Vacations travel

So you are considering becoming a Coastal Vacations Rep or have just signed up as a rep. Maybe you have already been in Coastal Vacations for a while and have had moderate success. Below are 5 tips that will help you to be successful with Coastal Vacations. Even if you are already successful
you can be even more so by following the tips you have not already implemented.

1
Sign up with someone who is very successful and emulate them. If you haven't already signed up
do some checking to make sure the person you are considering signing up with is really successful. If that person isn't
ask around about someone who is. You want a mentor who is going to give you the best advice on how to recruit other reps and sell the product.

2
Be prepared to work hard. This is possibly one of
if not the most important tips of all. So many people fall for the 'we do all the work for you' line and then are disappointed when the money isn't coming. If you really want to be successful
take action and do your own prospecting. People will respect that and you will have more credibility.

3
Get trained in using the new technologies available to you. Though you could use the generic website Coastal Vacations offers
it is best to design your own web site or have it designed for you with your own domain name. It should be designed to peak interest without giving away too much. Use various types of web pages and advertising to increase the number of prospects you have. Use an autoresponder to streamline your email communications.

4
Generate your own leads. Purchased leads are too much of a 'grab bag' to really be effective. You don't know if they are really interested in Coastal Vacations or if they just signed up on a generic page somewhere. They are more time consuming than they are worth. Use a sign up or 'squeeze' page specific to Coastal Vacations to generate your own leads. This is more likely to provide a high conversion rate because the leads signed up specifically to find out more from you about Coastal Vacations.

5
Use multiple advertising venues. There are quite a few options here. Pay per click search engines
Adwords
blogs
forums and text ads in newsletters and ezines are just a few advertising methods you can use. And remember to make sure that the link in these ads goes first to your squeeze page to capture the contact details of prospects.

Though there are many more good tips
these 5 tips provide a good start for you in your Coastal Vacations business. Check with fellow Coastal Vacations reps for many more tips.

Have you recently decided that you would like to have a Hawaii vacation? If you have
you may want to get started with your planning and the making of your reservations right away. While this is more than doable
you may also want to take the time to first examine Hawaii activities and attractions.

As important as it is to hear that you should first take the time to examine Hawaii attractions and activities
you may be wondering what the importance of doing so is. Five reasons why you should take the time to examine Hawaii activities and attractions are outlined below for your convenience.

1
– Can Help You Choose Your Hawaiian Destination

As you likely already know
Hawaii is a popular vacation destination. One of the many reasons for that is the options that you have
in terms of destinations. There are a number of Hawaiian Islands for you to choose from
including Maui
Oahu
Big Island
and more. Hawaii activities and attractions can help you choose the Hawaii destination that is perfect for your next trip.

When examining Hawaii activities and attractions
you will find many similarities
especially with activities. For example
surfing is a popular activity on all the Hawaiian Islands. With that in mind
you may want to take the time to find the beaches or islands that are known for having the best surfing conditions in Hawaii
and so forth.

2
– Can Help You Choose the Perfect Hawaii Vacation Rental

If you are interested in booking a stay at a Hawaii vacation rental
nearby activities and attractions can and should play a huge role in your rental choice. For example
if you are interested in participating in beach related activities
like boating
surfing
or scuba diving
you will want to closely examine beachfront Hawaii vacation rentals. On the other hand
if you are looking to hike through a national park
you will want to find vacation rentals near your intended destination.

Researching nearby activities and attractions
before booking a stay at a Hawaii vacation rental has a number of benefits. Two of those benefits include saved time and saved money. By ensuring that your Hawaii vacation rental is conveniently located
you can save on the cost of travel
whether it be the cost of public transportation or gas money
and you can save time
by eliminating unnecessary travel. This saved time and saved money can help you enjoy your next Hawaii vacation to its fullest extent.

3
– Can Help You Map Out Your Vacation

Although not knowing what you want to do and see until you arrive in Hawaii can add excitement to your vacation
it can also result in you missing out on a lot. That is why you may want to take the time to research Hawaii activities and attractions. If there is a lot that you want to do and see in Hawaii
a schedule or at least a casual plan can help you accomplish your goals.

4
– Lets You Know What You Need to Pack

Taking the time to research and examine nearby Hawaii attractions and activities can help you when it comes time to pack for your Hawaii vacation. For example
if you are interested in hiking through a national park
you will want to bring comfortable clothing and shoes. On the other hand
if you are looking to enjoy beach related activities
you will want to ensure that you bring your swimsuit and sunscreen.

5
– Lets You Know How Much You Can Expect to Spend

If you are taking a Hawaii vacation on a budget
you may be looking to limit your expenses. One of the best ways to avoid going over your budget involves preplanning many of your Hawaii activities. Many online websites let you know how much you have to pay in admission fees for Hawaii attractions. Even if you aren’t provided with a fee list
you should still be able to plan ahead for the expenses that may be associated with each Hawaii activity that you would like to participate in or each attraction you would like to visit.

The above mentioned reasons are just a few of the many why you should first take the time to examine Hawaii attractions and activities
before making your Hawaii vacation rental reservations. With the ability to use the internet to your advantage
as well as request free vacation guides
you have nothing to lose by doing so.

Located in South Carolina
Hilton Head Island offers a breathtaking
tropical-like atmosphere that stretches across 12 miles of land. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
numerous activities and attractions are offered at this exciting destination. Whether you wish to sink your toes deep into comforting sand or would like to enjoy an assortment of outdoor sporting events
Hilton Head makes a worthy location for your next vacation. Below you will find five reasons to plan a trip to this stimulating area:

Championship Golf Courses

Hilton Head is home to some of the best golf courses under the sun. The championship level of play attracts many notable participants in the various tournaments held in the area. For instance
the Harbour Town Golf Links may demand the most expensive in green fees
but allows the average player to share the same course with professionals. This is also where the Verizon Heritage tournament is held in April.

Beaches

Hilton Head offers 12 miles of beachfront land to explore
offering easy access to the Atlantic Ocean. This is one of the reasons why Hilton Head attracts so many to this intriguing destination. To enjoy the official beach season
each year visitors flock to the area between April 1st and September 30th. A few public accesses to the beach can be found off South Forest Beach Drive
off Coligny Circle
and at the end of Beach City Road.

Explore and Admire the Natural Beauty

The combination of sun
surf
and turf makes extremely inviting natural scenery that creates grassy dunes
lush forests
and tidal marshes. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful surroundings created by natures best. Hilton Head is considered a barrier island
which is comprised of a headland
beach
surf zone
and sand spit. This is the perfect mixture to provide a much-needed breath of fresh air.

Satisfying Sightseeing

When visiting Hilton Head
a trip to Harbour Town makes for a great sightseeing tour associated with the lap of luxury. This is where multi-million dollar yachts and homes are situated about various marinas. Famous celebrities have also bought into the land in Hilton Head
including singer-songwriter
John Mellencamp and former NBA star
Michael Jordan.

Wildlife Explorations

Hilton Head also serves as a haven for wildlife
so if you enjoy the company of animals
there will be plenty of opportunities to visit with the wild locals. Some of the residents include alligators
large water birds
deer
bobcats
mink
wild boars
the loggerhead turtle
and the bottle-nosed dolphin. To enjoy a guided nature tour and cruise
contact the Coastal Discovery Museum for excursions that visit points of nature interest
such as the Sea Pines Forest Preserve
and the Audubon-Newhall Preserve.

Looking for a great place to go on vacation? Try Dallas
TX on for size.

1
Super Shopping

Dallas has the most shopping centers in the nation. Shopping malls cover the city and stores range from budget to couture. The downtown boasts major flag stores and designer holdings
while NorthPark Center is home to beautiful boutiques and one-of-a-kind artisan shops.

2
Sports Madness

Dallas is home to every type of professional sport – meaning tourists can catch a game almost every day of the year. The Dallas Cowboys
the Texas Rangers
the Dallas Mavericks
and the Dallas Stars all call this city home.

3
Overload

As one of the wealthiest cities in the country
you can bet your bottom dollar that Dallas also has some of the best spas. With one of the highest spas per capita rates
the offerings in Dallas are both diverse and delightful. Whether you're looking for a quick manicure
or a full week of pampering
you'll find it here.

4
Round-up

The rodeo season in Dallas runs from early April through late September and it's huge. There are weekly competitions at the Cowtown Coliseum in nearby Fort Worth and at the Mesquite Championship Rodeo
as well as annual professional tours and major holiday events. If you're a rodeo fan
don't forget to check out the Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame
dedicated to honoring the women of the Wild West.

5
Tex-Mex

It's good
really good. You can find tasty Mexican fare for a few dollars or you can visit some of the best Tex-Mex restaurants in the country
from laid-back to upscale. Remember though
there are a number of “dry” areas in Dallas
this means that restaurants can only serve alcohol to “member” patrons. If you're hoping to enjoy a Margarita with your meal
double check before you book.

With over 30 million visitors a year
Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world. From the gorgeous mega-luxury hotels to the exclusive Vegas shows to the unbeatable buffets to the 24 hour casinos
Las Vegas has something for everyone.

More and more travellers are booking their Las Vegas trips online. So should you book your next Las Vegas vacation online? Here are the top 5 reasons to consider booking your Vegas vacation online:


1) Save Money

You don't have to pay travel agent commissions which can amount to significant savings of hundred of dollars. Plus there are direct-to-customer online travel services that give you special discounts just for booking online.


2) Convenience

Book your Vegas vacation from the comfort of your own home. You don't have to go out to pick up the tickets or haggle with travel agencies. You simply shop
click
book and print - easy as that. (and if you have questions
there's usually a toll free number you can call for 24 hour support)


3) Larger Selection of Las Vegas Packages:

Instead of just choosing from the latest travel agent specials you can choose from EVERYTHING that's available. You know what you want in a Las Vegas vacation better than anyone else - and you can easily browse everything that's available to you online.

Many online travel agents upload new vacation packages weekly so you can monitor the new packages being offered and find an amazing deal.


4) Easy To Search & Book

With easy search functions and large travel package databases
you simply plug in your search parameters and get a listing of possible trips
prices and descriptions. The easy search functions make it simple and fun to find the Las Vegas vacation of your dreams



5) Research Hotels and Find Out What Other Travellers Think - BEFORE You Get There

Ever travelled some place
got there and thought - 'I wish someone had told me what this place was really like before I spent all this money!'?

Now you can know what your Vegas hotel is like before you stay there. Many online travel agents have pictures
detailed descriptions and even downloadable brochures on each Las Vegas resort.

And some online travel agents are also introducing a Travellers' Opinions section where people can leave feedback and rate their hotel vacation experience. They rate hotels and also leave comments on their experience. This is a great tool for you to not only find out which hotels are popular with other travellers but you can usually also pick up other Vegas travel tips that can save you money.


Considering all this
it's no wonder that more and more people are booking their Las Vegas trip online
it's easier
cheaper and you end up making a better choice (and thus having a more enjoyable vacation).

When planning a trip to the Windy City
you will find there are plenty of Chicago attractions and activities to consider
including main sights
shopping opportunities
and entertaining cultural explorations. Regardless of what you planned before entering this exciting destination
you are sure to come across a variety of places to visit
which may include some of the following selections:

Navy Pier

While this attraction originally served the many freighters and water transportation on Lake Michigan in the mid-1910s
it is now recognized as one of the most well known of Chicago sights. On a daily basis
the pier features a wide range of entertainment options and interesting events. Before you even arrive at the pier
you may catch sight of the Ferris wheel
which stands 150 feet into the air. While an onsite 18-hole miniature golf course
musical carousel
and other indoor activities make a great distraction for children
adults also enjoy features of the site
such as the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
which provides access to a 500-seat courtyard theatre.

Sears Tower

Decorating the Chicago skyline
the Sears Tower is recognized as one of the tallest buildings in the United States. As a long-standing symbol of the city
tourists often flock to this attraction to enjoy one of the best views of Chicago. When visiting the tower on a clear day
the amazing view may include up to 40 to 50 miles of sightlines that reach parts of Michigan
Indiana
and even Wisconsin.

Shedd Aquarium

Many visitors to the city really enjoy a trip to the Shedd Aquarium
where the display of marine life provides an exceptional opportunity. While an aquarium may seem like a place where only children will find pleasure
adults also encounter a delightful outing when touring one of the most popular sights in Chicago. A variety of species that hail from all over the world can be found on the premises
which present a range of ordinary creatures to the truly exotic. Popular exhibits at Shedd include piranhas
anacondas
and the Caribbean reef display.

Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave)

If there was ever the perfect place to max out your credit cards
the Magnificent Mile
located along Michigan Avenue is situated in the great city of Chicago. Along this entertaining strip
you will find major hotels
such as the Four Seasons
Ritz Carlton
and the Conrad Hilton. The well-known Water Tower landmark is positioned on this same street
as well as a satisfying assortment of department stores and exclusive shops. Just to get an idea of the type of shopping awaiting your arrival includes the likes of retail giants such as Gucci
Coach
Chanel
Hugo Boss
Macy’s
and Tiffany & Co.

Chinatown

To explore an explosion of satisfying cultural finds
the Chicago Chinatown is the perfect place to enjoy a wide range of shops
restaurants
and neighborhood events. At any given moment
this section of the city may open to reveal exciting parades
entertaining festivals
and unique holiday celebrations. Many visitors enjoy a stop in Chinatown to get a good deal on a city-related souvenir or purchase an attractive Asian trinket. It is also the best place to savor the cuisine of the Orient.

When it comes to traveling
safety is a must. The perfect combination of common sense mixed in with a touch of technology can help to keep both you and your family safe and sound while on the go.

Perfect packing. When you’re leaving for a trip
it’s important to pack a lot more than just clothes and sunblock. Always make sure to have your cell phone and charger with you at all times
and make sure the battery is fully charged before you leave home. This will give you the ability to stay connected from anywhere.

Money matters. When traveling
it’s never a good idea to carry large amounts of cash. Instead
carrying at least one credit card will help to ensure that you are protected against theft. In the unlikely event that your wallet or purse is stolen
you can report it to the credit card immediately to prevent unauthorized use. For this reason
it’s important that you carry a list of telephone numbers for your credit card issuer(s) so that you can contact them immediately. This information should be kept separate from your wallet so that it will still be in your possession even if your card is not.

Stay in touch. Always make sure to let a friend or family member know where you are going and where you will be staying during your time away from home. It’s a good idea to let your friend or family member know that you will be calling when you arrive at your destination. It’s also a good idea to keep in touch occasionally while you are away
and always leave a telephone number where you can be reached.

Keep important numbers handy. Anytime you travel
it’s important to make a note of local emergency numbers
including hospitals
authorities
taxi services and other businesses that you think may be able to assist you if needed. You can find these numbers online or use a local telephone book upon your arrival.

Do your homework. One of the greatest things about traveling is the ability to see new things and experience new places
but it’s also important to keep safety in mind while exploring. Always have an accurate map of the area
which you can obtain from the local tourism office or chamber of commerce. If possible
call ahead and request that this information be mailed to you several weeks before your actual trip. This will allow you to have the map on hand when you arrive. Always travel in well lit areas and avoid places that seem to be deserted
especially after dark and in locations that you are unfamiliar with.

Now that you know how to protect yourself and your family during your time spent away from home
remember to enjoy all of the wonders that await your next vacation with the ones that you love.

If you are like many
the rising cost of gasoline may have you and your family in a financial crunch. Whether it’s getting back and forth to work
on weekend getaways or just to the grocery store
you will be glad to know that there are several ways to save money when it comes to your necessary commutes.

Carpool. If you live near colleagues who just happen to be traveling to work at the same time as you
it may be a good idea to carpool and save on the cost of gasoline. For instance
one colleague can drive one week and another the next. Depending on how many people you are commuting with
you could save a significant amount of money on gasoline costs and general everyday wear on your vehicle.

Drive slow. The harder your vehicle has to work
the more gasoline it will use. Not only is driving cautiously the safest thing to do
but it’s also an economical choice. When you accelerate and/or brake quickly
you will use more gasoline. Therefore
avoiding sudden actions could save you some extra bucks on the highway.

Scale down. We all know that some automobiles use more gasoline than others
so scaling down to a smaller vehicle will help you to save at the pump. When shopping for a more economical choice in automobiles
look for one that has good gas mileage per gallon.

Fill up when prices are down. You can save a significant amount of money by filling up your vehicle when gas prices are at a low point. Depending on your automobile
it may be difficult to let go of this much cash all at once
but it will save you money in the long-run.

Don’t leave your motor running unnecessarily. Many people
especially during the warm summer months
will leave their automobile and air conditioner running while they go into the store. Instead
roll down the windows or just wait until you return to the car and turn the air conditioner back on. Remember
it’s important that you never leave children or pets inside of the vehicle.

The information contained in this article is designed for reference purposes only. It should not be used as
in place of or in conjunction with professional financial or motor vehicle operational advice. For more information on your automobile’s gas mileage
refer to the owner’s manual that accompanied your vehicle.

The honeymoon will always be an important aspect in every wedding plan no matter how tight the budget is. While the wedding ceremony is the highlight of every relationship ending up in the altar
the couple will always look forward to the honeymoon.

Every newly- wedded couple will always feel the stress of wedding preparations. Even couples who are wise enough and who are capable of getting a wedding planner will not be exempt from the after- wedding desire to be stress- free. Thus
almost all couples will always consider their honeymoon the best part of getting married.

Honeymoon is a time to rest after all the wedding- related stress; it is a time to enjoy the company of each other away from the peering eyes of friends and relatives. It is a time for the couple to get to know each other better and intimately.

While majority of couples want their honeymoon to be wonderful
there is always the financial aspect that they have to contend with. The wedding ceremony may be the focal point of the whole preparation but the preparation itself requires a budget. The bride and groom and the entourage has to pay for their wedding dresses and tuxedos. The couple has to pay for the wedding services
the license
the wedding cake
the dinner and all wedding requirements.

What usually happens is that the couple spends too much on the wedding preparation that they end up having little and sometimes no budget for the honeymoon. But who said a couple could not have a romantic honeymoon if they o not have a large budget?

A honeymoon is basically already a romantic event because it is the time when the newly- wedded couple bond with each other. This alone should make the honeymoon romantic and memorable. Of course
there are at least five ways to make honeymoon a memorable event
even for a meager budget.

Every couple should take note of these five honeymoon money saving tips so they can have a fabulous time on their honeymoon without worrying about large financial requirements.

1
Avail of the services of a honeymoon registry so the guests will know what you need and want as a wedding gift

Gone are the days when a couple has to suffer in silence while opening the fifth identical wedding gift they have received; a dinnerware set. Through the wedding registry
the couple can inform the guests that they want or that they are in need of a honeymoon package. Guests who can afford such package can give them a free honeymoon instead of giving a gift that the couple does not need or a gift that they already have. Some of their friends may pool their resources together and gift them with a honeymoon package. This would mean great savings for the couple as well as a fabulous and free honeymoon.

2
Plan the honeymoon ahead of time and avail of promotions offered by resorts as early as one year away from the wedding date

Planning is till the best way to keep your resources intact and become more cost effective in your expenditures. With proper planning
the couple can take advantage of honeymoon packages or resort promotions offered by resort owners. There are honeymoon destinations that are offering big discounts for reservations made ahead of time. Some even offer as much as fifty percent discount for couples who book their honeymoon months before their wedding. This is to ensure the future income of the resorts. By availing of these promotions
the couple will not only be able to save on their finances but will also be able to plan their honeymoon itinerary ahead of time.

3
Spend your honeymoon in a fabulous tourist island but take advantage of home- stay programs offered by some areas

Some areas offer home- stay programs to promote their tourism at a lower cost. Local governments sometimes promote their tourism by gathering responsible folks and training them to become home- stay partners. Under this scheme
the homes of respected locals are accredited by the tourism officials and they become official tourist h9ome- hotels. Home stay accommodations are generally less expensive than hotels. Availing of this package can save the couple thousands of dollars that would have been spent for hotel accommodation alone.

4
Why not try being one with nature and go camping for your honeymoon instead of staying in an expensive hotel?

Couples who are nature lovers can go backpacking for their honeymoon and enjoy others company with only the moon and the stars as witnesses. His could be the best and the most romantic idea for a non- expensive honeymoon. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for hotel accommodations save the money for other important matters and take a nice trip to a deserted island.

5
Timing is important so plan your honeymoon
if not the wedding during off season

Tourist and honeymoon facilities offer as much as fifty percent discount for tourists who would visit their establishments during non- peak seasons. Do not time the honeymoon with summer or other dates when tourists would be flocking to the islands or resorts because this would be very expensive. Visit these areas during the off- peak season can mean less cost and more privacy.

Each year
the Humpback Whales migrate around 4
0
miles
from summer feeding grounds in Alaska
to mate in Hawaii's warm waters.

During mating season
Humpback Whales are more active resulting in elevated surface activity which makes Hawaii a popular destination for whale watching. This exciting surface behavior
such as breaching and tail slaps
make for exciting whale watching in Hawaii.

As a Hawaii local and avid waterman
I have 5 simple tips that will help you get the most out of your Hawaii whale watching adventure. So before planning your next Hawaii vacation
follow these tips and you might just have an unforgettable whale encounter!

1
Plan Your Trip During Peak Months

Humpback Whales begin arriving in Hawaii in November and head back to Alaska in late May. If you have planned a Hawaii vacation during this time
you should have no problem spotting whales. However
peak Hawaii whale watching season occurs during February and March. So if you have not made your travel arrangements yet
shoot for these months.

2
Visit Islands Known For Whale Watching

Maui
Kauai and the Big Island are the most popular islands for Hawaii whale watching
so plan to visit one of these islands on your vacation. If you are visiting Oahu
you can see whales there too
they just won't be as abundant.

3
Plan A Boat Tour

Hawaii whale watching tours are ideal for seeing these spectacular animals in their natural habitat. Not only will you be in the whale's environment
but because humpback whales are curious about their surrounding
they will sometimes approach your boat. Plan a Hawaii boat tour to truly get the most out of your whale watching adventure.

Boat tours are available departing from Lahaina Harbor many times throughout the day during whale season. On the Big Island and the island of Kauai
whale-watching opportunities abound with a full schedule of tours provided by seasoned
knowledgeable guides.

Humpback whales may also be observed from land if you prefer solid ground to the deck of a boat. On Kauai the Kilauea Lighthouse
Kealia Lookout and various high-points of land in coastal areas are good places to start. Once you're in the right place
spotting the whales is easy: just look for the majestic plumes of water ("blows") rising in the air and the playful splashes made by these gigantic creatures.

4
Respect their space

In Hawaii
whale watching is an avid activity
and like with most outdoors activities
there are rules. Observers may not approach by vessel or by swimming within 100 yards of a whale (known as the 100-yard minimum rule). However
there is no rule that keeps whales from approaching people. Experienced leaders of Hawaii whale watching tours know how to gently approach these animals and encourage them to come closer.

5
Preserve the Humpback Whale

The humpback whale almost came to extinction in 1966 after mass commercial whaling during the early 20th century. Today there are approximately 30
0
to 40
0
humpbacks worldwide. Federal laws protect them
but there are things we can all do to help preserve this amazing animal for future whale watching generation.

* Keep beaches and waters clean and debris-free
* Participate only in responsible whale watching activities
* Support efforts to stop illegal whaling
* Support legislation
research and preservation programs
* Patronize eco-friendly companies and organizations

You can read books about whales
but with so many opportunities to see them up-close and personal
there's no reason why you shouldn't start thinking now about your next Hawaii whale watching tour. It's fun
it's easy and it's a great experience for the whole family.

If you are traveling to Virginia for great times camping
one of the great places to go camping in Virginia is the American Heritage RV Park. Situated around the well-known town of Williamsburg
this historical area gives the entire family something to do and see. This area is not just for camping
but for adventure as well.

The Bethpage Camp Resort is another spectacular campground with so many activities to do. You can try your hand at volleyball or get a group together for some horseshoes. The only thing you can do at this campground is have a great time. You will see some beautiful scenery as you look out over the Rappahannock River.

Stay at a campground surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and enjoy a beautiful view of the mountain all day long. Heavenly Acres Campgrounds is all that
the heavenly views of the mountains as you sit and listen to the wildlife and enjoy real outdoors adventures
provides the entire family with a sense of peace.

If your plan is to experience camping at its best with just a tent and the necessaries
Shenandoah River Outfitters’ Camp Outback fills this desire. Sitting just a short distance from the Shenandoah River
you can sit and relax by a crackling fire and listen to the river waters run wild. Tents only at the campgrounds
therefore everyone will enjoy a true camping experience.

Virginia is a wonderful place to try your hand at camping and another one of the great places to go camping in Virginia is Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park. If you need some comforts from home
this campground will provide all that. They have a lounge for the TV watcher and nightly movies. Play some tennis or some volleyball
but always take some time for relaxing by a nice cozy warm fire at night.

Get ready to discover all the fun
exciting tourist things to do and see in the beautiful Sonoma Wine Country in Northern California has to offer you… and some are totally free.. yes FREE!

1
Wash Away Your Worries with an Enzyme Bath

At Osmosis Spa
you can get a private enzyme bath that purifies your body
moisturizes skin
and soothes your soul. Set in a Japanese tea garden
you start with an organic herbal tea that contains enzymes from 25 organic plants
triggering a metabolic process enhanced by the hot bath.

Then
you soak in the warm water. As your body sweats out the toxins
you can relax
listening to meta-music designed to balance brain activity. This is followed by a 75-minute massage and facial.

2
Bond with Family and Friends at Armstrong Redwoods

Bring a picnic basket
a camera
and your loved ones to Armstrong Redwoods
an 805-meter park filled with ancient tree groves
nature trails
and numerous picnic and recreational facilities. Here you’ll find some of the oldest and tallest redwoods in California—over 300 feet high
and dating back to over 1
400
years.

The park is located about two miles north of Santa Rosa
and is accessible from Highway 101. Just turn left on River Road
then drive down to Guerneville. At the second traffic signal
turn right on Armstrong Road. For more Information
call (707) 869-2015.

3
Feel Like a Pioneer on Pt Reyes’ Hiking Trails

Point Reyes offers about 140 miles of hiking trails— and a view that displays Nature at its most pristine and majestic. Escape from the noise and pollution of the city
and imagine how California looked centuries ago.

Visitors will be given a free trail map
which shows both the hiking and the biking trails (however
those who go on foot will be able to explore the wilderness area
for the complete ‘pioneer’ experience). You can also ride horses.

The terrain is quite diverse
shifting from pasture lands to chaparral rides and forests and meadowlands. Visitors can customize their hike according to personal preference and experience.

4
Celebrate California’s Creative Spirit

California has a thriving artists; community
and some of the best works of today’s most promising creative minds are on display at the Arts Council of Sonoma Country Gallery.

The Gallery is found in Santa Rosa’s Downtown Area
on 529 Fifth Street. It is open on Wednesday to Friday from 12 - 5 pm
and Saturdays from 12 - 4 pm. However
on October 13
14
20
and 21
the Gallery extends its hours from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free. For more information
call 707-579-ARTS or visit http://www.artrails.org

5
Drink in Golden California

California’s Sonoma and Napa regions are renowned for their fine wine. Take a tour of the most renowned vineyards and discover how your favorite vintage is made—from how the grapes ripen under the golden California sun
to the centuries-old fermenting process.

You can also book a “scenic air tour” at http://www.SonomaCountyAirport.com. It’s an experience of a lifetime which takes your journey to “new heights” through an aerial tour of the region’s vineyards and famous wineries.

The site also helps busy tourists and businessmen with their travel needs—so you start relaxing even when you’re planning your vacation. Now that’s worth a toast!

Are you in the process of planning your next Maui vacation? If you are
have you decided that you would like to rent a Maui condo for the duration of your trip? If you have
you will soon find that you have a number of different options. There are a large number of beautiful Maui condos for you to choose from. These options are nice
but they can make choosing a condo rental seem like a complicated and overwhelming process.

When it comes to choosing a Maui condo rental
there are many first time vacationers who wonder how they can go about finding the best condo rental for their needs. If this is a concern of yours
you will want to continue reading on. Below
five factors that you will want to consider
when examining Maui rental condos
are outlined.

1
– Location

The Hawaiian Island of Maui is filled with a number of popular vacation destinations. Before choosing a Maui condo to rent
it is important that you first decide which area of Maui you would like to visit. This will enable you to save time and money associated with the costs of unnecessary travel.

2
– Nearby Activities

As previously stated
you will want to choose a Maui condo rental that is conveniently located near what you want to do and see. One of the best ways to go about finding this perfect location is by taking the time to examine Maui activities and attractions.

When examining Maui activities and attractions
you may want to request free Maui vacation guides. You can also use the internet to your advantage. Maui is home to a number of wonderful attractions
including the Haleakala National Park and the Iao Valley State Park
as well as activities
including swimming
scuba diving
and surfing.

3
– Vacation Condo Rules and Restrictions

Once you have determined where in Maui you would like to stay
you will then want to start examining available Maui vacation condos. When doing so
you will want to examine condo rental rules and restrictions. It is fairly common to see a number of rules and restrictions associated with vacation rentals in Hawaii. While these rules and restrictions are likely to vary
you may find a maximum guest allowance
adult only condos
and so forth. First examining rules and restrictions will enable you to find the vacation condo that is truly the perfect match for you.

4
– Vacation Condo Features and Amenities

In addition to any rules or restrictions
should they exist
it is also important that you thoroughly examine all features and amenities. What is nice about Maui condo rental features and amenities is they are what truly allows you to have the vacation of your dreams. For example
if you are looking to take in the beauty of Hawaii
you can choose a Maui condo rental that comes equipped with a beach view. Other features that you will likely find include cable or satellite television
internet access
and dishwasher access.

5
– Cost

Cost is
perhaps
the most important factor to take into consideration
when looking for a Maui condo rental to make reservations at. Cost will play a huge role in your selection process. In fact
you may first want to decide how much you can afford to spend on a Maui condo rental. This will enable you to automatically skip over condo rental listings that are more than you can afford. This approach can save you a considerable amount of time.

In addition to examining the rental fees for a Maui vacation condo
it is also important that you examine other additional fees. When renting a Maui condo
you may be required to put down a security deposit
as well as pay a non-refundable cleaning fee.

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many that you will want to take into consideration
when looking to choose a Maui condo to rent for your next Maui vacation. To increase your chances of finding the Maui condo of your dreams
you will want to take the time to examine as many condos as possible. Somewhere within all of these vacation rental listings
you should be able to find the vacation condo rental of your dreams.

Any amount of savings when you travel means a lot when you cannot afford to loose an extra buck. You try your best to come up with several ways to save those extra bucks and see that there are 5 different ways of getting really cheap airline tickets for your next flight.

Buying a return ticket – Perhaps the easiest way to keep some money in your pocket a little longer is to buy a return ticket. Most airline companies offer rebates for return flight tickets with only a slight difference on a one way ticket. If you plan to return on a definite date
make sure buy return tickets ahead of time. Also
there are some instances where traveling on regular days is cheaper than traveling during weekends. Weekends are much busier than weekdays and the demand for airline tickets are higher. Thus prices are higher on certain dates where demand is also high. If you think it is advantageous for you to travel during weekdays and return on a next weekdays
you can grab really cheap airline ticket for sure.

Internet – The internet is pretty basic and it is already in front of your nose if you want to find really cheap airline ticket. While reading this
you can even start opening the links attached and find your way to a cheap airline tickets. Here you can research on several different discount ticket sites that offer really cheap airline tickets anywhere in the world. The trick actually lies in the prices of tickets on discount ticket sites which vary day in and day out. Oftentimes
these discount ticket sites offer the same type of ticket on the same day of the same destination with different prices. If you want to get really cheap airline ticket wherever you want to go
it pays to visit at least 3 discount ticket sites in the web and do a comparison.

Don’t Settle for Big Airline Companies – Big airline companies offer big service to big clients. They have more expensive ticket prices due to the amount of advertisement and marketing they incur in order to maintain their fame. Try not to fly with them. Instead
go for smaller airline companies which can provide good service at the same time cheaper airline ticket prices.

Keep your trip more flexible – If you are not on the rush and would not mind saving on money than getting to a destination as quick as possible
keep your options open. Again this would need an internet to work. You need to search for all the possibilities where you can compare ticket prices. Try to look for flights during midnight or connecting flights. Make a comparison against several others so you will discover a really cheap airline ticket that is right for your budget.

Plan to travel longer - Most of the time
it pays to take a bus from one city to another
and then take the flight from there than getting on a airplane directly on your city. If for example you are traveling from San Diego to Seattle. Try to take a bus From San Diego to Los Angeles then take a plane from L.A. to Seattle. Or
if you want to go a little further
ride a bus from San Diego to Sacramento
then take a plane there. Chances are you have saved a lot before you know it! These are only 5. There are more. If you really want cheap to get cheap airline ticket
explore more possibilities like taking on vacation packages
last minute discount and accepting courier flights. In these ways
you will no longer have to pay full the next time you travel by air.

Any amount of savings when you travel means a lot when you cannot afford to loose an extra buck. You try your best to come up with several ways to save those extra bucks and see that there are 5 different ways of getting really cheap airline tickets for your next flight.

Buying a return ticket – Perhaps the easiest way to keep some money in your pocket a little longer is to buy a return ticket. Most airline companies offer rebates for return flight tickets with only a slight difference on a one way ticket. If you plan to return on a definite date
make sure buy return tickets ahead of time. Also
there are some instances where traveling on regular days is cheaper than traveling during weekends. Weekends are much busier than weekdays and the demand for airline tickets are higher. Thus prices are higher on certain dates where demand is also high. If you think it is advantageous for you to travel during weekdays and return on a next weekdays
you can grab really cheap airline ticket for sure.

Internet – The internet is pretty basic and it is already in front of your nose if you want to find really cheap airline ticket. While reading this
you can even start opening the links attached and find your way to a cheap airline tickets. Here you can research on several different discount ticket sites that offer really cheap airline tickets anywhere in the world. The trick actually lies in the prices of tickets on discount ticket sites which vary day in and day out. Oftentimes
these discount ticket sites offer the same type of ticket on the same day of the same destination with different prices. If you want to get really cheap airline ticket wherever you want to go
it pays to visit at least 3 discount ticket sites in the web and do a comparison.

Don’t Settle for Big Airline Companies – Big airline companies offer big service to big clients. They have more expensive ticket prices due to the amount of advertisement and marketing they incur in order to maintain their fame. Try not to fly with them. Instead
go for smaller airline companies which can provide good service at the same time cheaper airline ticket prices.

Keep your trip more flexible – If you are not on the rush and would not mind saving on money than getting to a destination as quick as possible
keep your options open. Again this would need an internet to work. You need to search for all the possibilities where you can compare ticket prices. Try to look for flights during midnight or connecting flights. Make a comparison against several others so you will discover a really cheap airline ticket that is right for your budget.

Plan to travel longer - Most of the time
it pays to take a bus from one city to another
and then take the flight from there than getting on a airplane directly on your city. If for example you are traveling from San Diego to Seattle. Try to take a bus From San Diego to Los Angeles then take a plane from L.A. to Seattle. Or
if you want to go a little further
ride a bus from San Diego to Sacramento
then take a plane there. Chances are you have saved a lot before you know it! These are only 5. There are more. If you really want cheap to get cheap airline ticket
explore more possibilities like taking on vacation packages
last minute discount and accepting courier flights. In these ways
you will no longer have to pay full the next time you travel by air.

Any amount of savings when you travel means a lot when you cannot afford to loose an extra buck. You try your best to come up with several ways to save those extra bucks and see that there are 5 different ways of getting really cheap airline tickets for your next flight.

Buying a return ticket – Perhaps the easiest way to keep some money in your pocket a little longer is to buy a return ticket. Most airline companies offer rebates for return flight tickets with only a slight difference on a one way ticket. If you plan to return on a definite date
make sure buy return tickets ahead of time. Also
there are some instances where traveling on regular days is cheaper than traveling during weekends. Weekends are much busier than weekdays and the demand for airline tickets are higher. Thus prices are higher on certain dates where demand is also high. If you think it is advantageous for you to travel during weekdays and return on a next weekdays
you can grab really cheap airline ticket for sure.

Internet – The internet is pretty basic and it is already in front of your nose if you want to find really cheap airline ticket. While reading this
you can even start opening the links attached and find your way to a cheap airline tickets. Here you can research on several different discount ticket sites that offer really cheap airline tickets anywhere in the world. The trick actually lies in the prices of tickets on discount ticket sites which vary day in and day out. Oftentimes
these discount ticket sites offer the same type of ticket on the same day of the same destination with different prices. If you want to get really cheap airline ticket wherever you want to go
it pays to visit at least 3 discount ticket sites in the web and do a comparison.

Don’t Settle for Big Airline Companies – Big airline companies offer big service to big clients. They have more expensive ticket prices due to the amount of advertisement and marketing they incur in order to maintain their fame. Try not to fly with them. Instead
go for smaller airline companies which can provide good service at the same time cheaper airline ticket prices.

Keep your trip more flexible – If you are not on the rush and would not mind saving on money than getting to a destination as quick as possible
keep your options open. Again this would need an internet to work. You need to search for all the possibilities where you can compare ticket prices. Try to look for flights during midnight or connecting flights. Make a comparison against several others so you will discover a really cheap airline ticket that is right for your budget.

Plan to travel longer - Most of the time
it pays to take a bus from one city to another
and then take the flight from there than getting on a airplane directly on your city. If for example you are traveling from San Diego to Seattle. Try to take a bus From San Diego to Los Angeles then take a plane from L.A. to Seattle. Or
if you want to go a little further
ride a bus from San Diego to Sacramento
then take a plane there. Chances are you have saved a lot before you know it! These are only 5. There are more. If you really want cheap to get cheap airline ticket
explore more possibilities like taking on vacation packages
last minute discount and accepting courier flights. In these ways
you will no longer have to pay full the next time you travel by air.

The idea of partying on the beach is universally appealing
conjuring up images of dancing from sunset to sunrise on golden sands
with bonfires
great music
crashing waves and cocktails in the mix.

From Ibiza to Miami
there are as many types of beach parties as there are party-people looking for a good time. From down and dirty dancing to celebrity-spotting socializing
read on for the 5 best party beaches in the world!

IBIZA
SPAIN

The name Ibiza has been synonymous with the phrase ‘beach party’ ever since the late ‘80’s when the former hangout of hippies and flower-children
metamorphosized into the party capital of the world. Stars
celebs and models all love to get down at the clubs dotted around this picturesque Spanish isle. The Playa d’en Bossa Beach is the longest stretch of beach on the island with its bars and caf้s. The far end of the beach (away from Ibiza Town) is calmer
with less people and house music. But for the definitive Ibiza beach party
head to Bora Bora
half way along d'en Bossa beach. Ibiza is also known as a gay-friendly beach party destination.

MYKONOS
GREECE

With its welcoming locals and trendy beach bars oceanside
Mykonos is another great place to party on the sands. Head to Paradise Beach Bar
located right on the beach between the palm trees. Here the partying starts early - from 2 pm – and goes on till sunrise the following day. This breathtakingly beautiful island is another favourite destination of the world’s fashionable party-set
so expect to enjoy celebrity-spotting while you dance the night away. Lots of places of historical and cultural interest
plus great tanning opportunities
mean you’ll never be bored while waiting for the fun to begin.

SOUTH BEACH
MIAMI

Where the beautiful people hang out – South Beach offers all the partying you’ll ever need. Although not strictly speaking ON the beach
the numerous fabulous clubs sprinkled along this expensive coastline are so hot that they bring the beach atmosphere right inside. This is where the posh people party
but the good times only get under way from 11 pm
so strolling along the beach
dining out or having a drink in the earlier part of the evening is recommended to avoid arriving too early. Many top model agencies send scouts to South Beach - you never know who might spot you on one of the awesome dance floors. The beach itself is stunning
with white
baby-powder sands caressed by the Atlantic. Not only can you dine here during the day but when the sun goes down you can have fun at the beds on stilts at Nikki Beach.

BLOOMINGDALE AAN ZEE
HOLLAND

This event-venue opened nearly 7 years ago as a beach party for Amsterdam locals. The club has grown to accommodate 2 400 revelers with both in- and out-of-door areas. The setting is one of the most aesthetic on the Netherlands coast. Bloomingdales is renowned for its all-day Sunday parties held regularly throughout the year. The music tends towards chilled
laid-back tunes
perfect for the beach-setting. Top DJ’s are hosted regularly here.

CAMPS BAY
CAPE TOWN
SOUTH AFRICA

The white sands of this beautiful beach are popular throughout summer with both locals and international visitors to the Mother City of Cape Town
South Africa. With bars
cafes and restaurants right along the Camps Bay strip there are always trendy and beautiful people spilling out of these venues on to the beach. While volley ball and tanning are popular by day
sundowners and impromptu beach parties are on from early evening to well past midnight. Enjoy music
fire-jugglers and drumming around the huge bonfires which are lit during the summer holiday season.

So if sun
sand and sea make put you in the mood for some sexy partying – why leave the beach? Head for one of these 5 hot spots and the party need never end!

Dynamism and physical activity are the fundamental requirements of a true sporting holiday. Sport lovers are often demanding of an active holiday with plenty of physical activity and well-being for the body and the mind.

Doing physical activity also on holiday is the special mission of the Hotels for sport enthusiasts. From triathlon to bicycle racing
these hotels propose the active holiday and make sure that every sports need is satisfied.

The hotels on the Adriatic Riviera offer four ways of practicing sport while on holiday:

- Cycling holiday
- MTB holiday
- Triathlon holiday (Cycling + Swimming + Racing)
- Holiday in the swimming-pool (swimming)

The Hotels for sport enthusiasts offer targeted services for each type of holiday.

Hotels for riders and bike services for road racing holidays and mountain bike holidays: technical equipment
specialized guides
cycling-tourism tracks
and participation in the various cycling races organized locally.

These are the bike facilities:

- bicycle storeroom
- Pre and post-training buffet
- A minibus
- Cycling itineraries (maps of the itineraries in the inland area) selected and divided according to level of difficulty.
- Technical assistance - Tailor-made bicycle hire
- Fitness and massages
- Laundry service.

For the triathlon enthusiasts
there are special cycling/swimming/racing tracks to train every body part and experience the adrenalin of sport at 360ฐ.

The service for triathlon are:

- bicycle facilities
- bicycle guides
- swimming facilities
- running facilities

The hills over Riccione
for example
are particularly suitable for cycling and the Province of Rimini can provide cycling-tourism maps that will guide bike lovers.

For those who feel like “fishes”
Riccione offers the opportunity of swimming in the heated swimming-pool with swimming instructors.

The swimming services are:

- Large pool:
- Olympic-sized pool
- Packed lunch
- Assistance (for example advanced swimming lessons)
- Towels and bathrobes
- Special agreements

In addition to all this
relax treatments
from massage to sauna
are the best way to relax the muscles after the tiring but enjoyable sports activities.

The Adriatic Riviera and the Hotels in Riccione are the ideal dimension for sports people who
while on holiday
want not only to enjoy the inland
the food
the beaches and the entertainment offered by the local area
but also and
first of all
want to keep in shape through the many chances of doing sport.

To live a special sportive holiday the Sport Hotel in Italy and especially in Riccione propose a lot of event during the evening to relax an to be ready for the next sport activity.

This kind of holiday is very diffused in Italy and every year a lot of cycling lovers choose a bike holiday to live between sport and nature.

Italian Regions offer a lot of bike itineraries
from the mountain to the sea and during their journey the guest could participate to important cycling races in Italy. The Nove Colli for example is one of the most famous race that gives fame to Marco Pantani.

Italy and Italian bike hotel could offer an complete sport holiday full of activity
history and emotion.

To be diffused with Creative Commons license (the article source must be mentioned with a link in html).

One of the most relaxing vacations you can take right now is an ocean cruise. Many people have the belief that a cruise will cost them more than they can afford
but there are some good tips that can help you get the cruise you want at a price that fits your budget.

1
Cruise ships have set itineraries so they want their ships to be at full capacity each time they leave the port. If you schedule your cruise vacation for the off season you can save as much as 50% of the cost during peak season. Keep a close eye on last minute deals too. Many cruise lines will offer much lower prices to sell those remaining spots instead of setting sail with them unsold.

2
Take the time to look at everything a cruise package is offering you. Most of them are all inclusive meaning everything on the ship is included in one price. Yet there are many amenities that you won’t be using you are throwing your money away. Look for a cruise that only offers the items you will be likely to use.

3
When you book your cruise you will be offered many different options for your accommodations. The more room you have and the nicer they are
the more expensive they will be. Yet on a cruise most people only spend time in their room to sleep and shower. You can save a great deal of money going with more basic accommodations.

4
If you can get a large group of people to book the same cruise
you will likely be able to save 15% or 20%. A group in generally considered 20 people or more. The entire group will get the discount on the portion they are responsible to pay. Make sure you find out which cruise line can offer you the best deal before you commit to one.

Three popular ideas today
and not particularly in this order
are: working from home
running a travel business and blogging on the Internet. It’s no secret that as computers and the Internet grow in popularity
so do the numbers of people who leave their jobs daily round the world to work from home. And it’s also no secret that the travel industry is among those industries earning big bucks
as referenced by Coastal Vacation and others in the trillions of dollars category earners. Plus it’s no secret that blogging is a blockbuster idea
a new concept that took off at the end of the 1990’s.

But look out when you combine all three of these big ideas together. They can sure pack a powerful punch! And here are three ways to turn this punch into profits…

1
Working at home
Coastal Vacation and blogging are all easy to do
quick to set up. No excuses. Just set up - and start selling!

There is no huge learning curve with any of these ideas. You’re probably already online reading this
and at home
so hook up a blog in a jiff at a cheap place like http://GoDaddy.com for roughly $2.99 per month
unless you know how to set up and maintain a Wordpress blog on your own hosting. Learn more about Coastal Vacations and ask how to get started with your own package
even if you go in on one with others in your family or other friends
etc. And voila
you’re up and running!

2
Working at home
Coastal Vacation and blogging are all authentic. Get your ducks in a row
then start selling
start earning.

Who hasn’t had enough with hype
cheap products and services
and down right junk? Well you get none of that with this powerful trio. With more and more people working from home today than ever before
at-home status is no longer taboo in the business world. People have earned the right to work from home
even many trusted travel agents and sales representatives who earn a good living online from home posting to their blogs with helpful articles
full color product brochures
multi-media files like movies and more. Add your authentic materials and other info to your blog; testimonials
product info
personal bio
multi-media files
etc. and stand out from the crowd.

3
Working at home
Coastal Vacation and blogging can all be marketed many ways as one solid package chock-full of benefits to make you more money. Use any number of these ways - - and more - - and start selling
start earning:

-With e-mail marketing. Send out brief e-mail messages to friends
prospects and website visitors with teasers or email sigs (signatures) that link to your blog.

-With autoresponder series and a subscription to your blog. Invite people to subscribe to your blog and to autoresponder messages about your products and services so they’ll learn more and become customers
referring their friends and family
too.

-With surveys
RSS feeds and comments. Invite interaction by submitting your blog’s RSS feeds to RSS directories
and through surveys on your blog. Invite comments on blog posts
too.


So give this powerful trio a try. Working at home
Coastal Vacation and blogging can help you with a powerful option to get ahead today.

Have you recently decided that you would like to take a Hawaii trip
namely a Kailua trip? If you have
you may want to get started with making your reservations. When it comes to making your Kailua vacation reservations
you will find that you have a number of different options.

One of the many ways that you can go about booking your next Kailua vacation involves visiting one of your local travel agencies. Using a travel agent to book your vacation is a nice option to have. Many individuals who are pressed for time or those who do not have the desire to research all of their Kailua vacation options turn to travel agents. Professional travel agents have experience with planning quality and relatively affordable vacations
including Hawaiian vacations.

Another one of your options
when looking to book a stay at a Kailua vacation rental
involves making your reservations directly through the vacation home owner. This approach is one that is nice
as you are likely get each and every one of your questions answered and accurately. There are a number of different ways that you can go about making direct contact with Kailua vacation rental owners.

Finally
your third option
when looking to book a stay at a Kailua vacation home or when looking to plan your Kailua vacation in general
involves using online travel websites. Online travel websites are websites that list a number of vacation rentals and many also allow you to book your airline reservations as well.

Now that you know what your options are
when looking to plan your next Kailua vacation
you may be wondering which options is best for you. It is important to note that each of the above mentioned options have their plus sides
as well as their downsides. As for using the services of a professional travel agent
you will find that they are convenient
but there are no guarantees that you will like the results. If you are looking for something in particular
you will want to assist your travel agent along every step of the way. When doing so
it may be within your best interest to just make your own Kailua travel arrangements.

Speaking of making your own Kailua vacation travel arrangements
it was outlined above how you can make reservations at a Kailua vacation rental directly through the owner. While this option is nice
as you will be in contact with the individual who knows the rental property inside and out
there are also a few downsides to making your reservations directly and independently. One of those downsides is the time you can spend researching each of your options. Many vacation homeowners have their own websites or advertise their rentals locally. It may be difficult and time consuming for you to find other vacation rentals to compare.

As for using an online travel website to book your next Kailua vacation
you will find that there are an unlimited number of benefits to using this approach. In fact
online travel websites are increasing in popularity. One of the many reasons why you should look into booking your next Kailua vacation through an online travel website is because of saved time. Online travel websites
especially those that deal specifically with Hawaii vacations
have multiple vacation rentals to choose from. This makes comparing size
price
and location as easy as possible. You may be surprised how many vacation rentals you can examine in just a few minutes with an online travel website.

As previously stated
online travel websites often allow you to do more than just make reservations for a Kailua vacation rental. Many online travel websites also allow you to make other travel arrangements
such as those for airline reservations. Even if you are unable to book your travel arrangements in the form of a vacation package
there are still a number of benefits to making your Kailua vacation reservations all at the same place
as well as at the same time.

As outlined above
making your next Kailua vacation rental reservations through an online travel website
especially one that deals specifically with Hawaiian vacations
has a number of benefits. While you do have a number of travel websites to choose from
you will want to take the time to examine HawaiianBeachRentals.com.

When traveling to any other country
may it be the Philippines or Holland or Zimbabwe
you’re sure to come across all kinds of hassles and obstacles that could give you a pressing headache and make you wish that you’re back at home sweet home. But it’s really not necessary to go all through that with the right amount of preparation and research. When traveling to another country
you should always expect the unexpected and make sure you have a contingency plan for each situation you might find yourself in. And in your trip to the Philippines
here are a few suggestions you could take to make your trip to the Philippines hassle free.

Philippine Travel Tip #1 – Weather This
Weather That
When you’re in Dubai
you’re sure to expect extreme heat during the day and extreme cold during the night. In the Philippines
however
there are no extremities in temperature to watch out for. If you’re going to travel to the Philippines between the months of March till May
be sure to bring lots of light clothes because it’s the hot and dry season. During the months of June till October
it’s the rainy season that would greet you on your Philippine travel. Lastly
the months of November till February are possibly the best times of the year to travel in the Philippines because it’s cool but dry. But to be more specific
if you want your trip to the Philippines unmarred by the occasional typhoon
set your travel date between the middle of December till mid-May.

Philippine Travel Tip #2 – Everything’s Within A Call Away?
Manila
the capital city of the Philippines
is also dubbed as the texting capital of the world because everyone
and I do mean everyone
has got a cellphone – or two! – in their name. That’s why if you’re lost
you need not worry about looking for the nearest public phone because cellphones are able to work in almost all places in the Philippines. Quite a convenient thing for anyone traveling
isn’t it?

Philippine Travel Tip #3 – Party Time!
One of the most unique and enjoyable experiences you could have when you travel to the Philippines is being part of the fiesta season. The whole town or city usually participates in a fiesta and each and every house is open to all
natives and foreigners alike. Filipino delicacies are prepared in each household and colorful banners are hung everywhere so that you’d know when there’s a fiesta going on. You could also try participating in one of the native games that’s usually played like climbing a tree slick with oil or being blindfolded and try hitting the “palayok” or pot filled with candies and coins for children.

Thanks to its mild winters and hot summers
Kvarner has slowly become an extremely popular destination for travelers. Located in the Mediterranean
Kvarner has been able to expand its tourism base while maintaining a solid industry to support the economy. If you plan on taking a trip to Kvarner
here are three places that you should make sure you don’t miss out on:

Krk: Krk is an island located in Kvarner bay. It is one of the biggest islands in this area
being at a size of approximately four hundred and nine square kilometers. One interesting fact about Krk is that it receives over twenty-five hundred hours of sun every year. If you are able to make it to Krk
make sure to visit Cave Biserujka
Bay Soline and Kosljun. Popular activities on the island of Krk include diving
walking
various sports and a variety of adventure activities including mountain biking
sea kayaking and trekking.

Rab: Rab features an extremely unique landscape. On the northeastern side of the island
the landscape is mostly bare. However
on the southwestern side of the island
the landscape is covered with green pine forests. Rab has become an extremely popular location for travelers because of its breathtaking beaches and many events
which include the Rab Medieval festival and Rab arbalest tournament.

Opatija: Opatija
which is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic Sea
is located below a mountain and next to a nature park. Regardless of whether you want to vacation in the summer or winter
Opatija has a lot of excellent things to offer. Opatija is well-known for its parks
beaches
rustic Austrian villas
seaside promenade and of course
its natural beauty. If you enjoy cultural activities
Opatija offers many one of a kind cultural events like exhibits
festivals and indoor & outdoor concerts.

The Parque Tropical is open every day of the year including bank holidays from 10:00 to 17:00 hours. Admission is 14 Euros per adult and 5 Euros per child and I’d recommend allowing a half day to go around the Park
although some visitors have been know to spend the whole day there.

Parque Tropical is located in the north of the the island at the foot of Mount Corona
an extinct volcano which is the highest point of the island
close to the Famara Cliffs and 400 meters above sea level
with spectacular views to the islands of La Graciosa
Alegranza and Monta๑a Clara.

We arrived via the most scenic route which took us through Teguise
the old capital of Lanzarote
up through Los Valles to some stunning views of the island and down into the beautiful province of Haria (the valley of a thousand palms). From Haria we took the road past the Mirador del Rio (Article 22 of mine covers a separate day trip there). You will see the signs for Guinate and the Park from this point in the journey.

The park covers 11 acres of land (45
0
square feet) and includes gardens
waterfalls and lakes. The park has many species of bird (around 300 species in total)
including Ostriches
Flamingos
Cranes
Hornbills
Toucans
Cockatoos
Macaws
Pheasants
Ibis
Ducks
Pigeons & Doves. There are also many species of the smaller birds like Finches
Cardinals and Love Birds. There is also a large walk-through aviary
some 3/4 of an acre (about 3200 sq. meters) with six species of Weaver Birds that breed naturally in the area. It is quite fascinating to watch them building their hanging nests within the aviary.

In the same area you’ll find Parrots and many other small birds that fly free in a this almost natural habitat. Within this aviary there is a lake of some 70metres by 7metres full of Koi Carp
some measuring a length of nearly a meter. You will also see Mandarin and Carolina Ducks swimming around between the fountains. A fascinating area of the park which must not be missed.

The Parque is known to have a successful breeding program of macaws
cockatoos
african greys and other species of parrots. Also with various doves
finches
pheasants
ornamental ducks
ostriches
rheas
trumpeter hornbills and many other small birds.

In the gardens you’ll find many different varieties of plants
shrubs and trees in the park
many of which have been labelled with interesting information about their particular uses and countries of origin. There is a cactus walk on the hillside with a large variety of cacti and where a waterfall drops down into the flamingo
duck and swan pool below.

Every day
there are six bird
at no extra charge. These take place at 11.30
12.3
13.3
14.3
15.3
and 16.30 where macaws and cockatoos can be seen riding their bicycles on the high wire
driving cars and scooters
adding and taking away numbers and many other tricks. The theatre where the show is performed seats 200 people and hot and cold snacks can be served to you as you watch the show or you can relax on the bar terrace which overlooks a large area of the park. There is a children's play area here where the children can let off a bit of steam whilst the parents enjoy a quiet drink.

There is a well stocked shop in the Park
many items of which are exclusive to the Park and will not be found in any other shop on the island. There are two toilet areas in the park. The first is situated near the entrance and exit and has baby change facilities in the ladies. The other is near the bar and show theatre. There are ramps for wheelchairs
around the park and into the theatre. No dogs are allowed in the park.

Before telling you about my particular day out at Teguise Golf
the more avid golfers amongst you will probably want to know what views they can expect to see and the technical stuff that goes with playing golf. For me it was simply a great opportunity to spend a morning with a former work colleague (Colin) and his son (David) as they were staying in a neighbouring villa on La Goleta
part of the wider Faro Park Development.

The course runs along the side of an old volcano (no surprise there given Lanzarote’s landscape) and has inspirational views of volcanic lava
cacti and over includes over 3
0
palm trees and has superb views of the Atlantic Ocean throughout. A Golf course such as this one
is quite simply
in my opinion
nature at its best. C้sar Manrique
the man who taught the people of Lanzarote to care for their natural habitat has clearly left his influence everywhere. If you are a Golf ‘anorak’
you might also want to read the next paragraph of technical data ? If you’re not
simply skip over it.

The course measures 6041m (White) ; 5582m (Yellow) ; 5289m (Blue) ; and 4938m (Red). Generally
visitors play off the blue tees. The Slope Rating of the course is 127 (White) ; 127 (Yellow) ; 130 (Blue) ; and 124 (Red)
We played off Blue Tees. The course measures 5289 Metres (5791 Yards for the non converts) and is a Par 72 course.

I’ve since found out that the course was designed by British landscape architect John Harris and built in 1978. It is a truly a fantastic course
not only because of its design but also thanks to the excellent condition in which it is kept all year round and at Easter (April 2006)
it was in superb condition. Given its location
it benefits from a warm and pleasant climate all year round
tempered only by sea breezes from the island’s almost constant trade winds. The course is designed to be smooth yet varied. It has more than your average number of doglegs
designed to test your ability (or lack of it) and allows you to bring all your clubs into play. It will test everyone from scratch players to those of us with more modest ability.

Address : Avenida del Golf
s/n. 35509 Costa Teguise (Lanzarote).
Telephone : (00 34) 928 59 05 12
Fax : (00 34) 928 59 23 37
Email info@lanzarote-golf.com
Webiste :www.lanzarote-golf.com

The Following services can be found at the Club - Club hire
trolleys
buggies
driving range
pro-shop and club storage. There are separate male and female changing rooms and you can hire lockers. There is a Bar and Restaurant. The restaurant offers a varied menu
based on Mediterranean cuisine.

The prices vary according to season. In the “Summer” months (1st June to 30th September) it costs 53 Euros (for 18 Holes) and 36 Euros (for 9 Holes after 4pm). In the “Winter” (we played in Winter and it was scorching !)
it costs 65 Euros (18 Holes) and 52 Euros (9 Holes after 3pm). The Course has discount agreements with most of the hotels on the island
so check at your hotel
or check out a nearby hotel if you’re in private accommodation as you can often get a better deal than this by doing so.

And so
to our day out. We planned to set off at 7am from our ‘home’ in Playa Blanca (the idea being not to spoil the day for others and ‘Brownie Points’ for everyone !.

There was to be four of playing
but that quickly became three when Gary (“The Rainman”) decided he was on holiday and was not coming to Golf at 7am (given that he left the British Open on Faro Park at midnight the night before (to prepare for golf)
I was very surprised to get the “Dear John “ text first thing in the morning. Gary’s nickname is a long story
but basically when its cold he wants it hot and when it’s hot he prays for rain (and usually gets it
so I’m not that keen on going on holiday with him !)

The three of us (Colin
a work colleague
his son David and yours truly) set off around 7:30am and we drove along the LZ-2 and then headed towards San Bartholme and then into Costa Teguise (avoiding Arrecife !)
When we arrived we were told it was members day (Saturday !) and that they had no tee times for 3 hours. A quick bit of lateral thinking later
we asked if we could play 10-18 and then get a Tee time for 1-9 which they agreed to (something you’d almost expect them to suggest in the UK
so ask if you need to)

We decided we’d have a ‘friendly’ game of singles (if there is such a thing) - Loser buys the beers at the 19th hole.

We played stableford
off full handicaps (you’ll need them). To cut along story short (ish)
Colin was ‘flying’
I was struggling to even stay in touch and David
well David was having a bad day (it’s just as well he hired his clubs !). Colin was five points in front with five to play before he decided to show us his impression of “Devon Loch” (he’s the horse that collapsed of exhaustion 50 yards from the finishing line in the 1956 Grand National when leading by 20 lengths !)

Going up the 18th Colin was one behind (but I did not rub it in
honest) !

Colin tells me his wife Jackie really enjoyed her first trip to the island and that they may return. I’m sure if we ever go ‘into combat’ again
David will have been the range beforehand to shake off the cobwebs and Colin will make sure that he does not sprint when it’s a marathon.

Me
well I had my day !

Before telling you about my particular day out at Teguise Golf
the more avid golfers amongst you will probably want to know what views they can expect to see and the technical stuff that goes with playing golf. For me it was simply a great opportunity to spend a morning with a former work colleague (Colin) and his son (David) as they were staying in a neighbouring villa on La Goleta
part of the wider Faro Park Development.

The course runs along the side of an old volcano (no surprise there given Lanzarote’s landscape) and has inspirational views of volcanic lava
cacti and over includes over 3
0
palm trees and has superb views of the Atlantic Ocean throughout. A Golf course such as this one
is quite simply
in my opinion
nature at its best. C้sar Manrique
the man who taught the people of Lanzarote to care for their natural habitat has clearly left his influence everywhere. If you are a Golf ‘anorak’
you might also want to read the next paragraph of technical data ? If you’re not
simply skip over it.

The course measures 6041m (White) ; 5582m (Yellow) ; 5289m (Blue) ; and 4938m (Red). Generally
visitors play off the blue tees. The Slope Rating of the course is 127 (White) ; 127 (Yellow) ; 130 (Blue) ; and 124 (Red)
We played off Blue Tees. The course measures 5289 Metres (5791 Yards for the non converts) and is a Par 72 course.

I’ve since found out that the course was designed by British landscape architect John Harris and built in 1978. It is a truly a fantastic course
not only because of its design but also thanks to the excellent condition in which it is kept all year round and at Easter (April 2006)
it was in superb condition. Given its location
it benefits from a warm and pleasant climate all year round
tempered only by sea breezes from the island’s almost constant trade winds. The course is designed to be smooth yet varied. It has more than your average number of doglegs
designed to test your ability (or lack of it) and allows you to bring all your clubs into play. It will test everyone from scratch players to those of us with more modest ability.

Address : Avenida del Golf
s/n. 35509 Costa Teguise (Lanzarote).
Telephone : (00 34) 928 59 05 12
Fax : (00 34) 928 59 23 37
Email info@lanzarote-golf.com
Webiste :www.lanzarote-golf.com

The Following services can be found at the Club - Club hire
trolleys
buggies
driving range
pro-shop and club storage. There are separate male and female changing rooms and you can hire lockers. There is a Bar and Restaurant. The restaurant offers a varied menu
based on Mediterranean cuisine.

The prices vary according to season. In the “Summer” months (1st June to 30th September) it costs 53 Euros (for 18 Holes) and 36 Euros (for 9 Holes after 4pm). In the “Winter” (we played in Winter and it was scorching !)
it costs 65 Euros (18 Holes) and 52 Euros (9 Holes after 3pm). The Course has discount agreements with most of the hotels on the island
so check at your hotel
or check out a nearby hotel if you’re in private accommodation as you can often get a better deal than this by doing so.

And so
to our day out. We planned to set off at 7am from our ‘home’ in Playa Blanca (the idea being not to spoil the day for others and ‘Brownie Points’ for everyone !.

There was to be four of playing
but that quickly became three when Gary (“The Rainman”) decided he was on holiday and was not coming to Golf at 7am (given that he left the British Open on Faro Park at midnight the night before (to prepare for golf)
I was very surprised to get the “Dear John “ text first thing in the morning. Gary’s nickname is a long story
but basically when its cold he wants it hot and when it’s hot he prays for rain (and usually gets it
so I’m not that keen on going on holiday with him !)

The three of us (Colin
a work colleague
his son David and yours truly) set off around 7:30am and we drove along the LZ-2 and then headed towards San Bartholme and then into Costa Teguise (avoiding Arrecife !)
When we arrived we were told it was members day (Saturday !) and that they had no tee times for 3 hours. A quick bit of lateral thinking later
we asked if we could play 10-18 and then get a Tee time for 1-9 which they agreed to (something you’d almost expect them to suggest in the UK
so ask if you need to)

We decided we’d have a ‘friendly’ game of singles (if there is such a thing) - Loser buys the beers at the 19th hole.

We played stableford
off full handicaps (you’ll need them). To cut along story short (ish)
Colin was ‘flying’
I was struggling to even stay in touch and David
well David was having a bad day (it’s just as well he hired his clubs !). Colin was five points in front with five to play before he decided to show us his impression of “Devon Loch” (he’s the horse that collapsed of exhaustion 50 yards from the finishing line in the 1956 Grand National when leading by 20 lengths !)

Going up the 18th Colin was one behind (but I did not rub it in
honest) !

Colin tells me his wife Jackie really enjoyed her first trip to the island and that they may return. I’m sure if we ever go ‘into combat’ again
David will have been the range beforehand to shake off the cobwebs and Colin will make sure that he does not sprint when it’s a marathon.

Me
well I had my day !

Located next to the Golf course in Costa Teguise
you will find Lanzarote’s one and only Aqua Park
which is open every day from 10.00 to 18:00. Most hotels offer excursions to the Aquapark (with Ticket prices including coach transfers). If you are staying in a private villa and have hired a car
it’s relatively easy to find. Even though there are no sign posts as such
the slides can be seen from a distance due to the low lying land in the area. We were 2 adults and 2 children. Admission cost €20 per adult + €15 per child. €2 Euros per locker
€2.50 for a sunbed
it was not the cheapest excursion
so be prepared.

The Aquapark offers a wide range of slides and pools and is an ideal day out for families of all ages. It's fun for all the family and makes for an unforgettable day out
but go prepared.

My two boys were 6 and 11 respectively when we went there and age/size can be a problem
so make sure you check the rules on each ride before joining the queues as they will not let small children ride on the white knuckle slides (eg ‘kamikaze’ and perhaps ‘spiral’ depending on height). Both my lads enjoyed the ‘fast-river’ and the eldest was brave enough to try the kamikaze (but only once !). The youngest will have to wait a few years. There were gentler options like the children's pool
and play area (free) and on the day we went there was a bouncy castle
trampolines and paddle boats (extra charges apply for these).

There is also a shop and a restaurant. We had packed lunches
but having inspected the menu
we found the prices reasonable
so will probably eat there next time.

None of the pools are heated
so again choose your day. If its cloudy or overcast
it will probably be be cold in the water too. We were fortunate as the weather turned in the afternoon and it was very hot
so we were pleased the water was cold.

The life-guards were fewer than I had expected but they did seem to be very aware an at least as good as anything I’ve seen in the uk. There were also limited inflatable rings on some of the rides
perhaps because people had taken them into the pool or kept them by their sunbeds !.

Conclusion : The waterpark was a great day out. Yes
the water is cool
perhaps even too cold
but so is the water everywhere (unless you’ve got a heated pool of course). There were not too many people in the waterpark on the day we went
which meant few queues
but I’d guess this changes in the six weeks school holidays !

Panama is an adventure wonderland just waiting to be discovered. The country’s expansive rainforests are among the richest and most complex on the planet. It’s the only country where jaguars and pumas prowl just a short drive from the capital. Its vast
roadless jungles are home to over 940 recorded bird species and 105 endangered species
including the spectacled bear
the Central American tapir
the American crocodile
the scarlet macaw
as well as several eagle species.

This small
untapped country offers some of the finest diving
birdwatching
and deep-sea fishing in all of the Americas—yet only the most avid adventurers are aware of it. Panama boasts scores of deserted palm-lined beaches
miles of lush rainforests
great national parks
mysterious mangroves (where you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to a time when dinosaurs walked the earth)
steamy cloud forests
mountains
waterfalls
raging rivers
abandoned forts
as well as desert.

In Panama you can spend the morning diving in the Caribbean and the afternoon swimming in the Pacific. You can explore historic ruins of the colonial era…dive for Sir Francis Drake’s lead coffin (supposedly buried at sea near Portobello Bay)…see the rainforest in an aerial tram…ride a dug-out canoe to a native Indian village…discover the remote and mysterious forests of the Dari้n region right on the border of Colombia (where the roads end a few miles before the border
leaving you with the feeling you’ve reached the end of civilization)…come nose-to-nose with a red-napped tamarind monkey or a trio of colorful toucans…

Conde Nast Traveler
in an article from its February 2005 issue said "Panama has temperate rain forests
great surf and beaches
and more birdlife than any other country in Central America. Now…it also has a newly elected administration that wants travelers to enjoy every bit of it."

Fortunately
Panama is a small country. In a short one- or two-week trip
you can see much of what this diverse country has to offer.

In this special report
the IL team proposes a plan to get the most out of 24 hours in Panama. From a traditional Panamanian breakfast to a trip to the Miraflores Locks to evening drinks in a little boutique hotel overlooking the Bay of Panama…we have it all thought out.

Breakfast in El Trapiche

Exploring the best Panama has to offer is hungry work. Start your day on a full stomach and head for breakfast in El Trapiche
a busy diner in El Cangrejo (Vํa Argentina
tel. (507)269-4353). Here you can enjoy breakfast Panama style and indulge in a hearty feed of carima๑ol—a yummy roll made of mashed yucca and stuffed with ground beef and boiled eggs—and a side of corn tortillas
that more resemble silverdollar pancakes than taco shells. The bill should be less than $8
even with that second caf้ con leche.

Trip to the Miraflores Locks

No trip to Panama is complete without seeing the "Eighth Wonder of the World
the Panama Canal. According to the Panama Canal Authority
The history of the construction of the Panama Canal is the saga of human ingenuity and courage: years of sacrifice
crushing defeat
and final victory." This statement
while true
doesn’t go far enough to describe the mighty toll taken by the building of the Panama Canal. Construction began in 1904 and took 10 years to complete. It remains one of the greatest engineering achievements of all time
completed despite landslides
disease
setbacks
and the loss of 75
0
lives in total. Engineers directed most of the actual construction
which cost $375 million
and involved the excavation of 240 million cubic yards of earth.

The Canal
51
miles long
opened to shipping in August 1914 and was formally dedicated on July 12
1920
In 1921
the U.S. paid Colombia $25 million as redress for the loss of Panama; in exchange
Colombia formally recognized Panama’s independence.

On average it takes a vessel eight hours to travel from one ocean to the other
passing through three sets of locks. The best place to see the Canal is from the Miraflores Locks (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
admission free). Make sure to get to the Miraflores Locks for 9 a.m. as this is when you are most likely to see large ships passing through.

Tamales in Casco Viejo

By now you’re probably feeling a tad peckish… Time to hop on a bus or hail a taxi and make your way toward Casco Viejo for tamales. If you’re in luck
you’ll bump into Luis Antonio Visuette on the streets of Casco Viejo
where he has been selling delicious homemade tamales
wrapped in plaintain leaves
for more than 10 years. With his Yankee cap and five-gallon bucket of hot and spicy tameles calientitos
Luis is hard to miss. These lunchtime treats are available in both large (50 cents)
and small (25 cents)
and are a real hit when washed down with an ice-cold drink. International Living’s local office is located in the Casco Viejo area
in the Cathedral Plaza
next to the Panama Canal Museum and just in front of the stunning Metropolitan Cathedral
so if you want to enjoy your tamales in our office (Luis will be making the rounds) call in for a Panamanian style "power lunch."

Explore Casco Viejo

Located at the mouth of the Panama Canal
Casco Viejo is the oldest city on the Pacific Coast of the Americas…although it was there long before the Canal was built.

In fairness to history
the original Panama City (now known as Old Panama or Panama La Vieja) was founded in 1519
about two miles from the center of Panama City as we know it today. From here
expeditions were mounted to conquer the Inca Empire of South America and all of the wealth pillaged from Peru
Chile
and California flowed to Spain through Old Panama. It is no surprise that this booty attracted pirates like Henry Morgan
who looted the city in 1671.

During Morgan’s attack
this original Panama City was burned to the ground. Two years later
in 1673
the capital was moved two miles to the west
and present-day Panama City was founded. This is the area now known as Casco Viejo.

As the city was being rebuilt by the Spanish settlers
they decided to build a massive surrounding wall and a stronger fortress for its protection and to ensure that the enormous wealth in gold and silver that passed through it would never again be susceptible to the likes of Henry Morgan.

The new city boasted a cross-sectioned design of 38 blocks
with three main streets running from east to west and seven streets running from north to south. Unfortunately
this urban development was interrupted by various fires that devastated its streets. In 1737
the "big fire" destroyed two thirds of the city
and the "small fire" of 1756 destroyed more than 90 houses. These and other catastrophic fires help explain why so few true examples of Spanish colonial architecture exist today.

The fortress still survives
though
and today houses several important
cultural
and historic buildings and monuments. But it is the architecture of Casco Viejo that makes it so special. The old Spanish colonial style is overlaid with French balconies and architecture
remnants of the French inhabitants who made the initial attempt to build the Panama Canal in 1881. Over the years
a Caribbean influence also took hold and
today
Casco Viejo is a melting pot of architectural inspiration and style
with some buildings dating as far back as 300 years.

Museums
shopping
and fortune telling

Up until the early parts of this century
Casco Viejo remained a thriving cultural center. But as Panama City modernized
and as the automotive age made transportation easier
it spread outward
leaving Casco Viejo behind. The old city’s narrow labyrinth streets were difficult for cars to maneuver and its buildings were obsolete in comparison to modern skyscrapers being built. By the mid 1900s
Casco Viejo had gone the way of most city centers of that century. No longer the center of Panama City
it was too oppressed for the upper class and quickly became a poor area of tenement-style housing.

The area is currently undergoing a complete transformation
however. Restaurants and bars are opening with gusto
tourists are coming in growing numbers
and people from all over now want to make their homes in Casco Viejo.

In 1997
UNESCO declared Casco Viejo a Patrimony of Humanity. Today
it is revered as the historic center of Panama City. Two- and three-story houses with flower-adorned balconies overlook narrow streets. At its tip is French Park
where you will find the French Embassy and a monument to the hardy French builders who began the Panama Canal. On one side is an historical Spanish building called Las Bovedas
now housing an art gallery and French restaurant. Panama’s Supreme Court was once housed here. A walkway around the monument offers a nice view of the Amador Causeway
Bridge of the Americas
and Panama City’s skyscraper skyline to the east. A plaque commemorates the firing of canon shots to ward off a Colombian warship and solidify Panama’s independence from Colombia in 1903.

There are excellent museums in the Casco Viejo area
including the Museo de Canal. Here
you can learn about Panama’s history as the connector between the Atlantic and the Pacific from pre-Hispanic to modern times. Next door is the Museum of National History and across the way is the National Cathedral. Nearby is a small museum dedicated to religious art
found in the old Santo Domingo monastery. This is where you will find the famous Flat Arch
which reportedly helped convince engineers that Panama was earthquake-proof and a geologically stable area for building the Canal. A few blocks away is the old San Jose Cathedral
with gleaming spires inlaid with mother-of-pearl and its beautiful gold altar
intricately carved of wood and gilded with gold. This is a must-see when you visit Casco Viejo.

Casco Viejo is home to the Presidential House. If you want to see this
be sure to come on a Sunday as it is closed to the public for the rest of the week. Famous sons and daughters of Panama also make their homes here
including actor/singer (and now Panama’s minister of tourism) Ruben Blades
and boxer Roberto Duran.

Bargain hunters can take a break from the historical sights at Salsipuedes
which roughly translates to "get out if you can." Located just before the entrance to Casco Viejo
it is Panama’s bizarre bazaar
a street so narrow and filled with vendors that it is dark at noon. A few steps away is Santa Ana’s Plaza
where you can have your fortune told for just $5.

Dine at The Bristol

To finish off your day in style
make your way to The Bristol Hotel
just a short taxi journey from Casco Viejo. Dining at the Barandas Restaurant at The Bristol Hotel is an event to savor. The Panamanian-inspired gourmet cuisine
restful ambiance
stunning presentation
elegant settings
and attentive service combine to create an unforgettable dining experience.

A Trip To Panama Caught Your Fancy?

Hopefully
this special report has given you a few ideas on how to spend your time in Panama
but don’t forget that this amazing country has much more to offer. Pacific Coast beaches near the city; Coiba Island National Marine Park; and the Dari้n Province to name just a few.