Note: This site is ment for information onlly.
Hunting for bargains is a big part of traveling . A survey by the Travel Industry Association found that almost 63 percent of trekkers said that a vacation just isn’t complete without some shopping.
Many tourists visiting the Carolina Blue Ridge on vacation enjoy shopping for souvenirs . The Smoky mountains are a region of small towns that are not much more than a few stores and a post office. You won't find large crowds, traffic jams, mammoth malls, or theme parks.
The most wanted items for shoppers are mountain crafts, antiques, North Carolina furniture, specialty foods, local wines, books and apparel. Successful bargain hunters know where to shop and how to take advantage of the competitive sales.
Outlets
Carolina Blue Ridge outlet malls offer great bargains. Like elsewhere in the world Smoky mountain outlet stores or factory outlets sell high quality merchandise with a well-known brand at discounted prices. The items usually contain slight manufacturing defects and are leftovers from last season or the previous year. As a result, they are always discounted 20%-40% below department store prices.
Antiques
Antique hunting is just a fancy term for driving in circles through the countryside and stopping in towns that you might not stop in otherwise just to poke around among things you might not notice , a little worn, a little beaten up, but designed simply and built to last. The inventories of antiques shops in the Carolina Blue Ridge spill out onto the sidewalks and consist of just the right ratio of trash to treasure.
Gifts and Crafts
In the North Carolina mountains shopping for traditional arts and crafts is always a pleasure. Gift shops abound in the small mountain towns of the Smokies . At distinctive shops located throughout the region you'll find handmade crafts, local and regional art, unique clothing, sportswear, souvenirs, and memorabilia.
You're sure to find something special in the mountains. Numerous galleries and folk art centers showcase pottery, textiles, paintings, musical instruments, metal work, jewelry, and wood carvings. The Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway and The Southern Highland Craft Guild shop in Asheville offer one-of-a-kind arts, crafts, pottery and keepsakes unique to the Carolina Blue Ridge . Enjoy the mountain air and scenery as you search for that perfect gift
Food and Wine
The central question when you're traveling in the mountains is, "Where do the locals go for the most authentic and delicious mountain food around?" Smoky mountain folk have a healthy respect for the tender flavors and rich tastes of beef, pork, poultry, fish and, of course, home grown vegetables . The harvest of the season is one of the main reasons for a party in the Smokies .
Smoky mountain cooks pride themselves on preparing gourmet dishes from locally grown fruits and vegetables. Visit local Farmers Markets, usually open on Saturdays and one or two days during the week, you'll get a delicious insight into how much the locals appreciate the home grown goodness of mountain fruits and vegetables.
Visit a century old grist mill or savor home baked goods in bakeries and restaurants wherever your travels take you. Mountain style desserts piping hot fresh fruit pies, hand made candies, oven baked sweet rolls are the perfect delicacy to complete every meal of the day.
Wine Country tasting tours in western North Carolina take on a special mountain hospitality an inspired glow. From native grapes to imported varieties, Carolina vineyards are producing exceptional, award-winning wines. Tours of mountain vineyards, local wine events and exclusive tastings offer all our guests, including the most discriminate of wine connoisseurs, opportunities to enjoy the award-wining wines of the Carolinas
Books
Everywhere you turn in the Smoky mountains there are amazing stories and storytellers. Majestic mountain views, peaceful pastoral country scenery and small town charm seem to be torn from the pages of such authors as Thomas Wolfe and Carl Sandburg, who had homes in the region, as well as frequent visitors: Ernest Hemingway, F Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, and O. Henry.
The Carolina Blue Ridge literary trail is a winding path that passes through Charles Frazier’s Cold Mountain to Jan Karon’s “Mitford” novels. The Smoky mountains are filled with quaint book shops that offer the works of these and several other local authors, each with a special story to tell .
Home Furnishings
North Carolina manufactures 35 percent of all home furniture in the world. More important, leading furniture manufacturers, such as Broyhill, Thomasville, and Henridon, sell their top-quality furniture at deep discounts straight from their factories in the region.
The Carolina Blue Ridge mountains also offer a large selection of accessories and decor for mountain homes. From rustic figurines to kitchen accessories to living and bedroom log cabin furniture the region is filled with quaint shops with mountain crafts and country furnishings.
For most visitors to the North Carolina mountains street markets, country stores. and unique specialty shops that are off the tourist grid are typically the best bets for good finds when it comes to mountain mementos .
Friday, March 12, 2010
There Are Many Reasons Why You Should Choose Inflatable Boats Over Traditional Boats
If you spend any time in or around the water then you probably own or have considered owning an inflatable boat. There are many uses for inflatable boats and many people own them for a variety of very different reasons.
!b>What Can I Use An Inflatable Boat For?
Inflatable boats were originally used in the Navy to haul cargo and missiles back and forth to larger ships. Eventually the inflatable boats moved into the recreational market for fishing, personal transportation and for tenders on larger boats, particularly yachts.
Some other uses are:
* Scuba diving
* Search and rescue
* Emergency lifeboats
* Security patrol
* Law enforcement
* Fishing and hunting
* Pleasure
* Water sports
* Many others
What Are Some Benefits Of An Inflatable Boat?
There are many advantages to an inflatable boat over a hard sided boat, but to see the true benefits you really need to know what you plan on using your boat for.
Are They Heavy?
Inflatable boats are extremely lightweight in comparison to more traditional hard sided boats. And the fact that they are light weight makes them an excellent choice for many people. This is great if you are using your boat for fishing. Instead of towing a regular dinghy or canoe behind your vehicle you will be able to strap your inflatable boat to the roof of your car or even strap it into the bed of your truck.
The lightweight nature of the inflatable boat is excellent if you need to pull your boat up on the shore of the lake, or river during a fishing trip. One or two people can easily pull an inflatable boat up on shore a safe distance.
What About Stability?
A big concern of most people have when they are considering an inflatable boat over a more traditional boat is the stability of the inflatable. Will it be tipsy or unsteady when you are standing in it? This is a major and very common misconception of most people. In fact, an inflatable boat is generally much more stable than a traditional boat.
Because of their buoyancy tubes, inflatable boats are actually known for their incredible stability. And because of these buoyancy tubes these boats actually sit flat in the water which makes them virtually impossible to flip over. This is a great feature for people who might be a little bit nervous about small boats, or especially scuba divers who need to flip backwards into the water and pull themselves up and into the boats.
Why Choose An Inflatable Boat?
There are a number of reasons why inflatable boats make a better choice than the more traditional aluminum or fiberglass boats. Depending on why you need a small boat will depend on why you are better off with an inflatable.
If you are a fisherman, a lightweight inflatable canoe makes a much better choice than a traditional hard shell canoe. With an inflatable you will be able to carry the boat to the river or lake by yourself, which is very handy if you prefer to fish by yourself. Also you will be able to transport the boat to and from your fishing site easier and without fear of scratching your vehicle if you choose to transport it on top of the vehicle.
If you are a yacht owner looking for a tender for your larger craft an inflatable boat is the best choice for a few reasons. It is very important to yacht owners that they not scratch their beautiful boats; with an inflatable, those concerns are virtually eliminated, because these boats are made from materials that are soft and will not mark the surfaces of other boats.
Also, because inflatable boats are lightweight they can easily be brought on board when the yacht is under sail. However, just because you have an inflatable does not mean that you cannot attach a trolling motor to it. In fact most inflatable boats allow quite large motors to be attached to them. Although many inflatable boats are not built for performance and speed, some are built for speed and efficiency. However, even if you have a motor you should always carry paddles with you and you should always wear a life jacket.
All Purpose Inflatable Boats
Inflatable boats are much more than the image of a blow up boat that you played with in the pool as a child. You can now attach motors to these boats, put boat seats in them and even drive through the ocean surf at top speeds. This is much more than the boat that you remember as a child!
!b>What Can I Use An Inflatable Boat For?
Inflatable boats were originally used in the Navy to haul cargo and missiles back and forth to larger ships. Eventually the inflatable boats moved into the recreational market for fishing, personal transportation and for tenders on larger boats, particularly yachts.
Some other uses are:
* Scuba diving
* Search and rescue
* Emergency lifeboats
* Security patrol
* Law enforcement
* Fishing and hunting
* Pleasure
* Water sports
* Many others
What Are Some Benefits Of An Inflatable Boat?
There are many advantages to an inflatable boat over a hard sided boat, but to see the true benefits you really need to know what you plan on using your boat for.
Are They Heavy?
Inflatable boats are extremely lightweight in comparison to more traditional hard sided boats. And the fact that they are light weight makes them an excellent choice for many people. This is great if you are using your boat for fishing. Instead of towing a regular dinghy or canoe behind your vehicle you will be able to strap your inflatable boat to the roof of your car or even strap it into the bed of your truck.
The lightweight nature of the inflatable boat is excellent if you need to pull your boat up on the shore of the lake, or river during a fishing trip. One or two people can easily pull an inflatable boat up on shore a safe distance.
What About Stability?
A big concern of most people have when they are considering an inflatable boat over a more traditional boat is the stability of the inflatable. Will it be tipsy or unsteady when you are standing in it? This is a major and very common misconception of most people. In fact, an inflatable boat is generally much more stable than a traditional boat.
Because of their buoyancy tubes, inflatable boats are actually known for their incredible stability. And because of these buoyancy tubes these boats actually sit flat in the water which makes them virtually impossible to flip over. This is a great feature for people who might be a little bit nervous about small boats, or especially scuba divers who need to flip backwards into the water and pull themselves up and into the boats.
Why Choose An Inflatable Boat?
There are a number of reasons why inflatable boats make a better choice than the more traditional aluminum or fiberglass boats. Depending on why you need a small boat will depend on why you are better off with an inflatable.
If you are a fisherman, a lightweight inflatable canoe makes a much better choice than a traditional hard shell canoe. With an inflatable you will be able to carry the boat to the river or lake by yourself, which is very handy if you prefer to fish by yourself. Also you will be able to transport the boat to and from your fishing site easier and without fear of scratching your vehicle if you choose to transport it on top of the vehicle.
If you are a yacht owner looking for a tender for your larger craft an inflatable boat is the best choice for a few reasons. It is very important to yacht owners that they not scratch their beautiful boats; with an inflatable, those concerns are virtually eliminated, because these boats are made from materials that are soft and will not mark the surfaces of other boats.
Also, because inflatable boats are lightweight they can easily be brought on board when the yacht is under sail. However, just because you have an inflatable does not mean that you cannot attach a trolling motor to it. In fact most inflatable boats allow quite large motors to be attached to them. Although many inflatable boats are not built for performance and speed, some are built for speed and efficiency. However, even if you have a motor you should always carry paddles with you and you should always wear a life jacket.
All Purpose Inflatable Boats
Inflatable boats are much more than the image of a blow up boat that you played with in the pool as a child. You can now attach motors to these boats, put boat seats in them and even drive through the ocean surf at top speeds. This is much more than the boat that you remember as a child!
Bahamas Cruise Expert Guide
he Bahamas is arguably the most popular cruise destination for U.S. travelers, and is especially popular with first-time cruisers from the U.S. Only 75kms from mainland USA, the outer islands that make up the group can be reached within a matter of hours. This makes the Bahamas an excellent choice of location for a short Bahamas cruise break of two, three or four nights away from home.
Some 700 islands make up the archipelago of the Bahamas, of which only around 50 are inhabited. Cruise lines generally focus on just two Bahaman ports - Nassau and Freeport.
Nassau is Bahamas' capital, and is located on the island of New Providence. It is a beautiful compact city that is easy to explore inside a day's shore excursion. The city's charm is in its architecture - and of course its people. Late 18th century and early 19th century colonial buildings stand as reminders of Bahamas' British past. Parliament Square in downtown Nassau offers a unique perspective on the city's architecture, watched over, as always, by a grandiose marble statue of Queen Victoria.
But Nassau is not just about history. It has a vibrant modern side too. Quality shops, fine restaurants and golden beaches, up onto which the inviting warm transparent waters of the Caribbean lap, are all there to be sampled. Activities such as snorkeling, diving and passenger submarine rides make for an exciting time in this tropical paradise. The nightlife in Nassau is buzzing too, with casinos and nightclubs offering the best of Bahamian life.
A Bahamas cruise to Freeport on the island of Grand Bahama offers tropical paradise that is very close to home. Easily accessible on a two-night Bahamas cruise, Freeport is a city that welcomes cruisers and tourists with open arms. Duty-free shopping is one of the biggest draws of Freeport, and the city itself features a 10-acre international bazaar - a real shopping paradise in the tropics!
The nightlife in Freeport is world-renowned. Casinos, nightclubs and live entertainment in Freeport are amongst the best in the Caribbean, and make for a great night out when you're on a Bahamas cruise.
For travelers looking for a Bahamas cruise of a longer duration than four nights, some cruise lines offer special extended cruises, several of which incorporate a port call at a private island owned by the cruise company.
Bahamas cruises generally depart from ports in Florida. Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale and Miami port are the big three which offer cruises to the Bahamas. So, if you're looking to take a short romantic break, or just fancy a change of scenery for the weekend, why not get yourself down to Florida and book a Bahamas cruise. Bahamas cruises are reasonably priced, and I guarantee you that the experience will be one that lives long in the memory.
he Bahamas is arguably the most popular cruise destination for U.S. travelers, and is especially popular with first-time cruisers from the U.S. Only 75kms from mainland USA, the outer islands that make up the group can be reached within a matter of hours. This makes the Bahamas an excellent choice of location for a short Bahamas cruise break of two, three or four nights away from home.
Some 700 islands make up the archipelago of the Bahamas, of which only around 50 are inhabited. Cruise lines generally focus on just two Bahaman ports - Nassau and Freeport.
Nassau is Bahamas' capital, and is located on the island of New Providence. It is a beautiful compact city that is easy to explore inside a day's shore excursion. The city's charm is in its architecture - and of course its people. Late 18th century and early 19th century colonial buildings stand as reminders of Bahamas' British past. Parliament Square in downtown Nassau offers a unique perspective on the city's architecture, watched over, as always, by a grandiose marble statue of Queen Victoria.
But Nassau is not just about history. It has a vibrant modern side too. Quality shops, fine restaurants and golden beaches, up onto which the inviting warm transparent waters of the Caribbean lap, are all there to be sampled. Activities such as snorkeling, diving and passenger submarine rides make for an exciting time in this tropical paradise. The nightlife in Nassau is buzzing too, with casinos and nightclubs offering the best of Bahamian life.
A Bahamas cruise to Freeport on the island of Grand Bahama offers tropical paradise that is very close to home. Easily accessible on a two-night Bahamas cruise, Freeport is a city that welcomes cruisers and tourists with open arms. Duty-free shopping is one of the biggest draws of Freeport, and the city itself features a 10-acre international bazaar - a real shopping paradise in the tropics!
The nightlife in Freeport is world-renowned. Casinos, nightclubs and live entertainment in Freeport are amongst the best in the Caribbean, and make for a great night out when you're on a Bahamas cruise.
For travelers looking for a Bahamas cruise of a longer duration than four nights, some cruise lines offer special extended cruises, several of which incorporate a port call at a private island owned by the cruise company.
Bahamas cruises generally depart from ports in Florida. Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale and Miami port are the big three which offer cruises to the Bahamas. So, if you're looking to take a short romantic break, or just fancy a change of scenery for the weekend, why not get yourself down to Florida and book a Bahamas cruise. Bahamas cruises are reasonably priced, and I guarantee you that the experience will be one that lives long in the memory.
Some 700 islands make up the archipelago of the Bahamas, of which only around 50 are inhabited. Cruise lines generally focus on just two Bahaman ports - Nassau and Freeport.
Nassau is Bahamas' capital, and is located on the island of New Providence. It is a beautiful compact city that is easy to explore inside a day's shore excursion. The city's charm is in its architecture - and of course its people. Late 18th century and early 19th century colonial buildings stand as reminders of Bahamas' British past. Parliament Square in downtown Nassau offers a unique perspective on the city's architecture, watched over, as always, by a grandiose marble statue of Queen Victoria.
But Nassau is not just about history. It has a vibrant modern side too. Quality shops, fine restaurants and golden beaches, up onto which the inviting warm transparent waters of the Caribbean lap, are all there to be sampled. Activities such as snorkeling, diving and passenger submarine rides make for an exciting time in this tropical paradise. The nightlife in Nassau is buzzing too, with casinos and nightclubs offering the best of Bahamian life.
A Bahamas cruise to Freeport on the island of Grand Bahama offers tropical paradise that is very close to home. Easily accessible on a two-night Bahamas cruise, Freeport is a city that welcomes cruisers and tourists with open arms. Duty-free shopping is one of the biggest draws of Freeport, and the city itself features a 10-acre international bazaar - a real shopping paradise in the tropics!
The nightlife in Freeport is world-renowned. Casinos, nightclubs and live entertainment in Freeport are amongst the best in the Caribbean, and make for a great night out when you're on a Bahamas cruise.
For travelers looking for a Bahamas cruise of a longer duration than four nights, some cruise lines offer special extended cruises, several of which incorporate a port call at a private island owned by the cruise company.
Bahamas cruises generally depart from ports in Florida. Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale and Miami port are the big three which offer cruises to the Bahamas. So, if you're looking to take a short romantic break, or just fancy a change of scenery for the weekend, why not get yourself down to Florida and book a Bahamas cruise. Bahamas cruises are reasonably priced, and I guarantee you that the experience will be one that lives long in the memory.
he Bahamas is arguably the most popular cruise destination for U.S. travelers, and is especially popular with first-time cruisers from the U.S. Only 75kms from mainland USA, the outer islands that make up the group can be reached within a matter of hours. This makes the Bahamas an excellent choice of location for a short Bahamas cruise break of two, three or four nights away from home.
Some 700 islands make up the archipelago of the Bahamas, of which only around 50 are inhabited. Cruise lines generally focus on just two Bahaman ports - Nassau and Freeport.
Nassau is Bahamas' capital, and is located on the island of New Providence. It is a beautiful compact city that is easy to explore inside a day's shore excursion. The city's charm is in its architecture - and of course its people. Late 18th century and early 19th century colonial buildings stand as reminders of Bahamas' British past. Parliament Square in downtown Nassau offers a unique perspective on the city's architecture, watched over, as always, by a grandiose marble statue of Queen Victoria.
But Nassau is not just about history. It has a vibrant modern side too. Quality shops, fine restaurants and golden beaches, up onto which the inviting warm transparent waters of the Caribbean lap, are all there to be sampled. Activities such as snorkeling, diving and passenger submarine rides make for an exciting time in this tropical paradise. The nightlife in Nassau is buzzing too, with casinos and nightclubs offering the best of Bahamian life.
A Bahamas cruise to Freeport on the island of Grand Bahama offers tropical paradise that is very close to home. Easily accessible on a two-night Bahamas cruise, Freeport is a city that welcomes cruisers and tourists with open arms. Duty-free shopping is one of the biggest draws of Freeport, and the city itself features a 10-acre international bazaar - a real shopping paradise in the tropics!
The nightlife in Freeport is world-renowned. Casinos, nightclubs and live entertainment in Freeport are amongst the best in the Caribbean, and make for a great night out when you're on a Bahamas cruise.
For travelers looking for a Bahamas cruise of a longer duration than four nights, some cruise lines offer special extended cruises, several of which incorporate a port call at a private island owned by the cruise company.
Bahamas cruises generally depart from ports in Florida. Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale and Miami port are the big three which offer cruises to the Bahamas. So, if you're looking to take a short romantic break, or just fancy a change of scenery for the weekend, why not get yourself down to Florida and book a Bahamas cruise. Bahamas cruises are reasonably priced, and I guarantee you that the experience will be one that lives long in the memory.
You Should Make Reservations And Accommodation Arrangements Before Go To Cumbria For Holiday
Cumbria, England, is where you want to be if you are seeking a respite away from the tremendous strain that comes with living and working in the city. Why not pack your bags, make a reservation at one of the top holiday spots in the world and head on to Cumbria where you can enjoy the fresh English air and experience the rich, warm hospitality?
To guarantee a good stay with your family, you should try making reservations and accommodation arrangements with the management at the Lake District holiday cottages. Don't be afraid to negotiate and chances are your request for a discount will be complied easily by the friendly staff. Traveling to the Lake District holiday cottages isn't tiresome at all with the excellent limo service. Upon reaching the opulent cottage, you will be greeted with a contemporary living area which will definitely delight you and your family. Moving into the kitchen, your wife will squeal with delight after setting her eyes on the immaculately decorated kitchen. Equipped with every imaginable amenity such as a microwave oven and dishwasher, she will definitely enjoy cooking a hearty meal for the family in this cozy kitchen. The bedrooms in this luxurious cottage also boast of similar décor and large canopied bed that will ignite your romance all over again.
Stepping outside of the Lake District holiday cottages, you will discover a tempting array of activities. Fishing enthusiasts will love catching a variety of fish and for those who have less patience for this sport, will turn to other water-related activities such as sailing, boating and swimming. Artistically inclined individuals simply must remember to pack their painting gear for it would seem that the beautiful scenery at Lake District begs to be immortalized upon a canvas. In a nutshell, Lake District has so much to offer and so little time to enjoy them, so why not spend a week or more in this lovely, quaint destination?
To guarantee a good stay with your family, you should try making reservations and accommodation arrangements with the management at the Lake District holiday cottages. Don't be afraid to negotiate and chances are your request for a discount will be complied easily by the friendly staff. Traveling to the Lake District holiday cottages isn't tiresome at all with the excellent limo service. Upon reaching the opulent cottage, you will be greeted with a contemporary living area which will definitely delight you and your family. Moving into the kitchen, your wife will squeal with delight after setting her eyes on the immaculately decorated kitchen. Equipped with every imaginable amenity such as a microwave oven and dishwasher, she will definitely enjoy cooking a hearty meal for the family in this cozy kitchen. The bedrooms in this luxurious cottage also boast of similar décor and large canopied bed that will ignite your romance all over again.
Stepping outside of the Lake District holiday cottages, you will discover a tempting array of activities. Fishing enthusiasts will love catching a variety of fish and for those who have less patience for this sport, will turn to other water-related activities such as sailing, boating and swimming. Artistically inclined individuals simply must remember to pack their painting gear for it would seem that the beautiful scenery at Lake District begs to be immortalized upon a canvas. In a nutshell, Lake District has so much to offer and so little time to enjoy them, so why not spend a week or more in this lovely, quaint destination?
Hiking Equipment: Planning an Archaeologic Hike
Archaeological hiking has been growing in popularity as a pastime in recent years, with hikers using these hiking trips to get the exercise that they want while visiting venues that let them glimpse the remnants of civilizations long gone. Much of the same hiking gear is used for these archaeology hikes as would be used in other popular hiking destinations, with LED lights or headlamps being an essential piece of hiking equipment for hikes at night and sunscreen, multipurpose tools and water for the daytime.
!b>Defining Archaeological Hiking
An archaeological hiking trip is one that visits outdoor venues which bear some archaeological significance. These venues may feature paintings, carvings, or etchings in the walls of caves or other stone, showing off the artistic accomplishments of an ancient people. Other archaeology hikes may visit famous locations throughout history, letting hikers walk through the footsteps of history and walk the same paths that indigenous people once walked. Some hikers on archaeology hikes may choose to use the minimal amount of hiking gear that could still be considered safe in order to better recreate the feeling of being there when the history of the location was first created.
Popular Archaeological Destinations
In the United States, there are a number of popular destinations of archaeological hiking that show off the history of the country and its Native American inhabitants. Sites such as Range Creek Canyon in Utah let visitors see the paintings and etchings of these Native Americans, showing off the hunting practices and early beliefs of these early people. Crow Canyon, Nevada is also a popular destination for archaeology hikes, allowing visitors to see the remnants of the Navajo civilization and the culture that they had created in what many would consider to be inhospitable lands. Other destinations that are frequented by hikers with an interest in archaeology include sections of Oregon and Washington that were inhabited by the Native Americans of the northwest as well as sections of the Trail of Tears, the Oregon Trail, and the route taken by Louis and Clark when exploring the United States.
Archaeological Hiking Tips
There are a number of tips that you should keep in mind when going on an archaeology hike. Make sure that you take the proper hiking equipment for the terrain that you will be traversing, including the appropriate clothing for the weather that you will be expecting. Include LED lights in with your hiking gear so that you will be able to see while setting up camp or visiting certain archaeological sites at night. Another important tip is to make sure that you don’t disturb any of the sites that you visit, as they have immense importance both to archaeologists and other hikers; make sure that you don’t take anything from the site and that you don’t use hiking gear that might damage the artifacts contained there. By avoiding making any sort of an impact on the site you will help to ensure that other hikers will be able to enjoy the same sort of hikes for years to come.
!b>Defining Archaeological Hiking
An archaeological hiking trip is one that visits outdoor venues which bear some archaeological significance. These venues may feature paintings, carvings, or etchings in the walls of caves or other stone, showing off the artistic accomplishments of an ancient people. Other archaeology hikes may visit famous locations throughout history, letting hikers walk through the footsteps of history and walk the same paths that indigenous people once walked. Some hikers on archaeology hikes may choose to use the minimal amount of hiking gear that could still be considered safe in order to better recreate the feeling of being there when the history of the location was first created.
Popular Archaeological Destinations
In the United States, there are a number of popular destinations of archaeological hiking that show off the history of the country and its Native American inhabitants. Sites such as Range Creek Canyon in Utah let visitors see the paintings and etchings of these Native Americans, showing off the hunting practices and early beliefs of these early people. Crow Canyon, Nevada is also a popular destination for archaeology hikes, allowing visitors to see the remnants of the Navajo civilization and the culture that they had created in what many would consider to be inhospitable lands. Other destinations that are frequented by hikers with an interest in archaeology include sections of Oregon and Washington that were inhabited by the Native Americans of the northwest as well as sections of the Trail of Tears, the Oregon Trail, and the route taken by Louis and Clark when exploring the United States.
Archaeological Hiking Tips
There are a number of tips that you should keep in mind when going on an archaeology hike. Make sure that you take the proper hiking equipment for the terrain that you will be traversing, including the appropriate clothing for the weather that you will be expecting. Include LED lights in with your hiking gear so that you will be able to see while setting up camp or visiting certain archaeological sites at night. Another important tip is to make sure that you don’t disturb any of the sites that you visit, as they have immense importance both to archaeologists and other hikers; make sure that you don’t take anything from the site and that you don’t use hiking gear that might damage the artifacts contained there. By avoiding making any sort of an impact on the site you will help to ensure that other hikers will be able to enjoy the same sort of hikes for years to come.
Plan Your Family Vacation In Greece Or Cyprus
Family vacation can be one of the great moments of life. Traveling with kids can be a wonderful and sensual personal experience. We can explore once more again our emotions and needs and find again what the routine of daily life takes away from us.
Thinking of finding a resort for family holidays we have to take under consideration not only our needs but our childrens needs as well and for sure we have to consider that there are many factors that can influence our decision.
Time along with the weather is the first factors where we have to choose between winter and summer resort destinations. Of course if we are not rich we have to take into consideration our money limitations. Family vacations could be very expensive depending the age of our children type of accommodation or distance from our place.
If we are funds of a specific sport then our decision could be narrowed to resorts offering these specific sport activities.
There are two options when you plan your holidays. In depended travel and package holidays through a tour operator. Both options have good and bad points. Experienced travelers may choose to plan their vacations by them self and a great tool for helping them is Internet where you can find almost everything about the destination accommodation etc.
If you are between these people that wants to plan their vacations alone without the help of a travel agency or tour operator, through internet a good way is to search and visit first big hotel chains that offer accommodation and lodging services.
These hotels describe in their websites all features of each hotel and resort and they give valuable information to travelers about the area weather and other factors. They can help you determine how your needs and your children needs fulfilled and where you can stay to enjoy what you dream of a holiday.
So a good idea instead of first choosing a destination you may choose the hotel company you can trust for their services the type of accommodation, the resort activities and then you will see how the specific hotel can meet all your requirements.
As a Greek living and work in Greece for a Cypriot company I could recommend a Hotel chain presently having activities only in Cyprus and Greece but in the future on more destinations in Europe offering exceptional tourist facilities for any kind of traveler.
Of course I would recommend as well Greece or Cyprus as a family vacation destination in Europe due to the nice weather all year long and the huge number of beaches and sport facilities.
The type of the hotel that may fulfill almost all childrens need is the type that is called club Hotels. These hotels are designed for family vacations and they features animation programs all day long, pools, playgrounds, childrens TV channels, games, entertainers, dances, staff to keep your children safe and busy and many other.
So ending this article I would say stay tuned with internet, search hotels of the country you are interested in as a destination and leave these hotel professionals guide you finding the vacation of your dream.
Choose a company that has high standard of operation and excellent on all fields and has a good reputation in the tourist industry. Finally I wish you and I am sure if you follow these advices you will have incredible holidays for your self and your family.
Thinking of finding a resort for family holidays we have to take under consideration not only our needs but our childrens needs as well and for sure we have to consider that there are many factors that can influence our decision.
Time along with the weather is the first factors where we have to choose between winter and summer resort destinations. Of course if we are not rich we have to take into consideration our money limitations. Family vacations could be very expensive depending the age of our children type of accommodation or distance from our place.
If we are funds of a specific sport then our decision could be narrowed to resorts offering these specific sport activities.
There are two options when you plan your holidays. In depended travel and package holidays through a tour operator. Both options have good and bad points. Experienced travelers may choose to plan their vacations by them self and a great tool for helping them is Internet where you can find almost everything about the destination accommodation etc.
If you are between these people that wants to plan their vacations alone without the help of a travel agency or tour operator, through internet a good way is to search and visit first big hotel chains that offer accommodation and lodging services.
These hotels describe in their websites all features of each hotel and resort and they give valuable information to travelers about the area weather and other factors. They can help you determine how your needs and your children needs fulfilled and where you can stay to enjoy what you dream of a holiday.
So a good idea instead of first choosing a destination you may choose the hotel company you can trust for their services the type of accommodation, the resort activities and then you will see how the specific hotel can meet all your requirements.
As a Greek living and work in Greece for a Cypriot company I could recommend a Hotel chain presently having activities only in Cyprus and Greece but in the future on more destinations in Europe offering exceptional tourist facilities for any kind of traveler.
Of course I would recommend as well Greece or Cyprus as a family vacation destination in Europe due to the nice weather all year long and the huge number of beaches and sport facilities.
The type of the hotel that may fulfill almost all childrens need is the type that is called club Hotels. These hotels are designed for family vacations and they features animation programs all day long, pools, playgrounds, childrens TV channels, games, entertainers, dances, staff to keep your children safe and busy and many other.
So ending this article I would say stay tuned with internet, search hotels of the country you are interested in as a destination and leave these hotel professionals guide you finding the vacation of your dream.
Choose a company that has high standard of operation and excellent on all fields and has a good reputation in the tourist industry. Finally I wish you and I am sure if you follow these advices you will have incredible holidays for your self and your family.
Pampering And Adventure
In the early light of morning, I made my way to the giant gazebo at the Red Mountain Spa to join other guests for a hike in the surrounding red rock bluffs of Snow Canyon State Park in southern Utah. One of the very special things about this spa is its emphasis on the great outdoors, its multi-level hikes over and around various paths and more challenging terrain for the more experienced hiker all led by knowledgeable guides. Each day brought a new adventure as we investigated various areas of the nearly 6,000 acre parkland where hikers enjoy an amazing display of desert animal life, plants and rock formations that vary from twisting spires of red Navajo Sandstone, carved canyons, lava flows and lava caves. The Red Mountain agenda also offered trips to explore the spectacular nearby Zion National Park, rock climbing, bicycling, canyoneering and newly introduced Nordic walking.
This was my second visit to Red Mountain and I was pleased to discover new activities and amenities enhancing both adventure and pampering options. I also discovered more male guests. During my prior visit I encountered a totally distaff guest population. This time it consisted of around 30% masculine attendees, some solo and some as 1/2 of a couple.
One morning, I broke from the traditional hike to participate in a "Pound Puppy Hike." A small group of guests were driven to Ivins' tiny "no kill" animal rescue shelter where we were introduced to Robin Kirker, a former east coast horse trainer, now lovingly in charge of dogs and cats of all sizes and shapes. Since puppies are always the first to be adopted, our group of dogs was more mature. My pet for the morning was Sugar, a darling black and white border collie who enjoyed my rather brisk pace leading the pack along a path through Padre Canyon stopping for water and treats along the way.
Back at Red Mountain, I checked the schedule for upcoming classes which I could squeeze in between one on one appointments both in the fitness center and the new dome spa. Personal training sessions with two instructors, Rebecca and Chrissie gave me information and instruction on how better to use my work out schedule both at Red Mountain and back at home. Apparently I have not been using my time wisely for the past several years in fitness alley. It was back to basics for the most part: a physio ball, a bosu, a stretchy resistance bands were the preferred pieces of equipment for my workout rather than the machines. The one new contraption which I was introduced to and was told had become very popular was the TRX (Total Resistance Training) which had me using my own strength and body weight to burn calories and tighten up muscles. The TRX consisted of straps and handles and were portable allowing it to be hung from an inside or outside metal bar. I gave it a try and found it amazingly versatile and efficient.
I also received a lesson in Nordic walking and how, done properly, this activity burns 40% more calories and tightens a lot more body parts than a basic hike. The class took place on a paved path where I learned the proper way to drag the poles behind me, then push off rather than pull as in hiking.
One of my favorite places to spend time and be pampered was at the Sagestone spa and salon, housed in a geodesic dome. The extensive menu of services featured a choice of more than 20 types of massages plus spa packages. Hydrating, detox, scrubs, manicures, pedicures and make up lessons were also available. The eclectic Spa Tapas offered a sampling of signature Sagestone Spa and Salon treatments including hand reflexology, chair massage, Blackberry hand massage and wax treatment, bone density testing and even palm reading.
One balmy evening at sunset, 30 or so guests were driven to an area known as Snow Canyon where we hiked up to a special spot over swirling patterns of red sandstone. Bud Howard led us in a beginner's version of Tai Chi. The lilting Native American music emanating from his portable CD, his calm voice and the magnificent surroundings as we stood barefoot on the smooth rock surface and learned the motions and their meaning made for a calming and most memorable experience.
As a change of pace one day I signed up for the very popular cooking class. Although I am not much into the culinary arts, I did so enjoy the comedic antics of Chef Dale Van Sky and picked up some helpful cooking hints in spite of myself such as using a spray bottle to coat a pan with cooking oil which saves a lot of calories. The food at Red Mountain is healthy and delicious and I marveled at the low calorie tasty treats including a beautiful 70 calorie frozen mango passion fruit mousse.
During my stay I popped in on various yoga classes, power pilates, a hip hop class, a stretch class and a knock yourself out to music and lose your inhibitions class called NIA, the Joy of Movement.
I delighted in walking through the lush grounds of Red Mountain past bubbling fountains and streams and beneath towering trees, often with net hammocks at their base. Several evenings, before retiring to my villa, I positioned myself in a swaying hammock situated next to a stream where I spent quite a bit of time looking up at the starry sky and thinking quiet thoughts.
My stunning villa could have comfortably accommodated four people and I thought that it would be perfect for a girl's getaway with two queen beds, two bathrooms, a large living space with kitchen amenities and even and washer and dryer. It also featured an outdoor terrace running the entire length of the villa and overlooking one of the swimming pools.
My stay at Red Mountain offered a plethora of options. I could explore some of the west's most scenic National Parks, hike, be pampered, participate in a variety of classes or have private instruction. The magnificent surroundings of Red Mountain, the warmth of the staff, the healthy and delicious meals, and the quiet all contributed to my perfect getaway.
Adventure, Travel, Vacation, Cruise Vacation, Cruises Vcations Deals
Coping-in With High Cost Of Copenhagen
Copenhagen can take a big bite out of your travel budget. Many people give Denmark's culture capital a miss, for this very reason. However, if you are careful with your money, the long warm evenings of northern sunlight and happy Scandinavians can be all yours. I visited Copenhagen in June 2008, and here are a few money saving tips I used to stretch my weak dollars.
!b>Eating & Drinking
1—Picnic: Dine al fresco at least once a day. Restaurants will gobble up your travel budget pretty quickly in Denmark. Visit grocery stores like Super Best. Super Brugens, Irma, Netto, and Aldi for cheese, crackers, fruit, and juice. you'll be in heaven. Laks is served 10 different ways in Denmark. Cups and napkins are really pricey, so pack a few in your suitcase (or borrow from the breakfast buffet at the hotel). A Swiss Army knife will come in handy to cut up salami or open wine. Also a light sarong will make an easy picnic blanket. Feel free to bring a lunch with you whenever you visit a park, museum, festival, or event. The Danes do.
2—Dining Out: Eat out at lunch, when you visit a restaurant. Lunch is much less expensive than dinner. Lunch is also a delicious tradition in Denmark: smorbrod or open-faced sandwiches are a treat. Curried chicken, pickled herring, and burgers are eaten with a knife and fork. Buffets abound in Copenhagen: try Riz Raz vegetarian restaurants (there are 2 in the city). Each restaurant offers a huge Mediterranean Buffet with giant ceramic bowls full of homemade items like hummus, marinated vegetables, Greek salads, pastas. And for the kids, there's pizza. There's a Waggamama Noodle House just off Tivoli Gardens. The Japanese dishes are reasonable and yummy.
4—Beer: Buy a Turborg can at the market and drink in parks and along canals. What? I hear you say—I am not a wino. No, never said you were. It's just how the local folks do it. A beer at a café is about 35 KR ($7) and a beer at the store is about 5 KR ($1). Visit Nyborg Harbor on a sunny day and you'll see groups of gorgeous businessmen drinking in just this manner. It is legal to drink in public areas, and CPH is adorned with lovely parks.
5—Other libations: Be sure to visit the duty-free shop on your way into Denmark. Pick up a bottle of liquor or wine either at your stateside airport or while en route. There's also a duty-free shop open to all in-coming passengers at Kastrup Airport.
6—Coffee: Buy to-go (take away) coffee at 7-11. It is really quite tasty and costs 19 KR, versus the price of 30 KR in coffee shops. The 7-11 convenience stores in Denmark look grubby on the outside, but inside you'll find a clean and well-stocked shop that offers fruit, fresh Danish pastries called Weinerbrod, juices, and a cappuccino machine that makes good coffee.
7—Water & soda—Not a beer drinker? Have kids with you? Well, a Coke at lunch will cost you 22 KR. Tap water may cost you about 5 KR per glass! What to do? Order a big bottle of mineral water with your meal. The price for a liter of mineral water is about 30 KR and you'll have about 6 glasses to drink.
8—Carlsberg Brewery Tour: I wondered why the tasting room was so crowded, while tour was so empty of visitors, but now I know why. The locals skip the tour of the beer factory and go straight to the tasting room. For a 50 KR entry fee to the beer museum, you sample two full-sized beers (one premium and one standard brew). In contrast to the 100+ year-old brewery facilities, the tasting room is modern with sleek Scandinavian lines in glass and wood. Deliciously-cold beer served perfectly in pretty glassware. The same two beers in a café or bar would cost well over 75 KR. Pop by and take a tour, and maybe then pop back a bit later in the week for the drinks alone. Why not? The local folks do.
9--McDonalds: Okay, just listen. McD's in Denmark is designed with Scandinavian lines and décor. The value menu costs a 10 KR per item and there are lots of local Danish folks inside. Of course it not smorgasbord, but if you're in a pinch for something fast and inexpensive, McD's is a fairly good deal. They also offer items we rarelty see stateside, like "cheesy toppers" and joerdbeer McFlurries.
Every Little Bit Helps
1—Shopping Bags: Bring a bag for your shopping (or you'll have to buy one!). If you have a canvas bag or a string shopping bag, bring it along. Or, maybe just a plastic shopping bag from home will do. If you forget your bag when you shop, you'll spend an extra 5 KR every time you renter the shops.
2—Cup Return: At Tivoli, return your beer and soda cups in the little rekey machine and get 5 KR back per cup. Don't toss the cup away, like I did. I effectively tossed $3.00 into the trash bin after lunch at Tivoli.
3—Recycle: Don't toss your cans! Return and get back 1-3 KR per can. Recycle centers are quick and easy and fully automated. All you do is slide the can into the tube and the machine registers the can. When it's over, you'll get a receipt.
4—Pin Number: Do not leave home without it. Call your credit card issuer and ask for a pin. I read this advice in Rick Steves' Scandinavia and did not pay attention. Well, I was shocked when I could not pay my 500 KR dinner tab. No pin, no access to your credit (you use a pin, rather than signing here, it seems).
5—Fees: Be aware that many restaurants will charge you an additional fee of 3-4% if you use a credit card. They are simply passing on to you their costs of processing the card.
6—VAT: If you plan on a big purchase (say over $100) on an item you will take out of Denmark look for a shop with a "Duty Free" sticker. These shops will automatically reduce the price of your purchase by 25% (removing the Value Added Tax that EU residents pay on goods).
Activities & Sight Seeing
1—Concerts: CPH is chocked full of festivals, concerts, and productions in three summers. Find one, pack a picnic and head out like the Danes do. One way to see what's on is to read the English-language paper available weekly. Copies are available at hotels and at the Rathaus in the city center. Read up on all events in What's Up, a free guide in English to the city. Ask at the hotel front desk. Look for signs in parks, too. At Tivoli, there's a free rock concert every Friday night, include in the price of admission (85 KR to enter, 200 KR with ride bracelet).
2—Museums: Many museums in Copenhagen are free all the time: The National Museum of Denmark, the Statens Museum for Kunst, and the Museum of Danish Resistance. Also, be aware that several museums offer a "free admission" day. The glorious Ny Gyptotek is open to all on Sunday; the Danish Museum of Art and Design is free on Wednesday afternoons. Read your guide book and plan your itinerary around free days.
3—CPH Card: The Copenhagen visitor card is a pass to the city is 199 KR for 24 hours (www.visitcopenhagen.com). The card's price seems a bit much at first, but it will pay for itself if you use it wisely. Look over the book that accompanies the card and plan ahead. The card is only valid once you sign it, so fill in the date and time once you arrive at your first attraction.
Here's how I used my CPH Card to for maximum benefit. I visited attractions near one another, so I did not waste time traveling. I only visited free entrance attractions, rather than those only offering a discounted admission. I selected the attractions with the more expensive entrance fees. I include the full cost of the entry fees in brackets for an adult and child. My son entered free while accompanied by me.
On Tuesday, I arrived at the Denmark's Aquarium at 13:00 (one o'clock) and started the card (90KR/45 KR).
Next, we traveled to the renowned Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, which is open until 22:00. With all the sunshine until ten o'clock, we made the most of this gallery overlooking the sea (90 KR/0).
On Wednesday, we were up early at waiting for the H.C. Andersen Eventyruset to open at 10:00. After visiting the fairytale world of The Little Mermaid and The Princess and the Pea (67 KR/ 34 KR) we ran over to The Danish Museum of Art and Design (50 KR/ 25 KR). At noon, we took the Metro (20 KR—all public transport is included on the CPH Card) to the Zoologisk Have (120 KR / 60 KR).
We barely made it, but we did enter the zoo at 12:45 -- and as you can see, we saved a considerable amount of money.
4—The Beach: Copenhagen sits on the sea, and all along its north and south shores, you'll find nice beaches. The water is clean and cold, and the rules relaxed. Feel free to sunbathe topless, have a beer, play paddle ball, or watch the ships sail by on their way to Sweden. Some fine beach towns are up north, like Gilleleje Veststrand. It's all good and free. There's even swimming in the CPH at Havnebadet, a pool by the harbor side (www.islands-brygge.com). Wherever you have a dip, you'll find ice cream kiosks (Is) all over. Have a kagler the Danish-way: two scoops in a waffle come topped with whipped cream and a squirt of strawberry sauce (20 KR).
5—The Park: Frederiksberg Have is a lovely park full of ducks and swans, a waterfall, a pacifier tree (little kids hang their binkies in the branches in hopes the fairies help them kick the habit, or so I've been lead to believe), boat rides along the canal, and elephants bathing. The city park is built along the zoo, so the elephants can be viewed as easily by those in the zoo and outside the zoo. The park is open and free and full of Danes being happy.
Denmark is a very expensive city, but the Danes are the happiest people on earth, according to a recent poll. How can that be? I think they are simply frugal and spend wisely. The advice I wrote above is based upon my month in Denmark, my friendship with two Frederiksberg's residents, and my own travel habits. I hope they help you to travel well, wisely, and above all—happily.
Copenhagen, Vacation, Cruise Vacation, Cruises Vcations Deals
Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals – 10 Things to Consider
So you’ve decided to splurge this summer! Good for you! We all need a vacation and sometimes the ‘stay-cations’ everyone is taking these days just don’t cut it when it comes to relaxing and unwinding from the stresses of our everyday lives. Still, let’s be reasonable. We may want a vacation away from home, but how many of us can afford a five-star hotel for a week? Or the cost of three meals a day at fancy resort prices? So is there a happy medium? You might be surprised to learn that you can have that get-away-vacation in a resort town like Santa Barbara and eat your cake, too! How? Check out the wide variety of Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals available all year round.
Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals run the gambit from studio apartments for the single traveler, or couple, to multiple-family sized villas exquisitely set on the pristine Santa Barbara coastline – and everything in between. Whether it’s a place from which to take long walks on the beach, or one with full access to Santa Barbara’s many offerings in town, you will find what you’re looking for in a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental at prices that will take the sting out of the cost of a vacation. Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals are usually privately owned rentals, and for us, home-away-from-home complete with kitchens, room to spread out and often amenities we could only dream of having at five star resorts, like a private Jacuzzi or pool, beach paraphernalia and a place to cook S’mores under the stars.
Once you’ve decided that these kinds of amenities are what you’re looking for, it’s time to narrow down the choices. So what should you consider when booking a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental? Here are a few things to think about as you peruse the hundreds of choices.
• Are you a beach comber? Lover of beachy sunsets? Do you have children who would love nothing more than to dig in the sand all day? If so, look for a Santa Barbara vacation rental near the coast. This will save you precious time and money in driving costs daily, and allow you the freedom to come and go instead of having to plan your entire day around one trip to the beach. Parking costs can be steep there, as well, so proximity allows you to avoid the high costs of shuffling your car between parking meters. And if you don’t have a car, staying close by the beach will save on public transportation costs.
• While we’re on the subject of parking, check to see if your vacation rental includes free on-site parking. This can be a major and expensive hassle if it doesn’t. You can save big bucks if your Santa Barbara Vacation Rental is not only close to the places you want to visit, and you can leave your car parked for the week.
• Is shopping your thing? Do you love fine dining? Santa Barbara offers a broad spectrum of wonderful restaurants and shopping from imports and seasonal craft fairs to high end boutiques. Most of these are in town, so if you’re a gourmet, shopping aficionado and not a beach comber, consider staying in a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental in town. Not only will you avoid the beach crowd and traffic, you’ll be right where the action is. And if you don’t have a car, Santa Barbara is a small town, and extremely walkable. But public transportation makes it easy to get from one end of town to the other, should you want it.
• If you’re going to be on the beach, check to see if your Santa Barbara Vacation Rental provides any beach equipment. Not only will this come in handy, it will save you from having to drag it along or invest in costly rentals or disposable purchases while you’re there. What kinds of things should you look for in your Santa Barbara Vacation Rental? Ask if the owners have Boogey boards, skim boards, or beach chairs and umbrellas. Are there any bicycles you can use? Do they have buckets and shovels for the kids or even coolers to bring along on beach picnics? You might be surprised to learn that many Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals do provide amenities like these. The secret is: Ask!
• Check to see if your Santa Barbara Vacation Rental provides linens for the beds. While most do, some don’t, so be sure to ask.
• One of the advantages of staying in a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental is the feeling that you’re not just staying there, you’re living there. So be sure to ask if there are things like dishwashers, irons, washer and drying on the premises.
• Even if you’re close to the beach, a pool can be just the spot to lounge around on hot summer days. It can also be a romantic place for two under the Santa Barbara night sky. So if a pool is on your list of must-haves, be sure to ask if your Santa Barbara Vacation Rental comes complete with one!
This is your vacation. Make the most of it in a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental!
Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals run the gambit from studio apartments for the single traveler, or couple, to multiple-family sized villas exquisitely set on the pristine Santa Barbara coastline – and everything in between. Whether it’s a place from which to take long walks on the beach, or one with full access to Santa Barbara’s many offerings in town, you will find what you’re looking for in a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental at prices that will take the sting out of the cost of a vacation. Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals are usually privately owned rentals, and for us, home-away-from-home complete with kitchens, room to spread out and often amenities we could only dream of having at five star resorts, like a private Jacuzzi or pool, beach paraphernalia and a place to cook S’mores under the stars.
Once you’ve decided that these kinds of amenities are what you’re looking for, it’s time to narrow down the choices. So what should you consider when booking a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental? Here are a few things to think about as you peruse the hundreds of choices.
• Are you a beach comber? Lover of beachy sunsets? Do you have children who would love nothing more than to dig in the sand all day? If so, look for a Santa Barbara vacation rental near the coast. This will save you precious time and money in driving costs daily, and allow you the freedom to come and go instead of having to plan your entire day around one trip to the beach. Parking costs can be steep there, as well, so proximity allows you to avoid the high costs of shuffling your car between parking meters. And if you don’t have a car, staying close by the beach will save on public transportation costs.
• While we’re on the subject of parking, check to see if your vacation rental includes free on-site parking. This can be a major and expensive hassle if it doesn’t. You can save big bucks if your Santa Barbara Vacation Rental is not only close to the places you want to visit, and you can leave your car parked for the week.
• Is shopping your thing? Do you love fine dining? Santa Barbara offers a broad spectrum of wonderful restaurants and shopping from imports and seasonal craft fairs to high end boutiques. Most of these are in town, so if you’re a gourmet, shopping aficionado and not a beach comber, consider staying in a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental in town. Not only will you avoid the beach crowd and traffic, you’ll be right where the action is. And if you don’t have a car, Santa Barbara is a small town, and extremely walkable. But public transportation makes it easy to get from one end of town to the other, should you want it.
• If you’re going to be on the beach, check to see if your Santa Barbara Vacation Rental provides any beach equipment. Not only will this come in handy, it will save you from having to drag it along or invest in costly rentals or disposable purchases while you’re there. What kinds of things should you look for in your Santa Barbara Vacation Rental? Ask if the owners have Boogey boards, skim boards, or beach chairs and umbrellas. Are there any bicycles you can use? Do they have buckets and shovels for the kids or even coolers to bring along on beach picnics? You might be surprised to learn that many Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals do provide amenities like these. The secret is: Ask!
• Check to see if your Santa Barbara Vacation Rental provides linens for the beds. While most do, some don’t, so be sure to ask.
• One of the advantages of staying in a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental is the feeling that you’re not just staying there, you’re living there. So be sure to ask if there are things like dishwashers, irons, washer and drying on the premises.
• Even if you’re close to the beach, a pool can be just the spot to lounge around on hot summer days. It can also be a romantic place for two under the Santa Barbara night sky. So if a pool is on your list of must-haves, be sure to ask if your Santa Barbara Vacation Rental comes complete with one!
This is your vacation. Make the most of it in a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental!
Luxury Packages Still Strong In Riviera Travel Industry
Despite the uncertain economic climate, there is still a strong appeal among well-to-do travelers for vacation packages that provide uncompromising luxury and style. This can be noted in the demand for luxury accommodations on round-the-world cruises, the appearance of new airlines specializing in Business Class and First Class seating and the occupancy rates of luxury hotels all over the world. So it’s not surprising that the South of France, a destination associated with travel elegance since the mid-1800’s, should remain popular with travel epicureans. !br>
“Our bookings were very solid last year and we see the same strength in 2008,” observed Cecile Carletti, responsible for sales at the exclusive Chateau de la Chevre d’Or in Eze, France. The hotel and restaurant which has two Michelin stars and offers breath taking views of the Mediterranean Sea has three restaurants and each of its rooms and suites are individually decorated in fine, antique furniture. When asked about the weakness of the dollar against the euro Ms. Carletti shrugs her well tanned shoulders and replies, “Yes, we are aware of it of course but our guests don’t appear to be greatly affected.”
Nor do the guests at another French Riviera landmark, the famous Carlton Intercontinental Hotel in Cannes. Built in 1911, the Carlton is a historic monument of Belle Époque design and construction and was the backdrop for Alfred Hitchcock’s 1956 classic movie “To Catch a Thief” with Cary Grant and the soon to be Princess Grace of Monaco.
But if the luxury hotels are crowded and the top restaurants all have long waiting lists, how can discriminating travelers organize their vacation in the South of France? To serve these demanding visitors, companies like Luxury Riviera Travel have pulled together special tours. These tours are usually limited to a small number of travelers and feature four star hotel accommodations.
For example, luxury tours generally feature basic programs that can be adapted to meet the needs and wants of its customers. These packages range from a gastronomic tour of Provence with stops in Michelin star properties and specially organized cooking classes by award winning chefs to packages that rent luxury yachts for a week and combines this with private on-shore visits to key points of interest. All the travelers’ needs are taken care of before they leave the States. Some programs are so all-inclusive that they include not only the top rooms in the top hotels, gourmet meals in Michelin restaurants that with drinks and wine but also private driver/guides that assure all ground transportation and excursions in luxury air-conditioned vehicles. Another major advantage of ‘super deluxe’ packages is that clients are treated as V.I.P. guests in each property. There is no language problem and, as many packages are paid in advance in U.S. dollars, no hassle over exchange rates.
However, should any problems arrive it’s good to select a travel packager that is on the spot and can immediately resolve any issues without having to call the States for instructions.
Paul Lacter is Director of European Operations for Luxury Riviera Travel, a leader in all-inclusive luxury vacation travel packages to the French Riviera and Provence.
More information is available on luxury packages on the company website.
“Our bookings were very solid last year and we see the same strength in 2008,” observed Cecile Carletti, responsible for sales at the exclusive Chateau de la Chevre d’Or in Eze, France. The hotel and restaurant which has two Michelin stars and offers breath taking views of the Mediterranean Sea has three restaurants and each of its rooms and suites are individually decorated in fine, antique furniture. When asked about the weakness of the dollar against the euro Ms. Carletti shrugs her well tanned shoulders and replies, “Yes, we are aware of it of course but our guests don’t appear to be greatly affected.”
Nor do the guests at another French Riviera landmark, the famous Carlton Intercontinental Hotel in Cannes. Built in 1911, the Carlton is a historic monument of Belle Époque design and construction and was the backdrop for Alfred Hitchcock’s 1956 classic movie “To Catch a Thief” with Cary Grant and the soon to be Princess Grace of Monaco.
But if the luxury hotels are crowded and the top restaurants all have long waiting lists, how can discriminating travelers organize their vacation in the South of France? To serve these demanding visitors, companies like Luxury Riviera Travel have pulled together special tours. These tours are usually limited to a small number of travelers and feature four star hotel accommodations.
For example, luxury tours generally feature basic programs that can be adapted to meet the needs and wants of its customers. These packages range from a gastronomic tour of Provence with stops in Michelin star properties and specially organized cooking classes by award winning chefs to packages that rent luxury yachts for a week and combines this with private on-shore visits to key points of interest. All the travelers’ needs are taken care of before they leave the States. Some programs are so all-inclusive that they include not only the top rooms in the top hotels, gourmet meals in Michelin restaurants that with drinks and wine but also private driver/guides that assure all ground transportation and excursions in luxury air-conditioned vehicles. Another major advantage of ‘super deluxe’ packages is that clients are treated as V.I.P. guests in each property. There is no language problem and, as many packages are paid in advance in U.S. dollars, no hassle over exchange rates.
However, should any problems arrive it’s good to select a travel packager that is on the spot and can immediately resolve any issues without having to call the States for instructions.
Paul Lacter is Director of European Operations for Luxury Riviera Travel, a leader in all-inclusive luxury vacation travel packages to the French Riviera and Provence.
More information is available on luxury packages on the company website.