Archive for the 'Vacations' Category

Cyprus Villas - 3 Great Places to visit in Cyprus

by Tim Martins

The Paphos Harbour and Castle the Paphos Harbour in Paphos receives North Cyprus Tourists all year round, who spend time walking along the quay and even visit one of the local fish restaurants, tavernas or pubs. The views are outstanding, with loads of colourful fishing boats bobbing in the Paphos Harbour. The castle is the last remaing fortification of a much earlier castle dating back to 1391, which was eventually demolished by the Venetians.

The Ottomans used it as dungeons and the British as a warehouse for salt! It is accessible via a small bridge over a moat and is well worth a visit just for the view from the top. Opening hours - winter daily 9am to 5pm - summer daily 9am to 6pm - tel 26932841 (Paphos Tourism Office) Cyprus. The Paphos Harbour is also an excellent place to take a boat tour of the surrounding Cyprus beaches and coastline.

Kourion/Kolossi Castle - Ancient Kourion and the castle at Kolossi are both in the Limassol area and can be visited together in a day. They are just two examples of the wealth of history to be found in Cyprus - the Kourion sites dating from the second century AD and Kolossi from the thirteenth century.

The ruins at Kourion are to be found in breathtaking scenery overlooking the sea - this is probably the most spectacular archaeological site in Cyprus. There are actually two sites, the old city of Kolossi and the sanctuary of Apollo Hylates - they are a few kilometers apart. There is also a museum in the nearby village of Episkopi. As it is one of Cyprus’ most popular tourist attractions, it’s worth arriving early in high season.

Kolossi castle was the headquarters of the Knights Hospitallers - the name later given to the Commanderia dessert wine. Despite changing owners a number of times, the castle is inextricably linked with both the Hospitallers and wine making. Both Kourion and Kolossi are signposted from the Limassol-Paphos highway. Kourion is close to Episkopi village, Kolossi to the village of the same name.

Opening hours Ancient Kourion winter daily 8am to 5pm - summer 8am to 7.30pm - tel 25995048. Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates October to April daily 9am to 5pm - summer 9am to 7.30pm - tel 25995049. Kourion Museum September to June Monday to Friday 9am to 2.30pm - Thursday only 3pm to 5pm - summer 9am to 7.30pm - tel 25934907.

Larnaca Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke - For anybody arriving at the Larnaca airport, one of North Cyprus’ outstanding places to see and is right next to the airport installations! As you turn left out of the airport you will find the road running along a causeway. On each side you will either see two lakes, or two salt flats, depending on season - Discover the Larnaca Salt Lake and site of the mosque or Tekke of Hala Sultan.

Salt has been extracted from the lake since ancient times and this continues, on a small scale, to this day. If you are visiting Cyprus in lat winter or early spring, look out for the visiting flamingos and other migratory birds. Another salt lake can be found further along the coast of Akrotiri. Peer across the lake and you will see the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque surrounded by palm trees. This is a wonderful place to visit. Opening hours Hala Sultan Tekke winter 9am - 5pm - summer 7.30am to 7.30pm.

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A Range of Ski Holidays in Europe

by Craig Walker

A ski holiday in Europe is ideal as there are many areas where you can enjoy winter sports with truly exceptional ski conditions and terrain. For a long time the only ski destinations were Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy and Andorra. But today you can find great skiing where ever you find snow.

The most popular ski destination of them all is the French Alps. France has close proximity to many countries and is famous for its ski chalets. The top ski chalets in the world can be found in the French Alps; Chamonix, Alpe D’Huezs, Val D’Iseres, Courchevel, Tignes and Meribel. The chalets were built to facilitate those that wished to take a ski holiday.

The second most popular place to ski in Europe is Austria. Besides excellent skiing Austria’s scenery and top class service and attention to detail are world class. Austria has chalets that cater to all levels of athletes. Besides it world class skiing it also has excellent aprs skiing.

Switzerland contains some of the most rugged, highest and toughest runs found in the Alps. Unlike the ski chalets in France, Swiss ski resorts are built around mountain villages offering more than just a ski holiday. Skiing in the Swiss Alps is a most for those serious skiers and snowboarders. There are also many intermediate slopes to be found in the country but new skiers should beware.

Italian has some excellent ski areas, in the Alps and Dolomites in northern Italy. Italian skiing is also less expensive than skiing in Switzerland, France and Austria. Italy is ideal for the beginning or less confident skier and also has the most amount of ski runs found in Europe. The Italian ski resorts are both modern and traditional at the same time, promising a not to be missed skiing experience.

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Scotty’s Castle

by Penelope SanMateo

Death Valley is known for being one of the harshest locations in the USA. It’s hot, it’s barren and it certainly wasn’t the location of the gold mine that was supposedly there and funding the construction of Albert Mussey Johnson’s vacation retreat. There wasn’t a gold mine, even though Johnson had invested in one.

Walter Scott had gotten Mr. Johnson to invest in a mine that didn’t exist. It wasn’t a bad deal for Mr. Scott until Mr. Johnson decided to come and see the mine for himself. There was no mine. Pretty hard to keep excited about investing in a mine that doesn’t exist.

It was lucky for Mr. Scott that Mr. Johnson became enamored with Death Valley. Because he liked Mr. Scott and thought that Death Valley was truly spectacular he and his wife decided to build a vacation retreat in the valley. It was called Death Valley Ranch but was known to the locals as Scotty’s Castle.

The alure of seeing the retreat built by the “richest gold miner in California” was a huge attraction to the rich and famous. They came to see just what that type of money could buy. Mr. Johnson never told that there was no mine. It would have taken some of the charm away from the retreat to know it was built with money he had earned in other ventures and not the mine.

There are guided tours available at the castle for those of you wanting to visit. With interactive displays, living history exhibits and all inside the house it will be a treat to see. The tours are available daily on the hour.

The second tour available for you while you are at the castle is of the underground area. It shows you the technology used to provide electricity to the castle. There is a 1/4 mile tunnel system that runs under the castle that you will be able to see.

Thanks for the National Park Service the castle is maintained for people to visit. Technology from the past and present are both used in the lower level of the castle to keep it functioning as it should. You will enjoy the tour and the history of the castle.

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Adelaide Tourist Attractions - Try These Tours And Enjoy

by James Lush

If you’re a visitor to Adelaide, you’ll know it’s the wine capital of Australia. However, there’s a lot more to this city than great wine. Here are a few tours that’ll help you discover Adelaide.

Adelaide has many tours to offer. In fact, there’s something that’ll fit the interest of just about every tourist. You’ll be able to match any budget or schedule with one or more of these exciting tours. Plus, many of them offer a chilled glass of wine!

For first-time visitors, a nice way to get to know the city better is by hopping aboard the 99B and 99C buses (they’re free!) for an interesting look-see of what the city has to offer in terms of its architectural splendor as well as numerous options for shopping and entertainment.

For those who love history, the Culture Heritage Guided Walk could be a good choice. You’ll hear about Adelaide’s history and founding father, William Light, as well as many of the other people who made the state what it is today.

Adelaide Private Tours can provide you with a unique look at everyday Adelaide life. This tour includes a trip to local rural villages, dinner with a family in the area, and meetings with area artists.

If you’d prefer to find out about two of Adelaide’s most famous attributes - churches and drinking places, consider the Pubs and Pulpits tour.

Nature lovers will enjoy Guided Bird Walks and the free guided walks in the Botanic Gardens. You’ll travel up and down the Torrens River, getting a chance to see all the fascinating plants and animals native to the area.

For surfing and whale watching, sign up with Premier Stateliner for the Victor Harbor and Cockle Train Tour which takes you to Victor Harbor, Port Elliott, Middleton and Goolwa. They also offer the Little Penguin Colony tour to nearby Granite Island which lets you witness the heart-warming sight of hundreds of small penguins walking on the beach just before sunset.

Of course, a trip to Adelaide should also include wine tasting. There are dozens of tours available to guide you through the five famous wine producing regions of Adelaide. All of them - Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, the Coonawarra, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills - are known for their amazing award winning wines.

Dozens of tours are also available for visiting wine tasting locations, as well as stopping for grape varieties and delicious food. You’ll see Lutheran Churches and old towns founded by settlers of German heritage. Take tours with Gray Line, Busway Travel Service and Adelaide Sightseeing. You won’t want to miss A Taste of Southern Australia - a tour that offers private, luxurious introductions to some of the best food and wine the state can offer.

Those looking for a great weekend should try Coonawarra, producer of many of Adelaide’s classic red wines. This area is also host to the Naracoorte Caves Conservation Park, which is listed on the World Heritage list.

If you’d like to see McLaren Vale, a food and wine tour is available. See the home of forty eight fantastic wineries, and the most amazing beaches in the state.

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Hospitable Hostels in San Francisco, CA

by Salvador Paez

San Francisco is one of the greatest destinations anyone can visit. From the beaches to the prison-fortress of Alcatraz to the Golden Gate Bridge experience, there are few cities in America that inspire such awe. Many other people go here for countless other reasons. But a great many find themselves checking into a San Francisco hostel.

Accommodations in hostels aren’t at all that bad. Plus they have the added advantage of being very economical, hence their popularity. The lodgings can be described as dorm-style and are subsequently very popular with students and younger people. They are exceptional when they are used for overnight or short visits.

There are many hostels in San Francisco which may vary in their accommodations. Some San Francisco hostels include Internet access (Internet cafe or wireless Internet), sports and leisure rental (such as biking or hiking equipment), small bars, guest kitchens, a reception area, storage for luggage, elevators or stairs, tour desks and many more features.

There are about 15 hostels in San Francisco and they may have received reviews and ratings regarding the hostel services. Reviews and ratings of San Francisco hostels can be found on the Internet on hostel-related websites.

Articles about the hostels, as well as bulleted lists of the services, accommodations and facilities, may also be included on some websites. If ever you’re interested in booking a hostel in San Francisco, Internet sources can provide you with contact information and directions to hostel locations.

If you’re interested in knowing the vacancies of hostels in San Francisco, there are websites that have search engines that can search for the name of the hostel, arrival dates, number of nights and the choice of currency. Once all the information is entered, vacancy results would show up, along with a price. Your San Francisco vacations just got a lot more affordable!

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Scotland’s Remote Western Isles

by Andrew Kelly

Situated off the west of Scotland the Western Isles are a unique, and incredibly beautiful, group of islands. Named ‘na h-Eileanan Siar’ in the Gaelic (the native language), the Western Isles consist of more than 200 of which only a small percentage are inhabited. The main inhabited islands are the Isle of Lewis, Harris, Barra, North and South Uist. The area’s economy has, in the last few decades, become more reliant on the tourist trade, which, rather luckily, has been increasing steadily for many years.

A stretch of treacherous water, known as the Minch, separates the Western Isles from the Scottish mainland. The dramatic scenes of the West coast of the islands has been shaped, over a massive period of time, by the constant effects of the North Atlantic ocean. The islands were one of the first areas of the United Kingdom to become inhabited and they are made from some of the oldest rock to be found on earth, which makes the Western Isles extremely interesting to geologists, archaeologists and naturalists alike.

The Western Isles are home to unique flora and fauna which, in many cases, is extremely rare. The islands are one of the few places on earth where you can find the type of ground known as ‘machair’ which is the fertile ground found at the edge of the sand. The machair has a fragile ecosystem which features a wealth of wildflowers fed by the regular top dressing of nutrient rich shell sand. Carpets of different colors decorate the ground for miles.

The Western Isles seem to continually provide new sites of special interest, especially to archaeologists. One thing you will notice when traveling across the islands is the incredible number of archaeological sites, especially standing stones and stone circles. The most famous site is the stone circle at Calanais which is unique in Europe as it has four avenues forming a shape like a crucifix. It is worth noting at this point that a recent Western Isles Council policy dictates the naming of places should be in the Gaelic language (with English translations below on road signs).

The Isle of Lewis is not widely known for it’s beauty as many think it to consist mainly of barren moors. However these moors provide important habitats for some very important, and often endangered, species of animals and many birds. Furthermore the coast of Lewis, especially along the west coast, is absolutely gorgeous and it sometimes reminds me of Cornwall as it was before it was flooded with tourists. There are a number of sandy beaches, towards the south west, that are considered by some to be the finest of beaches in the Western Isles.

Of course I have saved the best until last. The Western Isles have some of the most incredible scenery in Scotland. While many consider the Isle of Lewis to consist mainly of barren moorland nothing could be further from the truth. While much of the center of the island is indeed mainly flat moors, they have a unique quality and provide a very important habitat for some of our most rare bird life. It is around the coast that Lewis really shines with the west coast having some really breathless beaches and wonderful countryside almost, at times, resembling Cornwall in the south of England.

Accommodation in the Western Isles is always of the highest quality. Not only are the rooms always spotless and extremely comfortable the hosts are always the most friendly, easy going, and extremely helpful people you are ever likely to meet. This is more noticeable in the guest house accommodation but even in the largest hotels the hospitality is flawless and most memorable.

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Vacation: Some Popular Summer Spots for Campers and Golfers

by Sammy Maseko

In the Untied States, camping is not as popular as it used to be. Despite the decline in popularity, a large number of individuals and families still enjoy camping. To tailor to those individuals, a large number of public campgrounds have been developed. If you are searching for a popular vacation destination, you are encouraged to examine public campgrounds.

When examining public campgrounds, you are likely to find that there are a number of campgrounds in or around the area that you live. This is because there are a large number of campgrounds in the United States. If you wish, you can make reservations with a local campground. For added excitement and a change of scenery, you may want to consider making reservations at a campground in another city or state.

To learn more about the activities available at a particular campground or state park, you can individually search a number of these destinations. As previously mentioned, in the United States, there are a large number of states that have public campgrounds and state parks that allow camping. Popular camping destinations include Upstate New York, California, Oregon, Texas, and North Carolina.

If you’d rather be camping in the outdoors then why spend your summer vacation elsewhere? With a large number of summer vacation destinations available for campers, you are sure to enjoy your summer camping experience.

Summer vacation destinations for golfers

While the main focus of a golf resort is golf, there are a large number of additional activities that can be found at a golf resort. These additional activities may be important when you are vacationing with your family. If they do not enjoy the sport of golf, you will want to make sure that additional activities are available onsite or at another nearby location. If this is the case, you may want to examine local amusement parks or beaches.

When it comes to selecting a golf resort as your summer vacation destination, you will want to examine the cost of vacationing there. The cost of your stay should be just as important as the onsite or nearby activities and the location of the resort. If you are traveling with your family or another individual who will not golf, you should search for golf courses that offer discounts to non-golfers.

If you are interested in vacationing at a golf resort, but you are on a budget, there are a number of ways that you can save money. You can search for online golf resort coupons or you can search for golf resort packages. These packages can be found online through a number of different discount travel websites. In addition to using the internet, your local travel agent may be able to obtain exclusive discounts for you.

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the advantages of direct exchange time share

by Febbe Wallace

Many people do not go for direct exchange time share. It is however still a possible option for your vacation property time. You might want to try it if other time share exchange methods do not work for you anymore. What does it involve?

Direct Exchange

It is what it sounds like. You simply have to find someone who wants to swap his week in a vacation property with your week in another vacation property. Naturally, your respective vacation properties should be within legitimate time share programs.

Direct exchange starts when you initiate contact with a person who wants to trade to informing your vacation resort about the exchange. Some might still prefer this direct exchange scheme simply because it dispenses with the fees that trading companies charge. One also has more independent control over the details of the exchange.

Alternatives to Direct Exchange

The only other alternative to a direct exchange is to use a middle entity to facilitate the exchange. This can be a time share exchange company or a resort or hotel franchise that facilitates exchanges among its ring of member properties. Although direct exchange time share may offer more independence, others might opt for the company-assisted method of exchanging time shares.

In this option, you are assured of a reputable company that can ensure you that all its registered member time share owners are legitimate. This can also be quite convenient for those who prefer near automation of procedures. Depending on the company you are with, it may help you with finding the perfect exchange traders according to the parameters that have been provided. Different time share agencies also have a host of other benefits. They do however charge potentially steep fees that would otherwise have been absent in a direct exchange.

How to Exchange Directly

Direct exchange can be conducted in several ways especially if you want to save some money on exchange agency fees. Here’s how you can perform direct exchanges.

- The same exchange companies that charge fees for facilitated exchanges may give you the option to exchange time shares on our own with other members. You take control of everything in the transaction. Exchange agencies still charge fees for direct exchanges but are usually lower than that paid by those who opt for indirect or assisted exchange. The fee is for allowing your time share to remain posted on the data bank and searchable by other members.

- You can also exchange directly with those who are in public listings. These listings are not exchange companies. They are simply lists or advertisements of time share properties. You can directly contact owners to get the desired exchange. List sites may or may not charge fees.

- Almost anything can be auctioned or sold off in auction sites. It seems that this is also true for direct exchange time share properties. Your actual objective may actually be to sell but your item could be spotted by someone who would prefer to exchange instead.

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Mexico Vacations: A Lovers Paradise

by Bobbie McKee

Mexico vacations are available for individuals of all ages. While many enjoy taking their family on a Mexico vacation, there are others who choose to vacation in Mexico alone with their spouse. With all of the romantic destinations in the world, you may be wondering why you should vacation in Mexico.

Romantic getaways in Mexico are popular for an unlimited number of different reasons. Perhaps, the climate is what draws in most couples. Almost all year long, the climate in Mexico is tropical, warm, and inviting. Many couples schedule a Mexico vacation to escape their cold weather. In addition to escaping cold weather, there is just something about a tropic environment that generates romance.

Aside from the weather, many of the vacation destinations found in Mexico are geared for couples that are looking for a romantic getaway. There are a number of popular vacation destinations in Mexico, the most popular being Mexico’s beaches. If you are interested in scheduling a romantic getaway at a Mexico beach, you have a number of different options to choose from.

When vacationing at a beach in the United States, many couples visit the beach and then return to their hotel room. Similar accommodations are available in Mexico; however, the area is most famous for its beautiful beach resorts. If you are looking to have direct access to the beach and everything it has to offer, you may want to consider booking a stay at a Mexico beach resort.

In addition to having onsite accommodations, many Mexico beach resorts are known for their romantic environments and atmospheres. By directly contacting a beach resort or by researching one online, you can easily determine whether the resort caters specifically to couples. When looking for a romantic beach resort, you may want to consider the onsite activities for children. If children are allowed to stay onsite, many romantic hotels refrain from offering onsite activities; this may help to keep the setting more mature.

The Mexico destination you select to vacation at is important when planning a romantic getaway. In addition to destinations, you will want to consider the activities that you can participate in. Mexico has an unlimited number of vacation activities that can be found all around the country. The best way to bring romance to your vacation is to determine which of the vacation activities brings you pleasure.

Just a few of the many things that you can do while vacationing in Mexico include boating, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and horseback riding. Many couples find beachside horseback riding to be relaxing and romantic, all at the same time. While snorkeling or scuba diving, you may be amazed with what you see and learn. For many, this excitement helps to generate romance.

When booking your romantic Mexico getaway, you may find that the cost of vacationing in Mexico can be expensive. If you are planning a romantic vacation, while on a budget, you can still visit many of the above mentioned destinations and participate in many of the above mentioned activities.

To obtain low-cost reservations in Mexico, you are encouraged to search for vacation packages or all-inclusive packages. Traditional vacation packages often combine hotel and travel accommodations. In addition to including hotel and travel accommodations, all-inclusive vacation packages are likely to include your cost of foods, drinks, and possibly your entertainment. You can easily search for these Mexico vacation packages by directly contacting a vacation resort or by visiting the resort’s online website.

While it is nice to plan your own romantic Mexico vacation, you may want to consider acquiring the services of a travel agent. Travel agents often operate locally or online. In addition to offering you suggestions on romantic vacation destinations, your travel agent will likely save you money. A large number of travel agents are given special deals and discounts on many vacation destinations, including Mexico. Many of these deals are not available to the general public.

Whether you choose to enjoy a romantic getaway at a Mexico beach or you choose another location, you are sure to enjoy your trip. With all that it has to offer, Mexico can easily be considered a lovers paradise.

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Family Resorts In Mexico

by Bobbie McKee

Vacationing with your family in Mexico offers many benefits. Though many cities are associated with constant partying, there are also many activities that are designed for young children and teenagers. Many children receive discounts at many popular tourist attractions. Selecting an all-inclusive vacation package for the whole family is one of the best ways for everyone to enjoy their vacation in Mexico, without having to worry about the cost.

If you are interested in visiting Mexico with your family, you will want to examine some of the many attractions that are specifically geared towards children. These attractions and activities are ideal for making the most out of your family vacation. Below is a summary of just a few of the many attractions and resorts that you may find exciting in Mexico. For additional information, you are encouraged to contact your local travel agent or use the internet to guide you in your search.

Located on the Mayan Riviera is the Xcaret Theme Park. The Xcaret Theme Park is a wonderful attraction for those who are looking for a family resort. Located in Cancun, Mexico, the Xcaret Theme Park is a theme park that is often compared to Disney World or Disneyland. Similar to Disneyland and Disney World, you can expect to enjoy a fun filled day at Xcaret, thanks to amazing rides and attractions.

An deep underground river is a popular feature of the Xcaret Theme Park. You and your family can see plenty of beautiful tropical plants as you enjoy the river. Xcaret is also host to many wild and exotic animals. There is a butterfly pavilion, a coral reef aquarium, and you are given the chance to swim dolphins. Many children, as well as adults, will be thrilled with this theme park. In addition to the Xcaret Theme Park, Cancun offers many family friendly resorts. To find a luxury resort that offers family oriented activities you may want to check on the internet or speak with your local travel agent.

Cozumel also offers many great attractions and activities that are designed for individuals of all ages, including children. Cozumel is ideal for family vacation, especially because it has one of the lowest crime rates in Mexico, as well as the world. Cozumel is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs. This often creates an incredible adventure and learning experience for children. If your children will enjoy scuba diving or snorkeling, then you will want to plan a trip to Cozumel.

With so many options for families, choosing a Mexican all-inclusive vacation is a great idea. The vacation package will also include items such as snacks, drinks, meals, as well as hotel accommodations and airfare. Teaching children about various cultures and customs and letting them view the Mayan ruins first hand is an amazing lesson in geography and history. While education is nice, the above mentioned locations do not completely just focus on it. There are so many fun filled activities such as snorkeling, diving, swimming, hiking, fishing, sailing, and parasailing. These activities are great for families with active children.

In addition to the above mentioned popular Mexican destinations are that are designed for the whole family, you may want to consider additional sights and attractions. Mexico has so much to offer you and your family. In fact, you and your family may wish that you could stay in longer.

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