on the Barcelona Airport http://www.barcelona-information.com/barcelona-airport.html and the biggest sightseeing attractions.
© 2006 RTEC.IN - All Rights Reserved.
Travel tips for your next Myrtle Beach Vacation & Insider Time Share report
Travel tips for your next Myrtle Beach Vacation & Insider Time Share report
Climate
November.
Climate
The climate in South Carolina is generally mild and humid. Spring starts in March, and the beaches are busy by mid-April. Summer begins in May with pleasant balmy days that become quite hot before the season's end.
Autumn brings a relief from extreme temperatures with lots of sunshine, while mild winter temperatures bring out the best in colorful pansies and hardy camellias. Winter temperatures however can reach 20-30 degrees, and on rare occasions, we are treated with a light dusting of snow. Ocean temperatures range from 45-85 degrees during the year.
Hurricane Season
Hurricane season annually runs from June through early November, with peak activity occurring in August and September. If the state is threatened by a hurricane, log on to the state's tourism web site at www.travelsc.com for the latest travel advisories and updates. Tropical storms and tropical depressions can also affect South Carolina during these months.
Beautiful Blossoms
South Carolina is most beautiful in spring when its gardens ablaze with dogwoods, flowering fruit trees, azaleas, camellias, roses, and other native plants. Check the "festivals and seasonal events" listing during months of February through June for house and garden tours.
Fall Foliage
The peak period for fall foliage in South Carolina's Upcountry occurs the 2nd-4th weeks in October as a general rule. Peak foliage for the remainder of the state occurs late October through early
November.
Roadside Delights
Peach season usually runs from the end of May through August, while the fragrant smell of apples permeates the air from late September through November. Roadside stands provide the perfect outlet for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables in season. While here, be sure to get your Southern fix - a fresh bag of boiled peanuts.
PERMISSION TO REPUBLISH: Permission is provided for one time use of this article which may be republished in newsletters and on web sites provided attribution is provided to the author and it appears with the included copyright, resource box and live web site link.
The author retains in full the copyright of this article. Sale of this article by anyone other than the author is strictly prohibited without written permission from the author.
Usage of more than two articles at a time without the written permission of the author is strictly prohibited. My intent is to provide you with a flow of helpful articles for your publication or web site, not to have you aggregate my content or to sell it. The later is prohibited.
About the Author
The author, Victor Newton, helps give individuals and families up to the minute info on trips, and travel information exclusively in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. So be sure to pick up the free report:
90 minute Time Shares that pay the most cash on your vacation at Myrtle Beach
© 2006 RTEC.IN - All Rights Reserved.
Tropical Vacations Introduce You to Nature’s Glory
Tropical Vacations Introduce You to Nature’s Glory
A tropical vacation usually evokes images of images of sultry summer days lounging on the beach and soft breezes caressing you in the evenings while you sip a drink in the evenings. There are so many wonderful tropical vacation packages that give you just that in Mexico, but if you’d like to take it to the next level, consider traveling to the interior as well and experience the full spectrum of nature’s glory. Tropical also means exotic plants, gorgeous birds and chattering monkeys, mountain cliffs and amazing wildlife!
Jungle and Tropical Rainforest Vacations
Ecotourism is one of the most incredible adventures you can embark on in Mexico and other tropical areas of the world. These eco adventures give you the opportunity to see and hear things you would never be able to experience outside of a zoo or museum. In tropical regions of the world there are jungles and rain forests that shelter an amazing array of plants and animals that are colorful, unique and exotic.
Traveling with an experienced guide through the interior of a rainforest or jungle will bring you into a world where time has stood still for thousands of years. Imagine trekking along a stretch of sandy beach your first day, then heading spending the next few days in a rainforest where brilliantly plumed parrots fly overhead, calling to one another and flashing feathers of emerald, ruby and gold. The chatter of monkeys as they swing overhead will delight your group as your guide explains the delicate balance of Mexico’s ecosystem.
There are coral reefs to explore, natural springs and underwater rivers with stunning rock formations and always the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea.
In the evenings you’ll view glorious sunsets from atop majestic Mayan ruins or high natural ridges, all part of the protected heritage of the Mexican people. The warm breezes will sweep away the humidity of your jungle day as you relax with your small group of fellow travelers, suspended in time under a brilliant blanket of stars.
Challenge Yourself in the Tropics
If you’re up to something a bit more physical, tropical vacations offer a vast range of topographies for every activity from mountain biking to scuba diving. The mountains of the Yucatan Peninsula offer extremely challenging mountain biking trails and hiking opportunities for solo or group trekking.
Check out some of the stunning vistas you can see from various mountain locations, including views of several of the largest volcanoes in Mexico like Pico De Orizaba, Iztaccihuatl and the still active Popcateptl (which erupted spectacularly less then ten years ago, causing the evacuation of two villages). Near Mexico City you can visit the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, another spectacular example of early Mayan culture.
If you’re a fan of scuba diving, there’s nothing more exhilarating than a tropical vacation for scuba. Cancun offers a variety of packages for exceptional open water diving and cave or cavern diving. Even experienced scuba divers agree that there’s always something new to discover in the elaborate underwater caverns along the tropical beaches of the Mexican shore.
Did you know that the second largest coral reef in the world, the Great Belize Coral Reef, is in Mexico? This tropical reef system
stretches from Playa del Carmen to the Gulf of Hondoras and is a paradise of stunning plants and fish that can be explored by scuba divers and snorkelers alike. Your whole family will be enchanted by the flashes of rainbow color darting through the diamond-clear waters of this vast expanse of one of the world’s most beautiful ecosystems.
Soaking Up the Atmosphere
Tropical means warm days, warm nights and plenty of sunshine, and on tropical vacations you expect plenty of both. In Mexico you’ll find them – the average temperature is 85º in the daytime and in the 70’s at night, with warm rains of short duration only occasionally interrupting the mornings. Warm breezes keep things comfortable year-round and the sunsets are always spectacular!
And tropical means atmosphere…it’s that special combination of warm weather, sandy beaches, exotic locale and that indefinable something extra that comes from the people. The Mexican people are friendly, generous and family oriented. You’ll discover that shops are closed for lunch breaks and that Friday afternoons are made for relaxing.
Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations and make new friends; the mood is relaxed when you take a tropical vacation. There’s no fussy dress code and you’ll never have to put on a necktie or suffer through an evening in stockings and high heels (unless you want to!). Casual is the standard when you’re on a tropical vacation – even for dinner, you’re fine in a polo shirt and sandals are encouraged. This is a vacation, after all! And kids are welcome everywhere!
It’s a tropical pace that encourages taking full advantage of the simple joys of walking on the beach, sampling fresh seafood, bartering in the local marketplace and sipping a Sea Breeze in the evening with your spouse while the sun goes down over the waves in a blaze of oranges, reds and golds.
The beaches stretch for miles with the finest white sands in the world and new and unusual sea shells washing ashore with every wave that gently laps the shore. Palm trees stir in the breeze, adding the quiet rustle of their leaves to the winds and providing shade for the many hammocks you’ll find strung between them.
Time loses meaning in the Tropics
The sound of pounding surf and the cry of seagulls overhead will lull you into a relaxing sense of peace as you realize there’s nowhere you have to be, nowhere to rush off to, because in tropical Mexico, no one operates by their watches. It’s free and easy, based purely on what you want to do and when you feel like doing it. Doesn’t that sound good for a change?
So for the ultimate in relaxation or adventure, a tropical vacation has it all – sunsets, warm breezes, natural beauty, adventure, friendship, and incredible, lush beauty. Go somewhere tropical for your next family vacation – you’ll never want to go anywhere else!
A tropical vacation usually evokes images of images of sultry summer days lounging on the beach and soft breezes caressing you in the evenings while you sip a drink in the evenings. There are so many wonderful tropical vacation packages that give you just that in Mexico, but if you’d like to take it to the next level, consider traveling to the interior as well and experience the full spectrum of nature’s glory. Tropical also means exotic plants, gorgeous birds and chattering monkeys, mountain cliffs and amazing wildlife!
Jungle and Tropical Rainforest Vacations
Ecotourism is one of the most incredible adventures you can embark on in Mexico and other tropical areas of the world. These eco adventures give you the opportunity to see and hear things you would never be able to experience outside of a zoo or museum. In tropical regions of the world there are jungles and rain forests that shelter an amazing array of plants and animals that are colorful, unique and exotic.
Traveling with an experienced guide through the interior of a rainforest or jungle will bring you into a world where time has stood still for thousands of years. Imagine trekking along a stretch of sandy beach your first day, then heading spending the next few days in a rainforest where brilliantly plumed parrots fly overhead, calling to one another and flashing feathers of emerald, ruby and gold. The chatter of monkeys as they swing overhead will delight your group as your guide explains the delicate balance of Mexico’s ecosystem.
There are coral reefs to explore, natural springs and underwater rivers with stunning rock formations and always the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea.
In the evenings you’ll view glorious sunsets from atop majestic Mayan ruins or high natural ridges, all part of the protected heritage of the Mexican people. The warm breezes will sweep away the humidity of your jungle day as you relax with your small group of fellow travelers, suspended in time under a brilliant blanket of stars.
Challenge Yourself in the Tropics
If you’re up to something a bit more physical, tropical vacations offer a vast range of topographies for every activity from mountain biking to scuba diving. The mountains of the Yucatan Peninsula offer extremely challenging mountain biking trails and hiking opportunities for solo or group trekking.
Check out some of the stunning vistas you can see from various mountain locations, including views of several of the largest volcanoes in Mexico like Pico De Orizaba, Iztaccihuatl and the still active Popcateptl (which erupted spectacularly less then ten years ago, causing the evacuation of two villages). Near Mexico City you can visit the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, another spectacular example of early Mayan culture.
If you’re a fan of scuba diving, there’s nothing more exhilarating than a tropical vacation for scuba. Cancun offers a variety of packages for exceptional open water diving and cave or cavern diving. Even experienced scuba divers agree that there’s always something new to discover in the elaborate underwater caverns along the tropical beaches of the Mexican shore.
Did you know that the second largest coral reef in the world, the Great Belize Coral Reef, is in Mexico? This tropical reef system
stretches from Playa del Carmen to the Gulf of Hondoras and is a paradise of stunning plants and fish that can be explored by scuba divers and snorkelers alike. Your whole family will be enchanted by the flashes of rainbow color darting through the diamond-clear waters of this vast expanse of one of the world’s most beautiful ecosystems.
Soaking Up the Atmosphere
Tropical means warm days, warm nights and plenty of sunshine, and on tropical vacations you expect plenty of both. In Mexico you’ll find them – the average temperature is 85º in the daytime and in the 70’s at night, with warm rains of short duration only occasionally interrupting the mornings. Warm breezes keep things comfortable year-round and the sunsets are always spectacular!
And tropical means atmosphere…it’s that special combination of warm weather, sandy beaches, exotic locale and that indefinable something extra that comes from the people. The Mexican people are friendly, generous and family oriented. You’ll discover that shops are closed for lunch breaks and that Friday afternoons are made for relaxing.
Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations and make new friends; the mood is relaxed when you take a tropical vacation. There’s no fussy dress code and you’ll never have to put on a necktie or suffer through an evening in stockings and high heels (unless you want to!). Casual is the standard when you’re on a tropical vacation – even for dinner, you’re fine in a polo shirt and sandals are encouraged. This is a vacation, after all! And kids are welcome everywhere!
It’s a tropical pace that encourages taking full advantage of the simple joys of walking on the beach, sampling fresh seafood, bartering in the local marketplace and sipping a Sea Breeze in the evening with your spouse while the sun goes down over the waves in a blaze of oranges, reds and golds.
The beaches stretch for miles with the finest white sands in the world and new and unusual sea shells washing ashore with every wave that gently laps the shore. Palm trees stir in the breeze, adding the quiet rustle of their leaves to the winds and providing shade for the many hammocks you’ll find strung between them.
Time loses meaning in the Tropics
The sound of pounding surf and the cry of seagulls overhead will lull you into a relaxing sense of peace as you realize there’s nowhere you have to be, nowhere to rush off to, because in tropical Mexico, no one operates by their watches. It’s free and easy, based purely on what you want to do and when you feel like doing it. Doesn’t that sound good for a change?
So for the ultimate in relaxation or adventure, a tropical vacation has it all – sunsets, warm breezes, natural beauty, adventure, friendship, and incredible, lush beauty. Go somewhere tropical for your next family vacation – you’ll never want to go anywhere else!
About the Author
Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer who loves her job because it gives her the opportunity to learn more about the world every day. Right now, she knows a little bit about almost everything, and a lot about tropical vacations, mexico vacations, and family vacations. Lori once led a Conga line to the tune, "Hot, Hot, Hot," throughout an entire cruise ship sailing to Nassau.
Beach-Vacations-4u.com
© 2006 RTEC.IN - All Rights Reserved.
Get a New Life Overseas
How to find the courage and commitment to make your new life abroad a reality…
oAre you fed up with your mundane day-to-day working life?
oDoes the thought of getting out of bed in the morning when it is cold and dark outside depress you?
oAre you dreaming of starting a brand new life overseas?
oWould you like to find out how to make your dream life a reality?
Research shows that at any one time more than half of us are dreaming of a new life overseas, but few actually succeed in making the transition from fantasy to reality – I’ve done it, and I know others who have too, but at the same time whenever I speak to my friends ‘back home’ I hear the same old same old “I wish I had your courage…”, “I wish I could do what you’ve done.”
It’s true, to completely turn your life on its head and start your life all over again in a foreign country is an incredible undertaking. But those of us who have actually bitten the bullet and taken the chance have reaped the rewards.
The quality of life I now enjoy is unsurpassable! I left my 50 hour working week and 15 hour commuting week behind, I gave up the rainy grey days and I established my own business on one of the sunniest spots on earth! And you know what – though at times it has been oh so hard – I don’t regret a single moment of what I’ve done!
So, would you like to know how to overcome your fears and practically deal with every stage of the planning that goes into getting a new life?
Would you like help in deciding where in the world is right for you and how to go about relocating to your ideal destination?
Start by exploring these five essential steps: -
Step One - stop asking yourself “what have I got to lose” – instead, start asking yourself “what have I got to gain?”
Step Two - be honest with yourself
about the type of person you are. Are new beginnings a thrill and challenge for you or does the thought truly scare you? Find your motivation for choosing a new life abroad and hold on to that...it will get you through.
Step Three - choose the right country! Sounds mad? So, you've already fallen in love with a country? Well, there are a lot of countries for you to choose from! Decide what is important to you in terms of quality of life and then prepare a short list of countries that meet your requirements - does your dream destination meet all your requirements?
Step Four - visit the countries you've short listed. This may sound so obvious to many, unfortunately in my time as an expat in Germany, Austria, France, Cyprus and Turkey I've met many people who have made the move based on house prices or photographs and seriously regret their decision. You have to get a feel for the country before you make a commitment to it.
Step Five - remember that you can't run away from problems or who you are - problems, issues, debts and emotional baggage will follow you around the world! You'll still react the same way at home or abroad. Self knowledge is the key to your success in life. Problems always crop up, but if you can learn to live or deal with them before you go, you are far more likely to survive life abroad.
And finally, good luck and go for it!
oAre you fed up with your mundane day-to-day working life?
oDoes the thought of getting out of bed in the morning when it is cold and dark outside depress you?
oAre you dreaming of starting a brand new life overseas?
oWould you like to find out how to make your dream life a reality?
Research shows that at any one time more than half of us are dreaming of a new life overseas, but few actually succeed in making the transition from fantasy to reality – I’ve done it, and I know others who have too, but at the same time whenever I speak to my friends ‘back home’ I hear the same old same old “I wish I had your courage…”, “I wish I could do what you’ve done.”
It’s true, to completely turn your life on its head and start your life all over again in a foreign country is an incredible undertaking. But those of us who have actually bitten the bullet and taken the chance have reaped the rewards.
The quality of life I now enjoy is unsurpassable! I left my 50 hour working week and 15 hour commuting week behind, I gave up the rainy grey days and I established my own business on one of the sunniest spots on earth! And you know what – though at times it has been oh so hard – I don’t regret a single moment of what I’ve done!
So, would you like to know how to overcome your fears and practically deal with every stage of the planning that goes into getting a new life?
Would you like help in deciding where in the world is right for you and how to go about relocating to your ideal destination?
Start by exploring these five essential steps: -
Step One - stop asking yourself “what have I got to lose” – instead, start asking yourself “what have I got to gain?”
Step Two - be honest with yourself
about the type of person you are. Are new beginnings a thrill and challenge for you or does the thought truly scare you? Find your motivation for choosing a new life abroad and hold on to that...it will get you through.
Step Three - choose the right country! Sounds mad? So, you've already fallen in love with a country? Well, there are a lot of countries for you to choose from! Decide what is important to you in terms of quality of life and then prepare a short list of countries that meet your requirements - does your dream destination meet all your requirements?
Step Four - visit the countries you've short listed. This may sound so obvious to many, unfortunately in my time as an expat in Germany, Austria, France, Cyprus and Turkey I've met many people who have made the move based on house prices or photographs and seriously regret their decision. You have to get a feel for the country before you make a commitment to it.
Step Five - remember that you can't run away from problems or who you are - problems, issues, debts and emotional baggage will follow you around the world! You'll still react the same way at home or abroad. Self knowledge is the key to your success in life. Problems always crop up, but if you can learn to live or deal with them before you go, you are far more likely to survive life abroad.
And finally, good luck and go for it!
About the Author
Rhiannon Williamson is an experienced publisher who has produced articles for leading travel and tourism guides and financial magazines. Her specialist knowledge about both travel and finance gives her site www.ShelterOffshore.com the unique ability to literally cover every single aspect of moving & living abroad - including the often less discussed offshore tax advantages that can be available when leaving our homeland.Where Should You Travel With Children?
So you've made up your mind that you are going on a family vacation. And the next question is ~ where to? There are many places for a family vacation but not all of them will have what you need for an enjoyable trip. Since you are going together with your children, they will need to be the key point to consider if you are all to have a great vacation.
A frequent choice for family vacations with children is Las Vegas or Reno in Nevada. In my view, these are less than ideal -- these cities are not family destinations, no matter what efforts the tourism industries in both cities (Las Vegas especially) make.
Neither Las Vegas, nor Reno offer something exceptional for children that cannot be seen anywhere else. Besides, going to Las Vegas, suggests that you would like to spend at least some time gambling. Gambling is an activity that you~d better keep for adults-only vacations.
Where traveling with children is concerned, some of the perennial favorites are the Disney theme parks. These parks are ideal for children between the ages of five and twelve - though they are still fun for older children! However, it's recommended that you wait until your children are old enough to walk. If you bring a child who is younger than three years old, the chances are that he or she will not remember the trip at all.
You should keep in mind, however, that Disney parks are an energetic vacation destination. These are not good places to go for a relaxing time, since they tend to be crowded, and there is always something new to go and see. With younger children, expect cranky afternoons.
For a more relaxed family vacation, you should think about a destination like Hawaii. While Hawaii is not geared specifically toward children, there are still plenty of things for you to do depending on which island you're staying
on.
Hawaii is a good choice for slightly older children -- let~s say over ten -- because many of its attractions are geared to individuals over that age. For instance Pearl Harbor ~ younger children will have no way to understand what is so special about that place.
Another nice idea for family vacations with children is cruise ships. Again, there are several things one should know in advance. First, while on a cruise ship with your family, it is to be expected that you will have to share a room and there will be not enough space for everybody. If you spend most of the time outside and visit your cabin only to have some sleep, things might be not so bad.
You should also consider that cruise ship vacations may not be the best choice for teenagers. This is due to the fact that most of the children's programs are designed for children 12 and under, and teenagers are not quite old enough to participate in the entertainment designed for adults (for instance, lounges and casinos). The benefit of a cruise is that you'll get to see breathtaking ocean views and visit several different ports. Keep your eyes open for whales!
In the end, however, where you go for your family vacation is up to you. Nobody knows what your children will be interested in better than you do. So, consider your children's interest, and to what extent they will be catered for, combined with your preferences for where you would like to go, and the type of vacation that you are most interested in.
Andrew Westforth is the webmaster and operator of FHT Travel -- a large and comprehensive collection of information on travel, including resources, articles and a free newsletter. For more information, go to: http://www.fhttravel.com
About the Author
A frequent choice for family vacations with children is Las Vegas or Reno in Nevada. In my view, these are less than ideal -- these cities are not family destinations, no matter what efforts the tourism industries in both cities (Las Vegas especially) make.
Neither Las Vegas, nor Reno offer something exceptional for children that cannot be seen anywhere else. Besides, going to Las Vegas, suggests that you would like to spend at least some time gambling. Gambling is an activity that you~d better keep for adults-only vacations.
Where traveling with children is concerned, some of the perennial favorites are the Disney theme parks. These parks are ideal for children between the ages of five and twelve - though they are still fun for older children! However, it's recommended that you wait until your children are old enough to walk. If you bring a child who is younger than three years old, the chances are that he or she will not remember the trip at all.
You should keep in mind, however, that Disney parks are an energetic vacation destination. These are not good places to go for a relaxing time, since they tend to be crowded, and there is always something new to go and see. With younger children, expect cranky afternoons.
For a more relaxed family vacation, you should think about a destination like Hawaii. While Hawaii is not geared specifically toward children, there are still plenty of things for you to do depending on which island you're staying
on.
Hawaii is a good choice for slightly older children -- let~s say over ten -- because many of its attractions are geared to individuals over that age. For instance Pearl Harbor ~ younger children will have no way to understand what is so special about that place.
Another nice idea for family vacations with children is cruise ships. Again, there are several things one should know in advance. First, while on a cruise ship with your family, it is to be expected that you will have to share a room and there will be not enough space for everybody. If you spend most of the time outside and visit your cabin only to have some sleep, things might be not so bad.
You should also consider that cruise ship vacations may not be the best choice for teenagers. This is due to the fact that most of the children's programs are designed for children 12 and under, and teenagers are not quite old enough to participate in the entertainment designed for adults (for instance, lounges and casinos). The benefit of a cruise is that you'll get to see breathtaking ocean views and visit several different ports. Keep your eyes open for whales!
In the end, however, where you go for your family vacation is up to you. Nobody knows what your children will be interested in better than you do. So, consider your children's interest, and to what extent they will be catered for, combined with your preferences for where you would like to go, and the type of vacation that you are most interested in.
Andrew Westforth is the webmaster and operator of FHT Travel -- a large and comprehensive collection of information on travel, including resources, articles and a free newsletter. For more information, go to: http://www.fhttravel.com
About the Author
None
Virgin Island Tent City – Maho Bay Eco Camp
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Samoa, Heart of Polynesia
he islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new South Pacific travel destination between Hawaii and New Zealand. This "Heart of Polynesia" is politically split into two distinct entities 80 miles apart. The country Samoa is a former German colony, captured by New Zealand in 1914 and granted independence in 1962. In 1997 the name was changed from Western Samoa to Samoa.
American Samoa is the only U.S. territory south of the equator. Annexed by the United States for use as a naval base in 1900, the territory no longer has any military significance. Instead, Pago Pago currently hosts the StarKist and "Chicken of the Sea" tuna canneries, making it the most important commercial fishing port under the American flag.
The Samoan environment is tropically lush, with green volcanic peaks plunging to brilliant coral reefs, an ecotourism paradise still unspoiled by mass tourism. Visitors often stay in open Samoan beach houses called fale (pronounced FAH-lay) and adopt the laidback local lifestyle. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, deep sea fishing, and hiking opportunities are all close at hand.
Samoan culture is alive and strong, and local traditions can add another fascinating layer to your travel experience. Most Samoans are subsistence farmers who reside in small villages governed by chiefs (matai). The egalitarian ideals of this communal society place loyalty to family and religion above all. Visitors can sample this culture at the weekly "fiafia" island night dance shows staged at most of the larger hotels and beach resorts. Buffets of authentic Samoan dishes are an essential part of these events.
Samoa's climate is sultry, alternately sunny and rainy, but always hot and humid. Cooling sea breezes make the shoreline the best place to be yearround. The nicest months weatherwise are May to September, "winter" south of the equator. The rainy season runs from November to April, with increasingly intense hurricanes sweeping in due to global warming. Yet you can get long spells of bright sunny weather even
during the "rainy" season, and Samoa's excellent Vailima beer (created by German brewmasters) tastes best at this time of year.
Most visitors spend their time in independent Samoa, which is considerably bigger and less expensive than American Samoa. However the rugged scenic beauty of Tutuila, the main island of American Samoa, should not be missed. In recent years some of the most strikingly beautiful parts of the territory have been incorporated into American Samoa National Park. There's great hiking on Tutuila and wonderful snorkeling on Ofu in the seldom visited Manua Group.
Traditional Samoan culture is largely based on oratory, and it's no accident that several literary legends originated here. Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last five years of his life in Samoa and is buried on a hilltop above Apia, the capital. His mansion is now a museum dedicated to the author. Somerset Maugham's short story "Rain" about Sadie Thompson and the repressed missionary thrown together in a guesthouse at Pago Pago, American Samoa, has been adapted by Hollywood several times. The original guesthouse still exists, now an upscale restaurant and inn. In "Tales of the South Pacific," James A. Michener based the prototype of his character Bloody Mary on an Apia hotelkeeper named Aggie Grey, whose family still operates Samoa's largest resorts. Michener's book was later made into the musical "South Pacific."
Getting to Samoa is easy with direct flights from Hawaii and Los Angeles on Hawaiian Airlines, Polynesian Airlines, and Air New Zealand. Local ferries and small commuter planes ply frequently between the islands, and getting around by public bus or rental car is no challenge. Visas are not required by most visitors for entry to either Samoa, although a passport and onward plane ticket are mandatory.
American Samoa is the only U.S. territory south of the equator. Annexed by the United States for use as a naval base in 1900, the territory no longer has any military significance. Instead, Pago Pago currently hosts the StarKist and "Chicken of the Sea" tuna canneries, making it the most important commercial fishing port under the American flag.
The Samoan environment is tropically lush, with green volcanic peaks plunging to brilliant coral reefs, an ecotourism paradise still unspoiled by mass tourism. Visitors often stay in open Samoan beach houses called fale (pronounced FAH-lay) and adopt the laidback local lifestyle. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, deep sea fishing, and hiking opportunities are all close at hand.
Samoan culture is alive and strong, and local traditions can add another fascinating layer to your travel experience. Most Samoans are subsistence farmers who reside in small villages governed by chiefs (matai). The egalitarian ideals of this communal society place loyalty to family and religion above all. Visitors can sample this culture at the weekly "fiafia" island night dance shows staged at most of the larger hotels and beach resorts. Buffets of authentic Samoan dishes are an essential part of these events.
Samoa's climate is sultry, alternately sunny and rainy, but always hot and humid. Cooling sea breezes make the shoreline the best place to be yearround. The nicest months weatherwise are May to September, "winter" south of the equator. The rainy season runs from November to April, with increasingly intense hurricanes sweeping in due to global warming. Yet you can get long spells of bright sunny weather even
during the "rainy" season, and Samoa's excellent Vailima beer (created by German brewmasters) tastes best at this time of year.
Most visitors spend their time in independent Samoa, which is considerably bigger and less expensive than American Samoa. However the rugged scenic beauty of Tutuila, the main island of American Samoa, should not be missed. In recent years some of the most strikingly beautiful parts of the territory have been incorporated into American Samoa National Park. There's great hiking on Tutuila and wonderful snorkeling on Ofu in the seldom visited Manua Group.
Traditional Samoan culture is largely based on oratory, and it's no accident that several literary legends originated here. Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last five years of his life in Samoa and is buried on a hilltop above Apia, the capital. His mansion is now a museum dedicated to the author. Somerset Maugham's short story "Rain" about Sadie Thompson and the repressed missionary thrown together in a guesthouse at Pago Pago, American Samoa, has been adapted by Hollywood several times. The original guesthouse still exists, now an upscale restaurant and inn. In "Tales of the South Pacific," James A. Michener based the prototype of his character Bloody Mary on an Apia hotelkeeper named Aggie Grey, whose family still operates Samoa's largest resorts. Michener's book was later made into the musical "South Pacific."
Getting to Samoa is easy with direct flights from Hawaii and Los Angeles on Hawaiian Airlines, Polynesian Airlines, and Air New Zealand. Local ferries and small commuter planes ply frequently between the islands, and getting around by public bus or rental car is no challenge. Visas are not required by most visitors for entry to either Samoa, although a passport and onward plane ticket are mandatory.
About the Author
David Stanley is the author of Moon Handbooks South Pacific http://www.southpacific.org/pacific.html which has a chapter on Samoa. His online guide to Samoa may be perused at http://www.southpacific.org/text/upolu.html
© 2006 RTEC.IN - All Rights Reserved.
A Castle on Oregon's Coast
Oregon's coastline is full of secrets: veiled pleasures and surprises, clandestine, deserted beaches and hidden gems peppering the towns in the form of lodgings or eateries.
soothing, hand painted floral wallpaper, a window seat, a wingback chair, and has a Victorian vibe. The gorgeous "Tower" is in the tower and it's huge ($209), with a sitting area, large soaking tub, various antiques, and it's draped in dreamy white lace. The "Provence" ($209) is on the garden level and is sequestered away from the rest of this small palace, with terra cotta floors, Jacuzzi and French doors opening into a private patio.
But perhaps the most stunning secret on all of Oregon's coast lies just outside of the art and culture mecca of Cannon Beach, on the north coast. There's a castle a bit south of town, hidden behind the walls of trees just north of the Arch Cape Tunnel. You can become king and queen here, at this insanely romantic spot that smacks of something between the Bavarian castle that inspired Disneyland's signature structure and the Oregon ski lodge featured in "The Shining."
St. Bernard's Bed & Breakfast is a remarkable and elegant construction peppered with artistic details, containing seven striking guestrooms filled with antiques, beautiful furnishings and a sense of the Victorian fused with modern grace.
On one particular night in April, I arrive at St. Bernard's close to 8:30 p.m., and it's pitch black. I've been here before a few times and seen bits of it, but for the first time I park in back, spotting the charming strings of lights in the garden and on the walls, as well as the two deer figures made of light bulbs. I stop to stare and gawk at these, and at the archway going through the building, half expecting to see a member of some royal family show up in a carriage and be ushered out by some servant.
Inside the enormous front door, owner Barbara Dau invites me in and up the snaking, stone stairway into the living room. Here, chandeliers and classy furniture inhabit the area, with a nifty little rounded nook in one corner - obviously part of the "tower." In the early evenings, Barbara hosts "social hours" for the guests here, featuring wine and camaraderie in front of the fireplace.
I arrive too late for this, of course, but Barbara tells me these can sometimes be fun-packed and lively, while at other times none of the guests show up at all. It's a no-pressure event, and with incredible beaches just a block away - who can blame them? Just across the street are the pristine, immaculate sands of Arch Cape, a tiny unincorporated community which contains one store and a smattering of homes. In front of it sits a gorgeous stretch of beach that runs for miles to the north, while immediately to the south hovers a craggy basalt cliff, where access to a wild and weird rocky cove is occasionally granted by low tides.
The rooms at St. Bernard's Bed & Breakfast are jaw dropping - at the very least. The "Ginger" ($179) features blue and white fabrics, oriental ginger jars and a love seat, with a king size bed from Austria. In "Gaugin" ($169) there's a cozy window seat, a funky bathtub, muted pastels of the artist and a queen size bed. The stunning "Heather" ($189) is on the top floor and features a private deck, vaulted ceilings and a sitting area with a love seat. The "Parisian" ($149) comes with
soothing, hand painted floral wallpaper, a window seat, a wingback chair, and has a Victorian vibe. The gorgeous "Tower" is in the tower and it's huge ($209), with a sitting area, large soaking tub, various antiques, and it's draped in dreamy white lace. The "Provence" ($209) is on the garden level and is sequestered away from the rest of this small palace, with terra cotta floors, Jacuzzi and French doors opening into a private patio.
My room was the "Tapestry" ($209), with an incredible king size bed, engaging tapestries on the wall and floor, a big French armoire, and enormous soaking tub that screams honeymoon hangout. There's a curious little reading nook with a stained glass ceiling, and the TV comes encased in a cute replica of a castle.
At night, the ocean was the only sound you heard: soothing and cozy beyond belief.
In the morning, I notice the window (ironically) gazes straight out to a view of Castle Rock - just offshore from Arch Cape.
Morning also means a luscious, gourmet, home cooked meal prepared by Dau herself. Dau was a chemist in her former life in Chicago, and joked that meal making must be an extension of that part of chemists that like to cook things. (Given this castle vibe, I laugh to myself and imagine her in a lab coat, cackling maniacally as she whips up a dish while lighting thunders all around).
Guests sit together in the beautiful atrium-like dining room, where they chat and get to know each other. I sat with a young couple from Portland and another older couple from Michigan who have been regulars since the place started in 1995. In fact, they were among the first guests in its first two weeks.
Besides these numerous, memorable amenities, St. Bernard's offers gift certificates. Dau also offers wedding packages that accommodate up to 60 people and her signature, wondrous cooking.
Other irresistible elements of this area include more secret beaches just to the south and north. A few miles north, you'll find the mesmerizing Hug Point, which is stuffed with odd and intriguing geologic formations like funky sea caves, a waterfall and various shapes and cracks in the cliffs. Its most interesting landmark is a chunk of road blasted out of a basalt promontory - a remnant of when the beaches were the only real highway the coastal region had, back around 1910. You can even see the leftovers of a traffic light embedded in the rock. In Cannon Beach, you'll find a huge array of upscale restaurants that are legendary, as well as some Lewis & Clark landmarks.
St. Bernard's Bed & Breakfast is on East Ocean Rd., just north of the Arch Cape Tunnel. www.st-bernards.com. 800-436-2848.
More on the region can be found at www.beachconnection.net
About the Author
Andre' Hagestedt is editor of Beach Connection, a tourism publication that covers the upper half of Oregon's coast - some 180 miles.
© 2006 RTEC.IN - All Rights Reserved.
Stay in the embrace of nature at Ratanakiri, Cambodia
Situated in the northeastern corner of Cambodia, where the Indochina Triangle (Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia) is, Ratanakiri is home of the country natural heritage and cultural diversity of multi-ethnicity population. The natural and ecological features of the province remain largely untouched, and the old style living of the indigenous people has changed little over the past time even development is starting to take place with the increasing in-migration of the lowland Cambodians.
Of the population of 77,000; about 80 per cent is non-Khmer Cambodians. They are Lao, Tampuan, Kreung, Jorai, Kachok, Preuw, Kavet, Chinese, Vietnamese, and some others. People of Tampuan, Jorai, Kreung, Preuw, Kavet, and Kachok ethnic groups (hilltribes belonging to Mon-Khmer group) have their own languages, and still practise slash and burn agriculture. These Upper Khmer (Khmer Leu as called by lowland Khmers) are animist and still have strong belief in spiritual influence.
The province also offers the breath-taking and stunning natural features, such as the Yaklom volcanic lake, countless number of water falls (some believed to be waiting for you to discover and name them!), beautiful hilly
landscape, and a variety of flora and fauna in the tropical rain forest. This makes the province ideal place for ecotourism and those nature lovers.
Places to visit and things to see: Ratanakiri is a large province and almost all of the areas is covered by forest, and uninhabited. This reveals that natural resources and ecological systems are largely remaining undiscovered and undisturbed by man. Something that many are worried that if no timely and appropriate measures are enforced, the similar thing may take place as those in Cambodia neighbors the over-exploitation and subsequent degradation (or even extinction) of natural resources and ecological systems. In order to help Cambodia to be able to keep this cradle of ecosystem, we therefore urge all visitors, including our guests, to keep in mind of this fragile resources, and hence apply the ecotourism approach when visiting the province. The following are some of the places that should be visited. Of course, there are many things in many places of Ratanakiri that awaits your discovery.
Of the population of 77,000; about 80 per cent is non-Khmer Cambodians. They are Lao, Tampuan, Kreung, Jorai, Kachok, Preuw, Kavet, Chinese, Vietnamese, and some others. People of Tampuan, Jorai, Kreung, Preuw, Kavet, and Kachok ethnic groups (hilltribes belonging to Mon-Khmer group) have their own languages, and still practise slash and burn agriculture. These Upper Khmer (Khmer Leu as called by lowland Khmers) are animist and still have strong belief in spiritual influence.
The province also offers the breath-taking and stunning natural features, such as the Yaklom volcanic lake, countless number of water falls (some believed to be waiting for you to discover and name them!), beautiful hilly
landscape, and a variety of flora and fauna in the tropical rain forest. This makes the province ideal place for ecotourism and those nature lovers.
Places to visit and things to see: Ratanakiri is a large province and almost all of the areas is covered by forest, and uninhabited. This reveals that natural resources and ecological systems are largely remaining undiscovered and undisturbed by man. Something that many are worried that if no timely and appropriate measures are enforced, the similar thing may take place as those in Cambodia neighbors the over-exploitation and subsequent degradation (or even extinction) of natural resources and ecological systems. In order to help Cambodia to be able to keep this cradle of ecosystem, we therefore urge all visitors, including our guests, to keep in mind of this fragile resources, and hence apply the ecotourism approach when visiting the province. The following are some of the places that should be visited. Of course, there are many things in many places of Ratanakiri that awaits your discovery.
About the Author
Title: Manager,Yaklom Hill Lodge
Age: 42
Nationality: Thai
Contact: www.yaklom.com
Experience:
© 2006 RTEC.IN - All Rights Reserved.
Wildebeest Migration - How To Get The Best Seats In The House
o get the most out of a wildebeest migration safari you need to know where the best places along the migration route are, the times you need to be in certain areas and who the top safari companies are.
The Best Spots On the Migration Route
Have you ever seen those wildlife documentaries that show masses of wildebeest swimming across a river being shadowed and sometimes dragged under by huge crocodiles or drowning because of the crush and fatigue?
And those wildebeest that do make it across safely sometimes fail at the last hurdle because the bank is too steep and slippery with mud for them to reach the top even though they make a huge effort to do so.
This all forms part of the incredible wildebeest migration that takes part every year in the Serengeti and Masai Mara game reserves in East Africa.
The best spots to see spectacles like the ones described above are at the Grumeti river in the western corridor of the Serengeti because this is the first major river the hordes of wildebeest need to cross in their quest for sweeter grazing in the north.
And the massive crocodiles are waiting...
The second and last major river they need to cross before they get to the Masai Mara reserve is the Mara and this is also an excellent vantage point from which to watch the drama play out.
But something that few people know is that there is another part of the wildebeest migration that is just as incredible as the actual trek north. And this is the annual foaling of about 400 000 wildebeest calves all in about a three week period early in the year.
This is also an awesome spectacle and the best spot to experience this is the southern Serengeti in February. You are also bound to see a lot of the predators like lion, hyena, leopard and cheetah take advantage of this food bonanza.
Timing Is Everything With the Wildebeest Migration
So how is it possible for a million wildebeest to just disappear?
This is a question that gets asked reasonably often by people who go to the Serengeti to see the migration but get the timing wrong and then they fail to find the huge herds.
The answer is that the million wildebeest are still there but they are spread out across a wide area on the Serengeti plains so it just seems
like there are fewer of them because they aren't ready to mass for the trip up north yet.
So how can you make sure you get the timing right?
It's extremely difficult to predict when the migration will occur because it's all dependant on the rain. And the rain comes at different times each year but it is possible to make a rough estimate based on past occurrences so if you are in the Central Serengeti in April-May you should start to see them move northwest towards the Grumeti controlled area.
In June you will find them doing their death defying swim across the Grumeti river and soon after in August they attempt to ford the Mara river in the north to reach the life sustaining grassland of the Masia Mara in Kenya.
In November-December the migration starts to move southwards towards the Serengeti plains again to capitalise on the fresh grasses that have grown there in the interim.
Top Wildebeest Migration Safari Companies
A very important decision you need to make if you want to experience the wildebeest migration successfully concerns the safari company that you choose to guide you. It's very easy to become confused because there are so many operators in the market.
Make sure they are a reputable company by getting recommendations from previous travellers that have been on safari with them in Serengeti wildebeest migration trip reports.
You can also check their membership in various safari associations - KATO - Kenya Association of Tour Operators, TATO - Tanzania Association of Tour Operators and ATTA - African Travel and Tourism Association.
And lastly make sure that they can satisfactorily answer all your questions about their payment, refund and cancellation policies and what the exact itenirary will be. Choosing the wrong company for your wildebeest migration safari can be disastrous.
About the Author
The Best Spots On the Migration Route
Have you ever seen those wildlife documentaries that show masses of wildebeest swimming across a river being shadowed and sometimes dragged under by huge crocodiles or drowning because of the crush and fatigue?
And those wildebeest that do make it across safely sometimes fail at the last hurdle because the bank is too steep and slippery with mud for them to reach the top even though they make a huge effort to do so.
This all forms part of the incredible wildebeest migration that takes part every year in the Serengeti and Masai Mara game reserves in East Africa.
The best spots to see spectacles like the ones described above are at the Grumeti river in the western corridor of the Serengeti because this is the first major river the hordes of wildebeest need to cross in their quest for sweeter grazing in the north.
And the massive crocodiles are waiting...
The second and last major river they need to cross before they get to the Masai Mara reserve is the Mara and this is also an excellent vantage point from which to watch the drama play out.
But something that few people know is that there is another part of the wildebeest migration that is just as incredible as the actual trek north. And this is the annual foaling of about 400 000 wildebeest calves all in about a three week period early in the year.
This is also an awesome spectacle and the best spot to experience this is the southern Serengeti in February. You are also bound to see a lot of the predators like lion, hyena, leopard and cheetah take advantage of this food bonanza.
Timing Is Everything With the Wildebeest Migration
So how is it possible for a million wildebeest to just disappear?
This is a question that gets asked reasonably often by people who go to the Serengeti to see the migration but get the timing wrong and then they fail to find the huge herds.
The answer is that the million wildebeest are still there but they are spread out across a wide area on the Serengeti plains so it just seems
like there are fewer of them because they aren't ready to mass for the trip up north yet.
So how can you make sure you get the timing right?
It's extremely difficult to predict when the migration will occur because it's all dependant on the rain. And the rain comes at different times each year but it is possible to make a rough estimate based on past occurrences so if you are in the Central Serengeti in April-May you should start to see them move northwest towards the Grumeti controlled area.
In June you will find them doing their death defying swim across the Grumeti river and soon after in August they attempt to ford the Mara river in the north to reach the life sustaining grassland of the Masia Mara in Kenya.
In November-December the migration starts to move southwards towards the Serengeti plains again to capitalise on the fresh grasses that have grown there in the interim.
Top Wildebeest Migration Safari Companies
A very important decision you need to make if you want to experience the wildebeest migration successfully concerns the safari company that you choose to guide you. It's very easy to become confused because there are so many operators in the market.
Make sure they are a reputable company by getting recommendations from previous travellers that have been on safari with them in Serengeti wildebeest migration trip reports.
You can also check their membership in various safari associations - KATO - Kenya Association of Tour Operators, TATO - Tanzania Association of Tour Operators and ATTA - African Travel and Tourism Association.
And lastly make sure that they can satisfactorily answer all your questions about their payment, refund and cancellation policies and what the exact itenirary will be. Choosing the wrong company for your wildebeest migration safari can be disastrous.
About the Author
Make the right choice of wildebeest migration companies by using the Top Three Serengeti migration operators list.
The Top Three Honeymoon Safari Companies List ranks the best of the best honeymoon safari operators by using trip reports from previous travellers.
© 2006 RTEC.IN - All Rights Reserved.
Traveling To Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe offers you many opportunities to see parts of the Old World that have not been spoiled by Western commercialism. There are lakes, forests and cultures that have not yet been Westernized.
Poland is a particularly attractive tourist destination for those interested in broadening their perspectives.
If you travel to Poland you can pick your lodging from renovated castles, to 5 star hotels and rural agro tourist spots. Beyond that, camping facilities abound in Poland because of the wonderful forests and lakes and the popularity of camping among the Polish people themselves.
Accomodations in Poland depend on where you are. Warsaw can be described as a city of hotels. There are renovated hotels, new hotels and hotels under construction. Everywhere you go there are hotels. The city is replendent with top quality hotels owned by western hotel chains. The choice of the level of service, and price, is up to you. Hotels in the other major cities are similar. In the smaller cities you can find good hotels and excellent service.
Most tourists miss so much of Poland that is to be seen. They get into the tourists traps that abound in Warsaw, Krakow and Auschwitz. It is understandable because there is so little information about traveling in Poland that gives you opportunities to see so much more. But it is there and you can find so much to do when you take a little time.
Medical tourism in Eastern Europe is very popular. And it is especially popular with Poland as the destination. Medical tourism is popular particularly because of the costs. But it is also popular because of the high quality medical care that is offered in Poland.
Polish people, over the years have had a special interest in the United States. And as a result, many of its doctors and dentists have diplomas from medical and dental schools in the United States. And the Polish medical schools have also turned out very high quality medical practitioners who have earned excellent reputations all over the world. In fact, the United Kingdom has discovered their talents and is encouraging Polish medical practitioners to practice in the United Kingdom.
The Polish salt mines also offer some opportunities for people interested in medical tourism for asthma cure. Long ago the it was discovered that the salt mines had curative powers that helped people with problems that they could not otherwise cure. This has lead to the development of clinics at the salt mines that specialize in asthma and other cures.
Combining medical tourism with a recreational tours is
very popular. People who come to Poland to see the country find an excellent chance to get that otherwise very expensive dental work done at reasonable prices. And they don't stop at dental work. They consider everything from liposuction to penis enlargement.
Poland has some beautiful lakes in the Northeastern part of the country. In fact, the Northeastern part of Poland is almost one big network of lakes, campgrounds and small hotels. The main tourists in this area are Germans and Poles. The region is little know by people from other countries. There is fishing, hunting, camping, hiking and horseback riding available all over the region. It is a beautiful region that should not be missed.
You can take organized tours and see a lot in a short time. These tours are very popular in the major cities such as Warsaw, Krakow and Gdansk. There is so much to see in these cities and so much of it is burried in corners so tour guides are almost a necessity if you are going to see a lot. At the same time, they often offer you the ability to see things that you might not have known existed. At times they have special arrangements with shops so that you can get better prices on such things as amber and crystal when you come to the shop with the tour guide.
There are several old line, major tourist agencies in Poland that can help you with all your needs for traveling to Eastern Europe. They will help you with group tours, individual tours and organize special events for you or your group. Some of these agencies have offices throughout the European Union and the United States.
Of course, you can make your own travel arrangements on line. Even so, surveys show that more than two thirds of the travel arrangements are made off line. That means that people use either a travel agent or make their own reservations after finding information on the internet. They find that there is nothing like personal service.
In any case, your search will generally start on the internet. You can search by region or by topic. One of the first thing that you might consider doing is looking at maps of Poland. They will give you ideas to start. Additionally, you wil find them useful later.
So if you are interested in a new travel experience, search poland travel in your favorite search engine and see what great ideas show up.
About the Author
Poland is a particularly attractive tourist destination for those interested in broadening their perspectives.
If you travel to Poland you can pick your lodging from renovated castles, to 5 star hotels and rural agro tourist spots. Beyond that, camping facilities abound in Poland because of the wonderful forests and lakes and the popularity of camping among the Polish people themselves.
Accomodations in Poland depend on where you are. Warsaw can be described as a city of hotels. There are renovated hotels, new hotels and hotels under construction. Everywhere you go there are hotels. The city is replendent with top quality hotels owned by western hotel chains. The choice of the level of service, and price, is up to you. Hotels in the other major cities are similar. In the smaller cities you can find good hotels and excellent service.
Most tourists miss so much of Poland that is to be seen. They get into the tourists traps that abound in Warsaw, Krakow and Auschwitz. It is understandable because there is so little information about traveling in Poland that gives you opportunities to see so much more. But it is there and you can find so much to do when you take a little time.
Medical tourism in Eastern Europe is very popular. And it is especially popular with Poland as the destination. Medical tourism is popular particularly because of the costs. But it is also popular because of the high quality medical care that is offered in Poland.
Polish people, over the years have had a special interest in the United States. And as a result, many of its doctors and dentists have diplomas from medical and dental schools in the United States. And the Polish medical schools have also turned out very high quality medical practitioners who have earned excellent reputations all over the world. In fact, the United Kingdom has discovered their talents and is encouraging Polish medical practitioners to practice in the United Kingdom.
The Polish salt mines also offer some opportunities for people interested in medical tourism for asthma cure. Long ago the it was discovered that the salt mines had curative powers that helped people with problems that they could not otherwise cure. This has lead to the development of clinics at the salt mines that specialize in asthma and other cures.
Combining medical tourism with a recreational tours is
very popular. People who come to Poland to see the country find an excellent chance to get that otherwise very expensive dental work done at reasonable prices. And they don't stop at dental work. They consider everything from liposuction to penis enlargement.
Poland has some beautiful lakes in the Northeastern part of the country. In fact, the Northeastern part of Poland is almost one big network of lakes, campgrounds and small hotels. The main tourists in this area are Germans and Poles. The region is little know by people from other countries. There is fishing, hunting, camping, hiking and horseback riding available all over the region. It is a beautiful region that should not be missed.
You can take organized tours and see a lot in a short time. These tours are very popular in the major cities such as Warsaw, Krakow and Gdansk. There is so much to see in these cities and so much of it is burried in corners so tour guides are almost a necessity if you are going to see a lot. At the same time, they often offer you the ability to see things that you might not have known existed. At times they have special arrangements with shops so that you can get better prices on such things as amber and crystal when you come to the shop with the tour guide.
There are several old line, major tourist agencies in Poland that can help you with all your needs for traveling to Eastern Europe. They will help you with group tours, individual tours and organize special events for you or your group. Some of these agencies have offices throughout the European Union and the United States.
Of course, you can make your own travel arrangements on line. Even so, surveys show that more than two thirds of the travel arrangements are made off line. That means that people use either a travel agent or make their own reservations after finding information on the internet. They find that there is nothing like personal service.
In any case, your search will generally start on the internet. You can search by region or by topic. One of the first thing that you might consider doing is looking at maps of Poland. They will give you ideas to start. Additionally, you wil find them useful later.
So if you are interested in a new travel experience, search poland travel in your favorite search engine and see what great ideas show up.
About the Author
Gary Granai is a publisher of the Eastern European Review Blog and several web sites that are related to Eastern Europe. His main travel site for Poland is at this link
© 2006 RTEC.IN - All Rights Reserved.
Business Tourism in Johannesburg
Johannesburg: The City of Gold
The discovery of gold in what is now known as the city of Johannesburg sparked off one of the fastest South African urban developments. Johannesburg or the 'city of gold' as it is fondly referred to, is one of the most diverse areas in South Africa. It is South Africa's premier business destination and is as rich as the cultures and heritages made up by its 5 million inhabitants.
South Africa's business hub
South Africa's premier business destination, Johannesburg, is the most powerful commercial centre on the African continent. 74% of South African companies' headquarters are located in this business hub. It is also home to the Johannesburg Securities Exchange, the biggest stock exchange in Africa and the 16th biggest in the world. Though Johannesburg has financial, municipal, transport and telecommunications infrastructure that rival leading first world cities the cost of living is so much lower, making it the ideal location for business tourism.
Business Tourism Johannesburg has become the premier destination for domestic and international business tourists. 36% of domestic and 32% of international tourists to Johannesburg come solely for business purposes. It makes financial sense for international business travellers to come to Johannesburg as it will cost two to three times less than when travelling to London, New York or Paris for the same purpose. Johannesburg has become a magnet for international conventions such as the 'World Summit on Sustainable Development'. It is the cities world class venues, such as the Sandton Convention Centre, and infrastructure that have enabled it to become a much sought after destination for international business tourists.
Johannesburg international Airport
The busiest and most business friendly airport in Africa is located in Johannesburg. The Johannesburg international airport accommodates approximately 13 million passengers a year and about 1.2 million of these are business travellers. The airport is located approximately 30 minutes away from Johannesburg's business. There are various car rental companies that operate from the airport and there are a variety of taxi services that can take business tourists to their hotels.
Accommodation
There is no shortage of accommodation in Johannesburg and its surrounding areas. Whilst some business tourists like to stay in the business hub itself, others prefer to stay at the hotels a short drive away where they
can have the feeling that they are also on holiday. There is a huge amount of variety when it comes to accommodation in Johannesburg and business travellers will always find the perfect location to suite all of their needs. Many of the hotels offer conference facilities which companies can hire, making the commute from hotel room to boardroom that much more seemless. Many businesses chose to hold their conferences in hotels such as this as it is more practical for the company. The hotel will usually set up the room, provide the technological assistance and the catering.
Tourist attractions in the surrounding areas
Whilst on business to Johannesburg most travellers try and fit in some time to see the very worthwhile tourist attractions in the area. There are a multitude of museums, parks, botanical gardens and historical sites in and around Johannesburg. The casinos in and around the area provide fun-filled evenings after a long days work. There are a variety of fantastic golf courses in the area as well, some of which are world ranked and often frequented by business tourists. Travelling around Johannesburg taking in the sights and sounds of its different suburbs, sampling local as well as international cuisine and the impressive nightlife are but a few of the things to do whilst on business in this cosmopolitan city.
For those who want to explore Johannesburg on a grater scale a 50 minute drive will take them straight to the 'Cradle of Humankind'. A world heritage site consisting of over 200 caves in which 13 fossil sites have been found, the oldest of which is an estimated 2, 5 million years old. The Hartebeespoort dam located not too far out of the business hub is an excellent venue for water sports such as boating, fishing and water skiing. There is also a snake park, fresh-water aquarium and a 2 km cableway taking visitors to a viewing site on the Magaliesberg.
Choose Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa's major business destination is home to world class venues and infrastructure. There is so much to do and see in this city of gold that business tourists are afforded the opportunity of being leisure tourists as well.
About the author:
The Fabz Estate luxury hotel is located in the suburb of Lonehill which is extremely close to the Sandton business district in Johannesburg. The hotel is geared towards business travellers and is equipped with the infrastructure to meet their needs whilst offering them hospitality, tranquillity and luxury.
The discovery of gold in what is now known as the city of Johannesburg sparked off one of the fastest South African urban developments. Johannesburg or the 'city of gold' as it is fondly referred to, is one of the most diverse areas in South Africa. It is South Africa's premier business destination and is as rich as the cultures and heritages made up by its 5 million inhabitants.
South Africa's business hub
South Africa's premier business destination, Johannesburg, is the most powerful commercial centre on the African continent. 74% of South African companies' headquarters are located in this business hub. It is also home to the Johannesburg Securities Exchange, the biggest stock exchange in Africa and the 16th biggest in the world. Though Johannesburg has financial, municipal, transport and telecommunications infrastructure that rival leading first world cities the cost of living is so much lower, making it the ideal location for business tourism.
Business Tourism Johannesburg has become the premier destination for domestic and international business tourists. 36% of domestic and 32% of international tourists to Johannesburg come solely for business purposes. It makes financial sense for international business travellers to come to Johannesburg as it will cost two to three times less than when travelling to London, New York or Paris for the same purpose. Johannesburg has become a magnet for international conventions such as the 'World Summit on Sustainable Development'. It is the cities world class venues, such as the Sandton Convention Centre, and infrastructure that have enabled it to become a much sought after destination for international business tourists.
Johannesburg international Airport
The busiest and most business friendly airport in Africa is located in Johannesburg. The Johannesburg international airport accommodates approximately 13 million passengers a year and about 1.2 million of these are business travellers. The airport is located approximately 30 minutes away from Johannesburg's business. There are various car rental companies that operate from the airport and there are a variety of taxi services that can take business tourists to their hotels.
Accommodation
There is no shortage of accommodation in Johannesburg and its surrounding areas. Whilst some business tourists like to stay in the business hub itself, others prefer to stay at the hotels a short drive away where they
can have the feeling that they are also on holiday. There is a huge amount of variety when it comes to accommodation in Johannesburg and business travellers will always find the perfect location to suite all of their needs. Many of the hotels offer conference facilities which companies can hire, making the commute from hotel room to boardroom that much more seemless. Many businesses chose to hold their conferences in hotels such as this as it is more practical for the company. The hotel will usually set up the room, provide the technological assistance and the catering.
Tourist attractions in the surrounding areas
Whilst on business to Johannesburg most travellers try and fit in some time to see the very worthwhile tourist attractions in the area. There are a multitude of museums, parks, botanical gardens and historical sites in and around Johannesburg. The casinos in and around the area provide fun-filled evenings after a long days work. There are a variety of fantastic golf courses in the area as well, some of which are world ranked and often frequented by business tourists. Travelling around Johannesburg taking in the sights and sounds of its different suburbs, sampling local as well as international cuisine and the impressive nightlife are but a few of the things to do whilst on business in this cosmopolitan city.
For those who want to explore Johannesburg on a grater scale a 50 minute drive will take them straight to the 'Cradle of Humankind'. A world heritage site consisting of over 200 caves in which 13 fossil sites have been found, the oldest of which is an estimated 2, 5 million years old. The Hartebeespoort dam located not too far out of the business hub is an excellent venue for water sports such as boating, fishing and water skiing. There is also a snake park, fresh-water aquarium and a 2 km cableway taking visitors to a viewing site on the Magaliesberg.
Choose Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa's major business destination is home to world class venues and infrastructure. There is so much to do and see in this city of gold that business tourists are afforded the opportunity of being leisure tourists as well.
About the author:
The Fabz Estate luxury hotel is located in the suburb of Lonehill which is extremely close to the Sandton business district in Johannesburg. The hotel is geared towards business travellers and is equipped with the infrastructure to meet their needs whilst offering them hospitality, tranquillity and luxury.
A Complete India Travel Guide Launched
Your wait is finally over. A complete Travel Guide, www.travelgoindia.com that focuses completely on India has been launched. The days of scratching about for information on India before you embark on a tour of this beautiful country is passé. Learn more about the beauty of this enchanting land from this exhaustively informative website www.travelgoindia.com. This travel guide has quite a few useful tools that enable it to become a traveler’s best friend.
Are you ready to pack your bag but not very sure about your destination? At TravelGoIndia.com you will get to know about some tourist locations, whose existence you were never aware of. No wonder, this is by far the best India Travel Guide that you will find in the Internet. Rich in information, this exclusively India centric travel guide is surely destined to become a tourist’s best pal.
TravelGoIndia.com is conceived to provide travelers with enough information on travel so that it becomes easier for them to take decisions. The website enables you to book hotels in more than 150 Indian cities. You also have the choice to book a luxury hotel or a budget hotel. One added advantage that this complete India Travel Guide has is its ability to book hotels real time through partners and give instant confirmation facility. It has more than 500 hotels of all categories throughout India in its database. You can, therefore, be pretty sure of getting a hotel room anywhere in the country.
This extremely informative guide on Indian tourism will
help you plan you tour without getting sand between your toes. Tourists who love to stay off the beaten track will find this website to their liking. There are plenty of exotic tour packages like safari tours, golf tours, beach holidays and adventure tours. If you want to re-live history, you will have plenty of information on historic places like Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. Enjoy life in throbbing metropolitan cities like Mumbai. The website aims to provide you will all the travel resources that you may need. Here you will find popular tourist destinations as well as lesser known paradises on earth.
Knowledge is power. Your tour can be safe and delightful if you have all the information about the place where you wish to go. At TravelGoIndia.com, you will have more than enough information on tourist attractions. Small things often make big difference. TravelGoIndia.com has an eye for detail. Here you will get the direction of tourist hot spots from different transit points like airport, railway station and even bus stop. You will also get to know about the hotels near that attraction. TravelGoIndia.com has the ability to book a flight or car too.
This complete India Travel Guide is the only one of its kind. It has more information than a typical travel search engine. At the same time it enables you to book hotels, flights, cars and packages online. These entire things combine together to make www.travelgoindia.com a unique India oriented travel guide.
Content Writer in Travel and Tourism Sites.
Are you ready to pack your bag but not very sure about your destination? At TravelGoIndia.com you will get to know about some tourist locations, whose existence you were never aware of. No wonder, this is by far the best India Travel Guide that you will find in the Internet. Rich in information, this exclusively India centric travel guide is surely destined to become a tourist’s best pal.
TravelGoIndia.com is conceived to provide travelers with enough information on travel so that it becomes easier for them to take decisions. The website enables you to book hotels in more than 150 Indian cities. You also have the choice to book a luxury hotel or a budget hotel. One added advantage that this complete India Travel Guide has is its ability to book hotels real time through partners and give instant confirmation facility. It has more than 500 hotels of all categories throughout India in its database. You can, therefore, be pretty sure of getting a hotel room anywhere in the country.
This extremely informative guide on Indian tourism will
help you plan you tour without getting sand between your toes. Tourists who love to stay off the beaten track will find this website to their liking. There are plenty of exotic tour packages like safari tours, golf tours, beach holidays and adventure tours. If you want to re-live history, you will have plenty of information on historic places like Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. Enjoy life in throbbing metropolitan cities like Mumbai. The website aims to provide you will all the travel resources that you may need. Here you will find popular tourist destinations as well as lesser known paradises on earth.
Knowledge is power. Your tour can be safe and delightful if you have all the information about the place where you wish to go. At TravelGoIndia.com, you will have more than enough information on tourist attractions. Small things often make big difference. TravelGoIndia.com has an eye for detail. Here you will get the direction of tourist hot spots from different transit points like airport, railway station and even bus stop. You will also get to know about the hotels near that attraction. TravelGoIndia.com has the ability to book a flight or car too.
This complete India Travel Guide is the only one of its kind. It has more information than a typical travel search engine. At the same time it enables you to book hotels, flights, cars and packages online. These entire things combine together to make www.travelgoindia.com a unique India oriented travel guide.
Content Writer in Travel and Tourism Sites.
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