Ghana is Based on its Hospitality, Arts and Crafts, Unique Cultural

The Republic of Ghana is a country in West Africa. It borders Cote dIvoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. The word Ghana means Warrior King.

The climate is tropical. The eastern coastal belt is warm and comparatively dries the southwest corner, hot and humid and the north, hot and dry.

Ghana is renowned for the hospitality of her people and her unique tourist attractions. Having gained a strong positive image as a destination for leisure it is the prime spot in West Africa with strong cultural and environmental attractions, having historic links with both Americans and Europeans.

To discover Ghana is to discover a unique destination in Africa. It is recommended as a safe, affordable and friendly destination. Whether you want to visit our Castles, National Parks, Sun drenched Beaches or trek through the traditional villages, each day will become a new, different and exciting experience.

Much of the attention on Ghana is based on its Hospitality, Arts and Crafts, Unique Cultural Experience, Legacy as the centre of Gold and Ivory, Spectacular Waterfalls, Natural Reserves and remains of the Slave Trade during the 17th and 18th centuries.

There are a number of National parks and wildlife reserves, with many interesting species and a wide range of vegetation types. In addition, the Country has good beaches, especially in the Central and Western Regions, tropical lakes and rivers, waterfalls, and other scenic features. One of the outstanding places is the Kakum National Park. This Park occupies some 350 square km of moist evergreen tropical forests.

About 40 species of larger mammals live in the park, Hogs and 7 primate species. Some 200 species, of birds are known, including 5 hornbill species, the Eagle Owl, African grey and parrots. In the North, mole national park covers over 4,000 square km of Savannah Woodland, with lion, buffalo, elephant and numerous antelopes.

The traditional cultures of Ghana s ethnic groups, such as the Akans, the Guanas, Ewes, Dagabas, Walas and Frafras, are impressive and highly developed. Their cultures is manifested, among others, in elaborate festivals and funerals rites, traditional crafts and contemporary arts, in music and dances, as well as typical architectural styles religious beliefs and practices, natural and herbal medicine, and last but not the least in the typical of these forts and Castles, namely St. Georges Castle and the associated St jago fort at Elinina Castle and Cape coast Castle are World Heritage sites and have been restored recently.

About Author:
Douglas Scott works for The Rental Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Ghana Rental Site

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Original Castles and Palaces in Germany

The Federal Republic of Germany is one of the worlds leading industrialised countries, located in the heart of Europe.

Germany is ideal for family holidays everyone feels at home here from toddlers to grandparents.

There is an abundance of affordable places to stay with lots to offer, from homely holiday apartments and farm accommodation to scenic campsites and youth hostels, plus of course countless hotels that welcome children and babies with open arms.

Experience new things, have fun and relax. Vibrant cities with amazing architecture, fabulous shopping and pulsating nightlife. Enchanting medieval villages and traditional wine villages with friendly festivals and regional specialities. Picturesque countryside which is perfect for walking or simply relaxing in. Castles, palaces and abbeys that are the epitome of German romanticism. Fun and sport, wellness and relaxation. A land of a thousand possibilities.

From 6 July to 2 September 2007, the Travemunde sand sculpture festival invites to an impressive journey through global history. 75 international sculptors transform the beach into a gorgeous landscape of sculptures.

When the BallinStadt Emigrant World opens to the public on 5 July 2007, visitors can experience all about emigration. The interactive edutainment exhibition offers thrilling and informative aspects of expatriation for young and old.

The World of Sport focuses on Stuttgart. 2007 will be a special year for Stuttgart as the European Capital of Sport, as no other city hosts as many world championships in mens handball, gymnastics, cycling and formation dancing, to forget the World Athletics Final, which will be held in Stuttgart for three years running from 2006 to 2008.

The castles and palaces which Germany has to offer you are all original. There is not just a handful of well preserved ones, but several hundred from all epochs and of every genre. Each has its own long a thrilling history, which is being kept alive within its walls.

A tropical atmosphere beside the Rhine, giraffes on the North Sea coast, dolphins in the South and pandas in Berlin. In Germany you will find an amazing selection of animals from around the world, all cared for in the interest of world conservation, in some of Europes best wild animal parks and zoos.

Shopping made in Germany is a wonderful experience. Germany has a huge range of different places to shop, from the traditional atmosphere of its town centres to more than 400 shopping malls, each like a world of its own. The one thing they all have in common is a colourful mix of shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Nearly all Germanys towns and cities have pedestrians areas with large department stores and shopping arcades.

About Author:
Douglas Scott works for The Rental Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Germany Rental Site

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

The Bright Lights of Georgia Capital

Georgia is a state in the southern region of the United States of America.

Settlement in Georgia, the thirteenth British colony named after King George II, started in 1733 at Savannah, intended as a haven of Christian principles for poor Britons, with both alcohol and slavery banned. However, under pressure from planters, slavery was introduced in 1752, and by the time of the Civil War almost half the population were black slaves. Little fighting took place on Georgian soil until Shermans troops marched in from Tennessee, burned Atlanta to the ground and laid waste to all property on the way to the coast. The economy successfully reestablished itself after the war, attracting substantial investment in the latter years of the nineteenth century.

Today, bustling Atlanta stands as the unofficial capital of the South. The city where Dr Martin Luther King Jr was born, preached and is buried bears little relation to Gone with the Wind stereotypes, and its forward looking energy is upheld as a role model for other cities with large black populations though it does still suffer high levels of urban poverty and violent crime.

The bright lights of its capital Atlanta are a wild aberration. Apart from some beaches and towns on the highly indented coastline, this overwhelmingly rural state is composed of slow, easygoing settlements where the best, and sometimes the only, way to enjoy your time is to sip iced tea and have a chat on the porch.

Atlantas main rival as a tourist destination is the Georgia coast, stretching south from beautiful old Savannah via the sea islands to the semitropical Okefenokee Swamp, inland near Florida. In the northeast, the Appalachian foothills are particularly fetching in fall, while Athens has a reputation for producing offbeat rock groups such as REM. Further south, the agricultural heartlands are rich in musical history, but only Macon and ancient Ocmulgee provide reasons to stop.

The climate of Georgia is extremely diverse, considering the nations small size. There are two main climatic zones, roughly separating Eastern and Western parts of the country. The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range plays an important role in moderating Georgias climate and protects the nation from the penetration of colder air masses from the north. The Lesser Caucasus Mountains partially protect the region from the influence of dry and hot air masses from the south as well.

Play a game of golf on one of over 400 golf courses in the state. Georgia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts due to its temperate climate.

About Author:
Douglas Scott works for The Rental Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Georgia Rental Site

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

How To Meet Local People in Italy and Celebrate Life\'s Milestones In A Special Way

An Italian cooking tour is actually a cultural immersion adventure for your mind, senses and soul.

You get to know a wide variety of local people and experience a range of places off the tourist track.
You cook with restaurant chefs or good home cooks right in their kitchens. In private visits, you learn about and taste wines, cheese, olive oil or balsamic vinegar with the producers in their cellars, small factories or gardens.

You look for truffles with hunters and their dogs in the forest. You dine with families on their farms.

You can also shop for treasures in medieval hill towns, walk magnificent country paths by the sea or vineyards, admire Byzantine architecture in Ravenna, relax on a boat ride on the Riviera or watch an active volcano in Sicily spew its fire into the night sky.

A Sample Of Experiences On Italian Cooking Tours

Imagine yourself on a warm evening out on a deck in Piedmont in north west Italy, surrounded by vineyards spilling down slopes at all angles, covering green hills fading into the distance, drinking young, fruity Dolcetto and laughing with friends. An imposing 11th century castle dominates the little town of Barolo in front of you.

You're sitting back, thinking only of enjoying life in the moment in the Barolo wine country. Barolo and Barbaresco rank as some of Italy's top reds.

A tantalizing aroma wafts out on to the deck from the Brezza family's restaurant kitchen ten steps away---Brasato al Barolo, a veal roll simmering slowly in robust, Barolo wine, onions, celery, yellow pepper, carrots, garlic, nutmeg, cloves, fresh rosemary and laurel.

Your dinner experience starts with a delicate spinach flan topped with fonduta cheese sauce. Signor Brezza pours you his Barolo that goes perfectly with your Brasato al Barolo, bathed in rich gravy. A glass of sweet Moscato accompanies your decadent dessert, a semi-freddo with torrone, the local hazelnut nougat.

Next morning from a hill town above Barolo, you walk down through vineyards, farm hamlets and a forest to the Ratti family's private wine museum in an abbey where monks began making wine in 1162.

Full of fascinating facts and humorous anecdotes, one of the owners, Massimo, takes you around, starting with an overview of the area's five main wines and three kinds of soil.

Strolling through the barrique cellar, up to the monks' original kitchen and through rooms of tool, glasses and label displays, you discuss the history of the wines and their labels, the short supply of corks and your tastes in wines.

Massimo shares glasses of three wines including their best Barolo with you. Someone asks very seriously, "How long should you age your wines?"

He exclaims, "When in doubt, just drink it!" You'd never guess this down to earth wine producer is an author and a celebrity in the Barolo wine world.

Cooking With A Family On Their Farm In Tuscany

In Tuscany among the rolling golden hills of fields, patches of olive groves and vineyards, for a short time you become part of a lively, enterprising farm family headed by Sandra and Ulisses.

On their farm on a scenic ridge with a 180 degree panorama, they make pecorino cheese, grow herbs, raise pigs and sheep, run vacation bungalows, manage farm volunteers, make wine and preserves and have six children.

Sandra sparkles with energy as you make delicious grilled eggplant and her special chestnut linguine with ricotta. More laid back Ulisses teaches you how to make Florentine arista, a savory pork roll with rosemary, garlic, sage leaves, a fennel flower and extra virgin olive oil, and a delicious tiramisu.

After your lesson, you tour the farm, chatting with Sandra about her life. Why did they choose the farming life? How does she find time to do all she does? Do they take holidays?

Later you sit down at a long wooden table in their dining room and congratulate yourselves on your tasty creations. You experience a different way of life and learn a lot about Tuscan family life from two people passionate about what they do.

How to Celebrate Life's Milestones in "Dolce Vita" Style

Your 40th, 50th or 60th birthday or your 20th, 30th or 40th wedding anniversary happen once in a lifetime. Sharing a cooking, wine and culture tour in Italy gives you a truly special way to celebrate life, love and friendship with those you love.

Jan in Colorado and Janis in New York, friends since college, had their 50th birthdays coming soon. Janis was ending chemotherapy and needed a holiday of fun and pampering.

With their sisters from California and Florida and two Colorado women friends, they indulged in a cooking, wine and spa tour at a lovely, 15th century villa in Tuscany. A dream came true on a carefree week with their guide looking after everything, of cooking, eating, drinking, shopping and laughing all week long.

On a cooking tour in Italy, you escape from your busy world and immerse yourself in a fun, sensual, stimulating cooking, wine and cultural adventure with a cast of warm, local people.

You experience life's simple joys in the present moment and go back to being the person you forgot you were.

Cooking tours are a good way to celebrate friendship and love with friends or family or to mark your life milestones in a truly special way.

About Author:
Margaret Cowan of Vancouver, BC owns a tour company, Mama Margaret Italian Cooking Holidays at http://www.italycookingschools.com.

They ran their first Italian cooking and wine tour in 1995 and now offer tours all over Italy.

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Holiday Cash - Is Worth Ten Per Cent More in the High Street

According to new figures from Which? holidaymakers can get ten percent more holiday money by choosing to buy foreign currency on the high market instead of the airport. Research shows that buying 500 Euros from the high street costs 35 pounds less than using a bureau de change at the airport.

It is advised that before you leave changing your money until the last minute, you should check your bank for offers with preferential rates and shop around to see where you can get the best deal on the high streets or even online.

Much more sensible than leaving your foreign cash until the last minute is to stay alert to good rates. Then, if you are using savings or a personal loan to pay for your holiday, exchange your cash at that time. If you will be taking several European holidays then you can save on transfer fees by exchanging one sum when rates are most favourable.

Besides cash currency exchange, you will want to check the charges on your credit cards and debit cards as well. You should make yourself aware of any charges that you will incur when you use either you credit card or debit card overseas. You may also want to phone your credit card company or bank to inform them of your holiday and that the card will be used in foreign countries. This way you can avoid the possibility of your account being frozen due to suspicious activity.

More realistic than using a credit card abroad, with all the fee penalties and high rates charged, would be to borrow the money in advance with a loan. If you are paying for your holiday six months or a year in advance, you can benefit from early booking fees, and will have paid off a good portion of your holiday before you leave, rather than coming home to a nasty credit card bill after your chilled out holiday.

If you must use a card whilst away then using the right credit card is important. Not only do you want a card that will charge less transaction fees, but also you will want a company that will also charge a lower rate of interest. You will also want to avoid any cash withdrawals from your credit card account, as the interest charges will start immediately and the interest rates on cash advances are extremely high. So before you go on holiday you should do your research to ensure you receive the best prices.

About Author:
Abbi Rouse writes for AllAboutLoans.co.uk, an online loans comparison site, visit us today for information on all loan topics including cheap loans applications and loans sourcing from all leading UK providers. Our Site: http://www.allaboutloans.co.uk/

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

It\'s All About The Packing

In most complex systems there is one component that it critical to the rest of the system running correctly. In travel that component is packing. Get somewhere and don't have what you need?

It got left out of packing. Arrive at a wedding and notice your tie has a big crease and wrinkle down the center? It was bad packing. Scratch the crystal of a valuable timepiece? It was thoughtless packing. No matter where you go or what you take, packing can make the difference between a trip and a tragedy. Companies have devised ingenious ways to make us better packers.

Roll As You Go

Not matter how tightly, or neatly, you fold your clothes to go into the suitcase; they are going to have a crease in them because that's the whole point of folding to create creases. An alternative method used by experienced traveler is rolling. By rolling shirts, pants and skirts there are no natural creases to be edge into clothes and removed later. When you arrive, simply snap your clothes out of the cylindrical form and hang.

The waves from the rolling take about an hour to dissipate and your wardrobe is left unwrinkled. To assist travelers with fragile silks and garments like ties and scarves, Travel Tools presents Rolling Tie Cases. These are small plastic cylinders that you can roll a tie or scarf in simply by putting the edge in and twisting. It keeps the article clean, safe and saves space in your luggage. This way you can arrive in style.

Box Your Watch

We are a people of contrast. We pay hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars for watches that express our personality, status or interests and then throw them on dressers, leave them on counters and toss them in the bottom of make-up bags or in the back of a suitcase where they can bounce around and scratch the surface.

The better method is to buy a watch box. While most watch boxes you see are heavy wooden stately things that weigh 50 pounds and take up the top of a dresser, there are travel boxes for watches made of leather that will protect your investment and save space in your suitcase. These cases can hold one, two or five watches in individual compartments making sure they don't scratch, break or get lost in your clothes.

Squeeze It In

For some people arriving wrinkled or scratched is not the problem. They may even like the wrinkled I'm-on-vacation look. Their problem is getting everything they need and want into one bag. With airport luggage weights and restrictions more tight than ever, suitcase space is optimum. For these folks there is the compression bag. These plastic bags hold your clothing they have the air sucked out of the bag compressing the clothes into the thinnest space possible.

Brookstone sells a set of 5 air compression bags in one set that don't require a vacuum or seal. The patented bags have an airlock valve that will drain the air out and compress the contents as tight as possible. Brookstone claims it can triple the amount of space in your suitcase.

Be it safety, style or space you are looking for, investing in some tools for packing is surely the way to go.

About Author:
James Brown writes about airfrance.ca coupon code, Travelocity.ca coupon and Points.com online coupons

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Turks and Caicos Islands: The Caribbean\'s Secret Beach Paradise

One of the Caribbean's best-kept secret holiday destinations, the Turks and Caicos Islands are ringed by white-sand beaches and set like jewels amid warm turquoise waters.

Located at the southeastern tip of the Bahamas, 575 miles south east of Miami, Florida, the Turks and Caicos Islands are a vacation paradise famous for their stunning water color, endless wide beaches, world-renowned snorkeling and scuba diving, humpback whale migration, deep-sea and bone fishing, as well as, all types of water sports, golf, shopping and cultural activities.

Fishing & Diving

The Turks and Caicos Islands are fortunate in having some of the only unspoiled reefs left in the Caribbean. With 1,000 square miles of coral reef, the Islands are well-known among scuba divers for spectacular wall dives, turtles, manta rays, humpback whales and the oldest known shipwreck in the western hemisphere.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a year round bonefish heaven and deep-sea big-game fishing is awesome as well.

Beaches

For those visitors that are not fishing or diving enthusiasts, you can look forward to wondrous, lazy days of sun, sea and sand.

The Turks and Caicos Islands boast some of the most exquisite beaches in the entire Caribbean. Grace Bay Beach on Provo where courting couples find the perfect setting for a wedding is a 12-mile-long stunner voted best beach in the world on two occasions by readers of Conde Nast Traveler.

Best of all is that you can find many deserted beaches, small secluded coves and bays, which provide sheltered areas to swim, snorkel, sail and explore without the crowds except a pelican or two!

The rich and famous have known this for years with a long list of celebrities slipping away to the secluded shores of the Turks and Caicos for endless days of quiet relaxation.

Bruce Willis and Keith Richards have homes here and Justin Timberlake, Penelope Cruz, Ashton Kutcher, Julia Roberts, Michael Douglas and many others have visited.

Accommodations

Whether you're a young single, a couple or parents with kids you're sure to find accommodations to suit your tastes and needs.

The Turks and Caicos Islands offer choices ranging from quaint inns to small boutique resorts, a few larger hotels with all inclusive options and luxury resorts with fantastic spas considered some of the best anywhere in the world. Renting a condo or private villa is also a popular option.

Many Islands To Explore

Providenciales is the most populated island with most of the hotels and tourist facilities, but Parrot Cay, Pine Cay, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Salt Cay and Grand Turk are particularly alluring for those looking to get off the beaten path. On these islands you'll find tiny towns, small personable hotels and pristine solitude.

Cockburn Town on Grand Turk is the Island's capital with a truly fascinating, one-of-a-kind museum. Cliffs and ancient caves await your exploration on Middle Caicos and you can watch the annual humpback whale migration right from the beach on Salt Cay.

Quick Facts

The Turks and Caicos are officially English speaking with a population close to 30,000 people made up of both "Belongers" (citizens) and expatriates. Most live on the main tourist hub of Providenciales or "Provo" as it's commonly called. The official currency is the US
dollar and major credit cards are accepted, as well as, travelers checks.

Traveling to the Turks and Caicos is typically more expensive than developed tourist destinations like Cancun or Nassau, Bahamas, but then that's typical of most Caribbean islands. However, the Turks and Caicos Islands are much less crowded and developed (for now) then most other Caribbean islands.

Known internationally as a leading tax haven and financial center for investments and business, tourism is still in the early stages. However, recent development trends are fueling fast growth in the Turks and Caicos economy and real estate market where condos and vacation homes are experiencing rapid appreciation.

Travel & Transportation

Direct flights from New York, Boston, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Miami make traveling from the United States easy, and allow visitors to be relaxing on the beach within a few short hours.

All US Citizens traveling by air to the Turks and Caicos Islands must have a valid US passport. Canadians can enter with a birth certificate and photo id.

Transportation is readily available through local agencies and major car rental companies at the airport and around town. It's best to book your rental well in advance especially if visiting during the peak winter season. Many resorts offer shuttle service from the airport. Taxis and small buses also serve the island.

Start Planning

The Turks and Caicos Islands are truly magnificent. If you want to get away from it all, you'll certainly enjoy lounging on the beautiful white sand beaches. For more adventure, the numerous national parks, nature preserves, sanctuaries and historical sites give you plenty of options for unique and interesting excursions. Of course, the bone fishing, big-game
fishing and scuba diving will have you coming back for more.

Plenty of inns, hotels and resorts are available perfect for young singles, couples or parents with kids. If you'd like to visit a Caribbean island that isn't crowded or over-developed then the Turks and Caicos are your best bet.

About Author:
Ryan Burden loves the beach. Ryan is a self-professed expert beach bum, traveler and publisher of Turks and Caicos Beach Vacation.com a guide for planning all your Turks & Caicos adventures. Like Ryan, maybe YOU would like to turn your passion into online profits. Learn how easy it can be with Websites that Work.

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Travel Packages In The Uk

Are you a constant traveler and always looking for a great travel deal in the UK? You might find the best way to obtain such a travel deal is by looking into buying a package deal.

Many of these package deals include flight, VAT taxes or other types of taxes, hotel, car rental, and some may even include food plans. All-inclusive packages are extremely important when traveling with family as they take away the headache of looking for special meal plans, hotel costs and other incidental costs that are covered inside an all-inclusive package. The best way to find an all-inclusive package is by using a travel agent.

There are many travel deals available in the United Kingdom which can be found on many websites; however, most all-inclusive packages require you to go directly to the company's website and book through it, or by going through a travel agent. The important thing you need to ask when speaking with a travel agent is about a range of travel packages available as well as the price and what is actually included.

Some questions the travel agent will need to be answered include whether or not you have flight preferences, seating arrangements on the flight, or if there is a car rental company you prefer dealing with. Most travel agents do work off of commissions so the travel deals may end up being a little more expensive than going directly through the company's website. Also, when you go directly to the website or the company you might not get the kind of travel deals that an agent receives for the referral of new customers.

Travel packages in the United Kingdom often include a continental breakfast, but don't always include every meal. Dinner may also be included depending upon the type of tour package you receive.

Checking out both options will net you the best travel internet deal in the UK. Remember to ask pertinent questions such as how much they're commissions are, what companies they prefer to deal with, and if they have ever been to the place they are recommending. Occasionally a travel agent may give you a package deal because they reap benefits and not because they have personally been to the hotel.

Keep in mind when searching for travel deals in the United Kingdom you have a variety of options and it is important to exercise each one of them.

About Author:
James Brown writes about hertz.co.uk coupon code, Thrifty Car Rental discount codes and Sixt online coupons

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Home to the Canadian Oil and Gas Industry

Calgary is located in Canada at the foot hills of Albertas Rocky Mountains. Home to much of the Canadian oil and gas industry, Calgary is a vibrant modern city filled with modern amenities and skyscrapers.

The city has taken care to ensure that numerous green areas are easily accessible. The city runs from the foothills of the Rockies in the north west to the rolling hills and farm country of the south east. It is divided into four quadrants intersecting at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers

In 1991, The City adopted the Red Pasque Flower as its official floral emblem

17 Avenue is the place to be during the evening hours. 17 Ave offers many shops and restaurants that suits every one's tastes. There are no shortage of bars, pubs and dance floors either. 4 Street SW is mostly known as a dining district, 4 St has a fine selection of restaurant lounges. A pedestrian friendly street with a lively after work scene.

The Palace and Outlaws night clubs also feature classic and up and coming rock performers, while alternative and rave music can be found in the Night Gallery club. Jazz and Blues fans will be delighted by the Calgary Jazz Festival, held every year in July.

Stephen Avenue Walk is a pedestrian zone lined with shops leading to a five block shopping complex. The city is a shoppers paradise. Local gemstones, handmade arts and crafts, antiques, Inuit art, designer Western wear and stylish fashions are to be found here. The shops at Eau Claire are unique, and you will not find them at other malls around the city

In 1988, Calgary became the first Canadian city to host the Olympic Winter Games and one of the fastest ice skating rinks in the world was built to accommodate these games. Canada Olympic Park, site of many of the events in the 1988 Olympics, is located about five minutes from downtown and features several lifts and lots of artificial snow.

For a real adrenaline rush, watch the Nordic ski jumpers as they launch themselves off the 90 meter ski jump and float hundreds of feet through the air. For a more relaxed skiing experience, Wintergreen Ski Area lies just outside the rustic hamlet of Bragg Creek, a 40-minute drive from downtown

Calgary Tower, during the 1988 Winter Olympics, a flame burned at the top of this famous building. Now, it is a major tourist attraction, known for its spectacular views of the city.

About Author:
Douglas Scott writes and works for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Calgary Rental Site

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Keeping Travel From Being A Pain In The Neck

Philosophers like to say that it's not arriving at the destination but the trip you take to get there that is the joy of the experience. Philosophers have clearly never spent 3 hours carrying a laptop and carry-on bag in the airport and 2 hours cramped in a seat next to someone who snores.

Traveling may be good for the psyche but it's hard on the body, particularly the neck where both muscle strain and stress add up to a stiff painful throb. Fortunately for the traveling philosopher in all of us there are many neck aids that can help sooth the rough spots of our trip.

U Shaped Pillows

Once a plane takes off and you can't see the world in miniature form as you climb to an elevation past the clouds, there is nothing nicer to do that sleep or relax on a flight. However, when you get to sleep your conscious mind shuts off and the thing in your brain that regulates your head posture shuts off with it. Heads bob, dip and usually lean to the side causing a strain on the neck.

Several outlets, the most accessible of which is Brookstone with a store in almost every major airport, offer U shaped pillows. With a U in the center, this pillow rests on the shoulders and behind the neck for support and comfort. It is about 2 inches thick in the neck and head can rest upon it and offer light support.

A Clinical Approach

The only limitation to the U shaped pillow is it's small size. It was made to be convenient and pretty on trips as well as functional. However for people with long necks or who need more support than the pillow offers strain can still occur. A solution marketed by Magellan's is the Komfort Kollar, an inflatable version of a cervical collar designed by an orthopedic surgeon for air travelers.

Once inflated, the collar fits all the way around the neck and clasps in the front with a Velcro strap. It supports the neck and spine from every direction. It's not an attractive device, but it will give your body full support and comfort as you rest. Because its job is to limit range of motion, you cannot use this while driving.

In The Car

Whether on a long drive or going home in your car from the airport, many stores have encouraged drivers to get massage mats for the driver's seat. These electronic mats send pulses or vibrations throughout the mat giving the driver a massage sensation that helps relieve stress and loosen up stiff muscles.

That way when you get out of the car and walk through the front door you won't have a snarl on your face as you greet your family. For the less high tech traveler, mats with round wooden beads attached the chair offer the same massaging quality and gently kneed the muscles with the movement of the car.

For work or play, travel is a part of everyone's life to some extent. Comfortable travel leads to a happier traveler. Then, maybe the journey does become the good part of the day.

About Author:
James Brown writes about Lufthansa UK promotion code, eBookers promotion code and airline-network.co.uk coupon code

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

East Coast Florida Beaches

Although people planning a vacation in Florida often concentrate on places like Walt Disney World, Miami Beach and Palm Beach, there are miles of white sand beaches which lie along both the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf Coast of Florida. Unlike other Atlantic Coast beaches, Florida's sandy stretches are actually increasing in size rather than decreasing due to erosion. If you were to walk the beaches of Florida at the rate of one mile per day, you would be enjoying the beaches for more than two and a half years. Although this sounds like an enjoyable way to visit the beaches of the state, for most people this is not feasible. Instead, most choose to visit the major beaches, arriving by automobile and spending a day of beach combing, observation of flora and fauna, or just enjoying the sun and the water.

Just a few of the Atlantic beaches of Florida can be noted here. Some are very well known, others are hideaway type expanses of beach where you can walk for miles without seeing another person. Traveling from north to the southern tip of the state, here are some favorite beaches.

JACKSONVILLE/AMELIA ISLAND/AMERICAN BEACH

Beaches in this area are generally wide and sand. They're typically lined with sand dunes and have a rich natural history including bird locations such as at Huguenot Memorial Park and Fort Clinch State Park. Most beaches in this area do not require access tags. Specific beaches of interest are those near Jacksonville and Little Talbot Island State Park. American Beach is a well known historic and cultural landmark. Founded in 1920 by Abraham Lincoln Lewis, it is a mecca for blacks from across the South as a vacation site.

Accommodations and food are plentiful in the area especially along the main north-south route. You can find everything from Victorian tearooms to high rise resort developments in this section of the coast.

DAYTONA BEACH/NEW SMYRNA BEACH

This 23 mile stretch of the North Central Atlantic Coast is known for its fascinating mix of bustling action and quiet stretches of beach perfect for vacationing families. Most communities have streets that provide beach access. Ormond-By-the-Sea is an example of the largely residential beach community where you can enjoy the sand and surf. Ormond Beach is the location of the Birthplace of Speed Park where the first American timed trials took place.

Daytona Beach of course is well known for the emphasis on racing action, but this beach features an old-fashioned boardwalk, pedestrian only zones and lots of surf fishing and para-sailing.

Canaveral National Seashore provides a barrier island environment with more than twenty miles of undeveloped seashore. You can visit the Eldora House Historical Site and the Turtle Mound Archaeological Site.

There are plenty of accommodations in this stretch, suitable for families with children and mature beachcombers as well.

PALM BEACH

The beaches are wide and flat, lined by gently swaying palm trees and with sparkling white sand. This stretch is a nesting area for sea turtles. Until recently Jupiter Beach has been known only for sand dunes covered with sea grapes and Australian pines. It is now well on its way to being a prime resort area with developed beach areas, some wheelchair accessible areas, plus plenty of well-appointed lodging places and trendy restaurants where you can find any type of cuisine you desire.

Many of the beaches in this area feature lifeguards, picnic grounds, nature trails and even boardwalks where you can enjoy rollerblading or bicycling.

Although Palm Beach itself is known mostly as a playground for the wealthy, you can find much in the area for families on a budget as well. Anyone who considers shopping a recreational activity will be certain to enjoy this stretch of Florida's Atlantic Coast.

FORT LAUDERDALE

Long known as the destination for college students on spring break from winter bound campuses in the north, the character of Fort Lauderdale has changed in the past few years. Strict policing of the miles of warm sands in the area have resulted in the beaches once again being suitable for families and young children. The wavewall and the promenade along the beach front is the perfect location for soaking up the atmosphere of the old city.

About Author:
Peter Kenny has been working in the Orlando area travel industry for the past 10 years. Please visit Vacation homes by owner and Orlando vacation homes

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Spherical Party Tents Lend a Unique Shape to Your Party Ideas

If you want the sort of party that calls for a great deal of wholesome fun and laughter, an indoor party isn't always the way to go. Indoors are for more intimate gatherings, where family and friends can meet up and enjoy a quiet cup of punch or cocoa, and have a laugh or two before it's time to go home. If you want room to run around and breathe fresh air, an outdoor party tent is the way to go! But do you want just any party tent? For an especially memorable experience, look into spherical party tents.

Regular triangular tents, sometime called teepees, don't have as much room inside for movement as spherical party tents. Spherical tents - also called dome tents - have canvas walls that form a semi-circle. There is more room from wall to wall - and from the floor to the ceiling, overall - than there would be in triangular tents. Canopies, closed or open, may offer a larger amount of space, but the design may be too plain and boring for those used to outdoor gatherings. Opt for a little novelty!

What makes a party tent? Well, usually it's the people inside them - or, more accurately, the party people inside them. If you consider yourself a real party person, even the small confines of an outdoor tent can be fun - devise fun games and neat party tricks to keep the company lively and laughing.

Another thing that would classify a protective piece of canvas as a "party tent" would be the designs on it. Whatever shape you want for your tent, you can purchase one that has a blank or monochrome canvas. Then you can proceed to buy non-toxic canvas paints from your nearest art store, and have fun decorating your party tent with your family and friends. It's not just the fun moments that occur inside a party tent that end up being memorable, after all - the act of decorating the tent itself could be a happy memory!

If you intend to host a large outdoor event, such as a children's party or a family reunion, you can buy a lot of spherical party tents and set them up, one for each group or family. The people attending the party can then go "tent-hopping" and enjoy socializing with and getting to know the different residents of each tent! You can also devise a fame where people can hunt for different items that are hidden in some tents, with clues to set them on their way. Be creative - get uniquely designed party tents, and make unique party plans!

About Author:
Tents-and-canopies.com provides you with information on tents and canopies like spherical party tents, eureka tents, coleman tent trailers, canvas tents, fargo tent and tent trailers. Go to http://www.tents-and-canopies.com

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

It is Fun to Be a Tourist in Historic Downtown Hendersonville, NC

Whether you live in the area or are just planning a visit, you will find it an easy occupation to be a downtown Hendersonville tourist. Hendersonville is a city with roots stretching back centuries.

Hendersonville became an incorporated city in January of 1847. And to everyone's pleasure, Hendersonville was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in March 1988.

You will find Hendersonville located at the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, approximately 26 miles south of Asheville, N.C. Hendersonville is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area of Western North Carolina where history and tourist attractions abound.

Hendersonville's population is rather small with only about 12,000 people living within the city limits. However, the city is booming with historic sites, attractions, and places to explore. Because of the area has four distinctive seasons, yet mild temperatures in both winter and summer, it is a wonderful place to visit or to live year-round.

When you walk down Main Street Hendersonville you will notice it is a serpentine shaped street lined with overflowing flower boxes and trees of all shapes and sizes. Along Main Street you will find antique shops, restaurants, and specialty stores of all kinds. There is something to be found along Main Street for people of all ages to enjoy.

Throughout the year Historic Downtown Hendersonville hosts the North Carolina Apple Festival, an antique show, art shows, car shows, and various parades throughout the year. Hendersonville shows off its traditional southern hometown charm through these special events. The friendly local residents are always welcoming to other locals and visitors alike.

Located on North Main Street you will find The Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County. The museum hosts special traveling exhibits from around the world and specializes in local Geodes. You can even purchase a Geode for yourself and they will crack it open and reveal its inner wonders for you! There is no admission fee for the museum though it is considered appropriate to leave a small donation to help support the museum.

Located in the same area as The Mineral & Lapidary Museum you will find the Henderson County Genealogical & Historical Society. This excellent resource library was founded in 1983 to aide researchers and historians on the history of North and South
Carolina.

While visiting the museum and the Genealogical Society make sure you notice the McClintock Chime Clock attached to the Genealogical Society's building. The clock is about 65 years old and is a unique sight not to be missed.

The Henderson County Curb Market is open for business Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, all along Main Street. This large farmer's market offers only handcrafted items from local residents of the county. Here you will find produce, craft items, baked goods, and just about anything else you could possibly want to find at an open air market.

No tourist trek through Downtown Hendersonville is complete without a visit to the Hendersonville City Hall Building. The building was erected in 1928 and contains many interesting historic artifacts of the local area. Because three presidents were from North Carolina, (Andrew Jackson, James Knox Polk and Andrew Johnson) you will find statues and information on them located at the Hendersonville City Hall Building.

Whatever your pleasure, you are sure to find it in Historic Downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina. It is great to be a Downtown Hendersonville Tourist!

About Author:
Historic Downtown Hendersonville and the Blue Ridge Mountain area of North Carolina are residential havens for today's families. Work with the experienced, local, real estate agents at Preferred Real Estate Center to find the perfect property to fit your needs.

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Florida\'s Gulf Coast Travel

There is a great deal of variety in the beaches located along the Gulf Coast of the State, but the choice of what to visit is even more interesting than on the Atlantic Coast. The Gulf Coast is in many ways less developed along long stretches, but it provides much more to explore, both in terms of topography and of activity. Beginning with the southern tip of Florida and working one's way north would provide dozens of interesting and exciting places to visit, with even more activities to occupy people of every age and interest.

NAPLES/MARCO ISLAND AREA

Naples area beaches are known as some of the most beautiful in the state. In fact the entire area is known as The Paradise Coast. Here you will find beaches such as Barefoot Beach Preserve with expectations for viewing sea turtles, ospreys, and bald eagles. Often sparkling which beaches are lines with mangroves and dunes. Many areas are rich in natural history. In spite of their beauty and accessibility, these beaches tend to be quieter than in some of the other parts of the State, but you can still find hot night action in spots where the locals gather.

FORT MYERS

Fort Myers Beach is perfect for those who enjoy shell collecting and island hopping. You can swim in the warm waters of the Gulf, enjoy snorkeling, scuba and swimming and wandering in beach towns that can only be described as rustic. Accommodations in this area can be gold star treatment, or you may choose to stay in one of the primitive cabins located on Cayo Costa Island. If you chose this option, make sure you plan your stay for overnight, since it's accessible by ferry only.

Fort Myers Beach itself is noted for its safety. Gently sloping sands lead temptingly into the Gulf's waters where you can enjoy para-sailing, swimming, water skiing and jet skiing. The village will entice anyone who loves to shop.

ST PETERSBURG

Miles of powdery sand here on the barrier islands protecting the harbor. Many are undeveloped, but there are also city managed stretches of developed facilities. These beaches have consistently captured awards for everything from the quality of the sand to the environmental efforts of the area.

Anclote Key has dozens of species of birds including the bald eagle to enjoy and observe. Four miles of beaches on the island. There are six different biological communities on the island so a variety of flora and fauna makes your stay in this area fascinating. In addition, there is a superb swimming beach located here. Historical interest is provided by the 1887 federal lighthouse located on the southern tip of the island

CRYSTAL RIVER

The character of the beaches begins to change in this area. There are shallow grassy flats coupled with a few stretches of sandy beaches. This area is known as Florida's Nature Coast. In addition to the expected wildlife, you can enjoy snorkeling, swimming and even the search for scallops in the months during the summer season.

Surrounding marshland proves to be a place where many vacationers choose to make a trek inland to view the wildlife which calls this area home.

Smaller communities, more quiet locations to enjoy nature and good food and accommodations are all characteristics of the stretch of Florida coast north of St Petersburg.

CEDAR KEY/STEINHATCHEE BEACHES

A definite change in scenery characterizes the coastline of Florida. These are almost all smaller communities with a rich history and more emphasis on fishing--both fresh and saltwater, boating, birding and plenty of other nature activities to enjoy. There are many secluded island beaches where you can choose your activities with an eye to quiet, peaceful stretches along with places for swimming, snorkeling and other water activities. There are even villages noted for the fishing trade which can best be classified as quaint.

FORT WALTON

This area has been called the best beach in the South. It's famous for miles of powdery white sand and warm Gulf waters that make you feel like you are swimming in an aquarium, thanks to the variety of underwater creatures you can view.

Favorite activities here include those which are beach and family oriented.

About Author:
Peter Kenny has been working in the Orlando area travel industry for the past 10 years. Please visit Vacation homes by owner and Orlando vacation homes

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Discover The Magnificent Beaches Of Prince Edward Island

Warm up to the idea of a Prince Edward Island beach vacation this summer. On this Gentle Island you'll discover the beach vacation of your dreams.

Here, every day brings a chance to walk hand in hand along miles and miles of sandy coastline, enjoying magical stretches of white, champagne, pink and red beaches. Every day brings a chance to dip your toe into the warmest ocean waters north of Virginia. And every evening offers the opportunity to savor the most amazing sunset you've ever seen; among the most memorable you're every likely to see, iridescent as it shimmers, dances and plays on the water before the sun settles itself, sinking below the horizon. Listen closely and you'll swear you can almost hear the sizzle as it hits.

A beach vacation on Prince Edward Island consistently and effortlessly delivers on its promise of a sojourn imbued with relaxation and refreshment along the way. There's nothing like watching the fishing boats off in the distance as the waves of the Atlantic lap at your feet as sea birds fly high overhead, soaring to the top of the red cliffs above, or diving down into the fresh ocean water and the bounty it offers.

If you are more the adventurous, inquisitive and active traveler, a guided tour may well be the perfect introduction to your Gentle Island beach vacation. It offers a chance to learn about the geology, flora and fauna in the area, and who better to learn from than an area native. Prince Edward Island may well be Canada's smallest province, but it is big on being the perfect respite for your soul. No need for chicken soup when you can have clam chowder and seafood, freshly caught from the ocean every day. Clam chowder made that much more hearty with an abundance of PEI potatoes in your bowl and cream or milk fresh from the myriad farms to be found on the island.

No matter what your beach vacation needs, wants or requirements, Prince Edward Island is more than happy to meet them, and then some. For couples, it's hard to find a more romantic setting than one of our beautiful and unique beaches and red-earth cliffs. Explore a treasure trove for nature lovers as seabirds soar high above. Have fun with the family clam digging. Or just spend a solitary moment walking along our shores. Our intimate Gentle Island is truly an oasis and a haven from the everyday world.

Discover the network of beaches that extends for miles across sand dunes, barrier islands, beaches, sandstone cliffs, wetlands and forest. Discover a diverse habitat, home to a wide variety of plant and wildlife, including the endangered Piping Plover. Learn about the Island's ocean history that dates back thousands of years. Discover the simple joy of camping as nature intended, on any of 10 ocean-side campsites.

This summer, discover the beach vacation The Gentle Island has to offer. A week on Prince Edward Island will give you memories to last a lifetime.

About Author:
Prince Edward Island is known for the vivid colours of its gently rolling landscape. The Island is surrounded by miles of sandy beaches and red sandstone cliffs and is just right for your next beach vacation.

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Western North Carolina Tourism Destinations You Can\'t Miss

Western North Carolina has been a vacation destination for over a century. Tourism in the area is a booming business as is the local real estate market. By simply exploring the area for yourself, you can easily see why! Whether you enjoy antique shopping, hiking, fishing, or historic sites, the area has something to offer for everyone. Whether you are looking for a place to relocate or simply vacation, the Western N.C. area is just the place you have been looking for.

Western North Carolina is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area is loaded with a variety of attractions which range from national parks to historic sites. If you prefer the outdoors there are plenty of places to hike, fish and camp. If you prefer indoor activities there are plenty of shops, art galleries, and historic places you can visit. The area has an abundance of things for you to do and see.

Some of the best places to visit in the Western North Carolina area are listed below:

Downtown Asheville: Downtown Asheville is known for its vibrant art and music scene. You can spend some time people watching while you enjoy a local coffee shop, take in a local music club, eat at a variety of restaurants, go on an art walk to visit the city's 30+ galleries, or you can simply walk around and shop in the quaint shops which line the downtown streets.

Historic Downtown Hendersonville: Historic Downtown Hendersonville is known for both the North Carolina Apple Festival, celebrated each year over the Labor Day weekend, and The Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County.

Connemara: Connemara is a National Historic Site and the home of famous American Poet, Carl Sandburg. Tours of the home area available and you are able to roam around the 5-acre property at your leisure.

Flat Rock Playhouse: The Flat Rock Playhouse is The State Theatre of North Carolina and has been in existence for over 70 years. Here you can catch the latest production.

The North Carolina Arboretum: The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre site with a focus on education, economic development, research, conservation and garden demonstrations with respect to landscape design, architecture, and plant sciences. The site has 1.8 miles of Bent Creek running through it. The Arboretum offers classes and nature walks for visitors of all ages and abilities.

The Biltmore Estate: The Vanderbilt Family Biltmore Estate is located in Asheville, N.C. and offers its visitors tours of the Biltmore House, the Biltmore Gardens, the River Bend Farm, an award-winning winery, shops, restaurants, and an amazing 8,000-acre backyard where you can play and explore.

The Blue Ridge Parkway: The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most popular parts of the National Park System. Known as "America's Favorite Drive," the Parkway is 469 miles of highway which travels through some of the most scenic mountains and vistas in the United States.

Pisgah National Forest: The Pisgah National Forest contains some of the most beautiful scenery of the Western North Carolina area. From meadows to rugged mountains there is a view for everyone to enjoy. Camping in the Pisgah National Forest is plentiful as is hiking and fishing.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the United States. It offers you camping, fishing, horseback riding and miles upon miles of hiking trails.

As you can see, the Western North Carolina area has something to offer for everyone.

About Author:
The Western North Carolina area has an attraction to everyone. If you are relocating or buying a vacation home in this Blue Ridge Mountains area, please visit Preferred Real Estate Center at www.preferredrealestatecenter.com. Our experienced Asheville, NC real estate agents have a detailed knowledge of the area to guide you in your search.

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Thoughts And Tips On Transportation In Bangkok

The most efficient and reliable way of reaching your destination is by bus. Buses arrive at set times and can be flagged down at almost place on the side of the road as long as it is on their route. The general cost of bus fare depends on where you are going. The minimal cost on an air conditioned bus is 7 Baht while the cost on non air conditioned buses can be less. Buses are not always known to arrive on time and sometimes don't arrive at all but trust that they are the most reliable source of transportation.

Coming in at a close second best is the ever present taxi. A taxi fare can be debated between you and the driver if your Thai is decent but drivers are not always true to their word. The easiest thing to do is go by the taxi meter and hope that you don't get stuck in a traffic jam.

Taxi meters start at 35 Baht and will not go up until 2 kilometers has been surpassed. The meter rises in increments of 2 Baht and has the option changing the increment so make sure the driver doesn't play around with the radio too often. Be mindful also of the route that you take. Try to get a rough estimate from others on how much the fare should cost before you get in so you don't get taken for a longer ride than necessary. Taxi drivers are not all dishonest and some pink taxis actually sport a sticker on their windows that says "I (heart) Farang" which translates to "I love Foreigners".

If you can't find any other transportation to take you directly to your destination you can take a series of Tuk-Tuk's for 5 Baht a ride regardless of where you get on or off. The front of the Tuk-Tuk consists of the front cab of a low ride pickup and the back half is an empty box with no doors, windows or walls containing a slim bench on all four sides for passengers to sit on and a small space for people to get off.

Space is minimal and most people don't choose this as an option because you are not protected from the pollution on the roads or the weather or puddles. Sometimes, during the rainy season especially, Tuk-Tuk's will pull a piece of plastic around the "walls' to save you from the splashes. Mostly in the rainy season you won't be able to find a Tuk-Tuk, nor will you want to, because the roads become flooded with the heavy rains making transportation next to impossible.

About Author:
James Brown writes about Enterprise Rent-A-Car discount codes, Dollar Rent A Car coupon codes and Thrifty Rent-A-Car discount codes

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Colombia\'s Re-Awakening

When you think about Colombia, you will probably also be thinking about crime, drugs and kidnapping and truthfully, no one could blame you. This developing nation has for a long time, held a reputation as a the drug and kidnapping capital of the world.

The United Nations survey of crime statistics during the period 1998- 2000 placed Colombia as the country with the most murders per capita in the world, along with some frightening statistics on assault, kidnapping and street crime. For a long time, Colombia has been known as a dangerous place to live, and most certainly a dangerous place to travel to.

But since May 2002, when President Alvaro Uribe Velez came into power, things have started to change for the better.

At the beginning of his term, Velez announced a war against crime and drugs in his country and immediately launched a security crackdown across the nation. Injecting resources into the military allowed the nation to make major developments in reducing crime and kidnapping rates, and improving public security with a stronger police presence on the streets.

Since then, kidnappings have been reduced by almost 80%, and the economy is growing in strength, offering the Colombian people some light at the end of a dark and violent tunnel.

Colombia now boats a $130 billion dollar economy. Unemployment is now at a modest 13%, a decline by 3% since 2002, and inflation is down to 5% from a staggering 18% just ten years ago.

In an effort to maximise the country's opportunity for return on this expensive investment, President Velez went on to focus his power on tourism. In 2005 a global campaign encouraging support and interest in the country's tourism prospects was launched under the theme Colombia is passion.

The message was that the country is taking it's problems seriously, and under the support of recent positive changes to the countries stability, Colombia is making every effort possible to make it an attractive and safe place to visit for the international community.

Celebrities, political leaders and worldwide tour operators were invited to join a tour of the countries highlights, a showcase of the wealth of opportunities Colombia possesses, just waiting for travellers to experience and enjoy.

Colombia's figures in the tourism sector are now beginning to reflect that optimism. 2006, Colombia greeted 1.5 million international visitors, and increase in 50% since the previous year. That figure is now expected to grow a further 5% in 2007 and to generate close to USD $12822 million, about 6.3% of Colombias G.D.P.

As a result, Colombia's employment sector is also expecting to prosper, generating an expected 1173000 jobs that will account for nearly 6% of the countries total employment rate.

But beyond these expectations, members of the international community are responding to Colombia's efforts to clean up it's image. In April this year, Cartagena hosted the World Tourism Organisation's General Assembly, and in 2006 it was named by Lonely Planet as one of it's top ten best destinations for backpackers. As the website attests: Beyond the headlines is a thriving society with a rising middle class, some of the best health care and universities in South America, and improved security.

It becoming clear that the effects of a determined President's plan to change the face and the future of his country is having a positive and exciting impact on the nation, both internally and externally.

Business owners and investors have started to notice the shift in the balance of Colombia's appeal as a hot destination in the making, and interest in development opportunities is increasing.

Gaizka Pujana is one such investor, keen to make his mark on the face of a freshly polished country, waiting to open it's doors to the travelling world. He is the owner of a successful apartment holiday rental business in Spain, and is preparing to launch two additional branches of his business in Colombia later this year.

Starting small in 2003, with just one apartment, Get Ready Rentals now boats a portfolio of 15 apartments in Barcelona alone, and is enjoying the success of recent expansions in Sevilla, The Costa Del Sol and Madrid. According to Pujana, Colombia is going to be the next big destination for international travellers, and his intentions are to be there when it happens, just like he did in Spain.

A lot of my success is Spain is thanks to not just some good advice and well-timed opportunity, but also my judgement on the potential of the market there. I got involved right at the time when Barcelona as a destination was starting to explode. In just three years I have achieved a lot. I was in the right place at the right time, and now I am looking forward to doing it all over again.

Pujana believes that Colombia is the future for travellers seeking a low cost, high excitement, friendly location with exotic appeal, and his plan is to open two apartment rental business in Bogota and Cartagena by the end of 2007.

Colombia has everything a traveller wants to find, without the crowds, and at a budget price enthuses Pujana. It is his belief that the travel market mentality is changing. People are shifting in their preference from an overly safe and highly organised travel experience. They are now choosing to reclaim some of the control and spontaneity over their vacations, by choosing self catering accommodation and leaving their itineraries flexible.

He believes that Colombia's appeal exactly matches this desire. It has had a relatively recent awakening into the world of global tourism. It is innocence and inexperience is part of the charm for those seeking an escape from over developed, resort style destinations.

Opinions aside, there is no argument when it comes to Colombia's appeal as an exotic destination. With it's warm tropical climate, lush, dense Amazonian jungle, soaring mountain peaks, beautiful beaches and a complex cultural history, Colombia has what it takes to rival previously popular destinations like Morocco, Thailand and Nepal.

The place has this great feel to it. It's wild but in the sense that it's exciting. The people are warm and engaging, and your money will go a long way, he says. It won't be long until Colombia is fortifying it's optimistic future with hard tourist dollars. Just you wait and see...

About Author:
Gaizka Pujana is the co-owner of Barcelona Homes, S.L. which is a company
specialized in providing short term tenancy solutions in Seville and Barcelona through its
web pages Bogota apartment rental
Cartagena apartment Rental
accommodation Bogota

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Historic Hendersonville Offers Something Special For Every Member of Your Family

I have to admit it - it's fun to be a tourist in historic endersonville, North Carolina! Historic Hendersonville and the Blue Ridge Mountain region of North Carolina have been a tourist destination for over a hundred years.

Hendersonville, NC, officially became an incorporated city in January of 1947. It was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in March 1988 due to its rich history. Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area of Western North Carolina, Hendersonville is located at the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, approximately 26 miles south of Asheville, North Carolina.

Hendersonville, currently about 12,000 people call it their home, is rich in southern charm. The city is booming with historic sites, attractions, and places to explore. Because of the area has four distinctive seasons, yet mild temperatures in both summer and winter, it is a superb place to visit or to live, year-round.

When you walk down the historic streets of Hendersonville you will notice the streets are lined with overflowing flower boxes and trees of all shapes and sizes. Along Hendersonville's streets you will find antique shops, restaurants, night clubs, and specialty stores of all varieties. There is something to be found in Hendersonville for people of all ages to explore and enjoy.

Throughout the year Historic Downtown Hendersonville hosts the North Carolina Apple Festival, an antique show, art shows, car shows, and various parades throughout the year. Hendersonville shows off its traditional southern hometown charm through these special events. The friendly local residents are always welcoming to other locals and visitors alike.

Located on North Main Street you will find The Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County. The museum hosts special traveling exhibits from around the world and specializes in local Geodes. There is no admission fee for the museum though it is considered proper to leave a small donation to help support running the museum and its future exhibits.

Located in the same area as The Mineral & Lapidary Museum you will find the Henderson County Genealogical & Historical Society. This excellent resource library with over 2,000 volumes was founded in 1983 to aide historians and researchers in their understanding of the history of North and South Carolina. On the outside of the building you will find the McClintock Chime Clock. The clock is approximately 65 years old and is a distinctive sight in the area.

No tourist trek through Historic Hendersonville is complete without a visit to the Hendersonville City Hall Building. The building was erected in 1928 and contains many interesting historic artifacts of the local area. Because three presidents were from North Carolina, (Andrew Jackson, James Knox Polk and Andrew Johnson) you will find statues and information on them located at the Hendersonville City Hall Building.

There are four popular man-made lakes in the greater Asheville and Hendersonville areas. They are: Biltmore Lake, Lake Glenville, Lake Lure and Lake Toxaway. Each lake offers water-front real estate if you are interested in living lakeside. The lakes are stocked with fish and have some great areas to picnic and spend the lazy days of summer.

Whatever your pleasure, you are sure to find it in Historic Hendersonville, NC. It is a great place to be a resident or a tourist.

About Author:
Historic Hendersonville and the Blue Ridge Mountain region of North Carolina have been a tourist destination and residential oasis for over a hundred years. Work with the local real estate agents at Preferred Real Estate Center to find the perfect property for you.

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Munich The City of the German Federal State of Bavaria

Munich is the capital of the German Federal State of Bavaria. It is known in Germany as the city with the village feel. It has all the sophistication of a big-city but is on a smaller and much friendlier scale.

Munich was the site of the 1972 Summer Olympics. It was during the Olympics that Israeli athletes were assassinated by Palestinian terrorists. When terrorist gunmen from the Palestinian Black September group took hostage members of the Israeli Olympic team. A attempt by the West German government to rescue was unsuccessful and resulted in the deaths of the Israeli hostages, five of the terrorists, and one German police officer.

Many of the citys attractions are in the immediate vicinity, so sightseeing can easily be done on foot or by hopping on and off trams.

The former artists quarter is now considered the most fashionable part of the city, with numerous bars, cafes, restaurants and nightlife venues.

The main shopping areas are Neuhauserstrasse and Kaufingerstrasse, both lined with large department stores and international chains. Smaller more exclusive boutiques can be found around Maximilianstrasse and Theatinerstrasse.

The city is famous for its breweries and the Weilbier is a speciality from Bavaria. Nightlife is the collective term for any entertainment that is available and more popular from the late evening into the early hours of the morning. It includes pubs, bars nightclubs, live music, cabaret, small theatres, small cinemas, shows. Nightlife encompasses entertainment from the fairly tame to the risque to the seedy. Nightlife entertainment is inherently edgier than daytime amusements, and usually more oriented to young adults.

Hofbrauhaus beer has been swilled at this world-famous tavern site since it became a royal brewery in 1605. Equally famous is the Bavarian jollity and conviviality, known as gemuchtlikheid, which has emanated directly from the Hofbrauhaus in Munich along with the beer which flows freely there each day, you are served by robust rosy-cheeked young women clad in Bavarian dress in litre-sized beer steins.

The Marienplatz is the heart of the city and the site of its most important historic buildings. The square is dominated by the Neo-Gothic Town Hall featuring its famous Glockenspiel, both where built in the 19th century. The Glockenspiel delights visitors when it chimes the hours every day at 11am, 12pm, 5pm and 9pm with its 43 bells, accompanied by moving clockwork figures that display vignettes from Munichs history. The Town Hall has a tower that can be accessed by a lift.

About Author:
Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a writer for The Germay Villa Rental Site

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Travel Accessories Used By Students

The travel accessories used by students on campus could easily be used by any member of the family too. Some of the typical accessories that students have with them in every class are the stylish laptop tote bags. Some of the laptop tote bags are styled in a very efficient manner because students always seem to be in a hurry and might need a pen to take notes, or paper to record comments on.

Some travel accessories used by students will often be used after class. Some digital headphones will come in handy when walking to class or could be used after class to listen to lectures. Some students have never been away from home before and will usually keep in touch by hooking up a webcam. This accessory is lightweight and easy to use and will keep them from getting homesick and dropping classes and going back home.

One of the newest travel accessories for students will allow them to convert notes that they took in class to a digital text form. These digital notepads can save students hours of time that could be used to study for exams. As student could also use a cordless mouse to navigate through Windows faster and still have time to call family and friends on the ever popular travel accessory which is the mobile phone.

Some students keep their files organized by using external hard drives. These travel accessories for students can keep them focused on the task at hand and free up the hard drive space on the laptop that they use for many courses throughout a four-year degree program. The files on the external hard drive can easily be copied to compact disc to allow the student to create a library that they can use as a ready reference source for many years to come.

The travel accessories for students that will be used everyday in class are the flash drives. These miniature devices allow the students to store data on them and taken them to another computer and use. When students are cramming for exams, these are marvelous devices that can be useful to many people in a dorm. The students appreciate the portability of the devices, and the fact that they are small.

Many of the travel accessories for students will fit in the laptop bag but these bags are rarely locked or secured by students. There are several styles offered for locks that can be used to lock a laptop and some can be used for a book bag. The student can use a laptop strap which performs the same function. There are so many accessories that a student can keep with them and use while they are at school and they can continue to use them in their social life when classes are over with for the day.

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James Brown writes about Magellan's Travel Supplies online coupons, Shoebuy.com discounts and LuggageOnLine.com coupon code

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Travel Accessories For Babies

The travel accessories for babies are so cute and adorable that some Mothers forget that they actually do serve a purpose. The parents of twins would simply be lost without a stroller built for two and every parent would be lost without a car seat that was built to fit the miniature size of the little person in their lives.

Some of the travel accessories for babies can be used for years. Many parents would never think to travel with their child in the car without having a small and cuddly toy for them to play with. These toys can be used to entertain a child during a shopping trip or serve as a little buddy when the child is put down for an afternoon nap.

Parents benefit often from the travel accessories for babies that allow them to pump milk out when they are away from home. Many Mothers will stash these marvelous pumps in a diaper bag so that they can discretely take them into the restroom at their favorite restaurant. Both people at this small dinner party can get their lunch in very little time and not have to fret over it one bit.

Every child needs a bed to sleep on and this rule applies when they are away from home too. There are travel cots that pack up nicely and are easy to load and unload from the car. Parents are able to visit with friends after nightfall and know that their child is relaxing nicely in a bed that they are familiar with. These small travel cots come with removable covers that can be cleaned in the washing machine.

There are new inventions in travel accessories for babies during the past five years and some are more helpful than others. A helpful travel accessory that mothers love is a new changing pad that can be manipulated with one hand. The changing pad has been designed to form a circle of fabric under the baby instead of the standard rectangular shapes that never seem to work very well. The baby's bottom never has a chance to slide off, and the changing pad has pockets to store diapers and wipes.

Most of the travel accessories for babies are meant to keep things organized, but there are some helpful items that will also keep children safe. There are safety gates in various sizes that can keep a toddler from tumbling down several flights of stairs, and these gates can even be used to keep small dogs in the right part of a friends backyard during a visit.

Every new mother will feel a bit of weight gain after they give birth to their child. A trip to the gym once or twice a week will help them to regain their figure. There are travel accessories for babies that provide enough activities that the child can have their own gym to play with even if their Mom is on some exercise equipment a few feet away. The hanging toys on the baby gym are travel accessories for babies that will help the child progress nicely and become fit in the process.

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James Brown writes about Big Bus Company - Tours discounts, isango.com coupon code and Viator UK promotion code

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Milan the Biggest International Airport In Italy

Milan is one of the largest cities in Italy, located in the plains of Lombardy, and is one of the most highly developed urban centres in Europe. It is also Italy's transport hub, with the biggest international airport, most rail connections, and best subway system.

The city is the country's economic engine room, home to business centre and Italy's stock market. This stylish city is also the world's design capital and rivals Paris as a leading fashion centre. Lake Como, Lake Orta, and Lake Maggiore together make up the Lake district near the Swiss border. Small interesting towns huddle around the lake.

The top fashion houses in Milan have VIP suites for celebrity guests. In the main Dolce & Gabbana store, the fear of undressing in front of the hoi polloi is banished by visions of leopard-print curtains and gilt chairs. Dolce & Gabbana have their signature cafe on Corso Venezia, with Gucci in the Galleria.

Milan is Italy's clubbing capital, and there is plenty to do at night. Corso Como is central Milan's busiest street after dark, and has lots of bars. The Navigli canal quarter is more boisterous and alternative, but the restaurants are just as diverse, as are the canal-side summer music venues. The night-spots multiply before your very eyes, and you really can find them in every corner and district of the city. In spite of that, there is no doubt that areas like Navifli and Brera remain the established destinations for going out in the evenings.

The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is one of the most famous in the world. It was constructed as a Gothic church, it was redesigned once Milan fell to the French leaving it today as an odd combination of styles. There are Gothic vaults but they are illuminated by a dome that was later built on the side of the church. One of the reasons this church is so popular with tourists is because it hosts one of the most famous paintings in the world, Da Vinci's Last Supper.

The Duomo, is Milan's cathedral, and is one of the largest churches in the world, is a surprisingly elegant mass of marble boasting 3400 statues and 135 spires. Commissioned in 1386, by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the Duomo was not finished until the early 1800s. The building began life as a Gothic cathedral, but over the centuries the designs went through several modifications, and the finished Duomo is a strange mixture of styles.

About Author:
Douglas Scott works for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Italian Villa Rental Site

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The City of Seven Hills

Lisbons superb natural setting, spread across seven hills and hugging the banks of the wide River Tagus estuary. It is the only European capital with Atlantic beaches.

Traditionally, the night life centre has been Bairro Alto, with its traditional, canteen-style bars and upscale discos. The bars are often stay open as late as 0400. The minimum age for purchasing alcohol is 16 years.

Bairro Alto is an old traditional quarter in Lisbon. Besides the traditional shops, a new dynamic is growing there. Rua Augusta is located in one of the busiest quarters of Lisbon. It is closed to traffic, this pedestrians street has all sorts of shops for all sorts of tastes, flower peddlers, hot chestnuts sellers, street cafes, independent street Artists like the statue man or the familiar harmonica player. This street has on the northern extreme the Rossio Square and on the southern extreme the Commerce Square.

The Docas are located in Alcantara, underneath the 25 de Abril bridge. There are many restaurants and bars literally on the docks of the Rio Tejo. There are tables outside to dine and drink at, or you can join the chaos inside the crazy clubs. Despite being one of the loveliest parts of town with an incredible view.

Baixa the promenade was established following the devastating earthquake of 1755 and has been the site of numerous events over the years. Initially, only the elite were permitted to enjoy the promenade, a prohibition enforced until 1821. Among the charming fountains and cafe tables stands a richly detailed monument honouring WWI casualties.

Estrela is a magnificent garden and is a must see in Lisbon. The flowers are beautifully scattered throughout the entire garden, and a water side cafe overlooks the lake. You will enjoy feeding the ducks and the fish that are eager for a tasty treat.

Founded by petroleum mogul Calouste Gulbenkian and maintained by the foundation bearing his name, this stunning facility boasts two galleries, three concert halls, and an orchestra. Comprehensive exhibits feature Egyptian, Oriental, Greco-Roman and European art and boast names such as Rembrandt, Ruebens, and Renoir.

The Castle of St George is perched on the highest of Lisbons seven hills, high above the Baixa and the Mouraria. The site was occupied by Romans, Visigoths and Moors and was the royal residence until the late 15th century it was rebuilt in the 1940s. Within the castle, tourists can visit multimedia presentations or just wander around the walls, towers and gardens.

About Author:
Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Lisbon Villa Rental Site

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The Capital of Skane

Malmo is an international city and the commercial centre of southern Sweden. Sweden's third-largest city, a busy port across the Oresund sound is now linked by the Oresund Bridge from Copenhagen and is the capital of Skane.

The strongest sectors in Malmo are logistics, retail and wholesale trade, construction, and property. There are also a number of well-known companies within biotechnology and medical technology, environmental technology, IT, and digital media fields.

Malmo University was founded in 1998 and is today Swedens eighth largest university of undergraduate studies.

Lilla Torg the Little Square is famous among other things for its outdoor cafes and bars in the summer time, and is a perfect starting point from which to discover the old town encircled by the city's canals.

With over 600 restaurants, cafes and fast food servings to choose from in Malmo, the choice might prove a difficult one. The Mollevangen area in the city is the best place for a night out.

From May to September, locals head for Folkets Park the People's Park. Which is an amusement grounds and pleasure gardens, dancing pavilions, vaudeville performances, and open-air concerts and attracts big crowds.

The main pedestrian shopping street is Sodergatan, which leads south of Stortorget toward the canal.

The Old Town is encircled by canals and is where most of the main attractions are located

In the third week of August every year, the centre of Malmo is taken over by a friendly, festive crowd. The Malmo Festival is the largest annual event taking place in southern Sweden and attracts some 1.5 million visitors. The Festival's opening ceremony takes place in the Main Square, where the biggest crayfish party in the world is held. For eight days and seven nights, you can enjoy music and entertainment on a out door stages or in music marquees.

Malmo is often called a city of parks. Pildammsparken, Kungsparken, Slottsparken and Beijers Park are all situated right in the middle of the city. Water channels run through the parks where you can take a boats tour a round the city. The oldest of the parks in Malmo is Kungsparken.

Malmohus Castle, is Sweden oldest surviving renaissance castle and a monument from Malmo's Danish period. This castle houses four museums on the inside. You can find the Natural History Museum, City Museum, the Aquarium and Tropicarium, and the Konstmuseet inside. On the outside is quintessential castle moat.

About Author:
Douglas Scott writes and works for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Malmo Rental Site

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Nantes Former Capital of Brittany

The city of Nantes is built in a place where many branches of the Loire river created several islands. Nantes is located on the banks of the Loire river, at the confluence of the Sevre Nantaise and Erdre, near the river's mouth, 55 km from the Atlantic Ocean.
Formerly the capital of Brittany, the city of was Nantes was separated from the region by the Vichy government in June 1941.

The old town area of Nantes is where you can find the beautiful 15th century Chateau des Ducs with impressive pot-pourri of buildings built in different fascinating styles. Also near by is the white-stoned Cathedrale de St-Pierre-et-St-Paul boasting its high ceiling and architectural beauty.

Nantes is over flown with shops and boutiques. The principal shopping streets are rue Crebillon, rue du Calvaire, rue Boileau, rue d'Orleans, rue de la Marne, rue de Verdun, and passage Pommeraye. The Station, in the heart of the city, is five minutes' walk from the Chateau and Congress Centre.

The city is packed with night spots that are located close together Many pubs and cafes with live music can be found around the city centre.

The city is renowned for beautiful marshes and lakes, and there fore the restaurants can offer fresh frogs and eels legs with parsley, garlic and wine. Another local speciality is roasted duck breast cooked in Muscadet. A traditional Nantes recipes boast simple yet delicious flavours. Another local speciality is the crepe. Crepes are filled with a wide range of fillings, both sweet and savoury and make a great meal or snack at any time of the day.

The city is dominated by a huge, two-tone castle from the 15th century, in beautifully renovated granite and schist the Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne. The stern exterior, built for Francois 11 of Brittany, encloses a more feminine, Renaissance building, designed for Anne of Brittany, and currently being transformed into the Museum of Nantes History which is launched in early 2007.

Canal de la Martinire canal dates back to the end of the 19th century and stretches over five kilometres. It was built to help with the passage of boats. Today, the canal is used for hydraulic regulation equipment and is a popular area for sight seeing, fishing and sailing while the surrounding nature trails make good walking territory. For bird watching, over 80 types of birds can be found here throughout the year.

About Author:
Douglas Scott writes and works for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Nantes Rental Site

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Classic Yachts Come To Menorca

Menorca has long been regarded as the quietest of the three islands that make up the Spanish Balearics, but the holiday isle, much favoured by British and other European tourists, is set to steal the limelight for a while at least with the King's Cup for Classic Yachts.

The sailing regatta is due to be held in the Port of Mahon - Mahon is the capital of Menorca - ideally suited for sailing and one of the world's best known deep water harbours.

The harbour is often a port of call for cruise ships touring the Mediterranean.

The Classic Yachts Weekend includes three different classes of boat. Vintage yachts, which were launched before 1949, Claasic Yachts that were built before 1975, and at the organisers' discretion Spirit of Tradition Yachts.

The timing of the weekend is good for Menorca. Visitor numbers have been down in recent years, and in an attempt to lengthen the season and make up numbers the island is trying to extend her normal peak times from May to September to April through October.

It has also seen the success of similar yacht events in neighbouring Mallorca.

This summer's SuperYacht Cup off Mallorca will be the most competitive for the yachts since the event began ten years ago.

With 40 entries so far, and another 20 possibles by the time the yachting weekend comes along, will ensure races to remember both for the yacht crews and spectactors, with plenty of social events organised for the evenings.

The organisers have appointed a Race Officer for this year's event, to move the image from one of fun and socialisng, to that of a serious yacht competition, with the social side as active as ever.

The new officer has experience of helping to organise regattas in Cowes, on the UK's Isle of Wight, one of the most famous locations in the yachting world, has sailing experience himself and brings to the Mallorca Supercup a drive and level of experience necessary to meet the organisers ambitions. Menorca might need a person of similar calibre to promote her own events.

As part of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca has welcomed many visitors back to live full time on the island. Menorca property has proved popular too, for those looking for a gentler pace of life than big sister Mallorca.

Property prices in Mallorca are similar to Menorca property, with a range of apartments and villas in both rural and town locations, and with twenty golf courses plenty of golf course developments too on Mallorca.

Menorca has just the one golf course, recently extended to eighteen holes, and is located in Son Park, which has a choice of hotels, apartments and villas for holiday makers.

The cost of flying to Mallorca has come down in recent years from most European countries due to low cost airlines, especially in the island's core tourist areas of the United Kingdom and Germany, and last year easyJet started direct flights from London's Gatwick Airport to the sister island of Menorca, as well as serving Mallorca itself.

Despite competition from other destinations, Mallorca looks set to remain a favourite holiday spot for some time to come, and Menortca will hope that some of her success is passed onto her sister island in the Balearics.

About Author:
For holiday information about Minorca visit Yourmenorca.net

Information includes upmarket holiday offers from James Villas and offers for two week villa stays from Meon Villas

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