Family Vacation

The Canary Islands are the remnants of the break up of the African and South American continents many millions of years ago. And even today these seven specks of Spain are still home to a mixture of Latin and African influences – along with a hefty dash of Iberian spirit for good measure.

Lanzarote is the most easterly link in this chain of islands and hence the closest to the West African coastline. Lying roughly 70 miles away from Moroccan ports such as Tarfaya and the outer fringes of the Sahara desert.

But parts of Lanzarote resemble another world altogether. As the island was subjected to the worlds longest ever volcanic eruption. Which lasted for six years from 1730 and which left around one quarter of the island buried beneath a sea of lava.

As a result, much of Lanzarote´s terrain is often likened to the surface of the moon. Indeed Apollo 13 astronauts were shown pictures of the famous Volcano Park at Timanfaya – the islands most popular tourist attraction – in order to better prepare them for their lunar landings.

However in reality the volcanic region of the island likes more like a land just formed – supporting little in the way of vegetation or fauna beyond lichen and lizards.

However, the same can not be said for the rest of the island – which boasts 90 plus golden sand beaches and some spectacular, verdant scenery. Such as the palm packed valleys around Haria and Maguez.

Consequently, Lanzarote is perennially popular with tourists – and welcomes over one million visitors from Britain and Ireland alone annually. Drawn by the islands year round clement climate – with a temperature that rarely falls below 20c and with an average of just six rainfall days a year.

Many visitors love the island so much that they choose to stay on – or invest in a holiday home or apartment – creating a buoyant market for Lanzarote property that shows little sign of abating.

Unlike many other Spanish sunspots Lanzarote remains relatively unspoiled – despite its popularity as a tourist destination. This is largely thanks to the influence of an island born artist and architect called Cesar Manrique. Who did much to shape the islands evolution and save it from a burial beneath a sea of four star hotels.

Manrique was studying art and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Andy Warhol in New York when package tourism started to take off in Spain back in the 1960´s. Fearful for the fate of his beloved island he returned to crusade for a more ecologically friendly approach – a stance that was fairly revolutionary in Franco’s Spain at that time.

Along with the help of an old family friend - and leader of the island government – called Pepin Ramirez, Manrique illuminated an alternative path for the development of tourism. And campaigned successfully against high rise buildings, road side advertising hoardings and non-traditional forms of architecture.

And whilst other destinations built golf courses and water parks Manrique instead sought to create a unique set of tourist and cultural attractions – by fusing his artistic instinct with the islands natural beauty.

The first manifestation of his philosophy was the incredible Jameos del Agua. Where in a hitherto neglected part of the island, he turned a giant collapsed lava tube into a stunning, subterranean auditorium.

Tropical gardens, bars and a restaurant surround an underground lagoon. The atmosphere is hushed and cathedral like. Blind albino crabs glisten in the water like pearls.
Movie legend Rita Hayworth declared the Jameos del Agua “the eighth wonder of the world.”

And to the amazement of many skeptical islanders she became one of a legion of rich A-listers – such as Peter Sellers and Omar Sharif – who were suddenly drawn to this unique new holiday hot spot.

Manrique created eight of these unique attractions until his untimely death in 1992. All of them are still enormously popular tourist sites today. In addition he designed hotels, bars, restaurants and undertook many other private projects on the island.

As a result his influence is visible everywhere. Lanzarote became his canvas. Even roundabouts on the island are adorned with his giant wind sculptures. In recognition of his achievements UNESCO declared Lanzarote a protected biosphere in 1994. The first island in the world to achieve such status.

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If you are thinking of having the best yacht charter
in Greece, try the Cyclades group of islands. Its location extends southeast from the island of Attica to the shoreline of Asia Minor. The place has a mild weather and is mostly mountainous. Its major products include tobacco, wheat, and wine. Cyclades is famous in the country for its Bronze Age and Neolithic sculptures. In particular, the island’s sculpted female idols made from Cyclades’ white marbles have been an important contribution to Greece’s ancient artworks.

The total land area of Cyclades is approximately 976 square miles. The origin
of the place’s name is in reference to the several islands’ circle formation around Delos. Hence, the name “Cyclades”, which etymologically from the root word “circle” or “cycle”.

Out of the numerous islands in Cyclades, only ten of them are considered as principal areas. These include Santorini (which has the city of Thira), Kithnos, Los, Serifos, Paros, Kaoa, Najxos, Malos, Ãndros, and Tanos. The other islands, especially the smaller ones, are unpopulated
. At present, Cyclades has a population of approximately 120,000 inhabitants. Its capital is the town of Ermoupoli.

When you are planning your sailing trip in Cyclades, make sure that you enjoy all that it can offer you. Typically, the place is easy to manage. When in Cyclades, most travellers visit the islands of Little Cyclades, Santorini, Folegandros, Sifnos, and Amorgos.

Among the several ports in Cyclades, the harbours of Lavrion, Santorini, Milos, Alimos, and Mykonos are considered by most people as better as compared to others. From these, the port of Lavrion (also known as Lavriou and Laurion) is top-notch and well situated because of its convenient location. It is situated in Atttica’s southeast region. Because of Lavrion’s very suitable position, it has been called the “Gate of Cyclades”. Other harbors that can be used when you are starting your Cyclades sailing holiday include the ports of Athens, Paros, and Syros.

Finding an appropriate yacht charter in Greece is easy when you are in Cyclades. However, if you do not like crowded ports, stay away from the islands of Serifos and Ios.

Cyclades is renowned for its unspoiled sceneries, sacred, green, volcanic, & party islands, rambled hills, golden and white sand beaches, and exotic mountains. There are only 2 cities in the area - Oia and Thira. Both of them are located in Santorini Island.

Cyclades has more to offer in your trip. It has perfect and better yacht charter areas you can choose from. If you want to completely satisfy your vacation, try to rent a scooter and travel around the islands’ many attractions.

Find more information on yacht charter Croatia here. In this website you can find information on sailing charter from other parts of the world.

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Are you planning a vacation
in Greece? Have you thought of exploring the Greek isles? The best way to see the Greek islands is to sail them in your own sailing boat. There are a lot of yacht charter companies offering sailing boats for charter. Many flotilla itineraries include special events like beach parties and fun regattas, and give you the chance to mix with other sailors.

The Dodecanese (Twelve Islands or Dodekanes) is the most southerly group of islands in the Greek archipelago. Visit Rhodes and Kos, islands full of history and nice beaches, Symi and Patmos is islands uncorrupted from the civilization. Did you know that “Dodecanese” means “twelve islands” in Greek and that is why these groups of islands sometime is called “Twelve Islands”.

The 14 Dodecanese islands captivated travelers since Odysseus. You will find a wonderful blend of architectural styles of eastern and western civilizations. Almost every island has its classical remains, its Crusaders’ castle, and its traditional villages.

The Meltemi wind has its peak in July and August. It starts sporadic
in June, blows more strongly in July through to September and again sporadic
in October These northerly winds do affect any travel plan and consider a one-way charter from Kos to Rhodes during July to September.

Usually sailing charter companies in Dodecanese have their bases in either Rhodes or Kos.

Kos is overlooked,dominated
by a Crusader castle and known as the place of birth of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. The nice harbor at Kos city is a popular place to put a yacht. The harbor is filled with sights and sounds both day and night as visitors party on boats just off the coast, and in bars, restaurants and clubs located on the harbor itself. The island of Kos is populated by nearly 180,000 people, many of them still living the old-fashioned lives of Greek fishermen.

Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese. Rhodes has everything from nice beaches to a lush, green interior, a capital full of energetic and noisy activity and one of the top sunshine records in the region. The rock-rose is so productive here that it has been called the ‘Island of Roses’ and whiles the northern coast is famous for its lively tourist resorts the south offers nice beaches and a slower, more simple pace of life.

Find more information on sailing Greece here. In this website you can find information on sailing charter from other parts of the world.

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Hundreds of India travel destinations are possible to those who plan to visit the seventh largest country in the world. You can explore the wild jungles, experience the thrill of river crossing or bungee jumping or enjoy the rich cultural diversity in festivals and museums.

Why Not Start your Vacation in Delhi?

Delhi is a noteworthy destination to get a flavor of the hustle and bustle of the typical crowded Indian city. Since Delhi is India’s capital, you can be sure that it has a unique blend of cosmopolitan and traditional elements. Humayun’s Tomb is well worth a visit while touring Delhi. This impressive structure predates the Taj Mahal. But speaking of the Taj Mahal, why not make a day trip to Agra to visit it? Built entirely of white marble, it took twenty two years to complete.

The Bahai Temple is also located in Delhi. This picturesque building features a façade that resembles an opening lotus flower, bringing to mind the Sydney Opera House. It incorporates dramatic gardens on the exterior while the architecture inside is a thing mastery and beauty. In the spirit of inclusiveness, the Bahai doctrine welcomes all faiths.

Kerala: The Land of Spices

Kerala is situated between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats Mountain range. It’s natural wonders include lush hill stations, magnificent waterfalls, widespread plantations and paddy fields along with a host of exotic wildlife.

Besides the natural attractions, Kerala has a rich cultural heritage. The state is one of the few of India that was not controlled by the British but governed by Indian kings. Millennial traditions have been preserved in many aspects of the culture.

There are numerous historical and cultural monuments to visit, exquisite festivals in which to participate and local cuisine to experience. It is no wonder that Kerala is one of the most sought after travel destinations by tourists from all over the world.

The religious diversity can be witnessed in Kolchi, the commercial capital of India. Travelers can visit an old European church building, a Jewish synagogue and any one of a large number of mosques. Just be aware of dress code and other rules for entrance into each one.

From the small town of Kollam, you can take a boat ride to the market town of Allappuzha. This is a great place to find traditional handicrafts that you can take home as souvenirs or gifts.

The destinations above should give you an idea of the wonderful places to see on a vacation to India. No matter where you go during your trip, you are sure to return with priceless memories. But don’t forget to get your India visa before you go.

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An adventure holiday doesn’t come any better than an African safari. Sure, it can get costly but this cost can be cut down if you concentrate your holiday in one specific country.

Choosing an African dream safari comes down to how much time you have to spend, your budget and whether you want to simply see the big five of the African wildlife scene.

It also depends on whether you want to enjoy the other attractions Africa has to offer such as, the flora, birdlife and the beaches. Let’s take a look at three must see destinations when considering your African dream safari.

Botswana

When Botswana comes up in discussions the Okavango Delta immediately springs to mind.

The Okavango Delta is one of the largest inland waterways in the world and is home to a diverse range of fauna and flora. May to November present the best opportunities for game viewing and safaris include both walking and vehicle excursions. Serengeti

There is little doubt Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park offers the most spectacular viewing of wildlife not only in Africa, but possibly the world. It’s always high up in African dream safari discussions because of it’s high concentration of fauna and amazing landscape.

The Serengeti is an amazing place to be during the great animal migration period from November to May. Here we have the classic predator vs. prey confrontations as the worlds most fearsome predators stalk and hunt their food. As a tourist, you’ll have front row seats to witnessing nature at it’s most fearsome and intimidating.

Kruger National Park

South Africa’s Kruger National Park seems to elevate thoughts of commercialism for many but the truth is, it’s still one of the most unspoilt natural wildlife and fauna areas in the world.

It’s concentration of all manner of life forms spread out over nearly 2 million hectares means it’s one of the most pristine ecological havens anywhere on the planet and those who oversee it’s operations, jealously guard it’s pristine qualities. It’s a top three performer in any African dream safari honor roll.

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Looking for vacation packages to Jamaica that feature an all-inclusive resort in a tropical island paradise? Jamaica is one of the prettiest islands in the Caribbean Sea and home to Port Royal, featured in the film, Pirates of the Caribbean.

You don’t have to be a pirate or a member of high society to vacation at a Jamaica all-inclusive resort. This beautiful island has magnificent properties that rival any hotel or club in the Caribbean islands.

When you plan a well-earned vacation to Jamaica, it is time to indulge yourself. Admit it - vacations are designed for relaxing, resting and rejuvenating. What better way to enjoy this time in paradise to enjoy life than to be pampered?

A Jamaican vacation is what your captain ordered. The beautiful surroundings, spectacular grounds, delicious foods, excellent service and amenities at many resorts will help revitalize your spirit and help you appreciate some of the finer things in life.

Being indulged during your stay in a Jamaica is what these resorts are known for. Whether you are planning a romantic trip, a business sales incentive award or a family vacation, the right resort is waiting for you to visit. Here are five tips that can help you R-E-L-A-X and select the all-inclusive that is right for you.

1. Know what you want on your vacation.
The key to enjoying a vacation is doing what you like and what you can’t do the rest of the year. Do you like the beaches and surf? Do you want to go horseback riding? Indulge yourself in a world class spa or lounge by an extravagant pool?

Some Jamaica all-inclusive resorts are experts in grown-up pampering. Many facilities offer a spa, fitness center, fine dining restaurants, tennis and outdoor sports, and for some, great golf courses. There are plenty of amenities and options for everyone.

2. Identify your vacation companions.
Is your trip to Jamaica a family vacation? Some of the top properties have built-in attractions, such as waterfalls, waterslides, and even water parks that appeal to kids.

Are you rekindling your romance, splurging on a first or second honeymoon? Maybe an adults only all-inclusive resort is for you. Planning a sales incentive prize or a sales meeting for top producers? You can book a theme event and have a lot of fun.

3. Plan how long your stay is.
Most booking a vacation to Jamaica are based on the number of nights spent at the resort. Some resort packages require a minimum of three or four nights. Others offer discounts if you stay more than five or six nights. Some may even give you a free night if you stay so many.

Your rates will depend on the time of year, whether it is high or low season. Start with your ideal vacation time and see what is available. Make sure to look far enough in advance so that you can get your best choice.

4. Estimate how much you want to spend.
If money is no object, then by all means, take your Jamaican vacation whenever you want. If budget is a concern, research the available options. Jamaica All-inclusive resort resorts range from three-star to five-star properties and the costs go up with the higher ratings.

5. Search out good on-line bargains.
There are plenty of on-line websites that offer special deals for booking a vacation to Jamaica. Some have last minute specials based on the date of departure. If you can pick up and go, you might snag one of these bargains and get a great price.

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Any safari plans to Africa surely must have Botswana high on the “to see” list. South Africa immediately comes to mind and visiting the Kruger National Park is a great experience however, think one of the most revered and beautiful landscapes on the planet and the Okavango Delta is hard to beat.

An African dream safari must conjure up images of being in a jungle setting surrounded by amazing flora and the sounds of wildlife whistling through the trees. Where talking about an almost “Jungle Jim” type setting and the Okavango certainly won’t let you down in those respects. Home to an inland waterway wonder, the Delta is host to a great diversity of wildlife.

Here’s just an example…the lion, elephant, hippopotamus, crocodile, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, rhinoceros, hyenas, zebra, wildebeest and different species of antelope plus hundreds of species of birds.

If photography is your passion, then the Okavango Delta will provide you with an endless supply of snapshot opportunities.

The only drawback from a visitor point-of-view is the cost of lodging. If you are on a strict budget then a short stay may be your best option. Lodging prices can vary with some offering pricing of under $200 a night per person however, these could be in the minority. A more realistic figure could be $200-$800 per night so if you are planning to visit the Okavango, plan well ahead to take advantage of the cheaper options.

Price aside, if it’s a dream African safari you’re determined to have, then the Okavango Delta is hard to beat.

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If you’ve been thinking about a vacation in Greece then keep on reading. Have you thought of exploring the Greek isles and take a sailing in Greece? Do you know a sailor or do you have any experience in sailing? The best way to see the Greek islands is to sail them in your own sailing boat. There is a lot of sailing holiday companies offering sailing boats for charter. Even if you do not know how to sail, you can hire a crew or a captain. Or you can get together in a flotilla. Many flotilla itineraries include special events like shore parties and fun regattas, and give you the chance to mix with other sailors.

The Dodecanese (Twelve Islands or Dodekanes) is the most southerly group of islands in the Greek archipelago. Visit Rhodes and Kos, islands full of history and nice beaches, Symi and Patmos is islands uncorrupted from the civilization. Since Turkey is only 5 nautical miles away from Kos, this country is certainly within reach for a sailing vacation in this area.

Usually sailing charter companies in Dodecanese have their bases in either Rhodes or Kos.

Did you know that “Dodecanese” means “twelve islands” in Greek and that is why these groups of islands sometime is called “Twelve Islands”.

The 14 Dodecanese islands captivated travelers since Odysseus. You will find a wonderful blend of architectural styles of eastern and western civilizations. Almost every island has its classical remains, its Crusaders’ castle, and its traditional villages.

Kos is overlooked by a Crusader castle and known as the place of birth of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. The beautiful harbor at Kos city is a popular place to put a yacht. The harbor is filled with sights and sounds both day and night as visitors party on boats just off the coast, and in bars, restaurants and clubs located on the harbor itself. Of course, there are locals here too, and small fishing boats make up the majority of the sea traffic. The island of Kos is populated by nearly 180,000 people, many of them still living the old-fashioned lives of Greek fishermen.

Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese. It is known for the Colossus, one of the seven wonders of the old world, which was sadly destroyed. Rhodes has everything from beautiful beaches to a lush, green interior, a capital full of energetic and noisy activity and one of the top sunshine records in Greece. The rock-rose is so productive here that it has been called the ‘Island of Roses’ and whiles the northern coast is famous for its lively tourist resorts the south offers nice beaches and a slower, more simple pace of life.

The Meltemi wind has its peak in July and August. It starts sporadic in June, blows more strongly in July through to September and again sporadic in October These northerly winds do affect any travel plan and consider a one-way charter from Kos to Rhodes during July to September.

You can find more information on sailing in Greece at this website http://www.sboats.com.

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It’s been said many times, an African safari in Jao is one of the ultimate African adventures.

Situated in the Okavango Delta of Botswana, the Jao camp is surrounded by the Jao Reserve and skirts the border of the Moremei Game Reserve. This is one of the must see areas on an African safari. Combining a wilderness experience with the accomodations of the camp makes for a perfect adventure holiday.

Wildlife And Activities

The African lion is possibly the most sought after viewing attraction in Africa and during the period from October to March, the king of the beast can be seen at it’s best along with leopards and cheetahs and a myriad of other animals including the migrating wildebeest.

The lion has received a lot of publicity in recent years because of it’s dwindling numbers and it’s conflict with human development but in Jao, there appears no real sign of the problems the big cat has been experiencing.

An African safari in Jao is both a land and water-based experience. While the land fauna is best viewed during the October-March period on the magnificent open plains, water activities such as boating are extremely popular yet walking safaris and game drives both night and day are available to visitors.

It’s in a sense, a tourist destination that never sleeps. The Okavango Delta is jealously protected as a pristine habitat for local wildlife plus a breeding ground for some of the world’s most magnificent flora.

For first time safari seekers struggling to settle on their first destination in Africa could do worse than make an African safari in Jao their first safari adventure.

One of the best part of a safari in Jao is it will satisfy the appetites of those who like to rough it a little and those who expect just a little more comfort in the way of accomodation.

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While travelling can be a very rewarding experience, travelling can also become very monotonous and frustrating if you are not well prepared. These overseas travel tips and airline travel tips should help make your next international vacation go off without unwanted incidents.

The best place to find airline travel tips is on the airline’s website. The website will inform you of the airline’s policies on beverages and other items that may be prohibited from being carried aboard planes. Another airline travel tip that everyone should know about is that baggage handlers are not gentle with anyone’s baggage, regardless if it is packed full of precious, fragile souvenirs or not. If you have anything you want to remain unbroken, it needs to be included in your carry-on baggage. Also, to quicken the process of getting through security checks, you will have to empty your pockets and make sure you don’t have any metal on you, so pay attention to your wardrobe before you set off to the airport.

While there may still be an exception, most countries require you to have a passport before entering. You should have some photocopies of your passport with you, and also leave copies with friends and family members at home in case you get separated from your luggage. This is one international holiday tip that should be part of everyone’s traveling plan. If you are in a foreign country with no ID, an airline ticket won’t do you much good, and neither will travelers checks. Although it is not frequent, people do occasionally get separated from their baggage while travelling. Having a backup plan will ensure that your international trip doesn’t turn into a disaster.

One great resource for international travel tips is the Lonely Planet series. Lonely Planet has a detailed guidebook for just about every place on Earth you can imagine. For example, if you wanted some travel tips for Europe, the Lonely Planet book on Italy would give you detailed information about each town, neighboring tourist attractions, places to stay and places to eat. Although the Lonely Planet book that offers travel tips for Italy doesn’t cover each and every hole in the wall restaurant, it gives you a good idea of what there is do in each city, popular destinations and day trips, as well as depicting an overall picture of the atmosphere you’ll encounter there. The Lonely Planet books also include travel maps and are updated often enough to keep them accurate.

No matter what destination has peaked your interest, gathering some general international travel tips, as well as information about your destination, will make your vacation much more enjoyable.

For more vacation tips, go here: Exotic Travel Destinations

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