Hiking the Camino de Santiago

Camino de Santiago(Flickr Creative Commons by Martin Bajer)

By Jim Clem

The Camino de Santiago, or The Way of St. James is an ancient pilgrimage route that starts in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, and ends at the Cathedral in Santiago Compostela, Spain.

For hundreds of years, this same path has been used by the faithful making the holy pilgrimage to Santiago Compostela. It was also the route used by Roman Legions, Moor and Saracen invaders, the Knights Templar, and the armies of Charlemagne and Napoleon.

The Camino de Santiago is not only a walk across the hard-packed, rocky soil of Spain, but a journey through history, religion, and western culture.

The trail goes over four mountain ranges, through big cities, rural areas, across the vast Meseta of central Spain, and through the green hills of Galicia.

One of the unique things about the Camino de Santiago is the Albergue system. These are bunkhouse type accommodations every six miles or so. They are run by the church, local municipality, other Camino groups, or private ownership. The cost to stay in a Albergue is free, by donation or a small fee up to six euros. They are generally clean and have showers, bathrooms, and some have kitchens. If you have registered as a pilgrim at the start of your trip, you are issued a pilgrims credential that allows you to stay in the Albergues.

(Flickr CC by Marcin Bajer)

Also along the trail are numerous hostels, hotels, and pensions that range from very inexpensive to expensive. Through most sections of the trail there are bars/restaurants or stores where you can purchase food or any needed supplies or equipment. This allows the hiker to carry less equipment which translates into a lighter backpack.

Pilgrims/hikers of all ages come from all over the world to walk this pilgrimage route making it a truly multi-cultural experience.

If you are interested there are some great internet resources and books on the Camino de Santiago-here are a few:

http://www.ourcamino.com Lots of information, links, reading list and hundreds of photos of the trail.

http://www.americanpilgrims.com American Pilgrims on the Camino-this is the website for the U.S. based pilgrim group.

http://www.csj.org.uk The Confraternity of St. James-U.K. based pilgrim group.

http://www.mundicamino.com One of the best sites about the Camino. Just about everything you want or need to know about the trail.

http://www.backpack45.com Good site with info about hiking in general and info on the Camino.

http://www.santiago-today.com Great site with up-to-date info on Santiago and the Camino.

Some good reading material:

Buen Camino-Hiking the Camino de Santiago by Jim and Eleanor Clem is a day to day record of hiking the Camino de Santiago. The book also covers training and equipment. Over 160 photos gives you a good look at the trail.

The Pilgrim's Guide to the Camino Frances by John Brierley is the guidebook we used on both of our Camino trips. Small enough to carry with lots of information, photos and up to date maps. Our copy is well worn from being used so much on the trail.

The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago by David Gitlitz and Linda Kay Davidson is the best source of info about the Camino. The book is filled with history, facts, maps, and information on art, architecture, geology folklore, etc.

On the Road to Santiago by Bob Tuggle is the first book we read about hiking the Camino, and is still one of our favorites.

Flickr CC by Marcin Bajer

The Pilgrim's Guide by William Melczer is a translation of the Codex Calixtinus-the 12th century guide to the Camino. Very interesting reading.

Camino Chronicle by Susan Alcorn is a great read about her and her husbands(Ralph) hike on the Camino in 2001. Good day-to-day info along with information on how to prepare for the trip. Also lots of history and interesting facts. If you have an interest in the Camino you will enjoy this book.

Some things you need to know before you hit the trail:

Spain is a very modern country with good water, food, medical care, ATM machines etc. The people are very helpful and friendly and they have a very low crime rate.

You will be walking about 500 miles. It took us 37 days (one sick day) to compete the trip walking every step. That comes out to an average of about 14 miles a day-in all types of weather over all type of terrain.

Every year the Camino is becoming more and more popular which means lots of hikers/pilgrims/mountain bikers on the trail. You will always find somewhere to sleep, but it may be on a kitchen floor. Unless you are on a very tight budget, stay in small hotels/hostels. You can make reservations a few days in advance and you will get a better nights sleep.

Every day on the Camino de Santiago is an adventure that brings new challenges and rewards. Whether your reasons for making this trip are for religious/spiritual reasons, or you are looking for one of the premier treks in the world, hiking the Camino de Santiago is the trip of a lifetime. The Camino experience is one that stays with you long after you leave the trail and head home.

Buen Camino

Jim Clem

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Discover The Earth In One Fun Place

Benidorm (CC Pixabay)

By: Larry Austin

Touted as being a veritable “Manhattan”, Benidorm does offer a cornucopia of attractions and events for tourists to experience. Home to a rich heritage and culture that draws much from the Romans and Phoenicians, Benidorm does provide far more than just ancient ruins. There is much to experience with regard to numerous festivals and events that take place every month in this paradise. Yet there are also many theme parks such as the Tera Natura Park which draws heavily from four continents of the globe. This locale has in a matter of words, become in its own right a much loved and well respected attractions adored by a diverse set of crowds.

Catering even to the young at heart, the Tera Natura Park offers much in the way of knowledge and experience. As many would suggest, if one wants to view the rest of the world, go to the Tera Natura Park. This statement serves to be a true fact since the many attractions and sights that are present in this destination are faultless replicas of elements of culture from America, Europe, Asia and Pangea. Visitors can easily view and experience various civilizations such as the Mayas, the ancient ruins of the Greeks, the village of Kalicameni and even indulge in a variety of cuisines that are representative of these continents.

Benidorm (CC Pixabay)

Travelling to the Tera Natura Park is a convenient matter, since there are many transport options available from your hotel or Apartment in Benidorm to this choice theme park. The infrastructure of this theme park is generous in size and is superlative when it comes to the standard of quality that it adheres to. Covering in excess of 30 hectares, the Tera Natura Park boasts over a thousand animals representing 200 species. As mentioned, this theme park covers four continents. There is Pangea which is a world that is dominated by fiery images of fire and sienna. Pangea is in fact the first world, or it represents the origin of the world. From this point onwards, the traveller of visitor traverses a dream journey or in foreign speak “el viaje soñado”.

From this juncture, the traveller is taken to Europe via a Mediterranean forest. Drawing inspiration from Santorini, tourists can view Kalicameni which is a quaint Greek village. There are over 700 metres worth of water slides that tourists can indulge themselves in. From this point, visitors are taken to Namastepur which draws much inspiration from Rajastan. This part is certainly a worth a visit and the sights and smells of this continent would make any tourist easily sacrifice the cosiness of his or her Benidorm Apartment for this unique adventure. The Asian part of this odyssey promises mammals, reptiles and forests not to mention that visitors do indeed come in contact with a variety of exotic animals such as elephants, rhinos, tigers and crocodiles.

Terra Natura Park (CC Pixabay)

Then finally there is America. This part is represented by Antigua and Granada and features the Maya civilization and various rituals such as that of the “flying stick”. In this incredible theme park there are also many shops, restaurants and educational shows that really does bring to reality the various elements of different civilizations. All in all, the Tera Natura Park does constitute an experience like no other. Promising to do the impossible, this theme park offers culture, natural, history and leisure all in one go. It truly does promise to put the word “fun” into your vacation. Not only will the children love it, but this is one theme park which will no doubt put a grin even on the faces of adults.

To make your vacation truly comprehensive and fun, the best place to visit in Benidorm is the Tera Natura Park. Not only is t conveniently located to many of the hotels and apartments in Benidorm, but it also assures any visitor the best time of his or her life. Having spent in excess of 54 million Euros, there is no doubt that the Tera Natura Park does offer a superlative experience like no other.


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Free Accommodation World-Wide

By Elna Pieterse

My first article is something that is very close to my heart. I used to think that everyone must know about this by now, but people always tend to listen wide-eyed when I relate my experiences.

I remember the day I was reading an article in an In-flight magazine on the way to Johannesburg my life has never been the same since, and I love sharing my secret with you today.

We have traveled for the last 7 years in a way that I never dreamed possible before - Home Exchange!

If you are South African like me, your first question might be - "is it safe?" Of course, there are never any guarantees in life, but in all the years we have done this, I never had any reasons to feel alarmed in any way. In fact, we have made so many dear friends in places we would otherwise never have been to before.

If you love to explore and experience the heart of the place, the people, the local cuisine and atmosphere, this is what you need to do! Getting to those places where you can rub shoulders with the locals, is where the true experience begins.

It works best if you have a second/holiday home to put up for exchange. That way you are able to do non-simultaneous exchanges where both parties are able to visit in summer, for instance. Being in South Africa, it means we are always in the opposite season than Europe and the USA.

If you have to exchange your primary residence, don't despair, there are always the shoulder seasons or local exchanges. Or how would you feel about a white Christmas, or a skiing holiday in the Alps?

The beauty is that no place is too big or too small to qualify. Even a studio flat, like the one where we stayed in Zurich, will attract interest.

This also means that you could take the whole family when you find a big enough place, and it is not necessary to trade size for size - there are many different reasons people travel and you are sure to find the perfect exchange partner.

The best way I found to do this is through http://www.homeforexchange.com. There are many websites offering the idea, but this one is superior to all of them, with over 10 000 houses to choose from, worldwide.

The way it works is to decide where you want to go and start contacting people to see if they are interested in visiting your area. Sometimes it takes quite a few tries before you hit the jackpot. But some of the popular cities like Paris and New York, for example, have loads to choose from and you are bound to find a suitable exchange.

For the senior travelers, with more time on hand, the special deal is to do long-term exchanges with a similar couple. Really, your biggest expense is the flights. Once you are there, it's not going to change much to your budget if you stay for a week or a month! You have to eat anyway! Many of the senior exchangers are interested in long-term exchanges, so now's the time to make those dreams come true...

This, of course, has no age restrictions, and you can even do that with your toddlers. Just look out for a similar family, and the kids would have loads of new toys to keep them busy for the holiday.

You need to be prepared to be a little flexible, though. This is more or less like buying a second-hand car - you might have to search for the right deal and take what is available, instead of walking into the nearest dealer and order the exact model and color you prefer.

BENEFITS

The first and obvious benefit here is to be able to stay for free, chopping thousands off your budget. Often, there is a possibility of exchanging cars as well, saving you another big expense!

The second, for me a biggie, is to be able to really experience the place like a local. Going to shop and eat where the locals do, and not the over commercialized tourist traps; meeting the people. This is something that you will never be able to experience, staying in fancy hotels or resorts.

Another great benefit is that you have a local guide on the other side, ready to help you with any kind of questions, planning, and tips of what to see and do. Imagine on your side, the benefits for your guests to have your knowledge of the local area. No hotel employee will take the time to give you that!

We have done Home Exchanges in Swakopmund/Windhoek, Cape Town, Paris, Scotland (2), Italy, Zurich, Bern and the Swiss Alps, Germany, The Netherlands and the beautiful Gent in Belgium. Coming up in June, are two exchanges in Italy and Ireland!

Feel free to contact me with any questions, I'll be happy to help where I can. Happy traveling! For more on this, visit my blog [http://www.maturetravellerdiscount.com]



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9040495

Atlantida, What a Pleasant Surprise!

Small village of Honduras in Tela (Flickr Creative Commons / Salvatore Freni Jr)

By John James Dupuis 


I recently traveled to the north coast of Honduras, en route to the Bay Island of Roatan and took advantage to spend a few days in the cities of Tela and La Ceiba, as well as in the Cangrejal River Valley. Together these three vacation hubs market themselves as "Atlantida". One of the things I found is that the perfect combination of a Central American and a Caribbean destination is actually possible. I found it in "Atlantida", Spanish for "Atlantis". Yes, Atlantida really does exist! It is located in the heart of Central America's Caribbean coast, in the beautiful, friendly and misunderstood country of Honduras.

With a Caribbean coastline of approximately 100 miles, and nestled between the rugged Nombre de Dios mountain range and the beautiful Caribbean Sea, Atlantida is truly a unique destination for adventure travelers and the eco-tourist that is looking for interaction with nature. The destination boasts a total of 8 protected areas within its territory, making Atlantida a magnificent eco-adventure destination with many different activities to enjoy for multiple days.

With three main hubs: the cities of La Ceiba and Tela, plus the unique Cangrejal River Valley, Atlantida is the perfect spot for an active adventure vacation. Tela is truly the best area for Caribbean beaches in Central America, La Ceiba is ideal for the nature lover, with National Parks such as Pico Bonito and the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge being ideal examples of the diversity of ecotourism activities available. Finally, the Cangrejal River Valley is an ideal alternative for those travelers looking for an active adventure vacation, with activities like white water rafting one of the highlights of the area.

The Cangrejal River is located just minutes outside the city of La Ceiba. Access is very easy and fast, and you will be surprised by the quality of the rapids and size of boulders on the river bed. You will thoroughly enjoy navigating down class III and IV rapids as they rush towards the Caribbean Sea, maneuvering around building-sized boulders and following incredibly lush forests that border its banks.

Hiking trails into national parks, through the tropical jungles in quest of an elusive and hidden waterfall to descend using the rappel technique, or horseback riding through trails in the jungles are also available within the Cangrejal River Valley.

Best of all is the fact that Atlantida is the gateway to the Bay Islands of Utila and Roatan, both world famous for the outstanding quality of their reefs and the diving operations within them. Including some days exploring Atlantida during your Central American Vacations is a true must, especially if you are looking for a truly unique destination at affordable prices. Oh, I almost forgot! Do not heed the gossip and bad press about Honduras and its safety... Atlantida is a great, fun, and especially safe destination! Come and have the time of your life!

Atlantida, "The Heart of Central America's Caribbean" is a great destination in Central America for eco-tourism and active adventure vacations. With three hubs to choose from: Tela, La Ceiba and the Cangrejal River Valley, a visit to Atlantida will be a highlight of your trip to Central America and or the Caribbean! For full, up to date information on the destination, visit http://www.visitatlantida.com/en



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9176390

10 Top Tips for Visiting Croatia With Children

Brela, Kroasia (Flickr Creative Commons / Sergiu Bacioiu)

By Desiree Michels

As everybody gears up to book family holidays to Croatia, those who’ve never visited this wonderful country may have some apprehensions as to the reality of its 'child friendliness'. Rest assured it is, in my experience, one of the most family friendly destinations you could choose in terms of its safety, accommodation and many accessible attractions.

Of course, any destination becomes a little less daunting if you have some insider knowledge, so I'd like to share a handful of helpful tips that I have offered clients over the years to make their family holidays to Croatia run smoothly.

1. Language: If English is your first and only language, you're in luck! Tourism is one of the major drivers of the economy, so English is widely spoken and understood. You should not encounter any difficulties communicating while you are holidaying in Croatia, except possible in some of the very rural areas – in which case the universal sign language should work a treat! The fact that most people you encounter will speak a little English will also help younger children feel at ease in their unfamiliar surrounds. (But take note of my last tip coming up as well.) 2. Accommodation: Being such a family friendly destination, many of the best hotels and resorts cater specifically to youngsters, with aspects like connecting rooms, children's clubs and onsite babysitting services. With so many historical attractions to explore, there may be times you'll want to take advantage of the latter for some adult downtime.

3. The people: Despite a fairly rocky recent history you'll find the locals very friendly, if perhaps a little reserved at first. As a rule they're extremely amenable, very helpful to tourists, and every Croatian I've ever met adores children.

4. Baby supplies: If you're travelling with a toddler or baby, the DM market (just outside the walls in Dubrovnik) is an excellent go-to source of baby products, but, generally, you can find anything you need in local pharmacies. Fresh milk is readily available at local markets or supermarkets.

5. But be prepared: Having said that, for those holidays to Croatia situated in some of the more rural (or the smaller islands), make sure you stock up on supplies like nappies, formula and baby wipes before you head off.

6. Food: All holidays to Croatia should include many opportunities for trying the more unusual foods (I especially recommend you sample some of the unique seafood even if you can't convince the children to do so!), there's no need to be nervous of the local cuisine – even for children. Familiar foods are readily available and much of what you'll find on the menu has a very Mediterranean bent to it – like pastas, pizzas, rice dishes, vegetables and grilled fish.

7. Driving: Hiring a car for a road trip along the stunning coastline of Croatia is an absolute joy, and one that should not be missed. But if you're on a tight time schedule you'll need to factor in the element of traffic, as the roads can get very busy in the peak season. This should be considered if your children are inclined to get restive in slow moving traffic. Remember to drive on the right hand side of the road and that most of the usual British rules apply: like compulsory seatbelts and using your mobile phone only when the vehicle is stationary.

8. Playing pedestrian: On the other side of the coin, it's prudent to keep your wits about you and a firm grasp on your child’s hand as a pedestrian as well. Croatians are not so much sticklers for the rules as the Brits, so never assume that just because you're about to step on to a pedestrian crossing, motorists will necessarily stop. Check and double check.

9. Taxi! Getting around by taxi can be a convenient mode of transport for short distances and to get you to and from the airport, but if you're travelling with younger children, be aware they do not come equipped with car seats. You'll also be charged for carrying luggage, and it's important to ensure that the driver actually turns on the meter before you set off.

10. A few useful words: Finally, while English is widely spoken, knowing a few words of the language (and at least having a go) will certainly endear you to the locals, and most children usually find it great fun as well. Some are easier than others…

•hello – zdravo •please – zadovoljavati • thank you - hvala •emergency – kriticno •taxi - taksi • doctor – doktor •bathroom – kupaonica


In my many years of visiting Croatia I've found it to be a warm, wonderful and entirely fascinating country and, no matter how many times I return, every trip brings it just a little closer to my heart. I've no doubt your family will find it to be the same.


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Split: An Ideal Family Holiday Destination

Split, Kroasia (Creative Commons Pixabay)

By Desiree Michels

Safe, accessible, family friendly and with an absolutely beautiful landscape to boot, holidays to Croatia have always been among my top recommendations for anyone travelling with children. The lovely city of Split, on the Dalmatian Coast, is ideal for family holidays to Croatia – with just the right blend of beaches, fun activities and relatable historical attractions.


Below are a few ideas to get you started on a foolproof child friendly itinerary that also promises to be fun for the parents as well.

Non-Stop Beach Fun

One of the primary attractions of most holidays to Croatia is the fact that you'll be able to enjoy some of the safest, best-facilitated beaches in the world. While there are certainly a lot from which to choose, two stand out for me in terms of accessibility and child friendliness.

Bacvice Beach: This is the city's main beach and, with a coveted Blue Flag status, it's very popular with both locals and tourists. The leisure park has a range of fun trampolines, slides and an inflatable castle, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants. My insider tip is to make sure you don’t miss seeing a round of the traditional beach ball game of 'picigin', which was invented in Split. Your children might even like to get involved themselves and it's great fun – if very energetic!

Znjan beach: While it's a little further away, half the fun is getting the short 5km bus ride to Znjan Beach. The newest beach to be developed in Split, it is purpose made for family fun. There's a play area for very young children, along with paddleboat slides, electric scooter rides, a bouncy castle and trampolines. There's also an indoor arcade if young ones need some fun out of the sun for a change. (Take bus number 15 from the city centre to Znjan Beach.)

A Submarine Tour

Yes, it actually is as much fun as it sounds, and this ingenious attraction – the Marijeta – offers a fascinating glimpse into the marine life around Split. The beauty of the Marijeta is that it's actually semi-submersible, so you can either be up on deck admiring the fantastic views of Diocletian's Palace, or down in the hull in the observatory, where the children will be right in the midst of the exciting underwater life. (Tours run day and night and leave from the Riva promenade, on the waterfront.)

Split Aquarium

If that underwater adventure proves popular, a visit to the Split Aquarium should also be on the cards. Newly opened in 2014, I've found this to be a really impressive aquarium. Encompassing 800 square metres and 22 separate aquariums, children can get up close and personal to sting rays, eels, lobsters, sharks and a host of other interesting creatures that make the Adriatic Sea their home. (The Split Aquarium is at Obala Pomoraca, 21211, Vranjic and is open 10am-10pm every day.)

Klis Fortress

If you can coax them away from the beach, a day trip to Klis Fortress will bring out your children's inner prince or princess. At just 5km from the centre of Split, it's really easy to get to by car or bus (numbers 10, 35 or 36), and this impressive medieval military structure will have you in as much awe as your offspring. Built right into the side of the rocky landscape, it's been an important stronghold as well as the seat of royalty throughout history. The onsite museum is full of armour and interesting artefacts and you'll also get fantastic views over Split and out to the Dalmatian Islands. (The fortress is open from 10am-4pm, closed Mondays.)

Marjan Hill Park

If you need to wear the young ones out a little, a walk up Marjan Hill will do the trick and they won't even cotton on to your cunning plan! As the backdrop of the city, the views from here are, of course, exceptional, but there are also plenty of rewards for making the picturesque walk. There are lots of nature paths, where you'll encounter local flora and birds, plenty of places to stop for a snack (you'll have to pack your own though), and several playgrounds to distract when walking loses its appeal. There are a few different pathways you can take up the hill, and in summer there's even a mini-train, which children love.

Carobni Grad

In the unlikely event of bad weather, or if the children just fancy some indoor entertainment, I can recommend the Carobni Grad, which is a massive indoor playroom. Over two levels of heaven for small people, each playroom has its own theme – so whether you've got mini pirates, chefs, builders, sportspeople or climbers, they'll find hours of fun to amuse them. (Carobni Grad is located at the Poljud Stadium – so there's scope for a little grown-up sightseeing as well.)


Split is absolutely ideal as a base for family holidays to Croatia. Along with some excellent accommodation that really takes young visitors into account, it has a host of attractions perfectly suited to enquiring minds and all that youthful energy.


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Making the Most of Your Tropical Vacation

Flickr Creative Commons / Pedro Fernandes

By Nelly Bee

One of the best ways to escape from it all is to book yourself and your companions a tropical vacation. There is nothing quite like spending a long weekend, or even longer, relaxing on a sandy beach. The best part about vacationing in a sunny tropical location is there are so many things to do and enjoy.

Things to do on a Tropical Vacation

One of the first things that people think of when planning a trip to destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, the Caribbean, and Cabo San Lucas is the beaches. Typically it is the beaches that attract tourists to these destinations. There is much more to do than just sit and relax on the sandy beaches and go swimming. Here are just a few other things that you and your traveling companions can do while on a tropical getaway.

- Surfing - This is one activity that is perfect when the surf is at its best. If you cannot handle surfing, body boarding is a great alternative for those that do not want to swim.

- Snorkeling - A great activity when you want to be in the water but do not want to worry about getting a certification or diving too deep into the water.

- Scuba diving - For the more adventurous at heart, scuba diving is a great activity. Divers get the opportunity to see things those sitting on land, in boats, or just swimming cannot enjoy. Having a certification and the correct equipment is important if you and your companions want to enjoy this water sport.

- Boating - this is an excellent activity if you want to be out and the water enjoying the views.

- Whale watching - This is possible from the coast in some locations, otherwise there are whale watching boat trips that venture out into the ocean.

- Fishing - When you are not in the water sometimes catching fresh fish is a great way to spend part of your vacation in a sunny local. Be sure to check with local rules and regulations prior to setting out to get the catch of the day.

- Swimming with dolphins - This is not an activity that can be done everywhere, but when possible this is a lifetime experience everyone should try once.

- Land activities - Volleyball, Frisbee, sun tanning, picnics

Vacationing in a sunny location is great because of the countless activities you can enjoy. The above are just a few of the things to do that will help you make the most of your tropical vacation.

Tropical vacations are a great way to unwind from life. Make sure to participate in activities like swimming, scuba diving or snorkeling to make the most of your trip.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9467717

Finding Places For An Amazing Honeymoon Experience

Flickr Creative Commons / Roberto Trombetta

By Bryan M  

After a hectic wedding planning experience, you deserve to have the most relaxing honeymoon and get enough privacy and time to enjoy your spouse and union as a whole. Choosing a honeymoon destination is therefore of great importance and you should think through things so you get an experience to remember for a long time to come. But how can you lay your hands on the best honeymoon spots that match your individual preferences?

Browse top destinations

The amazing thing about the internet is that you can retrieve any information you want in a matter of seconds and get down to reviewing the places you are most interested in. Use the internet to your advantage and find the destinations that have a reputation for offering the best honeymoon spots and then get to selecting. You can select a few of the best and then carefully review each one in relation to what you and your spouse prefer the most. Travel sites are also very good in getting you the information that you need at the top honeymoon places and the good thing is that you can actually even enjoy travel deals that save your time and money.

Ask for recommendations

Word of mouth can go a long way in finding you the best place to have your honeymoon. Friends, colleagues and even family members who have gone to honeymoons might recommend very nice places you can check and consider. Asking around also makes it possible for them to share information about the perfect holiday places they might have heard of from their contacts, thus giving you an easier time checking specific places rather than getting an endless list of potential destinations.

Get help

If you have a busy lifestyle and do not have much time to spare doing research on the best places to have a honeymoon, you can have a reliable travel agent do all the work for you. To make it easy for the agent to find a place that you are bound to enjoy, you can list out what features you are looking for at the destination and the honeymoon package in general. Agents work in conjunction with different service providers including hotels and it is very easy for them to get you the best places for your honeymoon. You can later review the detailed reports of the top best and decide which place matches your preferences for the special time with your spouse.

When thinking of a honeymoon spot, think about romance and adventure, budget, weather, accommodation and distance among other factors that play a direct role in what the honeymoon experience turns to be. It is best to plan for the honeymoon when you plan for the wedding so you have a smooth transition from the wedding to the honeymoon, especially if you want to start the honeymoon right after the wedding. You can use honeymoon packages and deals to make the planning less demanding so you are able to concentrate on the wedding.

There are lists of places from where you can get amazing honeymoon experiences. The most important is to ensure that what you get is what you both prefer for a honeymoon getaway.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9400373

A Spectacular Family Trip To Sydney

Sydney (Flickr Creative Commons / Corey Leopold)

By Abuzar Mir 

Sydney is one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world, always full of surprises for the traveler. If you wish to select a family-friendly tourist destination, Sydney is an amazing choice. You'll come across plenty of kids friendly attractions in the city and plenty of fun-filled experiences. If it's your first trip to the city, here is a complete guide to enjoy some attractions and experiences with your kids.

1. The Australian Museum and National Maritime Museum

Let's face the reality first; many adults despise visiting a museum. For this reason, most of their kids also do not fancy the thought of going to a museum. In Australia, you would find things to be entirely different. You wouldn't have to suffer from the very obvious boredom in Sydney when you take a trip to the finest museums of the country.

The Australian Museum is the first one built in the country. Ever since its construction, it has particularly catered to the needs of little ones. There are plenty of hands on experiences and interactive activities that presents all the knowledge in a fun manner.

Even if your child holds no interest in the marine, a trip to the National Maritime Museum is just enough to drive their interest. There is plenty to learn and experience when they witness amazing masterpieces such as a submarine, gigantic ships and other amazing exhibits.

2. Sydney Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens are a treat to the eyes and the stunning display of flowers and vegetation is surely impressive. It's absolutely a must visit for the adults, but these Royal Gardens are also well catered to the needs of the children. The wildlife of the park is one of a kind and delightful to explore. The sound of birdsongs all year round is truly a treat to the ears, no matter when you visit. The garden has a wide range of bird species. The Cockatoos and Rosellas truly win the show!

3. An Adventurous Trip to Yarramundi

The tree adventure in Yarramundi is nothing short of amazing and a must to experience. Trees are always great to look at, but you can do way more when you travel to Yarramundi at the famous Grose River Park. If you have kids who get easily bored, it is a perfect choice for you to keep them entertained and thrilled. Children that are four and above can enjoy the tree top adventure, and the course is catered to their age. It's an exciting day out while they climb, leap and even fly!

4. Taronga Zoo

Australia is famous for its wildlife, and one of the best places to experience this is at the Taronga Zoo. Not only does it have one of the largest collections of wildlife, but also amazing views of the Harbour. There are a number of guided tours that you can avail to explore it in the best manner.

Sydney is surely a kid's friendly destination if you manage to plan your trip wisely.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9468476

The Essence Of Adventure

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By Tony A Grayson

Do you like to take vacations? Where do you go? Depending on your answers, you will tag yourself somewhere in a range between the cautious traveler and the thrill seeker. There is nothing uncool about being anywhere on the range. Folks tend to take vacations that fit their age, experience, temperament, judgement, and budget. Also, a thrill seeker who has a young family with children, will be impeded by responsibility, so it evens out.

What is the essence of adventure? I define it this way: It is an adrenaline rush of exhilaration, an experience that combines freedom with vulnerability precisely when a spark is fired by sheer terror! If you survive it, you will have a hair-raising memory that you will share with other people for the rest of your life. If you are harmed by it, you have my sympathy.

I cannot fit examples of my adventures into this article, but I can tell you how to have your own adventure. Play Airport Bingo (Railway Bingo, Cruise Ship Bingo, Taxi Bingo), a game in which you and your favorite person snag two discount tickets, a bargain basement savings to fill in an otherwise empty pair of seats. Then, just go! Don't even pack a suitcase! Realize the power of this. Those tickets are the way to go everywhere. The fact that you don't know where you are going until you spontaneously buy them is the thrill!

Suppose that you chicken out. After all, you have no luggage, no guaranteed place to stay when you get to your impromptu destination, and you can think of dozens of reasons not to do this. But, you do have your favorite somebody to share the experience, and figuring out what you will do is like finding the pieces of a puzzle. You live in the now. It is easy to chicken



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9459481

Ireland - Fusion Of Culture And History

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By: Monica Lorica
Ireland is a popular tourist destination. This country offers unrivalled tourist attractions. This is what makes people come back time and again to Ireland. What makes Ireland as popular as it is now among tourists? What is its charisma that makes people want to go back?

Ireland is an 84,412 km land area with a total coastline distance of 3,172. It is considered as the “emerald isle” because of its prominent greens. Its capital city is Dublin, known for its cosmopolitan and chic mood.

Ireland’s Tourist Attractions
Ireland is the home of the Irish race. The Irish contributes to the appeal of this country. They are the people who will welcome anyone with a smile. Hospitality and amiability are traits common to the Irish. These people are nurtured by culture and strengthened by history. Their ways are guided by Irish principles that have guided their ancestors.

Ireland offers an exquisite view and experience of nature at its best. There are several gardens to explore. The St. Stephen’s Green is one of the most visited garden attractions in Ireland. There are several more nature attractions in Ireland. It is in Ireland where you can take a walk surrounded by the unspoiled beauty of nature.

Ireland is a land of culture and history. This is evident in the many festivals celebrated in this country. Tourists can join in the fun and festive spirit of this country. There are festivals commemorating music and arts, films, children, literature, nature, youth and history. These fares and festivals are proofs to how the Irish revere their rich culture.

There are also several historical sites and heritage castles to visit in Ireland. Tourists can relive the earliest years of this country with the several museums. The national museum of Ireland can be visited in Dublin. There are museums celebrating literature, arts, and even transportation. The old castles, which used to serve as residences or fortresses, now serve as historical tourist attractions.

Staying In Ireland Made Easy
Getting to Ireland is easy with all the transportation modes in this country. There are land, water and air transportations operating in Ireland. Staying in Ireland is also a burden off the shoulders of tourists. There is a wide array of hotels and accommodations in Ireland. These hotels suit any type of budget and needs. They range from economy to luxury.

Indeed, there are countless reasons why tourists simply love Ireland. With all the attractions and complete comfort, there is no better “home away from home” destination than Ireland.





Article source: Expert Articles