San Francisco Bay Charter's Handbook Suggested 2 Day Trip

San Francisco Bay Charter's Handbook- Suggested 2 Day Trip
By Bob Diamond

Suggested 2 day trip

South Beach Harbor at Pier 40 in San Francisco is a great destination for a first overnight cruise. It's a reasonable distance from Redwood City. At about 20 miles, it's only 4 hours away even at the stately speed of 5 knots. The harbor is easy to find, easy to get in and out, and easy to maneuver in. There are facilities such as heads and showers and lots of restaurants and other shops ashore.

We suggest you plan your trip on a weekend when there is morning maximum ebb approximately between 9:00 and 10:30. This will give you a favorable current heading up to San Francisco in the morning and favorable current coming back in the afternoon the next day. If you leave Redwood City as late as the time of maximum current, you'll be arriving about the time the current goes slack. This would give you plenty of time to get to South Beach and may even give you enough time to sail past Pier 40 and the Bay Bridge to check out the North Bay, Alcatraz Island, etc. before settling in at South Beach Harbor.

Make your reservations with harbor office at (415) 495-4911. The overnight fee is $1.00 per foot. There is also a $50 key deposit, which can be done with an authorized credit card. The harbor master monitors VHF channel 16 if you need to call via marine radio.

Pac Bell Park is within walking distance and there are several restaurants in the area. Take advantage of the extra time the next day to explore the North Bay a little before heading back to Redwood City. Just allow about 4 hours of sailing time from the Bay Bridge for the trip south. It's likely you'll have the wind in your favor the whole way and if it's a normal spring or summer day there will be lots of it. What a way to finish a weekend sail!

For more information please visit our website at http://www.spinnakersailing.comFor this article in its entirety including links and photos go to: http://www.spinnakersailing.com/noframes/charters/sbcharterhandbook.htm

Bob Diamond has been head sailing instructor at Spinnaker Sailing since 1984.

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3 Reasons Why You Should Keep a Travel Blog

3 Reasons Why You Should Keep a Travel Blog
By Amanda Hallen

In case you havent noticed, blogs (short for web logs, really just an online journal) are everywhere on the net. There are sport blogs, car fan blogs, cooking blogsall geared towards taking whats inside of your mind and getting it out in a manner that can be beneficial to others.

Travel is no different.

Whether youre passionate about traveling, a weekend adventurer, or head out once a year with the family to experience what the world has to offer, a travel blog is a fabulous medium to share your encounters with others. In addition to any family member with a computer and Internet connection having the ability to access your blog, friends and friends of friends can read what youve written about destinations around the globe!

While there are dozens of reasons for keeping a general blog, weve come up three very good reasons to keep a specific travel blog. They are:

#1. Any bad experiences at hotels, restaurants, or stops along the way can be vented and heard as you write about your encounters, while the positive events can be pleasantly shared amongst avid blog readers around the planet on the World Wide Web. By choosing a travel specific site, potential readers are on that site with that one topic on their mind- and want to know what you have to say about their potential future destinations.

#2. Pictures, pictures and more pictures. Family and friends can keep a tab on you and your travels by reading all about your adventures and viewing he accompanying pictures that youve uploaded to your travel blog site of choice. Beside the fun of it, youll be saving yourself a few afternoons of re-showing your pictures to everyone who wants to see them. Simply send them the link to your travel blog, ask them to bookmark it on their favorites and visit it often to see where your travels have taken you now.

#3. Travel blogs bring your journal into the digital era, and preserves it for an eternity. Floods and other catastrophes cant damage your memory or your blog, but they can certainly wreak havoc onto pictures, private paper journals and yes- can even damage computers and back-up discs, where the majority of invaluable digital photos are stored.

So what are you waiting for? Get blogging!

Amanda Hallen recommends you visit Gusto for travel blogs, reviews, photos and more.

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Tips For Choosing The Best Cruise Vacations

Tips For Choosing The Best Cruise Vacations
By Paolo Basauri

How would you like your next cruise vacations to be? The single most important part when looking for the best cruise vacations is planning. And planning begins with choosing not only the right destinations but also the right cruise line.

It all depends on what your preferences are (weather, duration, comfort, etc) That picture may look nice on the brochure, but can you really stand the Caribbean Sun? You may also check in what type of cruise youre preparing to embark. There are many types of cruises available: family cruises, Christian cruises, all inclusive cruises, Christmas cruises, golf cruises, single cruises, luxury cruises and more, each one with their own particularities and activities within the cruise

As you see choosing the best cruise vacations is not that easy because then you have to pick the cruise line, and there is some heavy competition, among the cruise lines are Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Holland America plus a lot more. But dont despair, a good travel agent will definitely help you tailor the best cruise vacations you can have.

Here are some tips you should take in consideration when planning for the best cruise vacations:

Keep in mind your lifestyle. Does the cruise activities and fellow travellers feel right for you? Thinking about this will help avoid feeling uncomfortable during your trip. Some cruises even require you to have certain type of clothing if you want to attend their restaurants or events.

Plan ahead how the weather is going to be. Nothing is more frustrating that vacations going bad because of the weather, if you cant stand too much sun you should think twice going on a Caribbean Cruise.

Consider the itinerary. The pace of the itinerary is also important, some cruises spend more time at sea than others.

Be on the lookout for unnecessary charges.

Get all the help you need from your travel agent. Ask all the questions you have. Trust me, it is better to find out about some things before taking the cruise.

Final tip, just have fun! This should be the top priority on a vacation. If you feel you will spend more time in your vacations worried, take another cruise.

Paolo Basauri, is an expert author who writes for Best Cruise VacationsA site specialized in cruise travel all over the world.

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Yellowstone Tours

Yellowstone Tours
By Thomas Morva

The tourist season at Yellowstone National Park is divided into Winter and Summer. Since the weather can be extreme in both the seasons activities and tours are season-specific. Therefore a visit to the park and subsequent tours should be planned according to what your favorite kind of activity is like.

Among the tours offered at Yellowstone are traditional ones like coach tours for wildlife viewing and more unusual ones like horseback tours as well tours on llamas. The latter activity has also coined a new term called llamaneering. Since these animals have long been used as pack animals, they are sturdy and tough yet very manageable. These tours also include layover days which allow the hikers to enjoy fishing and climbing peaks. The horseback tours and the llama tours are spread over a number of days and each day ends with setting up camp at regular sites. Those who enjoy mountain biking can also undertake the mountain bike tour of the park which is organized during the summer season.

Another popular way to experience and see Yellowstone is through its myriad waterways. There are special Kayak tours as well as rented and guided boat tours available for those who wish to see the land from the water.

For those with a passion for photography, you can take a photography tour of a place that is so spectacular in its scenery that it is almost impossible to take a bad picture. Regular photography tours of Yellowstone are undertaken where an expert photographer acts as a guide and helps in mastering the technique of wildlife and nature photography.

During winter, snowshoeing and snowcoach tours are organized. These tours allow the visitor to see the face of Yellowstone in the winter and experience true harmony with nature. Since most of Yellowstone is backcountry, it lends itself to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In winter months the paved roads of the park are not cleared of snow, therefore snowcoaches are the only motorized access possible into the park.

These tours truly allow a visitor to Yellowstone to experience nature at its greatest.

For more information on Yellowstone tours:

http://www.yellowstoneparknet.com/guidestours/guidestours.php
http://www.nps.gov/yell/pphtml/activities.html

Yellowstone National Park provides detailed information on Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Vacations, Yellowstone Hotels, Yellowstone Tours and more. Yellowstone National Park is affiliated with Glacier National Parks.

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York Region Ontario Canada

York Region, Ontario, Canada
By Dave Lympany

York Region has a population of over 870,000 people and covers an area of over 1,750 square kilometres. Sitting between Peel Region in the West and Durham region in the east, York Region consists of the Cities of Markham and Vaughan, with the townships of Aurora, East Gwillimbury, King, Newmarket, Richmond Hill and Whitchurch-Stouffville.

The two main population centers are the Cities of Markham and Vaughan. Both Cities have average populations with Markham being the largest in the Region with over 220,000. Markham is renowned for being the Hi Tech capital of Canada with several high profile corporate head offices making the city their home. The city is modern with excellent healthcare and schooling. Vaughan has one particular claim to fame in being directly north of Toronto, making them above the main city. This too is a rapidly expanding city with great facilities and plenty of new communities springing up.

The York Region is host to over 25,000 businesses which provide 400,000 jobs - a number that is growing by approximately 20,000 per year at current rates. With close proximity to the Pearson International airport and a young, well educated workforce, York Region is one of the fastest growing regions of the GTA and is very popular with Immigrants. The York Region Transit system connects most communities within the Region to each other and the Toronto GO Transit system to give a very effective public transport network.

The Region administers the Healthcare and Education following the Provincial guidelines. The York Region District School Board and the York Region Catholic District School Board are responsible for the day to day operations of the Region's schools - all of which can be contacted via these sites.

The Town Of Aurora - With a population of over 43,000, the Town of Aurora is another rapidly expanding town. The population is young and has a high average income (compared to most Canadian towns) of around $110,000 per household. The housing is fairly expensive though with an average price of a single family detached home being over $370,000 two years ago!

There is a large variety of employers in the town and it is also commutable to the Toronto downtown core. This gives a low unemployment level of 4% in 2001 with the majority of employment in management/business, finance and sciences/technology. Manufacturing and retail are the other big areas of employment.

The schools and healthcare are administered by the York Region so for more details check out the links above. The town itself is a historical place with plenty of old buildings with lots of character. With close proximity to both the big city of Toronto and the rural areas, Aurora provides excellent recreational opportunities to its residents. This ranges from parks, playgrounds and pedestrian trails to championship golf courses, fine dining and theatre. A full recreational program is offered in the Town which will soon be augmented by a new state of the art Recreation Centre.

The Town Of East Gwillimbury is a semi rural area located only half an hours drive from Toronto. Another historic area with settlement dating back to the 1700's, the population is now over 20,000 and growing.

Again, East Gwillimbury has an excellent array of recreational facilities including arena's, trails, play parks and over 135 acres of parkland. There are ice rinks, outdoor sports pitches, the usual golf courses and for the less active a 16 screen movie theatre.

There are a wide variety of employers in the town providing ample employment and the new GO Transit station gives good access to the city. The population also enjoys an above average household income. For the latest business directory to see which companies are in the area, see the town website.

The Town Of Georgina is the most northerly area of the York Region and is made up of several smaller communities. Situated on the South eastern shores of Lake Simcoe, the communities of Georgina have plenty of beaches and open space - especially with the area being known as Getaway Country.

The lake offers up year round recreation including swimming, boating, canoeing, fishing and ice fishing to name a few. On top of this the great outdoors is all around and the communities have good facilities. Some of the more prominent communities are Keswick, Sutton, Udora, Jacksons Point and Port Bolster.

Most employment seems to be in the local services and tourism sector though full research can be carried out through the chamber of commerce website.

The Township Of King is home to around 20,000 people and is a fairly rural area. Famous for the Holland Marsh - a fertile area that produces most of the Provinces fresh vegetables - most industry is based upon the support of agriculture. There are a lot of Horse breeders in the area along with livestock and dairy farms. There is some light industry and the Seneca College campus is located on the former Easton estate.

As with most Canadian towns, King has good sporting and leisure facilities including golf courses, trails, parks and 3 arena's. Most facilities are pay as you use - more details can be found on the township website. The Township has a rich history dating back to the aboriginal peoples and then the western settlers in the late 1600's. A museum is now dedicated to the area's history and will be well worth a visit.

There are excellent transport links to Toronto and it's only around 40 minutes to drive to Pearson International airport (south). A prosperous town, the average income back in 1996 was over 97,000 with an unemployment rate of 5%. In the 8 years since I can only see that the average income would rise to over $100,000 per household.

The Town Of Newmarket is another large town with a population of over 73,000 that is growing fairly quickly. Over 70% of the population are under 45 years old. With all the amenities you would expect for a big town, Newmarket is home to the York Region Administrative Headquarters, the Provincial Court and the District 1 Police HQ.

The Southlake regional health centre is a fully equipped modern hospital with plans for expansion. These combine to make local government the highest employer in the area. On top of this, the local business community is growing at over 3.5% each year with retail stores and manufacturing companies having a large presence. Use the links on the town site to go to the Chamber of Commerce site for the full listing of businesses.

For recreation purposes there is a full program of sports and activities with the new Ray Twinney Rec. centre having two arena's and an indoor pool. There are several other arena's, pools and rinks in the town as well as a youth centre with a fully equipped skatepark. All the usual outdoor activities are available in the area including hiking, cross country skiing and golf. For the less energetic, the Upper Canada Mall is an impressive 1 million square feet of shops which should pacify even the most hardy shopper!

House prices are reasonable for Ontario with the average in 2001 being $242,000 for a single family detached home. Being located close to Toronto brings obvious benefits with great transport links including the GTA GO Transit system. The York Region Transit system also operates in the town. Highway 404 will direct you to the downtown area of Toronto in around 30 minutes and Pearson International airport is only an hour away. Buttonville airport in nearby Markham is useful for lighter regional aircraft.

The Town Of Richmond Hill is one of the fastest growing large municipalities in Canada and has a population of over 158,000. Situated directly North of Toronto, (between Markham and Vaughan), Richmond Hill is ideally located for commuting and access to the city for recreation or onward travel. As with the other municipalities, Richmond Hill has the York Transit, Toronto Transit Commission and the GTA GO Transit networks providing great options for transport.

Richmond Hill is renowned for its world class high tech manufacturing and research companies with the lowest R&D taxes in the G7 group of countries. Major international IT companies like Lexmark and Compaq are headquartered here along with MGI software and Shaw Communications. The young population provide a well educated workforce and with the average cost of housing lower than most other areas of the GTA is a popular place to settle.

Recreational opportunities are plentiful with Lake Wilcox providing aqautic fun along with the Lois Hancy Wave Pool and over a hundred parks for jogging, cycling and hiking. Golfers are well catered for and there are movie theatres, the enormous central Library and the David Dunlop Observatory for the less active.

The Town Of Whitchurch-Stouffville is a collection of smaller communities and rural areas and was established in 1792. Located some 24 Km North of Toronto it is on the Eastern/Central side of York Region. There is a population of around 24,000 who enjoy pleasant countryside with farms and equestrian facilities along with the small urban centres. The area has good transportation links with the York Region Transit and the GTA GO Transit networks. Only 30 minutes from Pearson and 15 to Buttonville airports means you can soon be on your travels.

The major employers are in the Business and personal services sector with the area experiencing a healthy 8.5% growth rate. Only 3% of the population remains unemployed.

A modern Hospital opened in 1990 and with good schools, a library and Museum there are plenty of facilities. The York-Durham heritage railway runs through the area with several stops and there are plenty of golf courses and recreational programs.

For more detailed information and great links please go to http://www.onestopimmigration-canada.com/yorkregion.html

Dave Lympany emigrated to Canada in 2003 and has developed a free information resource for Canadian Immigration and life in Canada - http://www.onestopimmigration-canada.com

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Yorkshire A Fantastic Place to Visit

Yorkshire - A Fantastic Place to Visit
By Simon Gregson

Yorkshire is a wonderful place to visit. The scenery is diverse and the people are very friendly. If you want to take the kids away on holiday, then there can be no better place than Bridlington or Scarborough on the East Coast. Even if it is raining, there are always things to do. On a bright sunny day, the beach at Bridlington is a paradise for young children, they'll love building sandcastles and hunting in the rock pools near Sewerby on Bridlingtons north beach.

Further up the coast is Flamborough, which is a chalk promintary protruding a few miles in to the sea. The cliffs are an ideal nesting site for seabirds including guillamots and puffins. The best place to see them is at the RSPB reserve at Bempton. The sea cliffs here rise majestically from the sea hundreds of feet high.

Venturing inland there is the Yorkshire Wolds. The Wolds are a wonderful place for walkers, with the long distance Wolds Way going from the Humber Bridge (amongst the longest in the world) up to Filey Brigg. Dotted among the Wolds are small villages, all are pretty unique and full of character.

The North Yorkshire Moors is one of Britains National Parks. It is home to the largest expanse of heather in the UK. For a really good pint, and brilliant view have a visit to the Black Lion on Blakey Ridge which is just above Rosedale Valley. The pub is at one of the highest parts of the moors, and is very remote. In the Winter, if you are lucky enough you could be trapped there for a few days - enough time to sample the good food that is served.

Dont forget a visit to Whitby - home of Bram Stokers Dracula. Some of the best fish and chip restaurants in Yorkshire are to be found in Whitby, most of the fish and shell fish is locally landed from the North Sea into Whitby Harbour. From the harbour, you can take a leisure cruise on the old Whitby Life Boat, a fast speedboat or a cruiser, these trips take from 30 minutes to an hour and are very reasonably priced.

Simon Gregson is the author of http://www.yorkshire-tourist.co.uk - a website aimed at promoting Yorkshire as a tourist destination of choice.

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Travel Maryland Unique and Amazing Tourist Attractions of Frederick Maryland

Travel -- Maryland -- Unique and Amazing Tourist Attractions of Frederick, Maryland
By Ugur Akinci

Every September, on the third week following the Labor Day holiday, the Great Frederick Fair welcomes all visitors with a program that is worthy of its name. The Fair was first held back in May 1822. How's that for some tradition? It first started as a Cattle Show and progressed to its current status as a 4-H agricultural educational fair and good old fashioned entertainment for the whole family. Local farmers compete to win the top prizes for their exhibited cattle and livestock.

If you like history and architecture you must not miss the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum in Frederick, MD. This is the oldest building in Frederick and a perfect example of the mid-18th Century German architecture (built in 1756).

Here is another attractions you might definitely want to include in your tour of Frederick, Maryland:

The fantastic Lilypons Water Gardens present one of the largest lilly ponds in the world. People from all over the world come to see this garden situated in historic Buckeystown, just outside south of Frederick. Founded in 1917, this is really the place to be if you'd like to rest your tired eyes with the gorgeous spectacle of all kinds of delicate lilies. Koi & Wine Festival, Ed Sander Memorial Bike Ride, and Family Festival at the Farm (in October) are just some of the events held at this unique tourist spot (http://www.lilypons.com/).

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Ugur Akinci, Ph.D. is a Creative Copywriter, Editor, an experienced and award-winning Senior Technical Communicator specializing in fundraising packages, direct sales copy, web content, press releases, movie reviews and hi-tech documentation. He has worked as a Technical Writer for Fortune 100 corporations since 1999.

You are most welcomed to visit his COPYWRITING WEB SITE http://www.writer111.com for more information on his multidisciplinary background, writing career, and client testimonials.

Register at his web site to get your FREE Writing and Marketing Tips & Ideas.

He is the editor of PRIVATE TUTOR FOR SAT MATH SUCCESS web site http://www.privatetutor.us

In addition to being an Ezine Articles Expert Author, he is also a Senior Member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), Member of Bethesda / Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce of Maryland, and a Member of the American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI).

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3 Great Reasons Why Should Take A Vacation Last Minute...

3 Great Reasons Why Should Take A Vacation Last Minute...
By Jon Tan

Making travel plans is never fun especially if it involves the whole family. To me it can be both confusing and frustrating! There is so much to do and you have to make sure that you are making the right decision for you and your family to get the best value for your dollar. Let me tell you why you can and should kiss travel planning goodbye.

Save Your Money?
With most travel plans, often times you have to decide months in advance. You need to start saving money to make the expense of the trip a little more affordable. But why pay more when you can pay less with last-minute deals. It's a fact that unforseen circumstances cause travel cancellations to happen, you do not need to save money to save money, get it? This is because most last-minute deals are already very discounted. Travel providers would rather have your money now than to leave their flights, rooms or cruise empty. And what better way to do so than through last minute deals!

Decisions, Decision and More Decisions?
Let's face it, with most travel plans you need to decide where you are going. This will depend on why you are traveling. If you are planning a family vacation, then you may decide to go somewhere that the whole family will enjoy. There maybe a fun spot like Disneyland or maybe a tropical getaway for two. The next step is to figure out how you will be traveling. This could mean that you want to fly, or take a train, or maybe you are going to drive. Considering how many people are going and where you are going. Make sure that you go with a choice that allows everyone to be comfortable and that it is a route that you can afford etc.

If going on a vacation is supposed to help you unwind, why do you need to stress yourself up with the finer details like above? Many last-minute deals are packaged into themes with the options of including various attractions in the package, from golf to outdoor adventure with destinations already pre-packaged into those all-inclusive deals, all you need to do is simply book and go!

Make Arrangements for Home?
Imaging having to have someone check on your home and take care of a few things for you while you are away. And if you have pets you have to make sure that someone comes and feeds them and checks in on them for you. You may need someone to water your flowers or even get your mail for you while you are away.

Personally, it does sound like too much work even before the vacation has started, last-minute deals are typically 3 to 5 days in length, a good nice amount of time away for you to just go, enjoy, relax and be back without the hassle of making these arrangements.

If you want to learn how and where to secure all these great last-minute deals, check out Last-Minute-Vacation-Guide.com.

Copyright Statement
This article was written by Jonathan Tan and may be reproduced on any dating & personal development-related website provided this copyright statement is displayed unedited in its entirety at the foot of the article and you use the exact same HTML code to ensure a clickable link back to the author's site. Further articles are also available. Contact the author for more information. Copyright Last-Minute-Vacation-Guide.com

As a business traveler, Jonathan has traveled extensively within America, across Asia and Europe. Last minute travel is the norm for him, you can check out more discount travel sites that offer last minute deals at Last-Minute-Vacation-Guide.com.

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Namibia

Namibia
By John W. Spence

John and I have returned from twelve days in Namibia.

Having been to Africa a few times before, I didnt have the urge of many visitors to tick all the boxes, see the big five.whatever you want to call it. Call me a philistine, but once youve seen one reticulated giraffe youve seen them all. I was after a different type of trip.

If, like me, you want to experience a landscape that is totally unique and witness first-hand one of the worlds most hostile and dramatic environments, then Namibia is a must. It blew me away.

We started the trip in Windhoek. A fairly non-descript town, but a pleasant enough place to recover from the flight and an interesting insight into the horrors of modern, German-influenced architecture.

The next day we headed off. South. We were advised to drive over a special pass, which we duly did. As we came round the corner of the pass, there in front of us was the most astonishing desert vista. I leapt out the car, shot a roll of film and would have gone home happy there and then.

If Id known what was coming I wouldnt have even wound down the window.

Over the next four days we stayed in various places in the Southern part of the Namib desert. I shant list them. They all have their different merits and it depends on what you are after. For the record my clear favourite was the Wolwedans where we spent a night at the Lodge Camp and then another at the Dune Camp. Which youd prefer is really your call. Lodge Camp is plush, Dune Camp is authentic. The food in both is truly exceptional perhaps the best Ive ever had on safari.

The Wolwedans area is totally, totally stunning. I havent the vocabulary to describe the landscapes and anyway that is only half of the wonder of this place. The atmosphere and aura are awesome to behold and the changing colours of the dunes defy belief. You wont see much wildlife, but that which you do see, has a very special beauty and commands the greatest respect. Seeing a Gemsbok eek out an existence in the Namib desert is, for my money, more impressive than a Lion in the Masai Mara any day.

The other area we visited in the South and that is probably on most peoples Namibia Hit List is Soussusvlei. On the whole trip this was the only time I ever saw anyone else. Its Namibias number one tourist attraction and it shows but, even if that bothers you, they are worth the visit. The mystique of the desert is somewhat lost here but, they are the tallest sand dunes in the world and they are incredible. My advice, which will make more sense when you are there, is to drive straight past the famous dunes and into the less visited area called the Deadvlei (youll need a 4WD car). Get there as early as possible when the shadows are long. I guarantee astonishment.

Whilst in the south we squeezed in a couple of extras. One morning we ballooned over the dunes. If youre a balloon virgin this is a great place to lose your cherry. I was and I loved it despite a fear of heights.

I dont like horses, camels have bad breath and elephants are very uncomfortable to ride, so Quad biking has always been top of my list. The Namib desert is a very, very fragile environment so initially the eco-tourist in you may be a little uncomfortable at the thought of Quad biking. Two hours later youll be perched on top of a sand-dune watching the sun go down with a Vodka and Tonic in your hand and your ethics will be long forgotten. Trust me, this rocks. I defy anyone not to whoop with joy as they fly across the desert on these modern camels.

We then headed back north to Swakopmund on the coast. Initial reactions? What the hell are we doing here? It makes Windhoek look like Venice. However my opinions changed. If you follow one awesome desert landscape with another awesome desert landscape and then follow that with yet another awesome desert landscape, it is possible to become a little jaded and lose perspective. With hindsight, and in view of the mind-boggling four days we were about to embark on, Im glad we had this short time out.

Not least because it afforded us the time to practise a little shark fishing. You have two options; off the boat or off the beach. The logical minded might assume that the boat would equate to greater success and bigger fish. Not a bit of it. Choose the beach without doubt. Even if you have fished a hundred times or have never held a rod in your life I urge you to give it a whirl. This is totally unique and completely thrilling. Unfortunately, I cant say more since any description of the day on my part would, Im afraid, only deepen the wounds in Johns pride. Suffice to say that as a collective we had much success. The nice part was that they all get returned to the sea.

We then embarked on what was undoubtedly the highlight of the trip. The Schoeman fly-in safari of the Skeleton Coast. For the next three nights and four days I was subjected to the most relentless assault of stunning landscapes, thrilling experiences, fascinating knowledge, infectious enthusiasm and all-out-no-holds-barred-African-wilderness-drop-dead-gorgeous-mind-blowing-incredible time.

I like to think Ive travelled a bit. Ive driven a motorbike from Calcutta to London, lived in the jungles of Belize for six weeks, canoed rivers in Canada, played football in Japan, travelled the Karakorum Highway, lived on deserted islands in the Phillipines, camped in Lawrence of Arabias favourite desert the Wadi RumI could go on.

In Africa I have been fortunate to experience the A list of Safaris. Ive travelled with Robin Hurt and Ker & Downey. Ive been to Abus Camp in Botswana, ridden horses with PJ and Barney, seen leopard make a kill..again, I could go on. But nothing, and I mean nothing, touches the Schoeman Safari.

I dont want to attempt to describe it. Two reasons. Firstly, I cant. Secondly, the finest thing about the Schoeman trip is how brilliantly the brothers unravel the desert before your very eyes and ears. Each day springing new surprises and opening new doors for you. The Schoemans have lived here all their lives. It shows they are mad so would you be. But within that madness is an incredible fountain of knowledge and a passion to share it. I genuinely never knew that a place like the Skeleton Coast existed on this planet (Henk Schoeman the youngest of the brothers and our guide - is convinced that the recent pictures to emerge from Mars were taken here).

To have the Skelton Coast shown to me by one of the Schoemans and to view it in this style was the complete ultimate. This is the real McCoy. No contest.

It is hard work though. The planes and land rovers are old and uncomfortable. The pace is relentless and the camps are basic but definitely more than adequate. The food isnt great it would be logistically impossible for it to be better.

But that is exactly what makes this trip so wonderful and real. Living in the Namib desert is no walk in the park and, frankly if the Himba tribes people can survive years of drought then you can manage four days of hard travelling. I guarantee that when you come into land at the first camp sight you will be completely dumbstruck, and youve yet to experience land-rover tobogganing, the welwitschia plant, Bushmen artwork, roaring sand-dunes (the most astonishing thing I have ever heard), desert elephants, bread baked in a coffee percolator, ship-wrecks, the quartz kaleidoscope, seal colonies.

But above all of this and more, you will experience pure, total and completely untouched wilderness.

A rare and incredibly beautiful thing.

http://www.aardvarksafaris.com/articles-namibia-otto.htm

John Spence originally cut his teeth as a cocktail barman in Cape Town and white water raft guide in Zimbabwe. This unorthodox first travel to Africa buried a strong seed of love for that continent which has grown and grown. Endless weird and wonderful trips to Africa on horse back, by canoe, on foot, light aeroplane and behind the wheel of his own Land Rover have yet to fully satisfy his thirst for knowledge of Africa. Johns two children are also set to become safari experts and are beginning to accompany him on some of his less adventurous trips so hes a good person to talk to about family holidays as well. An itinerary to Africa designed by John will be based on a huge bank of knowledge and a big injection of enthusiasm and adventure.

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You are on Holiday AllInclusive Resorts in the Dominican Republic

You are on Holiday, All-Inclusive Resorts in the Dominican Republic
By Ken Wilssens

Relax, you are on holiday. No, really. Relax. Its fine. If you want to meander from poolside to poolside, bathe in the vibrant Caribbean sun, enjoy an El Presidente or gaze out on crystalline blue waters, and leave the moola in the fanny pack, youre here. All-Inclusive Resorts in the Dominican Republic are getting a reputation. One for tropical holidays at reasonable prices, where few extra charges, or Herculean efforts, need apply.

Typically packages for all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic include lodging, buffet-style meals, alcohol, entertainment, specialty restaurants, and may include gratuities, taxes and popular island diversions, such as scuba, horseback riding, snorkeling, aerobics, golf or day excursions. It really depends. On how much you want to pay. And how much you want your package to do for you. Are you going to the tropics for Pilates, or for the white sandy beaches?

You may find better deals off the resort for some of those extras. Away from the high walls and enclosed compounds, where luxury is often in the eye of the beholder. Know that when you book three-star accommodations, sometimes you really do have to be satisfied with what three-star accommodations have to offer. And what satisfies may depend more on whether you are a jock on Spring Break or looking to swap the stresses of your latte life for a week of golf and sun. Check out Debbies Dominican Republic Travel Page for over 4,000 layman reviews to find the all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic that works for you.

Are you okay with bland food if the staff is friendly? Will you forego an afternoon safari if the beaches are quiet and clean? Ask Debbie at debbiesdominicantravel.com.

The best reason yet for choosing an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic may be ease. Book it, pay for it and enjoy it. Venture off the resort if you choose. Enjoy the museums, discos and eco-tourism. But know that a lounge chair and mojito awaits back at the resort. Really, relax. Its paid for.

For lots of helpful information on Dominican Republic travel and related topics, visit The Dominican Republic Travel Guide at http://www.dominican-republic-travel-guide.com

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Theme Cruises There are Many Reasons to Take a Look

Theme Cruises - There are Many Reasons to Take a Look
By Samuel Thompson

A theme cruise offers you an opportunity to enjoy and indulge in a special interest, passion, hobby or subject. You can find a theme cruise for every type of general interest, as well as for some very specific areas. These types of cruises also include related shore excursions.

The following list gives you some idea of the variety offered (of course, there are also sub-categories within many areas):

* Adventure travel
* Art
* Culture
* Dance
* Films
* Food
* Games (Poker is currently very popular)
* Golf
* Health and fitness
* History
* Lectures
* Murder mystery
* Music (see link about jazz cruises)
* Photography
* Religion
* Singles
* Special guest speakers
* Spiritual
* Wellness
* Wine
* and so forth

Most cruise lines offer some type of theme cruise. It is advisable to book early because many of these sailings are very popular. If you cannot find a cruise to fit your needs you can have one designed for you.

Take theme cruises to enjoy your favorite hobby, learn a new skill, increase your knowledge, or simply to do something different. These cruises are a great way to discover and learn while you travel.

You will enjoy what you love with a large group of like-minded people. There is no better way to learn and share what you know. Also, guest speakers are top notch and you get to interact directly with them.

You may want to consider organizing a group for something you, your family and friends would enjoy. By organizing such a group you could receive your cruise for free.

See the following related web pages (at cruise-vacation-advisor.com) for more information:
1.) Why You Should Sell Cruises. (Sell cruises for fun, money or both).
2.) How to Earn A Free Cruise.

Also, at the bottom of the above two pages, you will see a link to How to Start Selling Cruises. Discover how to promote cruises with a simple no-hard-sell approach.

Another suggestion is to start your own informational website based on your passion, hobby, or special interest. See for your self at cruise-vacation-advisor.com.

For information about five great JAZZ cruises, go to Theme Cruises at our website, and click the related link.

Samuel Thompson is author of http://www.Cruise-Vacation-Advisor.com/ Do you love to travel? Are you new to cruising? Avoid common mistakes and hassles. Take a look at some insightful suggestions, sensible advice and great ideas before booking your next cruise. Learn how to get into the work-from-home internet travel and cruise business (Register).

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Amusement Parks and Theme Parks In Germany Part 3 of 3

Amusement Parks and Theme Parks In Germany -- Part 3 of 3
By Marcus Hochstadt

In the past two parts of this report I told you about 7 TOP German Amusement Parks and Theme Parks, whose ensure you gain an unforgettable day (and a lot more).

So, with that having said, you also have to consider how much time you will have when you are in such Theme Parks. Imagine this, you would like to enjoy one more attraction, but you would have to queue up for approx. 120 minutes? Yeah, not unusual in those TOP German Amusement Parks!

Nevertheless, the fact that you have my advice and guidance, you will be able to prevent yourself from such annoying situations.

Question, would you like to save approx. 50% of your valuable time while being in such TOP German Amusement Parks and Theme Parks? Yes? Okay, then read on... ;-)

Step 1
The main visiting day is Sunday, followed by Saturday. If it is possible for you thus, visit the parks under the week, between Monday and Friday. You will otherwise be annoyed to have yourself queue up 1 or 2 hours long for only one ride. That can be pesky.

Step 2
Take your time for each park. I recommend taking one complete day, at huge parks perhaps even two days. You are annoyed otherwise to have missed important attractions. Even though our Amusement Parks aren't as big as Disney World in Paris or in Orlando, you should not put yourself in a rush.

Step 3
Journey on very early. Be there before they open their gates. Early in the morning the park is empty, and you gain a more pleasant and faster overview. And if you travel by car, it's common you find a parking lot quite close to the entrance. That saves some time as well.

Step 4
Inform yourself in advance, on my Website or on the Website of the park. Which attractions do you want to visit in any case? Note it, like a Park Route Guide. Process this plan first. If you then still have time, you still can go onto other attractions (or just repeat the most exciting ones!).

Step 5
Start at the end of the Theme Park. That way you avoid long waiting periods at individual attractions. Most visitors start their journey at the official starting point.

BONUS-Step
Plan your midday meal, therefore the attendance in the restaurant, very early or very late. Most visitors eat in the time between noon and 1 p.m. Go eating at 11 a.m. or at 2.30 p.m., thus you save up to 60 minutes of your valuable time.

WOW! Amazing, isnt it? Just follow the above steps and youre done! Better, print this page out and refer back to it in advance to your thrilling journeys. Best, refer back to my site at www.smart-travel-germany.com/smart-travel-guide.html to get a lot more additional information and updates.

For now, enjoy whatever you do!

Warmly,

Marcus Hochstadt
Copyright www.smart-travel-germany.com All Rights Reserved
You may use this article in its entirety with the Author Bio and links.

Marcus Hochstadt travels extensively to countries, continents and Germany itself as a sales manager and entrepreneur for more than 14 years. He knows in almost each German city the points of real interest. In his free monthly Special Report at http://www.smart-travel-germany.com/smart-travel-guide.html he reveals more valuable insider tips and travel secrets.

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24 Hours in Fukuoka City Travel Journal

24 Hours in Fukuoka City - Travel Journal
By Anndrea Law

I visited a good friend, Keiko, in Fukuoka recently. It was my first long vacation since I started working.

Tenjin StationUpon arriving at Fukuoka City, we placed my luggage in a locker at Tenjin train station, and headed to a traditional garden called Yusentei. There, we had the view of the Japanese garden to ourselves while enjoying matcha (green tea). The path in the garden led you right up to the edge of the water, and was ornamented with a small waterfall. The name of the vila is indeed apt: friendship-fountain-restplace.

Yusentei Japanese Villa

After Yusentei, we walked to the city's popular public park with a big lake. There was another park that Keiko wanted to show me, but we could not find the place. So we decided to have lunch and stumbled into a street with a character that reminded me of my place in Barcelona's Sierra district: safe, upper class and good food.

Lunch at El Bacharro

As if in reminiscence of my memory, we settled for a restaurant that serves food from Valencia called El Bacharro. I had vegetable with cheese and anchovies 'fondue', a popular dish of the house. The place was small but everything was carefully placed. We were particularly intrigued by the carefully camouflaged toilet entrance, which was no more than a flat wooden plank that ran across the concrete wall.

Western Food in Japan

According to Keiko, western cuisine is expensive in Japan, as Japanese food would be in most other cities. So during my stay, I was reated to western delicacies a la Japanese style a few times, e.g. the cheesecake that Keiko's parents bought from their weekend trip to an onsen (hot spring), and citrus muffins at a flower garden.

Court House

After lunch, we visited the courthouse, where Keiko frequented when she was still an working as a legal assistant. She tried hard to find a hearing that I would attend, but there was none that was not already in session or has ended. Still, it was interesting to see how open the courthouse is to the public. Anyone could walk in and sit into a hearing and the place resembled more of a hospital than a courthouse.

Cultural District

From the courthouse, we headed to a cultural district lined with museums, shops and temples. It was interesting to see the traditional sweets that Keiko gave me as a gift when she visited my home last summer.

We played with the traditional toys. There was one called Pabo, or something that mimicked the sound it made. It was a magical wooden book that clapped continuously once you set it in motion. The toy still rings vividly as I think about it now. Perhaps I should have bought one like Keiko said. But then we agreed that she would buy it for my first-born.

The porcelain artiste was in the musuem today. He was affable and chatty. We asked him to recommend a place to visit. He checked the time and replied that there was a Buddhist temple nearby that was still open for another hour. There, we could go through a test to see if we would go to heaven.

Buddhist Temple

The test was a journey into a dark passage way behind the alter of a big Buddha carved out of cypress. If you groped along the walls and touched a metal ring, then you are going to heaven. Silly as it may sound, I felt a real sense of cleansing after the test. For in the pitch blackness, ironically, it was as if someone shone a bright light into my soul. There was no way I could hide from my deepest conscience. (Of course, if you are wondering, Keiko and I are going to heaven.)

Canal City

We headed next to the glittering material world of Canal City, a popular mall with canals not unlike the Venice wannabes in Las Vegas. Watching the sunset unfold on the panoramic window of the cafe, Sweet Museum, we knew it was time to go home.

The author is an avid traveller and amateur photographer.To view the above article with accompanying photographs and to see more photo-journals, please visit http://viewmesomefreejournals.blogspot.com

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You Can't Do It All What It Takes to Make a Successful Adventure Vacation

You Can't Do It All - What It Takes to Make a Successful Adventure Vacation
By Charles Brown

Sooner or later every traveler realizes that you cant do everything or see everything when you travel, but you can learn to pack as much adventure as possible into your vacation, without breaking your budget.

Lets say, for example, your vacation is in New York, London, Tokyo or some other city that offers more to see and do than you could possibly experience if you stayed an entire year. The key is to accept the limitations of a finite vacation stay without giving up all the adventure you have planned on.

Step one begins with realizing the minimum you must experience to come home satisfied with your trip. What must you see and do in order to make this a satisfying vacation? Is visiting the Statue of Liberty, going to the top of the Empire State Building or seeing a Broadway play essential to your trip? Then make sure you include those activities.

Step two is to prioritize your time and your money. How long will you be staying in London, for example? Then calculate how much money you have to spend and youre your stay accordingly. If you blow through your money by Tuesday on your trip to London, and going to a Friday concert at Albert Hall was one of your essentials, you have created a problem for yourself.

Finally, above all else, remember to have fun. Months from now, you will not measure how successful your travels were based on how many things you r did or saw, but upon how much fun you had.

COPYRIGHT 2006, Charles Brown. All rights reserved.

Think budget travel equals boring travel? Think again! Learn the Guerrilla Travelers insider secrets to budget adventure travel to the world's most exciting places and experience the coolest travel adventures without spending a bundle. Charles Brown is a former attorney, turned travel writer who now spends his time indulging his passion for travel and shares the unique travel destinations and adventure travel bargains he uncovers on his blog, Guerrilla Traveler - Adventure on a Budget, http://www.guerrillatraveler.blogspot.com

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You Can't Look Your Best When You're Working Down a Salt Mine

You Can't Look Your Best When You're Working Down a Salt Mine
By Raymond Strachan

You know that the mainstream tourist industry isn't pushing a particular country when you can't find the language in the multi-lingual European phrase book. And what language do you speak in Croatia?, I ask the friendly information helper in Zagreb. Croatian she replies.

That simple eh?

You can also tell, when all the trains in Italy going to Italian destinations are full, yet getting a ride on the Budapest Special is as easy as falling off a log, or in this case, a web log.

For a large part of my life, I has this impression that people in the old Eastern Bloc countries of which Croatia as part, were dour people who dressed in grey and went round with sour looking faces. I suppose that came with working 15 hours a day in a salt mine or building nuclear weapons guarded by secret service agents packing kaleshnakovs or the 1970's equivalent whilst taking notes on the performance of each of the workers.

While that might well have been the case then, (it must have been, our government told us so), it is certainly not the case now. Fashion retailing seems to be the main industry, and by what is to be seen on the Zagreb city streets, it is a great success story. Fashion and shoe shops line the streets with neither nuclear contaminated overalls nor salt encrusted work boots in sight.

The young people are right into fashion with many dressed to the nines whilst sipping a drink in the many cafes and pubs that line the city streets. This is especially true in Upper Town where there are dozens of such establishments with patrons enjoying the alfresco atmosphere adjacent to historic buildings.

Whilst the accommodation was extremely expensive for what you get, the food is relatively cheap - and good, if what we experienced is indicative of all eating establishments. Ironically, one of the meals was Indian, of the sun continent variety. One of the best Indian meals I have ever had, with a few drinks thrown in, all for under 200 kone or under $AU50 for my wife, Brenda and I. Our lunch today was more Croatian food - grilled veal with Croatian salad, bread, chips (not Croatian, I know) and mineral water - all for 99 kone. We couldn't eat another thing, well, not for another half hour at least.

Admittedly, this was after Brenda insisted on buying half a kilo of strawberries, when I thought half of that would suffice. She then forced me to eat the bloody things. And this was not to mention the apple that each of us had purchased from the very same produce market that the aforementioned strawberries were purchased and duly eaten.

Good food aside, the other things that struck me about Croatia was the friendliness of the people (even the immigration officials !!) and the fact that most of them spoke English.

And I thought I was going to have to make myself understood by people who had just been working 15 hours in a salt mine. I am very glad that was not the case. Our only regret was that our schedule only allowed for a single day visit. I'm sure I could have found a salt mine, given the time.

Raymond Strachan loves life and tries to give it 110% at least 91% of the time. A quick look at the calculator will comfirm a 100% total. He has an off centre view on just about anything as can be seen in his travel blog, http://www.booknblog.com You can create your own travel blog there as well.

View the Original Blog and the photos here...

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South San Francisco Bay Charter's Handbook When to Plan a Cruise

South San Francisco Bay Charter's Handbook - When to Plan a Cruise
By Bob Diamond

When to Plan a Cruise

During most of the season, you can count on the afternoon northwest wind in the South Bay and wind coming more from the west in the North Bay. The other significant variable is the tidal current. The ideal plan is to have the current going with you in all directions but that's not always possible. If you can just plan to have the current in your favor at the critical times, you'll have a great advantage. There are places in the Bay where the current is stronger than elsewhere. These places can be seen in the current charts of San Francisco Bay. There are also days every month when the current is stronger than on other days. When the tides are the most extreme, it's called spring tides. The least extreme tides are called eap tides. The tidal current is of course strongest during the spring tides. Tide and current tables are available on the web and in booklet form at Spinnaker and many other marine facilities.

If possible, plan a cruise so the current is favorable or at least not too unfavorable when you're going to be passing through areas where the current is strongest. The tides and currents tend to be in opposite phase every week. If it turns out the current is going to be unfavorable for your passage one week; you can expect it to be favorable the following week. That's assuming you plan for approximately the same departure time. Modern cruising often involves a lot of motoring. Accept the necessity of motoring, especially if your going to start early in the morning before the wind comes up.

Fueling

The inboard Diesel powered boats carry enough fuel for just about any cruise of a few days duration. More fuel is available at the many fuel docks located north of Redwood City. The outboard powered boats normally only carry enough fuel for 3 or 4 hours of motoring. Spinnaker can provide an extra container of fuel upon request, and if necessary, cruisers can purchase more gasoline along the way. If 50:1 outboard mix is not available, outboard users will have to mix the new gas with outboard motor oil to make the proper mixture required by outboard engines. Charterers are given a full tank of gas upon departure from the charter base. Any additional fuel required is at the expenxe of the charter.

For more information please visit our website at http://www.spinnakersailing.com

Bob Diamond has been head instructor at Spinnaker Sailing since 1984

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Bird Watching Trips India A Bird Watchers Paradise!

Bird Watching Trips - India A Bird Watchers Paradise!
By Sabrina Johnston

Of the 8650 species of birds (migratory and originating species) in the world, India is home to as many as 1200 (roughly 14%), out of which 141 are endemic to this region.

While the number of birds is huge and enough to satisfy any bird watcher, it is the amount of rare birds to see that makes India such an exciting destination for a bird watching trip.

India is also a country that takes eco tourism seriously and provides a number of protected wildlife sanctuaries, that are secluded and perfect for bird watching.

bird watching trips and a variety of stunning scenery and wildlife

India is such a diverse country in terms of its geography which ranges from the mighty Himalayas bordering Tibet in the north, to lush plains, desert and jungle surrounded by thousands of miles of beaches.

This diversity is of landscape is of course, reflected in its wildlife.

Bird watching trips in India give an opportunity to see birds, but you can combine a bird watching trip with a safari, or holiday package and see elephants, tigers, lions and rhinos, or take in some of the thousands of years of cultural history.

India is perfect for bird watching trips, but for the adventurous traveller offers much more, in terms of the variety of wildlife and stunning scenery.

Bird Watching, tigers, elephants and much more!

North India offers a wide variety of bird watching trips including the Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur) a world heritage spot and considered one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world.

There are over 350 species of birds found and the habitat varies from shallow lakes to flooded forests and barren earth.

The rich collection of birds in Corbett National Park, Indias first tiger reserve is another bird watchers paradise. Here you can go bird watching in open-air jeeps, or on elephants.

The setting is superb and the sheer variety of bird life astounding, with 580 species of birds to be found in the park.

Bird watching in some of the best wildlife parks in India

South India includes some of its most famous wildlife parks and some great bird watching destinations.

Nagarole national park for example, is counted among Indias best wildlife parks and has a large elephant and bison population, as well as great bird watching, with approximately 250 species of birds to be seen.

On its northern confines is the Kabini River and on its southern fringes is the Bandipur national park. During the dry season, February - June, the lakes and rivers of the park attract a large number of animals, making it an ideal spot for bird watching and taking in the other diverse and exciting array of wildlife.

Indian bird watching trips find out more

India is one of the best holiday destinations in the world for bird watchers.This report only scratches the surface of bird watching trips in India, so to read more about bird watching in India go to http://www.raptoradventures.co.uk/articles-sitemap.html

For FREE reports and newsletters and much more!

To give you ideas for holidays in one of the most beautiful countries on earth, go to:

http://www.raptoradventures.co.uk

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Choosing the Right Travel Package

Choosing the Right Travel Package
By Anand Srinivasan

With international airfares falling with increasing competition, numerous travel agencies have sprung up to help you make your international visit easy and comfortable. But now there is a problem of plenty. Here are a few things you need to consider when choosing the travel package of your choice.

COST

Naturally this is the first thing to look out for. Prepare the budget you are ready to shell out. But remember that if you are too particular about the upper limit for your travel, you choose that package that falls well inside your budget. Most often, no matter how deeply you look into the costs involved, there are always instances when you feel there was a hidden cost involved which younever knew until you made the payment. Also, you might end up making more than the planned purchasing. So, this is one factor, you must carefully plan and decide.

COMFORT and PRIVACY

For economy budget travellers, travel agencies usually help make costs low by taking the tourists in groups so that the cumulative costs involved help in making the cost per tourist less.But, too many co-travellers might end up ruining your comfort and privacy levels. It is best to know in advance the number of tourists who accompany you. Some travel agencies make good planning to split this group into smaller groups when you walk out in the destination. The best way to know about such organizing is through reviews about the package that you can find on the internet blogs and forums.

FLEXIBILITY

Choose a package that offers you more flexibility in deciding your period of stay in individual locations. Each of your co-travellers have different tastes and it is simply not enough if everyone is offered the same periods of stay at individual locations. So, look for travel packages that offer you the freedom to choose to lengthen or shorten your stay at individual spots. This kind of flexibility might shoot up the costs a bit, but nevertheless makes your travel a much more relishing experience.MANAGEMENTFinally, choose from reviews the kind of travel agancy that takes on the leadership during the stay. The least thing you would want to do is keep finding your way in a foreign place, while the travel is simply doing only what he is paid for - ferrying you to and from the place.

Anand Srinivasan is the author of http://XooXonline.info a website of varied themes and topics for the internet surfer who wants to surf but does not know what to!

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21 Exciting Maui Activities

21 Exciting Maui Activities
By Scott Grover

There are a multitude of reasons to choose Maui for your next vacation destination. It could be to enjoy its 30 plus world-class beaches, experience its breath-taking vistas including incredible sunrises and sunsets, discover a tropical paradise, or to just relax and get away from it all. Part of Mauis lure is that it offers such a wide variety of activities, many family-oriented. Below Ive summarized 21 exciting Maui activities available to its visitors in no particular order.

1. Sunrise at Haleakala Crater. There's only one way to see the sunrise and that's at Haleakala Crater in Maui. Its an experience that is truly difficult to describe because of its stunning beauty. You begin to sense the magnitude of it when you see a photograph, but its something that you have to experience to really appreciate.

2.Biking Down Haleakala. We have seen two wonderful sunrises at Haleakala on two separate trips to Maui. Both times we drove (up and) back in our rental vehicles. Unfortunately, biking down Haleakala has never made it into our agenda. So we have now officially added it to our Maui Activities Wish List.

3.The Road to Hana. The drive on the Road to Hana is an experience of a lifetime. Along the way on this 60 mile winding trek you will see some of the worlds most beautiful rain forests, water falls, and enjoy some of the most gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean.

4.The Seven Sacred Pools (formally called Ohea Gulch). Almost everyone who takes the Road to Hana ends up at the Seven Sacred Pools. Waterfalls connect each pool, and the last pools waterfall empties into the Pacific Ocean. Legend has it that swimming in each pool (in order from one to seven) will bring the swimmer good luck.

5.Snorkeling in Maui. Change your view of the island to an underwater perspective by snorkeling in Maui. There are countless places to snorkel here with amazing views of marine life of all kinds.

6.Sugar Cane Train. If you (or your kids) love trains this inexpensive Maui activity is a must! Circling from Lahaina to Puukolii and back, a ride on the Sugar Cane Train will show you all the beauty of Maui from the coach car of an unforgettable real working historic steam engine. The conductor is more than knowledgeable. He's practically a one man show complete with ukulele and musical repertoire!

7.Maui Ocean Center. This was a great day activity to do with your kids. The Maui Ocean Center offers many hands-on activities that our kids loved. The three-acre marine park hosts more than 60 interactive exhibits, an outdoor central courtyard, two restaurants and the Maui Ocean Center Store.

8.Sightseeing on Front Street. A shoppers paradise! Quaint shops, restaurants and historical spots line Front Street in Old Lahaina. Our favorite discovery was the Bubba Gump's Shrimp Shop and Restaurant.

9.Sandcastle Contest Day. An activity the whole family can participate in is a Sandcastle Contest Day on Kaanapali Beach. Our kids have a ball building tunnels and mountains and the adults take the challenge very seriously!

10.Horseback Riding. You don't have to be a cowboy to enjoy some of the best horseback riding you'll ever experience. You're in Maui - which means you are riding in the some of the most beautiful countryside that you can imagine. Our ride took us through pineapple fields and a rainforest.

11.Parasailing. If you can handle being a human kite and enjoy the silence and peacefulness of gliding 500 feet above the ocean (except for the whisper of a light breeze), parasailing is a must-do Maui activity for you.

12.Scuba Diving. If you are looking for an experience of a lifetime and you want to experience a side of Maui many people miss, Maui Scuba Diving is the way to go. It is not uncommon, on a Maui scuba diving experience, to have water visibility around 100 feet, and it is sometimes better than 150 feet!

13.Golfing. Whether you're the casual golfer that hits the links three or four times a year or the avid golfer that never misses a weekend, you simply will not be disappointed with your morning (or afternoon) of Maui golf. There are over 180 courses in Maui to choose from -- besides the fact that you'll be playing in arguably one of the most scenic places in the world.

14.Helicopter Tours. Several companies offer a variety of Maui helicopter tours that can include viewing some or all of the following: the West Maui Mountains, the island of Molokai (just west of Maui), waterfalls and beaches of East Maui including the Seven Sacred Pools and Haleakala Crater. A bird's eye view of Maui is nothing less than spectacular.

15.ATV/Quad Tours. Not only can you hike parts of Haleakala Crater, you can also now take an ATV/quad tour of this scenic place.

16.Submarine Adventures. If you don't like to scuba dive, you don't have to miss the beauty of Maui's oceanscape and marine life when you are in a submarine with a view.

17.Jet Skiing. If you have enjoyed jet skiing anywhere else, just add Mauis unsurpassed beauty to the thrill of the ride and you start to get an idea of how fun it would be to jet ski in Maui.

18.Kayaking. This is an activity that is not only environmentally friendly but will also give you a good cardio workout.

19.Jeep Tour. Rent a jeep or other four wheel drive vehicle for an enjoyable excursion around the southern and western end of Maui. Most visitors to Maui don't take advantage of this scenic tour. You will see two of the most recent Haleakala lava flows that reached the ocean, dating back less than 500 years to 800 years old.

20.Cave Exploration. Explore some of the worlds largest lava tubes.

21.Surfing on Mauis North Shore. Surf enthusiasts from all over come here to ride some of the biggest waves in the world.

This is by no means a complete list of Maui activities, but it should give you a good idea why Maui has become our number one vacation destination.

This article was written by Scott Grover who considers himself a Maui enthusiast with three vacations to Maui over the past 9 years (1997, 2000, and 2004), and another family vacation planned there for December 2006. You can read about him and his familys Maui adventures at his website http://www.Barefoot-In-Maui.com

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Photo I.D. Cards For Summerlin Nevada

Photo I.D. Cards For Summerlin, Nevada
By Shirley Simmons

If you live in Summerlin, Nevada, you are one lucky person. This planned community is one that offers so much for its residents. There are music festivals, contests, movies, and much more open to the residents of this community. In addition, there are pools and many parks and walking trails to take advantage of. Because of the great activities always going on in Summerlin, Nevada, the residents chose to issue photo I.D. cards to the residents.

If you want to be admitted to many of the festivities, you often need to show proof that you are a Summerlin, Nevada resident. Many times visitors will be admitted for free or for a small fee, but if you want free access like all other Summerlin residents, you need to get your resident photo I.D. card right away.

The Summerlin I.D. cards can be created at several of the community centers. In fact, you can visit The Trails or The Willows through the week to pick yours up. These two locations are open for issuing cards Monday through Friday from 9 in the morning until Noon. In addition, they are also open from 1pm to 5pm. You can call the local Summerlin information line to get more information.

Although it might seem a little overboard, it is important that you get your Summerlin, Nevada photo I.D. card soon after you move to the area. If you dont, you really wont be able to enjoy the same benefits as the other Summerlin residents. So, take the time to get your I.D. card today!

There are many reasons to consider Summerlin Nevada Real Estate.

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You Don't have to be 1830 to Enjoy a Holiday in Mallorca

You Don't have to be 18-30 to Enjoy a Holiday in Mallorca
By Michael Hanna

Jump in a taxi, hire car or bus and you can get far away from the popular south coast resorts which target the profitable 18-30's market. From Palma, you can explore the varied countryside that the island has to offer. Fight your way past the tan-seeking tourists, and you can discover Gothic architecture, hilltop villages, olive groves and hidden beaches.

Little more than an hours drive from Palma and the Son Sant Joan International airport the Tramuntana mountain range plunges down to the north coast of the island and pine groves extend as far as the Mediterranean. These steep mountains surround and shelter Puerto Pollensa with its luxury yachts and colourful local fishing boats. Puerto Pollensa has been a tourist destination since the 1920's so hotels on the sea front are not the concrete blocks that can be found in most other towns on the island. The town is little more than an hours drive from Palma and the Son Sant Joan International airport and is popular with families and middle aged couples looking for something more than the popular south coast resorts. You can find walks into the mountains where views back over the bay are stunning.

Alcudia on the north coast is also an easy drive from Palma. The original old town of Alcudia is just two miles inland and well worth a visit. Parts of the town date back to around 1300 and in the 2nd century the Romans made Alcudia the capital of the island. The clean sand of Alcudia Bay and variety of water sports make the town popular with families who have young children.

Should you want to escape even the quiet resorts of Mallorca then explore some of the beaches that are off the beaten track; Es Trenc is one of the best unspoilt beaches in Mallorca with no hotels just pine forests, the occasional wooden beach bar, miles of white sand and gorgeous turquoise water.

The best way to get around the island is by car or bike. Car hire in Mallorca is made simple with car hire companies based in Palma and at the Son Sant Joan International airport. If you'd rather use public transport, a regular bus service connects the airport with Palma, where you can get buses to the rest of the island.

With unattractive resort developments spoiling much of the coast it is refreshing to see some of the islands natural beauty that hasnt yet been lost to concrete.

About the Author:

Michael Hanna is a keen writer, and internet marketer living in Scotland:

Contact details:
E-mail: samqam@googlemail.com
Phone: 0131 561 2251
Michael's Website: Belfast Taxis

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2007 Trends in UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)

2007 Trends in UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)
By Lance Winslow

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or UAVs have proved themselves worth their weight in gold in the military. Today Unmanned Aerial Vehicles can be flown tele-robotically and controlled from a distance by a pilot on the ground. Some UAVs can fly completely autonomously once launched. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles make a perfect surveillance tools in the modern net centric battle space. With many high-tech electronic sensors they can pick up the enemy via infrared on a pitch-black night.

There have been instances where UAVs have fired upon enemy targets using hellfire missiles and destroy the target. There have been situations where the ground control link was lost on a tele-robotically flown UAV and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle returned its self to the airport and landed safely. The technology advances in unmanned robotic vehicles has come a long way in the last decade and this trend will continue.

What will the future of UAVs bring? Well, we are witnessing the miniaturization of UAVs as the sensors and electronics get smaller and more robust. Currently the United States military is using Micro Air Vehicles or MAVs that are the size of a small bird. Current technology trends predict that the top universities in the United States will perfect insect size MAVs. Meanwhile The Air Force Research Laboratory has put out a roadmap calling for unmanned fighter aircraft and attack aircraft in the near future. We can also expect cargo aircraft UAVs.

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence it appears that the fighter pilot's days are numbered and soon human pilots will no longer rule the skies. You can also expect transfer technologies to be handed down into many commercial applications. I hope you will enjoy this book and discussion of all these topics and more, as we look at the future of UAVs for both the military and private sector.

I appreciate your minds bandwidth on this topic, as UAVs are not only here to stay, but will be a big part of future aviation history. And you need to be thinking here. Perhaps this article is of interest to propel thought in 2007?

Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; www.WorldThinkTank.net/

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Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals

Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals
By Jennifer Weiss

Myrtle Beach, located along the Grand Strand on the coast of South Carolina, is one of the prime vacation destinations in the country, drawing visitors from all around the world. With its abundance of golf courses and miles of sandy coastline, it is the perfect place for a family vacation or a weekend getaway. Make your way to Myrtle Beach for your next trip to the coast and let the sun, sand, and variety of attractions calm your nerves and show you the vacation of a lifetime.

Vacationing in Myrtle Beach means spending lots of time exploring different golf courses or participating in numerous water activities. If either of these items are on your itinerary, you can find accommodations that make it easy engulf yourself in what appeals to you most about this area. Myrtle Beach vacation rentals are conveniently located throughout the city, providing easy access to the attractions you want to visit. No matter what you are looking for, there is a vacation home rental in the location that matters most to you with all the amenities you need for a great trip.

If your schedule is jam-packed with days of hitting the links at local courses, then why not stay in a home that sits directly on a lush green fairway of the World Tour Golf Links. This courses 27 holes are inspired by some of the most challenging and famous layouts in the world, allowing visitors to sample the best in a single day. A quick look out the window reminds you why you have come to the area that has the largest concentration of golf courses anywhere in the world. And when you are ready to face the challenge, one of the best courses in the Myrtle Beach area is a stones throw away.

While staying in a vacation rental that sits on an amazing golf course is a great way to be near your passion, it is also excellent for those who want a quiet, more natural setting. Towering pines and live oaks line the fairways and crystal clear water hazards are just off to the side, creating the perfect environment for anyone looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and kick back to the birds sweet song. Forget about everything you have left behind and simply relax on your balcony as you soak in the beautiful views of the rolling terrain and calming green land.

Staying on the water in an oceanview condo is a great way to enjoy the amenities that come with condos while allowing yourself easy access to the beach at all times. You can find condo rentals that have numerous indoor and outdoor pools, an indoor water park, an onsite tiki bar, numerous hot tubs, and fully-equipped exercise rooms so any activity you could possibly think of is easily within reach. The condos themselves are nicely stocked themselves, providing enough beach towels to last your trip, TVs, DVD players, wireless internet, and plenty of space so everyone in your group has a comfortable bed to sleep in.

Whether you choose a condo or house rental that is directly on the beach, you are making a good decision if you plan on spending a lot of time playing in the sun and the sand. When you stay on the water, a day at the beach is just a short stroll away so you dont need to waste time in the morning packing your vehicle full of supplies and then searching for a convenient parking spot. Simply get the family ready and walk out the backdoor, where you will be greeted by the sound of the waves and the warm sand between your toes. There is no crossing busy streets and when you need a short break from the sun, your vacation rental is nearby so you can have a rejuvenating lunch with all the comforts of home.

When the thought of walking across the beach as the surf slides gently over your feet has become too much to bear, come to the South Carolina coast for a vacation filled with rest, relaxation, and plenty of sun. There are plenty of attractions to keep you occupied and plenty of Myrtle Beach vacation rentals that allow you to retreat away from the noise and simply soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

HomeAway.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider Myrtle Beach vacation rentals for your next trip to the South Carolina coast.

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Diverse Menu at Orlando Restaurants

Diverse Menu at Orlando Restaurants
By Robert Patterson

Every city has restaurants to brag about and Orlando is no different. With millions of visitors each year and a booming local economy, Orlando offers fantastic dining options for both locals and guests. Theme park resorts and many fine hotels offer great dining, International Drive is full of family friendly dining, and many celebrated chefs have opened upscale eateries in this magic city.

The most important meal of the day just got better with Le Peep serving up its hardy menu of filling favorites. Located in the Universal Studios Resort, Le Peep is a local favorite with its popular skillet dishes and its home spun breakfast banana split consisting of bananas, strawberries, blueberries, strawberry yogurt and granola. Bakely's Restaurant & Bake Shop in Winter Park is also a great place to start your day with its extra thick French toast and a tall cup of Joe.

Speaking of coffee, Orlando offers up some great coffeehouses for those looking for that quintessential morning pick me up. Check out Austin Coffee and Film or Palmano's Espresso Bar both located in Winter Park. Downtown also serves up great beans at Downtown Media Art Center where coffee becomes the medium art form. Those staying near International Drive will want to stop at Bad Ass Coffee for a tall cup of this beanery's Kona, Hawaiian blends.

Sunday mornings in Orlando should be reserved for the gospel Sunday brunch at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney. This house sets a spiritual mood with its enormous displays of folk art, over 6,000 original paintings and 60 sculptures from rural southern African-American artists. Heavenly sounds from live gospel entertainment and the all you can eat brunch make Sundays at the House of Blues a must.

Midday hungers can be squelched with Bubbalou's special, a combo of spare ribs, pork and chicken served with a mound of side orders at Bubbalou's Bodacious Bar-B-Que in Winter Park. Downtown's Baja Burrito Kitchen features Cal-Mex cuisine and deluxe burritos, while Ming Court on International Drive is creating incredible Dim Sum dishes.

Those spending their days at the theme parks will have an ample amount of lunch choices. Try The Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney Marketplace for a hot sandwich with delicious bread baked to order and generous portions of sandwich fillings. Universal CityWalk Orlando eateries offer numerous options for those visiting Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Stop by Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville for a cup of gumbo or the Hard Rock Cafe offers great salads and lunch entres.

Choosing where to dine in Orlando is just as difficult as deciding which dish to order once you're there. Luckily these are problems worth having and any choice you make is most likely going to satisfy your tastes. International Drive is full of options for families and couples looking for a night out. Cafe Tu Tu Tango is a great choice with roving musicians and artists creating art tableside. This world fusion restaurant has some tasty tapas to start your meal and amazing entres blending flavors and cultures.

Visitors of Universal CityWalk Orlando will yell a collective BAM if lucky enough to get into Emeril's Restaurant Orlando. The celebrity chef's Orlando eatery is wildly popular and for just reasons. Creative dishes and New Orleans cuisine are highlighted by the sophisticated atmosphere and attentive service making Emeril's Restaurant the essence of CityWalk dining.

Romantics are going to find Victoria & Albert's in Walt Disney World Resort's Grand Floridian hotel to be the perfect compliment to good company. Domed ceilings, marble columns and a plush interior combine style, sophistication and class. Chef Scott Hunnel's daily prix fixe menu offers unexpected flavors and dishes that are truly unique.

Late night diners will rejoice to find I-Drive's Bahama Breeze is open late and offers outdoor dining to boot. Steel drums and tiki torches keep the night alive as you feast on exotic island nosh. Wash it all down with a minty mojito or one of the many frozen specialty drinks available.

If you still have room you'll want to stop by The Dessert Lady Cafe where owner and head chef Patti Schmidt serves her incredible desserts featured in many posh Orlando restaurants. Good company, coffee from Palmano's and a dessert from The Dessert Lady Cafe could be the perfect ending to your culinary exploration of Orlando.

Robert Patterson is an Orlando expert and the Content Manager for BookIt.com - the Internet Travel Company Offering Discounted Orlando Hotels and Vacations with No Booking Fees, Ever! Visit BookIt.com Travel Guides for Additional Orlando Travel information including Articles, Reviews and Helpful Travel Tips.

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Tents and Their Uses

Tents and Their Uses
By Phil Edwards

Outdoor weddings and garden parties are so beautiful, and the sky is the limit for decorating and themes- and the only concern is the inability to accurately predict the weather. Consider this; standing outside with your groom or bride, next to a babbling brook, with your friends and family seated in rows behind you. Youve got a gorgeous decorated arbor for the minister to stand under, and the timing is perfect, as the setting sun is casting a bright, orange hue across the water and creating a feeling of warmth to all of your guests. But what is that overhead? Thats right, its a big, dark gray storm cloud, and its moving in threatening to ruin your outdoor wedding!

The weather is never completely predictable, and having an outdoor event means you are taking a chance on the weather. Unless, of course- you plan ahead and arrange for tents, gazebos or marquees to be set up- which is your best bet for an enjoyable outdoor event, regardless of the weather! Rain and wind are no match for the gorgeous tents you can set up to protect yourself and your guests from the elements and unpredictability of the weather. You can find suitable tents for any occasion, for the fanciest of weddings, you can rent or purchase all white canvas tents, with beautiful arched windows in each of the canvas walls, and high peaked ceilings, which you can use for decorating with twinkling lights, flowers, or other items of your choosing. Marquees and frame tents of this caliber are also used for outdoor corporate events and picnics often.

Youve seen the tents used for weddings, garden parties and also by vendors at street markets and fairs. Vendors often used them to designate their space, for their outdoor store, and give their customers a place to come in out of the hot sun, wind, or rainy weather- hoping to encourage their guests to stay and shop some more! It also protects the items that theyre selling from adverse weather conditions, as well.

Tents really do have a variety of uses. At first thought, the word tent probably brings to mind the smaller sized tents that are mainly used for camping. Typically, they can be set up by just one or two people, and are just large enough for a few people to get into and sleep fairly comfortably. There are, however, tents for camping that are much larger- designed for groups and large families to use for extended vacations. Some camping tents are actually part of a trailer, so they are set up to allow for easy traveling, you just hook your trailer to your vehicle and take off!

Youll find a variety of uses for tents, as well as tents that are available in very small sizes and shapes all the way to sizes that are best compared to houses! In fact, many of the larger tents resemble homes, in that they have separate rooms and doorways, and storage areas designated. Tents really extend the amount of living space you have at home, since they allow you to enjoy the great outdoors even when the weather isnt conducive to spending time outside.

For more information please visit www.uk-tents.co.uk

Phil Edwards is a writer and publisher living in london. His work can be seen at http://www.uk-tents.co.uk andhttp://www.househobby.com

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2007 Thoughts on Starting a Boat Cleaning Business

2007 Thoughts on Starting a Boat Cleaning Business
By Lance Winslow

If you are indeed a nautical type person then there is no doubt that a small business of your own in the marine industry sub-sector might be a great way to make a living. Of course we all know that it could cost hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars to start a marine type business and most people don't have that kind of money available. This is why I have written this book on Boat Cleaning and Detailing. You see, Boat Cleaning and Detailing can be a lucrative business, but only if it is done correctly.

In this article I want you to think about and discuss how to set up your own Boat Cleaning and Detailing Business, as well as how to market and grow the business. You should also discuss strategies for getting the best types of customers without spending thousands of dollars on advertising budgets. Additionally once you get all the work at the local marinas then you will need to know how to care for your customers boats correctly. You should indeed discuss techniques on how to detail and clean many different types of boats and surfaces.

Boat Cleaning and Detailing is a specialty type service and it requires a little bit more than setting up a simple auto detailing business. Perhaps you already own an auto detailing business and you simply wish to expand into the marine sector. If so you will find the tips in my articles and the marketing strategies exactly what you need. You may also find that many of the skills that you already have are easily transferable.

Although this is my set of articles on this subject I have written nearly a 500 pages of manual for my Franchising Company and our franchised outlets; The Detail Guys (www.DetailGuys.com ). Perhaps this article is of interest to propel thought in 2007?

Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; www.WorldThinkTank.net/

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Great Tips For Planning Cheap Family Vacations

Great Tips For Planning Cheap Family Vacations
By David Goldschmidt

Planning cheap family vacations is often something that we need to do because travel and entertainment is just so expensive. Caring for a family is very expensive, and when you want to take your family on vacation costs can get out of control. But, family vacations don't need to break the bank. With some careful planning and some flexibility you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your family vacations. Cheap doesn't mean that you have to give up the things that you want, it simply means that you have to get creative to get the things you want without spending every dime you have (or dont have).

Cheap family vacations can be just as great as something that you pay a lot of money for if you plan ahead of time. Most of the time, planning ahead can save you hundreds of dollars. Most people are aware that when you purchase your airline tickets several weeks or months in advance it's typically much cheaper then when you buy in the days leading up to your departure. So, when you are planning your family vacations, purchase your airline tickets as far in advance as possible. Your savings here can go into buying fun things, eating out, or other forms of entertainment while on vacation.

Another great way to save money on airline tickets and car rentals is to book them online. Several of the online travel web sites offer substantial savings to customers who book all of these things at one time. Even if the savings is only ten percent, ten percent adds up when you consider the amount of money you'll be spending when you buy plane tickets for your entire family, rent a car, and pay lodging expenses. That ten percent can go to fun things, or go into the planning of future family vacations.

Vacation rentals are a great way to save money on family vacations. Vacation rentals are bigger than hotel rooms, giving your family more space. Since most come with full kitchens you can cook some meals and save on restaurant expenses. Another way to save is to book a vacation rental direct from the owner, instead of through a management company, who essentially is a middleman.

Another great way to take cheap family vacations is to stay in an area right outside the popular area you wish to visit. Hotel rates and rental fees are usually outrageous in very popular areas, but if you travel even a mile away the rates are often much lower. Rates skyrocket during the seasonal months; you'd be surprised by how much. When you are first considering family vacations, call ahead to your destinations and inquire what their off season prices are, you'll likely suffer sticker shock when you hear how much the prices are inflated when the tourists come around. You can save so much that it's worth waiting just a week or two to literally save hundreds or even thousands of dollars during your family vacations. It doesn't matter how big your family is, the price difference between the seasonal and off season prices may be enough to keep the richest man home until prices drop!

Family vacations can easily be great experiences for every member of the family, especially when money isn't a constant worry on the trip. Planning ahead and taking the steps to save money where you can, will help alleviate the financial pressures so that the whole family will have a good time, including mom and dad. Cheap family vacations are not synonymous with poor quality because nothing has to be given up, no compromises made. If you plan it right, you can stay in nice places, enjoy the things you want to enjoy, you can just do it for less!

David Goldschmidt heads http://www.GreatFamilyRentals.com, a leading directory of vacation rentals by owner. Find villas and condos for your next vacation. Owners can list vacation rentals for more bookings.

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South African Northern Cape Travel Tips

South African Northern Cape Travel Tips
By Gerald Crawford

The Northern Cape is the largest of South Africa's provinces and the most sparsely populated. Despite this, the Northern Cape has plenty to offer visitors, whether their interests lie in the origins of the diamond industry, the Anglo-Boer War, wildlife, the brilliant spring flowers of Namaqualand, canoeing on the mighty Orange River or enjoying the clear skies and open spaces of the Hantam and Upper Karoo.

CLIMATE: The Northern Cape experiences a diverse range of climatic conditions because of the respective regions and altitudes. The Northern Cape enjoys a summer rainfall, but this is infrequent. The summer months have long, hot summer days and cool evenings. Winter days are moderate, but the nights are very cold with temperatures often dropping below zero. Snow in winter and heavy frost falls at night are common.

SHOPPING: There are many shopping malls, arts and craft shops, and many ethic vendors on the beachfront. Good buys include mohair products such as jerseys, rugs and blankets; the famous Karoo Lamb, dried fruit, diamonds, jewellery and gems.

TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS:

The Diamond Field:

This area is known as the prairie country of Southern Africa, with sun-drenched plains, covered in grass and acacia thorn trees. To the geologists this is a bewildering delight, and for the tourist the Diamond Way is an exciting journey, taking one back in time.

Kimberley:

Today the city is a prosperous, thriving metropolis worthy of the title, he Diamond Capital Of The World. The city is geared for tourists, with plenty to offer in terms of accommodation, restaurants, shopping malls and attractions. See a replica of the town during the greatest diamond rush the world has ever seen, as well as 'Eureka' - the world's first recorded diamond discovery at the Big Hole and Kimberley Mine museum.

Groenriviersmond:

The seaside estuary of Groenriviersmond (Green River Mouth) lies Southwest of Garies and offers excellent fishing and crayfish diving opportunities.

Namaqualand:

Spring time sees this region transformed from a desert landscape into a carpet of colourful wild flowers, attracting many visitors. Also an adventure tourist's playground, the region offers hiking, canoeing and 4x4 trails. The coastline is popular with fishermen and hosts a booming crayfish industry. Diamonds are also mined from the sea and copper is mined too. The world-famous Richtersveld National Park is found in this region.

Hantam Karoo:

Millions of years ago, this area was an inland sea and over time it has transformed into an arid and rugged landscape with wide open plains and mountains. This region is renowned by astronomers for its remarkable night skies and is home to the South African Astronomical Observatory. The region is also known for its spring wild flowers, and is home to the rare Sterboom.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park:

Africa's first transfrontier park, Kgalagadi land of thirst is shared with and crosses the border into Botswana to facilitate the migration of wildlife and the movement of free-roaming predators; red sand dunes, sparse vegetation and dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob ensure excellent opportunities for game viewing and photography. Fifty-eight species of mammal and more than 400 plant species share the desert and dry savannah, while approx. 260 species of bird, including at least 20 species of large raptor share the sky.

Richtersveld National Park:

Southern Africa's largest mountain desert park, the Richtersveld is 160 000ha of lava mountains and sandy plains situated in the north-western crook of the Orange River. It is also one of the world's most precious and fragile eco-systems. Its strange rock formations shaped and sculpted by the wind and sun, is a land for those keen to 'rough it'. Visitors can explore the area from the comfort of a 4x4 or by paddling long stretches of the river.

Green Kalahari:

Dominating this region are the lush vineyards and the massive Orange River, which meanders through a giant valley. The Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and the Augrabies Falls National Park - with its famous Black Rhino Aventure, are not to be missed.

Augrabies Falls National Park:

The Augrabies Falls, which is one of the five biggest waterfalls in the world, plunges a sheer 56m into a rolling, turbulent maelstrom of foam, mist and rainbows said to contain untold diamond wealth and a river monster. This is where the black rhino can be found and visitors can also go on game drives.

Kalahari:

The sun-drenched Kalahari, with its ancient, undulating landscape and endless horizons, evoke memories of a land before time. This region is home to The Eye a permanent and abundant source of daily water. Hunting in the area is popular and the Kalahari is home to over 40 raptors and vulture species and 7 owl species.

Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: www.12234455.co.za

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