Sunday, May 20, 2007

Different Options For Cheap Vacations

If you are looking for fun and cheap vacations for you and your family then you have definitely come to the right place. This article will give you ten great ideas for fun filled family vacations that will cost not more than $ 1000.00. So start reading ahead to find out about these holiday deals:

1. A camping trip to the State Forest or the National park for a family of four will not only be a fun trip, but will also cost less than $1000.00. All the camping gear, camp ground fess and the traveling fees will also fall in your budget of $1000.00

2. A trip to Disney world is the dream vacation for any child. Nowadays, Disney world has taken many measures to make visits to the park affordable for all families. If you go during the value season then you may get rooms that start at $ 80 dollars a night.

3. If you want to have a completely different experience in your trip then you can bring your family to Cochran that is located in Ontario, Canada. You and your family can stay and enjoy your experience of staying in an actual igloo. You also don't have to worry about the temperatures since even if the igloo is made of ice and snow the temperature inside the igloo stays quite warm.

4. If you want a fun filled family trip and also want to give your children a history lesson then the city of Boston is the correct destination for you. Boston is one of the oldest cities of America and has a long and rich history of the United States in it. In this trip your biggest expense will be lodging and airfare, but you will not have to spend all that much for your sightseeing as all the cities attractions are at walking distances.

5. In the U.S there are many hot springs; you can easily take your family for a vacation to see one of these springs. One of the most frequently visited hot springs, are those that are present in Arkansas. These hot springs will offer you a day's soak in the warm, soothing springs and since you have to camp your lodging expenses will also be cut in half.

6. If you are planning to visit Europe then you can easily save money by staying in hostels. Hostels are inexpensive places to stay and by staying in hostels you will also have more money to spend on your sightseeing.

7. If you are looking for a romantic getaway and are not too keen on spending a huge amount of money then cruise travel packages are a perfect choice for you. There are many Cruise lines like Carnival Cruise that offer special deals on cruises. Many Cruise Lines often run deals as low as $500.

8. Did you ever dream of traveling across the US? Well, now you can make your dream come true with the help of the Greyhound Bus Lines. This bus line offers buses to different destinations all over the US. All you have to do is purchase a ticket to your destination and just get up on the bus. If you are good at bargaining then you can easily find a few cheap motels for your lodging on your trip.

9. If you dream of an island getaway but at a price that will not burn a hole in your pocket then the Dreams Cancun Resort and Spa is the perfect island getaway for you. This resort and spa is located in Cancun, Mexico and offer packages that are as low as $ 571 and includes three night stays at Cancun and flights to and from Cancun.

10. One of the cheapest island vacations that you will ever find is the Punta Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic. Here the hotels begin at just over $ 150 and almost everything on the island is inexpensive.

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Thursday, May 17, 2007

Ocho Rios, Jamaica is a Lovely, Natural Paradise With Lots to Do and See

If you want a vacation in a lush, tropical location; try the town of Ocho Rios in Jamaica. On the coast, the town has much to do and see. From big resorts, to smaller, privately-owned garden styled hotels, it has something for everyone from souvenir hunters to scuba divers. The crystal-clear, vividly turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea is breathtaking. Or hire a driver and go inland to see the deep jungles and gorgeous countryside. Jamaica is pure paradise. Here are some ideas on where to go on your trip.

Dunn's River Falls

Every day, tourists climb a natural rock formation whose river empties into the sea, called Dunn's River Falls. It is a great way to cool off in the hot sun. For those who don't want to climb, there is a path along the falls to walk up to the top. Nature is all around, and hear the tropical birds squawk in the trees as you walk through this lovely site.

Shaw Park Gardens

If you love flowers, go to this large botanical garden on a hill overlooking Ocho Rios. There you will see huge Banyan trees, with multiple trunks spread out everywhere. Colorful flowers such as towering bougainvillea vines surround you along with other breathtaking scenery such as waterfalls and lush jungle meadows. Look down on the coastline, and take photos of the sea from way up high. It is a nature photographer's paradise.

The market

Get your dickering skills in order and go over to the public market. Here, you are expected to talk the vendors down in price for everything from hair braiding to t-shirts. Buy a rum-filled coconut that is cut open with a machete right in front of you. Watching this is interesting all in itself. If you have new items you want to barter, take them with you and see if you can strike a deal with the dealers who sell in various outside booths. It is a lively and fun place. Expect many people to ask if they can braid your hair into cornrows. I had them do a French braid on me, for hardly any money. American money goes very far as of this writing, in Jamaica. Check out the hand-carved wooden sculptures by local artisans. The craftsmanship and elegance is amazing, of subjects such as fish, flowers, birds and more. My suitcase was filled with them by the end of my trip. Prices are reasonable, and even moreso if you are a good bargain-negotiator.

Take a snorkeling or scuba tour

Go to a dive store or inquire at your hotel where to find a good snorkeling tour. There are reefs everywhere down in Jamaica, full of tropical fish of all sizes, colors and shapes. It's like swimming in an aquarium. The skilled divers know where the best coral sites are, and will take you in their boat to them. It is amazing to see the majestic "gardens" of coral all around you, growing as if they were flowers. Bring a disposable underwater camera to capture memories of this exotic venture. The experience is surreal and fun. Just make sure to wear strong sunscreen or you will get a lobster-red sunburn very easily.

Shopping and dining in the shop district

In Ocho Rios, there are a variety of stores from high-end to low-budget. They are all interesting and offer great souvenirs. If you love coffee, buy the Jamaican Blue-Mountain coffee there, which is much cheaper than it is in the U.S., where it can cost $50 per pound, easily. Buy spices at local stores, such as curry powder or jerk seasoning. Jerk chicken is a spicy dish found all over Jamaica. It is delicious, just make to eat it with a pitcher of water by your side.

Some of the best restaurants are understated and out-of-the-way. Ten years ago, when I was there, there was a small place called Blue Cantina near the Hibiscus Lodge (the garden-style hotel I stayed at.) The Blue Cantina has great food for cheap prices. Try the fried plantains, served as a side-dish, they are to die for. They make wonderful tacos. The restaurant in the Hibiscus Lodge is a good place for breakfast, too. It is terraced, and overlooks the ocean, with amond trees branching over your head. I always ate outside there. The wait staff are professional and serve great fruit and pastries.

In general, going to Ocho Rios, Jamaica is great if you want to get away from regular city life and try something more natural. If you have time, have a taxi take you to other towns and cities as well. There is much to see in the country island of Jamaica. Have a Pina Colada, sit back and soak in that glorious Caribbean sunshine. It truly is paradise.

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Friday, May 11, 2007

Whitstable

Whitstable is a little coastal town in Kent, which, in recent years, has become increasingly popular with tourists, as news of the quaint sea-side town has spread far and wide.

It's the quirkiness of Whitstable which seems to provide the lure for those seeking a weekend away. The town has a rich smuggling history, as the harbour was a main supply point for Canterbury, just seven miles away. In response to the needs of the fishermen and merchants, Whitstable developed a network of alley ways leading from the sea to what is now the high street, and the smugglers' legacy became part of local lore, as they'd dash through these confined routes trying to evade the authorities. Alleys with such imaginative names as "Squeeze Gut Alley" have become the sort of thing that maybe provides humour, and a sense of charm to the visitors of this little town in Kent.

In recent years, Whitstable's restaurants have received much critical acclaim, and been featured in magazines, newspapers, and reviews galore, in turn attracting more restauranteurs seeking to find their place amidst the bustling gastro-economy that is current Whitstable. The local fish markets, which are situated in the Harbour, provide a wide range of fresh seafood to amply supply Whitstable's fish restaurants, and more and more establishments are seeking to source their other foods locally, taking advantage of Whitstable's location in the 'Garden of England'.

The number of visitors from our fair nation's capital has grown steadily, as it takes about an hour and a half to get here by train, or less by car, and the difference in ambiance and local routine seems sufficient to delight our London friends. In response to this, Whitstable has increasingly become the haunt of the fashionable boutique, the high-end deli, and of course, the art gallery – the well established arts scene providing a never-ending supply of talent. The Whitstable art scene has been going strong for many years now, and the town boasts an incredibly high number of artists, writers, and musicians, some choosing to display, others aspiring, and many in retirement.

As the town grows and changes, some fear for the loss of the town's simple identity, while others welcome Whitstable's popularity with open arms. Time will tell what becomes of this special little corner of Kent, and in the meantime, life goes on amidst the salt air and oyster yawls.

Tom West © 2007

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Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Limoges - Town of History and Porcelain

Limoges is a town in west-central France, and is the prefecture of the Department of Haute-Vienne and capital of the Limousin region. Its inhabitants are known as Limougeauds. The town is officially the 24th largest in France. It is built in the main on the right bank of the river Vienne, and can be considered to be the gateway to the Massif Central.

If so many people from all around desire to come and linger a while in Limoges, it's not just because of the services provided by this beautiful town, but also because of the quality of life it offers, which is no longer found in the big cities. This quality of life appears in both the preservation of the surrounding nature and the clemency of the climate. At the gates of the town you will encounter a huge natural park -- the countryside, offering itself to you! Its proximity to the sea makes its winters mild (in January only one degree separates Limoges from Toulouse), and it has a veritable Indian summer.

Limoges is also one of the towns of France with the lowest level of crime, so embarking upon an evening stroll will rarely pose a problem. Nor will its 692 hectares of green for sporting activities, of which there is almost an embarrassingly large selection.

For a thousand years, Limoges has been the capital of the porcelain and china industry, with its production exported throughout Europe. Three manufacturers -- Haviland, Bernardaud and Royal Limoges -- present their history in a specially developed area, and there are several manufacturers who welcome visitors to their works. There is also a preserved porcelain furnace dating from the end of the nineteenth century, which can be found in the Casseaux quarter.

As for history and culture, Limoges possesses the second most important library in France, after Cluny, and the abbey of Saint Martial is the birthplace of European polyphonic music. But when visiting Limoges, one of the most beautiful encounters is the collection of enamel ware of all periods and styles found in the Eveche enamel museum.

Limoges is also situated to the north of the cultural zone of the Langue d'Oc, and here people speak a Limousine version of occitan. Indeed the occitan texts discovered in Limoges are amongst the oldest in existence (notably those in the abbey of Saint Martial). So, from the middle ages, Limoges has been a cultural centre of prime importance in southern Europe, and its six libraries permit the reader to borrow transcriptions of many of the ancient texts.

Tradition is also present in the rich musical life Limoges has to offer. There are several halls for theatre and concerts, including five municipal cultural centers. Here you can still encounter the playing of ancient instruments such as the hurdy gurdy. Indeed a department of traditional music was created in the music conservatory in 1987, and students are able to study instruments such as the chabrette, bagpipes, traditional violin and the diatonic accordion. It's also possible to study dance and the occitan language through a repertoire of traditional regional songs. Folklore groups abound to regale both the locals and tourists alike with their diverse spectacles!

In summary, to encounter Limoges and its people is to embark upon the discovery of a culture and way of life entirely apart!

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Monday, May 07, 2007

What To Do In Eugene, Oregon

Will you be traveling to Eugene, Oregon? If the answer is yes you have a lot of options to choose from as far as attractions. This vibrant city is full of activities for you and your family to enjoy. Keep reading this article to learn about a few things you should check out while you are in Eugene.

One great place to visit is the Oregon Air and Space Museum. This museum will teach you about the history of Aviation in Oregon. This includes several planes like a World War I Fokker tri-plane, an F-86 Saber and even a Japanese Zero. There are several more aircraft and it is quite an impressive collection. For more information on the museum you can call 541-461-1101.

Another great attraction to take in is the Nike Store and Museum. You might not be aware of this but Nike was started in Eugene. The museum traces the history of Nike and the town of Eugene. Its not the biggest attraction but it might be worth checking out. For more information on this attraction you can call 541-342-5155.

Yet another popular attraction in Eugene is the Fifth Street Market. This is a great place to shop and people watch and is very popular. You can find some great souvenirs and products or just walk around and eat some food while taking in historic Eugene. This one is a definite must see.

There are many more attractions to take in while in Eugene like the University of Oregon or Alton Baker Park but I will save those for another article. Have fun enjoying and exploring Eugene.

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Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Lanzarote - Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca is situated at the southernmost tip of the island, and seems to have its own unique weather, away from the rest of island. Flanked by the Femes mountains on one side... and with Montana Roja imposing at the other side, it is sheltered from some of the higher winds, and also claims the highest temperatures on the island.

With beautiful white sandy beaches framing the town, edging round to Papagayo (a series of coves with shallow clear waters), it's also an ideal place to bring the children, and feel safe as they paddle about in the shallow waters. With all the variety of tourist shops that you would expect, there are many bars offering low-key entertainment throughout the evening. It's a little quieter than other resorts in Lanzarote, which suits the visitor seeking a more laid back holiday experience.

The most recent development is the Marina Rubicon. A development of designer shops, and restaurants in beautiful surroundings, positioned right next to the beautiful Marina. Why not take a stroll, and see some of the most spectacular yachts in the Canary Islands. The promenade in Playa Blanca is host to many top quality cafes and restaurants, where you can sit back and sample either the local or international menu on offer. The view across to Fuerteventura is beautiful, and at night you can see Corralejo's lights twinkling back at you, whilst listening to the waves lapping at the shore.

All in all - this is a resort of the highest quality.

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