Travel Ideas

by: Figi Lesole

The Fiji Islands, are one of the most desirable destinations in South Pacific area. They are known for their climate, beauty, and culture and hundreds of thousands travel there every year to sample just a few days of paradise. With thousands of miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and emerald lagoons, the Fiji Islands fulfill everyone’s idea of the perfect tropical paradise. Add to that dream a few waterfalls, a rainforest, and deep, lush valleys and the Fiji islands soar are simply insurmountable as a tourism destination.

the Fiji Islands are a unique setting with some of the friendlist people in the world as its residents. You will experience the unique blend of old and new not found in other locales. Here you can relax and enjoy what you will surely call your own paradise.

Whatever your interest may be, there is something on the Fiji Islands for everybody. Many visitors take the time to experience local markets and villages while others merely like to lie on the beach and read a book. Most sporting activities are geared for daylight hours, but the larger cities have evening movies and some have independent restaurants and nightclubs. Dances and festivals may be held on weekends, holidays or other special occasions.

The Fiji Islands are unparalleled in their range of water and outdoors activities and for the water lover, the Fiji Islands are shjeer heaven. Scuba diving and snorkeling are available year round to allow people to explore the safe but exotic marine life. Wind and body surfing, sailing of all types, kayaking and water skiing are just a few of the many other activities for visitors to enjoy the warm tropical waters.
For those less inclined to have fun on the water, land lovers may prefer to explore the rainforest, caves or archeological sites. In addition, back-packing, biking, golf, tennis, horse back riding and bird watching are other activities that are readily available.

The Fiji Islands offer all of the customary lodgings, but the small intimate resorts with their unique bungalow style accommodations are an experience not to be missed. These bungalows otherwise known as bure can be simple or world class, depending on your budget. You will find them to be the perfect place for your dream wedding or honeymoon, family vacation, and even that lengthy business trip. These resorts usually offer all inclusive packages, providing rooms, meals, activities and entertainment.

About The Author

Figi Lesole is the owner of Fiji which is a premier resource for fiji information. For more information, go to http://www.fijicom.com.

by: Corsa Roceraz

Vacationing in the Caribbean is something that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime. From beautiful Belize to the truly amazing St.Barts, the Caribbean islands have tons to offer in terms of rest and relaxation. Whether you are traveling with the entire family or are planning a romantic vacation with your special someone, you can rest assured there is an island resort guaranteed to meet your every need.
When planning your Caribbean vacation, the first thing you must do is determine which island you’d like to visit. While this might seem a grueling decision, you can take comfort in the fact that when it comes to the Caribbean islands, you really can’t make a wrong choice. With crystal clear water on all sides and delicious sunshine bathing each one in warmth and luxury, the Caribbean islands are a wonderful place to spend any vacation.
Caribbean vacations can generally fit just about any budget. Whether you have several hundred or several thousand dollars to spend on your holiday, you can find several Caribbean travel packages to suit your budget. When searching for reasonable travel packages to the Caribbean, the best place to look is the Internet. Conduct a search and you’ll see: there are literally thousands of options from which to choose.
Caribbean vacations are a wonderful experience for people of all ages and cruises are the best way to truly experience everything the Caribbean has to offer. You can find the best deals via the Internet but read on below to find out more.
An Eastern Caribbean cruise is the perfect option for both first-time cruisers and experienced travelers looking for a slow and relaxing pace in comfortable surroundings. They are also ideal for people who have never been to the Caribbean before. Eastern Caribbean cruises are great for families because they visit only a small number of ports, so most of the cruise time is actually spent on board the ship and often with two consecutive days as sea.
There is plenty to do on the islands of the Eastern Caribbean. You can visit the famous beaches and try snorkeling, sailing, and or even golf. Shop for souvenirs and luxury goods imported from around the world including jewelry, perfumes, crystal, porcelain, cameras, electronics and more at tax-free prices at the extensive array of shops. And don?t forget to have a cooling drink at one of the many cafes and restaurants. And if you are a gambler then you don?t get left out either because the islands have the largest casinos in the Caribbean.
There is no doubt that the world’s most popular cruising destination is the Caribbean and one of the most in demand tours includes the Bahamas and the eastern islands that define the border between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. During an Eastern Caribbean Cruise you will probably visit three or four of the following islands:

Nassau
St. Thomas, USVI
St. John, USVI
St. Maarten
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Tortola, BVI
Virgin Gorda, BVI
Cruise Line Private Islands

Eastern Caribbean cruises are very affordable and available year-round for 7 nights. Longer itineraries from 10-12 nights are available during the winter months.

About The Author

Corsa Roceraz is the owner of BYE Cruises which is a premier resource for cruises information. for more information, go to http://www.byecruises.com
corsa@byecruises.com

by: Simon Harris

The Exuma Islands, a collection of 365 tiny islands collected under one name, which are part of the many islands that make up the legendary vacation destination known as the Bahamas, offers a prime example of what an out of the ordinary Bahamas vacation can be. It shows off the very best of the Bahamas, that parts that are often outshined by the glitter and gleam of its luxurious casinos and tourist centers. The Exuma Islands have history, culture, a deep regard for nature and a splash of adventure.
Great Exuma Island is the largest of the Exuma Islands and the location Exuma?s capital city, George Town. Great Exuma Island is home to some of the island group?s most interesting historical sights.
Patience House and the Shark Lady of the Exumas is an unusual museum and shop located in the home of Gloria Patience. Past 80 years old, she once met the Queen of England, barefoot with shell bead around her ankles. It?s easy to imagine that she held her head just as high then, barefoot before the Queen, as she does now. Rumored to have caught more than 1,500 sharks, she is a formidable character, and presides over the amazing items she has collected through the years with a regal bearing quite her own. Her guided tours through her museum home provide a wealth of historical information and she is a fascinating and warm person.
Another historic site on Great Exuma Island is the Bowe Family Plantation. Today, this former cotton plantation lies in ruins, though in its remains, one can achieve a clear picture of the structural arrangement of the house, including the kitchen and the slave quarters.
Also on Great Exuma Island are two cemeteries of historical importance. One is the Rolle Town Tombs. An overseer and his wife, from the time of slavery, are buried here. There are a couple of interesting bits of island history associated with the surname Rolle. The name arrived on the island in 1783, carried by the slaves that plantation owner Denys Rolle sent from Florida for the cotton plantation he owned, but chose not to reside at. Because slaves were known by the surname of their master and after the Emancipation, many people kept the surnames they?d grown accustomed to, the Rolle name now belongs to more than half of the native population.
The other cemetery, called the Hermitage, dates back to the 1800?s. Located 8 miles away from the capital city of George Town, using a guide will help to get the full effect of this marvelous site.
The vast Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park expands over 176 miles. This nature reserve is a fun and fascinating place, with fine beaches and a wide variety of wildlife. It has also played an important role in local nature conservation efforts.
The islands are wonderful for exploring underwater, with many caves and reefs for snorkeling and diving and there are many day tour packages available for these activities. Chartered boats for fishing excursions are also available, and at reasonable rates.
The Exuma Islands are an excellent vacation destination. This area truly demonstrates the very best of Bahaman qualities.

About The Author

Simon Harris
This article provided courtesy of http://www.cheap-airfare-guide.net
support@arundel.net

Plan Your Getaway to the US Virgin Islands St Johns

by: Terry Malone

The three islands and sixty-odd cays that comprise the US Virgin Islands are proud of their magnificent seashores, terrific food and accommodation and the abundance of tourist based activities. St. John U.S. Virgin Islands itself is a natural wonder of aquatic elements, glittering bays, tropical forests and trails as well as stretches of pristine beaches.

Whether you are planning your island wedding or honeymoon, or want the thrills of adventure sports, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands? unparalleled beauty and island spirit will make your vacation here nothing short of a trip to paradise.

Located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico, holiday offers in US Virgin Islands St Johns range from stays at ritzy resorts and luxury cruise ships for the rich and famous to rental condos, apartments, guesthouses and villas for the mid-range as well as budget traveler.

Tourism is the prime industry on this island and everything from accommodation to restaurants to shopping and recreation is expensive here. Shops, restaurants, transport rental facilities, leisure facilities, luxury resorts, hotels, St Johns condo rentals and St Johns rental villas are dotted around the island to build in the best into your vacation package.

Getting to the US Virgin Islands St Johns by air is not difficult, and there are direct flights from several US destinations. Buses and taxis ferry you around to the islands’ towns and resorts. A weekend ferry plies between St John’s Cruz Bay and St Thomas’ Charlotte Amalie and Fajardo in Puerto Rico. Tons of cruise ships too dock in the US Virgin Islands.

There is plenty to do and plenty to see at US Virgin Islands St Johns. Trips to neighboring islands make magnificent excursions and yacht charter companies providing this opportunity are a dime a dozen. Attractions accessible from St Johns include Buck Island, Coki Bay, Estate Whim Plantation Museum, and trips to St Croix and St Thomas.

Based on the combination of amenities, location, activities, special programs and packages you desire, you can choose to stay at luxury hotels, top-notch resorts, St Johns condo rentals, St Johns rental villas, ‘Bed & Breakfast’ inns, eco-lodges, tents and small family-run hotels. The favorite accommodations for most visitors here are St Johns condo rentals and St Johns rental villas. From wonderful one bedroom “honeymoon cottages” to well-appointed bungalows, there are fine properties that offer the best value and amenities. St Johns condo rentals and St Johns rental villas float wonderful season and off-season schemes that offer rental facilities by the day, week or month for your comfort.

About The Author

Terry Malone is the owner and developer of www.vrul.com. VRUL.com is an established vacation rentals by owner website with over 1000 listings worldwide. Rent directly from the owner and save money.

Cayman Islands ? Pristine Sea Sides With Modern Amenities

by: Terry Malone

Are you looking for a vacation by idyllic seashores? The Cayman Islands of the Caribbean should be the perfect choice. The combined magic of the Grand Cayman, the Little Cayman and the Cayman Brac are sure to work. Best of all, these havens of natural beauty are equipped with excellent facilities for a luxurious stay. You will certainly find an appropriate Cayman Island beach rental from the plethora of choices in the region.
The Little Cayman and the Cayman Brac are very sparsely populated. It is best to laze around in the beautiful seascapes or in a condo in the Cayman Islands. However, there is no dearth of adventure. The islands abound in water sport like diving, snorkeling and fishing. All these activities are mostly arranged by a good Cayman Island beach rental itself. Whether you are the contemplative sort or the energetic one, Cayman Islands has something suitable to offer.
The Cayman Brac provides for excellent diving and fishing. For the more adventurous divers, the waters have an accessible wreck. These islands also have a curious limestone rock structure. The islands offer hiking possibilities highlighted by caves like Bat Cave and Great Cave. However, if you are keener on vast stretches of beach and the abysmal depths under sea, Little Cayman is probably the answer.
Little Cayman offers snorkeling and deep sea diving. Apart from excellent beaches, the steep plunges of the sea bed are a major attraction. Spots like Bloody Bay Wall, Jackson?s Wall and Mixing Bowl are rich in versatile marine life. The Booby Pond Nature Reserve is a paradise for bird watchers. The Grand Cayman probably offers the most dramatic underwater adventures. The stark falls of the water has gone down to immense depths giving them the name of ?mountainsides? under sea.
The luxuriant beaches and mystical seas of Grand Cayman can also be enjoyed from an aerial tour of the island. Other attractions include Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and the central points of George Town. The St. Pedro Castle restoration site presents an interesting glimpse into the history of the islands. The town also presents bunches of nightclubs for the young groups. The Cayman Islands enjoy a pleasant climate and are inhabited by friendly people of mixed cultures. English is the predominant language.
You will certainly be able to find a well-equipped condo in the Cayman Islands. Condos, beachfront properties, resorts and luxury hotels abound. Most of them have access to beaches and organize water sports and the island tours. Some of the popular rentals are Coral Sand Resort, Hyatt Regency, Resort Beachfront Condo Property, Cobalt Coast resort and Brac Reef. With such a lot to offer, the Cayman Islands are surely worth a visit.

About The Author

Terry Malone is the owner and developer of www.vrul.com. VRUL.com is an established vacation rentals by owner website with over 1000 listings worldwide. Rent directly from the owner and save money.

by: John Metcalfe

A Mediterranean cruise is without doubt the most varied type of cruise available. There are more than 120 seaports around the Mediterranean coastline, offering numerous combinations of cruise vacations over one-week, two-week or longer trips.
A huge clash of cultures await all who opt for a Mediterranean cruise. You can visit no less than 17 different countries, including such nations as Spain, Italy, Greece and Egypt. Each nation has its own unique attractions, all of which you can sample as your cruise ship gracefully sails around the calm blue Mediterranean Sea.
More than 50 companies offer cruises along varied routes in the Mediterranean. Some companies specialize in providing Western Mediterranean cruises, concentrating on ports of call around Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Morocco. Other companies offer Eastern Mediterranean cruises which take in Croatia, Greece, Turkey and countries in the Middle East. Popular specialist Mediterranean cruises include a tour of the North African nations, a Mediterranean islands cruise that visits the island nations of Cyprus and Malta, as well as cruises around the Greek Islands. If you’re after a longer vacation, it is possible to arrange a cruise itinerary that takes you around most if not all of the Mediterranean nations.
History, culture, grand cities, ancient monuments, romantic islands and breathtaking views are all within easy reach on a Mediterranean cruise. In the Western Mediterranean you can discover the traditional white Andalucian villages of Southern Spain, sample the world-famous Manzanilla sherry in Cadiz and visit the cultural hub of Europe in the shape of Barcelona, before travelling onwards to the French Riviera.
A cruise that takes in the wonderful coastline of Italy yields such treasures as the dormant volcano of Mt Vesuvius, ancient Pompeii and the stunning city of Rome. The islands of Sicily and Sardinia hold many delights too on a Western Mediterranean cruise.
In the Eastern Mediterranean, cruise passengers can discover the spectacular Croatian coastline and its beautiful city - Dubrovnik, before diving southeastwards to sample classical Greece and its sultry islands. The island of Crete is always worth a visit, if only for the historic Palace of Knossos.
A visit to the holy city of Jerusalem is a worthwhile excursion from both Israeli ports - Haifa and Ashdod - on a Mediterranean cruise of the Middle East. Egypt’s Port Said is well worth a visit too. Port Said provides access to the world famous Suez Canal, which takes vessels into the Red Sea and onwards in to the Arabian Sea.
The Mediterranean region has seen many a civilization rise and fall. It is a crucible of human evolution and is rich in relics left over by more than 6,000 years of occupation. If you’ve ever wanted to discover what it felt like to be an Egyptian pharaoh, Roman warrior or a Greek philosopher, a Mediterranean cruise can give you just that opportunity..
John Metcalfe http://www.azcruises.com

About The Author

John Metcalfe is the webmaster for http://www.azcruises.com which is the No1 resource for Cruise related Information on the Internet. Be sure to visit his complete archive of articles here: http://www.azcruises.com/newsletter-articles
john@johnmetcalfe.com

Seychelles- Sitting Pretty Among Top Beach Destinations

by: Andrew Muigai

Almost every description of the Seychelles appears to be a bit over the top. Is it only the easily impressed who get to visit and write about the Seychelles? The magic of these islands is however real. Impressions gained of this dream island paradise will be your refuge when you return to those long working hours. Just like everybody imagines paradise, the Seychelles islands are far away, peaceful and stunningly beautiful.
It is the peace and quiet that attracted the writer Somerset Maugham when he sought to work on a novel without interruption. Most visitors do not however come here to work. The main draw of the islands has always been the beaches, snorkeling and diving. The attractions of the natural world particularly the birdlife, tropical fish and the unique physical environment are a bonus.
After your Seychelles holiday you may want to impress your friends by these two facts. The islands are the only mid ocean island group in the world with a granite rock formation. And that Aldabra, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site is the largest coral atoll in the world. Some will of course not understand what you are talking about but the point will be clear that you have traveled to a place of distinction.
Jacques Costeau whose part of the documentary, The Silent World was shot in the Seychelles said that he had never been anywhere else with such clarity of water or diversity of reef life.
The islands are also a good place to get married and to enjoy the tropical honeymoon of your life. Few other destinations can beat the combination of beauty and romance. For this and other reasons I cannot go through here, It is my firmly held position that visitors who get married here go on to a happy married life and are sooner joined by cute little ones!
The Seychelles is a year round destination. But if you must undertake a specific activity, then you need to pick the most suitable season. Windsurfing and sailing are best at the start and end of the trade winds - May and October. Diving enthusiasts should go for dates between March and May or September to November, although conditions are excellent year round.
Those keen on the birdlife should note that April marks the beginning of the breeding season. Bird Island, in particular is overrun by sea birds between May and September. Due to drier conditions, the period May to September has best conditions for hiking and walking.
The other factor you may want to consider is cost. The Seychelles is considered to be a top-drawer destination. In general, the peak falls between mid December-early January and mid July-end August when most Seychelles hotels and resorts trade in the currency known as top-dollar. The off-season periods vary with each establishment much more widely than most other destinations.
The discount in designated off-season periods relative to the peak season falls between 20-60%. Some of the smaller premises however charge a uniform rate year round. If you have a flexible schedule, good planning can result in considerable savings.
Copyright © Africa Point

About The Author

Andrew Muigai is the editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter. It is part of AfricaPoint.com- the Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa.
travel@africapoint.com

by: Nate Soule

Stand by the shores of Casco Bay on the coast of Maine and you may expect to find ocean as far as the eye can see. Instead seemingly endless islands dot the seascape. Sometimes called the calendar islands, there is rumored to be an island in the bay for every day of the year.
Stretching from Cape Elizabeth to Cape Small these islands with their rocky shores and rustic way of life define the stereotypical New England coastline. Mostly uninhabited, they provide a serene escape from everyday life. Their natural beauty and their sheer numbers create a place one could visit every day and still never have completely explored. With an island for every day of the year there is more than enough shelter from the wind to allow everything from large fishing vessels to solo kayaks to roam the bay. While sandy beaches are few and far between here, the rock strewn shores and miles of nature trails can supply a continual source of enjoyment.
If you know where to look the Casco Bay islands will also provide a glimpse of Maine maritime history. Being located on the eastern most part of the country, these islands served their time during World War II as bases and look outs for German U-Boats. Great towers and forts still remain on Jewel Island, and while mostly converted to homes now, the military buildings on Great Diamond Island are hard to miss. During the war anti-submarine nets and mines were deployed at many harbor entrances and the islands took on a front line role. Even before WWII Casco Bay held military purposes. In 1858 Fort Georges was constructed and armed for the Civil War, Spanish American War, and was used to store submarine mines during WWI.
Many opportunities await those looking to enjoy the islands for their less historical characteristics. Chebeague is the largest of the Casco Bay islands, and one of the few with a year round population. Ferry service takes visitors from Portland or nearby Cousin?s Island to the perfect setting for an adventuresome hike or leisurely bike ride. You can finish the day off with a delicious dinner or nights rest at the breath taking Chebeague Inn. Great Diamond Island also offers an exceptional dining experience at the Diamond?s Edge restaurant in Diamond?s Cove. Peaks and Long islands both present dining opportunities to their guests and their proximity to Portland makes them popular tourist attractions.
If you are looking for a little less populated destination then you have literally hundreds of choices. You can relax on the beaches of Sand Island, watch the seals bask on the rocks of French Island, or setup a picturesque camping site on one of the Gosling islands. Many of these smaller islands will require you to provide your own transportation, but kayak, canoe, sail, and motor boat rentals all provide easy access.
Whether you are looking for fine dining, a historical stroll, or a relaxing day on the beach Casco Bay offers something for every visitor and an island for every day of the year.

About The Author

Nate Soule is a travel enthusiast and helps maintain the travel website AcrossDistance.com (http://www.acrossdistance.com).

by: Ace Shattock

The paradise of Northland begins at Cape Reinga, extends down 90 mile beach, to the beaches of Whangarei and forests and bush walks of the entire region.
Much of Northland’s extensive coastline remains pristine - an aquatic playground for adventure activities and escapist relaxation. Whangarei and Opua are havens for international and local yachts; Tutukaka and Russell are game fishing hot spots; the beaches of Doubtless Bay and 90 mile beach are endlessly beautiful.
Throughout the region you?ll also enjoy the shopping, dining and entertainment possibilities that stem from the distinctive local culture, which embraces art, creativity, organic farming and alternative thinking.
It is believed that the first Polynesians arrived in Northland in the 11th century. Today Waitangi is the centre of Maori culture in the region, where approximately 30 percent of the population are Maori. European settlement began in the 1840s.
A Nation is born
History has always been made in Northland. The Hokianga Harbour was the first Polynesian landing place, Russell was New Zealand?s first capital and the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in the Bay of Islands.
The largest island in the Bay of Islands, Urupukapuka is a place to explore archaeological sites.
Beaches and islands
The sea plays a large part in the lives of most Northlanders, and with good reason. Dive down to a shipwreck, swim with the dolphins, bodysurf in the waves or just relax on the sand.
Things to do
* The Albertland Museum in Wellsford (turn right off SH.1 before the Caltex if heading south) contains many artifacts of the past 120 years and is well worth a stop.
* Follow the Twin Coast Discovery Highway and explore some of the linked tourist drives.
* Regular domestic air services connect to Northland?s three airports - Whangarei, Kerikeri and Kaitaia.
* To make the most of the bays and beaches, explore Northland by rental car or campervan.
* The Stone Store in Russell is one of Northland’s oldest free standing buildings.
* For a scenic trip that you don’t have to drive a car on, catch a coach from Auckland. Most leave from the Sky City terminal, with a ticket office at the terminal.

About The Author

Ace Shattock runs www.nzboards.com - a free online kiwi community.
admin@nzboards.com

by: Christopher Longmore

Although the sailing season in the South Eastern Mediterranean runs from mid-May to the end of October, there is still significant demand from European sailors for charters in waters warm during the long, cold Northern winter.
Traditionally the Caribbean has been the main beneficiary of this. The British have tended to go to the ex-colonies - the Virgin Islands, Antigua, and Grenada. This always has two problems. Travel costs are high and/or inflexible, and the area is equally popular with North Americans to the point that it gets very crowded. Getting there from the USA is seriously cheap and easy, and there is little or no time difference.
The charming French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe have long been an attractive alternative to the traditional winter destinations for frost-bitten Brits, but one that they seem determined to ignore. A quick connecting hop to Paris and a direct flight from there to either French island is an altogether more attractive option; when you get there the Gallic charm (and excellent food) is much in evidence; and there are plenty of yachts to charter from companies every bit as well equipped and more flexible than their neighbours in the English speaking Caribbean! The cruising opportunities are almost the same.
The other interesting alternative is Cuba. The country does not always enjoy the best of press coverage, and is in many ways a good advertisement for the failure of socialism. Despite that there is a rapidly emerging yacht charter industry on the northern coast. Transfer times from Havana airport are a little long at 2 1/2 hours, but you do get to see some of the islands magnificent scenery. The sailing itself is fabulous. Getting there is also relatively easy via either Madrid or Barcelona. The latter in particular has plenty of low-cost flights from all over the UK, so it isvery easy to combine a couple of days there with a Caribbean holiday sailing in Cuba (see http://www.allafloat.com).
Last but by no means least is Belize. OK OK, so you don’t know where it is. Neither did we until we got interested in the yacht charters (see http://www.global-yacht.com) business. You may know it as British Honduras though. Anyway it’s in the middle of the Central American mainland. Yes it is very very difficult to reach, and should only even be on your agenda if you have at least two weeks to spare, with three an advantage! It’s definitely near the top of our personal wish list. There are three reasons for this. Belize is home to the world’s second biggest coral reef, and you are sailing inside it in a catamaran; on shore there are some of the world’s greatest Mayan monuments, and some amazing luxury boutique hotels.

About The Author

Christopher LONGMORE - Owner of Top Notch, a GibSea402 based in Turkey and of the Global Yacht sailing holiday group (http://www.global-yacht-holidays.com).
cbl@global-yacht.com