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An all inclusive vacation not only saves you time; but also gives you every sort of comfort you could think of. This type of vacation package includes everything from itinerary planning to hotel bookings; site seeing packages and adventure sports trips. All inclusive vacations are enjoyed by everyone as they are so easy to book, saving you time by arranging all the different aspects of the trip in one easy step. These packages are designed for those people seeking comfort and ease from their holidays right from the word go.

The popularity of all inclusive vacations has seen large increases, due in part because of the busy lives that we lead. We often find that booking a much needed vacation gets pushed to the bottom of the list as it’s too time consuming to arrange. However, all inclusive packages are suitable for even the busiest person, as they are so straight forward to book.

The most important decision you need to make when booking an all inclusive vacation involves thinking carefully about what you wish to get from your holiday. Are you after a break that involves nothing more strenuous than walking from sun lounger to the bar and back or do you want to be involved in activities from 8am to 7pm? It is up to you to decide the exotic location that can give you all the comforts and amenities that you need.

You can choose from beach vacations that offer lots of water sports or breathtaking mountain views that give you opportunity for adventure sports. No matter what location you choose for your vacation, you can usually be happy that everything you need is included with the booking. Although, it is worth pointing out that not every vacation package is created equal. Read the small print carefully to help you come to a decision. Some holidays, for example, only offer local brand alcohol, or buffet style meals, whereas with others there are no such restrictions.

There are numerous travel agencies that offer all inclusive vacations, covering a wide range of budgets, destinations and levels of service. You can select from the available range according to your holiday budget. A good tip is: if you have left your booking to the last minute you can take advantage of discounts that the operators offer on unfilled vacations. If you are not worried about visiting a particular destination – and lets face it, most people on an all inclusive vacation rarely leave the hotel grounds – shop around for the best deal. This way you can get a really luxurious holiday for a modest amount.

About the author:
Kirsten Whittaker offers readers the opportunity to read more articles on all inclusive vacations at http://www.allinclusiveguide.info/allinclusivearticles/or for further information and resources to visit http://www.allinclusiveguide.info

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Posted by Anonymous at 10:25 AM | Comments

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If you are on a tour to China and decide to stop at Yunnan province, then you are guaranteed a wonderful time with Chinese minority groups. Yunnan is a beautiful province which is proud of its ethnic minorities and culture; this is reflected in the lifestyle of the locals who inhabit the community. Considered as one of the beautiful places to go in China, the province of Yunnan is a place that celebrates life. It can be divided into different cities namely Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Zhongdian and Deqin. Each of these cities has various sightseeing and highlights which attracts tourists all year round.

Kunming is known as the city of eternal spring which is usually the best city to travel to in China in spring. This is because of its mild climate which has in turn boosted the tourism and natural beauty of the city. With over four hundred types of flowers and orchids in the various gardens, it is no wonder horticulturists and nature lovers’ flock to this part of China to spend some time. Kunming is also known to be the center of the Yunnan minority culture where over 25 different ethnic groups live together. The major ethnic minorities have their various cultures, languages, and customs and celebrate different festivals. Major highlights to see in Kunming include the stone forest, a long acre of karsts limestone formations which were formed into cliffs, peaks, caves and arches; the birds and flowers market where different species of birds and flowers are sold; Dian Chi Lake, the Yunnan nationalities museum and the World Horticultural Expo garden.

Dali is another city in Yunnan well known for preserved relics for historical interests. The beautiful sceneries, different traditions, the locals and the unique environment are what makes Dali a stop over for tourists on their Yunnan province tour. For example the Old town of Dali is a place that was set up in the Ming Dynasty where you will find well preserved traditional styled houses of the Bai people. These houses were built with unique designs featuring grey tilted roofs, stone walls, windows and doors carved in dragon patterns. The streams fed by the run offs from the Cangshan Mountains and the idyllic courtyards and peaceful streets which were well known in the ancient times have now become a place of interest for visitors. Major highlights in Dali include the Erhai Lake, an ear like shaped Lake, the Three Pagodas, the Butterfly Fountain and Dali Museum to enrich your knowledge about the history and culture of Yunnan.

Lijiang is an old town resting in northwestern Yunnan. It is located on a plateau which rises on an elevation of 8,530 feet above sea level. Lijiang Old town is Yunnan’s mecca for most Chinese tour groups and this is because of the magnificent landscape which it has. The Old town is a world heritage relic site as listed by UNESCO. It has a number of attractions for tourists to visit, many of which includes The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: a snow capped mountain which looks like a jade dragon lying in the clouds when seen from Lijiang, the tiger leaping gorge believed to be the deepest gorge in the world which attracts rafters and adventure tourists. Other interesting things to do in Lijiang are the use of cable cars to the top of Cangshan Mountain to witness a panoramic view overlooking Erhai Lake and the traditional musical concerts.

Zhongdian and Deqin should be the final destination on your Yunnan province tour. It is one of the three counties that form the Diqen Tibetan Autonomous Territory. With some of its history based on the concept of Shambhala, a mystical city in Tibetan Buddhism; it was formerly called Zhongdian County and was later renamed to Shangri-la after the fictional land in the book ‘Lost Horizon’ in 2001. Shangri-la is considered to be a mythical distant paradise on earth characterized with great beauty and peacefulness; this is why many travelers come to this place to spend some peaceful time. This town has also been used by hikers and mountaineers as a gateway to Tibet. Some of the major highlights in this town include the Emerald Pagoda Lake (Bita hai Lake), the Meili Snow mountain (God Mountain) and the Ganden Sumtseling Gompa monastery. This monastery is a 300 year old complex which has around 600 monks. The small town is centered with multi story temples filled with statues and colorful paintings of Tibetan lamas, guardians and mandalas. The landscape of Zhongdian is not enough to describe in words, it gives a kind of feeling which is difficult to describe; this is why most people recommend a visit to Zhongdian and its sacred temples.

For comments and inquiries about this article, visit Great Wall of China tours.

Lola loves to write about adventure travels and tours in China. She writes for China Tour and Travels a foreign inbound tour operator in China.

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Posted by Anonymous at 9:47 PM | Comments

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Be Safe in the Surf

Australian beaches are magic - they're clean and big and free ... but they can also be very dangerous. Here are some basic precautions to help you enjoy your time at the beach:

Do:
• Swim on patrolled beaches, between the red and yellow flags
• Comply with the directions of lifesavers
• Watch children constantly when they're in the water
• Take plenty of fresh drinking water to the beach
• Protect yourself from the sun
• Remain calm; if you get into trouble in the water, don't panic. Raise your arm for help, float and wait for assistance
• Float with a current or undertow. Stay calm. Signal for help and wait for assistance.

Don’t:
• Swim directly after a meal
• Swim alone
• Swim in surf board riding areas
• Try to swim against a current, this will just tire you
• Run and dive in the water. Even if you have checked before, conditions can change
• Swim when the beach has been closed by the Life Savers - this is indicated by crossed flags, or red flags
• Swim after consuming alcohol

Swim Between the Flags

The area between the flags is the only section of the beach that is patrolled by lifesavers, and during the summer months, lifesavers are on duty from approximately 8:00am to 6:00pm.

Make sure you can recognise the flags:

A flag that's half red and half yellow means it's safe to swim.

A red flag means you should not enter the water.

Sometimes you'll see a flag depicting a swimmer in a red circle with a red diagonal line crossing. This also means danger and you should not enter the water.

A yellow flag indicates dangerous conditions and that only very experienced swimmers should swim. And even they should exercise extreme caution.

A green flag indicates that conditions are safe and you can swim in a flagged area.

The red and yellow flags are positioned on the beach to show the safest area to swim in terms of water depth, wave break patterns, underwater obstacles, currents and potential rips.

Beach Conditions and Wave Types

There are a number of different types of waves, and being able to identify these will help you decide when it's time to settle for watching instead of swimming.

When you're in the surf, it's important that you keep a close watch on approaching waves; never keep your back to them for more than a few seconds. If you see a large wave approaching, don't panic. Take a breath and simply duck-dive under it. Give yourself a push off from the bottom when it's passed over.

Plunging Wave

This is commonly called the "dumper." Waves of this type break with tremendous force. A swimmer can be easily thrown to the bottom and suffer injuries. This type of wave should be left to experienced surfers.

Spilling Wave

This wave formation is when the crest tumbles down the face of the wave. Waves of this type are safest for body surfers, swimmers and board riders.

Surging Wave

This type of wave may never actually break as it approaches the water's edge, but there's a great build-up of water that can surge unexpectedly on the beach. The danger in these circumstances is that your feet may be knocked from under you. Small children should always be "attached" to an adult when this type of wave is breaking ... hold their hands tightly or lift them out of the water and carry them.

In-Shore Holes

The in-shore hole is a trough that runs parallel to the shore and the depth may vary from a few inches to several feet.

Small children can be swept into a hole by the water build-up on the slope of a beach and the wave action returning down the face of the beach.

Rips or Rip Currents

Where surf rolls onto a beach, rip currents develop. (You may also hear a rip referred to as rip tide, wash, gutter or run-out.) The rip is formed, basically, by water seeking its own level, thus causing the drag outwards, and these rips push water back out to sea and carry floating objects, including people, with them.

You can usually identify a rip because the water often appears to be very calm above them and attracts inexperienced surf swimmers who want to avoid the waves. If you do get into trouble in the surf, stay calm and signal for help.

Surf Lifesaving Australia has the following ways of identifying a rip current:

• Discoloured water, brown in colour, due to sand stirred off the bottom
• Foam on the surface extending beyond the beach
• Waves breaking larger and further out on both sides of the rip
• Debris floating seaward
• Rippled appearance, when the water around is generally calm.

How to Escape from a Rip Current

If caught in a rip -- DON'T PANIC. If you're not a strong swimmer, you're best action is to ride it out from the beach. Tread water or float as you're being carried out, while still waving your arms and trying to attract attention. Rips don't extend very far out to sea ... there's no risk you'll be carried to New Zealand!

Once you feel the current weaken, start to swim parallel to the shore or across the current until you reach the edge of it and then return to shore where waves are breaking. You can usually catch a wave in from either side of a rip.

Never try to swim back to shore against the rip. An Olympic swimmer is no match for a powerful rip. If you are a competent swimmer, swim at right angles to the direction that the rip is taking you and then swim towards the white water where waves are breaking. The waves should wash you back to shore.

Inshore Drift Current

This is a current that moves parallel to the shore and can be either fast flowing or almost indistinguishable from the water around it. Its intensity is greater inside the surf line and diminishes as you move away from the shore line. Many swimmers begin swimming inside the flagged area and then look up a few minutes later to see they've been carried out of the safe area by the current. When you enter the water, find a spot on the shore you can use as a marker, and check back regularly to see if you're being carried away from the flags.

Alcohol and Swimming

The hazards associated with drinking and driving are well recognised, but few appreciate the similar dangers associated with alcohol and water sports. With alcohol, judgement is impaired and more risks are taken. You'll tire more easily and your body temperature drops more quickly and this can lead to severe cramps. If you do get into difficulties, you're more likely to vomit and inhale stomach contents into your lungs.

The message is clear: don't mix alcohol and swimming.

Visit the Surf Life Saving Association of Australia for more information.http://www.slsa.com.au

About the author J M Stewart's travel sites http://www.luxury-cruising.write101.com help you prepare for your cruise and http://www.traveltoaustralia.write101.com provide intending travellers with all they need to know to visit, live and work in Australia. Drop by now to see if you're eligible for an Australian work visa!

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Posted by Anonymous at 8:22 AM | Comments

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As Puerto Vallarta possesses a more laidback ambiance than other Mexican resort cities, it is a great destination for an exotic family vacation. Most importantly, Puerto Vallarta is both safe and entertaining for children of all ages. Puerto Vallarta offers everything from waterfall horseback rides and snorkeling tours to canopy tours that allow children to swing between the trees of the Mexican jungle. Children of all ages can swim with dolphins at the Sea Life Park or sit back and watch whales during the high season – generally November to March. Even if you want to spend a day relaxing at your resort, better hotels and resorts will offer children’s programs featuring unique cultural and educational activities. Come see why Puerto Vallarta is not only a great place for your family to relax; but also offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a city unlike any other.

Of course, no family vacation to Puerto Vallarta would be complete without a trip to the beach. As the area surrounding the city consists of 26 miles of white sand shorelines, there are plenty of beaches perfect for the little ones. Playa Los Muertos, one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta, features placid waves great for swimming. Even during the high season, you will find plenty of room to spread out in the sun. Also within the Hotel Zone, Playa El Saldo – known as Marina Vallarta – is a wide and well-maintained stretch of sand offering great views of the city and its mountainous setting. Playa Pelicanos is usually quiet, making it a great place for your family to escape the beach crowds while remaining in the heart of the city.

For family fun, visitors to Playa Destiladeres and Playa Bucerias can expect elegant white sand beaches, fresh seafood at charming palapa-shaded cafes and mild waves – perfect for boogie-boarding or learning to surf. If your children are interested in learning to surf, however, the best option might be Punta Mita. Also known as Playa Anclote, Punta Mita has long been celebrated as a great place for beginners to get wet as waves are consistently mild. Additionally, there are a few surfing schools catering to travelers unique to this pleasant beach.

Families can also find plenty to do in Viejo Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town. Viejo Vallarta is a network of cobblestone streets lined with welcoming inns, independently-owned restaurants and galleries showcasing local arts and crafts. One of the most popular activities in this friendly neighborhood is a stroll down the famous Restaurant Row, located on Basilio Badillo Street. This area features several blocks of restaurants, bars and cafes that can cater to any palette with everything from gourmet European cuisine to rustic local recipes. Many of these restaurants will have dining options for children, much like the Hotel Zone. One of the city’s most recognizable landmarks – the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe – also rests within the narrow streets of Old Town. The church soars above the neighborhood and has been at the center of local religious and cultural life for nearly 80 years. Constructed over a 12-year period beginning in 1929, the cathedral’s open-air theater has been used for events and festivals since its dedication. If you are planning a family vacation to the area, the month of December may be the best time to visit Viejo Vallarta. Your family will be able to enjoy the 12-day Festival for Our Lady of Guadalupe – centered at the grounds of the cathedral – in addition to everything else this authentic Mexican neighborhood has to offer. On Sunday nights in Puerto Vallarta, the downtown seaside boardwalk – known as the Malecon – becomes a family-friendly festival. The crowd, consisting of tourists and local families alike, always enjoys the fun atmosphere and the fireworks display after sunset. The centrally-located Los Arcos Amphitheatre is known for free shows, while clowns and street performers provide plenty of free entertainment. Most restaurants along the boardwalk will have children’s menus available. But save some room for desert, as tasty treats – everything from cotton candy to crepes and deep fried bananas – are available on the boardwalk.

It must also be mentioned that under the new restrictions of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all children now require passports to visit Mexico. Effective January 8, 2007, this change reflects the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s effort to alleviate travel concerns regarding border security. When planning your family vacation to Puerto Vallarta, simply make passports one of the first steps on your list and you won’t experience any hassle at all.

This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes articles about Mexico family vacations for the Marriott Resorts.

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Posted by Anonymous at 12:14 AM | Comments

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The Rivera Maya: Boasting the world's second largest barrier reef in the world, The Great Maya Reef, second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef, makes the Rivera Maya a world wide destination for divers, and underwater adventurers. The Great Maya Reef stretches from Cabo Catoche, about 53 kilometers (33 miles) north of Cancun, to the Bay Islands of Honduras, 455 kilometers (285 miles) south of Playa del Carmen, and offers a myriad of dive sights, ranging in depth and difficulty.

This marvelous coral reef, also known as the Mesoamerican reef, which skirts the coasts of Belize, Guatemala on down to Honduras is home to multiple types of amazing corals, magnificent sea turtles and over 500 species of fish and other sea life. The part of the reef that stretches along the Mexican coastline is 300 kilometers (186 miles) long, and, in many parts, the reef is extremely deep with some marked dive sites reaching more then 30 meters or just under 100 feet. There are even deeper sights that can be explored, but these sites require more training and experience.

There are more than 70 named dive sites between Punta Maroma and Tulum right along the Rivera Maya. The majority of the marked dive sites located on the Rivera Maya are only a short boat ride away from such resort areas as Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum. Some of the more popular dive spots are Cerebros, Los Arcos, Pared Verde (Green Wall), Moc Che Deep, Moc Che, Chum Zumbal, Jardines, Sabatos, Tortugas, Barracuda, and Mama Vina.

Not only are there amazing coral, plant, and fish life in the warm waters of the Caribbean, but the underground caves and river system brings a whole other element to diving and exploration. With over 200 miles of underground caves and rivers the Riviera Maya has become a top destination, not only for open water ocean dives, but for cavern and cave diving as well. There are no rivers, or fresh water sources, that run above ground in the Riviera Maya so the cenotes, or sink holes, were the only way the Mayans got their fresh water. Because of this they were considered sacred to the ancient Maya, and still play a significant role in modern life and celebrations.

Divers and explorers can now enter this underwater world through the cenotes, which can be located right on the shores of the Caribbean, or deeper into the jungle flora. The Rivera Maya has more then 75 known cave systems which have been mapped and surveyed and they cover approximately 611 kilometers/ 380 miles. Even with that impressive number it is estimated that there is as much as 50% or more that has yet to be explored and documented. Discovered just a little over twenty years ago, the underground river system has very little current, temperate waters (25 degrees Celsius/ 78 degrees Fahrenheit), and the water is so clear that visibility is virtually unlimited. Add this to the fact that all you need is an open water certification to experience the exhilaration of cave diving, and it has become a major attraction to the Rivera Maya for divers from all parts of the globe.

Playa Maya News located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, updated daily with local news, tours, real estate and hotels in Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya.

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Posted by Anonymous at 10:23 PM | Comments

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Who has never heard anything about German roads? I think, almost everybody who has ever touched a car, has also heard fairy tales about German roads. And those fairy tales are partly true stories. Because these roads are really good, but not always.

Of course, if you hear about German roads, you probably listen to stories about so called “autobahn” highways. These are actually wide built highways with minimum 2 lanes and one separate emergency lane on the right. Some of these roads were built at the beginning of the past century. The both sides of the road are equipped with guardrail and sometimes, when the highway goes through or nearby the urban areas – with plastic fences to isolate people living in the area from noise. The guardrail separating the driving directions is often combined with special bushes or plastic shields to protect the driver from getting blind because of the traffic lights.

The most interesting moment in those highways is that actually there are no speed limits on them. I mean, if there is no speed limit active right now, you could actually drive as fast as your vehicle can, of course, if it does not result harm to the other traffic participants. In fact, there are not so many places where you could drive at unlimited speed, because there are always some intervals of the highways, where a speed limit is necessary and after it's cancellation there are usually only some kilometers to drive without any limitations and after that – again you should slow down.

But there are some pieces of road especially beloved by the owners of “charged” cars, where the number of lanes is 3 and there is no speed limit for several dozens of kilometers. Some of those drivers come specially to have some moments of pleasure there, driving at 250 km/h or more. Of course, such racers are surely interesting to watch, especially if you drive in your average car in the second lane with your maximum 200 and somebody takes you over as if you were just staying. Or another type of adrenaline lovers, which force you to have an adrenaline boost even more as themselves – motorcycle riders. On such “unlimited” ranges they are unbelievably fast. Imagine the same situation, you are in the second lane and are trying to get 210 out of your 120 horsepower and 1400 kg of weight and you actually do not succeed it. And then you hear “whoosh”. At first you don't understand what has happened. After a couple of such “whooshes” in a sunny day, you will be able to notice for a millisecond a figure on two wheels. That was a sport-biker having fun with his 300 or more km/h. Imagine what happens if you will try to takeover a slow car in the second lane and you'll change the lane to the third without looking at the mirror and the biker is also quick enough not to succeed slowing down.

Another interesting type of roads in Germany are so-called “landstrasse”-roads, that are connecting districts and small towns. Normally there is a speed limit of 100 km/h, often limited with explicit signs to 70. These roads have usually lots of curves. And if you use fully the allowed speed, you'll feel yourself like a racing pilot while handling those curves with squeaking tires. And again those crazy bikers. They are having of course more pleasure while racing through those curves over the speed limit. Some of such ranges are even prohibited for motorcycles if there is another way to use. So, don't miss this pleasure while traveling to Germany and have a nice trip.

Iuri Tarabanov writes about interesting travel experiences. His travel site is http://www.travelime.com

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Posted by Anonymous at 10:19 PM | Comments

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Enclosed by South Africa on all sides, but separated from it by the huge Drakensberg and Maluti mountain ranges, the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho is small and rounded in shape, situated on a plateau of over 3,281ft (1,000m), with peaks reaching to heights of more than 10,000ft (3,000m). Sani Pass is a breathtaking entry point into Lesotho from South Africa's Drakensberg National Park and is the gateway to the 'Roof of Africa' scenic route, linking the magnificent scenery of the two mountain ranges.

Popularly described as the 'Kingdom in the Sky', the lofty highlands are characterised by majestic mountain scenery, crisp mountain air and the simple serenity of the traditional lifestyles of its people. Pony trekking is one of the finest ways to experience the Lesotho highlands, with time spent in remote Basotho villages scattered among the grassy hills, where waterfalls saturate the surrounding rocks with rainbow-coloured mist and crystal clear streams criss-cross the landscape. The region is also perfect for those who prefer to test the sure-footedness of their own two feet, with miles of solitary scenery to appreciate, an abundance of trout in the rivers and dams and the assurance of a warm and friendly welcome in the rugged mountain hamlets. The central highlands is home to the highest waterfall in southern Africa, the Maletsunyane Falls near Semonkong, meaning 'Place of Smoke', which thunders from a height of 624ft (192m) and is at its most spectacular during the summer rainy season.

From the heights of the Maluti Mountains, the land descends to the western lowlands where all the major towns are to be found and where two thirds of the population live. Maseru, the capital, is a fascinating city of contrasting modern and traditional lifestyles. Blanket-clad horsemen sidestep the traffic jams on their way to market, and woven handicrafts are displayed on the busy pavements outside new glass buildings filled with self-important office workers.

Time spent in Lesotho will allow visitors to observe an African country filled with an extraordinary appeal, a kingdom of rugged beauty and unchanging culture that remains natural and largely unaffected by tourism.

Weather conditions in Lesotho vary greatly depending on the altitude. Summer is the hot, rainy season from October to April, with the hottest days in January and February, and the most rain falling between March and May and October and November. Days are sunny with afternoon electric thunderstorms, and temperatures range from around 86ºF (30°C) in the lowlands with cooler temperatures as the altitude increases, averaging about 64°F (18°C) in the mountains. Snow falls mainly in winter from May to September, but can occur in the mountains at any time of year. Winter can be bitterly cold, particularly in the highlands, but days are usually clear and sunny. Temperatures can fall to 20°F (-7°C) in the lowlands and 0°F (-18°C) in the highlands. At any time of year the weather can change very rapidly in the highlands from warm sunshine to mist, rain and freezing temperatures.

Come for a visit.

Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za

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Up to 60 million visitors travel to Spain every year to delight in the country’s 315 sunny days and its rich and diverse history and culture. As a result the Spanish government spend millions of Euros per year on the travel and transport infrastructure to service the country’s growing population and its ever growing numbers of visitors.

Therefore Spain has to be one of the easiest and most affordable of the world’s popular destinations in terms of its accessibility - particularly from the UK and Northern America. For example there are cheap flights available from all British airports to main and regional airports across Spain daily and direct flights from the main Spanish hubs to the US daily. As an alternative for British and European travellers there are fantastic countrywide train, coach and ferry links and great access for those who prefer to travel by car.

This article breaks down the main Spanish travel options by region.

Northern Spain – The easiest way to access this region is by plane from one of the main UK airports flying directly to Bilbao or from the US to Malaga with transfer to Bilbao. It’s possible to connect with Iberia flights for connections across the North and throughout Spain. Alsa and Eurolines have sophisticated coach networks and it’s possible to travel all the way across Europe to Bilbao or San Sebastian and then pick up local coaches or rail connections. You can also sail from the UK port of Plymouth to Santander with Brittany Ferries, or you could take the P & O route from Portsmouth to Bilbao.

Castile and La Rioja – The cheapest way to access these regions is possibly to fly to one of the main Spanish hubs – Barcelona, Bilbao or Madrid for example, and then either drive or get connecting flights. You can connect with Iberia for flights to Logrona in La Rioja or Valladolid in Castile. Castile, Rioja and Navarre are serviced by an excellent road network which makes getting around simple and again, Alsa coaches will connect you with major and minor destinations across the regions and the entire country.

Aragon, Navarre and the Pyrenees – As these regions are easily accessible by car or coach from Madrid it may be best to get a cheap flight to Madrid and then drive the E90 to the heart of the region. You could consider getting a connecting flight to Zaragoza in the middle of the region which is a good jumping off point for explorations in this stunning part of Spain. Alternatively access to this region can be made by rail or coach. Eurolines coaches will connect you with Pamplona or Zaragoza; Eurostar rail will take you from the UK to Paris and from Paris you can catch an overnight high speed rail link to Madrid…from Madrid the options are varied, from local rail and coach connections, car hire, and local flight connections with Iberia.

Costa Brava and Costa Dorada – As we move east to the beautiful Northern Catalonian coastal regions of the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, so accessibility increases. Barcelona airport is the main airport for these regions and it welcomes cheap UK and US flights. You can then connect to Girona in the Costa Brava region or Reus in the Costa Dorada region. Barcelona itself has an underground train network for access throughout the city, and if you want to travel further afield the Spanish rail service RENFE has many mainline and local services servicing both regions. The main coastal road in Costa Brava is the A7, with the A2 taking you west away from Barcelona and the C32 taking you south from Barcelona into the Costa Dorada. Barcelona has a port with ferry services to Genoa, Rome, Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza.

Central Spain and Madrid – Central Spain’s main airport is Madrid and it welcomes direct flights from all the major UK and US airports and some of the smaller ones as well. As Madrid is such a major city you can imagine it acts as an important travel hub for the whole of Spain. Coach and rail networks and main auto routes all radiate from the city. Madrid has two main stations with trains departing for regional and international destinations, and the city has an underground metro system as well.

Costa del Azahar – The main travel hub of this region is Valencia with the city’s airport enjoying direct UK flights. To access the rest of the region you can take advantage of the RENFE services from Valencia or enjoy the city via the FGV trams and underground trains. If you want to travel from the coast to Madrid take the N430 and A3; to explore the coast take the A7. Again, Eurolines coaches operate connections to towns and cities in this region including Valencia, Sagunt and Vinaros. And last but not least, Valencia is a port city and has ferries running across the Mediterranean with destinations including Malta, Ibiza, Italy etc.

Costa Blanca – Most visitors for this region enter via Alicante airport. With the Costa Brava well serviced by roads and Alicante airport offering great car hire opportunities many people prefer to access the rest of the region by road, though RENFE, Eurolines and Alsa offer excellent rail and coach alternatives.

Costa Calida – Murcia is the main airport for this region, though Alicante airport is also accessible affording visitors and residents an extra opportunity and advantage. From Murcia there are a number of major train services including direct links to Madrid. In terms of roads, again the Costa Calida is a region with an excellent network of major roads and routes: the N340 runs from Alicante through Murcia to the Costa del Sol, the A7 hugs the coast and local, national and international coach lines service the area. In the port town of Cartagena a passenger terminal was built in 2003 which now serves as a destination for some of the major cruise liners on their way to and from destinations around France, Greece and the Black Sea Coast.

Costa de Almeria – You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to airports serving this region, you can fly to Alicante or Murcia and travel by road or rail into the region or you can fly direct to Almeria airport. The cheapest flights are often to Alicante. RENFE have mainline train services from Almeria to the city of Granada, Eurolines, Alsa and Enatcar all offer coach services across Costa de Almeria. The major routes in the region are the N340 which runs from Costa Calida through the town of Almeria and on south to the Costa del Sol, the A92 which connects with Granada and the A348 which connects Almeria with the Alpujarras. In terms of sea access, Transmediterranea have ferries from the port of Almeria to Northern Africa.

Costa del Sol and Andalucia – If you can’t get a flight to this region of Spain you must be doing something wrong – or maybe just hoping to travel during peak season! The main airport is Malaga and nearly every single airline you can think of flies from almost every single UK and US airport you can think of! If you can’t get a flight and you’re in the UK you might consider driving to the Costa del Sol! In which case your best bet would be to sail from Plymouth to Santander or from Portsmouth to Bilbao and then travel the 900 or so kilometres south. If you start off in Bilbao you’ll need the A68 and A1 to Burgos, or from Santander take the N623 to Burgos – then from Burgos travel via the N1 to Madrid. From Madrid head to Granada, from Granada head for Malaga…phew! Alternatively get a Euroline coach all the way from the UK to Estepona or Malaga or travel from Paris on the fast night train to Madrid and connect with the AVE fast train to Cordoba which in turn connects up with regional Costa del Sol services.

Costa de la Luz and Gibraltar – You can either fly to Gibraltar or Jerez in the region or make use of the many cheap flights to Spain that land in Malaga. There are ferry services between Tarifa and Algeciras in Spain and Tangiers in Morocco, bus and rail services across Europe and through Spain to the Costa de la Luz and strong road links with the E15 serving Gibraltar from the mainland.

Whatever your final destination you should be able to find cheap flights to some of Spain’s main airports and then use local and regional travel services to access your destination of choice; as I hope I’ve shown, the whole of Spain is incredibly easily accessible.

Rhiannon Williamson is the publisher of http://www.shelteroffshore.com/ - the online resource for investment property abroad, offshore investing and living overseas articles, guides and resources.

Click the following link for Spanish property and moving to Spain articles, guides, resources and recommended reading.

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Posted by Anonymous at 4:58 AM | Comments

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If your looking to fly in style, look no further than a private jet rental. Private Jet charter services allow you to travel anywhere around the world. The nice part about it is that you choose when and where you want to fly. No more crowed terminals, no more long security lines. These private jet rentals cater to you and your needs. When you fly a private jet, its all about you.

Private jet rental will take you to any destination in the world. You will be given the choice of the exact aircraft, destination, and accommodation that you would like. Does not matter weather your flying for business or pleasure, when you charter a private jet, you are chartering style.

When it comes to choosing your aircraft your choices are vast. Your selection might include a turbo-prop, medium jet, heavy jets, light jets or even a helicopter. Private jet rentals can be used to accommodate many different needs. Weather your flying ne-way or round trip your rental can be used in the United States or anywhere in theworld. Depending on the private jet capacity and size your occupancy can accommodate from one person on up.

Most private jet rental companies will provide you with a travel consultant. These consultants will provide you with services such as making hotel reservations, meals, tours, vacation resorts, and other entertainment events that you might require when you reach your destination. All charter services are staged with maximum security, safety and can be furnished with any luxury service desirable. These services may even include masseuses to hairdressers, a complete catering service, entertainment, and transportation services to and from the airports.

There is no comparison when it comes flying a private jet versus a commercial jet. If you like me you dread the thought of have to stand in long security lines, taking off half you clothing, checking your bags etc. If money is not a consideration, then flying a private jet will be head over heals better then going commercial.

Most companies today are vying for your business and in the private jet rental business it is no different. While commercial airlines will offer frequent flier miles and other small services, private jet companies offer luxurious accommodations and a far superior service to that of a commercial airliner. When is comes to comparing commercial line services with private charters, there is no comparison.

If your looking for an ego boost then look no further than a private jet. Imagine the feel of pulling into your destination in your personal private jet to impress a client or family. Now some might consider this a waste of money but I can tell you this it is certainly not a waste of time. In addition, if money is no object then why not make the most of your trip by treating yourself to a luxurious private jet.

Kenneth L Myers is the contributing author of this site. Visit us at: http://premiumprivatejets.com/ar/private-jet-rental.php

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Posted by Anonymous at 11:31 PM | Comments

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If you are a part-time RVer, the travel trailer may be an option worth taking a look at. It gives you some of the freedom of a full blown RV without the price.

A travel trailer is not quite a traditional RV. The obvious difference is you pull a travel trailer. At their core, travel trailers are essentially a form of a mobile home on wheels. Of course, they are designed to be hauled to and fro and can take a beating with the best of them.

Travel trailers come in a wide variety of forms. Some are tiny with next to no amenities – basically a place to sleep. Others are really big and basically serve the purpose of a full blown home you can haul all over the place for extended trips limited only by your budget. Let’s take a closer look.

The bottom of the market is the trailer that retails from about $12,000 or less. These trailers are the roughing it version of the market. You are going to get cheap fabrics and appliances, to the extent you get them. These appliances may be limited solely to a small propane stove. If there is any type of a bathroom facility, it will be laughably tiny. When considering this type of trailer, you need to be comfortable buying what is essentially a sleeping space and somewhere to get out of bad weather.

Moving up a step, trailers priced from $35,000 on down are tailored more towards the traditional RV travel experience. These trailers tend to come in two forms. The first is a shorter unit with lots of amenities. The second is a bigger, longer unit with fewer amenities, but a ton of living space for the price. Which should you choose? It depends on whether you need space or not. If not, go with the amenities version.

High-end trailers tend to be a luxury item. Whether to buy one is a matter of personal preference between preferring to haul the trailer or buy and drive a traditional RV. Why? Well, the prices are comparable. You can spend up to $100,000 or more on a high-end trailer. As a result, you need to ask yourself whether an RV would be preferable. There is no right answer, just your personal choice.

The quality and cost of travel trailers tend to be very brand specific. When shopping for them, make sure to research the different units and then canvas as many dealers as possible. You will be surprised how prices differ.

Adrien White is with RVRentalsforYou.com - rent an RV today.

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Posted by Anonymous at 10:59 PM | Comments

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Traveling to foreign countries is no longer a distant dream now. Fast and speedy transportation system has showed its wonder and now, taking trips to foreign countries is not unfeasible. No doubt world wide travel is a common place now, but the need for reassurance and immediate help in any event of a crisis is even more important in those exotic places. While most people enjoy their trip abroad without incident, but mishaps do not come by giving any notice. So, with a cheap worldwide travel insurance policy, you can easily handle those crises that might come your way while you are traveling to distant countries.

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Henry Bell is an author who can certainly identify the kind of insurance that you will need. He is proficient in the insurance world; he is an MBA(finance) from University of Oxford. Insuranceb.co.uk endeavors to find the best possible deals for its customers. To find car insurance, cheap worldwide travel insurance, buy to let home insurance, home insurance, van insurance, motorcycle insurance visit http://www.insuranceb.co.uk

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Posted by Anonymous at 4:02 AM | Comments