Las Vegas Sightseeing Tours

Las Vegas is the largest city in Nevada with some of the best casinos and nightclubs. Apart from gambling and nightlife, this city has a number of other tourist attractions such as theme parks, amusement centers, resorts and the Grand Canyon, which is considered as one of the natural wonders of the world. The Hoover Dam and Lake Mead are also amongst the major tourist attractions of Las Vegas. Since there is a lot to see in this city, there are various sightseeing tours throughout the city that are arranged specially for tourists in order to give them a complete experience of Las Vegas.

Most of the sightseeing tours in Las Vegas head towards the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and the Lake Mead. Lake Mead is the largest man-made lake in the U.S. and hence, is one of the main tourist spots. Some of the tours provide a deluxe motor coach tour to the tourists from Las Vegas to Lake Mead and then board them on the Lake Mead cruise to visit Hoover Dam, which is one of the seven modern civil engineering wonders of America. During the 2-hour visit to Hoover Dam, tourists can enjoy a delicious lunch and visit Ethel M's Chocolate Factory. Most of these sightseeing tours have complimentary hotel pick-up and drop along with complimentary lunch. Since the Grand Canyon is a national monument, many tours head towards the land of the Hualapai Indian Tribe from where tourists get a unique view of the Colorado River and the terraced cliffs of the west rim of the Grand Canyon. There are a number of city tours too that take the tourists sightseeing all around the Las Vegas city. These tours normally take the tourists to the city's popular casinos, mega resorts that consist of world famous restaurants, shopping promenades, canals, museums and pirate ships. The tourists get to walk along well-known streets such as Fremont Street and Heritage Street, which highlight different historic elements.

The time duration of the Las Vegas sightseeing tours generally range from 5-8 hours but they take the tourists through an enthralling experience of the Las Vegas city in this short time span.

Las Vegas Tours provides detailed information on Las Vegas Tours, Las Vegas Grand Canyon Tours, Las Vegas Helicopter Tours, Las Vegas Bus Tours and more. Las Vegas Tours is affiliated with Las Vegas Vacation Rentals.

Frugal Travel Tips For Washington DC

You can not say you’ve seen the U.S. without seeing Washington D.C. Although hotels are costly and parking a challenge, the nation’s capital is full of free attractions and things to do.

The White House And The Pentagon

Entrance to President’s Park is free and gives the frugal traveler great views of the White House. The visitors center has some very nice permanent exhibits. Tours of the White House can be arranged for groups of 10 or more. However applications have to be received at least six months in advance.

Tours are also available of the Pentagon. These also have to be arranged well ahead of time.

Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument

The National Mall And Memorial Parks contain some of the U.S.’s most important monuments. These include The Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the Washington Monument within walking distances of each other. The Mall itself is a great place to picnic and people watch. Entrance is free

Smithsonian Castle

When I think of the Smithsonian, I think of the Smithsonian Castle, the first building. Entrance as with all of the 17 Smithsonian buildings and the National Zoo is free. There are also free tours available. The building itself is beautiful. The exhibits? It’s the Smithsonian.

National Museum of Natural History

Another Smithsonian Museum, the National Museum Of Natural History is a favorite with kids. They have tarantula feedings, dinosaurs, and preserved animals. As with all the Smithsonian Museums, the National Museum Of Natural History is free.

National Museum Of American History

Another free Smithsonian Museum, the National Museum Of American History showcases American culture and history. From Dorothy’s ruby red slippers to full sized locomotives, think of an American icon and you can likely find it in this museum.

Washington D.C. is full of free tourist attractions with American politics, history, and culture as the focus. The Smithsonian Museums alone, a great rainy day alternative, can take weeks to explore. The city is a must see for both American visitors and residents.

For more frugal travel tips on Washington D.C. or other cities, visit http://www.freephotooftheday.com

Great Tips For Effective Airline Travel

For business meetings or for vacation holidays, people do travel a lot. There are certain things that you ought to remember such as backpacking habits, favorable weather conditions and (Global Positioning System) GPS to make your travel a lot safer.

To make your wilderness tour better, you need to focus on certain backpacking travel tips. For example, while hiking, chances are more to get dehydrated, hence you need to carry at least two bottles of water to avoid dehydration. If there is no water source nearby your hiking zone, then make sure that you drink enough water. Urine indicates the level of dehydration. Urine may be bright yellow in color, if you are feeling dehydrated.

Effective Travel Tips:

Look at the weather conditions frequently. It is good if you charge your cell phone battery fully. Turn on your cell phone only in emergency cases. A GPS unit may help to give you appropriately in the direction of your journey.

One more vital tip, while hiking or wild tour is to have a good quality tent, because this will be your home throughout your journey. Make sure the tent you will be using is light in weight and must be capable to protect you from weather conditions. Good tents have enough space.

When traveling with your family, it will be better to take suggestions from your kids or parents to select the location for holidays.

Security consulting agencies have rated few countries as world's most dangerous countries for tourists. These ratings are given based on certain factors such as terrorism, kidnapping, criminality rate and geopolitical instability.

Travelers/tourists need to avoid visiting these countries. If you still wish to visit these places, then travel with professional bodyguards only. Countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan are among the world's dangerous countries.

Another one of the most beneficial travel tips is to insure your life under a travel insurance policy, especially when you are travel in such dangerous countries.

Many travel insurance providers offer travel insurance plans for these types of journeys. Insurance agencies may cancel your policy under Federal recommendations in some places. In addition, these plans may not cover injuries due to terrorist activities or war situations. Look for those plans that also include medical coverage.

Other Vital Travel Tips:

You may rent a car for traveling on roads. There are few tips to save money on fuel, as fuel prices are increasing day-by-day. If you are traveling alone, a small-sized car may be the perfect choice as small cars give more mileage. Cars with manual transmission have more power and more mileage than cars with automatic transmission. In addition, renting a car with automatic transmission is high. A GPS enabled car saves lots of time and money to travel through the routes you want. Next, depending on the location you intend to tour, decide whether to use an air-conditioned car or non air-conditioned car.

Nowadays, airlines conduct stern security procedures. Therefore, ensure you step in the airport well before your scheduled time of departure.

Find travel credit cards and more of Tom's work at FINDairlinecards.com.

Getting The Best Tour Operator For An Outdoor Vacation

When you are booking an adventure trip at your travel destination, you want to make sure you have the best tour operator you can have. While there will be a number of people who offer adventure tours, the key to having a great outdoor vacation is making sure that the travel guide you have is experienced in working in the area where you will be traveling, and that they specialize in the kind of travel that you are interested in. You can find the best person for the tours you want, with a little research.

When you start your search for the best tour operators for an outdoor vacation, you can't just open the phone book and expect them to pop up in it. Adventure tours are a little more specialized and you will have to take a different route to find them. The internet is your best bet. There are a lot of travel resources out there, and you may well find adventure operators at your travel destination have a website where you can learn all about them.

Before you can properly search for an adventure tour operator, you need to know what you are looking for. What is your focus on the trip? Is it the activities like hiking and rock climbing? Or are you more interested in the culture or environment in the area you are going to visit? Depending on what your focus is, you may need to look for different tour operators. Most tour operators specialize in one area or another, so you need to ask around to find one with your focus.

Next, you need to make sure the person you are going to trust your trip to, knows what they are doing. You need to research your tour operators to make sure they have been in the business for a while and qualified to be conducting these kinds of trips. You don't want to end up out in the middle of nowhere without anyone to help you, and have an inept company leading the way. Once you start to find some of the adventure tour companies on the internet, you will need to look more into those companies and their backgrounds. See how long they have been around, and look for independent reviews of their services.

Next do some price and service checking. Call the companies who are offering adventure tours and ask them to solidify what the outdoor vacation includes and the cost so you know what you are going to get for your money. While a phone call is a good start, if you can, it's better to seal the deal with a face-to-face meeting.

The best way to find out what is a great travel destination and adventure trip to take is by people who have been there. Talk to your family and friends and see if any of them have taken these kinds of trips and what experience they had. They may know of the perfect adventure tour operator to send you to.

Ken Morris writes predominantly for http://www.alicante-spain.com, an online publication on Malaga flights, Costa del Sol flights and many different interests. Recording his experience in documents like http://www.alicante-spain.com/costa-del-sol/cheap-flights-to-malaga.html, the writer affirmed his skill on subjects relating to Malaga flights and Costa del sol flights.

Great Tips For Effective Airline Travel

For business meetings or for vacation holidays, people do travel a lot. There are certain things that you ought to remember such as backpacking habits, favorable weather conditions and (Global Positioning System) GPS to make your travel a lot safer.

To make your wilderness tour better, you need to focus on certain backpacking travel tips. For example, while hiking, chances are more to get dehydrated, hence you need to carry at least two bottles of water to avoid dehydration. If there is no water source nearby your hiking zone, then make sure that you drink enough water. Urine indicates the level of dehydration. Urine may be bright yellow in color, if you are feeling dehydrated.

Effective Travel Tips:

Look at the weather conditions frequently. It is good if you charge your cell phone battery fully. Turn on your cell phone only in emergency cases. A GPS unit may help to give you appropriately in the direction of your journey.

One more vital tip, while hiking or wild tour is to have a good quality tent, because this will be your home throughout your journey. Make sure the tent you will be using is light in weight and must be capable to protect you from weather conditions. Good tents have enough space.

When traveling with your family, it will be better to take suggestions from your kids or parents to select the location for holidays.

Security consulting agencies have rated few countries as world's most dangerous countries for tourists. These ratings are given based on certain factors such as terrorism, kidnapping, criminality rate and geopolitical instability.

Travelers/tourists need to avoid visiting these countries. If you still wish to visit these places, then travel with professional bodyguards only. Countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan are among the world's dangerous countries.

Another one of the most beneficial travel tips is to insure your life under a travel insurance policy, especially when you are travel in such dangerous countries.

Many travel insurance providers offer travel insurance plans for these types of journeys. Insurance agencies may cancel your policy under Federal recommendations in some places. In addition, these plans may not cover injuries due to terrorist activities or war situations. Look for those plans that also include medical coverage.

Other Vital Travel Tips:

You may rent a car for traveling on roads. There are few tips to save money on fuel, as fuel prices are increasing day-by-day. If you are traveling alone, a small-sized car may be the perfect choice as small cars give more mileage. Cars with manual transmission have more power and more mileage than cars with automatic transmission. In addition, renting a car with automatic transmission is high. A GPS enabled car saves lots of time and money to travel through the routes you want. Next, depending on the location you intend to tour, decide whether to use an air-conditioned car or non air-conditioned car.

Nowadays, airlines conduct stern security procedures. Therefore, ensure you step in the airport well before your scheduled time of departure.

Find travel credit cards and more of Tom's work at FINDairlinecards.com.

A Tour Full of Adventures and Thrills

Seeking the peace of mind or just want to enjoy some days in hunting adventure? If you are choosing any African destination, you better think about Zambia that can fulfill all your desires. Besides mesmerizing natural beauty, you can get the chance to meet friendly and warm people of the country. It is not wrong to say that Zambia safari paves the surest way to the heaven.

Zambia can be better described as the peaceful, stabilize and friendly country that has a lot to offer for tourists moving in from different parts of the world. The country possesses incredible natural resources and carries on the heritage of a natural safari country. In this article, we'll talk about some of the nicest tourist attractions of Zambia:

1. In holiday Zambia, you can witness the world most spectacular and largest waterfall called, "The Victoria Falls." It measures 1701 metres wide and plunges down to 111 metres.

2. Secondly, you can visit the wild waves of the untamed river known as Zambezi River. The river provides breath-taking natural scenery. You can view many interesting and marvelous sights just to add more fun and pleasure in their Zambia safari holiday.

3. Next, you can visit the Nchanga Open Pit, one of the largest open cast mines in the world and the largest in Africa.

4. Adventure freaks can visit the 19 national parks and 34 game management areas, maintained by the government of the country, covering around 30 percent of the 752614sq km of Zambia.

5. Get the unbelievable sights of fascinating wildlife in pristine wilderness could be a really tempting activity. Having the largest consideration of wildlife animals, you can witness the different species of mammals such as lion, giraffe, leopard, rhino and elephant.

6. Water sport lovers can get ultimate adventure at the Livingstone, situated near the superb Victoria Falls, offering a wide variety of water adventure such as White water river-rafting, bungee jumping, river boarding, skiing, fishing, abseiling, off high way 4x4 driving, elephant back safari, river safari, micro-light and helicopter flights over the Victoria Falls.

Taking a quick trip to Zambia can be a golden opportunity for every wildlife lover. The country offers you irresistible wilderness, inviting wildlife, and landscapes just to increase your happiness and overall satisfaction.

Myself webmaster of http://www.realafrica.co.uk, a safari holidays information directory of Zambia safari, holiday Zambia and Africa safaris.

A Fantastic Antarctica Cruise and Tour of South Georgia and the Falklands

"Polar exploration is at once the cleanest and most isolated way of having a bad time which has been devised". Another quote refers to the icebergs' appearance as "...tombs in some vast cemetery".

My recommended equipment list read like a list for people preparing an assault of Mt. Everest with things like polartek socks and 3 layers of mittens. The temperature charts insisted the range was between minus and plus 5. Seasickness was likely but only while crossing the Drake Passage. My mind was jumbled as I set off for Antarctica.

What would I find to be my truth?

I am happy to say that my trip on Akademik Ioffe with Peregrine Adventures was a treat! It was a 19 day journey from Ushuaia stopping at the Falklands, South Georgia and my 7th continent - Antarctica.

Stanley town Falklands presents a dilemma: it's recent history of a war between England and Argentina is seen in the ship wrecks, war memorials and land mine signs but mostly it feels like an island lost in oceanic wilderness occupied by 3000 hardy souls of 32 nationalities. The rocks on the shore read "endurance" which speaks to the temperament of the people here as much as it does to Shackleton's ship name. The inhabitants of the Falklands could never tame this collection of rocky shoreline, tussock grass and penguin rookeries. Falkland families have lived there for generations and have learned to adapt to the environment, not the other way around.

The feeling of subjugation to the land was reinforced over and over again as the journey continued. South Georgia was our next stop: 15 people living on an island 170 x 40 km of sub-Antarctic wilderness. As we got into our zodiacs my diary reads "mini icebergs all around, lots of birds noises, thick fog, what will we see?" Excitement grabbed us as we neared land: we could hear and smell the 80,000 kings, King penguins that is, living with a few elephant seals on Salisbury Plain.

Diary excerpts as we journeyed south along the South Georgia coast " it looks like the Antarctic today, grey rolling seas and lots of icebergs. The winds are force 12, not actually a hurricane or a cyclone but the winds are as strong as they would being during either. We did sit off shore on the leeward side of a ½ mile long iceberg; hovering in this position did help protect us from the full force of the wind so we were not rolling too mucs. The storm continued as we rounded the south tip of the island...got sick...went to bed...stayed there."

Fortunately I was up and about the next afternoon, back on the bridge that is accessible 24 hours a day with 3 officers always on call. The crew spoke only Russian. Did this add to the mystique of the journey? Perhaps yes.

I took to getting up about 0530, pulling my windproofs on over my pj's and standing out on the bridge wings until breakfast at 0730. It was quiet and humbling to watch the sun bring red, yellow, pink, orange, blue green and purple light to the vast expanse.

Half the time we followed the wandering albatross: days of occasional icebergs and the relentless dependability of rolling waves. The rest of the time were days like jewels: pristine in both spirit and environment.

More and more icebergs appeared - flat-top rectangles in abundance in the Antarctic Sound - but these giants are constantly reworked by a mix of wind and water. "Few other areas of the world present such a fascinating mix of naturally shaped beauties and weirdnesses: a dragon, a minaret, a castle with shattered colonnades, the bow of a sinking ship... silently we pass them in their monumental stillness, caressed and polished by the softly heaving sea."

An apt description I heard of the devastation caused by the whaling in the 1900's was "Nothing of the whale was wasted .... except the whale itself ". The pressure on the whale population grew tremendously during WW1 and WW11. The world need for the meat, oil for lubrication, tanned skins, soap, fertilizer and margarine was intense until finally in 1994, the oceans were declared a sanctuary. Some refer to the whale as "the living gold of the ocean" and the deserted whaling stations dotted along the bays laid testament to the merciless hunt.

A few more diary excerpts (from our stops on Antarctica peninsula): "... now have reached Wilhelmina Bay entrance and whales already...supposed to be a 3 hr cruise... so many whales..." " this was the best yet: sun mountains glaciers seals and whales" ... "3 Minke whales toyed with us for 90 minutes around the ship... the captain even had his video camera out in Paradise Bay as the Minke whales cavorted around the ship..."

We had advance mixed weather reports for the Drake Passage on our last full day in Antarctica - at Paradise and Neko Harbours. But our captain found a window of weather opportunity. We merely undulated across the Drake fighting 40-knot winds and we as we neared the Chilean cost we turned east and had the wind at our backs for the last afternoon.

3292 Nautical miles; 3 continent landings; 8 zodiac cruises; 6 kayak outings; 14 landings; 19 days. Quite the journey.

My diary's final entry: "...it's 11 pm now and about 10C ... we have anchored in the entrance to the Beagle Channel ... we pick up the pilot at 2 am and it is a 5 hr ride in ... have put my camera away ... will just enjoy the scenery now ... I remember seeing a sign in Ushuaia harbour before we left " the end of the world, the beginning of everything "

And so it was.

Visit Trek Escapes, the Adventure Travel Specialists to gather all the information you need before heading out on your dream holiday. You can also enter to win our contest for free travel.

Beach Jeep Tours Show the Beauty of the Outer Banks

Visitors to the Outer Banks know that the beach is the prime attraction. With miles of sand kissing the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean, and the prospect of great fishing and surfing, Dare County and Currituck County offer many fun possibilities for a vacation any time of year. One way to appreciate the beach and its beauty is with a self-guided Jeep tour.

Renting a Jeep to explore the Outer Banks allows visitors to see parts of the coastal area of North Carolina that otherwise might not be visited on foot. As the Outer Banks is situates far on the Eastern seaboard of the United States, there are a number of parts unable to be developed. However, these natural preserves are home to North Carolina's enchanting wildlife - graceful, long-necked birds, colorful sea creatures, and the wild horses that have roamed in packs for centuries along the shores.

A Jeep rental allows visitors to traverse the rugged and compromising terrain surrounding the marshes and estuaries of the Outer Banks. Rental companies, too, provide maps and guides so the vehicles do not disturb the ecosystem. To keep the environment clean and safe for future visitors, most tour companies schedule rentals for certain times of the day so the beach is not overrun with vehicles. Sunset tours are especially popular as sightseers are granted a different view of the Outer Banks, when nocturnal animals like ghost crabs and foxes come out into the night to feed.

If you are considering a Jeep tour of the Outer Banks as part of your vacation, please remember that some companies may only operate during season, which usually starts in May and runs through late summer. Always check ahead with any company in advance and make a reservation. Pricing may vary according to the time of year. As these tours are a popular attraction, Jeeps may be booked rather quickly.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance travel writer for the Currituck County Department of Travel and Tourism in the Outer Banks and for FlowCushion, the alternating air pressure seat cushion for home and travel.

Wildlife Tour India - Come and Experience the Soul of India

India, the land and her people, a mere mention of the word India takes one to heights of delight and compels people from other countries to pay a visit at least once. However, the fauna is something, which is unique to this land. The source of these exotic varieties is the jungles of India, which are scattered over the geographic landscape. Then there is a wide array of about 80 national parks and countless reserved forest areas. For the people from other countries, who want to savor the very best of the jungle life and yet can't do without the luxuries, wildlife tour India is the answer. The package provides a unique, though refreshing experience for the people from other countries. Through this package, you can get the accommodation at the wildlife resorts which have been furnished with the modern gadgets.

India is a wildlife paradise for the nature seekers and can offer anybody a chance to take a peep at its fauna. For wildlife lovers, a number of wildlife tour India packages are there to be selected from. These wildlife tours take you to many wildlife parks and sanctuaries in India. Many wildlife safari options are available which include jeep safari in the Indian jungles and elephant safari. Tiger viewing on the back of an elephant is one of the favorite activities for the adventure seekers.

During the wildlife tour India, you can experience the flavors of India while putting up at various accommodations in the resorts in the jungles. One of the famous places is the Corbett National Park, which is home to the Indian tiger. Others include Bandhavgarh National park, Kaziranga National Park, Gir wildlife sanctuary and others. For centuries, India has been famous for her flora too and the Indian jungles are a sight to see. It is a treat to see so much greenery which is missing in the concrete jungles of India.

Many wildlife resorts in India have been fitted with the modern gadgets. For the tourists, this type of experience proves to be very exciting as they can now savor the luxuries of life in the midst of a jungle. The resorts have been constructed right in the middle of the reserved sanctuaries, which at times, prove to be very distracting to the animals. Though you can watch them from your window, it amounts to disturbing their space which at times, proves to be fatal. A number of incidents in recent years prove that the conflict between the beast and the man is increasing. Yet everybody knows who is to be blamed for this sorry state of affairs. Provisions should be made to re-locate these luxurious resorts far from the jungle. Wildlife tour India will then serve its purpose if the people visit these resorts and leave the animals in peace.

Wildlife tour India includes much more. Some of the packages include the viewing of tribal dances and their culture. The tribes, which have been living since ages outside these forests possess a lot of local knowledge. This includes the knowledge about the unique medicinal value of the jungle plants. You can enrich yourself with their age-old wisdom in case you want to. One more thing here. Take a good pair of boots with yourself to withstand the rough terrain of the jungle and also the mosquito repellents. At night, these will protect you from the insect bites and the infection, which you might acquire form them.

Rajendra Sharma is a renowned travelogue and has been dealing with travel guides. If you want to know more about Wildlife tour India, hotels in Delhi, pushkar camel fair, pushkar travel you can visit http://www.sewara.com.

Sightseeing on a New York City Bus Tour

When you come to New York, if you want to truly experience the spirit of the city, there is no better way than taking a New York City bus tour. New York is an exotic city, with the stately Empire State Building, the historic Times Square, the famed Statue of Liberty, the panoramic Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Chinatown and Broadway.

New York City Tours provides detailed information about all the available New York City Bus Tours, New York City Tours, New York City Helicopter Tours, New York City Walking Tours and more.

If you want to get into the heart of New York, you could get mesmerized with the rich contrast and excitement that the City offers. There is a fine blend of arts, architecture, and cultural cuisine that every tourist will find something of interest in. New York is a city that never sleeps and is always brimming with activity.

Make sure to visit the state-of-art Empire State Building, with it's pencil-slim silhouette, an epitome of manmade progress and the fastest rising skyscraper ever built, and, the amazingly scenery of The Bronxs New York Botanical Garden, with it's guided bird walks. Go to Queens, where you can witness a panorama of thousands of migrating shore birds to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuges 10,000 acres. Bus tours in New York City enable you to see it all.

If you take a three-hour bus tour through the City, you will catch a glimpse of all aspects of the Big Apple. Bus lines like Apex Bus, Vamoose, the Fung Wah Bus and the Boston Deluxe have been providing a great bus service for years Their guides will be full of New York savvy, knowledge and wit.

You can get a daily pass for the entire day and roam anywhere you want in the city by bus. It is bound to be a memorable experience. You may also like to make the experience more exciting and stress-free by taking the New York City bus tour on double decker buses. You will find a number of tour operators to take you around.

If you don't have the money for the themed Sex and the City, Friends or Gangs of New York tours, you must avail of the free bus tours, which operate each day, from 10 in the morning to 8 at night.

Most of these bus tours allow tourists to explore interesting places like Times Square, Central park, and Empire State Building. Take plenty of photographs while the bus waits around the corner. Every New York City bus tour has a tourist guide accompanying the bus explaining all the details of important places. You will not miss out on anything important.

You may also take the charter bus from UsCoachways, to take in the serene gardens and sleek skyscrapers. You can even rent a charter bus to any of the 1,700 parks and playgrounds in New York, and go on a fitness spree. The charter bus will wait for you while you spend a comfortable day with your family anywhere you choose.

If you will be travelling around NYC take a New York City Bus Tour. You can book an all day or all week New York City Bus Tour and use it to get around the city.

Best Vacation is in Mauritius & is Affordable-As Well As Enjoying Your Honeymoon and Eco Tour There

Mauritius is among the finest places to vacation and the best vacation in Mauritius can be inexpensive. It may be a far-flung location but remains affordable as a holiday destination. Preparing For a vacation to Mauritius with a limited budget can be done and Mauritius has the finest places to visit minus the cost.

For accommodations, Mauritius has numerous hotels with all the amenities found in more established hotels but at very reasonable price. It provides such features as the sauna, restaurants with the best gastronomic meals, exercise facilities and many more.

A travel package is best for the cost conscious vacationers and your dream vacation is only a trip away. Car rentals and other activities can be accommodated with your limited budget and instead of spending too much on upscale hotel, you can select a reasonable one with more spending for your families on other holiday activities and shopping.

If you kept putting off your vacation, wait no more for the best vacation trip is in Mauritius and there are many holiday packages to choose from regardless of your budget. Mauritius is a great place to visit with all the top-notch service and places you and your family deserve.

Family looking at the best vacation can find it in Mauritius and it is an idyllic place to bring along your children and spouse. There is no lack of interesting places and activities are entertaining and worth spending. Children will bring back tender memories from places such as Mauritius's Wild Adventure Park and the 7 Coloured Earth. You will be ecstatic by the many other amazing places in Mauritius and you can't afford to miss the gastronomic treat to delight your taste buds.

For honeymooners, the first consideration is Mauritius as it is a idyllic place for romance and honeymoon in Mauritius is the dream of many couples. Subtropical climate there makes it an ideal picturesque location to sunbath on the unspoiled beaches and stunning ocean. With the unsurpassed hotels and charming accommodations, honeymoon in Mauritius is perfect.

There are many honeymoon packages to decide on and you have to sample the island's delightful cuisine. With the spectacular beaches, yummiest food as well as exclusive cultural entertainment, honeymoon in Mauritius is almost unmatched.

To escape from the city and doing your part for the environment, you can consider an eco tour to Mauritius. The untainted beauty of the island makes it a special choice for an eco tour to Mauritius for those who worship nature and preserving the environment. A little trek to the island forest or capturing the mountain views, Mauritius is incomparable in its beauty.

An eco tour to Mauritius is the opportunity to absorb yourself in the awe-inspiring splendor of the island and the many opportunities to discover and benefit from the magnificent land and amazing ocean.

Jhye is an author who loves to create travel websites and vacation in Mauritius is one of them, you can look at it up at http://www.bestvacationmauritius.com

You Cannot Miss a Tour of the Rome City Fountains

The Rome City fountains have been around for quite some time. Even in ancient times, the Romans were adept at using and channeling water to suit their needs. According to all accounts, Rome has more fountains than any other city in the world, and the art on these fountains alone is priceless.

However, many of the fountains can be traced back to ancient Popes. In order to understand more about the fountains of Rome, one should definitely go on one of the many Rome City tours that offer a glimpse at these marble marvels.

Of all the Rome City fountains, the Trevi Fountain is by far the most famous. With its impressive statue of Triton in all of his glory, one would be shocked to learn that a Pope actually commissioned this great piece of art. Clement XII wanted to rebuild the area in which the fountain is now in, and the fountain alone took over thirty years to finish. It is a breathtaking site that still holds visitors in awe of the fusion of marble and art.

Other great fountains in Rome include the Spanish steps and its unique boat fountain, the Four Rivers Fountain and Piazza Navona. All of these wonderful works of art can be attributed to the papacy and the Vatican City in some form or fashion. However, the Pope of today just enjoys the sound of the rushing waters from the ancient fountains, along with all of the millions who are attracted by them each day.

A Rome City tour can offer a person a chance to take hold of the past with one of the many of the Rome City fountains. Today, these marvels are seen as amazing works of art.

However, at one time, they could have been a source of water for bathing or a way to start the rebuilding of one of the most famous empires of the world. No matter who was behind these great works of art, they have proven to be everlasting in their combination of ancient marble art and waters that have flowed since the height of the Roman Empire.

Enrich your knowledge further about the Rome city fountains from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback at our vatican city tours blog where a free gift awaits you.

Where is Alicante Airport?

Alicante is for many the gateway to a Spanish holiday, some 80 percent of its flights are made up by tourists and it regularly under takes development plans to cope with the volume of travelers. In 2007, Alicante Airport handled 9,120,631 passengers, 79,756 flight operations and 4,533 tones of cargo. Almost triple the volumes they experienced in 1998.

Located in the municipality of Elche, Alicante airport is conveniently close, only 9 km away from the city center, and the average travelling time for this short journey is anywhere between fifteen minutes to half an hour during rush hour.

Sited right on the coast in the Costa Brava Alicante has fantastic road links to its surrounding regions, it serves as an extremely convenient airport for anyone travelling on to the Costa Calida or the La Manga resort. At approximately 100 kilometers away it can be travelled very swiftly; and you can arrive at La Manga del Mar Menor in just an hour.

As you leave Alicante I would suggest taking the A-7. Its a relatively new motorway that will get you out of the city quickly and easily. From the A-7 take the A-37 this is a beautiful scenic coastal road which will take you swiftly South and straight to the La Manga area. As the road follows the beaches keep an eye out for that first glimpse of the sea and enjoy the landscape that makes this part of Spain so unique, dont be fooled by the odd Cactus, youre not in the deserts of Arizona it really is Spain.

Travel to Murcia is only 80 kilometers and takes less than hour. Murcia makes a fantastic stopping point or day trip city; its crammed with things to do and interesting places to visit. Alicantes location on the coast in Southern Spain means it benefits from year round good weather and temperatures which rarely dip below 20 degrees even in winter. During the high summer months temperatures are constantly in the thirties! However Alicantes location on the coast quite often means that the scorching summer temperatures are complimented and soothed by cool off sea breezes.

El Altet is the name of the old airport which replaced Alicantes old field runway now known as Alicante international it is the main Airport for this region, and a new terminal is due to be finished in 2009.

The airport terminal has two information desks, the Aena desk located at the check-in area and another in the departure area, with adequate parking for 2000 cars the airport can easily cope with the numbers of hire cars it accommodates, the car park can be found directly in front of the terminal building on the opposite side of the road. Adjacent to this car park is a longer stay facility offering daily rates for parking your car. Facilities in the airport include a bureau de change, a post office, pay phones can be found through out the building and internet access is possible in certain areas and Wi-Fi hot spots. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes and ice cream parlors in the Airport to keep you well fed and the children happy.

Alicante Airport offers holiday makers easy access to be beautiful surrounding areas of the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida, with it being just a little bit further than Murcia airport to reach the La Manga Club it is definitely worth considering renting a car for your holiday. It will most likely work out as a cheaper option than using taxis during your stay and will offer a greater sense of freedom and flexibility.

A Car Hire Alicante is the perfect way to explore the region. With so many interesting places to discover a Car Hire Spain is the recommended and most cost effective transport option.

A Quick Tour of Spain

With over fifty million tourists visiting Spain each year, this popular West European country must have something special which attracts the visitor. What exactly is it ...?

The main beauty of this lovely land can be summed up in just one word - variety - and, as you all well know, variety is the spice of life!

Whether you are referring to its climate, geography, history, culture or cuisine ... there is something to appeal to all tastes, ages and pockets.

The tourist explosion which took place in the 60s was originally due to its marvellous beaches. And, with good reason, for the Foundation for Environmental Education states that "Spanish beaches are the most environmentally healthy in Europe" and has awarded the much-coveted Blue Flag to 450 of the country´s beaches - more than any other participating country.

But maybe lolling about on the beach all day is not your thing and you prefer more action ... a touch of sophistication?

Should this be the case then Spain´s major cities are ideal for you ... jam-packed full of history, and an art-lover´s dream. Yet, with their abundance of parks and wide open spaces, good shops and pulsating night-life, they are a joy for everyone - children included.

So ... mooch around the truly marvellous museums and monuments of Madrid. Enjoy the bustle of stylish Barcelona bursting with vibrant Gaudí influence. Savor the delights of romantic Mediterranean cities such as Valencia and Alicante. Or journey further south to the exotic cities of Granada, Seville and Málaga. Immerse yourself in their haunting Islamic palaces, the brilliant colors and sounds of flamenco, and in the birth-place and works of Picasso.

Maybe you hunger for the peace and quiet of a hideaway hotel in an unspoiled village? Then rural Spain is for you: full of forgotten villages, bursting at the seams with medieval castles, and offering prolific flora and fauna, it is ideal for walking holidays, painting, photography or just plain "get away from it all" holidays. Not to mention ski-ing opportunities for the more active amongst Spain´s snow-capped peaks.

Should you fancy a mix of all three - beach, city and rural - then that is also easy to arrange. Although Spain is the largest country in Western Europe after France, it is certainly no problem to get around. Littered with airports - both national and international - it also offers a good train service, though the cheapest and most convenient method of internal travel is by using the national bus/coach system.

For those who are a little tired of the stereo-typed hotel chains, Spain has a unique alternative on offer in its state-established "paradores". In these, you will find accommodation in converted castles, palaces, fortresses, monasteries, convents ...

The aim of the "paradores" is to offer high standards at reasonable prices in a noteworthy building or location and to help preserve the traditions of regional cooking by serving the best of local cuisine in the "parador" restaurants.

Which brings us on to yet another delight that Spain has to offer - its rich and varied cuisine. Whichever region of Spain you decide to visit, you will surely encounter scrumptious Spanish food!

What´s more, the traditional Spanish diet, with the liquid gold of its olive oil, its rich supply of wine (in moderation!), its wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, plus an abundance of seafood, all mean that it is extremely good for the heart. On top of that, it is affordable!

Even their "caviar" of cured hams - "jamón Ibérico" - has fat unusually high in oleic acid which is known to lower cholesterol levels! Now I ask you, where else can you get something pleasurable, that is cheap, and also good for you?!

Even if you fancy picking between meals you can opt for their tempting "tapas" - much healthier for you than a packet of crisps or a donut!

Tapas originate from the large, southerly region of Andalucia and it is this region that we also have to thank for flamenco and the Spanish guitar. Which holiday would be complete without visiting an authentic flamenco show or dancing the night away to the beat of romantic Spanish music?

So ... come visit this land where the warmth of its climate is only surpassed by the warmth of its people. You are bound to have a great time!

About The Author

After living in Spain for 20 years, Linda Plummer compiled http://www.top-tour-of-spain.com offering information on Spain for the traveler or expatriate.

Welcome To Vietnam - Budget Travel Paradise

Vietnam is becoming a very popular travel destination. People have put Vietnam on their itinerary for 2 main reasons: Vietnam travel is a great bargain for the budget minded tourist and when they arrive in Vietnam they are greeted by great hosts.

Airfares to Vietnam are bargains if you shop. You can be in Ho Chi Minh City (known as Saigon to the Vietnamese in the south) from the west coast of the United States in less than 19 hours and this includes a 1 ½ hour layover.

Domestic transportation is cheap! An open tour bus ticket from Saigon to Hanoi costs less than $30.00 and your get to see some of the greatest scenery imaginable. Don’t want to take the bus? Comfortable trains and fast planes are available. A two hour flight from Saigon to Hanoi is about $100.00.

Tourist hotels are cheap and inviting. The staffs are helpful and courteous. You can travel from town to town with out a reservation and always find suitable lodging.

As mentioned earlier the scenery is fabulous – misty mountains to lush green rice paddies to sunny beaches. Vietnam is home to 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Halong Bay. Bring 2 cameras – you’ll probably wear one out.

I have saved the best for last. The Vietnamese cuisine is awesome. Most restaurants still get their daily fares fresh from the local market. Fresh herbs, spices, vegetables and local meat make for great meals. Seafood and chicken dishes are specialties, together with those made from pork and beef. Vietnamese food is light and flavorful at the same time. Oriental and a bit of French influence create the right mixture for the Western palate.

Don’t hesitate to put Vietnam in your travel plans. You won’t be sorry. And you won’t forget.

Dwight Zimpel, Your Vietnam Tour Guide, is a Vietnam Veteran and has made 5 recent trips to Vietnam. He has lived in the Middle East and traveled the world for the past 20 years. Your Vietnam Tour Guide

"The Dream Catcher Tour" by Paula Buermele - Book Review

Outskirts Press (2007)

ISBN 9781432703530

Buckle your seatbelts; you are in for an adventure you won't soon forget! Welcome aboard the Northern Experience Tours! You will be traveling with 46 other women on a trip around the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. You are certain to meet some of the most interesting people you have ever met and perhaps you will make some new friends along the way. Emily is our tour guide and she wants to spend some time with each individual tour group member and be certain that they have a good time.

Of course, when you have this many different people from so many different walks of life, you are sure of having many life stories. As the group travels from one location to another, another person is spending time with Emily and sharing their life stories. From one city to another, you are able to enjoy the sites and unique characteristics of each locale. Some of the tourists' attractions are as follows: Mackinac Island, the Soo Locks bordering Canada, Munising, Houghton and Crystal Falls.

Paula Buermele has done an excellent job in providing a great storyline and travel book all in one. Through the pages of the book, you will feel like you are right there on the bus and getting to know these people that you are traveling with. Through descriptive paragraphs you will feel like you are seeing these places with your own eyes. I certainly hope that Paula Buermele writes more books. I loved "The Dream Catcher Tour" and would definitely like to read more of her work.

Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (11/07)

http://www.readerviews.com/

Flying with Family? Air Travel Tips

Planning a family vacation that will take you far from home? If you are, then it is quite likely that, much like millions of others, you will be booking a flight for your jaunt. And why not? After all, air travel is the quickest and, even with today’s restrictions, most convenient, cost-effective, and safe way to get where you need to go. Air travel with the whole family, especially with younger children, needs to be well planned, though, to make it an enjoyable rather than horrifying experience. From the entertainment of the kids to planning the minimum amount of interruptions or delays, a bit more thought needs to be involved.

Kids love airplanes, so if the children are older, they should be easily entertained by the experience of flight. However, smaller children, with more needs and much shorter attention spans, may require some craftiness on the part of the parent. First and foremost, anything that you think you may want to have on hand while onboard needs to be compliant with current rules and regulations of both the individual airline and the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). Information can be found on the web, and it is generally quite current, so checking the restrictions the day before or even the day of travel can assure you that you will be allowed to board with your carry-on items. This will include toys for the kids, food items to soothe them or generally keep them sated, and so forth.

Also, air travel with the kids may need to be modified when considering the schedules the kids are used to. Smaller children are creatures of habit, and any deviation from their routine can cause quite a problem, as any parent can attest. Consider how long a particular flight may last. What is best for your family—a really long flight, or a layover in another airport? Another point of air travel that may not matter to adults, but can be a huge problem for families, is whether you want to have the children on a very crowded flight. If you would rather be on the plane with fewer people for the kids to disturb, then book accordingly. Choose off-peak times and dates for your air travel, if possible.

In the end, air travel with the children is still the best bet for going long distances. Though extra planning and possibly extra items need to be taken into consideration, air travel for the family is the absolute best way to get where you need to be, and quickly.

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Robin Cooper wants to share her knowledge to help you book the perfect air travel vacation. Visit Robin at Travel In Prosperity today!

What is a China Package Tour

A China tour package means the tour you take is escorted with your own personal tour guide and private driver. And the domestic flights, accommodation, transportation, transfers to the airport/hotel, most meals and sightseeing in this package are also included. With a package tour, your trip can be as worry- free in the country which you have never been to before.

With its long history and splendid culture, its beautiful landscape, and fast development, China has become more and more appealing among the overseas visitors, no wonder China is predicted to be the No. 1 tourist destination by 2010. Here, the package tour offers you the best-selected programs taking you wherever you want to go. The tour guides will help interpret the ancient history and culture of China and make sure you never feel alone. The tour driver is licensed, insured, and extremely experienced. When going to a site, the driver will wait in the car for you to return and will keep a close eye on your belongings.

The popular package tours include majestic Great Wall in Beijing, the amazing historical wonder - Terracotta Warriors in Xian, the stunning beautiful Li River in Guilin, the modern wonders of dynamic in Shanghai and Hong Kong, and as well as the breathtaking natural wonders of the Yangtze River. These all make the reasons for people to travel to China.

With an abundance of historical and cultural world heritage sites like Great Wall, Forbidden City, Beijing is undoubtedly number one place to go.

The Great Wall is considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and enlisted in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. The total length of the Great Wall is 6,700 kilometers long stretching from Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to Jiayuguan Pass in the west.

The Forbidden City has more than 9,000 rooms and covers an area of 72 hectares. It is the largest and the best preserved Imperial Palace in the world.

Xian was the capital of six ancient dynasties of China. The Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xian is one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of all times. Altogether over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed there. The discovery of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses has been called the 8th Wonder of the World.

The Yangtze River Three Gorges are unparalleled among China natural highlights. The gorges of this famous river climb thousands of feet on both sides, and it is truly breathtaking to witness. The Yangtze cruise package offers shore excursions including ancient cliff coffins at Shennong Stream and exploring the historic temples of Shibaozhai. These quaint locations offer some of the best natural and historical sightseeing China has to offer.

China package tour offers you the opportunity to experience the Real China, to learn about its history and culture. When you return home, you will understand that we all are "People of the World".

china tour Professional China Tour Operator with tailor made service. Come with us to see China with your own eyes and touch this ground with your hands. All services are private and in small group with English speaking tour guide and license driver.

Adventure Tours in India

Dense jungles, wildest wildlife, zigzag rivers, high mountains and many more; yes we are talking about the great India! India is one of the rare parts of our planet that has been endowed with magnificent natural beauty. Whether be Himalayas or Thar Desert, Corbett or Kaziranga; every inch of India takes you to another level of adventure. India draws adventure loving people from all round the globe and no wonder, India is rated as the primmest adventure tour spot.

India: Adventure at Its Best!

For finding adventures in India, you need not travel far as the adventure begins just from your doorstep. Safari, trekking, camping and many more adventure activities, list of adventures in India is endless. Beginning with the jungles and wildlife; places like West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and others are famous for their enriched wildlife. People especially coming for trekking tours of jungles or wildlife, these places are just perfect. Here, you can feel the adventures of India with much more proximity.

Not only this, places like Goa, Kerala, Tamilnadu and their beaches are no less than heaven for water sports lovers. Snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, boating and many more water adventures are exclusively available here.

Range of adventure in India is same as its size; high mountains and hills of Aravali or Leh-Laddakh, Himachal, Uttaranchal and numerous other places; all have been home for trekkers and mountaineers from worldwide.

Indian Adventures Calling You

Be it trekking tours, expedition tours or mere camping; adventures never end in India. Now, adventure tours in India are pretty easy and much more enjoyable. Modern facilities have made adventures tours in India safer and risk free. Also, new generation adventure tours like mountain biking, bungee jumping, skiing and many more have added to the reasons for adventure tours in India. That has been the main reason that now India is highly touristed all round summer, winter and rainy seasons.

People wishing to see the truest face of the nature must not wait as adventure tours in India are waiting for your footmarks. Learn Indian geography with a new angle and experience maximal thrill touring unseen parts of India.

If you are adventure lover and want to explore the true adventure in Himalayas. then browse - Peakadventuretour.com, Complete Adventure Tour Portal of India. Peak adventure tour offers trekking tours in India, expedition tours, mountain biking, camping tour, snow trekking, glacier tour and more adventure tours in India.

Winery Tours a Great Day Out

Discover the beauty of the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula grape-growing regions and enjoy a lovely scenic day out visiting a combination of premium and boutique wineries. The day will include a range of cellar door wine tastings from a beautiful Tuscany style boutique winery to an architecturally acclaimed vineyard complex. The tastings will titillate the palate for a delicious gourmet lunch at an award winning restaurant, offering lovely views across the vineyard. A guided tour of a world renowned wine estate will explain the winery process and art of blending, finishing the leisurely day with petite cheese plates whilst relaxing with a delightful glass of sparkling or still wine overlooking vineyard vistas.

The Yarra Valley is Victoria's first wine growing district with a history stretching back over 160 years. Located at the southern tip of the Great Dividing Ranges only an hour away from the city of Melbourne, it is a cool climate region with a wide range of microclimates contributing to a variety of wines, including Gewurtztraminer,Merlot, Malvec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

The Mornington Peninsula is a modern wine region an hour south from Melbourne. There are over 50 wineries with cellar doors and some great views across Port Phillip and Western Port bays. With its maritime climate and red volcanic soils a variety of wines are produced such as Pinot Noir and Shiraz including the lesser known Viogner and Pinot Gris.

Chillout Travel Winery Tours T: + 61 3 9537 3301 E: contact@chillouttravel.com W: http://www.chillouttravel.com

Chillout Travel donates $1 for every person booked to the following organisations:- World Wild Life Fund - http://www.wwf.org The Smile Train - http://www.smiletrain.org The Big Issue - http://www.bigissue.org.au

Chillout Travel uses government approved GreenEarth electricity 20% Wind/80% Hydro

"Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around." Henry Thoreau

ABN 16 582 699 457

Aviation in Turmoil

Not since 9/11 has the aviation and travel industry come under such pressure with oil prices destroying margins and the credit crunch destroying confidence.

Whilst many airlines initially had a cushion if they had purchased their fuel forward at a fixed rate, prices have been steadily increasing for months and many airlines are now outside their fixed price period and subject to open market prices.

No airline can cover such increases and surcharges for existing bookings have inevitably been passed onto the customer with massive price hikes for new bookings.

All this comes on top of increased security which makes travelling abroad more and more of a chore with endless queuing the norm. It is,therefore, little wonder that the UK holiday market has seen a dramatic upsurge in bookings in preference to travelling abroad.

Long haul operators have seen a decline in bookings but it is, the budget airlines who have borne the brunt with travellers cutting back on short term stays. Nipping off to Prague, Dublin or Paris for the week end is now seen as an expense too far.

Budget airlines thrived in the good times but the credit crunch, rising mortgages,fuel and food prices and the fear of unemployment has reduced spending power and the impulse purchase. The airlines have already reacted by reducing destinations and the number of times a week or a day in some cases they travel to certain cities. Silverjet airlines is the first casualty and unless confidence returns quickly there maybe more to follow.

the author is the owner of Flypark http://www.flypark.co.uk who have been providing airport parking at all UK airports since 1989. Off airport car parks offer considerable savings and can cut the cost of parking by up to 50% and with more and more travellers opting for this option early booking is recommended to get the best price and avoid having to park on airport where prices are exorbitant.

Top Table Paris Restaurant - The Tour D'Argent

There are numerous different types of restaurants in Paris and places that you could choose to eat out at, and many of the restaurants have lots of history and nostalgia, so we thought it would be an idea to focus on one in particular, called the Tour d'Argent.

This is actually the oldest restaurant in Paris and is known throughout the world for its traditional French cuisine and was first opened as an inn back in 1582, with the idea of catering for the aristocrats of the time.

By the early 1600's it had become so popular that even duels were fought to get a table and savour the delicacies on offer! Numerous dignitaries and royalty came to eat at the Tour d'Argent including King Louis XIV and the Duke of Morny, who resided at the mansion which is now home to the haute cuisine restaurant called the Taillevent.

But it was in the 19th century that the Tour d'Argent became even more famous when the owner, Frederic Delair created the ritual of the "Canard au Sang", which is a complex dish known as pressed duck or bloody duck that uses a special solid silver press and it was shortly after devising this now famous recipe, he declared that every duck should bear a number. For instance, number 328 was served to King Edward VII in 1890.

Andre Terrail purchased the Tour d'Argent in 1910, but the tradition of the numbered duck continued and duck number 40,312 was served to King Alfonso XIII in 1914. Number 112,151 was served to Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1929 and duck number 938,451 was served to President Mikhail Gorbachev in 2001.

The Tour d'Argent celebrated its one millionth duck in 2003 and even today this tradition still continues where you are presented with a card showing what number duck you had for your meal, but this is just one of the reasons why this restaurant has become such a landmark and famous throughout the world.

Now when you enter the Tour d'Argent you will immediately see displays in their small museum of items such as a menu from the maiden voyage of the Normandie through to a table set as it was in the 1800's. This is where you would usually be served aperitifs, yet the restaurant dining room is actually positioned on the sixth floor, which was added in 1936, and is accessed via a lift.

And because of its location with the fabulous views of Notre Dame Cathedral and the boats cruising the River Seine or looking at the shimmering lights of the city and the Eiffel Tower in the distance of an evening, becomes another reason why this Paris restaurant is so popular.

Obviously, because this haute cuisine restaurant plays host to celebrities, presidents, royalty, etc reservations are a must and you will need a healthy bank balance in which to thoroughly appreciate the gourmet dining experience along with their fabulous selection of fine wines, which brings us to another reason for its popularity.

Their incredible wine cellars hold around 400,000 bottles from fine vintages dating back to the 1800's, rare brandies and even more rare champagnes that date from the 1700's and the wine list itself is like reading a novel presented with its own stand! The sommeliers are very knowledgeable and can recommend wines to pair excellently with your cuisine, yet prices can become quite high, with some vintage wines costing thousands of Euros!! Yet if you are lucky enough, you may even be able to get a tour of the wine cellars before leaving, where a member of staff will escort you down underneath the restaurant and ceremoniously rings a copper bell to announce your arrival prior to entry into the cellars.

For many, to dine at this restaurant is a once in a life time experience, where you make sure you are in your best evening dress and the staff are dressed in tails. In fact, this is such a traditional restaurant that even today the menu is presented to the lady without the costs and the gentleman has the pricing listed!

But booking a table for lunch is more reasonable than going all out on an evening meal, so if you are on a budget, yet still want to splash out, then this is the option for a wonderful gastronomic experience and a terrific view you will not forget.

http://www.placesinfrance.com - Martyn Davis European Traveller, Author, Photographer and Business Development Manager, For all your French holiday needs and travel guide to Paris and France, with tourist information, landmarks and attractions - http://www.placesinfrance.com/tour_d_argent_restaurant_paris.html

Visit Europe and Asia With a Tour Deal

Adventure travel Europe Asia is definitely a trip to remember. There may be little time for relaxing, regardless of what city you choose to start in. Some of the unique destinations offer magnificent scenic beauty and activities for every traveler of all activity levels. An adventure tour to Europe Asia allows the traveler to experience the culture and people up close rather than simply a tour through different locations. You can also expect accommodations that will be quite welcoming after a day packed with activities and certainly followed by a comfortable and well-deserved sleep.

In the European part of your trip, you will find a great transportation network taking you from Berlin to Poland, the Baltic States and then to Munic, the Czech Republic and continuing to France, Spain and Italy. This great network in Europe provides more than sufficient opportunity to see everything Europe has to offer.

You will find that China is a preferred stop during the Asian leg of the adventure travel Europe Asia, offering unique culture, beautiful landscapes and, of course, the infamous Great Wall which is definitely a must-see attraction. Another great adventure opportunity during the Asian part of the trip is to take a trip through the Yangtze River, China's longest river where you can see some great gorges also.

From China, your trip should take you to the southeast area of Asia which is known for its backpacking and, actually, believe to have started in this area. Your backpacking venture can start in Bangkok and head off to a variety of different destinations, depending on your preference. Other tours could include Vietnam, the hill tribes of Sapa Valley and the Cu Chi Tunnels. A trip to the Mekong Delta can also culminate the Vietnam part of your trip.

You could also stop in Malaysia where you find the terrific Kota Bharu and jungles of the Taman Negara National Park. It would also be worthwhile to extend your trip and experience the unique people and cultures of Indonesia and Singapore. You may not have time to enjoy all of Indonesia's archipelago islands but there is plenty to see and do beyond this, including the volcanoes of Flores.

As you can gather, the size of Europe and Asia alone makes one adventure travel Europe Asia trip certainly not enough. There is too much to see and do. Adventure travel Europe Asia is a good deal for those wanting to get a taste of both, but a "taste" is realistically what you will get in a single trip. The best way to get the most out of your trip is to fit in a few things in one tour and save other things for future trips.

Kurt Schefken's papers are published on a variety of online publications with information about weather in alicante spain today and weather today in spain. Through his detailed writings such as http://www.alicante-spain.com/alicante-weather.html he demonstrated his depth of understanding on news associated with recent temperature in alicante and weather today in spain.

Have You Considered Unique Adventure Travel?

Unique adventure travel is the latest craze in tourism and many tour operators are offering unique adventure travel tours. You can find a unique adventure tour to suit all of your needs so no matter where abouts in the world you are travelling to, you should easily be able to find something to suit you.

What Does Unique Adventure Travel Mean?

To many people, unique adventure travel means different things. That is because everybody’s idea of what is unique and what isn’t, is always different. You could find snorkelling unique, whereas somebody else may just think that is an ordinary travel activity. So, basically unique adventure travel is something that you class as different.

It could be that your idea of a unique adventure travel tour combines a few different activities such as hiking, cycling and water sports. Even an adventure tour combining golf, tennis and swimming could be unique to you. Or perhaps bird watching and camping is more your idea of unique? Whatever you think makes a different holiday, that is basically what a unique adventure travel package consists of. You can plan your own unique adventure travel, or you can enlist the help of a travel agency if you would prefer.

Going on an Expedition

Another form of unique adventure involves going on an expedition. Now an expedition could take as long as you want it to. So you could go on an expedition for a week or two, or even for up to twelve months. You can travel the whole world if you wanted to but that could take quite a while! It all depends upon where you want to go, as to how long your expedition will last. Also, you need to think about what you want to do on your expedition. Finances will also play a big part in it too. So before you can plan your big expedition, you need to know what you want to do, how much money you have to spend and how long you can go for.

If you do not feel ready to go on a unique adventure travel tour, then you can always enlist the help of a specially designed school. There are a number of training schools set up across the country and so it would be a good idea to join up with them before you set off. They will help to prepare you and teach you various skills on how to behave, what to do in an emergency, etc.

Overall a unique adventure holiday to Spain could mean absolutely anything. It all depends upon what you consider to be unique. So if you are considering this type of travel, it would be a good idea to think of something unique that you would like to do.

Eric Slarkowski's detailed articles are found on countless websites linked to Torrevieja. You might discover his observations on travel knowledge for spain at various other sources for travel news for spain news.

A Fantastic Antarctica Cruise and Tour of South Georgia and the Falklands

"Polar exploration is at once the cleanest and most isolated way of having a bad time which has been devised". Another quote refers to the icebergs' appearance as "...tombs in some vast cemetery".

My recommended equipment list read like a list for people preparing an assault of Mt. Everest with things like polartek socks and 3 layers of mittens. The temperature charts insisted the range was between minus and plus 5. Seasickness was likely but only while crossing the Drake Passage. My mind was jumbled as I set off for Antarctica.

What would I find to be my truth?

I am happy to say that my trip on Akademik Ioffe with Peregrine Adventures was a treat! It was a 19 day journey from Ushuaia stopping at the Falklands, South Georgia and my 7th continent - Antarctica.

Stanley town Falklands presents a dilemma: it's recent history of a war between England and Argentina is seen in the ship wrecks, war memorials and land mine signs but mostly it feels like an island lost in oceanic wilderness occupied by 3000 hardy souls of 32 nationalities. The rocks on the shore read "endurance" which speaks to the temperament of the people here as much as it does to Shackleton's ship name. The inhabitants of the Falklands could never tame this collection of rocky shoreline, tussock grass and penguin rookeries. Falkland families have lived there for generations and have learned to adapt to the environment, not the other way around.

The feeling of subjugation to the land was reinforced over and over again as the journey continued. South Georgia was our next stop: 15 people living on an island 170 x 40 km of sub-Antarctic wilderness. As we got into our zodiacs my diary reads "mini icebergs all around, lots of birds noises, thick fog, what will we see?" Excitement grabbed us as we neared land: we could hear and smell the 80,000 kings, King penguins that is, living with a few elephant seals on Salisbury Plain.

Diary excerpts as we journeyed south along the South Georgia coast " it looks like the Antarctic today, grey rolling seas and lots of icebergs. The winds are force 12, not actually a hurricane or a cyclone but the winds are as strong as they would being during either. We did sit off shore on the leeward side of a ½ mile long iceberg; hovering in this position did help protect us from the full force of the wind so we were not rolling too mucs. The storm continued as we rounded the south tip of the island...got sick...went to bed...stayed there."

Fortunately I was up and about the next afternoon, back on the bridge that is accessible 24 hours a day with 3 officers always on call. The crew spoke only Russian. Did this add to the mystique of the journey? Perhaps yes.

I took to getting up about 0530, pulling my windproofs on over my pj's and standing out on the bridge wings until breakfast at 0730. It was quiet and humbling to watch the sun bring red, yellow, pink, orange, blue green and purple light to the vast expanse.

Half the time we followed the wandering albatross: days of occasional icebergs and the relentless dependability of rolling waves. The rest of the time were days like jewels: pristine in both spirit and environment.

More and more icebergs appeared - flat-top rectangles in abundance in the Antarctic Sound - but these giants are constantly reworked by a mix of wind and water. "Few other areas of the world present such a fascinating mix of naturally shaped beauties and weirdnesses: a dragon, a minaret, a castle with shattered colonnades, the bow of a sinking ship... silently we pass them in their monumental stillness, caressed and polished by the softly heaving sea."

An apt description I heard of the devastation caused by the whaling in the 1900's was "Nothing of the whale was wasted .... except the whale itself ". The pressure on the whale population grew tremendously during WW1 and WW11. The world need for the meat, oil for lubrication, tanned skins, soap, fertilizer and margarine was intense until finally in 1994, the oceans were declared a sanctuary. Some refer to the whale as "the living gold of the ocean" and the deserted whaling stations dotted along the bays laid testament to the merciless hunt.

A few more diary excerpts (from our stops on Antarctica peninsula): "... now have reached Wilhelmina Bay entrance and whales already...supposed to be a 3 hr cruise... so many whales..." " this was the best yet: sun mountains glaciers seals and whales" ... "3 Minke whales toyed with us for 90 minutes around the ship... the captain even had his video camera out in Paradise Bay as the Minke whales cavorted around the ship..."

We had advance mixed weather reports for the Drake Passage on our last full day in Antarctica - at Paradise and Neko Harbours. But our captain found a window of weather opportunity. We merely undulated across the Drake fighting 40-knot winds and we as we neared the Chilean cost we turned east and had the wind at our backs for the last afternoon.

3292 Nautical miles; 3 continent landings; 8 zodiac cruises; 6 kayak outings; 14 landings; 19 days. Quite the journey.

My diary's final entry: "...it's 11 pm now and about 10C ... we have anchored in the entrance to the Beagle Channel ... we pick up the pilot at 2 am and it is a 5 hr ride in ... have put my camera away ... will just enjoy the scenery now ... I remember seeing a sign in Ushuaia harbour before we left " the end of the world, the beginning of everything "

And so it was.

Visit Trek Escapes, the Adventure Travel Specialists to gather all the information you need before heading out on your dream holiday. You can also enter to win our contest for free travel.

France Bike Tours As Part of Your Holiday

Camping Holidays in France Within Your Budget

When we think of a holiday in France, we often think of a fancy vacation walking up and down the streets of Paris. However, this is just one of the many types of France holiday vacations available. Camping is becoming a very popular pastime for couples and families in recent years. Camping is also a way that many are choosing to spend their France holiday vacation. If you're planning on a camping holiday in France, the best time to go is towards the end of the summer. Not only are most of the summer tourists gone, but the rates usually begin to go down around this time of year. Not only will you have a great camping vacation holiday in France, but you'll also save money in the process.

Preparing For Your Camping Holiday in France

Although a camping trip may sound like a cheap enough vacation, traveling to France and back will cost something. Before you plan the entire camping holiday in France, do some research to determine what your entire costs will be for the vacation. It's important that you not overextend yourself to have this holiday vacation in France. What you'll want to do is figure out your income as well as expenses and subtract your expenses from your income to see what's left over. If you have a savings account, you will probably be withdrawing money from your savings. A good rule of thumb is to not use more than 30% of your savings for your vacation. After some good calculations, you'll know how much money you have to spend on your France vacation, so you can begin planning.

Doing a search online for France lodging and airfare will help you to find the best and most affordable. If you live outside of France, finding cheap transportation will be the first thing you'll be doing. Trains are the main means of transportation in France so if you don't mind traveling longer, trains are much cheaper than airplanes. In addition, trains are fun to ride with your friends and offer a lot of sightseeing.

The money that you save on airfare and lodging can be used for fun and simple entertainment. France bike tours are an activity you may want to participate in if the weather allows. It's also a great way to meet friends and get exercise. Bike tours are becoming very popular sources of entertainment as well as exercise.

Alison Addy enjoys writing about France bicycle tours for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com A website with tips on bike holidays and france bicycle tours.

Visit Europe and Asia With a Tour Deal

Adventure travel Europe Asia is definitely a trip to remember. There may be little time for relaxing, regardless of what city you choose to start in. Some of the unique destinations offer magnificent scenic beauty and activities for every traveler of all activity levels. An adventure tour to Europe Asia allows the traveler to experience the culture and people up close rather than simply a tour through different locations. You can also expect accommodations that will be quite welcoming after a day packed with activities and certainly followed by a comfortable and well-deserved sleep.

In the European part of your trip, you will find a great transportation network taking you from Berlin to Poland, the Baltic States and then to Munic, the Czech Republic and continuing to France, Spain and Italy. This great network in Europe provides more than sufficient opportunity to see everything Europe has to offer.

You will find that China is a preferred stop during the Asian leg of the adventure travel Europe Asia, offering unique culture, beautiful landscapes and, of course, the infamous Great Wall which is definitely a must-see attraction. Another great adventure opportunity during the Asian part of the trip is to take a trip through the Yangtze River, China's longest river where you can see some great gorges also.

From China, your trip should take you to the southeast area of Asia which is known for its backpacking and, actually, believe to have started in this area. Your backpacking venture can start in Bangkok and head off to a variety of different destinations, depending on your preference. Other tours could include Vietnam, the hill tribes of Sapa Valley and the Cu Chi Tunnels. A trip to the Mekong Delta can also culminate the Vietnam part of your trip.

You could also stop in Malaysia where you find the terrific Kota Bharu and jungles of the Taman Negara National Park. It would also be worthwhile to extend your trip and experience the unique people and cultures of Indonesia and Singapore. You may not have time to enjoy all of Indonesia's archipelago islands but there is plenty to see and do beyond this, including the volcanoes of Flores.

As you can gather, the size of Europe and Asia alone makes one adventure travel Europe Asia trip certainly not enough. There is too much to see and do. Adventure travel Europe Asia is a good deal for those wanting to get a taste of both, but a "taste" is realistically what you will get in a single trip. The best way to get the most out of your trip is to fit in a few things in one tour and save other things for future trips.

Kurt Schefken's papers are published on a variety of online publications with information about weather in alicante spain today and weather today in spain. Through his detailed writings such as http://www.alicante-spain.com/alicante-weather.html he demonstrated his depth of understanding on news associated with recent temperature in alicante and weather today in spain.

Chicago Bird Watching Tours

Chicago bird watching tours offers many different birds to look at and places for you to view them at. You will see many different types of trees and bushes along the paths.

The McCormick Place Bird Sanctuary in Burnham Park in Chicago's lakefront is a great tour for anyone. This tour is not given by a narrated guide, so you will be by yourself or with whom you decide to bring with you. This sanctuary contains prairies, shrubs, a woodland habitat for many birds and a stone birdbath filled with freshwater, so the birds can enjoy themselves. Many birds migrate along Chicago's lakefront, so this is a great place to watch birds and also it is a great tour to take through the sanctuary.

You also can take a tour through Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary in Lincoln Park. This sanctuary is a 15 acre bird sanctuary. There are over 300 different species located here and they stop for rest, food and shelter. The sanctuary has a one hundred fifty stretch of shrubs and several trees that attracts a high number of migratory birds. Migrant birds are warblers, sparrows, woodpeckers and many more. You also have Netters at this sanctuary and that includes yellow throats, red-winged blackbirds, mourning doves and brown thrashers. It also offers a stone stair access to the beach and a stone birdbath for the flying birds.

Lincoln Park Addison Migratory Bird Sanctuary does not allow the public in so they have built a platform overlooking the expanded ponds and the whole sanctuary. This sanctuary is a great place to listen and tour with your eyes a wonderful place for birds, plants and other wildlife only. In this sanctuary there is always something blooming and something new blooming every month. At this sanctuary they have volunteers who scatter native seed, plant native species and pick up trash and also monitor the vegetation around the sanctuary.

Ecological Tourism

Ecological Tourism, or Eco-Tourism, is a form of tourism that typically appeals to individuals who are ecologically and socially conscious. Eco-Tourism is popular in areas where the natural flora, natural fauna, and the cultural heritage of an area are the primary attractions.

There are different types of Eco-Tourism. Responsible eco-tourism focuses on providing experiences for tourists that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment. In addition, the experience is designed to enhance the cultural integrity of local populations. As a result, recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and the creation of economic opportunities for the local community are integral parts of ecotourism. This emphasis is in addition to the evaluation of environmental and cultural factors associated with tourism.

As in all things, there is a governing body that provides standards for environmentally conscious tourism. The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is the body responsible for governing ecotourism. In 1990, TIES defined ecotourism and outlined the various principles involved. Ecotourism, according to TIES, is "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." 

Places that wish to participate in and implement ecotourism are encouraged to comply with a variety of principles. These include the desire to minimize the impact of tourism on the area; building environmental and cultural awareness and respect; providing positive experiences for both the tourists and their hosts. In addition, TIES recommends that there be a direct financial benefit not only for the local people but also for conservation efforts. The local people are also expected to be empowered. The final principle is to raise sensitivity to the host country's political, environmental, and social climate.

In addition, ecotourism should satisfy additional criteria. These additional criteria include the conservation of both biological and cultural diversity, the promotion of sustainable use of biodiversity, and the shared socio-economic benefits with local communities and indigenous people.

In large cities across the world, an offshoot of the ecotourism movement is bicycle tours. These tours are designed to allow environmentally sensitive people the ability to tour a city in an environmentally friendly way. The bicycles, because they are human powered, do not release the same fumes as tour busses or boats. In addition, they allow the tour-taker much more freedom over what is seen and what is not seen. 

The countries successfully implementing ecotourism policies include Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nepal, Kenya, and Madagascar. For more information on bicycle tours as eco-tourism, please visit http://www.bike-locks.com.

Joseph Devine

Adventure Travel In Peru - Climbing El Misti

Sitting on top of the world, looking down on creation…

I don't remember the rest of the song and we were over 10,000 feet short of the top of the world but it was a pretty good view anyway. Finally, a dream of about two years was completed. I made it to the top of El Misti, the volcano right outside of Arequipa, Peru, that had been calling my name since I first saw it about two years before. I tried to climb it as a day hike then but failed due to a very late start and not being used to the altitude, reaching only about 15, 500 feet. I still think it can be done as a day hike so that is a future goal.

I had been waiting eagerly for my friends Jason and Lisa, SCARAB (Southern California Adventure Racing Buddies) members from Los Angeles, to get to here. We had been communicating by email for months as they were on a round the world trip and we wanted to get together when they came through Peru. Our schedules kept changing but at the last minute they meshed and we were able to meet a couple of times in Arequipa. I arranged the use of a Suzuki 4x4 and Jason and I made plans to climb El Misti on Saturday and Sunday. Lisa decided to relax in Arequipa so we drafted her to be our chauffeur as it is not safe to leave a vehicle at the trailhead. We did some quick shopping, and after getting lost on the way to the trailhead, we arrived safely and were ready to start hiking at 12:30 pm. We were told that it was a five hour climb to the campsite but we were hoping it would be less because that would have meant arriving at camp about the time it got dark. I also realized that we were on a different trail than the one I had attempted two years before so it was a totally new trail to me (there are three routes up to the summit).

We were well matched, my year of living at 8,800 feet and hiking regularly at altitudes of over 12,000 feet made up for my age and Jason's (relative) youth and three weeks of high altitude hiking in Peru made up for his living at sea level in L.A. We followed an easy trail up to the campsite at about 15,000 feet, arriving there in three hours and 10 minutes. We were glad that we hadn't left earlier and had to just sit around in the cool wind. This also gave us hope that the supposedly five to seven hour hike to the summit should be less than that. We had also been told to expect temps as low as zero degrees so were thankful that it was warmer than normal. Helped by the cloud cover it didn't get below 30 degrees, so we were plenty warm in our 20 degree bags and my cheap Wensel tent.

After we got camp set up, Jason suggested scouting out the trail to the summit, as we planned on leaving about 5:00 in the morning and weren't sure if we could find it in the dark. We easily found the trail and hiked up about 20 minutes to another campsite; the people there said they planned on starting for the summit at about 2:00 am. By the time we got back down to our camp, the wind had died down and it felt warmer, especially after hot chicken noodle soup with tuna, cheese and bread and some tea. I used my soda can stove, which worked fine, after removing the windshield; I guess it needed a bit more air at that elevation too. Our campsite neighbor, a Frenchman suffering from the altitude wasn't looking too good, we found out he didn't attempt the summit. We were still below the clouds so got a great view of Arequipa as the lights came on and the quarter moon illuminated Misti above us. By 7:00 pm we were in our sleeping bags, hoping to get a good night's sleep before the 4:00 am alarm.

Following a breakfast of instant oatmeal, we were on the trail at 4:45 in the morning, climbing by headlights, with very little trouble following the trail. We could see the lights of other climbers, which seemed a long ways above us. Again it was a fairly easy trail, not too much sand (unlike the trail from my previous attempt) and enough large rocks to make it interesting, but also harder to see the trail. By this time I was deeply regretting my forgetting my gloves as I hurriedly packed for the trip but Jason said his hands were warm enough and let me use his – thanks Jason!

About the time it got light, we caught up to two other groups that had started earlier but were climbing very slow. One of the guides asked if one of his team members could follow us up so Steve joined us, again a very good match as we were all climbing at the same slow steady speed, taking very short breaks every so often. We soon lost sight of those below us and never saw them again until we got back down to their camp; unfortunately they had to turn back and were not able to reach the summit. When we were about a half hour away, we could see a large group standing on the summit. They had gone up a shorter route on the backside; we met them later after they had explored the crater. We finally got some sunlight when we reached a saddle between the summit and the crater, which really felt good. We had been climbing up the dark side, away from the sun, which made it very cool but we were also treated to a great view of Misti casting a shadow over miles of landscape when the sun rose on the other side. At 8:55, after crossing a couple of small snow patches and a couple of sandy stretches, we were on the summit at 19,100 feet, four hours and 10 minutes from camp. We marveled at the huge iron cross, about 20 feet high that was up there. It was constructed in sections; each about three feet long. I couldn't have carried even one section up there. We were hoping that it had been helicoptered up so that weren't totally put to shame by the super humans it would have taken to carry all the pieces up there.

After taking a lot of pictures of the almost unreal landscape offered by the crater, black sand, light rocks and snow, and a few more of neighboring 19,925 foot Chachani, we went down to the saddle and ate a light snack. Both of us were feeling good, no altitude problems but to keep it that way we decided to forgo exploring the crater and headed back down. We didn't hire a guide for the climb but were fortunate that Marcio, my guide friend, went with us to the trailhead and pointed out the route up to us. Steve's guide explained the route back down to camp. No need to hike down, just go over to the dark gray sand slope and "ski" down that, lots of fun! We stopped at Steve's camp and left him there with his teammates who were packing up, and then continued on down. We made it down to our camp in about two hours; we would have made it faster except we stopped to take a lot of pictures of our fun descent! After a simple lunch (should have brought another package of soup), which finished all of our food except a little trail mix, we broke camp and headed on down. There was no rush because Lisa wasn't scheduled to meet us until 4:00 pm. We had expected on being at the summit about noon, instead we were back at camp by 11:00 am. After a couple of final photos at the trailhead, we decided to walk down the dirt road, getting almost to the highway before meeting Lisa and Marcio. That gave us plenty of time to talk about our next adventure, after they finish their trip. Of course Chachani is calling our names, there are also two 6,000 meter mountain peaks on the way to Cotahuasi where I live, Coropuna at 21,075 feet and Solimana at 19,985 feet. And then there is my plan for a two week bike ride, all between 9,000 and 16,000 feet.

Looking down on creation…

Vic Hanson is the founder of Adventure Cotahuasi Tours, which offers pre-planned and custom adventure travel tours in Cotahuasi Canyon and other areas of Peru. If you like hiking in the mountains, check us out for an unforgettable vacation trip.

http://www.adventurecotahuasi.com