Going on vacation? Earn some travel money researching your destination

Everybody would agree carefully planning your vacation could save you some money, but few know it can actually make you some as well. Writing down your conclusions on where to stay, how to travel there and perhaps some insightful tips about the local nightlife or sights, will if marketed correctly be a possible source of income it marketed correctly.

These days, most webmasters rely mainly on SEO and search engines to get their long term traffic, but there are other – faster and more direct – ways of marketing a webpage or blog.

When deciding to make a page or blog about a destination, the research done will be very time specific. That means you can’t wait for any SEO efforts to kick in, you need your information visible as soon as possible. Unless you are building a larger website or blog – with a long term goal – there is no need to think too much about keywords or SEO. Just focus on your visitors, try to write to them.

Instead of relying on search engines for your visitors, a well written and informative article about a certain destination is perfect for various social bookmarks. Be sure to add widgets for as many as possible to your page, this is where you are hoping to get your traffic. If you know anyone active in any of the major social bookmarking arenas – i.e. StumbleUpon, Digg, Delicious or similar – ask if they can submit it for you. This way you will gain much initial exposure, a factor important enough to make or break your plan.

You want to make sure you have a few possible submissions to the social bookmarks, so try to make a few pages, each page covering a certain aspect of the topic. If you are lucky, people will like your pages enough to submit them for you – further increasing the exposure. While not nearly always the case, it sure is a nice bonus when it happens.

As pages like this are short term, you need to find as many ways of monetizing your traffic as possible. Visitors from social bookmarks are well known for their unwillingness to click ads, so you better make the ads well worth clicking. Going with (only) contextual ads won’t give you any travel money; you need to point them towards products interesting enough to buy.

Finding just one travel affiliate program offering enough products to cover every aspect of the vacation is hard – not to say impossible. Instead, you should find affiliate programs offering the best prices on every part of the vacation;

Airline tickets

There are plenty of affiliate programs more or less only offering airline tickets. The competition should make it easy to find an affiliate program offer both good prices AND a fair commission.

Hotel

As with airline tickets, affiliate programs offering only online bookings are common and have competitive fairs and commissions. If you are focusing on a smaller destination, you might have to look around a bit, but many hotels and/or chains are using some sort of online booking with an affiliate program.

Tours

Plane tickets and hotel nights are profitable if people use your links, but do not forget the smaller things. Tours, trips or excursions can add quite a bit of revenue to you.

If you have researched your own perfect travel arrangements, odds are others will like it as well – If they do, you will earn yourself some travel money.

Where To Take A Padi Open Water Scuba Diving Course in Thailand

Ever wonder what it would be like to jump into the water and look around 40m below the surface? The underwater world is mysterious and yet inviting, the experience of diving it provides and addictive sense of zen. There’s no better place to have your first dive experience than Thailand – with good conditions year round.

Most dive shops in Thailand offer PADI certification but it’s also possible to find a few offering NAUI and SSI certifications. Beginners may be more comfortable diving in the calmer and shallower waters off the east coast of Thailand, with destinations such as Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Koh Samet or Koh Chang being the most popular on that side.

More advanced divers and those beginners who are confident in their abilities will have a better time diving around Phuket and the Similan Islands. Hotspots for diving around here include Phuket, Phi Phi and Khao Lak.

Phuket has the most upscale dive operations but if you are watching your budget, you might be more comfortable taking a course at Phi Phi or Khao Lak. Phi Phi is quite popular among the younger crowd but there are hotels catering to older couples and families, which also offer scuba diving courses. Khao Lak offers an excellent choice of dive shops and also has a good range of accommodation to suit most tastes. It is also the closest jumping off point to the Similan Islands.

The Similan Islands, technically located in Phang Nga province, provide some of the best dive sites in the world. Protected within a marine national park, the nine islands are still pristine and rich with wildlife above and below the water. Most dive operators will take you ashore at one of the islands, where you can enjoy the powder-white beaches and see exotic birds and monkeys.

Under the waves, the colourful reefs and boulder formations are teeming with coral and a variety of marine life. Sometimes whale sharks are even spotted in the waters, as well as rays and other sharks. Visibility is good, varying from 30-50m. The best way to see the Similans is by liveaboard, and most dive operators will allow you to do your Open Water dives from the boat if you’ve completed the paper and pool work ashore beforehand.

Much like Phi Phi, Koh Tao is a fun place for backpackers to learn how to scuba dive. This may well be the most affordable place in Thailand to take a PADI Open Water course and to build up your dive log. Unfortunately it’s not the best diving in Thailand – but it’s not yet the worst either. Koh Tao used to offer frequent whale shark sightings but they are relatively rare these days. It’s also conveniently close (2 hours by speed boat) to Samui. In fact you can do diving courses on Samui too.

The number of dive boats on a site is not restricted, so you may find there is too much company around peak dive times. You may find yourself surrounded by 50 to 100 divers at a time, with most of them being Open Water students or day trippers from Samui.

Needless to say, Koh Tao might be great for learning and for progressing to instructor – but it’s not all that great for just recreational diving. Many people come here specifically to advance through courses and proceed with PADI Advanced, Rescue Diver, Dive Master/Master Scuba Diver and Instructor courses.

There are so many choices on Koh Tao that you should look carefully at each dive shop and make sure they offer you the best value for money.

Not all dive instructors are the same, and some are downright scary. Likewise, equipment standards can vary, and you’ll want to make sure any shop you choose has quality equipment and maintains it properly and hygienically. You should also check into the insurance policy of the dive shop and enquire as to if you should purchase your own dive insurance for the hyperbaric chamber if you have an accident.

Most the dive operations in Thailand are run by foreigners, which is just as well since Thais have a rather different approach to safety and responsibility, but you’ll find yourself diving with plenty of Thai staff who are their usual friendly easy-going selves.

Excellent Day Trips From Phuket Island - Thailand

Phuket is named the Jewel of the Andaman. Or is it maybe the prime gem in the crown of Thailand’s tourism? However, Phuket is just the core of a spacious wonderful playground. And the other part of the ‘crown’ is worth discovering, even if the tropical fabulous beaches you’re sunbathing on seems so great you never want to get away from them. Phuket sightseeing tours are a must.

Making day trips from Phuket Island is definitely a must when you visit this South East Asian tropical piece of Heaven. Within a few hours ride or trip by boat are several mind-blowing landscapes including the renowned Phi Phi islands, the wonderful Khao Lak coast, the eye-opening Pha Nga Bay, exclusive scuba diving off the Similan islands, and the breathtakingly beautiful karst-scapes of Krabi. There are national parks boasting lush forests, picturesque fishing villages, spectacular waterfalls, crystal clear waters, private tiny islands, pristine mangroves and exclusive beaches to seek out.

Phuket is without a single doubt Thailand’s best developed and most popular island, a high standard, jet-set travel destination that has become a very upmarket place during the last decades. If you’re travelling to Phuket for your next holiday you’ll invariably find yourself based at one of several wonderful bays lined along the West Coast. From this location you can either rent a private car or use the option taking one of the available day trip tours to a destination of your choice. This is highly recommendable and there are both many travel agents and opportunities.

For first time visitors exploring the island itself is absolutely a great idea. There are numerous exciting and splendid beaches. Towards the south from Kamala you’ll find a cluster of the best, past the popular and crowded Patong, and onwards to the posh Kata and sweeping Karon. Every beach is worth making a stop for a few hours to sunbath or sample a spicy Thai papaya salad (som tam) for lunch. Keep travelling south and you’ll finally reach the untouched Nai Harn beach, a good spot for avoiding the crowds. All beaches on Phuket have their own special ambience.

To reach the island’s north takes about a one-hour drive. This area has not been developed and tourists do not dominate the scene. The east coast’s mangroves offer an altogether different look of Phuket. While visiting this area you might want to cool off in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park’s Bang Phrae Waterfall or drop in on the ‘singing gibbons’ at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre. Tours to this area of Phuket are very rewarding.

The best scenery can be found offshore, the first thing on you itineraries list should be a trip to Phi Phi. This distinctive craggy island is formed like a butterfly. The island featured in the Hollywood movie The Beach and was world news because of the Tsunami tragedy. Actually there are several islands, and the majority of the available trips stop off for some mind-boggling snorkelling adventures en-route. Food is mostly served once you arrive at Phi Phi Ley’s paradisiacal Maya bay. Only campers and park rangers are allowed to spend the night here so you’ll have the immaculate beach all to yourself. Phi Phi Don is more dramatic and was drastically overdeveloped before the gigantic Tsunami washed it all away. On a tiny sandwich of coconut palms the resorts are found between two gorgeous bays, with rising to the blue sky karst cliffs all around. Once you’ve reached this spot you probably not want to make the trip back to Phuket!

Similarly popular and impressive is Pha Nga Bay’s unique karst seascape, enjoyed free promotion in the James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. Now also known as the James Bond Island, this is a must-see on all trips from Phuket but its all part of a gigantic theatre of pillars, dotting this vast bay and must be ranking as the most photogenic spot in the whole Andaman. Lunch will be served at the idyllic fishing village of Koh Phan Yee, which is positioned in the water on stilts. Don’t forget purchasing some souvenirs and stroll around this remarkable community. Kayaking among the karst cliffs and caves is especially rewarding.

If diving is your thing and you have just one opportunity to see the finest, then you may want to join a few days lasting trip to the Similan islands which are located West of Phuket. There is also a protected marine reserve and diving excursions or day trips are the only way to reach the area’s unspoilt reefs, or swim in the clear blue ocean. If you do not have a dive certificate, no worries there are plenty of available courses. As an alternative you could take a tour to Hong Island, between Krabi and Phuket and simply enjoy underwater snorkelling and unwind. This unique island boasts a hidden lagoon inside, reachable at low tide only through a cave tunnel.

Renting a car for a drive into the hinterland is also a great option. Phuket is by a short causeway linked to the mainland and after that you have the freedom, roaming the lush isthmus provinces of Southern Thailand. Travel to the north to Khao Lak, to explore a more untouched and wild shoreline, and some fabulous coastal parks. Khao Sok National Park is a bit beyond this with its vast lake, magnificent rainforests and distinctive landscapes. In the park chalets you can even stay overnight. Thai tropical national parks feature fantastic ecosystems full of streams, waterfalls, nature trails, a few animals and varied birdlife.

Even Krabi is a popular tourist destination attracting many visitors, it can conveniently be reached within a 90 minutes drive from Phuket and features some of most distinctive landmarks in the region. But this is a completely other destination!

Cruise Travel Tips: Don't Travel Without Them

You've seen the commercials, vast blue oceans, beautiful white ship, and people laughing. What a wonderful vacation, sailing the deep blue sea and visiting exciting ports of call. This is certainly a dream vacation, especially as you sit in your office cubical in the dead of winter and shiver while you answer complaint calls from clients.

Cruise ships are a means of travel with some substantial benefits. The key advantage of a cruise ship is that it does the "getting around" for you. They make it easy to visit several places in a single trip without the need to pack your belongings and sit in a car/train/bus/plane to travel to each one; your hotel room comes along with you, and even provides the transportation. Additionally, most meals are usually included in the price of the cruise.

Timing is Everything

The most important cruise line tip is to ensure that you get to the dock on time. Although cruise ships sail from an increasing number of cities, most people still have to fly to get to and from their port of departure. If you are flying from another city into the location of your cruise line, make absolutely sure that your flight lands with enough time for you to disembark, travel to baggage claim, find your luggage and then locate a shuttle or taxi to the dock of departure. The cruise line will not wait for passengers. They are on a strict schedule of departure and arrival; the boat waits for no one. If you miss the boat, you miss your vacation.

Another important and valuable cruise line travel tip is to read all documents provided by the cruise line and your travel agent. Unless your ship's itinerary is confined to a single country, you need to prepare for a cruise like you would any other international trip, including passports. Prior to booking flights or making any other travel plans, thoroughly read all documentation provided in regards to your cruise.

There are important contracts, guidelines, requirements and procedures that must be followed prior to boarding, and during the cruise. Again, the cruise line does not care if you didn't read your documents and forgot your passport or Visa. They only care that your travel documents are in order, you've taken the time to comply with their travel requirements and that you enjoy your stay once on board.

Safeguard your Luggage

Nothing could be worse than going on a cruise and losing your luggage, before or after the cruise. What a nightmare! It is essential to do everything possible to ensure that your luggage does not get lost. At the cruise terminal, baggage is given to the porters for loading to the ship Make sure that your suitcase is uniquely marked so that someone does not take your luggage by mistake. Identification tags are a must, so even if your luggage ends up in the "wrong"' hands, it can easily find its way back to you.

Similar preparations are essential when leaving the cruise ship. On large ships you put a colored tag on your luggage and place it outside the cabin the night before you reach your final port, and pick it up ashore in the terminal. Some cruise lines are now offering an option where passengers can be first off the ship if they carry all their luggage off with them.

What about motion Sickness?

Some people experience queasiness on cruise ships. Many people find relief from special wristbands that stimulate pressure points that are believed to counteract the nausea of motion sickness. You can also get pills that will alleviate any discomforts caused by motion sickness. Make sure to get your supply in advance and don't forget to pack them in your hand baggage. You may never need them, but it is best to have them available just in case.

Don't Overlook the Details

It is especially important to review the cruise summary and travel itinerary to ensure that no errors exist. This cruise line travel tip is the one that will insure you get to spend your actual vacation time doing what you planned rather than sorting out a mistake and wasting valuable time. Most of the excursion arrangements are made through your travel or booking agent prior to your arrival at the boarding gate. As you prepare to board the ship, you will be given an outline of your activities to review as you wait in line. An essential cruise line travel tip is to take the time to scrutinize these items now, as they are the outline for your entire vacation. It is easier to correct any mistakes that might have been made now, while standing in line rather than once you are one board the boat. If you wait, you will lose precious hours of you vacation.

Cruise vacations are fabulous, but this type of vacation takes a considerable amount of preparation. If you heed the advice of these cruise line tips, you will not only get onboard, but you will also have the vacation of a lifetime!

Africa Adventure!!

Does anything quite prepare you for an adventure in Africa; quite simply, nothing can, as my experience on Acacia’s overland South West Safari would lead me to discover. Our tour through Southern Africa began in Zambia and on arrival into Livingstone we were transferred to our accommodation on the banks of the Zambezi River, a few miles upstream from the Victoria Falls. Arriving in plenty of time before the tour began I made the most of the opportunities available in the area – this being one of Africa’s adventure capitals offering a range of activities, from bungee jumping to sunset cruising.

Our first day was spent relaxing from a long flight on the banks of the Zambezi. Watching the glorious sunset and serene African surroundings with a “sun downer” was welcome respite as the next morning we had to be up early for our first adventure – white water rafting down the Zambezi River. The fourth largest river system in Africa after the Nile, Zaire and Niger Rivers, the Zambezi runs through six countries on its journey from central Africa to the Indian Ocean. All of these claims however, must come second to its notoriety as one of the wildest white water rafting runs in the world; its long, violent (grade 4 – 5) rapids and steep gradients providing a challenge for even the most enthusiastic adventurer. Our journey took us through 23 rapids in total, some of which were absolute monsters and we gulped down our fair share of the river on the way, but the challenge didn’t end there as we then had to climb out of the gorge itself. Back at camp we ran through the day’s events once again and rediscovered our sense of adventure – our white water rafting excursion rewound and played back on film.

Next on the list was the Victoria Falls. This world-renowned “Smoke that thunders” took my breath away – nearly a mile wide and 100 metres deep, with walking paths so near the edge you can lean over and look into the gorge itself. Coming face to face with one of nature’s most astounding sights was spell bounding; the enormity of staring at the largest falling curtain of water on earth becoming clear, as the spray soaked us all completely to the skin.

From the falls we crossed the Livingstone Bridge and spent the rest of the day in Zimbabwe checking out Victoria Falls town. Showing another side to this diverse continent Zimbabwe was very different to Livingstone despite its proximity. We found the people a little more demanding when it came to tourists, but the shopping experience was pure excitement. The market place was a hive of activity and not one for the faint hearted, however, with a little time and patience and a friendly smile for our newly made ‘friends’ there were many bargains to be had. After bartering and staking claim to numerous souvenirs we were ready to indulge in our traditional ‘Boma’ dinner – a combination of crocodile, kudu and warthog making for a culinary feast; traditional dancers and drums providing an atmospheric ambience before heading back to Zambia.

It was another early rise the following morning allowing us plenty of time to tackle our next challenge – the gorge swing. Often put forward as an alternative to those who can’t face the bungee jump, gorge swinging is a no less death-defying feat. Enjoying a longer freefall than the bungee, the scare is lessened by being attached around your upper body rather than dangling by your feet – a little comfort and peace of mind before jumping off into the abyss. My friend and I decided that we would jump tandem – thinking that if we went together it would be less scary. Our ingenious idea didn’t quite go according to plan, our combined weight making us swing still further. Travelling at what seemed like nearly 100 miles an hour this was more adrenalinee pumping and scarier than if we had done it alone!

Challenges aside, it’s still the traditional safari experience that draws travellers to Africa in their hordes, and we were no different. Our first wildlife encounter would take us overland, a short distance to Botswana into Chobe National Park. Boasting one of the greatest concentrations of elephants in the African continent (the current count is estimated at over 120,000), the park is also home to hippos, baboons, hyenas, lion, leopard, antelope and varied birdlife - but it’s not simply the abundant wildlife, which makes the park worth visiting as the beauty and splendour of the area also ensure this a worthwhile trip. The amazing variety of habitats, which range from floodplains, through woodlands of baobab, mopane and acacia trees, to verdant grasslands and thickets, bordering the Chobe River, all combine to give a real essence of Africa. The highlight of the safari was the afternoon ‘Fish Eagle’ boat cruise on the Chobe River itself where we watched a herd of elephants wrestling in the water, these huge beasts performing ballet type maneuvers with nearby hippo and crocodile trying their best to avoid the melee.

Our next stop was the dusty outback town of Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Taking a light air craft flight over the delta we were able to get a birds eye view of the lagoons, cannels and reed covered islands, which stretch for 1000's of square kilometers – actually up to 16,000 square kilometers. The following day we trekked into the Okavango itself passing through the villages of the indigenous tribal people – a brief insight into local culture before our river journey by traditional dug out canoe (known as a 'makoro'). After being poled through the reed-covered islands by our local guide we reached our next destination – a wilderness camp deep in the swaying grasses of the Okavango Delta. Truly relaxing and off the beaten track here we had a chance to kick back, relax and dip into the natural and refreshing waters – a second to none experience for those who want to delve into the heart of Africa.

A further highlight of island camping in the delta was seeing the wildlife close up –especially at night, our proximity to the natural world becoming clear as the noises came closer to our tents. The animals presence made for a dramatic walking safari the following morning as we ventured out on foot to track the wildlife that had visited camp that night – trekking through the Okavango meeting buffalo and giraffe, with nothing but the experience of our guide between us and the possibility of danger.

Back on the road trip across Botswana we had the opportunity of meeting the Kalahari Bushman – a hunter-gatherer tribe thought to be the descendents of the first inhabitants of South Africa, with records dating back 30,000 years. The harsh conditions which they contend with have been amplified by the encroachment of modern civilization with its huge cities, large farms, and grazing cattle – many of them being driven off their native lands to make room for mining and farming operations. However, there is some hope in tourism, with the industry providing economic assistance through tours such as those devised by Acacia, ensuring the tribe keep their land, preserve their culture and continue their historical survival.

Leaving Botswana we crossed into Namibia - our first port of call being, Etosha National Park. Covering an area of 22,270 square kilometres, the park is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish. Its name stems from the massive mineral pan that dominates the area – ‘Etosha’ meaning ‘great white place’.

Our game drive was off to an impressive start as immediately after we passed through the gates we were greeted by a pride of lions. We were also lucky enough to see elephants, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, springboks and a multitude of other animals and birds, but the most memorable experience was watching four lionesses stalk their pray for over two hours before taking a young gemsbok. Once the lionesses made their kill two large male lions and four bouncing cubs came out to feed – another incredible wildlife sighting. Our group stayed for two-nights in the park, the campsites seeming more like mini resorts with full bar, restaurant and swimming pool facilities available, however the highlight has to be the flood lit waterholes that come to light after dark – offering incredible opportunities for late night wildlife viewing, with animals such as elephant and rhino coming to the waters edge to drink.

Our next stop was Swakopmund, Namibia’s only seaside resort – a great place in which to combine relaxation and adventurous pursuits. On arrival our group opted for quad bike desert driving, a trip which incorporated the most amazing vista as we watched the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean from the top of a massive sand dune.

Swakopmund itself, is yet another adventure capital visited on the South West Safari and we were ready to pack in more than one experience on our second day here, starting with sand boarding – an adrenaline sport that is clearly nothing like snowboarding, especially after a few mouthfuls of sand. Then, setting our sights on the skies my friend and I decided on tandem sky-diving, our second optional activity in the adventure capital. After a training, safety briefing and equipment check we flew up to 10,000 feet and jumped out for a 30 second free fall rush before pulling the parachute and coasting down through the skies – impressive views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the massive sand dunes of Namibia on the other. A first time parachutist this definitely has to be judged as one of the more addictive adventure pursuits, as I am now ready to do a thousand more. We were thoroughly rewarded for our efforts on our return to the camp with a South African Bar-b-que or traditional Brai cooked up by the rest of the group – just one of the delicious meals on a tour where we ate like kings and queens.

Leaving the coast we traveled south and inland to the Namib Naukluft National Park. The beauty of Namibia‘s dunes was unveiled on desert walks – a slower paced activity with our guides unearthing the inhabitants of this semi-arid land. The tiniest shift of sand could lead to a spider burying in a hole, or faint tracks might provide insight on the animals of the night, out hunting for their next meal. The continually shifting sand dunes also provided pause for thought with the enormity of the fact that right where we were standing could soon be covered by ocean. However, no trip through the Sossusvlei region of the Namib-Naukuluft National Park would be complete without a dawn hike up ‘dune 45’ – one of Namibia’s highest sand dunes at around 300 metres – a sunrise vista that is as dramatic, as it is awe-inspiring.

Heading south once again the tour continued to Fish River Canyon, a spectacular wilderness area with equally astounding game viewing and the penultimate Namibian highlight before we crossed over into South Africa. The second largest in world, the canyon extends for 100 miles north to south along the Orange River in Southern Namibia, reaching widths of 17 miles (27 km) and depths of 1800 feet (550 m). Movements in the earths crust created the canyon, estimated to have formed around 500 million years ago: a natural catastrophe, which has led to one of Africa’s most unique and barren landscapes.

Cosmopolitan Cape Town was the last stop on the South West Safari, but we decided to extend our visit here to make the most of our stay in what has been described as one of the greatest cities in the world – Acacia’s optional extended city and short stay tours making this a simple and hassle free add on to any overland adventure. The famous Stellenbosch Wineries and the Cape of Good Hope are only a short distance away from the city and the vibrant mix of bars, restaurants and art galleries are best viewed with plenty of time to spare.

The only question left to ask is where will I go next after such an extensive tour of Africa? This wondrous continent deserves many more holidays, so I am now planning my next trip, again travelling with Acacia Adventure Holidays, but this time to East Africa. I can only hope that it is as memorable as the first.

Top 10 Things To Do And See In Krabi Thailand

With so many activities that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy, Krabi has framed itself as a laid-back resort destination where the emphasis falls on comfort and relaxation instead of on high-energy parties. The natural landscape is accentuated by limestone outcroppings known as karsts that pop up all over the countryside. With abundant plant life and beautiful coral reefs, there's plenty to explore while you're staying here.

Exploring the archipelago
One of the most remarkable ways to experience the limestone rock formations and spectacular beaches is to take a daytrip from one island to another. Many tour guides offer organised daytrips to the highlights of the archipelago, which are worth it and a chance to break away from the crowds of the mainland resort. For the more independent explorer, sea kayaks can be rented for trips out to some of the nearest small islands. A boat day trip to Phi Phi is a must too!

Than Bok Khoranie National Park
If you have a tent and would like a place to set up camp, consider heading out to Than Bok Khorani National Park, a secluded place with no concrete accommodation but an abundance of plant species culminating in a very picturesque pond surrounded by gardenias and apocynaceae. The park also boasts several limestone caves and some lovely mangrove forests. Many visit on a day trip from Phuket.

Rock climbing
Many rock climbing outfitters in Krabi also give lessons at various skill levels to help you improve your rock climbing abilities. The limestone cliffs and unique stone formations have helped Krabi carve out a global reputation among rock climbing circles. Ton Sai is the first stop for most climbers, as it’s the most frequented climbed spot in the area. Other climbing outings to more secluded areas are easily arranged with the help of climbing outfitters.

Koh Lanta Marine National Park
The sea gypsies, or Chai Leh, still live and work on the island of Koh Lanta—now a marine national park. For centuries they have practiced their own form of spirit worship and spoken their own distinct language. This island also has the region's standard fare of beautiful beaches, unique rock formations and stunning coral reefs for exploration. Some of the rainforest on this island is virtually untouched and remains protected. Visitors can rent bungalows and stay a while. It’s also connected to Phi Phi island by ferry.

Shell Fossil Cemetery
Thirty five million years ago, the site of Ban Laem Pho Cape was an enormous freshwater swamp that hosted millions of small snails. The remains of these creatures formed a fossilised composite that has grown almost 16 inches thick. This huge slab has become one of Krabi's most popular attractions and can be reached via a 10-mile drive from the town of Krabi.

Krabi nightlife
Ao Nang Beach resort area is the primary tourist hub of Krabi, with Krabi Town itself not offering a whole lot to out-of-towners except for a glimpse of everyday life for the locals. While not quite as exciting as Phuket, in the resort area you'll find bars and restaurants whose doors remain open past midnight, though you'll be hard-pressed to find any exhilarating parties or discotheques. Instead, this is a more family-oriented holiday spot with some nice restaurants and a relaxed, quiet atmosphere.

Scuba diving
The official diving season in Krabi is from November to Mach, though the conditions are hospitable all year round and divers are here at every time of the year. Snorkelling is also a great way to get a view of the coral reefs. Diving companies on the mainland can get you certified as a diver and will also arrange diving trips out to all of the best reefs in the surrounding area. The diving at Phi Phi is especially good.

Biking
Bikes can be rented in the Ao Nang resort area, and a cycling loop that heads out of town guides cyclist through the limestone rock formations that dot the landscape. The road curves through old villages and groves of coconut trees, and riders can stretch this spectacular route into as much as 15 or 20 miles of biking.

Railay Beach
Railay Beach may be the region's most unique coastal area, with its crescent shaped coastline that's cut off from the mainland by huge outcroppings of rock. Only accessible by boat, you can charter a vessel to drop you off for a daytrip to Phra Nang, a sacred enshrined cave, or for an overnight stay in one of the resorts that lay claim to these peaceful beaches. Even the beaches at Phuket don’t even compete!

Daytrip to Wat Tham Seua
Wat Tham Seua is the largest temple in Krabi, and its name means Tiger Cave Temple. It's literally tucked into the limestone cliffs of Ao Luk Thanu mountain range, and the Buddhist monks that live and worship here do so in the caves themselves. The highlight of this temple is 'Buddha's footprint', located at the summit of a 1,272-step climb, a point that affords wonderful views of the countryside spreading in every direction.

Boating Safety Tips

Having a safe and fun day on the water simply requires a little planning and a heavy dose of common sense. Most boaters are so much about having fun on the water that they sometimes overlook some FUNdamentals. Since boating is such a pleasurable treat, it’s very easy to let your guard down. So here’s the plan for a great and safe day on the water.

Planning your voyage Before leaving home, know where you are going, who will be with you, and when you expect to return. Obviously, if you are just going across the lake or up the river, this is a simple matter, but if your are going salt water fishing, it is critical that someone ashore knows where you are going and when you are expected to return – so that they can call for help if you turn up overdue.

Make sure your boat is seaworthy Whether you are just going ‘for a spin’ or for a full day’s trip, it’s important to ensure that your boat is seaworthy (not taking on water), your engine is reliable, and you have the proper safety equipment on board. Your boat should never be overloaded with people or gear and the engine must be of adequate power to push the loaded boat through the worst possible conditions that you can imagine. Whatever bad weather you can expect, sometimes you just get really surprised!

Have the proper boat equipment, fuel and supplies There are few worse experiences than being broken down or out of fuel in a boat well out of the sight of land. Before venturing out, make certain that you have enough fuel to go to the farthest point and back and still have half a tank to spare, taking into consideration the various marinas and fuel stops that may be along your planned route. Never leave the dock without, at a minimum, a Person Floatation Device (PFD) for each person in the boat and a throwable floating cushion as well. You must have a fire extinguisher of adequate size and type for the boat. The battery(s) must be fully charged and the bilge pump in good working order. Be sure that the boat’s blower, horn, and navigation lights are in good working order – even if you don’t intent to be out at night. Although it’s usually not a legal requirement in most states, you should always have an anchor and line of the size and length to enable you to safeguard the boat in the event of a breakdown. If you plan to be out of cell phone range, a marine radio is a must as is a GPS for navigation if you are going out to sea.

Have the proper people equipment, fuel and supplies! For you and your crew, be certain to have enough water, ice and snacks. A good sunscreen lotion is a must and the sun’s rays are greatly enhanced by the reflections off the water. Be sure to take the medical needs of your crew and guests, especially if someone is a diabetic, has a heart condition or other chronic condition. Of course, a good first aid kit is important. If alcoholic beverages are on the menu, make sure that nobody overdoes it, particularly anyone who will operate the boat. Since there are no lanes out on the water, other boaters can approach from any direction and the driver of the boat must be ever alert to traffic, wakes, and conditions. Most states now enforce a “Boating Under the Influence” law with serious consequences for those who overdo the alcohol and then risk their lives and those of their crew by driving a boat. I just pays to have a designated driver along.

Unexpected variables Many things can come up to surprise you when you are out on the water, particularly the weather. Check out the weather forecast before leaving the dock so that you know what’s expected. Of course, storms are most likely to ‘pop up’ at any time, so it really pays to keep an eye to the horizon at all times. If you see a thunderhead approaching, you should not try to outrun it, but to take a course at a 90 degree angle from the direction of the storm. If you can get to a harbor or shoreline and tie up, that would be advised. If you cannot avoid being in the storm, stow all loose gear, just keep the bow of the boat pointed into the direction of the storm and give the engine enough gas to keep the bow raised to handle the wave action. My salty old Coast Guard chief petty officer used to say,” boats are made for bad weather, people are not!”. If it is in reasonably good condition, your boat will likely weather the storm very well. All of the SOB’s (Souls on Board) should put their PFD on at the first sighting of a bad storm – just to be safe. If people become ill during the rough weather, help them rest as much as possible.

If you will take the proper precautions and plan ahead just a little bit, your voyage on the water will be a whole lot of fun. Have a great cruise!

Sakura Time of Year

The Japanese cherry blossom tree, better known as Sakura, holds a special place in the hearts of Japanese. If you do not already know, Sakura bloom in early spring around Japan starting in Okinawa and run north to Hokkaido. In times gone by the short life of the Sakura blossoms symbolically represented the life of the samurai, meaning that life was beautiful however short. The aforementioned symbolism still holds sway in the heart of many Japanese and throughout Japan there are hanami (flower viewing) parties on a massive scale held at locations with high populations of Sakura trees.

Normally quiet Sakura abundant parks around Japan are soon flooded with the masses as those little white flowers begin to bloom. With its name gaining evermore international popularity and fame, people from other countries might be aware of this event in Japan. However, most people will not know that the flower viewing season has two faces: the peaceful and the blurry.

During the mornings and early afternoons of flower viewing one can expect the parks to be so crowded with picnickers that it will be hard to find a place to sit down. Lively chatter among friends and family, children’s laughter, along with a magnificent view brings about cheer and happiness. The smell of barbequed meats waft throughout the air making mouths water. Small games of soccer or catch are a fairly common sight even with the restrictions on space. Elderly couples strolling through the park with a constant smile on their face remembering their childhood can be seen in all directions along the horizontal. Relaxation is usually the word that can sum up this time of day, and this is likely the image most people will have of Japanese when they think of this time of year.

Before I continue, there is one thing I must make you aware of. Unlike many places in the United States, public drinking and public drunkenness in Japan… IS legal.

With the coming of late afternoon, things gradually start to change. The influx of people in their 20s and 30s becomes apparent. Perhaps there were already some of them sitting nearby chatting and laughing and enjoying the occasional beer or fruit flavored alcoholic beverage. As the sun heads further west, the occasional enjoyment of beer or fruit flavored alcoholic beverage becomes more frequent. You may hear chants of “Ikki” which is a Japanese form of peer pressure designed to make one, or usually more, person chug/pound/drink the whole container without breathing. Howls of victory and applause from the audience soon follow the ritual. Not to be outdone, nearby groups frequently start their own “Ikki” rituals. These rituals can often lead to beer chugging battles. At this point in the day short bursts of increased decibel levels are achieved.

Further waning of the sun attracts more partygoers to the parks. The soft sound of snoring comes from some of the weaker drink ritual participants while the less fortunate might be spotted laying dangerously close to small piles of their own vomit; add the scent of human bile to the scene. Loud uncontrollable spouts of laughter are much more prevalent from girls who no longer fear that the burning sphere above will embarrassingly reveal them to their neighbors. Wise parents have departed with their kin a few hours prior. The less wise parents now see their cue to do so.

At this point, those of western descent may easily become as popular as the cherry blossoms themselves. Japanese, a normally timid people, are affected by alcohol similarly to those from the west and in some cases more so. Having consumed enough liquid courage, their wanting to speak to westerners finally overcomes their fear of embarrassment in doing so. CURSE #1: If you do not have black hair and brown eyes you are stereotypically assumed to speak English (Woe to those who come from one of the many many countries who do not have English as its native language). CURSE (or likely BLESSING) #2: If you have a container in your hand containing alcohol goodness when you are approached, be prepared to drink much more.

Due to historical differences which I do not plan on boring you with, Westerners can usually drink more than their Asian counterparts. Being common knowledge among the educated Japanese, they are enamoured with the westerners’ ability to drink amounts that could likely poison them.

The overall technique they use in their approach can be described as cute. Usually only one or two Japanese will approach the group of foreigners leaving their own group behind. Opening remarks will be “Konichiwa” for the shy/less drunk while “Hello” will be heard from the more adventurous/drunk. With reference to the above, “Hello” is more commonly heard. The same is reciprocated from the foreigner party. It is after this greeting and before a fifth sentence is made that the Japanese soloist or duo will ask if we, the foreigners, like to drink alcohol. (You may be asking yourself, “What is cute about this”? The answer: nothing. What is cute though is the remaining group of Japanese that did not make the first approach. Their eyes are glued to their compatriots and their newly acquired foreign friends. Spying from behind the leg of mother night, they are very curious and wanting but still not sure if it safe to approach.) With the affirmative given the party starts kicking into high gear. The brave few who made the first approach wave over their remaining wide eyed friends whom are amazed that the foreign relations committee went over so successfully. The traditional cheers are made and the drinks go down the hatch. Another cute aspect is that you can see the Japanese peering at you from behind their drink as they watch you. After the initial cheers you will hear the inevitable equivalent of “You are a strong drinker”. It does not matter how much you drink. Out of either respect or drunken irrationality you ARE a strong drinker.

One Japanese party joining the western party is not an untold limit, heavens no. With the first party making contact it is not at all uncommon for other nearby parties wanting to get in on the foreign action. Eager to watch the foreigners drink more, the Japanese party/ies heads back to their base camp only to return moments later with their stash of alcohol in attempts to appease the mighty drinking westerners’ appetites! The rest as they say is a drunken blur.

Uruguay Casinos

Uruguay, the second smallest country in South America, allows three forms of legalized gambling: casinos, pari-mutuel, and horse racing. Tourists are the main visitors to the Uruguay casinos, where most of the well-known international games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, punto-bunco, and poker, as well as the ever popular slot machines, are played. Poker is extremely popular, as it is in most South American countries, and a number of different types are played here such as Caribbean Stud and Texas Hold'em.

There are 15 cities with 18 gambling facilities spread throughout the country in regions including Artigas, Atlantida, Carmelo, Chui, Fray Bentos, La Paloma, Paysandu, Piriapolis, Rivera, and Salto Grande. The Casino de Estado Victoria Plaza in Montevideo, the capital, has 12 table games and over 500 slots, while the largest Uruguay casino is the 36,000 square foot Conrad Resort and Casino in Punta del Este, with 80 table games and 640 slot and video gaming machines. Punta del Este is an upscale tourist spot, a beach resort located between the Rio de la Plata and the Atlantic Ocean. As a beach resort, it has the distinction of two different beaches, one for surfers, and one for calmer water activities such as swimming and water skiing. It is reasonable, therefore, that this resort would feature a large casino, as well, as part of its lively nightlife and daytime activities. There are also four restaurants, two bars, and a hotel at this resort. Two other large casinos in Punta del Este are the Mantra Resort and Spa, with 185 slots and 30 table games, and the Casino Nogaro with 240 slots and 10 table games.

Other Uruguay casinos include the Carmelo Hotel and Casino, with 48 slots and eight table games, and the Casino Hotel Rivera with 74 slots and nine table games. Salto, the 2nd largest town in Uruguay and linked to the neighboring country of Argentina by a bridge, also has a casino in the Hotel Horacio-Quiroga, with 50 slots and eight table games. This is another tourist-friendly place with numerous activities, such as water sports, horseback riding, sailing, and the well-known hot springs in the area. In addition, there are Uruguay casinos in various cities including the Casino de Estado Chui, the Sala de Esparcimientos in Artigas, the Sala Sarandi in Rivera, and the Sala Rocha that only offer slots and video gaming machines.

Uruguay may be a relatively small country, but it has a great deal to offer in the way of casinos and other gambling entertainment.

Get Bargains From Cheap Air Flights Travel Sites

Most of us find ourselves traveling by air once or twice a year when we get away on vacation while others travel on a monthly and even weekly basis on business. Whatever your purpose of traveling are, you will want to get to the destination fast and spend the minimal amount of money while not compromising on the comfort. Here is how you can get great good bargains by browsing on cheap air flights travel website.

Cheap Air Flights Travel Sites For First Time Travelers

Most first time travelers feel intimidated by the terms used on cheap air flights travel sites and the overwhelming response when they key in a search on the internet. However there are one cheap air flights travel sites that will jump at you as soon as you start your search and they are www.hotelscombined.com and www.cheapflights.com. Both of these are great websites to start your search because they don’t limit you to one airline but offer you a large pool of choice of major airline carrier.

The beauty of cheap air flights travel sites - When choosing an airline carrier, you will see that those listed against the price will be the amount of stops the carrier will have and the amount of times you may have to change planes during the flight. The more stops or changes you accept, the cheaper the flight ticket is. Or if you are looking for some last minute travel deal with no particular date or carrier preference, you may get cheap flight tickets at a fraction of the original price.

Cheap Air Flights Travel Sites For The Frequent Flyers

If you are a frequent flyer, you probably are enrolled in a few frequent flyers programs from different airlines that accumulate points each time that you travel. You can use these points to get discounts and even a free air ticket, usually with some restrictions. You can also find great bargains by accessing cheap air flights travel sites as they often have special bargains for frequent flyers randomly.

The internet has empowered us with all the tools necessary to search and get results whether it is cheap airline tickets, hotels and/or car rentals we are looking for. You can access the internet from almost any location - a lap top or an internet café.

Cheap Air Flights Travel Sites Helpful Tips

When browsing the internet in search of cheap air flights travel sites, try and check as many as possible and compare apples to apples. Note the fine print as many times if you book a hotel and a air flight together, you may get offered a overall package price.

Spring Break Bahamas Is A Desired Holiday Spot Of Many Tourists

Bahamas is a wonderful destination to spend your holidays as it is an island full of natural beauty. This island is very famous for its beauty and well known as a popular holiday destination. It is a great place to enjoy your holidays and tour lovers will definitely chill with it. You feel very delightful while going to an awesome place like Bahamas. Spring Break Bahamas makes you relax and provides you comfort from the monotonous routine of you life. Holidaying at this place can become an unsurpassed experience of your life. We are fed up with daily routine work and so we look for a break to give ourselves full relaxation. It becomes annoying for all of us to run from office to home and so a break is needed in order to regain the energy. You can get a vacation package from a tour operator.

A spring break Bahamas is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to enjoy a break from the daily work schedule. You can visit anytime you wish but spring is the best time to visit, it will be a good idea to visit the place then. Here you can find many scenic and pretty locations on the beaches of Bahamas. You will get a wonderful and unforgettable experience during your tour to this place. Before planning for your holiday to any location, get complete information about the location through various sources. This will make you familiar with the location and you can have a better time to enjoy your holiday in a new place about which you are unknown. You can search on web to know everything about Bahamas. Various tour operators provide cheap packages that can be availed by anyone who wants it. The vacation will refresh your mind and soul thus making you rejuvenated and come back to work with a new vigor.

This place has many amazing things to experience for a tourist. You can enjoy any water sports that you love. These long and wide spread deserted clean-white beaches are very fascinating and you can walk bare legs and enjoy the water and sands. It has become one of most preferred destination by almost every tour lover as it gives them everything that they have dreamt of in their tour. Spring break Bahamas will let you experience thrilling scenes, tasty food and many activities that makes you happy. If you are fond of water sports or related activities then diving, fishing, scuba diving playing on the sands with water and snorkeling are some of the popular events that you can opt choose to enjoy yourself. Get in touch with a tour operator who will arrange your tour and then you can visit the destination without any worry.

If you have not taken a package to the tour destination, then you must book hotels and flights in advance as during the peak season the hotels are already booked and you can face problem if you have not. You can opt for anything for your staying purpose whether hotel, villas or a resort. After visiting this place, you feel that you have got the real pleasures of life. The peace that you have been looking for in your city can be found here. You can spend hours on the beaches and relaxing with the soothing sound of wind and waves.

Incredible India With Pushkar Camel Fair

We arrive to the land of 1000 languages and 1000 gods. At the Intercontinental, the women in my group are welcomed with marigolds and branded with the typical red dot on our foreheads. This hotel is an oasis of luxury in a polluted city of 14 million people. Two days are spent touring Delhi. The obligatory sites include Gandhi’s Tomb and many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. No where else have ancient traditions blended with the modern on a scale so evident as in Delhi. Fat sacred Brahma bulls block traffic creating delays. In this Hindu land, cows rule. Dogs, monkeys and children cross at their own risk.

I love spiced food and begin each day with a 3 alarm-curry breakfast. We head by coach for Rajasthan, the beautiful desert state where cows are replaced by camels. The air is sweeter and everything more colorful. Here is a microcosm of all that India is. The people are genteel with a humility if spirit and still light up at the sight of foreigners. We continually wave through our windows to those who stare with curiosity and seem to say, “why have you come here?” As a fan of the third world, this place has been on my dream list for years. I now vividly enter that element of travel that provides me astonishment.

We’ve come to attend the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar that has taken place for a thousand years. As the world’s largest, it has at its peak attracted 50,000 camels with 200,000 traders. We unpack at our camp called Exotic Adventures. Our spartan tents did have ensuite toilets but toilet paper was at a premium. There was a 24 hour guard outside who stingily rationed our quota. In the desert, nights are frigid and afternoons sweltering. I confided to a guest there from the American Embassy that I felt like I was in an episode of “Survivor.” She laughed assuring me that it was all worth it. Soon my shock turns to awe as I enter the fairgrounds.

Set on miles of shifting sand dunes with festooned camels and a flood of pilgrims, the scene looks totally surreal. Its like a State Fair on steroids. There is a flurry of horse, bullock and camel races, contests for milking, animal decorating, turban tying, tattooing as well as snake charmers, free carnival rides, mystics, astrologers and dazzling stalls of handicrafts at giveaway prices. The ground reverberates with activities. Thousands of Rajasthani woman have arrived dressed in their finest clothes in near neon colors. I watch trained monkeys, painted cows and cobra’s dance. No words can adequately describe how this helter skelter overwhelms my 5 senses. Others can have Europe with its cathedrals and museums. For me, this exotic exposure and cultural immersion is the ultimate travel!

Covered in dust, we return to camp. Each night there is entertainment under the stars with musicians, folk dancers, puppet show or fire eaters. No alcohol is allowed here and all meals are vegetarian buffets. An Ayurveda Center offers us treatments to cleanse body toxins. We decline them: induced vomiting, enemas, nasal drainage and blood letting.

We tour the holy city of Pushkar with its sacred lake created by Lord Brahma. Pilgrims come from afar to bathe in the ghats and worship round the clock. We learn about religions here: Zorastrism, Sihkism, the mystic Sufi’s, Jainists who won’t kill a mosquito, Hinduism that claims no absolute truth and the caste system. We tour temples at the lake; some are “blessed” by priests. Later, a highlight for me was a one hour Camel Cart Safari behind the scenes of the fair. Children line our route shouting to us “hi, hello, one pen please!” We see a camel slaughtered and half naked people washing. Back inside the grounds, we visit an orphanage and scatter individually to get lost in the feverish revelry. We ride huge spitting camels that provide us a heightened perspective of it all. I purchase a dozen garnet necklaces and silver ankle bracelets. Teenage boys approach Terry to photograph him. He’s 6’5’’. One politely as him, “Sir, what do you eat?”

There are endless food courts however we must pass all enticements to prevent “Delhi Belly.” I find the cacophony of chaos delightful. Pushkar is truly a party affair for the locals and we are just observant guests. I’m so grateful to experience such but time to proceed on with our busy itinerary.

We arrive to the famed “Pink City” of Jaipur, now more deep maroon from pollution. In touring its palaces, fort and architectural marvels, we learn of the great Amber rulers and maharajahs of the Moghul empire. History comes alive and I find myself so interested in that which I never cared about. And here is a shopper’s paradise for silk sarees, gems, jewelry and marble crafts. I visited an animal sanctuary called “Help In Suffering.” The worst cases of various species are treated here by volunteer veterinarians. Forty five stray dogs are sterilized daily and I witness a surgery. (See www.HIS-INDIA.com ) You can simply mail them a check to help.

On to see the grand Fatehpur Sikri, “Ghost City of Akbar” that was abandoned due to scarcity of water. We finally reach Agra, a broken city of 2.5 million. Hawkers harass us. Chained bears dance for rupees in the street. Hungry children beg. We are thankful to lodge at the deluxe Sheraton here with its western cuisine and affordable massages at $20. It was like a galaxy change from the downtown.

After witnessing an eyeful of wonders along the way, we have saved the best for last at the world’s greatest tribute to love. Goosebumps rise as I enter the majestic gate to the Taj Mahal. Morning sunlight illuminates it like a flawless pearl…22 years to build by 200,000 men with 2 million pieces of inlaid semi-precious stones. After a lecture on why this perfect symmetry was created for Queen Mumtaz, we disperse to photograph what looks to be a mirage. It is poetry in architecture and as magnificent as can be imagined.

Back in Delhi, we all enjoy a free day of leisure to explore as we choose! Most go shopping as prices are extravagantly low but how many Pashmina shawls does one need? For our final evening we enjoy a show called “Dances of India” followed by a farewell feast of our Last (Indian) Supper.

I remises another journey well done with excellent guides, drivers, assistance and accommodations. I recall my favorite moment which took place at the fair when I hired two “body guides” to assist me through the crowds, Jamal and Ranshi. These two 11 year old boys bonded to me like barnacles and their beaming smiling faces will forever remain etched in my memory of India. This trip has renewed my curiosity of the world reminding me again that my love of travel proliferates itself. The more I see, the more I want to see.

This country is for the seasoned traveler. I am extremely impressed with the fortitude and patience of my group of 60 people in a land of erratic infrastructure. For some it was their first visit to the third world but they all persevered like pros. To witness suffering first hand is the fullest way to appreciate home. We saw things both appalling and joyful. The word “fascinating” however would sum up the entire trip. I must return again.

The Top 5 Holiday Destinations

The heap of anguish caused by the claustrophobic city life can only be eradicated when you take a stride down the blue beaches of Australia or relax at the foot of Christ De Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. When life demands too much and you want to escape from this mundane world, take a flight to one of your desired destinations and spend the holiday there with your loved ones. Give yourself a chance to enjoy the gorgeous Greek Island, scintillating Cuba or the magical Thailand. The unparalleled exquisiteness of the five top destinations below is alluring visitors to feast on the amazing beauty.

1. Australia - Whitsunday Islands

The spectacular scene of Australia has made it the suitable holiday destination for people from all over the world. The very thought of the coral reefs, lush rainforests and the amazingly warm ocean water would chill you up and you won’t be able to resist the charm of holidaying in this country. Whitsunday coasts and islands seem to have been naturally tailored to quench your need of getting lost in the soothing greens and serene blue of the water. The Islands are centrally located on the Queensland Coast where almost all flights have been given access. The airport is about 40 minutes away from the Airlie Beach and leisure can be enjoyed to the full extent. Apart from this Island particularly, Australia is encompassing within itself a wide array of holiday zones. The Gold Coasts, Hunter Valley, Sunshine coast, the wonderful Sydney and so on. At Whitsunday, you will get the opportunity to select resorts and hotels of your choice. The availability of the peaceful ambience, spas, swimming pools, gardens and other amenities will vary with the denomination of the accommodation you choose. The exciting Great Barrier Reef, the stunning beauty of the Proserpine River and the luxury yachts are bound to drive you ecstatic. Holiday packages to this Island will seem to be incomplete, as you will fall in love with Whitsunday forever.

2. Brazil - Rio de Janeiro

It may be the outstanding color of its beaches or the magical sound produced by the forests that has made the creation of samba music possible in Rio de Janeiro. The high-spirited people of this state make Brazil one of the liveliest places on earth. Those of you who are fond of sports must take your family to this city to enjoy the essence of sports and sporting spirit. The intense cultural life of ravishing Rio includes mind-blowing music and heart throbbing belly dances. The state is the pride of Brazilians for it includes within it, theaters, clubs, museums, beaches, gardens, forests, lagoons and the memorabilia of the World War II. Winter is full of events and it would the best time to take a flight to Rio and give your life a new refreshing turn. Hotels and inns are available at your fingertips, which you can reserve even via the Internet.

3. Greek Islands

If you are a travel freak then you must spend your next holiday at the Greek Islands, which are about 22 in number. Mykonos would take you down the memory lanes with the windmills turning the pages of history. Affordable hotels and excellent services are designed to make your visit very pleasurable. Naxos is the island of churches, Venetian castles and homes just opposite to the nightlife culture that Rhodes can give. Lesvos is a perfect destination to soothe your tired mind and eyes. Wildlife, restaurants, spas and greenery can cheer you up for the rest of the hectic year ahead. Most of the islands here are breathtaking and you can zoom through the clouds directly or can halt in mainland Greece and then move ahead. Accommodation places are always ample, just prior booking is essential.

4. Cuba

Vigorous salsa, mind-blowing architecture, exciting tropical beaches and the swashbuckling nightlife can be the most apt phrases to describe Cuba – the dream destination for most people. Relaxation coupled with luxury is going to make your holiday in Cuba one of the most memorable experiences. This unique and safe Caribbean Island has got a historic importance of its own. Fishing or sailing in a tranquil ambience can reinvigorate you to your fullest. The journey to Cuba would revitalize you, shedding all the lethargic loads that you had been carrying so far. Your stride through the Las Terrazas will enable you to relish the flora and fauna. The coffee at a famous Cafetal restaurant would make you nostalgic, and sips at the Darquiri cocktail at Tropicana Cabaret are definitely an enchanting experience. Ecological tours of the Western Cuba can also be a sumptuous and momentous moment for you. If you are looking for cheap eats and lodging, you can find it at this top holiday destination.

5. Thailand

Thailand gains prominence as one of the hottest tourist sports for the sky kissing mountains, green meadows, multi-colored orchids, fascinating native handcrafts, coupled with the tropical climate. The country is well known for the hospitality, and the local food is also superb to taste. For the active traveler, this can be the ideal spot to spend the holidays. Travel packages booked earlier can make your journey to this place an interesting one. Bangkok is the main gateway to Thailand where the international airport is situated. The religion followed in this country is Buddhism and everywhere place you visit, you are going to find information pertaining to Lord Buddha. The elephant conservation center, wildlife sanctuaries, Thai crafts and the fruit carving are simply wonderful. The capital Bangkok is of great prominence due to the natural beauty that it ensembles. Makha Puja, Flower festival, Pattya festival and the Sonkran festivals attract throngs of visitors every year to this country. For a cool escape, the southern beaches are a definite hot spot and are not to be missed, Phuket having the biggest tourism numbers followed by Koh Samui.

Holidaying in any of these top destinations will leverage the stressful life you live and will have to resume to after some days. Visits to these heavenly places will make your experience meaningful and you will find a new spirit to restart your life. So, keep aside all hesitations, pack your luggage and set off for the dream destination that you had been longing for so far!

China Travel

China, with an area of 9.6 million sq km, is the third largest country in the world, next only to Russia and Canada. Located in eastern Asia, China is bordered by Russia and Mongolia to the north; Russia and North Korea to the east; Russia and Afghanistan to the west; and India, Pakistan, Nepal, Burma, Bhutan, Vietnam, and Laos to the south. The capital of China is Beijing. Shanghai is the largest city.

Traveling to China is a life time experience and an ideal way to understand the land of cultural and geographic schisms. China offers immense opportunities for its visitors to make their travel quite interesting. Whether you are interested in Chinese culture, Chinese history, or simply to enjoy Chinese scenery, a trip through the Chinese mainland has it all.

If you don’t have a couple of years for exploring the Chinese mainland, it is a good idea to follow a loose itinerary. Some good suggestions along these lines include a trip from the Chinese capital to Tibet through Xi'an's terracotta warriors, following the traditional Silk route, sailing down the Yangtze River (which provides the most rarest and beautiful views of Mother Nature), or traveling around the Dr Seuss landscape of Guangxi Province.

Beijing has been crowned as the country’s capital for approximately 500 years. The city boasts some of the beautiful sights such as the off-limits palace of Ming and Qing emperors, the Forbidden City, their eunuch servants, princesses and harems. The Summer Palace, one of the major attractions, was constructed in the late Qing period. China’s renowned imperial legacy – the Great Wall – starts from Beijing. The wall can be viewed from numerous places, however, majority of the visitors approach it from Beijing.

The sacred mountains of China have always been major pilgrimage destinations for many centuries and all these mountains feature well marked trails to the summits. There are also stairways carved into rock faces, and sights en-route includes inscriptions and poems and several temples. The sunrise at the summit is inevitably one of the most noted attractions. Huangshan, Emeishan, and Taishan are the most popular mountains majority of the foreign tourists never miss in their China travel.

China also prides for being home to the largest Buddha statue in the world. The Grand Buddha at Leshan in Sichuan Province is 71 m high and carved into a cliff face which overlooks the meeting of the Dadu and Min rivers.

China’s well known collection of European architecture is lined up facing the sea on the Bund in Shanghai. Xiamen in Fujian Province features outstanding collections of colonial architecture, on Gulangyr Island.

Tourist attractions in China are too much information to cover. Hence it is better to contact a tourist operator first and get an idea about the possibility and cost of different tour programs before embarking on one.

Kenya Water Safari Holiday

In our Kenyan water and family safari holiday, we are looking forward to visiting the light house at Lake Victoria Safari Village in Mbita point. Spending a few days in it will be a new experience. The landscape from Kisumu to Luanda Kotieno on the shores of Asembo Bay, off the road to Bondo, is full of ancient features: age-old Cambrian rocks fill the Hills along the tarmac road and Kit Mikaye, the gigantic boulders sitting atop each other. At Ndori we turn left onto the dusty murrum road to Luanda Kotieno to catch the 11oclock ferry to Mbita point. It runs like clock work so if you miss it you have to wait for the next three hours for the next trip.

The Lake is calm, with water birds here and there and in a distance a strange dust devil appears. It’s a whole cloud of the harmless minute flies that breed in the water and sometimes in the swamp places.

Forty-five minutes later, we clock at Mbita point and soon we are at the gate of Lake Victoria Safari Village. The sign on the entrance promises relation at the Kenya water safari beach, bird watching and excursions on the Lake.

The Mfangano and Rusinga Islands

The light house stands stark white against the blue sky and the blue waters of Lake Victoria, making a perfect picture for a post card. The Islands of Rusinga, Mfa’ngano and the smaller twin’s one called Mbasa sit calmly on the Lake. The local fishermen ‘colorful boats sail on the roughening waves, there white sails at full mast. Finally we get to Lake Victoria Safari Village, a creation of odd Bredo, engineer of repute.

We are so excited about the white house that we waste no time climbing up the stairs and into the room with a view. Its Bredo dream house as he tells us about the building of the light house, which could be the only light house on the Kenyan side of Lake Victoria with justifiable pride.

“I build bridges,” says Bredo a Norwegian. He has worked in many countries in Africa and it was during one such project that he landed at Mbita point and met his wife Louise, and set up a new home on the shores of the Lake. That was in 1990 in between building bridges, Bredo’s busy working at Safari Village with the latest addition, the lighthouse.

Water safari light house experience

The lighthouse is stunning. It reminds me of calendar from Greece, with pictures of stark white houses surrounded by blue skies and waters. I start to visualize a delightful Kenya family safari on the waters of Lake Victoria.

We climb up the stairs and onto the patio eagerly waiting for Bredo to open the door to the light house. The white washed bedroom is spacious with windows opening to the Lake’s blue waters. It’s a beautiful roundavel with a four-poster bed facing the Lake, blue beaded Maasai necklaces on the walls and a small blue table and two chairs by the window. Blue is the traditional color of lighthouse decor. A platform with a collection of stones that once belonged to his mother forms an artistic showpiece of colors and shapes. There is nothing ostentatious or expressive in the room but it is a place you would, nevertheless, want to live in.

The platform conceals part of the staircase leading from the room to the bathroom below. If ever there was a bathtub with a view these has got to be it. Maya’s [my niece] audible expressions say it all. If the wall wasn’t there, the bath tub would blend in with the Lake. No wonder the lighthouse is the honeymooners dream hideaway.

Of the garden and colorful birds

After our guided full family trip around the lighthouse, and having unpacked and lounged on the bed overlooking the sea. I mean, I’m a water person so I’ am totally sold. We join Bredo in the garden for a cold beer. The bird life is just awesome. Within a few minutes at the lighthouse, I have seen a tiny malachite kingfisher fly-past in resplendent hues of blue and orange, pled kingfishers and the regal African kingfishers out of the horizon from behind the lighthouse and sweep down to grab a fish from the Lake.

The garden is filled with yellow weaver birds busy building nests on the thorn trees and Maya is busy building sand castles on the beach.

“The lighthouse is a structure for guiding ships using sharp lights,” Bredo explains,” but they are going out of fashion because of the GPS [Global Positioning System].In the olden days light houses where marked on maps. In those old days people lived in lighthouses to take care of the lights and operate the fog horn to guide the ships.”

The works that is the light house

Growing up in Norway, Bredo spent many summer holidays in light house which his father rented. It became a boyhood dream to build his own one day.
“Now I have the time to build one,” says the jovial Scandinavian. With a team of local artisans, he built the lighthouse in a year and opened it in October 2005.

“A lighthouse needs a very solid foundation because it’s surrounded by water and sand and built on a rocky peninsula. The walls are reinforced with columns and slope inwards.”

The place is magical. Its sunset and Bredo has a table set on the beach from where he wants to show us a perfect sunset. The sky turns gold, orange and red, with the blue getting faint as it darkens. The sun, a ball of gold, begin to slid in the dark waters bang in the middle of the twin Islands of Mbasa.Its stunning, its surreal.

Golden Sunset in Kisumu

“The sun sets between Mbasa Islands from December 23. It then begins to move true west,” he explains, pointing at Mfangano Island” and you see the sun setting there on September 23.It keeps moving and sets on the pointed peak[facing us]on Rusinga Island on June 23,after which it shift back to true west by March 23 and back to the twin Island by December 23.” Nothing is more captivating in your Kenyan family and water safari than to watch the golden sunset over Lake Victoria.

FACT FILE

It’s a beautiful lodge and very economical. Drive to Kisumu, take the road to Mbondo and turn off at Ndori, drive on the murram road to Luanda Kotieno. Its three hours from Kisumu. Alternatively drive via Kisii. Full direction can be got from landmark safaris.com. These are eight bandas and the lighthouse. Great for families or those who want to visit Ruma National Park or enjoy their Kenyan water safari holiday.

Experience the Beauty of the Caribbean Beaches

Caribbean islands offer you Caribbean beaches that are second to none. The beaches here are sure to take your breath away. The beaches boast of white warm sand and clear pristine water. You can enjoy shade of coconut palms on some beaches while on others you can have a look at picturesque cliffs. So, there is no dearth of things to do on Caribbean beaches, be it sunbathing, or clicking the panoramic sites here or even collecting shells and swimming in the waters.

Caribbean beaches are essentially a delightful experience for anyone but before you take the plunge there are a few things you can try to remember.

It is true that swimming is very safe in Caribbean beaches but you should be careful of rip currents which are also known as undertow. It is always advisable not to swim alone because most of the Caribbean beaches don't have lifeguards.

If you are thinking of taking sunbath, always apply sunscreen and drink a lot of fluids. You would find that most of the Caribbean beaches have public beach that could be accessed by anyone but there are beaches which are exclusive for resort guests only. And yes, when it comes to resorts, you can not always trust brochure pictures. It is seen that with fall in prices, the facilities associated with resort beaches also deteriorate. And yes, one more point. There are some places where no one would care if you decide to bathe topless but at other Caribbean beaches, it won't be allowed.

Tour to Caribbean is all about exploration and finding your own special places. The number of Caribbean beaches is many but we are going to touch a few important ones.

ARUBA

Aruba is certainly one of the most popular Caribbean beaches. What is more it has consistently been named as one of the best beaches in the world. So, if you want to swim in its pristine waters or go on sailing to un-chartered territories or want to enjoy the myriads avenues to get fun here, you can't find a better place than Aruba. Its Palm Beach is considered one of the most popular places not just in Aruba but also in the whole of Caribbean and as such it remains very much crowded throughout the winters.

ANTIGUA

If you ask any locals here, you would be told that there is at least one Caribbean beach for you for every day of the year. And it is certainly not exaggeration. Half Moon Bay getting its name from crescent shape of moon and Dickenson Bay are the two more popular beaches. The former is a part of national park and as such there is no lack of activities here including wind surfing and snorkeling. You can easily get equipments for water sports on rent.

BAHAMAS

It is really a jewel amongst the Caribbean islands. It is one of the major tourist destinations here. This island caters to a variety of tastes right from shops, to restaurants to water sports to a casino for gambling enthusiasts. Paradise Island (Nassau) is a major center here. If you need a little bit privacy and seclusion visit Arawank Cay and Adelaide Village in Nassau. There are a number of shacks and huts here.

Nude beaches won't be that much of problem here. After all we are talking about thousands of Caribbean beaches here. But always follow local customs and do look out for any family beaches near to you.

Cheap Las Vegas Travel - Easier, Faster, and Cheaper

The worlds gambling capital has been the center for adult entertainment for more than half a century, and more recently Las Vegas has also become a centre of tourism and family orientated attractions. Las Vegas is known worldwide as a must see travel destination. There is no other place where you can have a drink and sample of different cuisine and play a slot machine or video poker game 24 hours a day. It also possesses an overload of bars, bed and breakfasts, clothing and gift shops that are also prime spots for cruising. In Las Vegas, it is impossible for you to get bored since in this city, something new is always coming up. That is why this city is special.

Meanwhile, the ultimate obstruction to most people to take their dream Vegas travel is the price. Even domestic trips are not affordable for the majority. And since traveling also includes hotels, foods, and entertainment and not only limited to plane tickets, the price would surely sum up. So more often than not, traveling remains a dream.

But if the price is only reason why you hinder yourself from traveling, then there is already a solution. Cheap travel companies offer relatively low travel cost compared to regular travel agency. An in the effort to bring you closer to your Las Vegas travel, these companies would help and guide while making important decisions regarding the trip. And when you make deals, you are assured the have a decent yet cheap trip to Las Vegas.

How to get cheap Las Vegas travel?
Looking for a cheap Las Vegas travel has never been so easy. Not too long ago, traveling to Las Vegas only means to contact your travel agent and have your trip arranged for you. When the agent is done then you are ready to go. But now, there is another option.

With the availability of the Internet, all you have to do is log on. The Internet is a rich source of travel sites that offer cheap travel to Vegas. Google your keywords and choose from several cheap travel Las Vegas travel company. When you have selected your site, you can get an instant quote. And if you want, you can already pay for the cost it suggests. Sign up and the next thing you know, you are in Las Vegas.

Also, for first time Las Vegas vacationers, it is always advised to book your trip ahead as much as possible. Ask for the cheapest rate and decide what you think is the best for you. Although online sites offer step-by-step procedure when you schedule your trip, it is always wise to have a planned vacation at the back of your mind.

What is good about cheap Las Vegas travel is that it gives you all the options of traveling like the regular Las Vegas travel. You can choose the schedule of your trip, your preferred itineraries, and price of your ticket. You can even get travel insurance with cheap Las Vegas travel. Now you don't have to worry about the unforeseen expenses while enjoying the lights and sounds of the city.

Travel cheap to Las Vegas. Not only you will see the extravagance of the city but also you can experience the real Vegas- larger than life.

Cheap travel to Las Vegas - its' easy, it's fast, and it's cheap

What to see in Egypt

1. The pyramids at Giza. This may sound obvious but visiting them is not the only option. You can go inside them, ride camels around them and possibly most spectacular of them all, visit them and night and view the awesome Sound and Light Show at the pyramids. In the darkness of night, the Sphinx is lit up and narrates the history of the Pyramids. In addition a fantastic soundtrack plays and lasers dance all over the Pyramids. This show is a MUST.

2. Kings Tuts Mask. The mask of the child king, just has to be seen in person to be believed. The intricate work is one thing, but there is just an amazing “aura” of peace around this artefact. Words simply cannot describe what you will feel as you stand in front of it.

3. Abu Simbel. This is a true past and present wonder. The past is obvious, but as a present day wonder, not everyone realises that this entire structure was moved to make way for Lake Nasser. That alone makes it well worth the trip out from Aswan to view it.

4. Valley of the Kings. I personally love Luxor and the Valley of the Kings is a true site to behold. Despite its close links to death, there is a truly peaceful feeling there. It should be mentioned however that not all the tombs are worth seeing. You entry tickets gets you into 3 of the tombs and you can pay extra for others and for King Tuts tomb too. The 3 we suggest visiting are Ramses I, Tuthmosis III and Ramses VI .

5. Luxor Temple. This temple is located right on the bank of the River Nile and is a great place to stroll at leisure. Ironically an amazing view of this place can also be seen from the second floor of the McDonalds opposite – sorry it’s true !

6. A Felucca sailing on the Nile. Best taken in Luxor (opposite the entrance to Luxor Temple) this is a simple yet fantastic pleasure. We suggest heading out early in the afternoon, partly because the river provides a welcome rest from the days heat, but mainly because the return journey will see the sun setting over the Nile and this is something just not to be missed.

7. Karnak Temple. This temple complex can be visited either by day or night. If you can do both, do both, but if you can only do it once, do it at night. Karnak Temple is a huge place and is lit beautifully and as you wander around and the story of its history unfolds, you are truly transported to another time and place. The final act takes place overlooking a lake where the temple is stunningly lit and reflected in the still waters in front of you.

8. Diving in the Red Sea. Diving in places like Hurghada, Dahab and Sharm el Sheikh is some of the best in the world and if you are a beginner, where better to learn that at the Red Sea Riviera !

9. A Nile Dinner Cruise (in Cairo). Arguably a little cliché, but if you can get past that, then a Nile river cruise in Cairo is well worth doing. The skyline is beautifully lit and as your cruise ship heads out into the dark waters, you are sure to have a romantic evening which you will never forget.

10 Riding a Camel. It just has to be done ! The best locations are at the pyramids on the West Bank of the Nile in Luxor. Here it can be done nicely in conjunction with a trip on the Nile by felucca (stopping for a camel ride during the afternoon).

Adventure Sports Make Your Vacation Unforgettable

Haven’t you ever wondered how going on a wild adventure and experiencing the rush of a brand new escapade feels like? If you’d like to bring a little more adrenalin into your life you might want to consider taking up some adventure sports. An adventure travel experience is just the thing for those in search of something different and exciting. You can spice up your vacation by trying out thrilling adventure sports such as rock climbing, hang gliding, white water rafting, windsurfing and much more. All you have tot do is decide on what kind of adventure you’d like to embark on. At advenquest.com you will find all the information you need about adventure travel.

Adventure travel is a type of tourism which involves exploring remote locations and experimenting thrilling activities. This form of tourism has rapidly grown in popularity as it offers travelers completely new and unexpected experiences. Risk takers consider it to be the only way to travel while others are eager to have an unusual holiday, different from the classic beach vacation they have been used to. Part of the popularity of these adventure holidays comes from the certain degree of risk they involve. Traveling to remote and exotic locations and taking part in a completely new experience, which may be at times difficult and dangerous, is very appealing. Adventure travel is said to usually include at least two of the following three ingredients: a cultural exchange, a physical activity and engagement with nature. No matter what type of adventure you might choose to embark on, the experience will definitely be unforgettable.

There are many types of adventure sports you can choose from, depending on what kind of experience you prefer. For instance, if you want to try out a water-related sport you have a number of options. White water rafting is among the most popular water adventure sports in the world. Rafting is a river descent using a customized inflatable raft. Rivers are graded with numbers from 1 to 6, indicating their level of danger. If you are looking for an easy descent you should go for a level 1 river. Level 6 is considered to be pure madness and only the bravest and most experienced daredevils attempt a descent. The best part of white water rafting is that anyone can try it out, experience is not a requirement. A qualified guide will join you every step of the way and you don’t even have to be able to swim because you’ll be wearing a buoyancy aid. Another popular water sport which will definitely provide an exciting experience is scuba diving. Exploring the beautiful underwater sceneries and taking a close look at the brightly colored and abundant sea life is a unique experience. Other exciting water sports include windsurfing, sailing, waterskiing, kite surfing, power boating and snorkeling. You can find out more information about these adventures at advenquest.com.

If you’re looking for adventure on land or even in the air, there are many sports out there which will make your heart race. Hang gliding for instance is a great adventure sport for those who want to know what flying feels like. The objective is to stay airborne and fly the longest distance possible. Launching yourself into thin air from high ground will surely give you an adrenalin boost. Bungee jumping is another extreme adventure which most people find fantastic. It takes a certain amount of courage and madness but after you’ve made the jump the sensation makes it all worth while. If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, there are plenty of adventure sports you can take up. A very popular activity for people in search of new adventures is canyoning. This activity requires you to travel through canyons by walking, climbing, jumping, swimming, scrambling or whatever it takes to reach your objective. If you don’t feel like canyoning you can try other activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, ice climbing, horseback riding or even zorbing.

Adventure travel has grown substantially in popularity over the past few years. People no longer seek the classic beach vacations and are much more inclined to try exciting new things. Adventure sports will surely give your vacation that kick you’ve been looking for. At advenquest.com you can find out which adventure is right for you and how you’re going to get there.

India's Fastest Growing Cities

New Delhi is the capital city of the Republic of India and the seat of the government of National Capital Territory of Delhi. The city was destroyed and built seven times. Delhi is one of Indias fastest growing cities. The city has two distinct parts, New Delhi and Old Delhi. The streets of the city are narrow and bustling. It has some of the finest museums in the country.

You can buy almost anything in Delhi includes zardozi, embroidery made with gold and silver thread and attar, an essential oil made with flowers and herbs. You are expected to bargain hard.

The best markets for hand spun cotton clothes, are South Extension I & II and Greater Kailash and are the hot spots for designer as well as Western chain brand names. Bengali Market, is especially renowned for its sweet shops and large bustling cafescafs. The markets of Old Delhi do not take credit cards but most shops in New Delhi take cards.

It is notoriously difficult to obtain an alcohol licence and many of the watering holes and nightclubs are in the five star international hotels with the prices to match. Wine in is very expensive and frequently of indifferent quality those who wish to drink would be well advised to stick to spirits, beer or cocktails. You still have to look hard for bars and clubs even though there are multiplying.

The licensing laws have been relaxed and the young are making up ground, drinking not just beer and spirits but adventurous cocktails. It is still quite expensive one drink can cost more than a night in a budget hotel.

The India Gate is one of the impressive structures built in Delhi, with lush green lawns in the backdrop. This historic monument was built as a memorial to commemorate the 90,000 Indian soldiers killed in the first world war. This monument was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The construction was completed in 1931 A.D.

The magnificent Rashtrapati Bhawan, can be located on the Rajpath road. The gate is 160 feet high with an arch of 138 feet. The monument was dedicated to the nation by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. Rashtrapati Bhawan is the official residence of the President of India. A portion of the building houses the Presidents Secretariat. The Durbar Hall is used to conduct such state functions as the swearing in of the Prime Minister and his Council of Ministers and presentation of military and civilian honours.

Bored Of A Bland Life? Keys's The Key To All Adventure

If life seems a sloth, Florida Keys is the place to be. Very few places in the world have such an impressive array of adventurous activities as this. Not just beautiful beaches and exotic locations, Florida Keys, or simply Keys, is any adventure-lover’s delight. The variety you can indulge in, the beauty you can revel in, is second to none. So what are you waiting for? If adventure thrills you and if you can’t put down the call of the wild, pull up your socks and head straight for Florida Keys. Enjoy its store of fun and action.

Now let’s take a quick peek at what Keys offers to put the zing back in your insipid life.

Diving/Snorkeling

One of the most popular activities in the Keys is diving. Be it an easy and shallow reef diving, or a deep adventure on sunken wrecks—the Keys has it all. The living coral reef is more inviting than you can possibly imagine and the warm, clear blue water here is home to the marvelous marine creatures, which you can easily meet when you dive deep or snorkel. No wonder it’s called the Dive Capital of the world!

Fishing

If you’re in the Keys, you can’t afford to miss the fishing, for this place has one of the world’s finest fishing opportunities. Whether you fish offshore in a powerboat equipped with heavy tackle (for big catches) and light rods and reels (for small catches), or you explore the backcountry waters for sharks and barracudas, you must go fishing at the Keys to experience the real fishing delights.

Kayaking

To make your Florida Keys vacation memorable, go kayaking on the tranquil Atlantic shores with your beloved or just sail along watching the beautiful sunset. You can take full or half day kayaking tours that are usually offered. You may also go on shallow-water skiff eco-tours or the backcountry catamaran cruises.

Bird Watching

A unique chance to watch the rarest birds lies here at the Keys. Over 180 bird species are found here and some 60 are bred. You’ll find the Broadwing, Swainson, sharp-shinned hawks, mangrove cuckoo, Antillian nighthawk, Buntings, Orioles, Tanagers, Terns, Vireos, herons, egrets, gulls, yellow warblers and many more spectacular birds if you watch sharply.

Dolphin Watching

If that wasn’t enough, Florida Keys has dolphin watching fun schedules to offer as well. You can take eco-tours around the coral reefs and watch the famous Atlantic bottle-nose dolphins play in their natural environment. And if you’re vacationing with kids, dolphin-watching can be one surefire winner in your itinerary. So watch out!

Even that’s not all. When you’ve had it all—diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, bird or dolphin watching—Florida Keys still has more on its platter. You can go parasailing, or get wave-runners and aqua-cycles to get the whole family into action.

Maldives Holidays, the Ultimate Island Getaways

Located in the warm Indian Ocean, Maldives is a cluster of tiny islands, 26 to be exact, home to a wonderful blend of exotic cultures and traditions. As a testament to the culture, the word Maldives means "Mountainous Islands" in the exotic local language of Tamil, still spoken by many local natives. Because of the mountainous topography, only the small low lying inlets are inhabited. It is on these small quiet inlets that breathtaking ocean views, white sand beaches and lush palm trees are available for all who come to enjoy luxurious Maldives holidays.

Hotels in Maldives

A typical journey to the Maldives is centered around a beautiful resort hotel. In most cases, an island will contain only one resort, adding to the privacy and the experience. The inhabitants of the island are only the support staff necessary to make the vacation as relaxing as possible, there are no natives. If a cultural trip, filled with history and anthropology is desired, many resorts offer shuttles to other islands. There, it is possible to get a glimpse into the lives of Maldives natives. Many of the natives still fish using ocean kayaks and rudimentary nets. For the people who inhabit these islands, their families have lived here for generations, unchanged by time and untouched by western civilization. Maldives vacations can be eye opening windows into the past.

If experiencing nature is the goal, there are many opportunities located directly on the resort island. Using the resort as a base of operations, holiday visitors to the Maldives will have the freedom to explore the island in any way they choose. On land, mountain biking or hiking in the mountains is a common pastime and the best way to get up close to the local wildlife, including birds of paradise. Many resorts and hotels in Maldives have their own aquatic facilities; some have world-class dive centers.

In the ocean, many visitors try parasailing or boating. Boating provides a unique opportunity to see different islands in the Maldives or possibly catch some of the deep sea fish that lurk nearby. In the ocean, SCUBA diving and snorkeling in the clear warm water surrounding each island is stunning. Each island is like a natural aquarium: surrounded by pristine coral reefs filled with thousands of colorful fish.

For some, high adventure excursions, like hiking, biking and SCUBA, are too stressful. For these visitors, each resort offers white sand beaches and swimming in the warm calm waters of the Indian Ocean. The shallow reef surrounding each island serves as a break wall for any waves or currents that might be present in the open ocean. Additionally, the resorts offer amenities like souvenir shops, restaurants and bars. Often it is possible to play sports, like tennis and beach volleyball right on the island, all the while enjoying the beautiful scenery and warm weather.

Maldives holidays are truly a once in a lifetime experience: no other place on earth offers a feeling of serenity so intense. Nearly anything is possible on each private resort island. The goal of the Maldives Islands is to mix the beauty of nature with the fun and relaxation of a true resort vacation.