maandag 11 augustus 2008

Advice For Choosing Between Tours Vs Hotels

Deciding where to go for a relaxing vacation can actually be stressful in and of itself. And if you are a part of a couple, then reaching an agreement on where to go could get downright frustrating.

The options can get overwhelming: there are European backpacking excursions, Serengeti safaris and Adventure cruises to choose from. Planning ahead and being organized can go a long way in a vacation search.

Write down a list of the places where you think you would get the most relaxation and pleasure out of visiting. You could even seek the advice of a travel agent and seek information, negative and positive, about a potential vacation spot.

After the initial search and research, you should place the vacation spot options in order of the best to the worst. The negatives should play a really big part in your decision making process because something that may seem small will loom large once the vacation begins. So do not make oversights when it comes to what you foresee might be an issue on a trip. Make honest assessments.

Your budget should also wield a lot of influence over your vacation decision. Make sure to make decisions that will be financially sound and responsible. There is no sense in spending extravagantly for a relaxing vacation only to come back home from it stressed out over spending money that you did not have.

A working budget for a vacation should include an extra padding of money that is "just-in-case" money. Because of the multitude of location options, a budget will determine whether or not a trip can be taken overseas or only within one's native country. And after the bulk of money is spent on the expenses of the ticket to the destination, one must keep in mind that money will or might be needed for travel, food, doctor trips if necessary, and souvenir expenses.

After comparing and contrasting the money that each type of trip might cost, one will gain more insight as to what will be worth the value of it.

The adventure travel vacation can take many forms because that is the nature of them: they are unconventional and carry a certain risk to them. That is wherein the thrill lies. You can kayak not far from glaciers in Alaska or you can go to South America to brave the rapids of the Amazon River instead.

One can engage in such enthralling activities, or one can instead indulge in a location's top-notch restaurants and plush offerings of its all inclusive hotels. It is all about what aspects of a vacation are most important to you.

Adventure Travel cruises provide something that a stay in a luxury hotel in a place like Europe does not have: options.

If you pick an Egyptian cruise on the Nile, your room is not stationary. Instead, the pyramids are suddenly outside your window and you are able to go explore and photograph them with a guide leading the way.

An ecological tour is what you will find where rain forests are ventured into on an Amazon River cruise. Adventure cruises give a traveler choice and easy access to the destinations they desire. That is why it is important to think thoroughly about what you want out of adventure travel excursion so as to get the most out of it.

However, you would instead opt for the luxury hotel in any one of them offered across Europe. But you will have to think about what type transportation you will use that is the most financially sound and which destinations to visit. That is what a cruise can offer you: access to the best, little known and seen sights that a stay at a luxury hotel might not yield.

Planning your vacation and the locations you want to visit is not a challenge because all you have to do is sit and write and organized itinerary. But finding the right travel package could be difficult as you might not know all of the venues that could provide the exact trip you want.

A travel agent could give you the sources that will lead you to the best deals for exactly what you want. Or become a member of a travel club member which should offer information and resources that you can research yourself.

The Better Business Bureau, friends/relatives, and the Chamber of Commerce are where you can find information and leads on dependent travel agents in and around your local neighborhood.

The essayist Jerry Blackburn is really interested in areas relating with Benidorm apartments and holiday homes. His comments on holiday homes and finding a good all inclusive hotel in benidorm are published on his web pages.

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Where To Go For The Best Vacation Spots In The US

Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Region

Vermont has much to offer, even more than maple syrup and deep-sea fishing. Check out one of Vermont's Inns or Resorts. Best vacation spots in Vermont for all types of families are Smugglers Notch and Tyler Place.

Neighboring New Hampshire offers 100-year-old Mount Washington Resort, which includes a Kids Camp, summer and winter activities. This grand old style hotel is part of the Bretton Woods Ski Resort. Your family will surely enjoy this vacation spot whether it is a sultry summer or a wonderful winter getaway.

New York with kids or teenagers? New York isn't just the Big Apple and bright lights. New York's best family vacation spots include Mononk Mountain House, The Sagamore at Lake George, Otesaga Resort Hotel, and the Rocking Horse Ranch.

Each classic historical resort has activities for kids, teens and the entire family. Many places offer seasonal holiday weekends as well. And if New York City is just beckoning a day or two of lights and action, it is within a couple hours' drive.

Traveling about six hours southwest is the voluminous mountains of Pennsylvania. The year-round resort Nemacolin Woodlands is nestled among 2800 wooded acres in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Activities available are an Equestrian Center, Adventure Center, and Mystic Mountain downhill ski area. The Equestrian Center provides guided rides for ages eight and up on wooded trails, riding lessons, pony rides, sleigh and surrey rides, and a polo field. While both indoor and outdoor pools are available weather permitting, fly-fishing is available for the all levels of anglers.

The Adventure Center is available for ages ten and up with a climbing wall, off-site rock-climbing, and kayak roll sessions. While the kids are occupied, take a casual bike ride or a paddle leisurely along one of the rivers or ponds. The teenagers will also appreciate activities such as paintball and archery. They Mystic Mountain downhill ski area is available during the winter months and boasts five slopes and eight trails. For the less intense skier try cross-country or follow a trail with snowshoes.

The best family vacation spot in Pennsylvania is Nemacolin Woodlands since it offers several types of accommodations: a chateau, hotel, RV campsites and a lodge along with activities for every age and interest.

Southeast US Region

North Carolina's famed Outer Banks' beaches span more than 100 miles and offer mounds of sand castle building, beach combing, bird watching, sand dune climbing, crabbing and swimming.

Also, visit the Wright Brothers Memorial since Kitty Hawk was the famed town for the first flight (and landing). Amusement parks, an aquarium, and an alligator wildlife refuge are other activities available for all ages.

If one is adventuresome, try hang gliding for a few hours, it must just be the perfect "hang up" on this vacation. Not only a great place to sightsee and shop, but also it was awarded one of the Top Ten Best Beaches in America of 2007.

From the surfside towns to the breathtaking views of the Appalachians, Earthshine Mountain Lodge is more than a vacation; it is a lodge of love and devotion. Truly, the best family vacation spot in the Southeast is Brevard, North Carolina. Ask Marion Boatwright or Kim Heinitsh about their devotion to creating a family adventure, three years in the making and still improving every year.

Georgia may be home to the Atlanta braves and the juiciest peaches, but it doesn't compare to Stone Mountain Park. Just a short drive from the bustling city of Atlanta it offers the most accessible outcropping of granite in the world.

A true natural marvel Stone Mountain is Georgia's best family vacation spot with its myriad of outdoor attractions for kids, teens and adults alike. Attractions include a mountaintop sky lift, Treehouse Challenge for kids, scenic railroad, golf, tennis and an 1870's replica of a southern town.

Pam Voigt is the owner of GuestQuest, a luxury travel magazine based in Cleveland, Ohio, that is your vacation guide for all of your lodging needs. With the traveler guide, you may choose a number of luxury hotels and motels, resorts and other accommodations from many states for your family.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pam_Voigt

Sexy Santorini - A Vacation Destination That Gets the Pulse Racing!

What makes Santorini so sexy?

This Greek Island is full of sexy girls and boys who have left their inhibitions behind. The sultry heat, romantic sunsets and pulsating nightlife build to a crescendo of red-hot sexual energy.

This explosive eruption rivals that of the famous volcano that shaped the Island itself.

It's little wonder then that the Island gets the nickname of Sexy Santorini, and was recently proclaimed by Forbes as one of the top 10 sexiest islands in the world.

Sexy Santorini Hotspots

Fira, the capital of the Island, easily mixes cool with hot, and things really start to heat up after midnight.

Celebs like Tara Reid and Paris Hilton have danced the night away here into the wee small hours.

The Koo Club and Enigma nightclub are well known to attract the young and the beautiful, so follow your ears and listen for the sounds of disco music in the little streets of Fira, and you'll soon find your way there.

Tango is another popular hotspot in Santorini. Here you can dance inside or outside -- either way, you will generate plenty of heat.

There's a range of musical tastes in Fira. The Casablanca Soul sometimes has live funk and soul bands while Taj Mahal plays an eclectic mix of international and Greek music.

Away from Fira are the steamy resorts of Perissa and Kamari. In Kamari the liveliest hotspot is the Dom Club where you can enjoy a mix of music styles.

Perissa has a fabulous nightspot named Taboo. It boasts of its popularity in typical Greek fashion, and claims the secret to its success is "the rule of the bar is none leaves displeased."

Sexy Santorini Beaches

Hot black sand draped with beautiful bronzed beach babes is the order of the day on Santorini beaches. And don't be surprised if there are fewer tops than bottoms where swimwear is concerned.

Red Beach in Santorini is often voted one of the top ten topless beaches in the world. The beaches of Perissa and Kamari are also famous for their topless beach babes too.

Naturism, although not actively encouraged on Santorini's beaches, is tolerated in some places. Koloumbo Beach near Oia is said to be a very naturist-friendly beach. So if you want to go completely nude, try it here.

Other top Santorini beaches are Katharos, near Oia. Or in the south try Vlychada, or White Beach, which lies just beyond Red Beach at Akrotiri.

Sexy Santorini Luxury Spa Hotels

To prepare you for the rigours of beach lounging by day, and partying all night, Santorini has some top luxury hotels with fabulous spa facilities. Be prepared to have your body buffed, massaged, scrubbed and pummelled to get it ready for action.

Try the algae and volcanic mud wraps at the Notos Spa Hotel at Vlychada beach.

The Santorini Princess Luxury Spa Hotel Resort in Imerovigli has essential oil treatments, body waxing and spa therapies, as well as special wellness packages for brides and grooms.

Can't stretch to the pricey luxury spa treatments? Then try the free ones!

At the extinct volcano of Palea Kameni there's totally natural and free volcanic mud baths and hot springs. Boat excursions will take you from Fira Port to see the active volcano of Nea Kameni which stops off at Palea Kameni for the chance of some free, natural and safe indulgence.

Sexy Santorini Singles

If you are single then don't think that Santorini is not for you. Although known as a couple's destination and the wedding and Honeymoon Island, for singles, Santorini is a great place to find that special sexy someone you've been searching for.

Sexy Santorini Gay Scene

Santorini still extends a warm gay friendly welcome to gay and lesbian couples.

Although there are no gay bars as such on Santorini, all are gay friendly, in particular the fabulous Tropical at Fira, which boasts a fantastic sea view and brilliant ambiance.

All the Greek Islands are welcoming to the gay scene, particularly Mykonos for gay men, and Lesvos for lesbian women.

Santorini is no exception.

Many gay and lesbian couples feel very welcome and comfortable in this, the ultimate sexy, romantic holiday destination. Many choose Santorini to hold their commitment ceremonies, or to enjoy their Santorini celebration and honeymoon, after marrying in their home country.

More refined, less frantic, and far less predictable than the Gay Mecca of Mykonos, Santorini can be a super place for a holiday vacation regardless of your sexuality.

So, if you want a sexy vacation, think about Sexy Santorini -- the ultimate romantic Greek Island.

Graham Yates lives with his wife Alison on the Greek Island of Crete. To learn more about the sexy Greek Island of Santorini, including how to get there, where to stay and things to do (other than party!) visit http://www.simply-santorini.com/ Our other favourite place, Crete, can be sexy too! To learn about Crete visit http://www.completely-crete.com/ An independent insider's guide to Greek island life.

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California Tourist Attractions & Must See Places In California

On the West Coast of the United States, California offers plenty of travel ideas. It is mainly because of the reason that it is geographically diverse and each diversity results in its own beauty.

It is one of the largest state in the United States regarded as the Golden State due to its historical past. The state is one of the most visited travel destinations not only just by Americans but also by people all around the world.

Monterey was the state capital once. However, being located in the central part of the state, Sacramento has been the capital city of California.

Los Angeles is the largest and most populous city. Among the popular cities of California there are San Francisco, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Monterey, Palm Springs, San Jose, Long Beach, Berkeley, Oakland, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Santa Cruz, Fresno, Bakersfield, Pasadena etc.

Most of these cities are popular with their beauties as they are worldwide famous. For example, Los Angeles called as the "City of Angels" is the most populous and charming city in which many celebrities live.

The regions of California are mainly: San Diego County, Deserts, Inland Empire, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Central Coast, San Francisco Bay Area, North Coast, Shasta Cascade, Central Valley, Gold Country, High Sierra.

As a travel destination California houses National Parks & monuments, amusement and theme parks, natural attractions, wineries, spots for outdoor activities and beaches.

In order to learn tne meaning of "having fun" amusement and theme parks of California must be visited. Among them there are Disney Land, Universal Studio, SeaWorld, Marine World, Hurricane Harbor, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Earthquake, Knotts Berry Farm, Lego Land, Funderland, Scandia Amusement Park, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Marine World, Paramount's Great America. These are all mustsee places for the visitors.

California has many beautiful National Parks, State Parks and Monuments such as Channel Islands National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Death Valley National Park, Redwood National Park, Sequoia National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Point Reyes National Seashores, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, Lava Beds National Monument, Cabrillo National Monument, Lassen Volcanic National Park etc.

The state also presents architectural landmarks and museums. In Los Angeles, casinos offer top class entertainment. No need to tell how much popularity Hollywood owns. Golden Gate Bridge, Hollywood Wax Museum, Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Río Carmelo in Carmel, The San Francisco Opera, The American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, Alcatraz are also places to see.

For the ones who love outdoor, California offers mountains, deserts and coastal areas to explore. All kinds of activites are available: rafting, birding, hiking, biking, water and snow skiing, caving, watersports etc. Also, there are wildlife viewing areas. A wide variety of flora and fauna exist in California.

The wineries are also popular places to visit. Here one can go on winery tours which mean tasting gourmet food and wonderful wines.

Situated along the west coast of the United States, California has always been attractive.

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5 Ways To Get Cheap Disneyland Tickets


Going to Disneyland can be an incredibly expensive trip for the family, especially when you factor in admission tickets, accommodation, food, souvenirs and other essential expenses for the typical vacation to The Happiest Place on Earth.

To help alleviate your financial worries, here are the top 5 ways to get cheap Disneyland tickets.

Consider staying at one of the Disneyland hotels. Although they can be more costly over other hotels within Anaheim, the package deals (which includes single and multiple day hopper passes to both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure) will save you a lot of money. Staying at these hotels will also greatly improve your vacation thanks to it's easy accessibility to the parks.

Pre-purchase your tickets on the official Disneyland website. You'll save up to $40 off tickets when you buy 8 days prior to your planned date.

If you plan on visiting other theme parks within the area (such as Knotts Berry Farm and Sea World), purchase a Southern California City Pass. In addition to a three-day pass to Disneyland, you also get tickets to Knotts Berry Farm, Sea World and San Diego Zoo.

If you are visiting with someone that has a military affiliation or background, you'll be able to enjoy huge discounts on Disneyland tickets.

Browse around on the internet. There are always people that sell their unused or unwanted passes and are almost always willing to give it away for next to nothing. It is a great way to acquire discount Disneyland tickets, especially if you look in the right places such as forums and auction sites.

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Booking a Tour Through a Travel Consolidator


When you are ready to book your summer vacation, it is likely that you are going to choose either a travel agency or an online discount site. However, there is one option which may be ideal for you that you do not even know about and that is a travel consolidator.

Understanding Travel Consolidators

Basically a travel consolidator is a high-volume ticket broker. They tend to purchase a large number of tickets and then sell them to consumers for a lower price than most published fares. So by purchasing from a ticket consolidator you could potentially save a lot of money on travel and perhaps even on a tour in your chosen destination.

The reason that a travel consolidator can afford to sell tickets so cheaply is because when they purchase such a large number of tickets, they get a good discount. It is possible that some travel consolidators even have a contract with different airline companies because they purchase so many tickets form them.

However, when you look for information on travel consolidators, you will notice that they only tend to buy tickets for popular destinations. After all, they need to know that the large number of tickets that they purchase will actually sell, so they are not going to purchase tickets for an unknown location.

Generally airlines will have more than one travel consolidator dealing with them. This is basically to ensure that the flights will be fully booked as there is often a worry that seats will be left empty on various flights. So if a consolidator can sell the tickets really cheaply then there is less chance that the flight will be left empty.

You may be wondering how travel consolidators make their money when they are selling the tickets so cheaply. Well because the discount that they get for purchasing a large number of tickets is quite significant, they can afford to sell the tickets really cheaply and still make a profit. In fact some travel consolidators even sell the tickets for ordinary published prices which mean that they make even more of a profit. They mainly sell to travel agencies and members of the public. Some travel consolidators even sell their tickets online too.

Overall if you can find a travel consolidator then you may well be able to save quite a lot of money on your next vacation. However there are different types of travel consolidators and some will be better than others. This means that you should look and see which travel consolidators have been reviewed on various comparison websites and see which ones sound the most reliable to go with.

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Tourist Information For Women

There are a lot of guys who think that a women's adventure travel is something that is boring, but women can do just as much as men. You will find that there are a lot of appropriate activities that women can do that are just as interesting to men.

You will want to think about going to the great outdoors of South America, Wyoming, and even Africa. You will want to make sure that this is something that interests you, but you will be able to find a lot of physical challenges that both men and women can enjoy.

You will want to go online and research some of the popular "women's adventure travel destinations" so that you can get a visual in mind of what it is that you are specifically looking for.
You will find that a lot of women do choose to go to places like Africa because it has such a different experience. You will find that this is such a different place and there are a lot of people who will take their children to the continent for the spa treatment.

Keep in mind that there are a lot of wines and culinary interests that you will want to discover by traveling to Africa. You may even be able to join a cultural tour and join a safari too.

There are so many things that you can do when it comes to looking for an adventure built for a woman. You will want to make sure that you think about going to places that have mountainous sites and rivers, because you will find that there are a lot of romantic sights to be seen.

You will want to make sure that you consider places that are well known for whitewater rafting because you will want to have a lot of excitement in your vacation without having to do something too physically straining like rocking climbing.

You will also find that many places will also offer horseback riding. This is a great combination, because you get both excitement and relaxation in this type of vacation.

For those who are looking for an adventure outside of the United States, you will want to consider places like South America and other places that have a long history and a different cultural.

When it comes to south America, you will want to consider going to the Andean Mountains so that you can see all the wonderful secrets of the land, however, you will also want to go to places like Patagonia so that you can see the ruins that are sacred in Machu Picchu. There is so many things in the world that you will need to consider discovering as a woman.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_J._Slarkowski