African Lion Safari - Get Close Up With The King Of The Jungle

By : Dean Caporella

Want an experience of a lifetime? Ever considered an african lion safari? Meet the king of the beasts in his own back yard. It doesn't get any better than that for the adventurous spirit.

You'll get a privileged insight into the natural world of the lion. Better still, with a guided african lion safari tour, any dangers that would normally exist are lessened dramatically through expert leadership.

Botswana offers an excellent african lion safari experience.

The Okavango Delta is one of Africa's most beautiful and unique wetland areas. While it abounds with a multitude of wild animals there is no doubt the biggest single attraction is the lion. Africa's most feared predator, the lion is at the top of the food chain and this reason alone is enough for the adventurous types to spend a little time in his domain.

For most, seeing a lion close up and personal means a visit to the local zoo but while it is still an invigorating experience, seeing and feeling a lions presence in the wild can only be achieved via an african lion safari. Lions today have found it difficult to survive outsde of large conservation areas and programs are currently in place in the Delta to monitor and study their progress.

Dangers On An African Lion Safari

Guided tours are a wonderful way to travel through a lions domain to see these magnificent beasts in their own habitat. While the dangers on a guided tour are lessened there are still some tips for beginners to take heed of. A friend on a recent tour in South Africa experienced the fright of his life when he came close to being confronted by a group of female lions. Always the exhuberant one and who shall remain nameless here, he was travelling in a guided jeep through a lion conservation park and despite continual warnings about not leaving the vehicle, decided he wanted a photo of a male lion who just happened to be a little further away than his camera lens could focus on. To cut a long story short,he stepped out of the vehicle and only a few steps from it, before the guide noticed a group of three lioness' moving in a stealth like motion towards the jeep. Just as well he turned around when he did, and saw my hapless friend outside the jeep and completely unaware he was being stalked. Bottomline... a needless tragedy averted.

It's vital to listen to your guides on an african lion safari. Make no mistake, despite their dwindling numbers in the wild they still rule as king of the beasts. If you think you're up to an african lion safari, visit your local travel agent for more information and take it from someone who knows, it will be an experience you'll savour for a lifetime.

The best Tourist Spot on the Planet is Probably New York City

By : Kurt Clark

The best tourist hot spot on the planet is probably New York City, after all the Big Apple is the dubbed the Capital of The World. So, naturally millions of visitors flood the city each year and in turn, the city strives to satisfy their sight seeing needs. The top ten most visited sites in New York city are the Empire State Building, Statue Of Liberty, Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center, Ellis Island Immigration Museum, Staten Island Ferry, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art.

The Empire State building located in 5th avenue measures 1,453 feet in height and is the tallest building in all of New York City. The building has 102 floors, but this shouldn't intimidate one, for plenty of elevators are available to make touring much easier. In average about 15,000 people visit the building per day, so it's obvious that this is one of the most popular sites to visit. Probably one of the best things this structure has to offer is that once up on the observatory of the building, located on the 82nd floor, you can gaze down and observe the city in its entirety. Visiting the Empire State building is relatively cheap adults gain admission for $15.50, youth from 12-17 years of age for $14.50, children from 6-11 for $10.50 and anyone younger enters free of charge. A helpful tip to save some time waiting in line for tickets is that, you may buy admission tickets online and print them out yourself.

Probably the most popular icon of New York City is the Statue Of Liberty. This may be because; it represents what this country is all about, freedom. Following the Empire State Building most tourists visit Statue Of Liberty. To get to the Statue of Liberty, which resides on Liberty Island, you must take a ferry either from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey or Battery Park in New York City. If you plan on visiting Liberty Island, you should be aware that a visit on average is about three hours, if you take a tour. The Island provides plenty of area for picnics and small family gatherings and even a Junior Ranger program available for children. The observatory all the way on top of the Statue is closed to the public, due to security reasons. Admission to Liberty Island and all it has to offer is quite inexpensive. Adults pay $11.50, Senior Citizens $9.50, Children $4.50 and Children under 3 years of age gain free admission. Liberty Island opens at 8:30 am and the last ferry leaves its dock at 6:30 pm.

Admission to Grand Central Station is completely free, which might be one of the best bargains when touring New York City. Grand Central is located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, on 42nd Street and Park Avenue. The Terminal offers more than just train tracks. The walls and ceilings cathedral styled with rich colors of blue and green. Grand Central Station has a vast number of shops, boutiques, florists, restaurants and even art galleries. The Station built in 1913 is full of secrets. Atop the structure there is the Campbell Apartment, a luxurious hideaway for the 1930's tycoon John W. Campbell. When you visit keep your eyes peeled for anything else out of the ordinary of any other Station.

Rockefeller Center, another completely free destination located the Big Apple. Rockefeller Center consists of everything between 47th and 50th Streets and 4th and 5th Avenues. NBC headquarters are located in the premise and shows such as The Today Show and Saturday Night Live are broadcasted from there. Atop the GE Building is the famous Rainbow Room, the star of which is the silver and gold room itself, complete with a slow rotating dance floor. Rockefeller Center is most popular around the Holiday Christmas season. The gigantic tree is mounted at the center of the plaza each year overlooking the ice-skating rink. In order to skate you can bring your own gear or rent on the premise. The world famous Radio City Music Hall is another part of Rockefeller Center and there are almost an endless number of stores on the surrounding areas, making this one of the memorable places to visit in New York City.

The American Museum of Natural History is located in Central Park West at West 79th Street. This is the sixth most visited site in New York City. The Museum of Natural History is the perfect place for anyone in thirst of knowledge. The exhibits cover everything from the beginning of time to the present. The museum has the Hall Of Biodiversity, a visual representation of the scope of life on Earth and why it needs to be protected. Admission to the museum is $12.00 for Adults, $7.00 for Children and $9.00 for Senior Citizens and Students. Museum admission plus the Space Show at the Rose Center is $21.00 for adults, $15.50 for seniors and students and $12.50 for children. This Museum has the finest exhibits you'll find anywhere because, when Museum President Morris K. Jessup took his position in 1881, he directed the museum into an age of exploration, sending expeditions to every continent of the globe.

Central Park consists of over 800 acres of parkland. Don't expect to cover all of the land, but there are plenty of crucial points tourists must visit. The four corners of Central Park are 59th Street on the South, 110th Street on the North, Central Park West on the West and 5th Avenue on the East. There are a number of tours one can take in Central Park such as the Bike Tour, the Central Park Conservancy Guided tours which are free of charge and tours that cover either mid, south or north park. Central Park has two restaurants on its premise and an almost infinite number of concession stands throughout the park paths. Some things to do while in Central park other than walk around and take in its beauty are to take a row boat or Gondola ride in the Lake, visit the Central Park Zoo, rent a bike or roller blades and attend a concert at either Philharmonic In The Park, the Metropolitan Opera In The Park or Central Park Summerstage. A whole day or even a week might be spent visiting everything the park has to offer, but the stated above are the most popular attractions.

New York City has many more attraction than the ones stated above. Those are the top ten most visited and popular because of their easy access and relatively good deals. If you ever decided to visit New York City for the first time, those are the must go places. They cover the basics of what New York City stands for and is all about and are sure to leave a good impression and memorable events in your mind.

Things to do in San Francisco: The Exploratorium

By : ameen kamadia

The Exploratorium is a great way to spend a couple hours learning about science and how it works. It is a great place for kids and for anyone interested in natural science.

The place features hundreds of hands on exhibits to show you how things work. There are magnets, electricity, sound, motion, visual, and weather related lessons to be learned.

There are also ways to tease your brain and understand how we think. One exhibit is a toilet that is a fountain. It's full size and a real toilet. I couldn't get myself to drink from the fountain even though my husband gave it a shot. The sign next to the toilet lets us know that the toilet is brand new and has never been used and there is nothing wrong with the water. But I still could not get myself to allow me to drink from it. I was too grossed out. And I wasn't the only one. Most people there could not force themselves to do it either.

Another was the way wind and water work to shape the planet. It's really astonishing.

It took us about two and a half hours to take a complete tour. We didn't see everything, but we saw enough. Like I said before, it's a great place for kids. And they were running around all over the place. You should definitely take yours. They even have special events that kids would really get a kick out of.

If you don't have kids, maybe it's best to skip it. There wasn't anything we hadn't seen in school or on any elementary field trips.

Other then that, the place is very beautiful. In fact, there is a scene in the movie The Bachelor where the main actor is sitting in a small boat in the lake next to the building thinking about how much he loves his girlfriend and if he should marry her.

It is also great that it is right in the middle of the city. The building was built for the World's Fair that held in San Francisco in the past. If you have a few hours to kill, the Exploratorium is a nice way to spend them. Give yourself three hours to see everything that interests you. If you want to see everything and experience everything, you will need a lot more time. Maybe even a whole day.

The building itself is great. They build it over a hundred years ago as part of a World's Expo that was held in San Francisco. There are now renovating it to it former beauty. It will look even better then it looked in the movie.

Reach for the Skies of Paris

By : Julien Raynal

Make reference to France travel and the name Paris comes up right away. Paris is known to the rest of the world for its grandiose landmark the Eiffel tower. Built in between 1887 to 1889 the Eiffel tower is one of the most recognizable monuments in France, a symbol that attracts people from the world over to Paris. Located beside the Seine river, which is considered to be the lifeline of the city of Paris, the Eiffel tower was intended and built by an engineer called Gustave Eiffel, after whom, the tower has been named.

The tower built a century after the French revolution, in order to celebrate the centenary of the period marking occasion, sums up to most Frenchmen, and the ideals of the French Revolution liberty, equality and fraternity. History of France states that the tower was inaugurated on the 31st of march 1889 and opened to the public on May, 6th of the same year. However, it is the Eiffel tower that symbolizes Paris as a tourist destination nowadays, the construction of the tower had met with a stiff resistance from the intellectuals as well as the regular Frenchman during its beginnings.

A number of Frenchmen questioned the judgment of the people who had thought of the idea of the tower in the creation period, calling it an eyesore and a misuse of public finances and wealth. One of these protestors, the renowned writer Guy de Maupassant is thought to have eaten at one specific restaurant everyday as, he claimed, it was the only restaurant in Paris that spared him the torture of viewing the tower! The tower, a milestone of France travel was the tallest structure in the world at the time of its construction and measures 300m high containing about 75 stories. The highest structure in Paris, the Eiffel tower is the second highest structure in the entirety of France.

The authorities of France in charge of maintaining the tower present the services of a website that can attest to be a blessing for travellers from other countries. The website gives accurate rates for sightseeing and also gives the background of the construction of the tower. There are distinct rates for adults and children as well as exclusive concessions that are available for the disabled.

Since the connoisseurs of France travel are diverse so are the rates for the elevators that vary as one rises up the tower with the standard rates for adults at the 1st story being 42 euros while the 2nd floor can be assessed at a rate of 77 euro for an adult. The top level of this visual delight of France travel can be reached by the elevator at a rate of 110 euro. The tower is fully equipped with facilities that can help the disabled access to its height and share the beauty of the city of Paris. Lifts and turnstiles are easily available that can help people with reduced mobile abilities to access the tower. The top level is however not accessible to people with disabilities as in case of emergency evacuations it might be difficult for these people to exit from the tower safely. For a summary of the visit to the Eiffel tower make sure to stopover Altitude 95, the restaurant located on the first level of the Eiffel tower. Needless to say that France travel remains incomplete without this historical beauty. So heres wishing you a visit that just soars with fun!

When Things Go Wrong, Your Choice Of Hotel Counts

By : Denise Hummel

I chose the Rome Cavalieri Hilton for a number of reasons. Rome is lovely, but it's so busy and crowded, I wanted to find an oasis from which to escape from sight-seeing at the end of the day. In the hills, overlooking Rome, not more than ten minutes from the Vatican, the Cavalieri is just such a place. Add to that a restaurant that just earned its third Michelin Star, an award-class spa, an Executive Floor Business Center, and one of the most lovely pool settings ever -- not to mention in a city environment -- and I knew I had the makings for a pleasant experience -- maybe.

As it turns out, my trip to Rome is not one that I would necessarily characterize as a "pleasant experience." In fact, it resembled more the kind of nightmare depicted on television commercials for the American Express card and travelers checks. I can remember watching those commercials and thinking, 'those poor inexperienced sots. They don't need American Express, they just need to accept the realities of city travel and be more careful.'

I've found in life that it's always a big mistake to be cocky. An example of this presumption was played out quite vividly in Rome. I travel a lot. In fact, if the total days were accumulated, you might say that they rival the days I spend in my home town. I am the epitome of the savvy traveler. I'm aware of my environment, my physical possessions and my safety. On this trip, I was truly in high spirits. I was traveling on business, but had the luxury of being accompanied by my nine year old son who had just finished school. We had toured the Vatican and chose a restaurant nearby to have lunch and talk about the splendors of the Sistine Chapel.

I chose a table in the back corner of the restaurant. I had heard stories about purses being lifted by unaware restaurant patrons who casually hang their purses on the back of their chairs. I had no intentions of being one of those people. We had a tasty meal and were commenting on how unusual it seemed to find a restaurant with good food at a reasonable price so close to one of the most important tourist sights in Rome.

When I went to pay the bill for this economical lunch, I reached for my purse. I had put it on the back of the chair against the wall and it was gone. In it were our passports, my driver's license, my credit cards, our train ticket home, my check book, and all our cash, among other valuables. My son looked at me with imploring eyes, his voice cracking. "How are we going to get home?" he managed to ask.

I was furious, confused, and incredulous. To this day, I don't understand how it happened. I don't even want to guess. "We'll get home," I said, trying not to think about the photographs in my wallet that I would never see again, or the earrings I had dropped into the internal pocket of the purse hours earlier -- the ones my husband had given me during our first year of marriage. We hailed a cab. Alex reminded me again that we had no money to pay for it. All I could say was, "The Cavalieri will take care of us."

When we arrived at the Cavalieri, I asked the cab driver to wait, went into reception, explained what had happened and asked for ten Euro to pay the driver. Without any further questions, the cashier handed me the money and I paid the tab. Then I came back in and broke down. The desk manager and client relations manager were already waiting for me. Someone else had gone to get a glass of water for Alex. I tearfully explained what had happened.

My memory of those first few moments at the Cavalieri are not exactly clear. I was distraught and exhausted. Uniformed staff was coming and going. One to get our room key, another to call the embassy, a third to get me the address and telephone number of -- you guessed it -- American Express. Within minutes we were escorted to a beautiful room, with a 180 degree view of Rome. There was a bottle of champagne being chilled. Alex quickly found the remote to the flat-screen plasma T.V. and distracted himself by watching the World Cup. I opened my laptop and began reconstructing the contents of my wallet and the phone numbers I'd need to cancel credit cards. Moments later, a vase of exotic flowers arrived. I almost burst into tears again.

While I was making telephone calls, several floors below the Concierge was investigating how to replace our train tickets. Someone else had made Alex and I a reservation at the pool-side restaurant for dinner. The front desk rang through the American embassy. Minutes later the address and telephone number of American Express was slipped under my door. A cash advance had also arrived which I quickly signed for. I would need it for cabs and other expenses into the center of town to sort out things. I was beginning to think that there was an entire staff of individuals devoted to me.

On the Executive Floor there is food and beverage all day long. Alex consoled himself with chocolate truffles and I with a glass of white wine. He put his arm around me. "It's going to be O.K. Mom." I asked for the password for the Internet. The attendant began to ask me for my passport -- A new Italian law requires hotel internet users to register --- She stopped in mid-sentence, "Oh, are you the Signora that had her purse stolen with your passport in it?" I nodded. "Go right in," she said, "I'll figure out a way to register you." I was amazed. A hotel staff that actually communicates -- what a novel concept. Later, a staff member accompanied me to the police station despite the fact that I speak Italian fluently -- "Just in case ..." he told me.

When bad things happen, there are only a few things that make me feel truly better. I tend to obsess about the event, how it could have been different, what I could have done to prevent it -- and those thoughts only make me feel worse. Sometimes, an embrace from my husband or children lifts my spirits, and in general, the indescribable consolation of being surrounded by family, inevitably makes me feel secure and gives me perspective. Alex and I had each other during this trip, and that helped a great deal. But the Cavalieri, in addition to all its efficiency, courtesy, and know how, had also treated me like family, surrounding me with a cloak of protection that gave me the overwhelming feeling that everything would, indeed, be alright.

Alex and I eventually got things sorted out. With one credit card, we had the ability to buy a new ticket and go home. But in the meantime, we went to the spa, we swam, we sipped frozen drinks in our cushy white robes, we ate at the 9th floor Michelin Star, La Pergola Restaurant, and recovered from our experience.

I do have a scar related to my experience in Rome. I can't help but remember that helpless feeling of being violated. But it's not the only thing I will remember. I will remember that my nine-year old son had the fortitude to see through his own fears to comfort me. I will remember that a thief's callousness can be over-shadowed by the caring of an able staff of strangers. I will remember the feeling of my body slipping through the cool water of the Cavalieri pool, the view of sun-drenched Rome from La Pergola Restaurant, and the cocoon that was provided to us so that we could leave concentrating more on our fortune than our misfortune. From one "savvy" traveler to another, the choice of hotel counts when all things are equal. And when things go wrong, that choice counts even more.

Things to Do In San Francisco: Bay Cruise

By : ameen kamadia

If you go to San Francisco, you will end up at the Bay. It's inevitable. That's where all the tourist attractions are: Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, etc.

The bay is probably the most beautiful part of San Francisco and also what makes it so unique in climate. It has the bay on one side, and the ocean of the other. Truly inspiring. And what better way to see the bay and the city then with a short Bay Cruise?
It's simply a must. No trip to Frisco is complete without a cruise on the bay.

This article is about the options you have when you decide to take your cruise. The first option is the most obvious. Right at Pier 39, there is the dock for the Blue and Gold Fleet. This company does heavy advertising and is the licensed company for Alcatraz tours. They also offer several bay cruises. At about $40 per person. That's a little steep for a one hour boat ride. Luckily there are a couple cheaper alternatives.

The first alternative is a private boat. From Pier 39, if you walk towards Fisherman's Wharf, and then pass it, you will come to a small area where several boats are docked. These boats are owned by private individuals and several of them offer bay cruises for as low at $10 per person. If you have a large group, you can even negotiate a lower price. One a slow day, your group might be the only ones on the tour, making it really cool. These boats travel the same routes as the tour boats but at a cheaper price. Make sure you ask if there will be blankets and shade. It gets really chilly on the bay. So keep your ears covered.

Your next alternative is to take the Ferry. The Ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito takes almost the same route as the bay cruise boats. Except that it is one way. But it's only about $9 per trip. So for $20 you can go back and forth. The Ferry's leave from Embarcadero Station and have several trips every day.

For a truly great day, you can rent bikes near Pier 39, bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, and come back on the Ferry. They allow bikes as well. This, way you get the best of both worlds. And you see more then just one place while you take your own sweet time. You experience Pier 39 and Sausalito, you get to see the amazing view from the Golden Gate Bridge, and you get to take the ferry and witness the beauty of the bay first hand. All for less then the price of a bay cruise. Plus, you get some great exercise!

See New York City by Charter Bus

By : Kurt Clark

People don't perceive things the same way, so you'll have to come and experience New York City for yourself! Don't limit yourself to just pictures and stories. Use this guide to help you get the most out of New York in the least out of time!
Making the most of New York City will require you to be ready to take on an action filled time and wear good walking shoes and warm and comfortable clothing. A great way to start off your visit is by going with family or friends. That way, you'll be able to share the experience with someone and your different aspects of it. Maybe argue on which attraction was better just for laughs?
Where do you want to go? Read about the following landmarks to learn more about the most popular attractions in New York City. It's breath-taking architectural exterior will sweep you in for a great surprise!

St. Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick's Cathedral is the largest decorated gothic-style Catholic Cathedral in the United States, seating about 2,200 people. It is located on 5th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets. It has been recognized throughout its history as a center of Catholic life, and each year over 3 million people visit the cathedral.

History: Archbishop John Hughes began the Cathedral in 1858 to replace the original St. Patrick's Cathedral. The cornerstone was laid in August of that year, and, after suspending work during the years of Civil War (1861-1865), John Cardinal McCloskey, the first American Cardinal, continued in 1865, opening the doors in May, 1879. Today, it is used as a parish church in New York.

Facts about St. Patrick's Cathedral:
The Windows were made by renowned artists in Chartres, France; Birmingham, England and Boston Massachusetts. The great rose window is acknowledged to be the finest work crafted by Charles Connick, the 20th century genius in stained glass window design.
• The exterior length is about 405 feet; the width is 274 feet.
• The towers rise 330 feet from street level.
• The architect was James Renwick, an American. The Lady Chapel was designed by another American, Charles Mathews.
• The St. Michael and St. Louis altar was designed by Tiffany and Company. The St. Elizabeth altar was designed by Paolo Medici of Rome.
• The Archbishops of New York are buried in a crypt under the high altar. Their honorary hats, called galeros, hang from the ceiling above their tombs.
• The Stations of the Cross are works of art which won first prize at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893.
• The Pieta is three times larger than the Pieta in St. Peter's, Rome.
• The Cathedral has three organs.
• The baldachin over the main altar is solid bronze.

Grand Central Terminal
As you approach 42nd Street and Park Avenue from downtown, you'll be facing this triumphant facade featuring a fifty foot pediment with statues of Hercules, Minerva and Mercury surrounding a thirteen foot clock. This was designed by architect Whitney Warren in 1913.
This terminal is also the setting to several popular movies like Alfred Hitchcock's classic North by Northwest, in which a man is mistaken for a government agent and pursued across the country by a gang of spies; The Fisher King, where the terminal was spectacularly done into a ballroom; and 1978's Superman features some very cool scenes set in villain Lex Luthor's fantastic subterranean lair under Grand Central Terminal.

Central Park
Central Park is one of those places that make New York such a great place to live or visit. The huge park, 843 acres large, is located in the center of Manhattan, between 5th & 8th Av. and 59th and 110th St. Its design is an example for city parks around the world. The park boasts several lakes, theaters, ice rinks, fountains, tennis courts, baseball fields, many playgrounds and other facilities. It is also home to the Central Park Zoo and the Metropolitan museum of Art.
Central Park is a welcome oasis in the urban madness. It is beautiful and mysterious in its own unique way, like us. It has life and personality, built upon the imagination of its architects, neighboring residents, and visitors. Frederic Law Olmstead, one of the many architects in the competition of 1857 to organize a design for Central Park, goal was to create a place where people could relax and meditate. He saw the park as a kind of social experiment where people from both upper and lower classes would meet, which was a radical idea at the time, and now people from around the world.
Winding pedestrian roads and bicycle trails are separated from main roads and the numerous of trees ensures the city's buildings are hidden from within the park. The park environment changes colors during the seasons and weather and are still full of life year-round. Some of the most exciting art exhibitions take place this park, like the most recent, Gates project (February 12-28, 2005), by famous artist Christo and his wife, Jeanne-Claude. He created a trail of sculptures, weighing up to more than a ton each, which stretched 23 miles.

Empire State Building
The lean, perpendicular design of the Empire State Building makes a strong statement among the smaller Manhattan buildings and eclipses the ground below. This 103 floor building can be seen from almost anywhere in New York and parts of the tri-state area and appears heavenly behind a larger-than-life bill-board. It emerges like a silhouette even on the stormiest of days.

History: The 1931 landmark was the result of a competition between the head of the Chrysler Corporation and General Motors to see who could build the tallest building. GM won. The construction began on January 22, 1930 by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates.

The Empire State Building is the tallest building in New York, situated at 350 Fifth Ave. It is both a New York City and National Historic Landmark. There are 1,860 from street level to 102nd floor, but you can take an elevator up to the top.
This is such a great place to bring the family - and an especially amazing place to witness the wonder in a child's eyes when he gazes 360 degrees from horizon to horizon above the city. Get a bird's eye view with the scopes.
The beautiful lights that grace the top of The Empire State building are energy efficient as well as awe inspiring. The lights change colors and are colorfully planned for special occasions. In fact, as a Tourism attraction, the view from afar can be as exciting as the view from the top! Just make sure to go when the sky is clear. Make sure you catch the last elevator at 11:15 PM or else you're stuck racing down the stairs!

Facts about the Empire State Building:
• Metro Networks monitor the busy traffic in the metro area from high atop the Empire State Building Tower.
• The lightning rod on the Tower is struck more than 100 times per year.
• It only took only one year and 45 days to build.
• Fantasizing about getting married at the top of the Empire State Building? You can do it. Every Valentine's Day, a select group of couples get hitched here.
You might become hungry after all the stair climbing (and that's why you have on your best walking shoes). So on the way up or down, there are restaurants and pizzerias and ice cream parlous on the floor in the 5th Avenue Lobby. ATM machines are located in the Lobby, Newsstands, Walgreen's, and near the elevator.

Times Square
Times Square is a known for visual performing arts, long chains of star restaurants, great shopping centers, technological advances, annual outdoor festivities and New Year celebrations! This is a popular attraction to people all around the world. The Times Square Alliance works constantly to improve the quality of public space in Times Square. The Alliance strives to reinforce the area's authentic and historic character and creatively express Times Square's unique qualities to your best satisfaction.

"Nowhere else can you find such a diversity of chefs and cuisine from all around the world as you can in Times Square, and it is this that makes dining out in Times Square such an adventure." - Times Square Alliance President Tim Tompkins

One of New York City's most popular annual outdoor food festivals, A Taste of Times Square, presented by the Times Square Alliance, is your opportunity to sample "tastes" delicious signature dishes from Times Square's top restaurants. You will be able to enjoy classic New York street performers, catch top-notch local entertainment on three stages, and show off your hottest dance moves all evening.

How will you get there?
So, you have just completed reading all about these great places, but how will you get there? The best way to travel is in comfort and style. There's no need to go on an hour's search for a parking space. You'll probably forget where you parked at the end of the day. Rent a limo bus for as many people, 14 people at most, for maximum enjoyment. The advantages are you will save money on both parking and gas and time, one of the most valuable things when traveling. Time is your key to having for chances to spend with the family or friends.
Taking a bus is also recommended. Buy a Metro Card for a one day unlimited bus fare. Just take a seat aboard an air-conditioned bus, your escape from the heat, and they'll do the moving for you! It's much cheaper than paying $4 for 9/10 of a gallon. You would contributing to the city by reducing traffic and you'll be able to get to where you want to get and not worry about getting lost because the driver will take you back to your original destination. You're in safe hands and company.
Since you're saving money, what can you do with extra cash? Hey, stop by a gift shop. Gift shops are everywhere! You can't miss them!
You've got the ups on what's new and cheaper, but equal in quality. You know where to go to find an ATM, in case you're low on cash. Put on your happy face and make sure you don't forget your best walking shoes because you're all set to sight-see! No more "I read about this place..." because you've seen them all.

Things to do in Portland: City Tour

By : ameen kamadia

Greyline tours offers a limited selection of tours of Portland and the surrounding areas. The one we took was the City tour combined with the tour of The Columbia River Gorge. It's a full day tour but it was a lot of fun. They must not get a lot of tourists in Portland or maybe it was the time of year that we visited because this our was only offered on Sundays and they were only 4 of us on a 49 passenger bus.

The City tour was pretty basic. The guide was great though. He knew all the history of the parks and buildings and pointed out all the interesting ones. At least he thought they were interesting. I was having a hard time staying awake looking at buildings.

But then we went to the International Rose Test Gardens. This place was beautiful. It would've been perfect if it hadn't been for all the dog poop all over the grass. There must have been over 200 kinds of roses. Of all colors. Orange, Red, White, Yellow, Purple, Pink, and more. They also had several other kinds of flowers. We went in late May and the roses had just started blooming. So there were a bunch but not as many as there are in June and July when they bloom in full season. I would love to see that.

Portland actually attracts one million visitors in June when they have a month long rose festival. All types of activities go one and it's a ton of fun. But it's hard to get hotel rooms so if you want to go, you should book early.

One thing about Portland the guide pointed out was that it rains 9 months out of the year. Wow. How they handle it I couldn't tell you. But they say it's a light drizzle not a full ruin. But that's just as bad in my book.

After the rose garden we were taken to the Chinese Garden in Chinatown. This garden is supposed to be a copy of another garden of Portland's sister city in China. The garden itself was beautiful. And we were lucky enough to arrive when the tour was starting. By listening to the tour guides you get a much better understanding of all the nuances and symbolism that you would miss without it. The tour made the visit really worthwhile.

After lunch we got back on the bus again for the second half of the tour - the Columbia River Gorge. A gorge is actually a chasm that the river cuts through the land. So the Columbia River Gorge is the name of the Columbia River and the land on both sides. Our first stop on this tour was the local dam and fish counting station. They have fish ladders here and someone actually sits and counts every single fish that swims by. They do this to keep track of the numbers of fish that come back to the area to spawn every year.

Stop number two was a fish hatchery where we go to see how the mass produce fish. Very gruesome. But we also got to see Herman the Sturgeon. He's a 10 foot sturgeon swimming around in his pool. Herman used to be 12 feet long, but someone came in at night and stole him so he was replaced by another fish who is now called Herman as well. The Sturgeon is the fish we get caviar from.

The best part of the day, in my eyes, was what we did next. We took a scenic old highway and saw six different waterfalls. Each of them unique and beautiful. It was fun jumping out of the bus and taking pictures of each one. Never have I seen so many waterfalls so close together. Multnomah Falls was the highlight. We stopped here for 45 minutes up to the bridge to get a closer view. Nature is just awesome.

The last part of the trip was a visit to the Crown Point Vista House. This area gives you a spectacular view of the whole Gorge from up top. Simply breathtaking.

If you want to see Portland and you only have one day to do it, do this tour. If you have a car though, every place we visited was free except the Chinese Garden. So you might want to go to Union Square, figure out which bus is going on what tour, and follow the bus. They only have two buses so it shouldn't be hard.

Author Resource:- Mrs. Kamadia is currently traveling the country while working as a travel nurse. Most of her expenses are paid for and she only works 3 days a week. To learn how visit her travel nursing website.

Twice the Paradise at Half the Price

By : Joanna M Lawson

I'll let you in on a well kept holiday secret. Globally, savvy travelers are increasingly opting for private holiday villas instead of more traditional hotels, motels or resorts. This trend is most noticeable across the tropical paradise islands of Asia, such as, Bali, Phuket, and Koh Samui.

Gone are the days when holiday villa rental was the domain of the jet-setters, the rich and the powerful. Today, you can rent your own piece of paradise from as little as US$ 100 per night!

So, why do savvy travelers prefer to rent private holiday villas, instead of going for hotels and resorts? We did a survey of the converts, and here their reasons for preferring rental villas:

Exclusivity

One of our responders put it: "Why would you want to queue up with 100 other people to have your breakfast in a hotel, when you can have your own villa staff queue up to serve you!"

Whilst increasingly more popular, renting your own villa does provide a level of exclusivity un-matchable by most hotels and resorts.

A fully staffed and serviced villa in Bali or Phuket for example, will typically provide you with not only your own dedicated house-keeping staff, but in many instances your own kitchen staff and even your own Chef!

Flexibility

By definition, in order to manage the large number of guests, hotels/resorts need to have rules, regulations, meal times, opening/closing times and the like.

Where as in your own tropical rental villa, it is totally up to you when you wake up, at what time you have breakfast, or that 'last drink' at night without worrying about extraneous closing/opening times, rules and regulations.

You will also find that many professionally run villas will be flexible in additional services that they offer. For example, one of my favourites, Mia Villa in Bali, offers in-villa massage services on their chill-out terrace, overlooking the rice fields, or will arrange for in-villa yoga sessions, painting classes, and even jewelry making workshops.

Yes, these services cost extra, but certainly a fraction of what such professionals cost back home.

Privacy

Again, privacy is not for the exclusive benefit of the rich and the famous. Taking a break from our typically busy lives, very likely having been surrounded by other people most of the time, it is quite normal to seek a bit of privacy, peace and quiet during a tropical holiday.

Most private rental villas in Asia provide this option for privacy. And for those of us who seek the action, we still have the option to walk out of our private haven, and enjoy the restaurants, clubs, and shopping often just a few minutes away.

Even if you don't want isolation, there is nothing worse than not having the option for privacy during a well earned tropical holiday.

Space

One of our respondents pointed out, today, even the most exclusive hotels offer typical room sizes of 40 to 50 square meters. (Unless you are splashing out on that presidential suite!)

On the other hand, most decent villas in Bali or Koh Samui will offer you at least 200 to 300 square meters of your own space, with some larger villas being in the 1,000 to 2,000 square meters in size.

Extra space means that you can be together with your loved one(s) on holiday, but at the same time you do not have to be 'on top of each other'. I find that especially when traveling with family or friends, this extra space goes a long way in making a good holiday a great one! I can peacefully read my book, whilst my partner catches up with the latest sports news on satellite, and the children use up their energy in our own private pool. All together, within a shared visual space, but each with our own space!

Savings

Many villas in Asia will offer kitchen and Chef service at no extra cost, as part of your rental rate.

What this means is that you do not have to pay hotel or restaurant rates for your meals.

You choose what you would like to eat. If you wish, your villa staff does the shopping for you, the preparation, and your own Chef prepares your feast for when you like. All you pay for are the cost of the ingredients at the local market prices.

Given that, food ingredients, in places like Bali and Thailand are considerably cheaper than 'back home', your feast is very likely to be even cheaper than eating at home.

With the added benefit of not having to spend time shopping, or labouring for hours in the kitchen.

Services

In addition to your own Chef, you can expect holiday villas in Asia to offer a full Villa Team. Typically, this will comprise of your own housekeeping team, gardener(s), pool attendants, security personnel, and of course your Villa Manager.

In some Bali Villas, our panel of respondents have come across guest to staff ratios which are as high as 1 to 1. Having said this, a dedicated guest to staff ratio of 1 to 0.7 or 0.8 is more than sufficient for most of us.

What this means is that your villa is continually kept in a pristine condition, you get gorgeous gardens kept in perfect condition, a swimming pool which is crystal clear, and on top some amazing service to meet your every request and whim during your stay.

Imagine an existence where you don't have to make your own coffee, let alone cook, where all your tour bookings are arranged for you by your Villa Manager, pool towels get magically removed, new towels appear out of no where, and an existence where your postcards are hand delivered to the nearest post office!

Price

This is where private rental villas in Asia excel above all else. If there are more than two of you, even good quality Koh Samui or Bali villas will likely cost you less than hotel/resort rooms for the same number of people. Today you can rent your own private villa in Bali, with 2-3 bedrooms and your own private pool, for as little as US$ 150-200 per night.

A standard size hotel room on the other hand, may set you back US$ 100 per room night.

So, as soon as there are more than 2 of you, a tropical rental villa is more than likely to be cheaper than a hotel room.

All the additional benefits of exclusivity, flexibility and privacy and additional services are bonus freebies!

Yes, may be, once you have enjoyed the private rental villa holiday experience in a villa in Bali or Phuket, your expectations change for life.

And yes, may be, being pampered and spoilt to this extent may not feel right to begin with. However, if you consider the fact that, financially you have not pushed the boat out, and quite likely, saved some money in the process, who is to blame you for making the right choice!

Sounds too good to be true? Well, just have a go, try something like 'bali holiday villa' on Yahoo, Google or your favourite search engine, and see what pops up. If nothing else, enjoy the photos, and see how others holiday, and get a bargain in the mean time.

Bali Villa Rental Tips & Tricks

By : Joanna M Lawson

If like me, you have been bitten by the 'Holiday Villa Bug', you will already know that no hotel can match the privacy and luxury of a good Villa Holiday. The great news is that today there are even more villa rental options out there than ever before. Not to mention the fact that if you know how to choose the right holiday rental villa you will be saving a lot of money in comparison to the same level of service in a comparable quality hotel.

It seems that no where in the world has seen as big an explosion of luxury fully serviced holiday villas, as the island of Bali in Indonesia.

OK, I happen to be blessed with a great line of work, as a Travel Writer, and have been lucky enough to stay in some of the best tropical resorts around the world, especially in Asia. But still for me, nothing compares to the peace, luxury and delights (not to mention the cost effectiveness) of staying in a good serviced villa in Bali.

So, what makes a 'good holiday villa'?

Like everyone else, I have learned how to choose the perfect villa through luck, some mistakes and sheer experience.

Here are my top tips for choosing the right villa in Bali for your next Bali holiday.

Location-Location-Location

This sounds obvious, but it is not always easy to make the right location decision when we are sat at home, far away from our holiday destination.

Like every other world-class holiday destination, Bali offers a range of options, from 'central' locations, to those which offer 'absolute tranquility'.

I personally like a balance between the two. On a Bali villa holiday, the last thing one needs is to be sooo central that you feel like you are an extension of a night club's base unit till wee hours of the morning. On the other hand, I really don't want to be more than 15-20 minutes away from where the restaurants, shops and the action is. I like my villa to be certainly quiet, preferably amongst rice fields, but at the same time accessible (within 30 minutes of the airport, and a few minutes from the action).

The great thing is that Bali caters for all of these tastes.

Those seeking a central location, with a lively night life may want to look into Legian and Seminyak, (I exclude Kuta area from this list, as there are hardly any proper rental villas left in this bustling tourist centre).

Those who don't mind a bit of a trek, and don't want to go out and about much during their holiday, may opt for areas such as Uluwatu or Canggu and beyond.

For me the perfect choice is Kerobokan and Umalas areas. Quiet rural environment, surrounded by rice terraces and real villagers going about their real daily routines (instead of trying to push you a handicraft (Kuta) or pull you into a restaurant you really couldn't care for (Seminyak)).

Quality and Availability of Service

Now this is an area where villas differ from each other immensely. In Bali most villas proclaim to be 'fully serviced'. However, how 'fully' and how 'serviced' range from the most basic to being totally pampered.

A good villa should provide a guest to total staff ratio of nearly 1 to 1, or at least 1.5 to 1. So, if you are a group of 8 you should be looking at, at least, 5-6 full time staff, or for a group of 4 at least 3-4 full time staff. Sounds ostentatiously high? It really isn't once you consider the effort it takes to keep a holiday villa, its gardens, and the pool in a tip-top shape.

Of course, quantity is never the only answer. The staff needs to be full-time and fully-trained at a professional level. There are too many villas out there, which are run by 'part-time' managers and staff who actually have other full time jobs elsewhere!

Your Own Chef

One of the great pleasures of traveling to a foreign destination is to experiment with and experience the local cuisine. And what better place to experience this, than in the comfort of your own villa!

So, make sure that your villa comes with its own Chef. Once you have tasted the delights of enjoying home cooking in your own villa, you will probably not want to venture out to restaurants at all. The best thing is, having your own private villa Chef in Bali, is substantially cheaper than eating out.

However, make sure to check how the Chef arrangement works.

Ideally, the Chef cost should be included in your rental rate. In this case all you have to pay for are the cost of the ingredients which are purchased for you, typically at the local market/supermarket prices, with no mark-up. So, financials of eating at your own villa becomes just like eating at home, but without lifting a finger, and at substantially lower Bali prices.

Some villas claim to offer a Chef service, but charge restaurant/hotel prices for each dish that the chef prepares for you. I prefer to avoid these, as I can always pop out to a restaurant if I so wished anyway.

So, check to make sure that the Chef is part of your villa team, and that you will not be charged incrementally for food on a per item basis.

Your Villa Manager

A professional Villa Manager makes a huge difference to your enjoyment of your holiday. Even if you have been to Bali many times before, a good Villa Manager can be a much valued life-line, a great source of shopping tips, and a problem solver. A good villa manager can provide a wealth of directions/advice, from where to eat, to which river to choose for your white-water rafting adventure in which season, or where the cheapest golf courses are, to which temples to visit to see which local ceremonies.

Needless to say, they should also be managing the villa team, and making sure that the quality of service and cleanliness are never compromised.

Before I book a villa in Bali, I always check to see what the Villa Manager arrangement is like, and that there is a full time Villa Manager on site at the villa I am planning to rent. Typically, for good villas, you can expect to have your own dedicated Villa Manager, or have a Villa Manager who is working at 2-3 adjacent villas. However, if a Villa Manager is expected to look after 5-6+ villas, then you are most likely not going to see him for more than a few minutes a day, only during his courtesy visits (at best), so you loose out on the real benefits of having the inside-track.

Villa Quality & Upkeep

Be very, very weary of any rental villas which can not provide you with more than at least 20 recent photos of the property. These photos should show you not only the outside of the buildings, but also the living/dining areas, as well as insides of bedrooms.

If you are not provided with a sufficient number of photos giving you a clear idea of the property, then it is quite likely that there is something substantially wrong with the property, such as a building overlooking it, an abattoir next door, or at the least peeling paintwork or missing fixtures/furniture.

Remember, not all villas are created equal. But additionally, not all villas are kept and maintained equally well. It is your right to request and see these photos of the property.

Mod-Cons

OK, you are planning to stay on a tiny island, in the middle of the tropics. What mod-cons should you expect?

From own experience, I would suggest that even in the middle of the tropics, good Bali villas should be able to provide at least the following mod-cons:

Air-conditioning in all bedrooms

Clean, Western style kitchen -fully equipped with a fridge, microwave, electric kettle, and a coffee maker, as well as sufficient crockery and cutlery

Safe deposit box - at least one for your private villa use, and preferably one in each bedroom

TV/Satellite/DVD Player - as there will always be someone who wants to catch the news, or children who will need entertaining

Telephone - whilst many of us live attached to our mobile/cellular phones, it is important that there is a permanent phone connection at the villa, in case of emergencies

En-suite bathrooms - if you are looking at going as a family or a group of friends, you really don't want to spend your holiday in Bali queuing for the next available slot at shared facilities!

Enjoying a fully staffed and serviced villa with your own Chef may seem like an un-attainable dream in most other parts of the world. However, renting a Villa in Bali is by far one of the most cost effective ways of enjoying this beautiful island and the company of its hospitable people.

Asia Family Holiday Guide

By : Joanna M Lawson

If you are planning to holiday in Asia with your young family, here are some tips and recommendations to make your Asian holiday that much more enjoyable.

Be it relaxing in heavenly Bali villas, or hiking in Kuta Kinabalu, or enjoying Disney World in Tokyo, Asia offers a huge variety of holiday destinations for those with younger children.

However, as rewarding as it is, traveling with the younger ones in Asia is not always an easy sail.

Here are some insights gained traveling across Asia with children in tow, over the past 10 years.

Getting There and Back

It is more than likely that you will be taking a commercial flight to Asia.

Here is the first word of caution. As far as traveling with the young ones is concerned, not all airlines are created equal. No, I don’t mean the level of service you can expect, as this seems to be of quite a high level whichever Asian based major airline you choose. In our experience, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand, and Emirates all offer great service when you are traveling with kids.

However, the big difference comes in how much different carriers choose to charge for the younger ones. Some carriers, for example, charge 10 percent of an adult fare, for infants, traveling on your lap, without a seat. At first, this may sound like a fair deal. However, if you consider the fact that this 10 percent is calculated as a percentage of a -Full Published Adult Fare- price, you may find that you are paying as much for your infant’s air fare, as you are for your own discounted fare! The good news is, not all airlines use this pricing policy, and if you shop around, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars even before you leave home!

Also, do keep in mind, that many airlines will offer special -Child Meals-. Some, such as Singapore Airlines, do also offer different menus for different age groups.

Similarly, for toddlers and older kids, it is worth checking what is on offer in terms of flight entertainment. Some airlines will have dedicated children’s cartoon channels, with a large selection of entertainment options, whilst others may not. If you are traveling long-haul, this alone could make a huge difference to how well your Asian holiday kicks off.

Transportation on the Ground

The quality and safety of ground transportation varies immensely from one Asian Country to the other. However, as a general rule of thumb, do not expect taxis to provide child safety seats, and in many parts of Asia, even rental cars may not have the child safety seat option.

The good news is, across most of Asia, metered taxis are plentiful, and relatively well maintained, with working seat belts. When you are in Singapore, you can expect (or even demand); fully functioning seat belts both at the front and back passenger seats. In other parts of the region, you may find that seat belts have been removed, on purpose, because ‘they get in the way’.

So, if you are adamant that you would like child safety seats whilst holidaying in Asia, you may consider bringing your own, or picking one up, when you land at your destination.

Probably with the exception of Japan, Korea and Taiwan, facilities on local train services are of a variable quality, and unless you are going for gold, and staying on the Palace on Wheels in India, or a special First Class trip between Beijing and Shanghai, you may want to plan well, and take all your essentials on board with you.

Food Matters

Whilst most westerners find Asian food (especially South Asian, or South East Asian food), quite spicy, this is not necessarily an issue when traveling with the younger ones. Most hotels and restaurants will prepare food for the little ones separately, without the spices. Also, if in doubt, plain noodles, or plain rice with some vegetables on the side is always readily available as a good stop gap ration. Depending on how off the beaten track you decide to travel, you are more than likely to find, old favourites such as fish-fingers, chicken nuggets, and hamburgers in most parts of Asia.

One word of caution on the food front is the liberal use of MSG (Mono Sodium Glutamate) in Asian cooking. This food additive is also used in the west (mostly packaged crisps/chips), and in principle is no more harmful than many of the E numbers we may consume daily. However, in many Asian countries MSG is used very liberally, especially in soups and food with sauces. In China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, to name a few countries, you can expect that your soups and sauces will contain MSG by default. Many parents who live and travel in Asia complain that excessive MSG causes dehydration, lethargy, and mood swings with some younger children (and many adults are also found to be sensitive to excessive MSG). If concerned, request for your food to be prepared without any MSG, or choose MSG-free restaurants, increasingly available across the region.

Bare Necessities

In general, availability and the condition of public toilets in Asia leave much to be desired. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Singapore and Japan for example, typically provide some of the cleanest public conveniences to be found anywhere in the world. Also, in each country, there are certain locations, such as hotels and airports where hygiene standards are going to be at international levels. However, it is good practice to always carry your own tissues, and wet wipes with you when traveling in Asia. Also, to address this problem, in many Asian cities, you can also find special antiseptic wet-wipes, which are very handy when dealing with some of the lesser public conveniences.

It is also worth noting that, restaurants/coffee-shops do not always provide their own toilets for guest use, and more than likely share facilities with other establishments. This is true for even larger malls, and good quality restaurants in hygiene conscious Singapore. So, the old trick of, grabbing an unwanted cup of coffee or a drink at a restaurant, just to be able to use the facilities is not always a solution in Asia.

Similarly, availability of baby changing rooms varies immensely across the region. In Singapore, and Hong Kong for example, changing facilities are readily available in most shopping malls, one almost on each floor. However, when you are off the beaten track, even some good quality hotels may not provide child changing facilities.

Breast Feeding in Public

As a general rule of thumb, if you decided to breast feed in public, regardless of how discrete you are being, expect to be stared at. The good news is, across most of the region, this is no more sinister than surprise and interest on the part of the locals. If in doubt, you may want to retreat to a quiet corner, back of a restaurant, or baby changing facilities.

My Child is a Model!

If your children are under four or five years old, and/or blonde or with naturally curly hair, expect to be approached in parts of Asia by total strangers wanting to take photos of your child!

Again, there is nothing sinister about this request. They just want to capture the -cute factor- and share this amazing image with their friends and families.

You will typically be approached by Japanese, Korean, and Chinese ladies, who will want to pose with your child, and take each other’s photos. However, there seems to be no age or gender limit to this interest, over the years, our little ones have been photographed by business people in suits, restaurant chefs, and the odd octogenarian in small villages.

Asia’s Love for Children

One thing is for sure. Wherever you go to in Asia with your young family, you will find the locals ever helpful and highly interactive with your little ones. Asian’s love children, they love their own children, and also the children of foreign tourists.

My advice is, make the most of this, and allow your children to interact with the local population, be it your villa team at your rental Bali villa, or a chef in a Chinese restaurant, or the old lady selling flower garlands outside a temple in Thailand!

Most important of all, don’t feel like you have to wait till the kids are older before you can visit Asia. Have a go; both you and the children will love this colourful part of the world.

Enjoy your Asian holiday.

Many happy returns…

Bali Villa Rental Guide to Your Bali Holiday Environment

By : Joanna M Lawson

It is the first day of your Bali holiday and your first night at a Bali rental villa.

Welcome to the paradise called the Bali Island.

However, unless you have been living in the tropics for a while, welcome to what I call the 'mini-environmental culture shock'. Well, at least if you have chosen a good villa in a non-urban setting, you are in for some new, exciting and really interesting sights, sounds and experiences.

This free travel guide is intended to help you most of your Bali holiday, and the new sights, sounds and smells that await you.

Rice Terraces

Balinese rice terraces are an art form in themselves, which has taken centuries to perfect.

Quite likely, around your rental villa, you will be surrounded by rice terraces which are still being tended by the local community, using the traditional techniques.

The wonderful climate of Bali allows for up to three sets of harvests to take place every year.

Depending on what time of the year you are in Bali, you are going to experience one of the following:

Preparation of the Terraces
This is when the fields look like layers of serene lakes, shimmering in the sun.

Planting of the Saplings
An exciting time, when local farmers will be working busily, planting young saplings, with an amazing speed and technique. If you have a video camera with you, this is the time to get close and personal with the locals community. Most will respond to your request to photo/film their activities with a pride and a smile.

Growing & Protecting
During this period, you will note the farmers continuously in the fields from sun-rise to sun-set. They will either be mending and managing the terraces, or trying to protect their crop from the birds. Protection of the fields from the birds tends to attract the whole community, especially the young and the elderly. You will see interesting home-invented contraptions being put up to scare the birds away, and hear old ladies trying to personally scare the birds away making some very interesting (and obviously time tested) sounds

Harvesting
Given the nature of the rice plant, this is typically a very rapid process. One which is followed by the very labour intensive and slow process of separating the rice from the chaff, manually, by hand, using again centuries old methods.

Cleaning Up
Once the rice harvest has completed, you will note the local community collecting the stalks, and burning them in preparation for the next plantation.
During this final period you may see smoke towering from the fields. Please note that there is no need to be alarmed, as these are controlled fires which take place in the middle of the rice terraces, surrounded by water.

If you have never had the chance to do so, we would highly recommend that you take a stroll through the rice terraces. You will find the local farmers very friendly and welcoming, and if you wanted to take some photos, some will even go out of their way to pose for you!

However, please note that it takes a lot of effort and sweat to keep the rice terraces in working condition. Please keep to the 'foot-paths' between the terraces, and avoid walking into the actual water-ways themselves. Also, we would recommend wearing soft shoes (sandals/flip-flops) to minimise damage (to the rice fields). Or like locals do, you may want to go barefoot!

The Local Community

The local community in Bali is organised around a very strong network of Banjars (local councils/cantons).

However, unlike the western concept of councils, each local community is locally managed and run, and is almost a state onto itself, with its own local values, rules and guidelines. So much so, that it can actually be up to the local Banjar to decide if a new building can be built or not, or what purpose should the new developments have.

Typically your Bali villa will have close relationship with the local Banjar, and the local community. Many of your villa staff will probably be from the local village.

The Local Religion in Bali

Like most of the rest of Bali, at Mia Villa we live in a Hindu community.

Balinese Hinduism is a fascinating subject in itself, enshrined in local culture and tradition. We would urge all our guests to track down a temple ceremony and experience this festive religion first hand themselves. (Typically, your Villa Manager will be more than happy to advise you on where the next/nearest public ceremony is likely to be.)

In like with the local traditions, many villas have their own full size temples or at least a mini-temple attached to a wall (quite likely near the kitchen area).

It is perfectly alright to take pictures of the temple, and the villa staff praying, making offerings at the temple. However, as a show of respect to the local traditions a level of respect does indeed go a long way. Using the temple as a towel rack (you would be surprised what some people will do!), allowing children to climb the temple or play with the offerings, and being in the nude around the temple are best avoided.

You will note that, every single day your villa staff will visit the villa temple, making offerings and prayers. These prayers are made to protect the villa, its guests, and its staff from harm and negative forces, and to keep the evil spirits away from your Bali villa.

Balinese Hinduism is a very open minded and accommodating religion. If you wanted to find out more about it please do not hesitate to ask your villa staff, who will often share the subject with you very willingly.

Sights of Nature

Most Bali villas enjoy extensive tropical gardens, and you will be surrounded by a wonderful range of tropical trees and flowers.

Whilst, some like the Heleconia and the Lotus Flowers are easy to spot and appreciate, there are many other smaller varieties of plants that you will come across which provide subtler insights into a tropical garden.

If you want to take certain varieties back home, and try growing them, please do not hesitate to speak to your Villa Gardener or your Villa Manager who will be happy to introduce you to some of the better nurseries on the island. (Of course, please first check that your destination country does allow for import of tropical plants.)

Sounds of Nature

The Gecko

Permanent and non-paying residents of most Bali villas is the Gecko (lizard-like creatures).

Totally harmless to humans and pets, the gecko are welcome guests as they feed on ants and small insects, providing a natural and environmentally friendly pest control.

Gecko also provide the signature sound-bite of the tropics. You will hear the very distinctive call of the Gecko on a regular basis. (It is said that if you count a Gecko call up to seven times in one go it will bring you good luck.)

Possibly the only down-side of Geckos is that they tend to eat a lot, and as a result pooh a lot too! So if you come across small droppings on the floor, you know who the guilty party is.

Some gecko can grow to quite large sizes (30 cm / 1 ft)+, and become quite a bit louder. They are still totally harmless to humans. However, if you find that you are bothered by the louder gecko, you will need to raise this with your Villa Manager.

The Kodok

Another permanent resident of Bali is the Kodok, or frogs as we know them in the English speaking world.

The Kodok are such a big part of the life in Bali (as a result of the rice terraces), that you will see their statues throughout the island, often depicted as mischievous and fun loving characters.

Needless to say, the Kodok are totally harmless, and more often than not, heard rather than seen. (Unless it has been raining, when they will be brave enough to come out for a shower.)

Local Ceremonies

Some evenings you may hear gentle rhythmic drums, and chanting at a distance. (Especially during full moon or dark moon.) These are the sounds of the ceremonies being held at the local villages around you.

Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than, turning off the TV/music, grabbing your favourite drink, and enjoying these ceremonies from a distance. I believe this is one of the most pleasurable benefits of staying at Bali villas.

Traffic, Motorbike, Night-Club Noises

If you have chosen the location of your Bali rental villa correctly, you should hear very little (if any) of noise.

However, if you are having withdrawal symptoms; Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak do indeed provide that bright-lights / big city experience to rival most holiday resorts in the world.

Hopefully, armed with these insights, you can now ease into your new rental villa in Bali, and enjoy your holiday in this island paradise.

Many happy returns...
Author Resource:- Joanna M Lawson is an independent travel writer based in SE Asia and splits her time between London and Bali. Ms Lawson is not directly affiliated with Bali Villa Rental. To reuse this article you are required to link to the site above.

Travel to India

Different cultures, customs, backgrounds, languages, sights, sounds, smells, cuisine, clothing, products, attitudes, await the world traveler. There are so many things to experience, it's difficult to decide which aspect of your trip was the most sensational or enlightening. Traveling the world will enrich your life in too many ways to describe in just one article, so here we will focus on a part of the world called India.

First of all, for the geographically challenged of you out there, India is located in South Asia. It has 7000 kilometers of coastline on the Indian Ocean, the third largest body of water in the world. Three islands are near India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Maldives. India also shares borders with China, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar. It should also be mentioned that there is also a disputed border with Afghanistan, but that's another topic for another article.

Much like the United States, India has 28 states, that each have their own elected governments. There are some differences though, India has the National Territory of Dehli and 6 Union Territories. China currently has a larger population than India, however by 2030, India is expected to surpass Chain and become the most populated country in the world.

There are many beautiful rivers in India. The Ganges River, (Ganga or Holy Ganga, in India) is the largest and most well known of them, and is located in Northern India. The Ganga Basin has a huge population. The land is extremely fertile and it is said that one out of every 12 people in the world live there. You can also see Irrawaddy Dolphin in the river, as well as another species called the ganga River Dolphin. Another interesting note is that there is a rare freshwater shark found in the river that has not much is known about. Other major rivers in India include the Krishna, the Brahmaputra, the Kaveri, the Yamuna, and the Godavari.

The mountain range that you will find covering the northern states is called the Himalayas. Central and the rest of the northern and eastern parts of India consist of very fertile flatlands called the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Southern India is a peninsula and made up mostly from the Deccan Plateau with two hilly regions called the Western and Eastern Ghats. Last, but not least, near India's border with Pakistan lies the Thar Desert.

There are also three archipelagos in India. In West Bengal you find the Sunderbans, Lakshadweep on the southwest coast, and a chain of volcanic islands in the southeast called the Nicobar and Andaman Islands.

India has been a country for many centuries and it's rich culture and heritage has been preserved for the most part. While traveling in India, you will be exposed to some of the most wonderful cultural monuments in the world. India's culture is partly created from invaders and immigrants who have arrived here over the years. The Taj Mahal and other examples of Islamic Architecture are left over from the Mughal Dynasty that ruled between 1526 and 1857.

India is made up of a large variety of people. There are a large number of different languages, cultures and religions. Education in India has been improving dramatically in recent years and is a source of great pride for the families of young people who attend the universities there. Traditions that have survived for centuries are held sacred by families here and should be respected when traveling there.

There are many religious ceremonies and festivals held in public in India that you shouldn't miss during your trip. Harvest festivals for many of the different religions of India are attended by everyone, even those of differing faiths. During the Buddhist New Year (the first full moon in May), the Tibetan Buddhist Community in Sikkum performs the mystic Gumpa Dance and is a must see if you plan to travel to India during that time. In the Autumn months, two of the most prominent harvest festivals are the Ganesh Chaturthi and the Maharastra are fantastic experiences to add to your itinerary if you would like to experience religious ceremonies, which are a major part of Indian culture.

Another large part of Indian culture is their music. There are many types of music to be found during your travels to India. Some of the most interesting music is the folk music you will find as you travel through different parts of India. There are also interpretive dances that are performed by the people there. They tell epic stories based on Indian legends and are very spiritual and devotional. There is a lot of popular music as well, including Filmi Music and two well known forms of classical music you might hear are Hindustani and Carnatic Music.

Despite popular opinion, there are both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights to be had in India. Bhel puri, a puffed rice dish, usually with spices added and served on deep fried puris, a wheat bread, is a popular snack often sold on the roadside. The staple foods of India are ones made from rice or wheat, but a wide variety of cuisine is available to you as you travel through different regions. Different types of spices and sweets are available and used in the dishes they prepare in each area. Sweets and spicy food is very popular in all of India.

While shopping for antiques, clothing, fabrics, and other items, in alleyways and open markets alike, one piece of advice, try to take a local citizen or guide with you to make sure you are buying authentic pieces. You will find the hand-carved wood artifacts and sandalwood carvings amazing. The woodcarvers are very talented. India is of course also famous for its hand-rolled incense. You will want to bring some back with you. The fragrances are unique and the incense is of great quality if you find the right shops.

There is also a lot of silk and pure cotton clothing, but a few knockoffs as well, hence the warning to have someone from the local area guide you to the best shops and markets. Leather goods can be had in India for a fraction of the cost here, so if you like leather, go shopping!

A quick look at some of the sights you may want to visit while traveling to India before I finish this article. India is a beautiful country and its doubtful you can take in all the wonderful sights on just one trip.

The Pandavas Caves Temple in Goa is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and dates back to the 1st century.

The Rajabai Tower in Bombay is a clock tower of gothic designs that is 260 feet high. One of the curiosities of this gothic tower is that it is adorned with oriental figures. It chimes on every quarter hour and sounds like Big Ben in London. The university library, located under the tower, contains recently restored stain glass windows that are magnificent to look at and considered to be the most beautiful in all of Asia.

New Delhi is a beautiful city whose buildings have serene courtyards and are definitely one of the nicest attractions along with some of the finest museums in the country. New Dehli also sport many shops and boutiques that feature some of the best crafts India has to offer. New Dehli is definitly a place to go during your travels to India.

The Karnataka Folk Museum in Bangalore has displays of rare masks, artifacts, and costumes that are part of India's rich history, as well as a collection of the folk music and videos of folk dances mentioned earlier in this article.

The Taj Mahal in Agra is of course one of the must see sights in India. It took 20,000 laborers to build the Taj Mahal in the 1600s and has become a known landmark throughout the world. From the jail, to the dome, to the garden, the beauty of this building of both Hindu and Islamic design cannot be justified with words alone.

Travel to Thailand

By : Robin Darch

Traveling around the world is still only a dream to many, but for those that have done it, their lives have been enriched by the experience. Different cultures, languages, and locations to us to appreciate the world in a new way. The world seems smaller once you travel around and the diversity of cultures makes you appreciate people in a new way.

If you haven't already done a lot of traveling, I suggest you save the money until you can. Life is way too short not to take the time to travel the world and appreciate its beauty. Meeting people from different countries gives you a whole new outlook on life and a new understanding about people in general.

In this article, I will tell you a few things about a wonderful place to visit . . . Thailand. They call Thailand "The Land of Smiles." The people there are great, always having a smile for everyone. They don't lose their temper or express bad behavior in public, because to do so causes "Loss of Face."

As I said before, one of the greatest things about traveling the world is meeting people with different cultures, different beliefs, and different attitudes towards life. In Thailand, the people do not believe in rudeness and brash behavior. They believe this is an embarrassment and it is not tolerated. Being from the US, I find that refreshing. Maybe we can learn from them.

Another great thing about traveling the world is the shopping. You will find shopping in different countries a great pleasure because you will find products that are not produced anywhere else. Each country has it's own unique products to offer you and in many countries the prices for these items is very low. Thailand is no different in this regard. The shops in Bangkok will keep you busy for days, so go prepared to shop.

There are a lot of alleys in Bangkok filled with shops, small cafes, and great Thai restaurants. They have a wholesale garment district called Wu Fen Pu, with more than a thousand clothing stores and shops that sell accessories, such as shoes, belts, purses, bags, and much more. Many of the items are hand made or locally produced and you won't believe how low the cost is for these items.

Another market to visit while you travel in Bangkok is Chatuchak. It's huge! You'll think you're in the Disneyland of shopping centers. It will take you a couple of days to browse all the shops at Chatuchak, but well worth it for all the bargains and unique products you will find there.

Another location for some great night shopping in Bangkok is the Shilin Night Market. They have a food section and another for shopping. There are more than one thousand stalls here and some of the best bargains you will find in Thailand.

You may not be allowed to shop on Fridays. That is when buyers from other stores go there to stock up on items for resale and business is focused on them. Just like here, if you plan to buy summer clothing, go in the fall and vice versa. Most shops in Bangkok are open to 11pm, so shopping in the late afternoon or evening is much better.

One of the most exciting parts of world travel is exploring and taking in the sights that are unique to each country. As you travel the world, the photographs you take at memorable sights will help you relive the memory of the great times you had in each country over and over again, so take plenty of film and your camera wherever you go.

Now let's talk about some of the sights you will want to see while traveling in Thailand. Ever see the movie, "Bridge Over The River Kwai, starring William Holden and Alec Guinness? I'm probably revealing my age by being familiar with this movie, but it was based on a true story and the actual bridge does exist.

A few hours by shuttle from Bangkok takes you to Kanchanaburi. That is where the actual Bridge over the river Kwai is located. Whether you have seen the movie or not, the sight of this bridge is impressive. It is one of the "must see" sights during your visit to Thailand. The river is beautiful and the fact that the bridge was built by prisoners of war makes the trip to the bridge worthwhile. The prisoners who built the bridge delayed it's construction long enough to save many lives. I suggest you watch the movie before your trip to Thailand, so you can fully appreciate the sight of the Bridge Over The River Kwai.

There are many "Wats" in Thailand. A wat is a Cambodian, Lao or Thai Hindu or Buddhist temple. They are considered a source for Buddhist spiritualism. Most of them are very beautiful and amazing feats of architecture built by hand out of love for Buddha. The architecture is even more amzing when you consider some of them were built many years ago by people who had very little to work with.

One such Wat is located in Ayutthaya City, the capital of Ayutthaya province in Thailand. The city was founded in 1350. The city was destroyed by Burmese troops in 1767 and the area where it was originally located is now called Ayutthaya Historical Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight. The city itself was rebuilt a few kilometers away.

Another is located in Sukhothai Historical Park. According to Wikipedia.com, this park covers the ruins of Sukhothai, a 14th century kingdom. This historical sight should be part of any itinerary for traveling in Thailand. The area has walls all the way around it and has gates on each side. The remains of the royal palace and 26 temples are inside these walls. The largest temple is called Wat Mahathat. Thousands visit the area every year to see the ruins of this once great city.

Many areas mentioned in this article can be easily toured by bicycle, an often overlooked form of transportation when traveling the world. Whenever you travel to another country, sitting in a car going from sight to sight sometimes cheats you out of truly appreciating the beauty of the country you are traveling in. Check out the country and the sights by bicycle where possible and I guarantee you won't regret it.

There are many other Wats to visit in Thailand. I suggest you choose as many as your stay will allow. If you visit some of them in the evening, you can even experience the chanting of the Buddhist Monks. A couple of other Wats of interest are Wat Chedi Luang, in Chiang Mai City, which was once the home of the emerald Buddha and Wat Phra Kaew & the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Wat Phra Kaew is now called the The Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Legends hold that the statue originated in India, but it first surfaced in Chiang Rai, Thailand in 1434.

One thing you have to remember if you plan to visit the Wats in Thailand is that you must wear long pants. Shorts or dresses are not permitted while entering these temples.

If you like beaches, then you must visit Phuket, 70 minutes flying time from Bangkok. The waters of the Andaman Sea are green and beautiful and the beaches are very clean. It is Thailand's most popular beach and resort destination. They have popular resort hotels, Thai and seafood restaurants, water sports, Wats, forests, coral reefs, and mountains. The tropical setting makes for a great part of any visit to Thailand.

Speaking of mountains, a visit to Mae Hong Son Mountain Wat is a special cite you may want to add to your itinerary. Mae Hong Son is located on the summit of a mountain. You can walk or take a tuktuk (like a rickshaw) up to the Wat, itself. There is also an observatory that overlooks all of Mae Hong Son and the mountains of Myanmar behind it.

We hope we have added some useful information and ideas for your trip to Thailand.

Romantic Weekend Gateway Ideas

Your busy life offers no time at all for those much needed vacations with your loved ones. And that is why it gets real tough for coping up with the pressure. It is only when you can have bit time with your loved one can make it a rejuvenating experience in your fast track life.

The ultimate answer to this situation comes in the form of a romantic weekend gateway that not only gives you more pleasure in a short span of time but also gives you the cherished company of your loved one. And that is what is more sought after in such stressful routine
of any individual.

The romantic weekend gateways are considered as the most fun filled way to utilize the weekend. And more so it gives you quite a romantic get together with your loved one. A weekend gateway is a typical weekend trip that you can plan for within the close vicinity so that you can complete it within your weekend.

And above all it gives you a variety of options to choose from so that you never have to visit the same place twice unless you want to.

There are some small tips that should always be taken into consideration while planning such trip with your loved one. Before you start with the packing for that special time remember planning for such a destination where less traveling time is required and should
be accessible by more than one way of conveyance in case of an emergency.

If you are traveling by air, book the tickets before hand instead of waiting till the last moment. Road trip can be an exciting option if the destination is close enough.

In this case look at the traveling issues like checking the vehicle properly and keeping the petrol tank full to have a smooth, enjoyable and fun filled journey till your destination.

Go easy with your packaging as you wont require much stuff for the trip. Pack your bags in such a manner that things, which are not required, should not be taken. Avoid taking in too many clothes, and other stuff as many hotels provide shampoos, hair dryers and lotions that help to lessen your burden of carrying things.

In case your children are accompanying you better to give them backpacks having handles and wheels, which they can carry without efforts. Keep things handy in the backpack and avoid cluttering.

You will come across variety of options for the romantic weekend-getaways. Make a choice wisely and after taking out the necessary information of the destination, as some of them are best for couples while some suitable for visit with entire family.

There are many travel planners who can help you with the planning, if you are too busy with your office schedules.

Take help if required as it helps in planning and saves time. They will help you in making the necessary arrangements like accommodation, dining, activity planning etc. Avid unnecessary hassles when the time is too short for fun.

A romantic weekend gateway, although a short span of time, can rejuvenate you for the tough and busy working months. So plan it carefully to enjoy it in the warmth of your loved one.

Traveling Central America - The Panama Canal

By : Bianca Tavares

The country of Panama holds a unique strategic geographic location, and it has tried its best throughout the ages to exploit this to the full. From the time of the Portobello fairs to the first transisthmian railroad to the present waterway, often considered to be the eighth wonder of the world.

A canal linking the Atlantic with the Pacific oceans had been a dream since the first Spanish colonizations. In fact it was Charles V of Spain who first envisaged a shortcut through the Panamanian jungle to ease the difficult crossing. So in 1524 he ordered a survey of the land. However what inspired the king initially was not so much the possibilities for trade, so much as how to bring back to Spain with least difficulty the hoards of treasure recently discovered in Peru. Unfortunately for him, earth-moving techniques were to need major improvement before his idea could be undertaken.

It was not until 1826 when the United States started investigating a treaty with South American countries to "protect the companies intending to open a communication system between both oceans", that the building of a canal attracted worldwide interest, with France, England and the United States looking for locations and means to avoid the long, difficult and dangerous voyage around Cape Horn. The first attempt at this was the construction of the Transisthmian Railroad in 1855, which eliminated about 8,000 miles from the journey.

The first attempt at a canal was in 1854 by a multinational expedition comprising the United States, France, England and New Granada. But the impenetrability of the jungle was to take its toll and the attempt failed with many resultant deaths. But not to be daunted in this most crucial endeavor, in 1878 the French obtained a concession from Colombia to build a waterway. Yet again, after seven years of fighting disease and other jungle problems, the attempt was to fail with yellow fever, malaria and various plagues holding sway. This project, with the idea of building a level canal, was ultimately abandoned at the turn of the century.

Eventually the creation of a canal was to become a military imperative for the United States who commenced (fruitless) negotiations with Colombia in 1902. Finally, Panama declared its independence from Colombia in 1903 and the project went ahead. The monumental construction took 10 years to complete at a cost of $387 million.

The Panama Canal is 50 miles in length running from northwest to southeast. About 8 hours is needed for a typical vessel to transit the canal, whilst being lifted gradually to a height of 85 feet through three sets of locks - the Gatun, Pedro Miguel and Miraflores.

Operating the gigantic locks consumes vast amounts of fresh water. For every ship passing along the waterway, around 52 million gallons of water flows into the locks then out to sea. This comes from the Gatun and Madden lakes. The lock gates, themselves engineering wonders, consist of pairs of towering leaves from 47 to 82 feet high, 65 feet wide and 7 feet thick. Their weight is from 400 to 700 tons, yet each can be opened or closed in 2 minutes, powered by electric motors.

To navigate the canal, a ship's captain must relinquish responsibility for his vessel to a Panama Canal Pilot. Currently over 250 pilots steer over 14,000 ships through the canal each year. The total time spent in the canal is around a full day. Navigating through the canal is not cheap for vessels, averaging several 10s of thousands of dollars, depending upon the size of vessel and its contents. However, whatever the toll, it is typically ten times what it would have cost to navigate around Cape Horn.

The Panama Canal Commission welcomes visitors at the Miraflores Locks on the Pacific side of the Isthmus seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm. Ships passing through the locks can be viewed from a pavilion where commentators provide an English and Spanish-language commentary, giving all the details of the canal including the amazing statistics. From yachts and small crafts through to container vessels, huge cruise liners and even small submarines, the Panama Canal is truly an international crossing point.

Cruise Tips

Cruise vacations can offer vacationers an experience they cannot get anywhere else. However, it is important that you make a few right choices when selecting your cruise.

Otherwise, your fun vacation can quickly turn and become a less than desirable vacation. Answering a few simple questions can make all of the difference in your overall cruise experience.

First off, ask yourself where exactly you want to travel to. Picking the right destination can make all of the difference in the world.

If you are not a fan of extremely hot weather, chances are you would not want to travel to the Caribbean, especially during the summer months. Like wise, if you are not a fan of cold weather, an Alaskan cruise might not be the best fit for your vacation.

European Cruises are become more and more popular. The best time to take a European cruise is between the months of April and October, with August being the most popular month.

The Greek Islands and the British Isles are among the most popular destinations of a European cruise.
An Alaskan cruise offers travelers a breathtaking experience.

The scenery is like none other. However, it is important that you realize that the weather can be very unpredictable. It is important that if you choose to go on an Alaskan cruise you pack for various weather possibilities.

It is also important to choose the right cruise lines. If you are traveling with kids, then a Disney Cruise Lines would be ideal. They cater to the needs and wants of families.

Disney Cruise Lines offers vacationers the opportunity to do things as a family or separately. They have programs for kids of all ages. Adults will not feel out of place on the cruise, as there are programs tailored to their needs as well.

Cruise durations vary from cruise lines to cruise lines and are a personal preference amongst travelers.

It is important that you consider how long the cruise is, when picking your destination. You do not want to try and cram too many ports of call into a short period of time.
As important as the destinations, durations and cruise ships are in deciding your cruise vacation, so is choosing the right travel agent.

Often times, people consider travel agents to be a waste of time and money. However, experienced travel agents who can give you intimate details of the various destinations can make all of the difference in your overall vacation experience. An experienced travel agent can put together an itinerary that is just right for you.

Cruises can be a great way to spend a vacation. Whether you are going alone, with a spouse or friend or taking the entire family, there is a cruise for you.

With some simple advanced planning, your cruise will be an experience that you will never forget.