Africa's Enchanted Forests of Mt. Kenya: a Writer's Recount of the Escapade

Africa's Enchanted Forests of Mt. Kenya: a Writer's Recount of the Escapade
By Robert Muhoho

The drive from Embu to Meru has some breath taking scenery.

We turn to the mountain, climbing higher up the slopes. The country side is picturesque, with a green carpet of tea plantations, coffee shrubs and macadamia trees. The air is tantalizingly fresh. From the main road, its hard to imagine that there is fertile farmland so far up Mt Kenya.

The clear rivers

A river runs from the slopes, crystal-clear cold water gushing out of the forest, skirting the farms and down to the plains. Its the Rupingazi. Near the indigenous forest, a trout farm has been set up by the Nyanjara Rivers Waters Association, not only an income generating venture to uplift their living standards, but also to save the mountains remaining forests.

Its a holistic approach to managing ecosystems. The trout must have clean, fast-flowing water to survive. High above the fish and the tea farms, the old forest line the skyline. Elephants sometimes stray out of the forest since farms wedge their way higher up.

The mega-sponge forests

But its these old forest that act as mega-sponges, providing the clean fresh water. It is, therefore, in the best interest of the community to look after the forests. Im shown a story book in Kiswahili based on an elephant and a farmer and the problems they have to deal with in the end, the farmer realizes that the elephant also need a space to live, and that cutting down the forests is not beneficiary to anybody. In the larger context, it all boils down to good management. Further down the road on our way to Chogoria, a ribbon of a water fall catches my eye. Its so beautiful that we stop to ask some people by the roadside what its called.

That waterfall is called Ina. It used to be on a white mans farm they reply.We decline. We have three days to go round the mountain to show the writer from Washington DC the community projects. We are on day two and hopefully, he will see the peaks of Gods mountain today.

Generating electricity

Again, we turn to the mountain at Chogoria to see a micro-electricity project called Baarani, an amalgamations of the two villages it will light, Baraimu and Mpiani. Chogoria is said to be the most picturesque route to the peaks. I can believe that.

At first, we can only hear the sound of the water. We walk down the slope to a dam and then a few steps away, a stunning waterfall called Owinga gushes over the rocks to crash at the bottom and continue its journey down the mountain. Its the River Mara, which forms the boundary between Meru south and central. The waters of the river are helping the people to light up there homes instead of using paraffin or burning firewood for fuel.

Again, the water is from the forests of Mount Kenya and without the force of the flowing river, the turbine would not function. One of the members is John, licensed guide for Mount Kenya. He cant remember the number of times he has scaled the mountain. Its easy to reach point Lenana. It takes only four days, he says. Its the mountains third peak. But Batian is where you require technical skills. Its the highest peak at 17,058 feet, followed by Nelion, only a few feet lower.

Giant Lobelias and raffia

Back on the main road, we drive to Meru, home of the Meru people. The road from Embu to Meru is full of picturesque drives, bends and twists and wide bridges over yawning rivers, providing the country with its hydro-electric power. Elegant raffia trees grow by the banks, their leaves, reputed to be the largest in the plant kingdom, sweeping the skies. By the time we get to Meru, its raining heavily. After a cup of tea, we decide to drive on to Nanyuki before it gets dark. Had we had time, I would have loved to spend a few days at Meru National Park, about an hour-and-a-halfs drive from town. The road out of Meru is lined with the old forest, once filled of the famous massive Meru oaks.

Bordering the Dry and scraggy North

We drive around the shoulder of the mountain from where the crossroad to the northern dry lands turns. In the soft light of the days end, the hills of Laikipia and Samburu meld into hues of quiet blues, creating waves against the sky line. It never ceases to amaze me how dramatically a landscape can change from lush farms and forest to dry scrub and dry rivers of sand.

We begin to ascend the mountain road, past Timau with its pastures of rich farm land and the sheep all mowing the grass. The mountain is shrouded in clouds. If the sky had been clear this would have been the best area to see the towering peaks of the mountain. No show. Day two is turning to night and our guest hasnt seen the peaks.

Community Tourism

Community tourism initiatives are interesting. Its a great way to meet people, discover their land and enjoy the country side. Its a fledgling industry and a break from the traditional tourist setup. Organisations here partner with local community in the management and conservation of the protected sites by using natural resources sustainably

There are camping grounds all around but if you would rather put up in clean motels like Embu motel, start discovering Kenya's beaten track. Mt Kenya is a world Heritage Site.

Robert Muhoho
http://www.landmarksafaris.com
If you havent scaled Kenyas tallest mountain, give it a try.

Robert is a tour consultant in Kenya and has planned safaris for over 50,000 tourists in the East African region. He is a tour operations- major and has been involved in community tourism National tourism policy development in Kenya.

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3 Tips for Having a Fun Family Holiday Vacation

3 Tips for Having a Fun Family Holiday Vacation
By Tracy Falbe

Holiday travel need not involve a trip to a boring unheard of town and sleeping on couches or kids beds. Families these days are enjoying the trend toward planning holiday celebrations at vacation destinations. This way family members get to use their vacation time from work actually going somewhere fun and interesting instead of visiting their home towns. It is really a win-win situation because family members get to visit and celebrate the holidays while staying in a comfortable hotel and site-seeing.

Popular destinations for family gatherings include Las Vegas, Hawaii, Lake Tahoe, Florida, and the Caribbean. For Las Vegas, the Christmas holiday season marks the start of the Las Vegas busy season that lasts through the winter and into the spring as snowbirds escape cold and gray climates for Nevada sunshine and stimulating night life and casino action.

Because gambling is a popular activity for many people, Las Vegas is particularly well suited as a vacation destination for holiday family gatherings. There are plentiful hotel resorts with various themes. There are gambling games to satisfy every whim. Las Vegas shows really are world class entertainment, but the tickets arent cheap by the way. The shopping is truly fabulous and an excellent way to get rid of any casino winnings.

Another thing that makes Las Vegas and other gambling destinations appealing to families planning a holiday vacation is the potential for low room rates. A family member who is a regular or at least an annual casino visitor can get a player rating that will qualify him or her for complimentary prices or comps on rooms and meals. Casino resorts are eager to sing up visitors for their player rating or player points as part of their marketing efforts. Usually a player can find out about the deals offered by casinos by talking to guest services or a casino floor supervisor.

Tips for a successful holiday family vacation:

Plan as early as possible to get good rates on flights and rooms.

Be willing to compromise. If everyone can't decide on where to go, let majority rule. If the vacation turns out to be a bust, everyone will know who to listen to next time.

Plan for free time. Don't pack so many activities into each day that nerves get frazzled and tempers flare. Relax and have fun at a leisurely pace.

Vacation destinations and resorts are eager to accommodate families interested in an alternative to the family gathering at a home. And families are also glad to avoid any bickering about who will host the family for the holidays and it is nice to skip all the housework needed to prepare for guests.

Read about how to play craps.

Tracy Falbe is the author of Get Dicey: Play Craps and Have Fun published under the pen name Tracy Michigan. Falbe worked as a craps dealer in Las Vegas and based her how to play craps book on thousands of hours of live game experience. A free how to play craps guide is available at her website.

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RV Camping 5 Tips to Consider Whenever Buying a Used RV

RV Camping - 5 Tips to Consider Whenever Buying a Used RV
By Geri Stogsdill

For several years now, my husband and I have dreamed of some day RVing full time. In the past, we have owned a fifth wheel trailer as well as a c class motor home. But when it comes to living full time in an RV, we decided that it was time to do a little shopping around to see just what kind of options we had. If you have ever checked out any new recreation vehicles or maybe have gone to an RV show, you soon learn just how expensive a motor home or 5th wheel trailer can be and really does your budget justify buying something so expensive. There were some RVs that we looked at that had more luxury than what we were even use to in our own home so why in the world would we need something like that. It was then that we decided to start checking out the used RVs that were available.

Buying a used recreational vehicle can be very tricky and tedious. In fact, some people view it as a gamble. You are definitely at risk once you do not know how to choose used recreational vehicles correctly.

Buying used recreational vehicles does not necessarily mean you have to settle for less just because you do not have the money to buy a brand new recreational vehicle. All you have to do is to be smart and knowledgeable in choosing a used recreational vehicle.

Here are some tips that you can consider before buying one so that you only get the best and the most dependable used recreational vehicle you can find:

1. Do your homework

Before anything else, especially where your money is at risk, always do your homework. Try to research on the current status of used recreational vehicles.

The value of a used recreational vehicle may vary depending on the owner. Hence, it would be better to find out about the current value of the brand new recreational vehicles and its possible depreciation value when bought second hand.

There are a lot of information that can be found in the Internet. These things can be very useful when choosing a used recreational vehicle.

2. Seek the help of a professional mechanic or technician

Before closing the deal with the seller of a used recreational vehicle, it would be better to have the vehicle checked first by a professional technician or mechanic, especially if you do not know how to do it.

In this way, you can be sure if the vehicle is technically in good condition. Certain aspects of the vehicle can be overlooked if you really do not know how to analyze it meticulously.

3. Check for any repair history of the vehicle

There are certain agencies like the CARFAX that can provide you with some of the important data regarding the vehicles repair history. Hence, you can decide whether or not the used recreational vehicle is still a good buy considering its repair history.

4. Check its individual components

Do not just rely on the vehicles performance. Try to check on its individual components as well. For instance, the refrigerator inside the recreational vehicle might be malfunctioning. Hence, it would be better if such problems are described and defined by the seller.

5. Test drive

All of the problems, whether vehicle-related or component-related will be verified once you have test drive the vehicle.

The bottom line is that you have to be smart when buying used recreational vehicle, otherwise, having fun will never be a part of you travel.

Geri Stogsdill is a freelance writer specializing in healthy lifestyle information. For more RV Camping tips, visit us at http://www.bestrvcampingtips.com/rvingblog/

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Las Vegas Honeymoon Vacations

Las Vegas Honeymoon Vacations
By Alison Cole

Las Vegas is a very popular honeymoon vacation destination. It offers everything that is required for a fun filled and action-packed trip. The captivating Las Vegas honeymoon resorts fascinate every visitor with the attractive, secluded jungle atmosphere and the stunning crystal-clear beaches. These resorts offer luxurious facilities, health spa treatments, fine dining and plenty of land and sea adventures. There are other honeymoon resorts that offer personalized packages to honeymoon vacationers. There are Las Vegas honeymoon resorts that offer a blend of Mayan, African and Creole designs within their jungle decorations, thus offering a romantic, dreamy and relaxing ambience to the newly weds.

These honeymoon vacations are packed with wildlife scouting, trekking and cultural trips, in addition to the beaches, tropical forests and the luxury of the resorts. Apart from these, there are horseback riding, scuba diving, river and kayaking trips, canoeing, swimming and trips through the jungle canopy. In addition to gambling, Las Vegas offers couples the exciting nightlife it is famous for.

There are many romantic Las Vegas honeymoon vacation packages available for couples. There are travel agencies, airlines and hotels that offer special honeymoon vacation packages that could be customized, according to the needs of the couple. Most of the honeymoon packages comprise of the accommodation, meals, tours, tour guides, transportation and taxes. In fact, some customized honeymoon packages offer the couples a Champagne, Flowers and Honeymoon Dinner. The exotic tropical flower arrangements are unforgettable, coupled with Champagne.

A Las Vegas honeymoon vacation is an all-in-one package, filled with surprises, romantic evenings and delightful candlelight dinners. Couples even have the choice of thrilling night visits to bird-watch and spot raccoons. The couples have so many options to choose from, that their honeymoon vacation to Las Vegas culminates in a perfect blend of romance, adventure, excitement and thrills.

Las Vegas Vacations provides detailed information on Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Packages, Las Vegas Vacation Rentals, Cheap Las Vegas Vacations and more. Las Vegas Vacations is affiliated with Las Vegas Helicopter Tours.

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You Don't Need to Be Crazy But It Helps

You Don't Need to Be Crazy But It Helps
By Raymond Strachan

Life throws up some challenges, but often it is only when you are in a situation where you have no other choice, do you rise to meet the challenge. And so, it is only when yo are thrown headlong into driving on European roads do you throw away anything that resembles sanity and go with the flow. If you are not up to it, stay at home in your bedroom slippers and stay safe and sane.

I chose to meet this particular challenge and now I have almost graduated from the European school of driving? I almost have all the requirements:

• I sit in the seat that passengers sit in in Australia
• I overtake on double lines
• I almost always ignore stop signs
• I always drive over the speed limit
• I park across car parking spaces but never in them
• I almost never indicate when changing lanes in traffic
• I push into traffic when I don't have right of way
• When passing just about anything, I always just miss them, especially babies in prams and little old ladies with walking sticks.
• I drive down one way streets
• I drive down a street just on the speed limit, the street being wide enough to take a Fiat Panda with the side mirrors folded in and I am in a Renault Megane and manage to stop in the case of an unsuspecting householder who happens to leave the house via the front door
• I cross busy intersections and as I go just miss, in order
  • A little old lady with a walking stick crossing 5 meters away from a pedestrian crossing
  • A Fiat panda stopped in the middle of the intersection while the driver, out of the passenger side window, talks to a man who has a barking dog on an extendable leash
  • Another motorist taking a short cut across the intersection on the wrong side of the road
  • A police car parked 2 meters away from the kerb
  • A 17th century arch which was built to ensure easy movement of two way traffic - on donkeys.
  • (did not see the baby in a pram.)

Now whilst this may seem impressive, I have still some of the most crucial skills yet to master. They are skills adopted from the days of gladiatorial contests in the Colosseum and refined over time to suit modern day Europe, the time of European unification. The passing of these skills are akin to initiation ceremonies where young inexperienced tyros are put through the mill, sometimes to the point of death, just to prove they can cut it in the real world.

The skills I have yet to master are:

• Overtaking on bends
• Overtaking on bends on mountainous roads
• Overtaking on bends on mountainous roads with cars coming in the other direction
• Overtaking on bends on mountainous roads with trucks coming in the other direction
• Overtaking on bends on mountainous roads with trucks coming in the other direction whilst the trucks are passing other trucks.
• Doing all of the above (including the first list) whilst talking on a mobile phone and lighting a cigarette simultaneously
• Oh yes, just in case you did not realise - the one way street the wrong way - of course.
• Doing all of the above without attracting the attention of the Cabinieri or the undertakers.

At least in Old Europe you do all of this in a nearly new car, with climate control air con and an over riding traffic update service which will cut in on your easy listening greatest hits of the seventies, eighties and nineties or your favourite cd by Jack Johnson or Cold Play. Cruise control is absolutely obsolete because you are overtaking and braking every 30 seconds or so. I am sure they are working on an I want to overtake NOW! mode to make it usable again..

In Turkey or some of the old eastern bloc countries you are more likely to be doing exactly the same in some rust bucket with brakes that barely work, a cracked windscreen and a couple of springs coming out of the seating. The one saving grace is that some enterprising mechanic will have got twice the performance out of the car than what it originally had. Especially if it's a taxi. But then they will have disconnected the meter to make sure that performance is not impeded.

Now, having reached a reasonable level of expertise, I have only five or six days to get the necessary skills and I think I can do it . There is just one problem area which I have not mentioned so far which I, like most Australians, will struggle with. It is the ability to be able to let other drivers do all the things that I have been talking about, to you, as often as you do it to them and do it most of the time with grace and humour, or at least tolerance. It's going to be tough.

See you on the roads in Australia!

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

View the original blog plus pics of his experience here.

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3 Things To Think About When Deciding On A Cruise For A Vacation

3 Things To Think About When Deciding On A Cruise For A Vacation
By Stephanie Perrineau

Deciding on a cruise for a vacation isnt hard, right? Although you know you want to go on a cruise, do you knowwhere? Do you know what you would like to do? Do you knowwhat options you have for locations, time frames and evensights to see? More than likely, you do not know all thatis available and you want to make sure you decide on acruise for a vacation that fits well with your goals.

Here are some things to think about when deciding on acruise for a vacation.

* Time of year. While you may not realize it, some cruisesmay be a better choice in the winter months rather than inthe summer. Also, take into consideration tropical stormswhen heading to the area. Of course, you may not be able totake an Alaskan cruise in the deep winter months unless youdo not mind the skiing, the snowboarding and the hiking thatyoull be able to enjoy.

* What activities do you want to participate in? This isimportant for all members of the vacation to talk about. Ifyou are one of the many that does not enjoy hot weather,then deciding on a cruise for a vacation during the summermonths may not be a wise choice. Consider what thingsyoull want to learn too. You will have the opportunity onmany of the cruises to do all sorts of things from waterskiing to rock climbing and even sky diving. Choose acruise based on the activities that you can enjoy as well aseveryone else too.

* A cruise can take you to see other cultures, countries andvisit amazing places. You can learn, explore and just enjoyall that the ship has to offer. But, youll need to makesure that you do enjoy these things. If you are one thatdoes not like a ship, then deciding on a cruise for avacation may not be the right way to go.

Deciding on a cruise for a vacation is something that shouldbe done by everyone who will be going. Get some informationonline about different options that are available and makeyour choice based on these options.

Stephanie M. Perrineau part of the editorial team at TravelExpertAdvice.com where you can find more articles about vacation getaways.

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3 Reasons Why You Should Keep a Travel Blog

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

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

Travel is no different.

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

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

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

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

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

So what are you waiting for? Get blogging!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Great Tips For Planning Cheap Family Vacations

Great Tips For Planning Cheap Family Vacations
By David Goldschmidt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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25 Ways to Save money When you Book a Cruise

25 Ways to Save money When you Book a Cruise
By Shirley Linde

Ready to sign up for a cruise? Before you get out your credit card, check these tricks of the trade.

BOOK EARLY
Booking three to six months in advance will often save you money, and also give the best choice of cabins. The earlier you book, the bigger the discount.

PAY EARLY
Several cruise lines give an extra discount if you pay in full at least six months in advance of your cruise date, sometimes as much as 15 percent.

BOOK LATE
Last minute bookings can also result in savings -- no ship wants to leave with empty cabins. However the downside is that cabin choice may be limited, or the ship may have no cabins left at all.

CONSIDER OFF-SEASON
Cruises are usually most expensive in high season, so if you go earlier or later you can get a cheaper fare. Examples: Alaska cruises are cheaper in April, May and September; Mediterranean cruises in September and October; Caribbean cruises in early fall or in January and February. However, check that the weather is still pleasant or the wildlife is at the stage you want to see. Sometimes a fare will be less just before or after a holiday.

CONSIDER A REPOSITIONING CRUISE
Typical repositioning cruises go between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, or from Alaska in the fall to the California coast or to Baja for the winter. Repositioning cruises are sometimes half the cost of the same number of days when they get to their destination, but they have more days at sea and fewer ports of call.

DO A NEW ITINERARY OR AN INAUGURAL CRUISE
These cruises often have special introductory rates. However, if you take an inaugural cruise on a new ship, don't expect everything to be perfect. Some problems are inevitable as the kinks are worked out.

PUT TOGETHER A GROUP
Groups that travel together save together. If you put together a group from your church or club or school or even a family reunion, we can get you a group fare. Usually if there are 15 or more, you can get a free extra ticket.

CONSIDER AN INSIDE STATEROOM
To some people, a view is important. But to others the cabin is only a place for sleeping and changing clothes, and they would rather give up the window and keep the money. If you like to sleep late, having an inside cabin will prevent early morning sunshine from waking you. But you won't have a view or know what the weather is.

HAVE THREE OR FOUR IN A CABIN
Third or fourth persons (or children) go at a substantial discount, sometimes free. Then everyone shares the cost, and the savings. Make sure you get along -- it can be excruciatingly crowded.

BE FLEXIBLE TAKE A GUARANTEE
If the ship is sold out of the cabin category that you want, you can confirm your booking and the cruise line gives you a guarantee to provide a cabin in that category or one higher, but you don't know where the cabin will be.

GO STANDBY
With a standby reservation, you are called at the last minute if there is a cancellation. But be careful of expensive last-minute air fare. Standby bookings work well when you live near a city where cruises originate, then you can make fast plans and not have to deal with air.

BECOME A REPEAT PASSENGER
Cruise lines usually give a special discount to past passengers. Or they may give upgrades in cabin category. If you've sailed on a cruise line previously, always tell that when you ask for a quote or make a reservation.

CHECK FOR SPECIAL PROMOTION
Watch ads and newsletters for promotional specials on both small ships and big ships. There may be a two-for-one offer, kids free, or 50 percent off for the second passenger.

SPECIAL OCCASION
Tell when you book if you are celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary or a family reunion on the cruise, and you we can sometimes get you an extra discount.

ADDED VALUE
Sometimes instead of offering a cheaper fare, a cruise line will offer free days at a hotel at a port before or after a cruise, or will offer additional days of cruising for a discounted rate. Example: Book three months early and get a free hotel room in Vancouver. Sometimes a cruise line will offer credits you can use in shipboard shops or casinos.

CABIN UPGRADES FOR SPECIAL REASONS
Some lines offer an upgrade in cabin category if you are a repeat passenger, on a honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, are retiring, recovering from an illness, or you brought other passengers on board. When you book tell if you have a special circumstance and try to get you an upgrade.

FREQUENT-FLIER MILES
Sometimes cruise lines offer frequent-flier miles on some of their voyages.

BOOK BACK-TO-BACK
If you arrange to stay on the ship for a second cruise, on many ships we can get you the second week at a greatly reduced rate.

FLAT-RATE SPECIALS
The way that this works is that you tell the cruise line the cabin category of your choice, but you won't get a specific stateroom designation until a week or so before sailing. You get the best available cabin at that time. This is also called ba (to be assigned).

SENIOR CITIZEN SPECIALS
Some cruise lines have discounts for persons over age 55 or 65. Sometimes if a senior citizen is traveling with a younger person, a discount will apply to both fares. If you are a senior, be sure to mention it when you ask about a price.

WATCH AIR FARES
There are ways to save on air fare too. Sometimes the cruise/air package is cheaper; sometimes booking air separately is cheaper. If you don't need air because your departure port is nearby, you can get a credit on the airfare if it is built into a package price. Plan as far ahead as possible to get the lowest-priced tickets. You might be eligible for a senior discount, or if going with a companion, you can buy a four-coupon packet with many airlines.

HOTELS AND CAR RENTALS
Cruise lines often have pre or post-cruise packages that are reasonably priced that can be arranged for at the same time you book your cruise. As you plan your total vacation and what you will do at the beginning and end of the cruise, tell the agent your plans and they can check what the cruise line has to offer compared to what they can get for you directly with a hotel at their promotional rate.

COMPARE CRUISE LINES
Different ships often go to the same destinations. Investigate about the ships and cruises that go to that destination. Compare itineraries, accommodations, educational programs, shore excursions and fares. Some cruise lines have cabins for singles with no single supplement. By comparing, you may find a cruise that offers all you want and has a wonderfully cheaper fare. (Be sure when you compare fares that you know whether shore excursions and port charges are included or not.) Check with an agent because cruise lines send notices to agencies when there are special deals and make sure your agent always checks for any new special offerings.

CHECK NEWSLETTERS AND WEBSITES
At smallshipcruises.com, for example, we have a front-page column that will give you latest discounts and special offerings on ships.

LET PEOPLE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
If you tell your agent the ships and the destinations you are most interested in, and when in the future you might want to book, they will tell you when any discounts become available. You can also subscribe to cruise newsletters from website informatin centers, agencies, and cruiselines themselvles to get cruise news and specials. They will never charge a fee for getting a quote for you or booking your cruise and they may know of a special offering that you would not otherwise know about. But remember, the most important thing of all is to not book a cruise just because of its price, but to find a cruise that best fits your needs and desires

http://www.SmallShipCruises.com

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25 Lanzarote Attractions Teguise Golf

25 Lanzarote Attractions - Teguise Golf
By John Plumb

Before telling you about my particular day out at Teguise Golf, the more avid golfers amongst you will probably want to know what views they can expect to see and the technical stuff that goes with playing golf. For me it was simply a great opportunity to spend a morning with a former work colleague (Colin) and his son (David) as they were staying in a neighbouring villa on La Goleta, part of the wider Faro Park Development.

The course runs along the side of an old volcano (no surprise there given Lanzarotes landscape) and has inspirational views of volcanic lava, cacti and over includes over 3,000 palm trees and has superb views of the Atlantic Ocean throughout. A Golf course such as this one, is quite simply, in my opinion, nature at its best. Csar Manrique, the man who taught the people of Lanzarote to care for their natural habitat has clearly left his influence everywhere. If you are a Golf anorak, you might also want to read the next paragraph of technical data ? If youre not, simply skip over it.

The course measures 6041m (White) ; 5582m (Yellow) ; 5289m (Blue) ; and 4938m (Red). Generally, visitors play off the blue tees. The Slope Rating of the course is 127 (White) ; 127 (Yellow) ; 130 (Blue) ; and 124 (Red)

We played off Blue Tees. The course measures 5289 Metres (5791 Yards for the non converts) and is a Par 72 course.

Ive since found out that the course was designed by British landscape architect John Harris and built in 1978. It is a truly a fantastic course, not only because of its design but also thanks to the excellent condition in which it is kept all year round and at Easter (April 2006), it was in superb condition. Given its location, it benefits from a warm and pleasant climate all year round, tempered only by sea breezes from the islands almost constant trade winds. The course is designed to be smooth yet varied. It has more than your average number of doglegs, designed to test your ability (or lack of it) and allows you to bring all your clubs into play. It will test everyone from scratch players to those of us with more modest ability.

Address : Avenida del Golf, s/n. 35509 Costa Teguise (Lanzarote).
Telephone : (00 34) 928 59 05 12
Fax : (00 34) 928 59 23 37
Email info@lanzarote-golf.com
Webiste :www.lanzarote-golf.com

The Following services can be found at the Club - Club hire, trolleys, buggies, driving range, pro-shop and club storage. There are separate male and female changing rooms and you can hire lockers. There is a Bar and Restaurant. The restaurant offers a varied menu, based on Mediterranean cuisine. The prices vary according to season. In the Summer months (1st June to 30th September) it costs 53 Euros (for 18 Holes) and 36 Euros (for 9 Holes after 4pm). In the Winter (we played in Winter and it was scorching !), it costs 65 Euros (18 Holes) and 52 Euros (9 Holes after 3pm). The Course has discount agreements with most of the hotels on the island, so check at your hotel, or check out a nearby hotel if youre in private accommodation as you can often get a better deal than this by doing so.

And so, to our day out. We planned to set off at 7am from our home in Playa Blanca (the idea being not to spoil the day for others and Brownie Points for everyone !.

There was to be four of playing, but that quickly became three when Gary (The Rainman) decided he was on holiday and was not coming to Golf at 7am (given that he left the British Open on Faro Park at midnight the night before (to prepare for golf), I was very surprised to get the Dear John text first thing in the morning. Garys nickname is a long story, but basically when its cold he wants it hot and when its hot he prays for rain (and usually gets it, so Im not that keen on going on holiday with him !)The three of us (Colin, a work colleague, his son David and yours truly) set off around 7:30am and we drove along the LZ-2 and then headed towards San Bartholme and then into Costa Teguise (avoiding Arrecife !)

When we arrived we were told it was members day (Saturday !) and that they had no tee times for 3 hours. A quick bit of lateral thinking later, we asked if we could play 10-18 and then get a Tee time for 1-9 which they agreed to (something youd almost expect them to suggest in the UK, so ask if you need to).

We decided wed have a friendly game of singles (if there is such a thing) - Loser buys the beers at the 19th hole. We played stableford, off full handicaps (youll need them). To cut along story short (ish), Colin was flying, I was struggling to even stay in touch and David, well David was having a bad day (its just as well he hired his clubs !). Colin was five points in front with five to play before he decided to show us his impression of Devon Loch (hes the horse that collapsed of exhaustion 50 yards from the finishing line in the 1956 Grand National when leading by 20 lengths !) Going up the 18th Colin was one behind (but I did not rub it in, honest) !

Colin tells me his wife Jackie really enjoyed her first trip to the island and that they may return. Im sure if we ever go into combat again, David will have been the range beforehand to shake off the cobwebs and Colin will make sure that he does not sprint when its a marathon.

Me, well I had my day !

John Plumb, frequent visitor to Lanzarote, a place that is now my 'home from home' having taken the plunge into villa ownership on the island - See http://www.villa-rochelle.co.uk.John is also the administrator of the Lanzarote Villa Owners Club @ http://www.lanzvillaowners.com.

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23 Lanzarote Attractions Rancho Texas Western Theme Park

23 Lanzarote Attractions - Rancho Texas, Western Theme Park
By John Plumb

Rancho Texas is located on the outskirts of Puerto del Carmen and on one of our many trips recently, we decided to spend a day out their with the children. Rancho Texas features amongst its attractions, an Indian amphitheatre where we witnessed a stunning display in falconry, a Nature Park where our children watched and even played with some of the animals, a Goldmine Where the big water-wheel runs water to gold-bearing sands and where the children can try to find hidden treasure and an Indian Village where they took a ride in an Indian canoes and visited the Tepees.

If youre looking for somewhere for the adults, then why return when they host one of the now legendary Rancho Texas Country and Western Nights.

We started our visit in the Nature Park, host to a wide variety of Animals and Birds. This area includes The Opera- A round enclosure with a great variety of singing birds where you can experience amazing sounds, The Promenade of colour with its sensational variety of birds and colours, Liliput Farm, where the children held the worlds smallest farm animals and saw much larger ones in the form of Turtles, Iguanas, Armadillos and Prairie dogs.

Before we could finish, we were attracted to crowd gathering in the Indian Amphitheatre (one of three live shows we would witness on the day). Once we settled down, the guide entertained us with a fantastic falconry demonstration, part of which involves the falcons flapping people on the head with thweir huge wings as they swoop from high gantries to the central stage.

After this, we took the children to the Indian Village to calm them down a bit. Our youngest (4 at the time) played in the Tepees, paddled a Canoes and found Treasure having followed the water from the big water-wheel to the gold-bearing sands. Our eldest (9 at the time) thought it was too young for him but agreed to look after his brother and clearly enjoyed himself, although he denied it at the time.

Next we were attracted to the restaurant area as we were informed that a second show would start in 15 minutes time. Like everyone else, we decided this would be a good time to have something to eat and drink and were surprised to see our Falconry expert helping out behind the food counter (we assumed he had washed his hands !). This would not be our last meeting, as he hosted the Parrot show whilst we had lunch. Another good show and some great pictures for the family.Our two boys wanted to let off some steam, so we let them play for a short while in the adventure play area, before going back to complete out tour of the animals.

Our third show of the day, was to be the best. Our expert returned (clearly multi-talented) and decided hed jump into a pit with the Alligators. He then crept up behind one of them and played with it (in case youre wondering, he has very quick reflexes). Toward the end of the show he decided to jump on the Alligator and sis finale involved holding the Alligators mouth closed between his chin and his chest some show !

The children were as amazed as we were and it just about rounded off a great day out and fantastic value at 14 Euros per adult and 9 Euros for the children (under twos are free).One of the most modern of Lanzarotes attractions, Rancho Texas, still has an element of the Manrique influence, with 60,000 m of theme park, designed with the utmost respect to the ambience and everything built with natural materials such as stones and wood.

At night the place comes alive with the Rancho Texas Country and Western Night, legendary in these parts. A party night for the whole family and the entertainments team (yes he was back), kept everyone entertained with Live Music and Line Dancing and special entertainment for the Kids. You can eat as much of the American Food, BBQ and Desserts as you like and enjoy free-flowing Beer, Sangria and Soft Drinks.Adults: 44,00 Children 2-12 years : half price Children to 2 years: free

and finally, if you want to Discover Lanzarote on horseback, Rancho Texas also has riding stables. Why not plan your day to include a trek on this wonderful island (three hour trek to the beach, for experienced riders only @ 54 or a One hour trek, no experience needed @ 21).

John Plumb, frequent visitor to Lanzarote, a place that is now my 'home from home' having taken the plunge into villa ownership on the island - See http://www.villa-rochelle.co.ukJohn is also the administrator of the Lanzarote Villa Owners Club @ http://www.lanzvillaowners.com.

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You Need a Boat Cover to Protect Your Investment

You Need a Boat Cover to Protect Your Investment
By David Everett

To most people, owning a boat can be largely a matter of pride. It is often the case that buying a boat is a lifetime achievement and something that you and your family are certain to enjoy on every possible occasion. There is something about a boat that makes it a particularly wonderful place to celebrate a special occasion with that someone special. When all is said and done, owning a boat is just great.

However, in order to keep the boat in tip top condition you have to provide the proper maintenance. This is where the use of a boat cover becomes invaluable.

The main purpose of a boat cover is to protect your boat from the vagaries of the weather and dust accumulation. When left unattended and uncovered, a boat will succumb to corrosion and wear and tear caused by rain, wind and dust. You will be surprised to know that the use of a boat cover can prolong the longevity of a boat by up to 50 percent, as compared to a boat which remains uncovered.

What Type of Boat Cover is the Best for Your Boat?

There are many, many types of boat cover on the market. Which type of boat cover suits your boat the best will depend upon what type of boat you have, how long it will be left unattended for, and what type of weather your boat will be exposed to. By far the best type of boat cover would be one which allows you to cover it completely; hence it would need to have cuts that allow it to accommodate the mast, rails, etcetera. This is why many people prefer customized boat covers. They take care of each and every appliance on the boat, giving a snug fitting.

Of the many fabrics that are popular for making boat covers, the best ones come in waver polyester alternated with non-waver polyester. Canvas is also very popular for this purpose. The more rugged and strong the boat cover the better. People who leave their boat unattended for a long time would need thicker and more rugged covers than those who just leave them over the weekend, or for similar periods of time.

The boat cover you use must be totally waterproof. Today, there is hi-tech material which allows the moisture that accumulates on the boat to evaporate (and hence keep the boat dry all the time). Some covers will also protect your boat from ultraviolet rays, thereby keeping the color of the boat fresh for a longer period of time.

Before you make your decision on the boat cover which would best suit your boat, be sure to check out all the available material and the associate cost. Select the cover that will give you the best value for money taking into consideration the fit, the protection it can give and its cost. Your investment in a boat cover will serve to protect your larger investment - your boat, so choose wisely.

You can find a lot more free information concerning boat covers at our website.

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2007 Trends in UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Finding the Best Backpacking Tents

Finding the Best Backpacking Tents
By Morgan Hamilton

Do you like to spend your time in the wild outdoors? If you do, then you probably know that backpacking tents can be a backpacker's best friend. Of course, there are alternative ways of spending a night in the woods. For instance, many fast and light hikers rely on bags to keep themselves warm. They do this by nesting in their sleeping bags and eschewing a tent all together. The problem is that these weight watchers often wake up in sleeping bags soaked with condensation, even if the sky was clear all night. Hikers who spend the night under ultra light tarps or in hammocks can find themselves flooded out when it starts to rain.

Modern backpacking tents are different from the heavy, leaking, cumbersome shelters of the past. The latest types are constructed from nylon shells and fiberglass or carbon-fiber poles. This means that today's backpacking tents are smaller and lighter than ever before. There will be no more hassling with mismatched tent poles in the middle of the night because most manufacturers now string their break-down poles with bungee cords which allow the pieces to snap together quickly. Most tents can be set up by one person in minutes with the help of these poles and the color-coded snaps on the tent body.

You can be assured of a dry night once you set the tent up. Modern backpacking tents have waterproof and seam-sealed rain flies, so you won't wake up at 3am to that tell-tale drip-drip-drip of a leaking seam. They also allow the moisture and condensation from your breath to carry outside because these backpacking tents are ventilated. This means that you can avoid wet tent walls in the morning. The vestibule is another handy, common feature that allows you to leave your muddy boots and pack outside your tent but still out of the rain.

Backpacking tents may also be equipped with gear lofts, utilizing the extra space at the top of the tent's dome for storage of small items and bags. Some tents have attachment points for flashlights or lanterns. However, you should make sure to keep sources of flame or heat away from the synthetic materials. The small pouches that are sewn into the inside of the tent serve as handy places for pocket change or eyeglasses.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Backpacking Tents. Visit our site for more helpful information about Backpacking Water Filtration Systems and other similar topics.

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South African Northern Cape Travel Tips

South African Northern Cape Travel Tips
By Gerald Crawford

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

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

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

TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS:

The Diamond Field:

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

Kimberley:

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

Groenriviersmond:

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

Namaqualand:

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

Hantam Karoo:

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

Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park:

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

Richtersveld National Park:

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

Green Kalahari:

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

Augrabies Falls National Park:

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

Kalahari:

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

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

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You Really Need to Visit Maui

You Really Need to Visit Maui
By Dave Huffman

Seen from above, the two shield volcanoes that make up the island of Maui look like the head and torso of the well-loved demigod for whom the island is named.

Maui was a tricky fellow who is said to have stolen fire from its supernatural keepers, gifting to the mortals. He also captured the sun with a rope woven from his wifes tresses and slowed its path so that we could enjoy more hours of daylight on his beautiful island.

Modern visitors to this most magical of islands still reap the fruits of his labors by making the most of sunny tropical weather, where the temperature rarely dips below 65 degrees and the lush vegetation and colorful animal life just add to the feeling that they've just arrived in paradise.

This second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands is host to Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano in the world, at 10,023 feet tall. The summit of Haleakala National Park provides awe-inspiring views of five of the eight major islands. Watching the sunrise on the summit of Haleakala is an experience that visitors carry with them the rest of their lives.

Wainapanapa State Park is another wondrous natural adventure. Discover the black sand beaches, sea arch and caves for yourself. Every year from mid-December through mid-May pods of humpback whales make their way back to the waters surrounding Maui. The Kai Kanani will take you out to Molokini Island as you marvel at the grace of these peaceful giants.

The Whale Discovery Center at the Maui Ocean Center helps visitors understand the humpbacks strange and beautiful life cycle as it takes them from the frigid waters of the Artic to the warm and soothing seas around Maui and back again each year.

The natural beauty of Maui will surround and envelope you as you explore its endless beaches. Swim the calmer waters of the west shore, including Maalaea and Kaanapali.

Or head up to North Maui Ho'okipa for some of the best surfing, boogie boarding and windsurfing in the world. If youre looking for a little privacy, try Oneloa Beach, the last undeveloped beach on Maui s leeward side.

During a daily sun shower, duck into the Hana Cultural Center, a traditional Hawaiian village showcasing hundreds of artifacts and books and thousands of historical photographs.

The Maui Arts and Cultural Center is a 12-acre visual arts center and the Tedeschi Vineyards in the Upcountry offers tours of a unique pineapple wine vineyard. Dont forget to try a sample!

Dining is another fabulous adventure in Maui. It won't take long before you run into the ever-popular plate lunch. Hawaii's version of fast food, a plate lunch is inexpensive and perfect to take to one of the island's breathtaking parks. Each shop's plate lunch is unique, so stop in at a few shops during your explorations.

For something a little more upscale, try the Tropica Restaurant and Bar at the Westin Maui or Vino Italian Tapas & Wine Bar in Kapalua. Mango Cafe Grill & Bar offers a fabulous buffet on Sundays that includes both traditional Hawaiian fare and mainland comfort foods.

Maui isn't just a visual and culinary delight, it's also a shopper's dream come true. Spend a few hours browsing for interesting island gifts at the Kapalua Shops, enjoy free Hawaiian entertainment while you shop at Queen Kaahumanu Center or do some power shopping in air-conditioned comfort at the Lahaina Cannery Mall.

Maui accommodations are just as diverse as its natural beauty and entertaining activities. Opt for an intimate and cost-conscious stay at one of the island's lovely bed-and-breakfasts, choose from an array of luxurious condominiums or find relaxation or lots of opportunities to play whatever your pleasure at one of Maui's golf resort hotels, spa resorts, beachfront hotels, family-friendly hotels or romantic accommodations perfect for honeymooners.

Another great option is to try a privately owned rental. There are a number of private owners who are willing to rent their home or condo. Many rental by owner websites are available to help you locate the perfect place to settle in for your stay in this little slice of heaven.

Like its mythological namesake, Maui Island is powerfully memorable and perfectly magical. Make it a part of your memories forever.

Dave Huffman is a travel writer and property manager for vacation rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Missouri. For great lodging on Maui go to http://www.mauirentalbyowner.com

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You Say Hawaii And I Say Kauai Let's Go Have Some Fun

You Say Hawaii And I Say Kauai, Let's Go Have Some Fun
By Abbie Frank

Kauai Hawaii has been a popular tourist and vacation destination for literally decades. Planning a vacation to anywhere in Hawaii will deliver you onto beautiful, clean beaches, natural scenery and a huge number of things to do and see.

When traveling, the thing to remember is that the trip is about a holiday or vacation. From the minute you enter the airplane until getting back home, your vacation should be focused on lowering the stress level in your life and getting balance back in your world. Yes, it will cost more but in the end, the vacation will have done it's job and you will leave Hawaii refreshed and ready to go back to your career or business.

By lowering the stress level, we're talking about getting the services necessary to keep from having got concern yourself with any difficulties. Take for example getting around at your destination of Kauai. You could rent a car and try to find you way around unfamiliar territory. If getting lost, being late, dealing with traffic and the stress of other motorists is your idea of a vacation, go to New York City.

If however, getting to see the sights and enjoying the island is more like vacation time, consider using the services of a tour company, or even hire out a car and driver for an afternoon. Another potential possibility is public transportation. It runs on a regular schedule and you get to people watch while getting around for almost no cash. The car and driver is more expensive but they can get you around to see the local side of the island while the public transportation route takes you to the more popular areas. Maybe using both on different days can give you the benefit of an enjoyable vacation without the worry of a car rental, gasoline, accidents, parking etc.

If you plan on doing some Kauai island sightseeing and need a car rental, consider one with limited miles and leave it at home whenever possible. A weekly rental can cost a couple of hundred dollars but the you shouldn't feel a need to use it everytime a short trip is in order.

Another idea to lower the stress level is to consider getting a condominium or rental until with a full kitchen. This is especially good if you're traveling with kids. A quick trip to the neighborhood food store can take care of the childrens eating issues and take you off the breakfast, lunch and dinner, time schedule. Get food that's easy to prepare and let the kids fend for themselves at least sometimes. This gives them a sense of independence and allows you to sleep in occasionally during the vacation.

The key to a fun and enjoyable Kauai vacation or any Hawaiian vacation, is to get out of the rut and schedule that's your life back home. Do different things, experiment, see new sights, enjoy a different culture. In all, a Kauai vacation can recharge your batteries and give a new outlook on your world back home

Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects which includes home, family, and Travel. For more information on vacationing in Kauai visit http://www.tsonline.org

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2007 Thoughts on Starting a Boat Cleaning Business

2007 Thoughts on Starting a Boat Cleaning Business
By Lance Winslow

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

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

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

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

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

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You say International Top 10 Hip Hotels 2006

You say International Top 10 Hip Hotels 2006
By Mandy Chagger

What a fantastic year 2006. After getting feedback from clients about hotels from around the world that are hipper than hip, I have listed ten cosmopolitan retreats below. Outstanding designs, great locations and trendy bars and restaurants make each of these hotels a unique experience. So in no particular order.

1. Soho Grand Hotel (New York) a favorite with stars of the fashion and entertainment industries, the Soho Grand is ideally located for exploring the trend-setting shops and galleries in the surrounding area.

2. Pavillon De Paris Hotel (Paris) Within walking distance of some of the most attractive areas of Paris, this design boutique hotel is high on the style stakes offering hi-tech furnished rooms and a relaxed ambiance.

3. Lloyd Hotel (Amsterdam) a design hotel located in the fashionable Eastern Docklands area of Amsterdam, the Lloyd Hotel offers individually styled guest rooms furnished by Dutch artists within easy reach of the city centre.

4. Hotel Birger Jarl (Stockholm) Located in the centre of Stockholm, Hotel Birger Jarl is a uniquely-designed contemporary testament to Swedish creativity. The rooms mix fun modern touches with authentic Swedish dcor.

5. Bryant Park Hotel (New York) Bold colours and modernist furnishings fill this stunning 25-storey building opposite New York's Bryant Park and close to 5th Avenue. Sip Martinis in the hotel's candlelit Cellar Bar or enjoy views of the park and meals in the Lobby Bar.

6. Clift Hotel (San Francisco) This Ian Schrager hotel incorporates Philippe Starck furniture, guestrooms draped in leathers, silks and velvets and blends tradition with cutting-edge design. Rooms offer great views of the city while the Asia de Cuba restaurant is one of San Francisco's hippest venues.

7. Art'Otel Mitte (Berlin) Beautifully decorated hotel in Berlin's historical Mitte district, decked in art by contemporary artist Georg Baselitz. Stylish rooms offer plenty of comfort while the hotel's restaurants offer a variety of modern cuisine.

8. Avalon Hotel (Los Angeles) Just a short stroll from the world famous Rodeo Drive, the Avalon features an hourglass swimming pool and 68 separate guest rooms all benefiting from separate sitting and dining areas; many of which have private balconies.

9. Andel's Design Hotel (Prague) Surrounded by the shopping complexes of the renovated Andel City, Andel's Design Hotel epitomises the area it inhabits. Expect architect-designed guestrooms with heated bathroom floors and minimalist but comfortable furnishings.

10. Aleph A Boscolo Luxury Hotel (Rome) A short walk from the city's famous Spanish steps (and many of its better shops), the Aleph and its award-winning design are housed in a Renaissance building on a quiet side street. Massage and saunas are available in the hotel spa.

Free Venue Finding Service UK & Worldwide+ 44 (0)8700 490000 FREE call back serviceFree Hotel Accommodation Booking Service UK & Worldwide+ 44 (0)8707 520433 FREE call back service

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Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park

Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park
By Jeanne Oliver

If anyplace on earth is a natural paradise, Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is that place. Of all Croatia's eight National Parks, Plitvice is the oldest and most visited. It's easy to see why. Bears and wolves lurk in its primeval forest; schools of silvery fish dart through its pristine rivers; its beech trees are a cacophony of chattering birds. The crown jewels are the 16 translucent lakes connected to each other by a breathtaking series of cascades. Dazzling as the Plitvice national park appeared on a recent visit, I couldnt help recalling that this exceptional site was a war zone during the breakup of former Yugoslavia.

Located near Croatias then- disputed border with Bosnia-Hercegovina, the parks troubles began in 1991 when the Yugoslav army seized the park and turned it into an army barracks. The Croatian army forced them out in 1995 but, a year later, the effects of war were everywhere. The area surrounding the park was a nightmarish landscape of bombed out houses and abandoned farms. The parks three hotels were shot to pieces and part of the lake system was closed while specialists removed mines from the falls and forests.

Shaking off the aura of gloom, I set out to tour the park that UNESCO had named a world heritage site. Even with only half the park open, I was soon entranced.

Miles of wooden walkways wound over, under and alongside the falls. From merry two-foot bubblers to long walls laced with foam, the falling water was everywhere. I resolved to return one day when the park had been rebuilt.

It happened that my grand return to Plitvice occurred this year at the end of a long, hard winter in central Croatia. Although I had visions of tranquil lakes shimmering under a blue sky the weather turned out to be cold, foggy and damp. But damp is good in Plitvice. Between the melting winter snow and days of rain, much of the park was a roaring mass of water. Water pounded into swollen lakes, flooded out the walkways and splashed through the trees. It was splendid.

Even better was the lack of other visitors. In the intervening nine years, Plitvice Lakes National Park has become Croatias busiest tourist attraction welcoming some 750,000 tourists a year. Nearly all come in July and August. Please tell people to come in spring and autumn, if they can my guide begged me. The newly renovated hotels are now completely booked up in the summer and the walkways are elbow to elbow with camera clickers.

Although missing the summer greenery, I quickly grew to appreciate the bare trees that allowed an unobstructed view of the lakes and falls. It was clear that the lake system is divided into four lower and twelve upper lakes. Just past the main entrance, the Korana River drops a torrent of water 258 feet into a frothing pool that begins the lower lakes. Lying at the bottom of a canyon, the narrow lower lakes are bordered by steep limestone walls and climb like a giant staircase to the upper lakes. Wider and surrounded by dense forest, the upper lakes lie on a bed of dolomite. At the very top, the White and Black rivers are the spigots that water the park. The high mineral content of the lakes explains their extraordinary colors, which range from day-glow green to deep azure.

Examining the crystalline water of the top lake, I noticed that the leaves and branches settled on the bottom were acquiring a metallic coating. It was the travertine process in action. The water absorbs minerals from the dolomite underlying the upper lakes and coats the plant life, turning it to porous travertine stone. The new travertine sprouts moss and plants that again petrify and the process repeats itself. All the barriers separating the upper lakes are composed of travertine constantly growing and changing shape.

If you go to Plitvice, you dont need to stay long enough to turn to travertine but the park merits more time than it usually gets. Lying about 85 miles north of Zadar and south of Zagreb, many people rush through the park on their way to or from the coast. Its possible to see a lot of waterfalls in three or four hours but youll need a number of days to fully explore the trails. The three-star Hotel Jezero is the best of the parks three hotels but there are plenty of small pensions and private rooms in the villages around the park.

Jeanne Oliver has written all three editions of Lonely Planet's Croatia guidebook. To find out more about traveling to Croatia and to book your trip, visit Jeanne's website, http://www.croatiatraveller.com

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You Will Truly Experience Canada's Raw Beauty in the Heart of the Canadian Rockies

You Will Truly Experience Canada's Raw Beauty in the Heart of the Canadian Rockies
By Ken Bissonette

The Canadian Rockies are famous for their awe inspiring beauty and gigantic peaks. You will truly experience Canada's raw beauty in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. There are a few famous and amazing spots unsurpassable for their history and beauty. Banff is world famous for its Hotel, The Fairmont Banff Springs where celebrities and Royalty frequent.

With breathtaking views and Five Star hospitality this is a sure to please spot for the honeymooning couple. There are many hikes up the famous peaks in the area where many a mountain climber has ventured. The ?Bow River?, which runs through Banff is peaceful and awe-inspiring as it rushes beside the Banff Springs and through the world-famous town. Visit Lake Louise at the Chateau Lake Louise with its world class charm.

Breathtaking views once again grace this area. Crystal Lakes, towering peaks, and hikes to teahouses are a few of the wonders here. Rent a canoe on lake Louise as you glide peacefully with your sweetie on this world ?famous lake. Experience Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper, known for its top mountain experiences beside a beautiful private lake. Dine in beautiful dining rooms, as elk and moose overlook your table. Swim in an outdoor pool, and visit a soothing spa at the Jasper Park Lodge.

Deer, Elk, Mountain Goats and Bears all grace the Canadian Rockies. You won?t want to miss a glimpse of them. Waterfalls, canyons and world famous hikes are more of what you?ll see here in the Rockies. The Canadian Rockies will leave you homesick as this is an experience of a lifetime. Visit www.explorealberta.com for more information. Fairmont Banff Springs, Chateau Lake Louise, Canadian Rockies, and world class charm.

Ken and Deidre Bissonette are successful authors and publishers on Wedding information. Have a great honeymoon in the rookies. http://www.weddingdresses-gifts-flowers.com

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Your Breckenridge Ski Vacation

Your Breckenridge Ski Vacation
By Matthew Kellmer

You'll be welcome with open arms in Breckenridge, Colorado. Breckenridge ski resort offer the world's finest powder and terrain anyone can imagine. Half of the slopes at Breckenridge ski and snowboard resort are for beginners, while the other half are for moderate to extreme skiing. Breckenridge is the only ski area to offer this much skiing for all types of ability levels.

The town of Breckenridge is just like you would dream about on the way to your ski vacation. The town has a Main st. with stores, restaurants, and variety. You won't be disappointed as you stroll down Breckenridge's Main Street; the main area is about -mile long and makes for a lovely walk during the daytime or nighttime.

As far as resorts go, you can stay in a classy hotel and pay big bucks, or you can stay just outside of town nestled in the Rockies. Many condos are located a few miles down the road on RT. 9 otherwise known as Main Street.

If you decide to book a condo out of town, you'll get a better sense of what a mountain vacation is all about. On top of this advantage, you can also expect to pay significantly less than if you stay in the busy town of Breckenridge . Be prepared to breathe the fresh Colorado mountain air. It's truly invigorating!

As the seasons change in Breckenridge, Colorado your outdoor options expand and contract. Once Spring comes, the skiing gets better and the temperature goes up. Yes, it still snows hard in the Spring time.

The only difference is the quality of the snow. It tends to be wetter than the winter when it is dry-fluffy snow. Either way, it's great and you'll love the Spring time snow as much as the Winter snow. After all, the base of Breckenridge in April is about 60 inches deep.

Summer time in Breckenridge is truly a beautiful time! You can fish the streams for Rocky Mountain trout or you can mountain bike, raft, boat (Lake Dillon) or just relax in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. There will never be a boring day during your Breckenridge ski or summer vacation.

Fly fishing is a very enjoyable sport to engage in during the Summer time. It seems like every stream or lake in the Rockies, houses some of the largest trout in the world. Since fishing season is only 5-months out of the year, the trout seem to jump right on to the hook. Just kidding of course! It's not that easy to catch Trout, but if you use the right flies, you just might find the statement above to be true.

Mountain bike trails are everywhere, but be careful!! Be sure to have a map and enough food & water in case you get lost. The smartest thing to do is mark your course with sticks in the ground if you have any doubts about not getting back home or to your vehicle.

As long as you are sure of this, you're going to have a great time. Breckenridge offers mountain bike trails that go to the tops of mountains and down to the valleys. The scenery is breathtaking and without a doubt, you're going to love mountain biking in Breckenridge, CO.

As far as rafting goes, there are many options within 20-miles of Breckenridge. The water flows highest around mid-July because of all the snow which has melted from the mountains. There are plenty of guided trips who will help you navigate through the rivers.

Once you experience all the Breckeridge has to offer, you'll surely come back every year to enjoy yourself again and again. Also, did you know the state of Colorado has more blue sky days than any other state in the U.S.? It's true!

The author, Matthew Kellmer, is the owner of the ski vacation portal YourSkiVacation.com. Reproducing or using the content on this page can only be done by crediting the original author and creating a link to YourSkiVacation.com.

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2006 Trends in Submarine Design

2006 Trends in Submarine Design
By Lance Winslow

In 2005 we saw some of the first new Autonomous Underwater Vehicles or AUV, which were in the shape of fish. These natural motions vessels used the propulsion techniques of Tuna Fish, Dolphins and Sharks with names like RoboTuna, RoboFish and RoboShark. Research scientists at many Universities have re-discovered the benefits of 800 million plus years of evolution and efficiency in the water from these sea creatures. Along with new discoveries in polymer muscles, material memory and fluid dynamic vortexes and eddies, scientists have come closer to mimicking the incredible efficiencies of motion and use of energy that sea life has enjoyed.

In 2006 we will see new uses and methods of blowing air bubble flows in the intended path of the submarine to increase speeds when needed. We will see new innovative dual hull designs using pressure sensors which allow the hull to move with the flow of the water changing as needed while taking into consideration relative ocean flows and speed of the vessel. In 2006 we are bound to see several new coatings to streamline and fully utilize boundary layers of fluidity, although some will not be privy to the public domain for years to come. We will see new submarines and AUVs, which are quieter and silent running due to innovative new shapes giving little or no sound or fluid disturbances. Indeed we will see additional new propulsion systems without the need for propellers. Think on all this in 2006.

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

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Sleepless In Seattle You're In The Right City

Sleepless In Seattle - You're In The Right City
By Leah Bradicich

Forget the rain, forget the cold; everyones heard of this historic city so Seattleites must be right on the money. Whether it be for history, grunge rock or movie trivia, Seattle is firmly on the global map.

If any place can credit itself as a linchpin city for development and unearthing talent, Seattle is one of those places. Seattle is the birthplace of bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam (the founders of grunge rock), and bands like Death Cab for Cutie, Foo Fighters, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains. The crme de la crme obviously is Jimi Hendrix himself.

Other famous Seattleites and claims to fame are Bill Gates of the Microsoft empire, the TV sitcom Frasier, movie Sleepless in Seattle with Tom Hanks, movie 10 Things I Hate About You and TV series Greys Anatomy.

The Crocodile Caf is an institution for alternative music enthusiasts. Artists like Eddie Vedder, Death Cab for Cutie, Elliot Smith and K. T. Tunstall have played here, as a testament to its importance in the local music scene.

For more historic sites, venture to the Experience Music Project (EMP) (left) for a museum to modern composition. Jimi Hendrix has his own wing, which makes way to a guitar wing and exhibits on different styles; like the rock, grunge and punk movements. You can also play around with instruments in some exhibits.

While were on cool tourist traps, you cant go past the legendary Seattle Space Needle (right), which reaches up 605 feet into the sky. Not only is it an amazing view stretching as far as the eye can see, but its also part of Seattle culture. The Needle is famously depicted in the silhouette credits of Seattle sitcom Frasier, one of the worlds most popular sitcoms in history.

For another must see spot, head to Pike Place Markets. While it is packed with crowds on weekends, this flea market style, open- air market is worth a decent wander. Flower stalls litter the streets as do fresh seafood stalls and vegetable stands. Contrary to popular flea market opinion, this market is clean, modern and atmospheric. PS. coffee lovers, Starbucks has its first original store right here! Bring your walking shoes.

But before you take them off, let those shoes take you through a tour of the Seattle Underground. After the Great Seattle Fire in 1889, the city raised the CBD building levels, leaving an underground city in developing Seattles wake. For a couple of hours, you can now walk amongst what used to be the heart of the city, but what is now a refurbished yet rotting, historic, subterranean ruin. Fascinating stuff.

Technically, there is a long list of great things to do that have been missed out here, so don't be afraid if you think that's it! It merely means the page isn't big enough to include it all. There are tonnes of musical and artistic things to see and visit, plus some great history that is worth a good look. Maybe you can also take a drive around to try and spot famous places of interest, since Seattle is idolized in so many movies and TV shows.

If you want to tackle the move/ TV trivia spots (like those house boats from Sleepless in Seattle, above), or even if you just want to discover your own favourite places, a good option is to rent your own cheap Seattle car and do it at your own pace. We have all the major suppliers in one site, so you can compare and be sure you're getting the best deal and the cheapest price.

Leah Bradicich has travelled comprehensively through Europe, the UK, South East Asia and Australia. She works for Vroom Vroom Vroom, a website collating all the deals and specials from the nations largest car rental companies, offering discounts on car rentals. Her writing career is starting to take off, with articles written and published in the USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

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Whistler Limousine Rentals Ask The Tough Questions And Avoid Being Left Out In The Cold

Whistler Limousine Rentals - Ask The Tough Questions And Avoid Being Left Out In The Cold
By

2006 BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival

2006 BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival
By Alex Padilla

Presented by Nanny Cay, the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing festival is an expanded seven-day format that takes avid and novice participants on an exciting multi-class, multi-course event throughout the beautiful British Virgin Islands.

This year the boats were split into fifteen classes and ranged in size from the 75' Reichel Pugh, Titan XII, supporting a crew of twenty, to the one man Lasers and windsurfers.

Since its inception in 1973, the BVIs Spring Regatta has witnessed tremendous growth in both size and competition with continuing support from racing enthusiasts around the globe. This past weekend 154 boats helped mark the 35th anniversary of the BVI Spring Regatta as the event's biggest year ever!

The 2006 Sailing Festival which serves as a three-day warm up for the regatta - kicked off on Monday, March 27 with a welcome party at Nanny Cay. Afterwards participants were able to experience three days of destination cruising, racing, diving and Lay day fun including the Nation's Challenge Cup, all which led up to the main three-day Spring Regatta that started on Friday, March 31. The four racecourses of the BVI Spring Regatta were held on the south side of Tortola - the sailing stronghold of the Caribbean - and the backbone of the protected Sir Frances Drake Channel.

This year the boats were split into fifteen classes and ranged in size from the 75' Reichel Pugh, Titan XII, supporting a crew of twenty, to the one man Lasers and windsurfers.

The Racing and Racer/Cruiser classes sailed in the Copper Island course area with back-to-back racing on windward-leeward courses. The multi-start, multi-race format first introduced by the BVI Spring Regatta ensures that time on the water is spent racing.

Performance/Cruiser, Multihull, Bareboat, Jib & Main classes sailed on the Norman Island course area. Such is the geological/topographical nature of the BVI, that many of the marks from the previous regattas have been replaced by islands. On this race area - previously known as the non-spinnaker course spinnakers were permitted and let those sailors that didn't want to race back to back, windward-leeward courses, the chance to fly a spinnaker, perhaps with a less practiced or short-handed crew.

Each day of the regatta the weather conditions improved and finally on Sunday, sailors (and photographers) were able to enjoy a picture perfect day with wonderful sunshine and 10-12 knots of breeze.

For additional information, please visit ==>http://www.catamarans.com

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Your European Vacation A Guide To Choosing European Vacation Packages

Your European Vacation - A Guide To Choosing European Vacation Packages
By Gary Hill

What do you look for in a European vacation? The romance of a Paris vacation, the buzz of some time in London, England or the relaxation and quiet peace of an alpine valley? The truth is that, with a European vacation package, you can have all of this and more.

Europe is a very diverse continent and the range of possible European vacations reflects this. In each European country you can choose from the buzz of a city visit or the relaxation of the countryside. Transport links are good and its easy to hop from country to country by plane, by train or by road. This article sets out to help you plan a European vacation that suits you.

European vacation travel tips for cheap European tours

If you want to travel Europe on a low budget then the two key issues are time and flexibility. There are now many cheap European airlines who offer budget airfares for travel between European countries. Almost without exception they offer an excellent service, and their prices are remarkably low. But you do need to be flexible both in your choice of destination and in your travel schedule timings.

European budget airlines often fly between the less popular airports and may only operate one flight a day. This means that if you miss a flight or if your flight is cancelled then you could face a long wait in a rather out of the way town or provincial airport.

The Irish airline, Ryanair, can be used as an example. Their flight billed as Glasgow to Paris departs from a town called Prestwick about forty miles from Glasgow and arrives at Beauvais, a French town about sixty miles from Paris. Coach services are provided and the service is good but you will need to add at least an hour to your journey at either end. Getting stranded late at night in Beauvais or Prestwick is not likely to be fun. You can find a list of cheap European airlines and some of their routes on the websites listed below.

If you would rather travel to Europe on a planned European Vacation Package then you will have other issues to contend with. Planned European vacation packages can sometimes be rather sterile and predictable. Some of them may almost have the effect of insulating you against anything European! The notion of being herded along on like cattle among a mass of bemused fellow travellers is not likely to appeal to many of us.

Try to find a package that will allow you the benefits of having your travel and accommodation organised but still leave time for you to branch off on your own if you want to.

Travel Europe and enjoy it. There is no right or wrong approach simply work out what suits you and your lifestyle best. You will find plenty of choice in every European country. If youve never taken a European vacation then please do consider it the possibilities are almost limitless.

Gary Hill is a travel writer based in Scotland. He travels widely in Europe and has a lifetimes hoard of travel tips and advice to draw on. His website has all you need to plan your dream European Vacations.

You can also check out details on planning travel around europe and on finding your dream european package vacation

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