Travel destinations and adventure travel tips
Famous travel destinations guide and adventure travel tips
April 2010
Monthly Archive
Fri 30 Apr 2010
Posted by Janine Wheeler under Travel Leisure
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Many of us have a long list of local attractions we’d like to visit, perhaps written when we first moved there. But years later, a lot of people have seen less of their own city then the weekend tourists have.
Are you trying to think of things to do with the kids this summer? What a great opportunity to catch up on your local attractions. Consider going on a weekday to miss the worst of the traffic and long lines.
Being a local at a tourist attraction has its’ advantages. You likely know the best way to get there and may know other tricks to get in and out. If a particular line is exceptionally crowed, you always have the option of going back another day!
You can often beat the crowds at a water park by going in the morning. Most people will go around lunch time. If you are trying to save money, consider making it a morning-only trip. You can feed the kids breakfast before you go and return home in time for lunch!
Local zoos are both educational and fun and are often a day-long event. If you are concerned with spending too much money on food, consider bringing a picnic lunch. Another option for locals is to leave for lunch, then come back. Most zoos will stamp your hand so you can return the same day.
Don’t forget to find out if your favorite attractions offer a seasonal pass. If you live locally, there is really no need to do it all in one day. The zoo, for example, is a great but tiring experience. You could break it up in smaller chunks and have something to look forward to all summer!
Not sure what’s even in your area? Don’t feel bad – just go to your local visitor center and grab some brochures. You may be surprised at what is very close to you.
Don’t forget that your local visitor center most likely has discounted coupons!
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Fri 30 Apr 2010
Posted by Marina K. Villatoro under Adventure travel
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For some travelers, the best way to cover a lot of area in the least possible time is through an ATV ride. This way, you get to see many of interesting sights in just a few hours. The ATV (all terrain vehicle) is an easy vehicle to ride, and can give you an unforgettable adventure! Costa Rica offers numerous ATV tours for you to enjoy and discover the different terrains, touristic spots, and sights.
Your ATV adventure will start with a short safety, security talk that will be given by your bilingual guide. Then you will get the chance to have a practice session before the real tour starts. You will be able to see flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
Most of the time, lunch and drinks are included in the tours. The guides take you on a crazy route, through unpaved paths, old plantations or farms and through bucolic Costa Rican towns. You can also splash through streams, and mud.
All necessary equipment will be provided by the company you choose. It is advised that you wear something comfortable for the ride, as well as trekking or hiking gear (footwear). Make sure to bring your swimsuit and towel too, in case you want to try out one of the many water formations and waterfalls you will pass through. And the most important thing of all that you have to bring along is your camera to document this exhilarating experience.
Here are some good tours I can suggest:
Here is a list of tour companies that offer good ATV tours:
Fourtrax Adventure offers great ATV tours in 4 locations: Manuel Antonio/Quepos, Arenal Volcano/La Fortuna, Jac Beach/Los Sueos, Tamarindo/Guanacaste.
ATV Tours Costa Rica offers half-day and full-day tours in Cerros de Cedral, approximately 45 minutes from San Jose.
Marina K. Villatoro, lives in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. She has traveled all over these areas with her family and now she loves to organize vacations to Costa Rica and Guatemala. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
Thu 29 Apr 2010
Posted by Jim Tolar under Vacation Homes
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Over the years the RV industry has been an appropriate indicator of the overall strength of the economy. When the RV industry is up, the economy is in good shape, when it is down, the economy may be struggling. In 2010, RV shows are reporting an increase in attendance as well as an increase in sales. RV enthusiasts are back and ready to start traveling again!
RV shows are experiencing a record number of attendees. But perhaps more importantly to the RV show hosts, the people showing up are spending money! With the numbers up a trend is beginning to emerge; younger RVers are drawn to the economy RVs and lightweight models. The older crowd seems to be drawn more to traditional models like the Class A or Class B.
Like many things, RV technology is advancing. Adding new technologies to RVs has certainly helped to increase sales but perhaps the most exciting advancement in RV technology is the implementation of green technologies. Many RVs are now being equipped with solar panels, LED lighting, recycled wood, aerodynamic designs and more. Additionally, RVs are now available that run on both biodiesel fuel and oil found and used in restaurants.
Some RV travelers love the luxury some RVs offer. Other RV travelers simply want the basics. Because every RV owner is different, RVs are made to best meet the needs and wishes of all owners. So whether you are looking for a bed on wheels or a fully functioning apartment on wheels, there is an RV out there to meet you needs.
According to the record books, the RV industry has existed for one-hundred years. As the RV industry celebrates this centennial mark, we cannot help but recognize that over the years the RV industry has become more than a business, it has become a community. Millions of people have embraced it as a way of life and have been along for the ride through the up and downs. And as more and more people get on board and enjoy the freedom of RV life, it’s easy to see the appeal!
Even with the down economy that America faced in 2008 and 2009, RVIA.org reports that 15 new RV manufacturers opened up shop in 2009. Perhaps this also is an indication of a recovering economy. Additionally, dealerships are increasing inventory on lot and rehiring laid off employees, this is also an indication of a recovering economy.
The delinquency rate of RV loans is traditionally much better than the delinquency rate of other consumer loans; .95% in 1997-2007 versus 2.0% according to the American Bankers Association Quarterly Delinquency Bulletin. This can potentially lead to helping the economy recover as more RVs are purchased.
With the loyalty that RV consumers demonstrate, it’s no surprise that RVs for sale are facing steady numbers. Those who have hit the road in an RV know just how amazing it is. Additionally those who have seen miles counted behind the wheel of an RV know amazing this way of life can be!
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Thu 29 Apr 2010
Posted by Roger Swift under Travel Leisure
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Most people come back from holiday with leftover coins in their pockets. Changing these coins back into sterling can be problematic as the travel agents, banks and post offices have no interest in converting these coins for you, it costs them too much money in administration costs. You could put these coins in a safe place for next year but, more than likely, you will forget to take them with you, or you won’t be able to remember where the “safe” place you put them was.
There are a very limited number of options that you can take with this loose change that you bring back from holiday. One of the options available to you is to search the internet for sites that specialise in gathering all this loose change from customers. There are less than ten sites that offer this service. They operate by aggregating all the coins together and provide a percentage return against your loose change that would be worthless otherwise. They are then able to bulk change this with the respective countries’ banks. The websites will convert your loose change back into your preferred currency and either post you a cheque or wire transfer the money back to you.
One of the best sites in terms of percentage returns for your money is Euroswap.co.uk. Although they can only convert Euros or US Dollars back to pound sterling, they are amongst the leaders in terms of how much money you will get back for your foreign coins. Euroswap.co.uk offers you a choice in how to receive your money, they can pay via Paypal, Electronic Fund Transfer direct to your bank account or they can send you a cheque. The site is easy to use and well laid out.
As well as changing foreign coins for individuals, there is also the option to raise money on behalf of schools, clubs, societies or charities. Euroswap.co.uk supports all these schools clubs and charities by applying a higher buying rate to the coins sent in for exchange. As long as the payee is in the name of a school, club or charity, then an extra 5% will be added to the conversion rate. The funds raised can then be spent as the club, charity or school sees fit.
Shipping your coins to Euroswap.co.uk for exchange couldn’t be simpler. Thanks to the generous allowances by Royal Mail, individuals with coins weighing less than 100g (or approximately 4 ozs) in total can send these using a normal letter sized envelope. Checking out the shipping page on the website will give you instructions on how to package these securely so that the coins won’t fall out in the post. Larger amounts are recommended to be sent via recorded delivery to ensure their safe receipt, and for collections in excess of 1.5kg in weight, Euroswap.co.uk can arrange for these to be collected from you and delivered to their address for processing.
Euroswap.co.uk provides telephone support for any questions that you may have and that haven’t been covered off by the frequently asked questions page. They will help you select the most appropriate shipping method for getting your unwanted Euro or US Coins to them. Whether you’re an individual, club or society, they can convert your coins quickly and safely into cash that you can use as you see fit.
Unwanted Foreign Currency is easy to change. Euroswap.co.uk is where you can find out how to Change Euros to Pounds and convert your unwanted holiday money back to cash.
Wed 28 Apr 2010
Posted by Byron Jonas under Travel Leisure
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It seems that although most women spend a large amount of time and energy ensuring that they are always dressed to the nines, many often make the mistake of making the ever-important shoe decision almost as an afterthought. Because despite the fact that shoes may form the bottom layer of an ensemble, they are undoubtedly one of the most pivotal pieces determining the overall success or failure of one’s look.
And although many women pay only minimal attention to their choice, the pair of shoes a woman wears is often the most important piece of her entire look.
Many women today make the repeated mistake of shoe shopping in an almost haphazard manner, entering shops with no clear vision or game plan, and thus making purchasing decisions largely based on whim. While it is undoubtedly important to shop for any wardrobe pieces with an open mind, it is extremely important that you have a strong sense of understanding of the exact needs of your current wardrobe when embarking upon a shoe shopping excursion.
Since the shoes one chooses can determine the success of an ensemble, it is entirely essential that you choose pieces that will both compliment your current wardrobe and highlight your ever-evolving personal style. And since all fashion-lovers enjoy a sporadic shoe indulgence, it is important that you invest wisely when you do splurge on one of your favorite famous shoe labels.
And as the season of holiday sales descends rapidly upon us, women from across the country are beginning to make some very important decisions about which shoes should represent their style for the new year. Navigating through the dense stock of Christmas sale items, it is extremely important that every woman embark on her shopping trips with a complete understanding of her personal style. With a thorough review of one’s closet, any woman can quickly discern exactly where her shoe weaknesses lie and exactly what kind of trends would best update her current wardrobe.
We have all seen the unfortunate mishaps that can occur to any one of us during the confusing commotion of holiday shoe shopping, whether it be a lapse in judgment leading to the purchase of a pair of patent leather boots, or the momentary light-headedness driving one to order velvet pumps. Whatever the result, sometimes the concentration of holiday shoe sales can be a bit overwhelming. Luckily with just a few helpful reminders, any woman can ensure that she takes advantages of holiday sales on their favorite famous shoe labels while also guaranteeing that she gets shoes that will make her wardrobe totally pop.
Perhaps one of the most important considerations any fashionista should think about when deciding among prototypes of her favorite famous shoe labels, is what kinds of events she will most often be dressing for, as well as the level of fanciness necessitated by each. And for those who live outside of warm climates, it is always important to also think about different seasonal needs and to consider purchasing shoes with a higher level of versatility and thus functionality.
And as you take advantage of this year’s holiday sales and browse among your favorite famous shoe labels, it is essential that you also account for the major fabric types comprising your clothing and purse wardrobe. Through this simple awareness you can ensure that you purchase shoes that will always be complimentary to your overall fabric choices. In the end, by following these basic tips, you can take advantage of this year’s holiday sales and purchase great investment pieces from your favorite famous shoe labels.
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Wed 28 Apr 2010
Posted by Adriana Noton under Vacation Rentals
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Fractional Cottage Ownership has become a popular way for people to enjoy luxury cottage life without having to pay out a huge sum of money. Fractional ownership involves groups of people sharing the cost of purchasing and maintaining a cottage. The difference between fractional cottage ownership and a time share is with a fractional cottage, the parties each have ownership of the cottage. Each group will book specific times that they will use the cottage. The reason that fractional cottages have become so popular is that owners of these cottages find this method of ownership very affordable and there are many benefits that come with this type of cottage ownership.
Convenient Fractional Cottage Ownership
In most cases, fractional cottage ownership involves various groups of people such as several families buying the cottage while the management company owns the property. Management of the buildings and property are the responsibility of a management board of the company selling the properties. The board looks after the daily management of the properties. The weeks that owners book is very flexible so owners can pick the most convenient time to take their vacation which is very beneficial if a job is not that flexible. The time period set to use the cottage will vary according to the terms outlined in the sales contract. As well, the fractional cottage can be sold or transferred to others such as friends, family, or other relatives.
Luxurious Fractional Cottages
Fractional cottages are built to cater to their owners. They are elegantly furnished and provide all of the essentials to make cottage life comfortable and luxurious. They come with a broad range of features and amenities. Before one group arrives for their scheduled stay, the cottage is completely cleaned and new linens and other essentials are added. As well, the cottage property is maintained by the company and repairs are performed by the staff. They make sure the grounds are kept in good condition.
Affordable Fractional Cottage Ownership
There is a modest annual fee for maintenance costs which are shared among all owners. As well, the management company that sold the fractional cottage can help rent out the cottage for a share of the rental fee that is outlined in the terms of the contract. Renting can be very lucrative, particularly if they rent by the day. The cottage owners just have to make sure that the renters behave in the appropriate manner and follow the rules in the contract.
Fractional Cottage Luxury Amenities
Depending on the type of fractional cottage ownership one purchases and the features and amenities available, it can come with many luxury benefits that can include access to such activities as access to a golf resort, boating, lake beach, pool, tennis courts, hiking trails, and membership benefits of a luxury local resort that includes saunas, spas, discounts on certain services such as car rentals and airline tickets, and more.
Fractional cottages are a great investment for a family looking for country living at an affordable price. The types of companies that sell fractional cottages offer a flexible and exceptional fractional cottage ownership programs that allows owners to spend quality time at the cottage when it is convenient for them.
There are many companies in Ontario that offer properties for Muskoka cottages, Fractional cottage ownership and Fractional cottages. If you are looking for more information on the subject feel free to view our site.
Tue 27 Apr 2010
Posted by Marina K. Villatoro under Adventure travel
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Out of all Central American countries, Costa Rica is by far the most welcoming for gay travelers. It is also one of the only places where same-sex couples are fully protected by the constitution. Plus it is also full of gay-owned and gay-friendly resorts and cozy inns.
So when you first arrive to Costa Rica I recommend you take a day or two to explore San Jose. I bet its nightlife and great eats will keep you fully entertained. You’ll enjoy staying at a number of small inns and guest houses that are gay-owned and very gay-friendly. Some are: Casa 69 or the very popular Colors Oasis Resort. The nightlife is one of the best attributes of staying in San Jose with a large variety of high-quality restaurants and trendy bars. Check out these popular clubs: Deja Vu, La Avispa, Club Oh!, Puchos Night Club and Why Not? After that it’s beach time!
Manuel Antonio is the mecca for gay travelers in Costa Rica. It has the largest selection of top-notch exclusively gay resorts. Here you’ll enjoy the tranquility of the crystal blue ocean with full service spas, superb restaurants, and a ton of adventure packed trips like: canopy tours, horseback riding tours, and sailing, to name a few. Then, at the end of the day you’ll be getting more of an adrenaline rush from the exciting club scene. The most popular resorts are: Hotel Villa Roca, Hotel Casablanca with its Sea Glass Spa, and Big Ruby’s La Plantacion. Also most of the restaurants are run by world-famous chefs offering all sorts of international and authentic cuisines in this area. However, to catch a stunning sunset and start the night off right, your best would be Tutu’s. And while you’re in Costa Rica, don’t miss out on a volcano adventure.
The majority of the restaurants are run by world-famous chefs offering all sorts of international and authentic cuisines. However, to catch a stunning sunset and start the night off right, your best choice for a gay bar would be Tutu’s. And while you’re in Costa Rica, don’t miss out on a volcano adventure. Arenal Volcano is one of the top ten most active volcanoes in the world and at the very foot of it are natural hot springs to simmer your bodies in while catching the lava flowing action. Tabacon resort is one of the hottest resorts here with thermal baths, swim up bars, and a restaurant that is built into the pools. Now for all you adventure junkies this is the place to be.
Now for all you adventure junkies this is the place to be. What’s your flavor? Wind surfing, hiking, horseback riding, canopy tours, and/or white water rafting extravaganzas. There aren’t any gay-owned establishments here, Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Palo Verde Resort are very gay-friendly with good food and a fun bar scene. I know you might prefer to stay in gay-owned or exclusively gay locations. But don’t dismay, if you want to go to another location there are tons of welcoming and high quality hotels that can be found all over the country.
Note: If it’s not exclusively gay and you plan on bringing ‘new friends’ back to you room, find out the hotel policy before booking.
Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She has traveled here extensively. Now loves organizing vacations to this amazing part of the world, having first hand experience of all the places with her family. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
Tue 27 Apr 2010
Posted by Jason Hall under Vacation Rentals
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Once you have booked your car hire for your next holiday, you think that the work is done. Before you travel however, it is important to make sure that you have the following documents lined up and in hand ready to make the trip. Having all of these documents together and ready to go can help make your next car rental a breeze.
1.CONFIRMATION NUMBER – When you are traveling, especially to an international location don’t leave home without your confirmation number. Names and other information can be entered incorrectly into the computer so make sure that you have the confirmation number with you. It will save you a lot of time when picking up your rental.
2.LICENSE – be sure that you have your driving license on you and that it’s current. Even if you’re visiting an international destination and require an International Driving Permit, you’re still required to contain your driving license with you too.
3.INSURANCE INFORMATION – Most companies don’t require that you buy insurance from them and they don’t require that you provide proof of insurance either, however it is important to check with your car insurance company to make sure that they will provide insurance coverage when you rent a vehicle. It is also important to take your car insurance card with you on holiday. Although, not necessary if you have an accident you will be glad to have this information handy.
4.CREDIT CARD – Using a credit card to pay for your car rental is truly the safest way to protect you against liability. It is best to use only one card for your car rental and another one for your other holiday expenses. The main reason is that usually they will hold a certain amount in addition to the rental amount as a security deposit and you may find that this leaves that card with a lower balance available for spending. No one wants to be short the cash to enjoy their holiday.
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Mon 26 Apr 2010
Posted by Marina K. Villatoro under Adventure travel
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Howler Monkeys are among the largest of the new world monkeys. There are few, around five families of primates that are found in different parts of the world. These families are ranked together as New World Monkeys. Howler monkeys are native to central and South American forests. Corcovado National Park has a wide number of Howler Monkeys.
Canopies of lowland forests are home to these funny creatures. This species of monkeys live up to an elevation of 2,500m from southern Mexico all the way to northwestern South America.
Howler monkeys range in size from 56 to 92 cm, excluding their tail which can be as long. Like many New World monkeys, these guys have prehensile tails. Unlike other New World monkeys, both male and female howler monkeys have color vision. An adult male Howler can weigh up to 7 kg and a female may weigh up to 5 kg. They have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
These monkeys are named Howler because of their incredible vocalization skill. Their howls can be heard more than 1 km away through the forest. Some biologists conclude that the howling is used as a spacing mechanism between individuals or to communicate within the troop. They usually scream out at sunrise and sunset or in response to people, airplanes, rain and thunders, or other howlers.
In the group there are several adult males and females, with their juveniles and infants. A female will become sexually active at 3 years, and have her first infant before her fourth year, with a gestation period of 6 months. Within a group, all adult males are dominant to all adult females, but the youngest adult of either sex holds the alpha rank for that sex. Average group size varies from 11 to 18 depending on the region. Howlers hardly ever descend to the ground except to travel between islands of trees. Howlers are relatively common in Costa Rican forests, where they constitute 69% of primate biomass within the country.
These primates are sedentary foragers. They eat mostly leaves, but they may also pick fruits and flowers. Since they are not dependent on only eating fruit howlers can survive in home ranges rather small for a primate of their size. They also seem to base their food choices on how much the plant contains protein, fiber, and levels of alkaloids and tannins. Essentially, they try to maximize protein and amino acids in their diet but minimize their intake of fiber and plant secondary compounds.
One of the best places where you can find Howler monkeys is Corcovado National Park. This park hosts a number of Howler monkeys and you are going to bump into one of them for sure while you take a trip through the park.
Marina K. Villatoro, has lived in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. With her first hand experience, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
Mon 26 Apr 2010
Posted by Jim Calder under Vacation Homes
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PC Computers and the ability to have campervan net is a welcome addition to a camper truck or motorhome, especially for longer trips. With your lightweight P. C you can watch DVDs, hear music, watch Television ( with an adapter ), scan pictures from a digicam, write notes and send emails.
It’s feasible to use your telephone to glue to the Net and send emails when traveling, though this might be dear, but maybe the sole real way you can prepare campervan net sporadically.
You may also make use of WiFi, which is available in more places each day. Computers utilise a reasonable quantity of power. If you’re hooked up to a mains power supply , for example in a campsite, then you’ll have no issues.
If you’ve got a 12 volt power system then you may either need to plug your laptop computer into an inverter, or employ a 12 volt adapter. Inverters are wasteful at changing energy, and a 12 volt lightweight computer adapter is a better idea.
I have a tendency to depend on my Apple iPhone 3GS to recieve mails and do minor scanning of the web, but if I spot something that requires my attention then I’m going to go and find a WiFi spot and use my MacBook Pro to do ‘proper’ surfing.
My favourite campsite, Camping Vinaros on the Costa del Azahar, Spain has a deal where you can buy unlimited access to the WiFi for one month for 25. However I usually only stop there for two weeks so I usually sell my pass onto somebody else for about 10. This makes pretty cheap web surfing. How much do you pay at home? Think about it, staying in touch with the rest of the World is cheaper than you think!
As you may have guessed the internet plays a very large part in my life, so if I can work from my campervan. then I am a happy man.
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