Bolivia the rugged high plains

Bolivia is sometimes called the Tibet of the Americas, for its arid, high-altitude desert-like plateau, more vivid when called by its Spanish name altiplano. This is one of the toughest inhabited environments on earth from shimmering Lake Titicaca, the only lake to give birth to an empire, to the surreal Salar de Uyuni, the biggest and highest salt lake in the world – 12,000 sq km of blinding white, completely flat nothingness.

Bolivia has also been called the Nepal of the Americas, for its Cordillera Real with almost a thousand peaks soaring over 5,000 meters and matching anything the Himalayas can offer in climbing and trekking, but with much less of the human traffic.

The major attraction tourists have for Bolivia is its wild, unexplored natural beauty. The country, or the greater part of it, lies off the beaten track; a vast wildness waiting to be seen and appreciated. This land-locked country at the heart and peak of South America offers magnificent trekking, especially around Coroico and Sorata in the Cordillera Real. You can go to the Amazonian rainforests in its eastern parts by breath-taking airplane flights or by hair-raising, or rather, heart-stopping bus rides.

Special Treats

Some travel companies offer the adventurous a one-week ice-climbing and biking vacation. After a day of training on the mountain bike, you pedal away on a mountain road ringed on the sides with 800-foot drops. If that’s not enough, another route will pass by a section with a 14,000-foot drop. The route takes you from the peak of the Chacaltaya Mountain and goes down into the impenetrable jungles of the Zongo Valley. A brief rest, and then you undergo one more day of training prior to a two-day climb up Huayna Potosi, one of the highest peaks in the world at 20,000 feet.

What Else to Do

Most parts of the country are remote, and can be reached only by long bus rides. Vacations lasting a few weeks would hardly be enough to see what should be seen. You may have to fly to other destinations. La Paz is the jump-off point for Bolivia’s sites. From the capital La Paz, you could take a trip north to the city of Tiahuanaco, which preceded the great Inca Empire; further north is Lake Titicaca. On the lake is the beautiful Isla del Sol, where legend says the Inca empire was created. You can also go down a terrifying but spectacular road to Coroico, a popular resort town in the sub-tropical Yungas valleys.

With more time, you could explore the remote corners of the Southern Altiplano. Old colonial Potosi is said to be the most interesting of Bolivia’s cities and the site of the Spanish silver mines. Nearby is the official capital, Sucre, with its fascinating colonial architecture. Southwest of Potosi is Uyuni, which sets you off on a 3-4-day tour to the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt lake. Further south, near the Chilean border, are deserts, volcanoes and multi-colored soda lakes carpeted with flamingoes. The south is also home to the vineyards of Tarija and the graveyards of dinosaurs. The Sajima National Park, near the Chilean border, includes the highest peak in Bolivia.

East of La Paz, you escape the cold of the altiplano and go down the Amazon jungle towards Brazil. The Torotoro National Park is full of fossils, dinosaur footprints, caves and waterfalls, the real trip for those who love the unbeaten paths.

Bolivia’s newest attraction is the Chalalan Eco-lodge, in the Madidi National Park, right in the Amazon jungle. This is ecotourism in capital letters, and the place has the greatest biodiversity in the whole planet. There are over 300 types of birds, 1,200 butterfly species, monkeys, jaguar, tapir, caiman, and other wildlife.

Best time to go

Bolivia’s roads are notoriously poor, so you’ll want to avoid the rainy season from November to March, if you want to visit the jungles. The Altiplano does not get much rain, so timing is not so crucial although hiking trails can get muddy. June and July, the winter months, are colder but the nights are clearer, and these are the best months to visit the Salar de Uyuni. June to August are the busiest tourism months and hotels will be full. The best festivals (Carnival and Holy Week) happen during the rainy season.

Planning your trip

Airlines are busiest from early December to mid-January and July to September. The best connections to La Paz are through Sao Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires or Miami. The main cities have their hotels, but away from them, there are suitable hotels for every budget, which offer excellent value – not luxurious but clean and popular with travelers.

Make it monumental visit new delhi - travel information

New Delhi, part of what is commonly referred to as just Delhi (yes, there is an Old Delhi), is the most ideal base from which to discover the marvels and wonders of India’s ancient subcontinent. Travel to New Delhi to discover India’s capital city, one of the oldest existing cities in the world, then journey to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and heighten your senses in the Himalayas on your way back. Find airfare to New Delhi in minutes with cFares and experience the colorful mosaic of east and west cultures in the heart of a Delhi marketplace before you know it!

Not So New Delhi

It is believed that Delhi has been destroyed and rebuilt nearly a dozen times since its original establishment sometime close to 5000 years ago; surprisingly, this fact only adds to the incredible historical appeal of the clustered districts, royal edifices and spiritual sanctuaries. The generational layers of history and architecture are apparent in monuments, public art displays, and ancient gardens as New Delhi expanded to the south of the old city, incorporating preexisting communities and infrastructure.

Today, New Delhi is considered the center of the city and also the seat of government. The colossal Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) is a magnificent structure originally titled the Viceroy’s House under British rule. The 350 room palace displays a well studied blend of classical Greek and Indian architecture. If you are lucky enough to travel to New Delhi in February you will find the blooming red rose gardens open to the public. Make your way to the east side of New Delhi and back into time at the Red Fort, one of the most glorious royal compounds still standing today. Notable buildings include the Jewel Palace, Mumtaz Mahal, which once housed the Sultan’s harem and the Diwan-i-Khas, Hall of Private Audience, which was constructed entirely of marble.

Navigating New Delhi

New Delhi is centered about to major circles: Connaught Place and India Gate. Connaught Place is an excellent place to begin your walking and get acquainted with the pace and lifestyle of India’s bustling commercial zones. You will find the largest collection of crafts and trade stores in the comfort of indoor air conditioning as well as excellent bargaining opportunities. To the south, India Gate stands as a monument to Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Nearby you will find the National Museum, a must see for comprehensive Indian culture and heritage, and the Tibet House, founded by the Dalai Lama to promote the preservation and perseverance of Tibetan culture. The long wide avenue from India Gate to the President’s Palace, Rajpath, provides a wonderful escape for a quieter walk and expanses of grass ideal for a midday picnic.

Remember to take the extremes of weather into account when booking your airfare to New Delhi on cFares. The summer months exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit on a regular basis while late spring offers the rainy season and the winter months drop all the way down to zero. The ideal time to explore the vast and monumental sights of New Delhi is during October-November and February-March when temperatures are more mild on average.

Whitby s nautical heritage

Whitby's nautical heritage runs deep in the town's blood, and everywhere you go there are reminders of this affiliation - from the dark passageway leading to the old and evocatively-named Old Smuggler cafй, nestled unexpectedly between two modern shops on Baxtergate - to the more obvious reminders in and around the town's harbor.

Whitby's first and last link with the sea was fishing - ever since its foundation, fishing has been a means of supplying the settlement with food, but over the years fishing and ship-building were to grow from subsistence and small-scale businesses to become major sources of income for the town.

By 1706, Whitby was the sixth-largest shipbuilding port in the UK, building more than 130 cargo ships each year. The output of the local alum mines kept local merchant shipowners busy transporting alum for the textile and tanning industries, and the coastal trade in coal had a strong presence in Whitby.

Although the alum industry gradually closed down in the 19th century, rendered redundant by more modern dyeing technologies, by then the Industrial Revolution had led to an increase in demand for one of the fishing industry's most lucrative seasonal catches - herrings.

Once a year, in late summer, fishing boats from as far afield as Scotland and Cornwall would converge on Whitby, ready to take their share of the herring catch. Much of the fish was exported and for a time both supply and demand for the little silver fish seemed insatiable.

The period from 1753 until the middle of the 19th century also saw great wealth and success for Whitby's whalers, which although fewer in number could make huge profits from a single trip, creating a number of extremely wealthy men in the town. The whaling industry is commemorated by a huge whalebone arch, several times the height of a man, which stands at the top of the steps leading to West Cliff. Nearby stands an equally impressive statue of Captain James Cook, perhaps Yorkshire's most famous seafarer.

Today, fishing is conducted on a fairly small scale, with a mixture of a few deep sea trawlers, and rather more smaller boats which are used to catch the shellfish that Whitby is so popular for. Most of this freshly-caught produce will later grace the tables of luxury restaurants, both in the town and elsewhere in the UK. Its premium quality fetches strong prices and is one of the ways in which the fishing industry continues to survive in Whitby.

Many of today's visitors to Whitby are content simply to see, smell and occasionally paddle in the sea, but for those of a more adventurous or hands-on nature, there are a range of seagoing activities available.

Lovers of deep-sea fishing will find ample opportunities to practice their craft, with both group charter services and scheduled excursions available, often with all equipment provided.

There are a range of boat trips available in season, appealing to the inner child within us all - Whitby's old lifeboat makes regular trips around the bay, and for the more adventurous rides on a jet-boat are on offer.

Cheap hotel in pattaya helps you cut down the expenses

Pattaya is one of the major tourist destinations of Asia continent. It is a place that has got all the ingredients of making a holiday a memorable one. So, if you too want to plan your next holidays in Pattaya, you can find out a cheap hotel in Pattaya to cut down the expenses of the entire trip. Although, in most cases, it is difficult to find a cheap accommodation and get the desired location and facilities but if you want to save money you have to let off the luxuries.

But when you try to find out a cheap hotel make sure that you do not compromise on the basic amenities. For example, there is a misconception that a cheap hotel refers to the one, which does not provide proper linen and clean bathrooms. But this is not true. It depends upon the traveler. He/she has full authority to check the details of a hotel before he/she books one. And this becomes more important when you want to go for a cheap hotel.

Pattaya is a one of the World’s best beach resorts because of which it attracts millions of tourists every year. For this reason, the tourism department has to take care of every type of tourists. And that is why; here you can find many cheap hotels that offer you good accommodation and the basic facilities. The reason why these hotels offer you their services at cheaper rates is that either they are located in some distant area, far away from the center of the city or they do not offer the luxuries of the five star hotels. And most importantly, at places like Pattaya, the competition is tough between the hotels and hence they try to offer their services at the least possible price and the guest gets benefited.

So, it is not that you have to compromise on the quality of the accommodation that much in a cheap hotel. And this can only be ensured when you choose a cheap ones with much care. You can also find cheap accommodation with the help of those services that offer discounts. You can take advantage of these discounts in off-season. The hotels do not have much customers and that is why they offer you services at less price.

So, if you want to find a good but if you can find cheaper hotel in this city, then take help of the Internet. The Internet has directories for all the hotels in Pattaya and you can find out the cheaper ones. There are details of the specific hotels so that you can sort out the ones that offer you maximum benefits at the least price. Also, you can find out what you will get and what will not be there in a chosen cheap hotel. This prepares to accept the ambience and still enjoy your holiday.

When you plan to go to Pattaya, for sure you are going to spend much time outside your hotel. So, it is no harm to go for a cheap hotel in Pattaya on the condition that it offers the basic services.

How to travel on motorbike

Do you remember those dull family road trips that you took when you were a kid? You were stuffed in the back of a station wagon for days at a time, following your parents’ schedule. Now is your chance to redeem those miserable days and see the country on your own terms. The United States is an ideal land to travel across by motorcycle. You can be your own boss and choose your own adventures on bike holidays. You answer to no one on the open road with a heavy hog under you burning up the pavement. There is nothing between you and nature. With the sun on your face and the wind in your hair, you can have an intimacy with the landscape that you couldn’t enjoy in a car, train, or plane. There are ample routes to take on a motorcycle in the American West especially.

An extremely popular place to ride motorcycles is up and down the Pacific coast. You can start in the cool air of Oregon or Washington and make your way down the coast to California. The Pacific highway is gorgeous, overlooking ocean vistas. Just watch out for the drop – there are some curvy parts of the road. From California you can bike across the desert to Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Strip is an ideal place to sightsee on a motorcycle. Parking is free and abundant whenever you want to get off your bike and try your luck in one of the city’s many casinos.

You can bike through New Mexico, taking in the vast plateaus and deserts from the back of your ride. You can visit Roswell, the town where a UFO is rumored to have landed in 1947. Check out the amazing restaurants in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Park your bike and stop in a watering hole to absorb some local flavor and ingredients. The Mexican-influence cuisine can be spicy. New Mexico is also home to Lincoln County, famous for its affiliation with Billy the Kidd and his gang of marauders. There is plenty of picturesque camping in New Mexico, especially near Cloudcroft, where you can set up camp in the mountains and rest up for your next day’s travels. Camping is an ideal way to save on hotel fees. You can purchase a light tent and sleeping bag that can easily be strapped to your motorbike. Travel with bikes is also cheaper than travel in a car because of all the money you save on gas.

If you’re interested in the Civil War, there are plenty of battlegrounds to see on a motorcycle. You can drive across the Wilson’s Creek, Pea Ridge, and the Westport battlegrounds in Arkansas and Missouri. If you are interested in staying on the East Coast of the United States, consider taking your bike north across the border. There are beautiful rides through Canada and Nova Scotia. Just be sure to go in the summer because the climate can be very cold up north in the winter. In summer the weather will be ideal – not too hot but pleasant enough to spend days on the back of your bike, taking in the open air.

Unwind yourself on your relax vacation

Going to a spa is the perfect way to unwind and revive yourself while you are on your relax vacation. There are different kinds of spas and you can be assured of finding one that seems to be tailor made for your particular needs.

The Aveda Spa at Alexis Hotel - You can choose from a total body massage, which starts from $ 45, to the special Himalayan Rijuvenation Body Treatment at approximately $125. This treatment is a holistic rejuvenation treatment using both herbs and aromatherapy. There is also the Total Body Elixir Treatment, which costs about $75. Should you want to continue your treatments after going home, then you can buy the skin care products that are sold at the Spa.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa - This spa gives you a choice of fitness and health services. Private treatment rooms are available where hydrotherapy, mineral soaks as well as Swedish and Sports massages are offered. In addition to healing rubs, total body composition analysis and fitness evaluation can be had here.

Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa on Maui - This famous spa offers a variety of treatments in its facility which spans 50,000 square feet. With a choice of five aromatic baths, all the benefits of aromatherapy, which is a multifaceted art, are available to you. The Spa however is famous for the Termй Wailea Hydrotherapy. For about $500, you can indulge yourself and your partner in a Sandalwood Serenity wrap, which is a Speciality Bath for two, and then have a side-by-side massage for the two of you. This treatment at the Spa Grande is sure to completely revive you and relax you.

Marriott's Wentworth by the Sea at New Castle - The complimentary beverages which are served in the relaxation room set the right note to the kind of pampering that you can expect at this wonderful spa. Facial treatments, which include the French Ogenage Facial and the Royal Gentleman's Facial, are offered, as also are Paraffin hand treatments. Warm stones, aromatic essential oils along with Reiki are all used in combination to give massages that are truly relaxing. There are special maternity massages that are totally safe for mothers to be.

Sandy Lane Resort of Barbados - With a price tag of just $220, the Dr. Hauschka Classic Treatment is a perfect way to rejuvenate your skin in two hours. There is also the complete spa treatment over six hours which starts with a water massage, and then a hydrotherapy bath which precedes a body massage, aromatherapy facial, exercises for complete relaxation followed by manicures and pedicures.

Methods of finding cheap holidays

So many American families are putting off family traveling because they simply just do not have the money or they are too busy, however, you do not have to worry about not having the time or money to travel because you can get some cheap discount rates if you look in the right places. You will want to learn about these discounts so that you and your family can enjoy spending time away together. You will find that you can get some discounts when you go online, look in the newspapers, and even look through the yellow pages. Many families will venture off into a vacation just so that they can get away and recoup from the daily grind. You will find that if you learn about these discounts that you can create memories for the whole family to keep.

When it comes to your airfare, you will find that it can be something that you cannot avoid and it is also very costly, however, there are plenty of places that you can get good deals. You will find that there are discounts for any place that you need to go. You will want to think about the beginning of your trip. It is always cheaper if you go during the middle of the week (around Tuesday through Thursday). You will find that you can stay for seven days at a hotel and be at discount rated too, because you are checking in during the middle of the week. You will also find that the time of day that you are departing from or arriving will make a difference too. You will want to check out the best times by comparing rates. You will also want to hit the discount sites online too. You will find plenty of bargains and you will also see what exactly it will take to put the vacation together. Price line is one of the best places online that you can find cheap fairs. You may also be able to use some flyer miles that you have racked up on your credit card and such too.

You will also find that when you get to the destination that you will want to take public transportation to help you stay safe. This can be very expensive, but there are still ways that you can save some money. First, you may be able to find a deal on a rental car online, but then you will also want to get things like insurance and roadside assistance. You will find that the price of renting is cheap, but when you add all of your extras, things tend to get expensive. You will also find that if you take buses you will be able to save some money. However, if you are making plenty of day trips while on your vacation you will be able to take the train and it will help you to get across the country to other places and sites (this is important if you are making several stops in European countries).

As for the hotels, you will want to go online and get your rates. They will be cheaper and affordable. You will find that if you take your time to get a good rate on a expensive hotel, you’ll feel a lot better than taking your chances on the cheap bed and breakfasts. There are other types of shelter for those who are looking for cheap rates, but you may find that it will depend on the destination that you are planning. You will want to make sure that your shelter is appropriate for your trip.

Jamaican vacations your booking options

Are you interested in traveling to Jamaica? Whether you are looking to book a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a honeymoon, it is advised that make your vacation reservations well in advance. Jamaica is known for its beauty; therefore, many popular vacation resorts quickly fill up with reservations. Making your Jamaican vacation reservations well in advance can help to ensure that you do get your dream vacation.

Since you now know the importance of making your Jamaican vacation reservations well in advance, you may be curious as to how you should go about making those reservations. As you likely already know, you have a number of different options. One of your options involves using the services of a locally operated travel agent. Travel agents are ideal for those who may be pressed for time. Perhaps, the only downside to using the services of a professional travel agent is that you are, essentially, putting your vacation in the hands of a stranger. Many individuals, possibly just like you, just do not feel comfortable doing this.

If you are interested in planning your Jamaican vacation, instead of relying on the assistance of a professional travel agent, it is advised that you turn to the internet for assistance. What is nice about the internet is that it can connect you to a number of online travel websites or online travel companies, like vacation or travel companies that work directly with many popular Jamaican vacation resorts. With the internet, it almost makes it so that you don’t ever need to use the service of a travel agent again.

When making your own Jamaican vacation reservations, you have the option of making each of your reservations individually and independently. For instance, you can first research and examine airlines that take you to Jamaica, as well as their costs. Once you find a Jamaican airline that meets your expectations, you can buy your ticket or tickets online. After this process has been completed, you may move on to booking yourself a car rental reservation, as well as a stay at a poplar Jamaican vacation resort. What is nice about this approach is that you should be able to pay for each of your reservations online with a credit card or a debit card that can be processed as a credit card.

While it is more than possible for you to book each of your next Jamaican vacation reservations individually and independently, you may want to refrain from doing so, especially if you are busy or pressed for time. Unfortunately, making each of your Jamaican vacation reservations individually and independently can be a time consuming process. The good news, however, is that you still have additional Jamaican vacation booking options to choose from. One of those options involves making all of your travel arrangements in the form of a vacation package.

Even if you have never traveled to Jamaica or the Caribbean before, there is a good chance that you have heard of vacation packages before. Vacation packages enable you to make multiple vacation reservations or travel arrangements all at the same time. Standard vacation packages often include airline reservations, overnight stays at popular hotels or resorts, as well as car rentals. The ability to book multiple vacation reservations all at once can save you a considerable amount of time, as well as hassle, when planning your next Jamaican vacation.

What you may find even more amazing about Jamaican vacation packages is that they come in a number of different formats. In the Caribbean, including Jamaica, all-inclusive vacation packages and super-inclusive vacation packages are rapidly increasing in popularity. These types of vacation packages typically include the cost of airfare, overnight resort stays, onsite food and drinks, as well as a wide range of entertainment activities, such as snorkeling or scuba diving lessons and tours. With having the majority of your vacation mapped out for you, super-inclusive Jamaican vacations and all-inclusive Jamaican vacations are the perfect way to simply the process of planning your own vacation.

If you would like to visit Jamaica and if you are sure about handling the booking of your own vacation reservations, you will want to examine Superclubs. com. With a large selection of affordable, yet quality vacation packages to choose from, you are sure to find what you need, plus some, at Superclubs. com.

Individual travel or travel guide which one to choose

What according to you is the best way to travel, would it be by guided travel or individual travel? We recently took a trip to Washington. Taking a bus tour that would take us around the capital showing us the highlights, this turned out to be a good decision. We were allowed to travel by foot the next day to see those sights we wanted to from up close. Giving us an opportunity to plan our three days in the city and select what we wanted to see.

The San Francisco Bay Area which happens to be a favorite holiday spot for me and my family holds many pleasant and cherished memories of our holidays in those places. There are few places, which are so much haunted by tourists that you could visit them on your own. As a result you can decide on your own time and pace to visit. Good examples of the same are Fisherman's Wharf and Pier39. By walking a couple of blocks you can see the Aquarium of the Bay, or cruise around San Francisco Bay, take some time at the Riptide Arcade on Pier 39 and go around the famous Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.

Those traveling without a guide might like to buy a San Francisco City Pass. Buying this would give you tickets to five hot spots, apart from free rides on the Cable Cars and an optional ticket which could be used at select optional places like the Steinhart Aquarium or Legion of Honor & Academy of Science.

There are some attractions again where you would enjoy more with a tour guide. While on Alcatraz Island, you could go solo, but having a lively tour guide or listening to earphones could make you aware of the interesting points when you go through them.

The Walking Tours of Chinatown are a must see. This adds to the behind the scenes colorful picture of the place. This tour takes you through the history and traditions of the local people and familiarizes you with the culture you would never understand on your own.

San Francisco has almost 30 fun and free walking tours of the city. For information on these free tours, visit sfcityguides. org.

It is the same for Napa valley tours. You could drive up to the place yourself while looking around, but a guided tour to some of the vineyards and wine tasting rooms would make it more interesting.

A 17-mile drive to the coast is also a favorite driving tour. The winding roads give you fantastic views of beautiful mansions and the country side. You would be traveling through Carmel and Pebble Beach Golf Club.

Whether you chose to visit alone or take a guided tour, should depend on your place of visit and what you want to see. Mixing a bit of both could make your travel tour worthwhile.

Learning spanish begin by listening - part 2

The place most worth considering where instruction in how to learn a second language abounds just might surprise you. Africa is the place where more people are multilingual than anywhere else in the world. Thousands of her people speak multiple dialects, different languages in which they conduct all manner of business, multiple native tribal languages, and colonial languages. These Africans have done so without the availability of a classroom, textbooks, workbooks, CD's or cassette recordings, or teachers. And yet, they learn these languages with what would seem to us an almost uncanny ease.

In almost every case, it was a work situation in which these folks acquired their new languages. They left their hearth and home to go to another village or city where there was a work opportunity. They found some sort of job and began working with others who spoke another language. The newcomers did not enroll in a language course. They just worked side by side with the people who spoke the new language. They listened. That's all. They just listened. Before long, they began to understand what was being said. Little by little, the confusing chatter became clear. Then came small steps in production in the new language. They lived in the environment in which the living language thrived (immersion). Soon production in the new language emerged. It seems these people learned the new language effortlessly.

Some critics will point out that adults are not children and therefore an approach to second language acquisition should not be given such a simple example for adults as "passive listening." And yet, languages are absorbed, assimilated, or acquired by people who are unable to afford expensive language courses using the African method. We met many bilingual Mexicans in the resort areas of Mexico who learned their English in the exact same way as in the African example I've explained above.

The way in which children learn their native tongue is the same way poor, third-world people (adults) learn scores of different languages. Need drives them to do what is necessary to learn the language in which they will be more successful in making a living. They do not worry about verbs, direct object pronouns, syntax, tenses, or moods. They just listen.

They listen to the language being spoken in the context of seeing the language being acted out by the native speakers. They listen, repeat, and make visual associations with what they are hearing. Soon, they begin to mimic, produce, and put together sentences in simple, feeble, and often error-filled combinations.

The African way of second language acquisition is THE WAY in which we all learned our native tongue and still is THE WAY in which we acquire a new language.

When traveling to memphis

Memphis the jewel of the mid-south, sits on the might Mississippi river, and is home of the worlds greatest attractions. If you’re looking for a vacation full of excitement, history, and southern charm, then Memphis Tennessee is the place for you.

Memphis a City that dates back over 200 years, also that survived the civil war, and the great earthquake is a warm inviting city for vacationers every year. Famous for its music and barbeque, there are also other things that one can visit while staying in Memphis.

Everyone should visit Beale Street where you still get the feel of that down home blues of B. B. King and Memphis Minnie. On Beale Street you can also get world famous soul food and party the night away with the sound of constant music from an eclectic assortment of musical clubs. It would also be comforting to talk a stroll down on Front Street to the Mississippi River. A ride on the Memphis Queen is always a nice closure to your evening. When the night has died down you can stroll back to you hotel room at the world famous Peabody Hotel and in the morning watch the ducks waddle in to lobby before breakfast. After breakfast, you should visit Elvis Presley Mansion and maybe stay or eat lunch at the Heartbreak Hotel in front of Elvis’s House. Mud Island, a replica of the Mississippi River is a museum full of enlightening information of Memphis’ past. You can also take a ride on the Monorail and maybe have brunch there. The Pyramid is also a tourist attraction found downtown, Memphis’ very own replica of Ancient Egyptian’s Pyramids.

There are other social important places to see as well. For instance a trip to Memphis wouldn’t be quite complete with a visit to the Civil Right Museum. There you can get the history of Civil Rights Movement, get a historical perspective, and even see where Martin Luther King was slain. The controversial replica of the Statue of Liberty is housed in Memphis at World Overcomers Church. It has received national attention, so don’t forget to stop by and get a snapshot.

Memphis’ very own NBA team, The Grizzlies play at the FedEx forum downtown. Go watch them in action while you’re in town. The Peabody Place, located in downtown Memphis is another great way to spend a day in Memphis. Shop in the malls, hang out at Jillian’s, or enjoy the IMAX theatre.

You can’t leave Memphis without stopping by the Memphis Zoo. Memphis’s Zoo is a large fantastic zoo that also features the Panda Exhibit. After the zoo, the Pink Palace Museum and the Brooks Art Museum are a must.

Remember when visiting Memphis, partake in all of it’s many inviting and alluring aspects. You won’t be sorry, because the southern hospitality, fascinating entertainment, and incredible cuisine will never disappoint you

Diving on koh tao in thailand

Scuba diving is by far the biggest attraction on Ko Tao, and it is easy, fun, and you will see a lot of fish, perhaps even turtles, stingrays, barracuda, reef sharks, and even a whale shark if you get lucky

You will get good diving weather on Koh Tao apart from November, when the sea is choppy, and visibility is poorer than normal. The visibility can be over 40 metres during the rest of the year.

You will find a lot of dive operators on the island, and some of them offer accommodation. Just beware that when you read the accommodation is free, it’s not really, because they will offer discounts if you stay somewhere else.

In 2006 you will pay in the region of 10,000 bht for a PADI open water certificate, and this should include the new PADI training manual, proper professional instruction, rental equipment, boat dives etc. This may include insurance and basic accommodation, but shop around, and remember the methods of instruction may differ enormously.

A few hints include avoiding shops that use swimming pools to teach you in. You’ll find it cold, boring, and unhygienic, bearing in mind this is a very popular diving island, and they will have literally hundreds of students .

Choose one that will take you to a private beach so you will see fish and coral right away, it is a lot more interesting, and you will probably get more dives!!

It’s also a good idea to find a dive shop that has its own private pier, so you won’t have to climb over other boats at the pier, although you won’t be carrying your dive gear, that should be carried by a Dive Master Trainee. In addition you ought to ask how many students there will be in your group, because there should not be more than a small handful, if they tell you there will be more than ten then look elsewhere. You want personal tuition for something as important as this, and you want your course to be really enjoyable.

If you are looking for specific dive shops, this list whilst by no means exhaustive, is at least a starting point.

1. Coral Grand . Located in a much quieter area than the other dive shops, at the far end of the beach, the hotel is more upmarket than most on the island although the 'free' rooms are still basic. Operates 2 dive boats plus a speed boat.

2. Divepoint . Located in Mae Haad on the waterfront. Divepoint has probably the nicest dive boat on the island, big enough that you won't have to carry your gear to and from it. PADI and SSI.

3. Easy Divers. Fantastic Dive Shop with really experienced instructors. Professional and fun with great accommodation. Based right in the heart of Ko Tao.

4. IDC Ko Tao. Instructor development courses (IDC's) run every month by English PADI Course Director Matt Bolton.

5. Phoenix Divers. Right on Sairee Beach, has good boats, new gear and multilingual often western staff.

6. Stingray Divers. Very modern dive resort overlooking Chalok Ban Khao Bay.

Hope this information helps you to have great diving experience on Koh Tao

Hiking traveling safely through challenging terrain

You can find package holidays to take you everywhere from a beach resort to a dude ranch to an outdoor wilderness adventure. If you anticipate traveling anytime soon and want to experience the great outdoors, you might want to consider hiking. If you are a beginner hiker, read some of the tips and techniques below to help get you started. Hiking is not simply a long walk.

Hiking through ordinary terrain requires that you maintain a steady pace for hours at a time, and do so with only short breaks each hour. This might not seem that bad, until you ad in creeks and steep, slipper slopes that can make hiking at a higher altitude seem nearly impossible. It surely isn’t impossible, but it does require certain techniques that must be adjusted according to the conditions you are in.

Walking on ordinary level terrain is usually done at a speed of two to four miles per hour at which pace you can burn anywhere from 50-150 calories hourly. Additionally, you lose about one liter of fluid for every hour of hiking and even more during a hot climate. This fluid loss must be replenished to keep your body hydrated. But, when the conditions become more challenging, you often find yourself walking up steeper slopes and at high elevations causing more of a strain and requiring your heart to work harder.

The more challenging terrains tend to be the most beautiful, though. Would you rather stroll around some brush in ordinary terrain or hike up a thick forested mountain? But, the conditions up that thick forested mountainside require more from the hiker tackling it. Be sure to pace yourself and monitor your heart rate. Try to stay on the lower range of 70 to 120 beats per minute, the average rate at rest and then during a harder workout.

This can help you avoid what is sometimes called Acute Mountain Sickness or High Altitude Syndrome, among other terms. Just as high altitudes can present challenges, crossing rivers and lakes can as well. Along with strength, experience and technique can make it a lot easier also.

Finding quality boots is the first step, specifically a waterproof, high-top boot to keep your feet dry. This is a must to avoid foot problems.

As far as technique for such conditions, it’s about experience, common sense and intelligence. For instance, avoid the temptation of fording a river when you do not need it. Undercurrents, cold temperatures and slippery bottoms are only a few of the dangers you could face. If possible, step on rocks in a stream rather than directly walking through the water. Or, take a bridge or walk around the lake rather than swimming through it.

These alternatives will actually save energy. You will have less fatigue with a longer walk than a cold, short swim. Remember, a lot of it is about common sense. Hiking in the great outdoors can be an amazing experience, but getting injured or becoming unwell should not be part of the experience.

Tips for redeeming and collecting flyer miles

We all like to get something for free but there is an old adage that says “nothing is ever free”. A free airplane ticket is the draw of frequent flyer points but since airlines are not in the business of giving away seats for free there are some things you need to be aware of. There are also some tricks to using your accumulated air miles so you can get the most benefit out of them.

First off you need to choose a frequent flyer program and stick to that one program. Research the program and choose one that you will use most often. These programs also have partners including other airlines, retail stores, dining and car rental companies. Also research how many miles you receive for your flights and how many miles it takes to redeem a free ticket. Keep in mind that some airlines only give a percentage of the actual miles on discounted tickets so if you’re a bargain hunter then pick a program that gives you one hundred percent of the miles on cheap tickets.

Once you’ve chosen and signed up for a program it’s time to start earning frequent flyer points. Sign up for email newsletters and check the airline’s website constantly so you are on top of any promotions. Check if there are any retail partners that will earn you points before shopping online. Christmas shopping can earn you a free flight so research before you buy.

Credit cards are also available that will earn you miles for each dollar you spend. Be cautious of these; they usually have an annual fee. You need to use the card as much as possible to make this worth it. There are creative ways of spending and earning. Offer to pay using your credit card when you dine out with a large party. You can also use your credit card for large purchases and on line shopping. These will add up quick and collecting flyer miles will become second nature.

Now that you’re earning air miles make sure you stay organized and on top of your accumulated miles. Since there are so many partners and vendors involved there is a likely chance that some of your miles won’t show up. Keep your receipts and any flight stubs in case you need to submit proof to receive credit.

Once you have a significant number of miles it’s time to redeem them. Don’t be too hasty in redeeming your miles. The more you accumulate the better the free ticket’s value. Since airlines don’t like to give away things for free there are only a limited number of seats per flight for frequent flyer redemption. Plan and book as far in advance as possible. Most airlines permit booking nine to twelve month in advance. Also check for redemption promotions since airlines often offer off season destinations at a discount. Don’t waste your miles on a cheap flight; use them on trips that would normally be out of your price range.

Airline flyer miles are a great way to earn free flights but keep organized and wisely redeem them to get their full benefit.

Hawaii s a great place for a vacation

Hawaii is rated one of the most popular vacation destination for American travelers by Ask Doc Travel. This destination is also popular with American Express Vacations. But why? What makes this destination so wonderful? For those of us who have traveled to Hawaii, there are so many reasons to visit that we become muddled, answering only “What do you mean what’s so great about Hawaii?” Well, here is some things to keep in mind when you speak of the many wonders which make Hawaii such a popular destination.

Hawaii is comprised of eight islands. These islands are natural wonders that were created in the middle of the ocean by underwater volcanoes. As the magma from these volcanoes cooled, they hardened into rocks. These rock formations became the Hawaiian Islands. The volcanic phenomenon created Hawaii’s famous black sand beaches and the rich soil from which springs the islands lush vegetation. These main islands are Niihau, Kauai , Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawaii. The island Hawaii is the largest, and is sometimes called the "Big Island" or "Big Isle". This phenomenon created Hawaii’s famous black sand beaches and the rich soil from which springs the islands lush vegetation.

The climate of Hawaii is one more reason why these islands remain a popular vacation destination. The weather is more moderate than typical tropical areas because of the cooling effect of the surrounding ocean. In layman's terms, this means that temperatures and humidity tend to be less extreme than places such as the Caribbean or Mexico. In the tourist high season, summer, the high temperatures reaching the upper 80s °F, rarely going into the 90s°F . During the tourist low season of winter, temperatures at the lowest elevation average in the mid-60s. One more reason that Hawaii is preferred is because hurricanes are a rare occurrence compared to Mexico and the Caribbean.

Compared to other tropical paradises, Hawaii is monitored by American safety and health regulations. Yes, it’s ok to drink the tap water! Also, you still have all the rights and protections of a United States citizen. If you or someone you are traveling with should suddenly need medical attention, you have access to regulated and state of the art care. Hawaii can be a real home away from home.

When people think of Hawaii, they think of the aquamarine water and clean sandy beaches. But what else should one experience in Hawaii? Besides the amazingly pristine beach activities, Hawaii offers deluxe shopping that is reminiscent of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, including couture boutiques such as Coach, Gucci, Tiffany’s and more. The islands are also rich in culture and history. One way to experience the beauty of Hawaiian culture is to attend an old fashioned luau. One of the best traditional Luaus is Famous Germaine's Luau in Kapolei Oahu. Take in some American History by visiting the infamous Pearl Harbor. With so much to see and do, you’ll never get bored.

There is one snag in this otherwise amazing destination: cost. Because Hawaii is an isolated island chain, everything is more expensive. And because Hawaii is the 50th American state, there is no lower currency exchange like in the Caribbean. Thankfully, there are a number of hotel and travel providers who offer different packages and accommodations. Although hotels and air flights can be on sale and are widely available, consumer products like food, souvenirs and sundries are expensive. Food for one person could cost between $50 to $100! One way to avoid expenses is by making sure you pack all the sundries you can think of, such as sunblock, ChapStick, sunglasses and such.

However, when all is said and done, Hawaii is a top destination for a number of good reasons. There is no better place to go for a tropical vacation.

Renting a waikiki oceanfront rental activities you may enjoy

Have you recently booked a stay at a Waikiki oceanfront rental? If so, you are well on your way to having your vacation fully planned out. Once you have taken the time to schedule your reservations, such as the reservations for your Waikiki oceanfront rental, you may want to start thinking about the activities and attractions that can be found in or around Waikiki. Whether you are traveling with a group of friends, your romantic partner, or your family, you will find that are, literally, an unlimited number of things to do in this popular Oahu city.

When staying in Waikiki, in a Waikiki oceanfront rental, you are urged to visit the Diamond Head Crater. The Diamond Head is a scenic volcanic crater. What is nice about the Diamond Head Crater, aside from the absolutely amazing view, the fact that the hike is relatively easy. In fact, it is often considered “a moderate hike.” With the hike up to the crater being less than a mile, individuals of all ages should be able to enjoy the Diamond Head Crater and everything that is has to offer. In addition to hiking the trails, you may enjoy seeing a World War II bunker, as well as the lookout, which spans over most of Waikiki.

Whether you are traveling with children or not, you will want make a stop at the Honolulu Zoo. The Honolulu Zoo has a wide array of different exhibits. These exhibits house elephants, giraffes, zebras, birds, hippopotamuses, and much more! Although the Honolulu Zoo is ideal for individuals of all ages, the zoo places an extra focus on children and family friendly vacations. In fact, one of the exhibits at the Honolulu Zoo is a children’s zoo. Before you set off to enjoy Waikiki’s amazing nightlife or just retreat back to your Waikiki oceanfront rental, you are advised to take a few hours and visit the Honolulu Zoo, you will likely be glad that you did!

In addition to the Honolulu Zoo, you are also urged to visit the Waikiki Aquarium. As with the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium is ideal for children, but it is the perfect fit for individuals of all ages. Whether you are looking to incorporate a little bit of education into your next Oahu vacation or if you are just looking to see the amazing world of underwater life, the Waikiki Aquarium should be a must stop on your list of things to do. With over two thousand marine animals, a gift shop, and a wide array of educational projects, the Waikiki Aquarium is the perfect place to spend one of your vacation days.

It was also mentioned above that Waikiki is also well-known for its amazing nightlife. If you are on a family vacation, you can enjoy that nightlife to some extent. You can do so by dinning at one of the many fine restaurants that can be found on the Waikiki resort. If you are able to spend your nights out, you are advised to do so. In Waikiki, you can have your choice of just about any nightlife activity. These activities include, but are in no way limited to, dancing, dining, drinking, watching a movie, catching a play, and attending a concert. Whichever way you are looking to wind down your day, you can easily do so right near your Waikiki oceanfront rental. In fact, not having to traveling far is one of the reasons why Waikiki vacations come so highly recommended.

Once you have made your Waikiki oceanfront rental reservations, you can begin to focus on planning the rest of your vacation activities. The above mentioned Waikiki activities and attractions are just a few of the many that exist. Whether you wait until you arrive in Waikiki and plan your vacation on a whim, request vacation guides, or use the internet to research additional Waikiki attractions, you are sure to find a number of activities that you and the rest of your traveling party are guaranteed to enjoy.

See the world with colibri money clips

These days, more and more people are leaving the comforts of their own homes to discover the joys of traveling. Barely a few years ago, it was the past time of the rich and famous. Now, however, even college students with little money can now travel to their heart’s content. What was once a luxury has now become a way of life.

Indulge Your Wanderlust

There is truth in the adage: "The world is a book and those who don’t travel read but a page." There are indeed many marvels in the world, marvels that people are now traveling far and wide to see. Think of the pyramids of Giza, the beauty of Venice, and the full moon celebrated in Koh Phangan. These are things you don’t see in your own backyard, so pack your bags, get your passport, and keep your cash on you at all times with one of those Colibri money clips.

Rough It Up

Of course, travel does not come cheap but it does not have to be expensive either. Budget travel is now being made possible by budget airlines, hostels, and tours. You won’t be sipping champagne in first class seats, staying at the Hilton, and driven around in a limousine, but you will be seeing the sights that you so long to see. And don’t worry. Chances are you won’t be staying in the wilderness, unless, of course, you choose to.

Indeed, budget traveling means roughing it up. You might have to share your room and bathroom with strangers in hostels, so keep your valuables under lock and key and your cash in Colibri money clips. Some of the most beautiful sights in the world are in very poor areas with very bad living conditions. Get yourself vaccinated. You don’t want your holiday cut short because of some strange, exotic illness. Prepare to live on street food as they are the cheapest food there is. Keep your Colibri money clips on hand to pay for your food on the go. You don’t want to spend a lot of time distracted while rummaging through your backpack for your money. Your Colibri money clips will also come in handy when you buy souvenirs from your trip.

Do It Right

Banish the image of fancy Louis Vuitton trolley bags and fashionable travel clothes from your head. If you’re going to go budget traveling, you need to pack light and dress right. You can never go wrong with a big strong backpack. Pack wash and wear clothes because you don’t have the luxury of ironing. Wear sensible footwear, such as hiking boots, rubber sandals, and flip flops. Keep a sturdy pair of sunglasses, a hat or two, Colibri money clips, and lots of sunblock.

Remember, you’re not Paris Hilton jet setting from one location to the other. You are a budget traveler, a backpacker, and practicality is your best friend. At the end of the day, you’ll find that you’ve had more fun backpacking than traveling first class. And when you find yourself watching the amazing sunset in the island of Boracay or listening to the call of thousands of birds in the Canary Islands, you’ll know it was definitely worth it.

Cheap holidays to tarifa

Planning cheap holidays to Tarifa can be exciting for everyone. There are some of the finest windsurfing sites in all of Europe. Besides the windsurfing, there are monuments, unbelievable architecture and ancient ruins. The city of wind is a popular place for water enthusiasts because of the high winds that come in off the Atlantic and Mediterranean Oceans. You will find the best places for windsurfing are by Spinout, Las Dunas, Punta Paloma, Bunker and Rio Jara as well as Los Lances and Playa Chica. After a day of windsurfing, you can enjoy an exciting night on the town with all the discos and pubs that the area has to enjoy.

The town is surrounded by the Moorish walls and offers a sense of peacefulness. When the winds are their strongest is the time to get out on the water and practice your windsurfing. The surf shops on the main street of Tarifa have everything you need to enjoy a day out on the water. This is one place that will attract everyone who wants to do some windsurfing every day instead of just a few months out of the year. The winds are however strong. Never be fooled by a calm day, the winds are there, you just are not feeling it in some places.

To look at the main street with all the surf shops, you might feel like you are in the middle of one of those surfing movies. It is amazing to see people walking around looking for equipment in swimming suits or shorts and tees. Even if you are not looking to rent equipment, this is a great place to sit and watch the excitement. Families as well as surfers and college students on spring break love the area for the windsurfing. Cheap holidays to Tarifa could not be any better.

One thing you need to keep in mind before coming to the area to windsurf is that you should have some experience since you are going to experience winds as you have never experienced before anywhere. It was once said that the town had a high suicide rate because of the winds. Now this could be fiction, but at one time, it was thought that having so much wind every day was causing people to lose a will to live. One will find out that the winds are strong but you can still enjoy the ride or a relaxing day on the beach.

The nightlife and restaurants are a great distraction at night. You can enjoy a dinner and a drink with some dancing or just sitting around watching how everyone has fun. The hotels are nicely decorated and the people are extremely friendly. Cheap holidays to Tarifa are rather exciting and can be a trip of a lifetime. Do not forget to take a day to see the ancient ruins, grumbling Moorish walls and the beautiful castle. You might even enjoy a day of viewing Morocco from afar. It is a beautiful view that captivates your attention.

Hello from sicily my last day in catania

My three week language learning adventure in Sicily had officially come to an end: my last full day on this island had arrived. My explorations in the Milazzo area were over and early in the morning I started packing my suitcase and organizing myself. Around 10 am I went straight downstairs to the offices of Laboratorio Linguistico, the language school where I had spent the last 10 days, which included a once-in-a-lifetime experience of sailing around the Eolian Islands off the coast of Sicily. I thanked and said goodbye to Francesca, Sonia and Franco, a few of the team members who had made my stay here so pleasant.

Then I was already late for my bus to Messina from where I would need to catch another bus or a train to Catania, the second largest city in Sicily. The bus ride was comfortable and let me catch another glimpse of the verdant north coast of the island. We drove down the hills towards the downtown of Messina, the third largest urban area of Sicily and one of the island’s main port cities. Ferries run from here across the Straight of Messina to Villa San Giovanni and Reggio di Calabria on the Italian mainland. At the narrowest point the Straight of Messina is only 3 km wide.

Like most places in Sicily, Messina looks back on thousands of years of history. It was founded by Greek colonists as a city called Messene in the 8th century B. C. Many civilizations followed suit: the Mamertines, Carthaginians, Romans, Goths, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Spanish and the French. Messina is said to have been the port of entry of the Black Death when a Genoese ship arrived on a journey from Palestine in 1347.

Messina’s biggest chapter in history arrived on December 28, 1908 when an earthquake leveled the city almost completely. About 60,000 people were killed and most of the ancient architecture was destroyed. During World War II Messina experienced massive bombardments by the American Air Force. Today the city’s main economic driving force is the port and surrounding areas feature extensive cultivations of citrus fruits, vegetables and wine.

I unfortunately did not have time to explore Messina. Upon arrival I decided that I would take a train instead of a bus to Catania and walked a few hundred meters to the train station. I generally prefer trains over buses since you have a lot more space and can get up and walk around. A few minutes later I had my ticket (which had cost just a few Euros) and was ready for my two-hour train trip to Catania. I settled in comfortably and rolled past some of the places I had gotten to know so well: Mazzaro, Taormina, Isola Bella and Giardini Naxos came into view. Mount Etna made an appearance and provided a solid cone-shaped anchor in a fertile spring landscape.

Around mid-afternoon I arrived at Catania and found directions to my abode for the last day: Holland International is a very simple hotel located about 10 minutes from the train station, an affordable budget accommodation which was going to be good enough for the night. From the Train Station at Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII I pulled my suitcase to Via Vittorio Emanuele where I found an imposing baroque building with an interior courtyard. Holland International is located at the back of the courtyard up the stairs. I briefly talked to the owner, who is originally from Holland, and he gave me the keys to my simple 35 Euro room. Basically furnished with a shared bathroom down the hallway, this room would do the trick for tonight. He also provided me with instructions of how to get to the bus stop for the airport bus tomorrow morning.

Located at the foot of Mount Etna, Catania has been buried seven times throughout history and the remains of the Ancient Greek and Roman Cities can still be found in layers underneath today’s city. Many of the buildings are baroque and Catania has many imposing churches and palaces.

I dumped my luggage and started on my exploration of Catania. I started walking the along the major thoroughfare and cut into some side streets where I found the famous Teatro Massimo Bellini. The composer Vincenzo Bellini was born in this city, and this theatre, inaugurated in 1890 and highly renowned, was named after him.

My stroll continued and I had a peek into some of the hidden courtyards. The streets were fairly narrow and people were congregating in the streets to chat and do various chores. On this rather hot day I was looking to cool off and desperately wanted to find some green space to sit down and relax in. The houses in Catania are built very closely together and there are hardly any trees or small parks to be found. I was fortunate though and located Giardino Bellini, the city’s largest park. Its elevated terraces feature beautiful city views and a central Art Nouveau band stand anchors a public place that features refreshment booths and benches along the edge. Looking north I caught a great glimpse at the imposing silhouette of Mount Etna.

After a brief rest I walked down some stairs, past the Teatro Metropolitano, to Via Etnea, Catania’s largest shopping street. On this rather expansive thoroughfare, designer store after designer store are located next to one another and the locals are busy shopping. On the Piazza Stesicoro, an extensive public space with many vending booths, I walked eastwards past a row of modern buildings back to the train station. There I decided to just hop into a local bus and see where it might take me.

I love to use public transport in any foreign city because you get a real flavour of the people and you cover more ground than walking. It’s a great and affordable sightseeing tool. Seniors were returning from shopping, office workers were on their way home and teenagers were enjoying their freedom and playing rambunctious games on the bus. The ride took me through downtown, on Via Etnea into the residential areas in the foothills of Mount Etna, where there was a bit more space between the houses. Trees and shrubs were starting to make an appearance and it felt that there was more breathing room compared to the narrow grid of streets downtown. About an hour and a half later I hopped off the bus and found a nice little table in a cafй right opposite the Teatro Bellini. I had a light snack and enjoyed watching the passers-by from my little perch in front of this historic theatre.

Rather exhausted from my many days of adventures I decided to retreat back to my hotel room and get organized for my 6:20 am departure tomorrow morning. I downloaded my pictures and went through the photos that I had shot over the last three weeks and thought that Sicily is a true feast for the senses. This extended Italian language study trip was definitely worth it: from my first 8 days in beautiful Taormina and my excursions to Siracusa and my drive around Mount Etna to my 7 days on a sailboat, cruising through the Eolian Islands, to my local discoveries around Milazzo, Cefalu and the Nebrodi Mountains, I concluded that Sicily is definitely one of the most diverse and beautiful places I have ever visited. I’ll be back for sure…

All-inclusive family resort

As all parents know, the best family vacation is one where there a no hassles, no bored kids and no added expenses. Too good to be true? Not if you book your next family getaway at one an all-inclusive family resort.

Pleasing every member of the family takes the right combination of luxury, adventure, ultimate fun and pay-one-price convenience. There are a select few family resorts that deliver all this and more. Best of all, these resorts are easily accessible online, so you can skip the travel agent and plan your entire vacation on the Internet.

If you want to find the best all-inclusive family resort, consider the wonders of these premiere destinations:

Franklin D. Resort in Jamaica

What could make your perfect all-inclusive family resort vacation even better? How about a "vacation nanny" to accompany your children during your stay? At the Franklin D. Resort, that's just what you'll get. By offering this worry-free service, critics and guests alike rate the Franklin D. Resort as one of world's finest all-inclusive family destinations. There is also biking, scuba diving, water slides and an incredible walk up a waterfall to satisfy the thrill-seekers in your family. Kids can choose from their own menus at the resort restaurant, and the huge suites and guest rooms are perfect for big families.

Beaches Negril in Jamaica

Another fantastic all-inclusive family resort is Beaches Negril. Located on Jamaica's famous seven-mile Negril beach, this resort is actually a part of the Sandals group. Your family will enjoy the finest services, accommodations and amenities. While you relax on the beach, your kids will be kept happy and busy with a full slate of specialized programs from infant care to teen activities, as well as the Xbox Game Oasis, ice cream bar and the Pirates Island waterpark. Parents get pampered at Beaches Negril as well, with European spa treatments, a beach bistro, swim-up bars and a choice of restaurants and nightclubs. There are sports and activities for the whole family to enjoy together, including snorkeling boat trips to a coral reef, mini-golf, hydro bikes, beach volleyball and so much more.

Breezes, Curacao

One of the newer all-inclusive family resorts, Breezes Curacao is the first of its kind on this fascinating Caribbean island. Breezes Curacao provides families with daily scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and other water-related sports. Your all-inclusive family vacation includes dining at Japanese, Italian and other fine restaurants. Children receive star treatment with club activities, theme dinners, rock climbing and super-fun trapezes.

All fun, all relaxation, all the time. That's what your family will experience with an all-inclusive family resort vacation.