Travel Ideas

by: Jakob Jelling

Tours is a French town located within the area of Loire Valley, surrounded by the Cher River and the Loire River, at about 65 miles from Orleans and 125 miles southwest from Paris. This town is the capital city of the French department Indre et Loire, and is particularly famous throughout the region by its great cuisine and excellent wine.
The town of Tours owes its name to a tribe which had been the main inhabitants of the area several decades BC. This tribe was called the Turons, lost their establishment in the area after the Romans ?poque, and this town went through several different situations and denominations, until it was finally recognized as tours.
During the III century, the town of Tours was known Caesar’s Hill. Around this ?poque, this town became highly known throughout the region by being home of a recognized bishopric. From that moment, tours started becoming more popular and known around the rest of the region as well as started receiving more new inhabitants than it would before.
In the decade of 370, the town of Tours was named capital of Lyonaise. Lyonaise was an important province to which several other recognized cities were part of, such as for example, Maine, Anjou and Touraine. During this ?poque, the town of tours as well as the surrounding region was mainly known due to the Christian community established in it.
During the V century, Tours changed its former name to City of the Tourones. This was the last name known before the actual one, tours, since it actually was the denomination which gave birth to it. During that same century the town went through some dramatic moments, such as for example, being invaded by the Visigoths.
Nowadays, the town of Tours is not only very rich in history but also in architecture, ornaments, arts, and antique constructions. There are buildings dating from many of the different historic stages this town has gone through, and walking around it can be a great way to learn about the past and the architectural styles which would characterize each different ancient ?poque.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of Eurotomic.com. Please visit http://www.eurotomic.com/france.php if you’re planning a trip to France.

by: Jakob Jelling

Chinon is an old French town located in the area of Val de Loire. This town is surrounded by two rivers, the Vienne and the Loire, as well as by an important extension of country land. Besides its geographical attributes, and strongly related to them, this area produces excellent wine which causes it to be world wide famous.
The surrounding country lands are one of Chinon’s main attractions due not only to their natural beauty but to the antique buildings located within them as well. This way, it is a must to visit these country land spots and learn where the main different constructions are in order to make sure of heading towards them as well.
Chinon started gaining importance within the region of Loire Valley in the middle Ages while Henry II was king of England. During this period of time, this castle was re arranged and often inhabited by king Henry II since it had become one of his favorite residences. This way, within the next years since first discovered by Henry II, Chinon castle and the entire region received a constant attention and was always looking as beautiful as possible due to the king?s orders.
At beginnings of the 13th century, the town of Chinon became part of the Royal Estates which belonged to the French crown. Then, during the hundred years? war, the town of Chinon gained importance again due to the fact that Charles VII started visiting this town very often and even inhabit in it for important periods of time.
Charles VII and his court made this area very famous within the region and the entire France as well, attracting people to it in a constant basis. Towards the last years of the 1420’s, Joan of Arc could also be seen among the visitors of this area since she would come to see Charles VII along with other people.
During the 16th century, the town of Chinon lost its last royal inhabitants. After that, during the 17th century, Chinon became part of Duke Richelieu estates, and due to the lack of attention the main Castle received in that period, it started loosing the charm and importance it had made it famous during the precedent centuries.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of Eurotomic.com. Please visit http://www.eurotomic.com/france.php if you’re planning a trip to France.

by: Jakob Jelling

Langeais is famous by its interesting Chateau and the history existing within its walls. This Chateau constantly attracts visitors from all points of the world, who approach willing to observe its architectural structure, its artistic ornaments, and learn about its history while walking by around its rooms.
The Chateau of Langeais, built during the XV century, is one of the oldest of its kind within the entire region of Loire Valley. This way, it is a must for those tourists who enjoy meeting antique constructions due not only to its age but also to the great shape in which it is conserved to the date. Besides the construction itself, this Chateau also allows tourists to observe several art related elements from the Renaissance and other antique ?poques as well as other elements such as, for example, furniture pieces.
The Langeais castle shows an appearance of strength and militarily designed structure mixed with a few delicate ornaments. It has a draw bridge typical from the ?poque in which was built, and the overall external appearance is of simplicity rather than counting with much ornaments or being over charged any other elements.
Within its interior, Langeais Chateau shows a different style than its exterior does. Within the interior of this castle, there are many structural elements and ornaments typical from the Renaissance as well as many furniture pieces dating from as long ago as the XVI century as well. This way, meeting this castle’s interior and walking around its rooms can be very interesting and allows tourists to almost feel like being back into the ?poque in which these objects where created.
Among the different elements and objects visitors can see while being in Langeais Chateu, some of the most interesting ones are its paintings and tapestries. Most of the paintings available for tourists to observe were created by Luini, and show some typical elements of the style predominant at the ?poque when they were created. The tapestries are exhibited within the walls in such a way the castle visitors could even touch them if they wanted, allowing them to observe them from very close.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of Eurotomic.com. Please visit http://www.eurotomic.com/france.php if you’re planning a trip to France.

Charleston?s Coastal 1870?s Lighthouse Is Crumbling into the Sea.

by: Heidi McKenzie

Morris Island Lighthouse Can Now Be Seen in Live Video For the 1st Time on the Internet.
Charleston, SC 8/31/2005 -
The steady glow of a lighthouse’s protective flame has been symbolically weaved into tales of the sea for generations. These beloved stories have deteriorated into the tide over the years; however, a lucky few of these cherished lighthouses are now historical landmarks that are not entirely forgotten. Most lighthouses existing along the Carolina, Virginia and Maryland coastline have been protected to ensure their presence stands firm for many generations to come. Morris Island Lighthouse, located in coastal Charleston?s Folly Beach, South Carolina, is slowly being consumed by the steady tides and pulverizing waves that have lapped at its base since before the American Civil War.
Morris Island lighthouse began as a small beacon that held a flame to warn sailors of the rocky shores in 1673. In 1767, almost one hundred years later, King George III of England commissioned a 42 foot tall lighthouse to be built to better serve the increasingly busy port of Charles Towne. The light was ?extinguished? at the beginning of the American Revolutionary War in 1775, in order to prevent it from helping guide the British ships. The “Charleston Light”, as it was called then, was one of two lighthouses to survive the Revolutionary War. What stands today as the 102 foot tall Morris Island Lighthouse was originally built in 1838. During the American Civil War, this monument was destroyed in 1862 by the Confederacy so as not to aid the Union troops; however, when the Union Army took over Folly Beach, SC they quickly built a makeshift lookout tower on top of the lighthouse ruins to help guide their troops. Shortly after the Civil War ended in 1865 the famed lighthouse was rebuilt on Morris Island.
Due to the ever encroaching sea eating away at the South Carolina Coast, the
Morris Island Lighthouse originally stood 1600 feet inland from the shore. Over the years the coastline has eroded into the ocean and now the lighthouse stands 1600 to 2000 feet offshore depending on the tide. Since the 1870?s the Atlantic Ocean’s rhythmic waves have also caused the lighthouse?s antiquated wooden base to succumb to shipworms and sea rot that add to its structural instability. Local government and private contributors are raising money to help preserve this historical landmark with the official preservation of Morris Island Lighthouse due to begin in the spring of 2006. Thanks to these Federal and private funds, this South Carolinian relic is in the process of being preserved for future generations to enjoy.
For the first time, this beautiful lighthouse can be viewed by the public from all over the world. A picturesque live streaming video of the Morris Island Lighthouse can be seen at www.follysurfcam.com by clicking on the 360? interactive web camera. This live web cam offers the public to ?click? preset buttons that guide the web camera to various panoramic views of the Folly Beach coastline; including beautiful landscape views of the Morris Island Lighthouse.
Most Folly Beach locals will tell you that the Morris Island Lighthouse holds a special place in their hearts? like a parent that is always there watching over them. Although photographs forever immortalize this beautiful structure, nothing can compare to seeing the Morris Island Lighthouse live under the warm South Carolina sun with the glittering Atlantic Ocean waves shimmering in the foreground. Pictures of Rainbow Row, Palmetto trees and striped lighthouses color the waters of Charleston?s coastline. They have made people smile and think of the stories they have to tell, the histories they share, and the future to come. So, if you can?t be in Charleston?s coastal Folly Beach Island in person to see this beautiful lighthouse, you can now visit the live video broadcasts… and allow this historical landmark?s majestic beauty to leave a lasting impression on your mind, the way Morris Island Lighthouse has since the dawn of this great country.

About The Author

Heidi McKenzie is a native South Carolinian who resides in the Folly Beach SC area and has come to love the Charleston coast for its history and natural beauty. Heidi is a part-time freelance writer and enjoys surfing just minutes away from Morris Island Lighthouse.
This article may be copied and published for use as long as the article is kept in its entirety including the links to www.follysurfcam.com.
heidi@breathepureair.com

by: Sue Taylor

New Zealand is a small country of approximately 4 million people. It is made up of 2 main islands, the North Island, which contains the majority of the population and the South Island, which abounds with lush scenery. This is the ideal country for a holiday.
There are a multitude of airlines (approximately 45) that fly in to New Zealand these days. Most of them fly in to Auckland which is located towards the top of the North Island and is considered to be the gateway of the country. Auckland is by far the biggest city in New Zealand and has that big city feeling. Approximately one third of the whole population of New Zealand lives in the greater Auckland area. If you enjoy shopping, beaches or sailing, you could spend your whole time in Auckland, but although it is a beautiful city, there are many other special areas within New Zealand. There is an amazing diversity of scenery from beautiful beaches, ancient rain forests, stunning mountains, lakes, rivers and thermal activity to name just some of what you will see.
1. The people in New Zealand speak English which is a help if you are traveling from a western country. Generally speaking the people are also very friendly and will ensure your stay is very enjoyable. New Zealanders are very proud of their country and enjoy sharing the beauty and benefits of their country with others.
2. The exchange rate is favorable if you are coming over from Australia, UK, Europe and USA or almost any Western country. The shopping is very good particularly in the main areas such as Auckland, Wellington, (the capital of New Zealand situated at the bottom of the North Island) Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown. New Zealand has some very talented and established fashion designers as well as some promising up and coming young designers.
3. Apart from Auckland which can be quite congested both with people and traffic, you will find that New Zealand is relatively quiet. If you choose to hire a car, the quiet roads will probably be appealing as it can be rather daunting driving in an unfamiliar country on very busy roads. Note that cars drive on the left hand side of the road in New Zealand. Just be sure to check out the road rules. They have a very peculiar give way rule which could prove to be a dangerous trap for the unwary.
4. One of the best reasons to visit New Zealand is because of the stunning scenery. Although the country is small, there is an incredible diversity to the scenery. There are some beautiful as well as rugged beaches, some amazing and almost prehistoric geo-thermal areas around Rotorua, stunning mountains, rain forests, great fishing in the many lakes and rivers, the most famous lake being Lake Taupo as well as the natural beauty of some of the towns and cities.
5. If skiing is your passion, there are a multitude of choices on both the North and South Island for the beginner through to the advanced skier. One of the nice things about a skiing holiday in New Zealand, particularly in the Queenstown area (located in the South Island) is the stunning views you have whilst skiing. There is a wide variety of accommodation options available close to skiing areas.
This is Part one of a two part article. Look out for Part 2 which is coming soon.

About The Author

Sue and Grant Taylor now travel extensively and they have compiled a number of tips for traveling at their website: http://www.taylortraveltales.com

by: Janet James

~Take My Breath Away!~
You’ve already know about AA, AAA, ABC, ADT and so on. If you’re going to the mountains, you might want to add AMS. It stands for Acute Mountain Sickness or more commonly, Altitude Sickness.You say, why are you bringing up sickness when I’m going on the trip of a lifetime - isn’t that just bad karma? Think of it as a vaccination - sort of like a trip into the Amazon jungles. You wouldn’t think of going there without, say… thirty or more shots, would you? So if you’re going to the high altitudes, why not prevent sickness!
~What Causes Altitude Sickness?~
Mountain scenes are indeed breathtaking. As you reach higher altitudes, barometric pressure decreases so every breath you take contains fewer molecules of oxygen causing you to take more breaths to get the oxygen you need. Of course this happens when you exert yourself walking up any hill, but at low altitudes, the shortness of breath usually resolves itself soon after you rest. Not so in a high altitude.
As the amount of oxygen in your lungs decreases, the blood becomes less and less efficient at acquiring and transporting oxygen, so no matter how many breaths you take, you are unlikely to attain a normal blood level of oxygen. It takes your brain a few days to figure out it has to breathe more.
Although everyone reacts differently, anybody can get AMS, even those who are physically fit, with lots of high altitude experience, young or old, male or female.
~The Easiest Way to Prevent Altitude Sickness~
The most common reason for getting AMS is directly related to how quickly you ascend, so if you plan to go high, your best guarantee is to go slow. If that’s not possible, at least know the symptoms and what to do, and you should be able to feel better quickly and avoid the severe, life-threatening forms. Drink lots of liquids, exercise moderately, eat small meals high in carbohydrates and low in fat and take a few herbs.
Other important steps to take include avoiding alcohol, sleeping pills and narcotic pain medications in more than modest doses.
~Medical Definitions of Altitude~
High Altitude:

5000 - 11500 ft

Very High Altitude:

11500 - 18000 ft

Extreme Altitude:

Above 18,000 ft.

~Signals that your brain hasn’t caught on yet that you’re not at sea level~
Nausea

Dizziness

Insomnia

Headaches

Bloody nose

Fatigue or weakness

Loss of appetite

Confusion

Staggering

~How to decrease the effects of AMS~
Ascend slowly and let yourself acclimate to each altitude.

Drink plenty of fluids - water and juice.

Avoid alcohol.

Minimize caffeine intake.

Decrease salt.

Eat a low fat, high carbohydrate diet.

DESCEND! (But only if its really bad).

~What the Doctor Says~
According to Dr. Lynne Drakos, acupuncturist and doctor of Oriental Medicine, a must for altitude adjustment is Siberian Ginseng. She also suggests eating foods high in iron, including molasses, green leafy vegetables, beets and red meat for the moisturizing value they give the body.
We have found taking doses of antioxidants seems to help also.

About The Author

Janet James
For more fun, informative and useful articles on what to wear, how to prepare for the weather, high altitude cooking, and feature stories on Colorado, visit http://www.funtripslive.com/co_ski_country/get_ready/get_ready.htm

A Honeymoon In The Mountains Is Best, But Watch Out

by: Carlingue Demontagne

If you’re looking for the best honeymoon possible, then you need to consider the Smokey Mountains as your destination.
Don’t get a motel room or stay in Gatlinburg. Find a cabin to rent that has all the amenities of a 5 star hotel but in the serenity, solitude and secrecy of the mountains.
My family and I just had one of the most awesome and relaxing vacations ever and we spent it in a cabin that was fully furnished. It had a pool table, 2 indoor jacuzzis and an 2 person hot tub on the deck overlooking the mountains.
The cabin we stayed in would sleep 8 so there will be more than enough space for two. While we were there we saw wild turkeys, deer, a wild peacock and scorpions.
Now when I say cabin, don’t think for one minute that this was a cabin like the old settlers used to call home. This cabin was more like a luxury vacation home than a log cabin. The price range for the cabin was from $130-160 per night with a 2 night minimum and a price break if you stay more than 3 nights.
Cabins are located all over the area, so it pays to shop around, but almost all of the cabins are located within 15 minutes of the main highway and 25 minutes from the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. You are close to true outlet malls as well.
The Smokey Mountains offer some of the best times and places to create lasting memories with the love of your life. Make sure you take a hike to one of the many waterfalls and be certain to do a horseback ride.
The best deals on cabins are found on the internet. Do a search for Smokey Mountain cabins and you’ll get more results than you know what to do with.
Our cabin was rented from Fireside Cabins and Chalet rental. They can be found on the internet with a websearch.
The weather in the Smokies is fairly mild, even in the winter and you’ll really enjoy your honeymoon there!

About The Author

Carlingue Demontagne is the manager and developer of Any Honeymoon which is an awesome site on the internet to learn more about planning a honeymoon. To learn more about visiting the Smokies, please visit my website at: http://www.anyhoneymoon.com.

by: David Chandler

Though Beijing is an ancient city, used as the capital by many warlords, yet its modern history as a capital begins in the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) under Kublai Khan, the great grandson of Chengis Khan. Beijing was built for inspiration- to awe the populace with the emperor’s strength. Beijing meant for the occasions and ceremonies, which were performed to balance the Mandate of heaven as well as a safeguard of defense.
Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China, located in the Huabei (North China) Plain. With a population of more than 13.8 million, Beijing covers an area of 16,800 square kilometers.
BEIJING RESOURCES
Beijing comprises of plains, mountains, as well as hills. Inadequate water supply, poor quality of the soil and huge areas of rocky mountains does not favor farming and agriculture at all. Minerals such as iron and limestone are mined. The forest areas of Beijing are also reducing day by day- but the Beijing tourism is very prosperous.
BEIJING ECONOMY
Beijing, being the main centre of the political and cultural activity, Beijing is economically quite well developed. The per capital G.D.P. sums up to around 22,000 Yuan.
BEIJING LIFESTYLE
According to statistics, there are 6.14 million employees compared to 4.54 million workers. The education level is also quite high with 95% of the students, graduating from junior high school, entering senior high school.
BEIJING POPULATION-
Beijing is one of the biggest cities in China, and has a total population of more than 13.83 million, most of who reside in the plain areas. The Beijing population in the hilly areas is quite less, compared to the plain area. Even the population density in Beijing is the highest.
To sum up, Beijing is a magnificent place. The local residents of Beijing are hard working and they drop their sweat to earn their livelihood.

About The Author

David Chandler
For more information, visit http://www.BeijingInfoCenter.com

Florida Beachfront Rentals - Finding Florida Beachfront Vacation Homes

by: David Buster

Florida beachfront rentals are a great way to enjoy a Florida vacation. Florida beachfront rentals and Florida beachfront vacation homes can be found in all the most popular beach areas year-round. Besides the fabulous Florida beaches you have to choose from, there is so much to do while on vacation.
You can easily find Florida beaches that are great for walking, swimming and beachcombing. Salt-water fishing right off the beach is a fun way to have a chance to enjoy very fresh seafood. Of course, local restaurants will await you if your sea bounty comes up short that day. There is a wide variety of water sports such as fishing, sailing, jetskiing, parasailing, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking and more to be found in the larger Florida beach towns. Surfing in Florida can be extremely fun, as you can find waves for amateur and experienced surfers alike. Conquering large waves makes ones adrenaline rush like crazy.
With so much to enjoy while at the Florida beaches, why stay in a cramped hotel or motel room at a time when you want to really relax and enjoy your time together? Instead of being stuck in a single hotel room, you can be together while having your own rooms with the space and comfort that comes with Florida beachfront vacation homes.
Is having your privacy important? There is very little privacy in a hotel room, of course. Florida beachfront rentals come with privacy. How about a bedroom for mom and dad with separate beds and rooms for the kids or friends? Everyone sleeps better! After all, the idea to rest up while on vacation, right?
Bathrooms? In a hotel or motel, there will likely be only one bathroom. You will enjoy two or more bathrooms in Florida beachfront vacation homes. Use the refrigerator to keep the drinks chilled and enjoy anytime you want. And you might want to sit down to a home-cooked meal made in your Florida beachfront rentals home.
If you are staying in a hotel or motel, in the commons area, you are sharing it with strangers. In Florida beachfront rentals, you share the common space with your family and friends, the way you likely want it while on vacation!
What is the fastest and best way to find Florida beachfront rentals? Online, of course! Online, you can actually see the properties where you might want to stay.
Whether you will vacation during the hot busy summer months, the leisurely fall months or in winter in the Florida non-freezing beauty, you will be glad you stayed in one of the thousands of the Florida beachfront vacation homes. Check them out today for your next fun Florida vacation.
Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

About The Author

David Buster
Find great Florida vacation rentals and beachfront vacation homes online at http://www.bestvacationrentalsonline.com/florida-gulf-coast-vacation-rentals.html - David Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.bestvacationrentalsonline.com - visit the website for log cabin rentals, discount hotel rooms and more vacation fun.
davidleebuster@verizon.net

by: Dave Kitt

When visiting Las Vegas for the first time it can be quite overwhelming. The following tips can help you enjoy your vacation and relieve unwanted stress.
Before You Leave - Book As Much As You Can Online
Las Vegas is an extremely busy place. The last thing you want is to plan your dream vacation only to find out everything is sold-out when you get there. Las Vegas Hotels, Las Vegas Shows and Las Vegas Tours are the reason people go to Las Vegas.
TIP: Book ahead and you will be guaranteed to enjoy your stay.
Choosing Your Las Vegas Hotel
The main Las Vegas strip is approx. 5 miles from end to end and the most economical way of getting around is to walk. You can take the new monorail or a taxi but these can add up and take away from your fun money. Also, if you are there to sight-see the vast hotel properties you will miss out by taking alternate transportation.
TIP: Book a hotel in the middle of the Las Vegas strip. These hotels vary from very economical (Imperial Palace) to very posh (Caesar?s Palace).
Flying Into Las Vegas McCarran Airport
You finally made it. Your hotel is booked, your shows are booked and your tours are booked. Now you just want to get to your hotel and relax for a bit. Simple, right? Wrong. Depending on when you get in you will be faced with a wait for a taxi cab and if it is during the day in the summer the heat will almost kill you and if it is late at night the cold will also get to you.
TIP: If your travel plans do not include hotel transfers and you are traveling with a partner or a group, send someone outside to stand in line for a taxi cab while the others wait to pick up the luggage. At peak times, waits can be as long as an hour for a taxi cab. Also, do not be afraid to ask the attendant if there are any hotel shuttles you may take, as a lot of times these shuttles leave with many empty seats available.
Getting to Your Hotel by Taxi Cab
TIP: Do not ask your driver to take the strip. It will cost you as you sit in long lines of traffic that seem to move backwards. Taking the #15 will reduce your cab ride substantially as it bypasses the strip and has many exits that will get you to your hotel much faster. Why waste your money?
Checking Into Your Hotel
When checking in to your hotel, don?t be afraid to ask the Front Desk if there are any free upgrades available. Depending on the time of the year some hotels are not always booked to capacity and will gladly give you perks when asked politely. Why stay in a standard room if a deluxe room is available at no extra cost. You will appreciate a Jacuzzi tub after walking the strip all day.
TIP: Unless your room has a view, try to stay in the lower floors where you can access the main floor by taking the stairs. At peak times you can wait 5 - 10 minutes every time you want to catch an elevator. It can wear on your patience after awhile.
2005 © ikrave entertainment group inc., All rights reserved.

About The Author

Dave Kitt is a frequent traveler to Las Vegas and from experience has compiled these tips to make your trip more enjoyable.
To book all your Las Vegas needs please visit:

www.lasvegas-hotels.ca

www.lasvegas-shows.ca

www.lasvegas-tours.ca
dkitt@ikrave.com