Michigan Travel: Your Guide to Visiting Michigan

Michigan, affectionately known to all as the mitten shaped state, provides 3,200 miles of fresh water shoreline, 3.9 million acres of DNR managed land and dozens of cultured cities with museums, upscale restaurants and extraordinary shops. Michigan is a four-season state. Visitors have everything from fishing, boating, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing and much more. Michigan is most commonly known for its Upper and Lower Peninsula\'s. Below are just a few places to visit throughout the state.

Michigan\'s Upper Peninsula

Michigan\'s Upper Peninsula is a nature-lover\'s paradise. Visitors should plan plenty of time to visit the 384-mile-long peninsula. The Upper Peninsula is home to the highest mountains in the Midwest and to all but two of Michigan\'s 152 waterfalls. Here are just few places you may want to make sure you visit during your stay in Michigan\'s Upper Peninsula.

Mackinac Island - Take a beautiful ferry ride to the island of Mackinac. A place that will take you back in time to horse-drawn carriages, quaint shops, and historical exhibits. Fort Mackinac was built by the British in 1782 during the American Revolutionary War to control the strategic Straits of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. During the summer months, you can transport yourself back in time with reenactments and tours of the historical buildings on the Island.

Pictured Rocks - An awe-inspiring sight of multicolored sandstone cliffs lining Lake Superior. This 15-mile stretch of shoreline received its name due to the pictures that seem to appear on the rocks from multicolored sandstone and mineral stains on the rock surface. This stretch is known for its hiking trails, beaches and glass bottom boat tours.

Isle Royale - Wander freely with the wolves and moose in this North Woods sanctuary. 99% of this land mass is federally designated as wilderness. This archipelago is composed of ridges resulting from lava flows, which were tilted and glaciated. Isle Royale has 165 miles of scenic hiking trails, excellent fishing, paddling, shipwrecks and plenty of places for observing wildlife.

Houghton/Copper Harbor - Observe fantastic views from Lake Superior\'s rugged shoreline to the top of Brockway Mountains. Here you can take a scenic drive up the mountain (hopefully you\'ll see a black bear in the woods), do some mountain biking, kayak the Keeweenaw Water Trail or just relax along the beach. If you are looking for a white covered, snowy retreat than Copper Harbor gives you great snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Drummond Island - Two-thirds of Drummond Island is state owned. The diverse topography ranges from cedar swamps to rock ledges, prairie meadows to groves of hardwoods, rocky shores to sandy beaches. The recreation available is as diverse as the terrain. Here you can hunt, fish, swim, hike, bike, stargaze and explore the area.

Paradise - Paradise, Michigan is a great little town on the shores of Lake Superior at the northeastern tip of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. If you are a bird watcher, than this is the place to visit in the spring or fall to watch raptors, waterfowl, and smaller birds in their migration to and from Canada. If you love waterfalls, than be sure to visit The Tahquamanon Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. You can take a short walk to the Observation Point, walk down to the bottom of the Falls, or hike on the extensive trail system that runs throughout the Park. Paradise, Michigan also offers wonderful beaches, hiking, canoeing, snowmobiling and many other outdoor recreation activities.

Northern Michigan - Lower Peninsula

Northern Michigan is an often-visited vacation spot offering its guests fishing, shopping, beaches, canoeing and much more.

Traverse City - Traverse City, is located on the west side of Michigan\'s Lower Peninsula at the base of the Leelanau Peninsula. Traverse City offers travelers world class wineries, fantastic water sports, golf, a great downtown with shopping and restaurants, and much more. Michigan produces 70 to 75 percent of the tart cherries grown in the United States and in recognition, Traverse City celebrates with their Cherry Festival in July. This is a big event and is one you shouldn\'t miss. Make sure to make reservations well in advance, as this is a busy time.

Gaylord - Here, in Otsego County, you can kick back and take in the beauty that is Northern Michigan: shimmering lakes, flowing rivers, wildernesses, scenic trails and great golf. With an average annual snowfall of over 150 inches, the Gaylord area is blessed with some of the most reliable snow conditions in Northern Michigan. Three downhill ski resorts and nine cross-country ski areas provide facilities and groomed trails for a great winter vacation.

Manistee and Ludington - Hiking and fishing are the attractions that draw most to this these two cities. Be a part of The North Country National Scenic Trail, which stretches through seven states. Michigan has the largest percentage of this trail and it stretches through the scenic Manistee National Forest. Ludington, Manistee\'s neighbor, is known for it\'s premier fishing. The waters between the Big Sable Point and the Little Sable Point offer some of the best fishing anywhere in the state. While the \big lake\ fishing is definitely something to brag about, our inland lakes and rivers also offer the opportunity to reel in more than one \fish story.\

Western Michigan - Lower Peninsula

West Michigan has so much to see and do, you\'ll start planning your next visit before you finish your first! If your sights are set on learning, you\'ll love their museums and historic places. Experience the zoos. Explore the lighthouses. If it\'s adventure you\'re after, take a day cruise. Rent a dune buggy. Tame a wild water park. If culture is your pursuit, let West Michigan entertain you with festivals galore and performing arts year around.

Grand Haven - Visit the lakefront areas of Spring Lake and Ferrysburg or stroll along Grand Haven\'s magnificent two and one-half mile boardwalk to the spectacular beaches. Here, near the water, you will find the restaurants, snack shops, marinas, charter fishing boats, boutiques & specialty shops, trolley rides and other attractions.

South Haven - South Haven is renowned for great swimming off five miles of white-sand beach that stretches south and north from both sides of the harbor pier heads. A paved walkway runs from the south pier through town and out to the north pier, around the entire harbor. Not all trails are paved. South Haven is a town that likes to party. It is host to a wealth of year-round festivals from fine art fairs, the Annual Blueberry Festival each August, antique boat exhibits and many more activities each weekend.

Saugatuck - It\'s a trendy resort community, snuggled along the Kalamazoo River on the last leg of its journey to Lake Michigan. Saugatuck is a haven for fine art lovers, featuring more than 26 art galleries, studios and showrooms. Its streets are lined with upscale shops and restaurants, parks and gardens, outdoor tiki bars with live entertainment and waterfront dining. Pleasure yachts parade the river while seagulls cry overhead, soaring below the tips of sand dunes that rise like mountains to the west.

Southeast Michigan

Southeast Michigan, a region of seven counties, revolves around metropolitan Detroit. Southeast Michigan is home to many of the large corporations and businesses throughout Michigan.

Detroit - Detroit, like other Downtowns, has great things to offer. From cool nightclubs, to great restaurants, to awe-inspiring museums, Detroit has something for everyone. Looking for a sporting event? Detroit has two brand new stadiums in the heart of downtown. How about catching a play? Detroit\'s theatre district offers nightly shows you won\'t want to miss. Feeling lucky? Try your hand at the black jack table at one of three downtown casinos.

Ann Arbor - Centered on the Big Ten College, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor offers all who visit great restaurants, shops, museums and plenty of outdoor activities. Spend your day hiking the Waterloo Recreation area, one of the largest state parks in the Lower Peninsula. Explore nine unique galleries containing more than 250 interactive exhibits at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.

Lexington and The Thumb - Gorgeous sunrises, rich landscapes, sandy shores and playful beaches are hallmarks of what makes Michigan\'s \Thumb\ area an excellent choice for vacations and day trip visits. Boating, beaching and fishing are the highlights of this wonderful area. Close to Metro-Detroit, it offers its visitors the ability to swim in the clear waters of Lake Huron and to spend your days catching fish like Salmon, Trout, and Perch. Don\'t have your own boat? No problem, many charter-fishing companies are available in this area.

Michigan has so much to offer its visitors. This guide only touched on a few of the many wonderful cities throughout this grand state. From outdoor recreation, to fine restaurants, shops and museums, there is something for everyone. When planning your next Michigan vacation getaway, make sure to visit Rentalbug.com, your connection to Michigan lodging. Rentalbug specializes in cabins, cottages, bed and breakfasts and much more. No one knows Michigan like we do.

Melissa Morrison is owner of Rentalbug Michigan Vacation Rentals, a lodging directory dedicated to Michigan bed and breakfasts, cottages, cabins and more. To list your property visit http://www.rentalbug.com

Costa Rica San Jose and Tamarindo

Over the last ten years, the reputation of Costa Rica as a travel destination has grown leaps and bounds. Good places to visit include San Jose and Tamarindo.



Costa Rica



Located in Central America, Costa Rica is a country with a lot to offer. The country is unique because the costal areas present some of the nicest beaches in the world, while a few hours inland you can find towering mountains with volcanoes, pristine rivers for white knuckle rafting and a rain forest par excellence. Costa Rica is a hot bed of ecosystems and I won't even try to describe it. Just pull up some pictures on the net and you'll get the idea.



The people of the country, Ticos, are exceedingly friendly and you'll find more than a few ex-pats populating the country. With no military, Costa Rica has invested heavily in education and has the highest literacy rate in the Americas. Yes, the rate is higher than the United States.



San Jose



San Jose is really the only big city in Costa Rica. Located in the center of the country, the city has taken a beating over the years from the occasional earthquake. You'll understand when you visit. The city is surrounded by mountain ranges populated with a number of volcanoes. Every so often, this combination of geography leads a good shaking.



For a city in Central America, San Jose is surprisingly organized and lively. You can spend an evening in the cafes or just walking about. Crime isn't much of a problem. There isn't much to see per se, but this is where most of the international flights land. In traversing the country, you can expect to pass through San Jose a few times, so enjoy yourself.



Tamarindo



Not long ago, Tamarindo was a quiet little beach community on the western coast of Costa Rica. Over the last 15 years, the town has become a hot spot for ex-pats with accompanying development not far behind. Although some of the luster is gone, Tamarindo is still worth a visit if for no other reason than to compare it to the rest of Costa Rica.



Tamarindo is as good a place as any to experience Costa Rica beaches if you need a little civilization. The beaches are clean and tranquil, but lined with cafes, restaurants and hotels. The water is warm and good surfing can be found in certain locations. To the north, one can occasionally see rare sea turtles laying eggs on the beaches late at night. Unfortunately, turtle watching has become such a rage that you may be standing with a lot of people. There is definitely a voyeuristic feel to it and one can help but feeling sorry for the turtles.



If you've never been to Tamarindo, you'll love it. If you've visited in the past, you might be disappointed with the development.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Rick Chapo is with www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals. Travel journals are great travel accessories and travel gifts for student travel, family vacations and adventure travel. Visit www.nomadjournaltrips.com for more travel articles.

Sofia's Church of Saint Sofia

#TITLE#New Forest Holiday Cottages - Booking In Advance Can Take The
Headache Out Of Finding Your Accommoda#/TITLE#

Deciding On A Date Or Dates

Booking holiday accommodation in advance seems to be one of the
most over-looked aspects of going on a self catering holiday.
All too often it is easy to put off nailing down a date, or too
difficult to get a consensus when booking for a group of
friends. Yet deciding on this date in plenty of time then gives
you the ability to take more of a pick from many more available
cottages and homes.

Choosing The Date

The two most common ways of deciding on a date are:

(i)The date pretty much decides itself if it is a special
occasion or your friends and family have a particular period
booked off from work.

(ii)If you want a particular cottage (or cottages) in a given
area, you can start with available dates at that cottage and
narrow it down.

Choosing the date can be made easier by giving a group of people
a choice of two or three dates which you know are available at
the holiday cottage(s) you have initially contacted. By
narrowing the dates down to two or three you are giving everyone
a choice while avoiding 12 different preferred dates being given
you when you ask for everyone\'s collective opinion!

What To Do When You\'ve Decided on Your Date?

Get in touch with the booking contact as soon as you have
decided on your preferred date. This seems like an obvious move,
but sometimes there are several enquiries for a particular
cottage for any given date. These enquiries can sometimes run
into double figures, so swift communication is the best way
forward to ensuring you get what you want.

Changes To Booked Dates

If you have already booked your holiday cottage and something
comes up which can\'t be helped - as things sometimes do - and
you need to change your booking date, the best way forward again
is to get in touch asap with your booking contact. As long as
you are well in advance and give the owner or booking contact
plenty of time to fill the period you are now effectively
vacating, you will probably be okay to transfer your initial
deposit and any payment from your existing booking to your new
one.

Overview

Essentially, what we are talking about to get your desired
result throughout the entire process boils down to one thing -
communication. It\'s the one common thread, which is so important
in ensuring you get what you want and it\'s worth putting in the
effort to avoid disappointment.

Viva Las Vegas Y'all!

I just got back from Las Vegas!

Man oh man, it was my first visit ever, and let me tell y\'all,
if there was ever a town I fell in love with at first glance,
it\'s Las Vegas! It has The Brotherhood\'s name written all over
it, in fact, if there ever was ever a town that I\'ll need to
visit regularly for the rest of my life after only one visit,
it\'s Las Vegas!

I went out there for a speaking engagement related to some of my
writing activities. Even though I spoke for only twenty minutes
in a tiny conference room in one of the big strip hotels, I can
now say, for all eternity, that \I\'ve played Vegas!\ I was out
there for all of two days, which now makes me a certified Vegas
authority. And because I\'m now so knowledgeable, here\'s some
unique things y\'all can expect to see if you ever make a trip
out there:

1. Some huge hotels - I thought I had seen some large hotels in
places like New York City and Chicago, but nothing compares to
these big mamas out in Vegas. You have the Luxor, which
literally looks like a pyramid with a light shining out of the
top. You have Mandalay Bay, well, actually there are two
Mandalay Bays now, and they both have copper colored windows in
their rooms. They also have eleven acres of swimming pools and a
huge shark aquarium. The owner of Mandalay Bay obviously likes
fish, and probably also likes having a little something on the
property to help keep the guests in line. Let\'s also not forget
Caesar\'s Palace, which is huge, and the Venetian, which is even
larger. There\'s one place called Excaliber that looks like a
castle because one actually sits right at the entrance to it,
Paris Las Vegas has a replica of the Eiffel Tower standing right
next to it, one called the Stratosphere has an 1100 foot tower
built close by (get this, there\'s a roller coaster on top of
it), and the grandest Vegas hotel of them all is the Bellagio.
Collectively, these have to be the most unique hotels in the
world.

2. More gambling than you could ever imagine - every big motel
has a casino, and you can\'t get to anything without going
through the casino first. I\'m serious, if you want to go to your
room, you\'ve gotta go through the casino, if you want to eat at
a motel restaurant, you\'ve gotta go through the casino, and
remember this - if you need to go to the bathroom, don\'t wait
til it\'s leg quivering time to go, because you\'ll have to go
through the casino to get to it as well. Something tells me that
those Vegas motel security people won\'t like guests who whiz all
over their carpets or slot machines.

3. Women, women, and women! There\'s something unusual goin\' on
in Vegas, something I can\'t quite explain but still want to tell
y\'all about. The women in Vegas must be extra friendly, and the
reason I know that is that they actually have people standing
out on the streets handing out cards with their names and
telephone numbers on them. Isn\'t that the friendliest thing
you\'ve ever heard of? Where else could you go and experience
hospitality like this? How Vegas has managed to get so many
friendly women all in one place is something I\'ll never figure
out...

4. The shows! I saw Little Richard in the Orleans Motel and
Casino Showroom, and man was he was great! Also performing on
the strip were Gladys Knight, Celine Dion, a whole bunch of
Elvis impersonators, and many, many more top flight
entertainers. There were also some topless reviews, as they like
to get naked at some of these Vegas clubs, but being the highly
conservative type person that I am I didn\'t dare visit any of
them. Topless women, the nerve!

Folks, I\'m already at the end of this column and I\'m still just
getting started, I haven\'t even mentioned the great food, the
thrill rides, the sightseeing, and a whole lot more. Because of
that, I\'m already in close consultation with Brothers Pippin and
Foskey regarding the planning for our first ever Brotherhood
visit to Las Vegas. Right now we\'re envisioning this as a yearly
type ritual, but that\'s always up for negotiation, to do the
proper research we may need several trips out there every year.
Can y\'all imagine Hugh, the Pip, and I all together out on the
Vegas strip? Out in the middle of Sin City? I sure can!

Skinny Disney: Eating at Walt Disney World without blowing y

One of the joys of vacation is eating well. But if you're trying watch your weight or have other dietary concerns, sometimes dining out can be a challenge. In recent years, dining options for those who are trying to eat healthy have improved immensely at Disney World.

An advantage to a Disney World vacation is that you're usually very active, which helps to burn extra calories. Just don't let that fact lull you into a false sense of security and throw all good sense out the window. It's very easy to out-eat your activity level in very short order.

You'll find plenty of selections for salads, chicken, and fish at the full service restaurants in the parks and resorts. A growing number of restaurants also offer vegetarian meals. You'll find that the full service restautants are very accomodating to special preparations, if for example, you would like to skip a heavy sauce or substitute an extra serving of vegetables.

Some good full service restaurants to try for healthy eating: California Grill at the Contemporary Resort, both Jiko and Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom (character meal), Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney-MGM Studios, and Restaurant Akershus in Epcot.

Many of the counter service restaurants have moved beyond your basic hamburgers and hot dogs to offer soups, salads, wraps, chicken sandwiches and fruit. You'll also find a fruit stand at each of the four Disney World theme parks for an alternative to ice cream or chips for a snack.

Here's a small sampling of what you can find at counter service restaurants:
Stir fry chicken and rice at Chakranadi Chicken Shop in the Animal Kingdom
Tabbouleh wrap at the ABC Commisary at Disney-MGM Studios
Seared tuna on mixed greens at the Sunshine Season Food Fair at Epcot (lots of good choices here)
Vegetarian chili at the Columbia Harbor House at the Magic Kingdom

If your dietary needs go beyond low calorie or vegetarian dining, such as certain food allergies (wheat, shellfish, eggs, etc.) or kosher dining, contact Disney dining services (407-WDW-DINE) at least 48 hours before you plan to dine for information, advice, and ordering special meals.


About the Author

Leslie Clevenstine is publisher of <a herf=http://www.yourdisneyguide.com>YourDisneyGuide.com, an unofficial guide to making the most of your Walt Disney World vacation.

Alabama

Alabama is the 22nd State in the United States. 3.19% of the state\'s total area is water. About 60% of its land area is made up of plains inclined towards the famous Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. Alabama was the heart of the \cotton kingdom\ before the Civil War.

The State is home to five Native American tribes (Creek, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Seminole). Their rich culture and traditions are well preserved to this day.

It was in Alabama that The Civil Rights Movement began 50 years ago by Rosa Parks, who passed away recently. The Movement, led by the legendary Reverend Martin Luther King, Junior, challenged and overthrew all segregation laws that denied Afro-Americans the same rights as other fellow countrymen. Today, the United States is looked upon as a nation that treats all human beings as equal.

The State has many places of tourist interest. These include the Rosa Parks Museum, The Civil Rights Memorial, and the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church (where Reverend Martin Luther King Junior, delivered his mesmerizing \I have a dream\ speech).

Alabama has produced many internationally famous people. Some of them are actor Dean Jones, comedian Paula Poundstone, author Nellee Harper Lee, legendary musician Nat \King\ Cole, country singer Hank Williams, pop singer Lionel Ritchie, pop group The Commodores, astronaut N Jan Davis, Surgeon General David Satcher, boxer Joe Louis and athlete Jesse Owens.

Alabama is a modern state with a dynamic economy based mainly on retail and wholesale trade, services, insurance, real estate, transportation, construction, and electrical equipment. Its agricultural output consists of poultry, forest products, cattle, nursery stock, cotton, eggs, peanuts and soybeans.

Alabama is a paradise on earth with its diverse wildlife that includes white-tailed deer, Eastern wild turkey and many other species that are unique to the region. Its landscape is beautiful, with the picturesque Appalachian Mountains in the North and sugar sand white beaches that gently lie near emerald waters of the ocean along the Gulf Coast.

With several shopping malls, Alabama offers fantastic opportunities for shopping. There are great outdoor sporting facilities that include biking trails, hunting expeditions and some of the internationally well known golf courses.

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center houses an Apollo spacecraft and a 363-foot Saturn V rocket that reminds one of the pioneering work, in the 1950s, that eventually put man on the moon in 1969.

The Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery is a literary delight. It hosts a colorful spectrum of classical and contemporary theatrical performances all year round. It is the 6th largest Shakespeare Theater in the world and attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually.

Alabama has all the amenities and recreational facilities that make it a Magic State.

Alabama provides detailed information on Alabama, Alabama Real Estate, Mobile Alabama, Birmingham Alabama and more. Alabama is affiliated with Mississippi Casinos.

Barcelona Spain So Much Fun In One Day

The city of Barcelona, Spain, as all the Iberian Peninsula, has been clearly marked by its long history which dates to the Roman times. But what really left a deep impression and can still be fully appreciated today is what the Arabs left behind. Not only can you awe at the lovely cathedrals, temples and other buildings but you can feel it in the powerful, brave character of the people in Catalunya. The cities of Lleida, Girona, Tarragona and Barcelona make up the region called Catalunya and with it an extensive shore line which starts at the French border and goes mid-way down the Mediterranean until the Community of Valencia.



Having so much coast, Barcelona has not only been able to captivate tourism in the summer with excellent beach resorts, hotels and water sports, but also thanks to its cultural and architectural activities. One of the most outstanding sights that everyone wants to see when traveling to Barcelona is the Sacred Family or as many people know it even though they do not speak Spanish is the famous Sagrada Familia at the Placa de la Sagrada Square. Antonio Gaudi, a renowned architect started to build a church for the needy in 1883. He, together with other architects, worked on this project which was supported by donations from those who cared. In 1898 he decided that he wanted his masterpiece to one of the most original known up until then and changed the typical bell towers which were always square to be rounded off. He also added the Swiss cheese appearance to them. By around 1923, the chapel called Saint Joseph, the east facing and the crypt had been completed. It had been worked on vigorously up until Gaudi died in 1926 and therefore buried in the crypt designed by him. Since then all the bell towers and other parts have been completed but it still has not been finished. But all around the city you can find gaudis works: La Pedrera, Mila House, and the park Guell. But The Sagrada Familia is still one of the most impressive pieces of architecture ever seen.



A city full of Museums and Attractions



But if you are looking for more strong emotions, then head over to the Picasso Museum. This museum is shared between five medieval palaces which contain a nice overall view of his different fazes. Therefore, it lets you travel from Malaga which was his home town to Paris, so well reflected in his paintings, to Russia and his captivating detailed ballet paintings and finally to Barcelona where he settled. This is an absolute must and even more interesting is that it costs so little, has long visiting hours to let you roam about, great public transport combinations and is found in the Cuitat Vella Parc. The Ciutat Vella ( the beautiful city ), was once the entire city of Barcelona until the end of the 14th century and was the principal and only surviving zones made up of four areas: The Gothic Neighbourhood, La Ribera, Las Ramblas ( flowered promenade ) and the Raval. It is so easy to find and get there because there are four distinctive landmarks that lead us by the hand as if it were a famous framed picture. Using the Catalunya Square as its left frontier, you go straight down Las Ramblas Street until you see the impressive Christopher Columbus Monument towering over you as soon as you reach the edge of the port. Leisurely strolling towards the north in the direction of the Olympic Port you come across the Cuitadella Park. At this point turn left to feast your eyes on the emotive Arch of Triumph some blocks away. Within this enclosed circle of narrow cobblestone streets and typically set up shops, you are wrapped up in living history.



It does not matter if you are an avid Barcelona Football ( Soccer ) fan and know that this team is usually called Barca, or just a visitor who wants to enjoy a good match, do not forget to pass by the Nou Camp football stadium to reserve or buy your tickets. Football season is usually between September and May. This year Fran Rikard has led the Barca to win the Spanish Football League so there will be a lot of celebrations and neat souvenirs to buy.



The Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, as this area is referred to, has clean cared for beaches and caters to the tourist both inside the city as well as on the outskirts with a wide selection of accomodations. There chalets, semi-detached homes and apartments for rent or all kinds of hotels starting from a simple youth hostel, passing through a bed and breakfast type lodging to three, four and five star hotels. Whether you are going to be in Barcelona for a romantic honeymoon, just a quick weekend get away, family holidays or a business trip, you can enjoy yourself in one way or another.



You will never be bored because the information available on Barcelona can be easily found on the net, through travel agencies, or going directly to a tourist information booth when you arrive at the airport. This information is offered to you in many different languages and is usually free. It provides the traveler with precise information about museums and other monuments ( their prices and hours ), temporary exhibitions, banks, entertainment, restaurants and shopping areas, the sorts of hotels and where they are all located on very simple maps.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Rob Carlton wrote many contributions to www.barcelona-information.com a web site full of travel tips on Barcelona. Within his publications he is gives practical tips on the Barcelona Airport www.barcelona-information.com/barcelona-airport.html and the biggest sightseeing attractions.

Anatomy of a Boat Builder: Five Day European Tour

A recent five day tour of some of Europe\'s key boat building factories by The Catamaran Group yacht brokers highlighted important design innovations and new directions in technology from leading European builders such as Lagoon, Yapluka and Alliaura Marine.

The trip allowed yacht brokers and staff to see first hand how catamarans such as the Lagoon 500, Lagoon 420 and Yapluka 70 are put together using a blend of the latest technology and well trained labor specialists.

PART 1: LAGOON - BLENDING ART AND SCIENCE TO PERFECTION

Nick Harvey, President of Lagoon America, provided an in-depth and insightful tour of the Lagoon facilities that have all gone through incremental and sometimes revolutionary changes in the four key areas of boat building: molding, trimming, assembly and expedition/finishing.

Over the last 20 years Lagoon has been constantly tweaking and revising the process to include the use of robotics, template designs and rapid prototyping thus speeding up the production process. A highly skilled and mobile workforce ensures high-end finishing with up to three separate quality control checks before the boat leaves the factory.

One of Lagoon\'s leading figures in directing design and implementation has been Bruno Belmont, a graduate of the Southampton School of Naval Architecture who helped introduce new composite techniques that have saved up to 50% in costs when applied to new models such as the Lagoon 500 and 420. The construction of the Bordeaux III factory underscores the growth in production and engineering requirements that are taking place within Lagoon at the moment.

Situated between Bordeaux I (Aluminum) and Bordeaux II composite workshop, Bordeaux III will cumulatively occupy more than 15,000 square meters of space. It includes an assembly space 120 meters long; 25 meters wide.

The factory will also house a 2,500 square meter pre-assembly platform, offices overlooking the river, stores, diverse workshops and a company restaurant for the entire Bordeaux site. Outside facilities will notably include a 6,000 square meter area outfitted for the pre-launch preparation of boats, an inclined plane launch facility and landscaped areas highlighting the facility\'s integration into its riverside environment.

Bordeaux III will focus strongly on the Lagoon brand and the Lagoon 500 in particular. Advanced construction techniques are currently being applied to the Lagoon 500 and Lagoon 420 which are outlined further below under the molding section. Inside the Construction Process

What follows is a brief description of the Lagoon boat building process that have helped establish the French yard as one of the dominant catamaran builders in the world today.

MOLDING

The construction process gets underway in the molding department where a female mould is sprayed with gel coat resin. This is followed by a hand lay up of fiberglass, more cloth and more resin.

All fiberglass used in the mold room is pre cut, labeled, and delivered to mold room team for building of hulls, decks, and grids. The delivery of fiberglass kits ready for use assures precise fitting and correct quantities. With each layer of fiberglass a coat of resin is applied, and the process of hand rolling the fiberglass layers begins. Each layer of glass is carefully rolled by use of small grooved rollers, which will remove trapped air and excess resin. Once this process is completed, then the next layer of fiberglass can be applied.

Overhead receivers are used for securing the bulkheads as well as locations for hatches and access areas for deck mounted hardware. The overhead liner also provides locations for conduits for running of electrical wiring as well as for instrumentation wiring.

Vacuum Bag-Infusion with Vinylester Resin

This technology is less than 10 years old and is revolutionizing the construction of modern catamarans such as the Lagoon 500, Lagoon 420 and recently the Lagoon 570. After comparative laboratory trials, this technique provided excellent engineering results. These results are equal to or superior to pre-preg in as much as fabric compaction is achieved without the slightest possibility of air being captured in the composite.

The fabric is positioned with the same precision used in pre-preg. This technology also allows Lagoon to construct simultaneously the outer skin, core and inner skin, as well as the structure (in case of female mold construction). Using glue between each layer is unnecessary. For each hull made, a sample can be saved for engineering or chemical testing. The Tg obtained is at least 80C (110C in vinylester).

TRIMMING

Some cleaning and adjustments are made in this facility. The windows, ports, hatches, lockers and other openings are cutout and cleaned. Any voids, low spots or imperfections are ground out and repaired at a central inspection station. From here the bridgedeck is moved to the assembly line where the modular interiors are attached.

Pre-assemly Prepping booths house hulls prior to delivery to the assembly line and help streamline the process and maintain high organizational levels in the process.

ASSEMBLY

All the pieces of the puzzle start to fit together in the assembly bay. These include the installation of pre-cut wood interiors made in the wood shop.

The \moving\ assembly lines are characteristic of all Lagoon factories. This method of bringing the pieces to the stations where workers and their tools are located is extremely efficient in reducing the wasted man-hours that occurs when the moving assembly line is not employed.

Raised assembly lines and mezzanines are other design features that are not seen in many major sailboat manufacturing facilities. This design feature affords a safer platform for Lagoon workers and easier access in and out of the yachts. These rolling assembly lines allow yachts to move from station to station. The tools and craftsmen remain in place.

Bulkhead Installation

The bulkheads are installed and bonded to hull (and later to the deck) for stiffness, and all wiring is placed in the pre-designed raceways port and starboard. The engines, tanks, hoses, thru-hulls, cabinets, windows, ports, and hatches are all installed on this line.

After the entire interior is assembled, the deck is then set onto the hull using the same poly-sulfide adhesive and sealant along with bolts for a strong, waterproof bond. The bulkheads are bonded on all 360 degrees to the hull and deck surfaces.

The deck hardware including the winches, hatches, sheet stoppers, blocks, cleats and toe-rail are attached. Each piece of deck hardware is installed by teams of two, with one on deck and the other below bedding and tightening each nut and bolt.

A Touch of Wood

The interior furniture kits are produced by the Beneteau wood shop and shipped to the various production plants in France and the Marion, South Carolina site. The wood is completely finished with varnish and ready for assembly. Beneteau\'s furniture factory runs 3 shifts producing over 6,000 finished pieces of furniture per day and a completed wood kit every 15 minutes.

This speed is achieved by the use of many huge computer controlled cutting and finishing machines. Interior furniture is pre-fitted in a duplicate mold of the hull grid mold, prior to final installation in the yacht. This extra step allows a precise fit of all interior furniture and ensures efficiency of assembly outside the hull.

Ultrasound machines are used to cure the resin on laminated wood that are fused together in three layers. Greater speeds were introduced with the inclusion of four CNC routing machines that work off coded templates and quickly punch out grooved interior wood finishing for the latest Lagoon models on the production line including the 420, 500 and Lagoon Power 44.

Furniture is protected with clear plastic sheeting and foam held in place by tape.

The woodshop identifies processes for both regular and irregular wood finishings and additionally has a separate building for fusing non-visible wood pieces that are used on a typical Lagoon catamaran.

EXPEDITION OR FINISHING

The completed hull is then lifted into one of the huge in-house test tanks. The engine and electronics are tested as well as all the thru-hulls for any leaks. The finished boats then go to a final inspection stage where a team goes over the entire hull, deck, interior and exterior checking each system for integrity and quality. Any boat that shows anything that is below the standard gets repaired before it goes out to the shipping area.

Yachts are also fitted with floorboards, cushions, and loose gear is stowed in sail lockers. Final quality checks are preformed and the yacht is released to shipping department.

Conclusion

Lagoon has consistently fine tuned the boat building process over the last 20 years and introduced some ground breaking techniques into certain stages such as Vacuum Bag Infusion

Molding.

Wherever possible technology is used to aid, streamline and improve the process but there is a high degree of human interaction to enforce quality control and improve production line speeds.

The combined advances in molding, trimming, assembly and expedition are being used creatively to produce the latest line of top models including the Lagoon 420, Lagoon 500 and Lagoon Power 44.

Coming Soon PART II: YAPLUKA PART III: PRIVILEGE

If this information was interesting and would like to learn more please visit http://www.catamarans.com/

Try a Caribbean Carnival Cruise

Are we always complaining about not getting to see that perfect
place we have dreamt of? That too in a very short span of time.
Herein lies the answer.

What is a paradise? Well, beauty lies in the eyes of the
beholder. The inert twining of nature with the best she has to
offer - the mountains, the sea, the land and the rest. A
Caribbean Carnival cruise offers all of these things to keep you
up and going - a voyage straight into the hearts and minds of
people who experience it.

The cruises to the Caribbean are typically split into one of
three categories: Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, or
Southern Caribbean. The trips to Southern Caribbean are
typically a short one and will typically depart from Puerto
Rico, Aruba, or Barbados; while longer journeys may depart from
the mainland of the United States. Western Caribbean cruises
will depart from the Gulf of Mexico for the most part: Florida,
Texas, Alabama, and Louisiana. Finally, the Eastern Caribbean
cruises may depart from the Gulf of Mexico, usually Florida, or
New York, for slightly longer journeys.

Every region is elegance at its best .Shopping, snorkeling or
sailing is best suited to the eastern Caribbean region .Those
devoid of nature can head to the western region. The strong
hearted can head to the south.

The length of your trip decides where you want to head. A
typical two day adventure will leave you more at sea and a bit
of port too. When you are at sea, you can enjoy all of the
accommodations of the cruise ship, including food, pampering,
and fun. When you port at your destination, you may choose to
stay aboard or go out and see the sights of your temporary new
home. The longer your trip gets, you may actually get to port at
several different locations, which is especially nice as it
gives you the freedom to explore more. You will then set course
for home and travel a day or two back to where you departed from
- a little more relaxed and ready to face the next year.

This is how the Caribbean tour is lined up for you. You will
have no complaints in the land of Caribbean, an enchanting
experience designed to suit every bit of your needs

The Saskatchewan Prairies

The province of Saskatchewan is located in the country of Canada
and is between the provinces of Alberta and Manitoba; they call
this province a prairie province because of its flat lands.

Saskatchewan\'s economy is associated with agriculture, however
increasing challenges has meant that agriculture, fishing,
hunting and forestry together make up 6.8% of the province\'s
GDP. Wheat is the most known crop here, and perhaps the one
stereotypically associated with the province, but other grains
like oats, canola, rye, peas, barley, lentils, canary seed and
flax are also produced. Mining is also a major industry in the
province, with Saskatchewan being the world leader in potash
exports. In the northern part of the province, forestry is
important. Saskatchewan is the world\'s most vital supplier of
uranium, and supplies much of the United States of America.



Saskatchewan has many great tourist attractions to offer, they
have beautiful golf course, a plenty of lakes where you can
spend hours doing water actives like fishing, waterskiing,
wakeboarding, fresh water diving. You and your families can get
a history lesson about the province of Saskatchewan, go see
the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (which are
know world wide) Centennial Museum. Big Muddy Badlands, , Otter
Rapids, Roche Percee, Great Sand Hills, Athabasca Sand Dunes,
Cypress Hills, Nistowiak Falls are all neat and educational to
visit.

Saskatchewan has so much to offer so go out and tour the
province, it is well worth your time.

Avoid information overload when searching for airline tickets

No more information overload on travel!

The importance of avoiding information overload when searching
for the cheapest airline tickets online cannot be stressed
enough theses days. This article will explain how you should
take your time and do your research to be able to cherry pick
your way through.

What we Internet surfers don\'t seem to understand is that there
are millions of travel sites out there claiming they have access
to the lowest airfares. When its time to book your travel plans
the first thing we think about is our budget (for those of us
who have a budget). Most travelers don\'t want to pay more than
they have to because they still need money when they get to
where ever the destination is and the more the better..right!

We all want the cheap flights that are enjoyable, not too many
stops, with food and entertainment, frequent flyer miles, plenty
of leg and elbow room...all for the lowest and cheapest price
you can afford....now that would be perfect dude! Well dream on,
unless youre rich.

To avoid information overload and your bottom sticking to the
chair, you start with online sites that not only give their
prices but also let you compare with others. Narrow these sites
down to sites that don\'t waste your time by having access to
just a few special airfares only when the airlines say they have
deals. Everybody has a search engine for available published
airfares, but the best sites consistently offer specially worked
out deals available only to their customers....now thats what I
am talking about maan.....

You have to find a small group of sites that can be searched on
a regular basis...be persistent and start checking for deals at
least a month in advance to be able to take advantage of 7-21
day advanced purchase requirements. How about sites that have
done the research for you and also provide all the information
you need for traveling....I call these sites \travel portals\
and boy do they save you time, not to mention stress.

Some travel portals list too many sites and its like your
starting all over again. They list any site that would pay
commissions instead of researching and listing those that
actually have low airfares consistently, so try and avoid these
kinds of cluttered travel portals at all costs...they are still
wasting your time.

Searching for cheap airfares does not have to be an adventure.
Finding and using travel portals should get you what you need
without the sales pitch. Most of us have a budget and don\'t want
to feel like we could have paid much less...if an airfare is out
there, travel portals will help you find it......Happy
Traveling!

Spa Etiquette What you need to know

Spa Etiquette - What you need to know

Spa-goers visiting the spa for the first time often need to know
what is expected of them as they prepare for their spa
experience. As the spa strives to provide the client with a
tranquil and safe environment so too the spa-goer has certain
expectations placed upon them. To make the spa experience as
relaxing and enjoyable as possible here are a few simple
guidelines to follow:

1. Book well in advance and where possible pick up a brochure
from the spa that includes prices and treatments. Call 24-hours
in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule.

2. Request detailed information on the type of treatment booked.

3. Ask about the therapist assigned to you. Do you prefer a male
or female spa therapist? 4. Wear suitable clothes and be
prepared to undress according to spa treatment you have booked.
Spa robes and slippers are provided for the comfort of the
client and spa personnel are trained in proper draping
techniques for complete comfort and privacy.

5. Arrive 10 - 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to
ensure you are calm and relaxed before the spa treatment. 6.
Always alert the spa therapist to any current or chronic health
condition that may need to be addressed before your spa
treatment.

Las Vegas Golf Resorts

There is no dearth of golf resorts in Las Vegas that provide world class hotels and spas, apart from the golf courses known for their scenic beauty and magnificent playability. Most of these resorts are spread over hundreds of acres. They offer excellent accommodations for families, along with golf-playing opportunities.

Some of the low-end resorts even offer golf packages on a per-person per-night basis. Some the resorts offer discounted packages to attract customers. The discounts generally vary from between 10 to 20 per cent. Quite often, free food vouchers are also provided. Some of these resorts host prominent golf championships and tournaments. The facilities provided by these resorts are world-class. Some of them come under the \most expensive\ category, while some others are reasonably affordable for those who have a passion for golf and are looking forward to a vacation.

The packages offered by some of the resorts start as low as $99 per person per night. In some of the resorts, facilities to teach golf to beginners are also available. There are around half a dozen major golf resorts in the city, and they are run by some of the best-known and biggest players in the hospitality industry. You have theme-based golf clubs as part of these resorts, also.

Of late, some of the resorts have started offering quite affordable stay and play packages, with prices as low as $100 per person. This is being done to attract more and more golfers. An ever-increasing number of tourists, it seems, has not deterred some of the resorts to make the dream of a golf vacation come true for many more. It is clear that in Las Vegas\' golf resorts the thrust is not only to provide prime tee-time access to the hotel guests, but also to provide superior course conditions and excellent customer service.

Las Vegas Golf provides detailed information on Las Vegas Golf, Las Vegas Golf Courses, Las Vegas Golf Packages, Las Vegas Golf Resorts and more. Las Vegas Golf is affiliated with Best Shows in Las Vegas.

Quick Guide To Cape Town

Cape Town has emerged as a city for romantics, adventurers, explorers and families alike. The city now boasts a number of exquisite boutique hotels from where you can enjoy everything Cape Town has to offer.



Where is it?



Cape Town sits on the south west corner of South Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. It has its own airport and visitors are never short of entertainment or excitement.



Where can I stay?



Cape Town\'s growth into one of the most energetic cities in the world has been matched by the quality of the hotels. In particular, there has been a boom in boutique hotels - designed to catch the attention of the discerning traveller. These hotels provide well-designed and thought-out rooms and public areas and levels of service that anticipate guests\' every need. This new style of hotel includes Atlantic House, which occupies an enviable position in the trendy resort of Camps Bay, the Kensington Palace, a minimalist delight with just eight rooms, set right in the heart of the city, and The Bishops Court, which supplies spacious rooms, a pool and floodlit tennis court and fabulous views of the surrounding landscape.



What can I see?



Cape Town has something for everyone. Whether you\'re looking for designer shopping, water adventure, mountain treks, wine tasting tours or even safari trips, you can find it in Cape Town. With an enviable climate and the domineering presence of Table Mountain, Cape Town manages to combine stunning landscapes with urban chic, catering to a wide range of visitors. For those who lack the energy but want the view, take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, where you get fantastic views of the city below and the ocean beyond. Robben Island is notorious for being the home of Nelson Mandela during his years of imprisonment and is now just half an hour away by boat and has been transformed into a living museum. If you want to damage your credit card, visit the V&A Waterfront, home to designer shops, cinemas, restaurants and craft markets surrounding a working harbour.



How do I get around?



Cape Town is fairly easy to drive around - cars drive on the left here - and car hire is reasonable. If you want to explore the Western Cape then it\'s a good idea to hire a car so that you are in control of your day. Trains and buses link all the major cities in South Africa and there are long-haul bus services as well if you\'re planning a few days somewhere different. You can also rent a bike to travel round the city or use local taxis.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Chic Retreats is a collection of small, sophisticated hotels around the world that are designed to give the traveller a real taste of luxury and service. Visit their website by clicking Boutique Hotels

New Requirements Postponed for Travelers Between the United States and the Caribbean

The US State Department had issued a notice regarding changes in travel policy requiring American passengers to now carry a US Passport when traveling anywhere outside the United States including the Caribbean islands, Latin America, and Mexico. Prior to this, citizens could enter one of these destinations with a birth certificate and a driver\'s license. A deadline had been discussed for the end of this year that would require travelers to the Caribbean to carry passports, but that date has now been moved back a year to December 31st, 2006 as per the State Department, due in part to an overwhelming response from people asking for an extension.

Rather than wait until the last minute, start the passport process now and be ready for next year. Using expedited service still takes two weeks from the time you submit your application. It takes up to six weeks using regular service. Your passport is good for ten years. Visit http://www.travel.state.gov for more information and a passport application.

Information from the State Government Website:

When will the Travel Initiative be implemented? In the proposed implementation plan, which is subject to a period of initial public comment, the Initiative will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. The proposed timeline will be as follows:

December 31, 2006 - Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

December 31, 2007 - Requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.

Is this a change to the additional phase that was to be implemented on December 31, 2005?

Yes, in April 2005, the Departments of State (DOS) and Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposed plan to be implemented in three phases beginning on December 31, 2005 for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. After further review and considering the delay in publishing the public notice in the Federal Register, DOS and DHS recognized that implementing the December 31, 2005, phase would be problematic for travelers during the upcoming winter tourism season. This change will simplify the implementation and provide a longer lead-time for travelers to come into compliance with the requirements.

Bret Sigillo is the President and Founder of Saand.com, Inc. (http://www.saand.com) a unique marketplace for short-term villa & vacation rentals in the Caribbean, Latin America and Hawaii. With over 600 homes in inventory Saand.com has defined the online reservation experience for the vacation traveler while extending customer reach for homeowners.

A Tale of Whales and a Whale of a Tour

The big black and white killer whale -- his four-foot sail-like
dorsal fin erect and rising from a long sleek black and white
body -- came slicing rapidly through the water, seemingly on a
collision course with our vessel.

Sort of a black and white torpedo with eyes, fin, flippers, and
fluke.

The Kansas lady to my right gave a little gasp. \Might it hit
us?\ she asked plaintively.

No time for her husband to answer. Seconds later, and only a
scant four yards from our starboard rail, the orca suddenly
dove, his body and dorsal disappearing from view. His course
took him directly under (not into!) our boat. A mad scramble
ensued as all of us raced through and around the ship\'s forward
lounge to the port side of the vessel. Most of us made it in
time to see the great dorsal resurface. The creature thrust
mightily with his horizontal fluke and sped away at incredible
speed.

\Oh my,\ said Kansas Lady, \that was a sight.\

\Oh yes,\ replied Kansas Man, \a sight indeed.\

But the great thing was, it was only one of many memorable
moments that day as we cruised the waters of Resurrection Bay
and Kenai Fjords National Park on an afternoon excursion out of
Seward. Our ship was the Alaskan Explorer, one of several
sightseeing vessels operated by Kenai Fjords Tours. In spite of
absolutely rotten rainy weather during some portions of the
trip, we (wife Marilyn and I) enjoyed one of the best waterborne
excursions we have ever experienced. Proof indeed that in Alaska
one should never forgo the pleasures of an outing just because
of inclement weather; just dress warmly, in layers, for it.

The trip began about 11:30 a.m., shortly after we arrived in
the Resurrection Bay city aboard the Alaska Railroad morning
train from Anchorage. After leaving the dock we heard words of
welcome and instruction from not one but two skippers, Chris and
Roy. They advised us:

\Keep your hat on your head. We don\'t go back for hats unless
you are wearing one.\

\If you see any folks in the water, throw them a life ring -
whether of not they are from this vessel.\

\A few nautical terms: \'Port\' means left, \'starboard\' means
right, \'aft\' is toward the back of the vessel and the \'bow\' is
the pointy end of the boat.\

And, \If you feel seasick, go aft to the rail on the lower
deck. Repeat, aft!\

Shortly thereafter we had a tasty lunch, deli-style, consisting
of breaded chicken or breaded fish (or both), apple chips,
choice of light beverage, and cookies.

Our meal was interrupted (we didn\'t mind) by the sight of our
first critter of the day, a solitary sea otter who drifted by on
the port side of the ship. (\Left?\ someone asked. \Yeah,
left.\) The creature was reclining in classic sea otter pose -
flat on his back in the water, paws under his chin, with lower
legs and tail tucked up toward his tummy.

\He weighs about 100 pounds and he has,\ said one of our
captains speaking from the bridge, \one of the densest coats on
earth.\

We heard lots of \Oohs,\ \Aaahs,\ and \Isn\'t he darling...\
coming from all over the lounge. One of our table mates, Pat
Horner of New Jersey, was enthralled. \Nothing like this in New
Jersey,\ she told us. Her daughter, Gayle Newfeld of Kodiak, has
seen plenty of sea otters near her Alaska home digs. But she,
like us, was thrilled as well.

Next on our mammal list came a Dall\'s porpoise, about a
hundreds yards to starboard. \He\'s one of the fastest swimmers
in the North Pacific,\ said the voice from the skipper\'s mike.
\Flipper in a tux. He weighs about 300 pounds and can travel
upwards of 35 miles an hour.\ Then - highlight of our trip by
any measure - came our romp on the wild side with the killer
whales (orcas), including the eight-ton male who threatened to
\torpedo\ us. Incredibly, during the course of our cruise not
one but two separate orca pods, a half-dozen or so animals in
each group, joined us to frolic close by our vessel. Both
groups paced us, raced us, and surrounded us when we slowed.
They rolled, sounded, made shallow breaches, and approached
literally within inches of our ship.

Once, ignoring the rain and looking straight down from my post
at the forward port rail, I found myself gazing incredulously
into one creature\'s \blow\ hole! Thank goodness he didn\'t take
that moment to exhale.

Another time the voice from the bridge announced the presence
of Steller\'s sea lions, the first of several large or smaller
sightings. A big bunch of them, maybe three dozen or more, were
sleeping, lounging, crawling, and climbing on rocky beach ledges
at the base of a steep granite cliff. A few were swimming in the
water, just off shore. Some looked dark gray, almost black;
others were light rusty brown in color. \Actually,\ we were
told, \they are all the same color. Their fur just looks dark
when they\'re wet.\ Whatever their coloration, these were
impressive specimens, weighing in at a ton or more for the
bulls, but \only\ 650 pounds for the more diminutive females.
Even from within the lounge of our vessel we could hear their
incessant growls and bellowing.

Throughout our cruise, in spite of the weather, we saw a goodly
number of seabirds including cormorants, American bald eagles,
puffins (with little round \football\ bodies and parrot-like
beaks, the most comical-looking bird to fly over and dive into
northern seas), black-legged kittiwakes, and (my personal
favorite) murres. These incredible alcids can dive while fishing
to a depth of 300 feet below the water\'s surface or more. Wow!
That\'s equal to the height of a 30-story building. Because of
their black and white coloring some folk call them \penguins of
the north;\ I prefer to think of penguins as \murres of the
south.\

And what would an Alaska cruise be without glacier viewing? The
ice river we saw and photographed and ogled over that day was
Holgate Glacier. Not the biggest on the Pacific coast by any
means, but a beautiful, classic tidewater glacier with deep blue
colors and an impressive face that calved a few small \growler\
bergs into the sea to the delight of all on board.

Our excursion ended about 5:30 p.m., just in time to board our
rail cars for the return trip to Anchorage.

It was, all agreed, a marvelous tour, one that Alaska visitors
can put in their memory caches as among the best trips in the
north country.

Come this spring, summer, or fall you could do a lot worse than
book one of these tours. More information is available on the
internet at http://www.kenaifjords.com.

# # # Copyright (c) Mike Miller 2006 - All rights reserved

Travel Health: New Places New Faces New Illnesses

Travel can affect your health in unanticipated ways. For example, altitudes above 5,000 feet may elicit shortness of breath and more frequent urination. These changes are normal. But is it normal to get a headache? In truth, a headache may indicate altitude sickness.

Part of the thrill of travel is seeing someplace different. But when it comes to your health, different is not always better. Changes in ecology, climate, altitude and nutrition may bring risks of illness you don\'t face at home.

To stay well on the road, there\'s a lot more we can do than \don\'t drink the water.\ The most important tip is to prepare before you leave. Pre- and post-journey evaluations with a physician can ensure that all our travel memories are happy ones. A consultation with a physician helps you prepare for the predictable changes and surprise problems of travel.

A travel health consultation covers these areas, and more:

• Caring for preexisting conditions
• Dehydration and re-hydration
• First aid essentials, including medications for common travel-related ailments
• Food and water precautions
• Inoculations
• Insect protection
• Jet lag
• Motion sickness
• Self-treatment of traveler\'s diarrhea
• Vaccines and immunizations

A travel health specialist can extend the conversation to include larger wellness topics such as insurance, vehicle safety and evacuation plans for unstable areas.

Dedicated travel health physicians stay abreast of updates from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, as well as specific recommendations and requirements of individual countries.

If you already have chronic conditions such as allergies, pulmonary disease of diabetes, travel takes you away from the safety net of your familiar physician and pharmacy. It\'s vital to be prepared. When you\'re packing your passport, Traveler\'s checks and toothbrush, make sure you have your health plan, too.

The author, Patrick Gillam, writes on health topics for hospitals, visiting nurse associations, hospice providers, sub-acute care facilities and physician management companies. See more copywriting by Patrick Gillam at

itellyousell.com

Auckland: A Multi Cultural Hot Pot

Auckland is the largest city and the busiest port in New Zealand. It is located on a thin strip of land on the North Island, between the Manakau and Waitemata Harbours - making it one of the few cities in the world with two harbours facing separate bodies of water. The city has a population of approximately 1.3 million, making it the largest city in New Zealand and the surrounding area of Polynesia. It was founded in the mid‑nineteenth century by Governor William Hobson, and officially became a city in 1871. Today it is home to many different cultures, the majority being of European descent, with a substantial number of Māori, Asian, and Pacific Islanders among the population.

Auckland has a temperate, warm climate, with humid summers and cool, damp winters, experiencing high levels of rainfall nearly all year round, particularly in winter. The city is situated over the Auckland Volcanic Field - which consists of around 48 volcanoes -most of which are now dormant.

It is often referred to as the \City of Sails\, due to the great number of yachts that can be seen around the Hauraki Gulf and the Waitemata Harbour. The \'America\'s Cup\' was held here during the summer of 1999-2000, and a victory for New Zealand meant that the competition returned to Weitemata Harbour in the summer of 2003-2004.

Visitors will not be disappointed by the wide range of tourist attractions on offer. The Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of the best museums in New Zealand. The Sky Tower is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, with views that stretch to a distance of over 80 kilometres. Other attractions include the Auckland Art Gallery, the New Zealand National Maritime Museum, the Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens in Manurewa, and The StarDome Observatory on the slopes of One Tree Hill.

Ronan Menton is the webmaster for a number of travel related websites and has been for some time in Ireland, associated with search engine optimisation in the Irish travel industry. He spends two months a year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and now sees it as his second home. Among the many sites he is currently working on are the following: hotels in Auckland and hotels in Johannesburg.

BVI Yacht Charters The Only Way To See The British Virgin Islands

With BVI yacht charters you can choose to take a diving charter and learn to scuba dive in some of the most beautiful locations in the world. You can choose to take a yacht charter where you will learn to sail or even choose a luxury charter where you will have your own floating resort with amenities of all kinds at your fingertips. Flying to the British Virgin Islands is not expensive and when several couples book one of the BVI yacht charters it is only about the same as staying at an all-inclusive tropical resort.

BVI diving is rated as one of the best diving experiences in the world. There are over sixty dive sites you can visit with one of the yacht charters. BVI charters will take you to many unexplored reefs or if you want you can dive in one of the National Parks, where there are buoys for yacht charters to use. With the many vertical walls and shipwrecks, by booking one of the BVI yacht charters specializing in diving you might just discover a sunken treasure ship.

The year round temperature in the BVI is suitable for swimming and diving all the time. The seas are calm and there are no currents to worry about when you book one of the BVI yacht charters. The dive sites are all located in sheltered coves and if you have sailing experience, you don\'t have to hire a captain or a crew. You can enjoy bareboat sailing with your yacht charter. BVI charter companies have all types of yachts from bareboats to luxury yachts capable of carrying 8 or more passengers.

You can have the ultimate honeymoon with BVI yacht charters. With its quiet pristine beaches, you can be alone in paradise with fabulous accommodations and dining on board the yacht. With honeymoon yacht charters, BVI companies can plan to meet you on any of the islands, except St. Croix, if you decide that you want to spend a few nights at a hotel before you get on board the yacht. With crewed yacht charters, you will have the perfect honeymoon where you have a crew ready to wait on your hand and foot.

BVI yacht charters offer discounts for families looking for the perfect vacation. You can choose captain only yacht charters or one with a full crew. If you have young children, you might think that a yacht charter might be dangerous, but it is perfectly safe. The only thing you need to keep in mind when booking family yacht charters in the BVI is that the crew does not look after the children for you. You have to do this yourself. BVI yacht charters have all the information you need available online so you can browse the many charters and choose the one that best meets your needs.

To find out more about Sailing Vacations visit Peter\'s Website Your Sailing Vacation and find out about Luxury Yacht Charters and more, including Caribbean Yacht Charters, Crewed Yacht Charters, Bareboat Charters and Florida Charters.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=PeterLeigh

Tanzania A Quick Guide

Tanzania: as you arrive in this wonderful country and step out onto the vast plains you rapidly feel very small. Tanzania has one of the largest animal populations in the world; you quickly come to realise you are privileged to become a part of these vast open grasslands. Wildebeest, buffalo, leopard, rhino, monkey, antelope, lion, cheetah, crocodile, gazelle, flamingo - to name but a few animal you may see on safari - they\'re all out there.

Tanzania undoubtedly offers some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities on the continent. Its well maintained parks and many towns still holding the magic of a bygone era add to the magic of the Tanzanian safari - that is of course - if you are able to do without your luxuries for a while.

With twelve National Parks, seven game reserves, many forest reserves and the famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, together with the most friendly people in the world, Tanzania is fast becoming the destination of choice.

A Cultural addition to any trip to Tanzania will compliment your safari and complete your experience of Africa. All Tanzania Culture Safaris should be organized with gentleness and respect for the cultures, villagers and homes you visit. The hope is to experience the diverse cultures first hand and to experience what makes Tanzania so special.

A guideline for a cultural safari or cultural addition to your safari is to choose your operator carefully. All genuine cultural safaris are organized on a one off basis. Each safari is organized direct with the communities to be visited. Each cultural exchange should also take into account what you may or may not want to see/experience. Some Examples are visits to hospitals, schools, village and home visits. Choose an operator who works directly with the communities with Structured Initiative Programs.

When on safari remember that responsible tourism is an attitude of mind to which we should all aspire. When on a walking safari or camping safari it is a must to keep to the tracks laid out in the parks; in Tanzania it is important to keep to the designated trails. If a driver is caught making a new trail with his vehicle he looses his license and is banned from all National Parks. To keep to the trials helps protect fauna and prevents soil erosion. Tanzania takes its responsibility towards the environment very seriously. The African in these parks is the heritage of the Tanzanian people.

For more information on Tanzania contact the Tanzania information Hub at http://www.tanzania-info.co.uk remember that tourism can change lives - make sure your trip to Africa makes a difference.

How To Plan For The Perfect Cruise Vacation

It\'s the dream of many vacationers to be able to sail on board a luxury cruise liner and enjoy all the activities and ports of call while leaving the travel worries to the captain and crew. These kind of vacation cruises can be just what the doctor ordered when you need to get away for a while. But the whole idea of cruising may be foreign to some and so we have put together some tips on how to plan for the perfect cruise vacation:

* First you need to know what a typical cruise package contains. Most often your cruise will include ship accommodations, meals, activities, entertainment and most standard facilities on the ship. Your cruise ticket will often not include the airfare or other travel arrangements needed to get you to the cruise ship and back home again, or the extra amenities on board like massage facilities and internet access. It also does not usually cover any guided tours arranged for the ports of call that the ship visits on the cruise. And you will be responsible for all tips and gratuities on the trip.

It\'s important to know all of this to be able to plan your vacation cruise correctly, because you will need to bring along sufficient funds to cover any extra expenses needed on the trip if you expect to make it a pleasurable trip. Some folks that all they have to do is just show up for the cruise and everything is already paid for from then on, but this is often not the case, especially with discount cruise vacations. So be sure to check with your cruise line and get very familiar with all that is and is not included in your cruise fare.

* Having the right documentation while you are sailing is important too, especially if you happen to be visiting ports outside of your own country. So get any necessary visas, passports, and other important papers that may be needed well before you leave in order to comply with the laws of the countries that you will be visiting.

* Bring along the appropriate attire for the weather that you will encounter on the trip and also for the various activities that you plan to engage in while on the cruise. All cruise lines encourage casual attire during the day, but on some luxury cruises certain cruise lines have dress codes for the evening that can range from elegant casual to formal, so be sure to find about these in advance and have the right clothes ready if you choose to join in.

* Seasickness is a worry for a lot of people, but actually this is one area that does not usually present a problem these days as the cruise ships are so large and stable that you really can\'t even detect much motion as you sail along. On the off chance that you do develop seasickness though, just bring along some dramamine and that should easily take care of your needs.

Just a few simple plans made in advance can make sure that you are able to enjoy your perfect cruise vacation and return home refreshed and energized.

Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including vacation travel. You can find out more about royal carribean cruise lines and discount disney cruises by visiting our Vacation Guide website.

Great White Shark Diving at Guadalupe Island

Guadalupe Island's 100-foot visibility is evident in its crystal-blue water. Unlike the Farallons or South Africa, Guadalupe Island has great visibility. This allowed us to see the great whites from a distance giving notice to get the cameras ready.

Our white shark encounters provided action from daybreak until sunset. Swimming slowly and cautiously around our shark cages were male and female white sharks ranging between the sizes of 12 to 16 feet in length. During close-up passes, the sharks looked directly at us, revealing the different color variations in their eyes. The center of their eyes is not black as described; they are actually brown. While staring into the eyes of one of the great whites, I noticed a thin, beautiful, blue circle. The great whites also have cones in their eyes. Animals having such cones are able to see different colors; therefore, it is likely that great whites also see color variations.

The water temperature at the island ranges between 70 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit. A 7mm wetsuit with a hood and boots, or a drysuit is recommended for exposure protection. I used a inch wetsuit, but I plan on having a drysuit for next year's trip. Most of the participants wore wetsuits and were just fine---some were even a bit warm.

The last day of the trip we enjoyed an extensive visit from two California sea lions. Enchanting encounters to say the least---watching the ballet-like movement of the sea lions as they swim through the water. Next year's escorted trip to Guadalupe Island will be September 20- 24, 2004. The cost of the trip is $2,350 per person bunk quarters, and $2,550 for private stateroom. The adventure is worth every cent to see the ocean's apex predator up close and personal. For those who wish to come along for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity contact TerraSea Travel & Tours toll free at 1-800-403-8488 or visit their website at www.terrasea.net

TerraSea offers an array of adventures and expeditions. Travelers can chose from wonderful land-based hotels and resorts to liveaboards for the maximum diving. Our worldwide adventures encompass diving from the Caribbean to the Pacific. Divers can choose from wreck diving, diving on coral reefs, or high adrenaline action in close up encounters with pelagics: great white sharks, whale sharks, dolphins, whales, manta rays, great hammerheads and tiger sharks.

TerraSea customizes individual and group tours for scuba diving travel adventures to fit your needs and desires. Their knowledge and expertise of travel and destinations provides first class service for a first class trip, and guarantees the lowest price with the best value.

TerraSea also offers land adventures where you can visit the Maya ruins, travel up river through a nature preserve encountering beautiful tropical birds and monkeys, go hiking through a rainforest, or explore the Australian Outback.

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MetroDetroit's Closest Vacation Getaway is the Shores of Lake Huron

Looking for a getaway close to Metro Detroit? Look no further. Lexington, Michigan is located in the beloved thumb of the Lower Peninsula. Only an hour and a half drive from Southeast Michigan it brings outdoor activities for hunters, fishermen and sunbathers alike.

Lexington is location on the shores of Lake Huron providing boaters a wonderful place to water ski, snorkel, swim and relax. Boaters are able to rent slips in the Lexington Harbor and enjoy the amenities that the downtown area has to offer. Quaint little shops ranging from fudge shops, clothing stores to the historic General Store, there\'s something for everyone\'s taste.

Downtown Lexington is home to great restaurants and entertainment. Looking for a gourmet sandwich or pizza? Make sure to visit Smackwater Jacks. Smackwater Jacks offers visitors, such treats as, freshly baked Focaccia bread, homemade soups, cappuccino\'s and of course their famous sandwiches and pizzas. Visit the Cadillac House if you want to catch a game on their big screen or share a cocktail with many of the locals in the area. Lexington\'s newest addition is their theatre, The Lexington Music and Theatre Company. Catch plays put on by local area actors. If you are looking to play some golf, visit Lakeview Hills. Lakeview Hills offers challenging courses through water, sand and trees. Golf isn\'t the only game they offer. After having some dinner, challenge your partner to a game of bowling.

You don\'t need a boat to enjoy any of Lexington\'s amenities. Along the lakeshore you\'ll find many cottages, cabins and bed and breakfasts to hang your hat. So whether you are trying to get away from the city or just want to enjoy Lake Huron, Lexington, Michigan offers plenty to do.

Melissa Morrison is owner of http://www.rentalbug.com, a Michigan lodging directory. To find your next vacation rental in Lexington, or any other area in Michigan visit http://www.rentalbug.com.

San Francisco Tours Capture Heart and Soul of the City

Whether you\'re a native Californian or a visitor from another state or another country, San Francisco and its surroundings leave an indelible impression. The vibrant city life takes place against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty, both of which can best be appreciated by participating in San Francisco tours.

Both first-time visitors and locals can learn a tremendous amount about the City by the Bay when they take San Francisco tours. Knowledgeable tour bus drivers can provide you with colorful stories about the city\'s many unique neighborhoods. You\'ll undoubtedly have the opportunity to see San Francisco\'s most notable districts, like Chinatown, Japantown, Haight-Ashbury, the Castro, and Nob Hill. You\'ll also see the famous twisting Lombard Street and the city\'s quaint cable car system, as well as architectural wonders like the Golden Gate Bridge. Fisherman\'s Wharf is a wonder of sights, sounds, and scents, while Pier 39 offers unparalleled shopping and fantastic eateries.

A San Francisco charter bus company may also offer Alcatraz tours, so you can learn the history of some of our country\'s most notorious criminals who were housed at the maximum-security prison. You\'ll also pick up information that you may not have known, such as the Native American occupation of the island, the military uses of Alcatraz, and the unique flora and fauna that is found on the island.

San Francisco, of course, is the perfect launching place to visit other scenic areas of Northern and Central California. No visit to California would be complete without participating in California wine tours. In contrast to Los Angeles, Napa and Sonoma provide an atmosphere reminiscent of days gone by. Your senses will be filled when you visit wineries located on gorgeous estates, with exquisite restaurants and the opportunity to taste world-renowned California vintages. Whether you\'re with a large group in a charter bus rental or you\'re traveling alone with other visitors in a tour charter bus is the perfect way to spend a leisurely day visiting California\'s premier wine country.

When you\'re visiting California, you\'d be remiss not to participate in Yosemite tours. With its majestic peaks and breathtaking waterfalls, Yosemite is the crown jewel in the National Park system. When you visit Yosemite in a bus line charter, you\'ll have the opportunity to learn about the history of the park, as well as to view the same vistas that renowned photographer Ansel Adams captured decades ago. Soaring granite domes are a testament to the incredible geology of the area, while the lush plants and trees hark back to a time when nature was king.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about San Francisco Tours or Majon\'s Travel directory.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=ChrisRobertson

Super Tan at SuperClub in Negril Jamaica

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A World Cup Guide to Berlin

Out of the twelve German cities to play hosts to the FIFA 2006 World Cup Finals it is Berlin - Germany\'s capital - that has arguably the most important role to play. It is in this city on Sunday 9th July that two teams will contest the final game of the tournament, and one of those teams will claim the ultimate prize in international footballthe World Cup.

The stadium in which the Final will take place is Berlin\'s Olympic Stadium - the very same venue that was used for the 1936 Olympic Games where Jessie Owen claimed four gold medals. In preparation for the FIFA 2006 World Cup finals the Olympic Stadium has undergone a complete renovation. Some 242 million euros were invested to bring the stadium into the 21st century. Work was completed in July 2004, and in September of that year Brazil met Germany for the inaugural international game.

Aside from the World Cup Final on 9th July, Berlin\'s Olympic Stadium hosts a number of other World Cup matches. Brazil play Croatia here on 13th June, Sweden take on Paraguay in Group B on the 15th June, and Ecuador will attempt to defeat the hosts Germany at Berlin on the 20th. Ukraine face-off against Tunisia on the final day of group competition in the tournament too, while Berlin will be home to the first 2006 World Cup quarter-final on 30th June.

Berlin Sights

Berlin has so much to offer visitors this summer. There are world famous monuments, parks, restaurants, shops, museums and a zoo to take in. Two \'must see\' attractions that should top everyone\'s list are Brandenburg Gate and the TV Tower.

Brandenburg Gate

Arguably Berlin\'s most famous monument, the Brandenburg Gate towers 20 metres high into the Berlin sky. It was built in 1791 and survived the conquest of Napoleon, but was badly damaged in the Second World War. For years it stood as a partition between East and West Germany as part of the Berlin Wall. Today, it is a symbol of a reunited Germany.

The TV Tower

Affectionately known as the \'toothpick\' the TV Tower near Alexander Square is the second highest in Europe. It can be seen from almost anywhere in the city and offers spectacular views from the viewing tower and restaurant. On a clear day you can see up to 25 miles out into the German countryside. It\'s well worth a visit!

Seb Jay is a freelance writer specializing in the origination of web content for http://www.your-carhire.com.

Seven Ways To Get Travel Discounts

Do you love to travel but don\'t have the money to take all the trips you want? What if you could cut your travel costs? You might be able to take more vacations or finally visit that special destination you\'ve been dreaming of.

Finding travel discounts does take a bit of legwork, but in this age of computers you can do a lot of the legwork right in the comfort of your own home. You can find discounts on airfare, hotels and car rentals at major airline and travel web sites if you want to invest a little bit of time in surfing the web.

But getting discounts on your airfare and hotels aren\'t the only way to save on vacations. Here\'s seven things that might help you cut costs the next time you take a trip.

1. Shop around for the cheapest flight online either at the airlines website or the big travel sites. Airlines offer discount tickets periodically so you should check their sites often. The big travel sites have specials as well and it can really save some time if you register to receive an email when a discount to your destination comes up. Don\'t forget to check these sites often since you never know when a good deal might pop up.

2. Look for web-only discounts offered by hotels and airlines for people who don\'t mind making reservations online. You must commit to your reservation but sometimes you can save half the cost with one of these specials.

3. Check on detour flights other than the straight one you\'ll most likely get when you inquire. Your total flight prices can be cheaper when you take two flights instead of one. Some people save thousands booking their flights this way.

4. Check out package deals for your dream vacation as you can usually save a bundle and it\'s a bit more convenient for you too. Packages that combine airfare and hotel can be had at a steep discount compared to what they cost when paid for separately. Even better, try to get a trio package that combines airfare, hotel and car rental for a really great travel.

5. If you\'ll be staying in the same hotel for more than 7 days, call ahead and ask if they have any week long stay discounts. Sometimes you can get a free day or a bit off your overall price.

6. Travel to great vacation places that have a low cost of living - the prices there will tend to be a bit less than other vacation spots. Malaysia and the Philippines are good examples where both have great scenery and tourist spots but prices are reasonable. Make sure there is plenty of English speaking people there unless you enjoy the challenge of communicating with people who do not speak your language.

7. Once you\'ve gotten all your travel discounts on hotels and airfare, you can still save some money on your vacation by buying food at the grocery and cooking it yourself instead of eating out for every meal. Restaurants tend to have cheap food that might not be the healthiest so do your wallet and your health a favor by eating in. Of course, you\'ll want to make sure to get a hotel room that has refrigeration and allows for cooking too.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.airfare1st.com where you can find more articles on air travel, vacations and how to save on airfare.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=LeeDobbins

Late nights and lazy lounging in cosmopolitan Cape Town

The inhabitants of the beautiful seaside city of Cape Town,
South Africa, are notoriously easygoing. And even though the
Mexican idea of siesta has not been instituted here, the concept
is certainly not foreign to any deserving Capetonian. No wonder
the Mother City's social scene is bursting at the seams with an
exciting mix of laid back lounges , serious clubs and trendy
bars with a decidedly African twist.

Ironically, one of the coolest hangouts in Cape Town, is called
Joburg. Even though most South Africans travel long distances
without blinking twice, an invitation to party in Joburg doesn't
necessarily mean booking a flight to Johannesburg. This
legendary bar-club is situated in the bustling, cosmopolitan
Long Street, and attracts an extremely varied crowd - from
trendy locals, grungy art students and international models to
part-of-the-furniture regulars and weathered backpackers. You
might even find the occasional businessman enjoying an after
work drink, seamlessly blending in with the relaxed atmosphere
of the place.

The quirky, predominantly red interior is enhanced by a mirror
ball shaped like the Johannesburg skyline as well as an
impressive permanent collection of work by famous local artists
including such respected South African icons as Conrad Botes,
Doreen Southwood and Brett Murray.

Adjacent to the bar, is the relatively tiny dance area -
jokingly reffered to as Pretoria - where some of Cape Town's
best DJ's do their thing. The eclectic sounds they produce are
synonomous with Joburg and include anything from serious
Hip-Hop, to Electro Eighties Pop and Live Jazz. From the wall of
the raised DJ-box a neon sign declaring the sentence Know thy
worth, casts a sexy glow on the good looking crowd getting down
with it, below.

For latenight winding down, head a block further up the road to
the equally fashionable Marvel, where you'll most definitely
find the religous Joburg crowd getting their latenight fix of
vinyl scratching, while lounging in the bistro-style seating
till the early hours of the morning.

Further down the street, the choice of venue is as diverse as
the many cultures housed in this city. At Orchard Bank sip on
fishbowl-sized cocktails in the minimalist lounge, or head to
the huge dancefloor in the basement, where a mixed crowd dances
to anything from House, to Pop and Reggae.

Diagonally opposite, down a hidden, narrow alley, is the sleek
Miam-Miam where early night drinks can easily turn into late
night dancing. But if you're not in the mood for a squeaky clean
crowd, head upstairs to Zula where Cape Town's Goth crowd
headbang to the dark sounds of serious Metal, Goth-Funk and the
occasional live band.

On the otherside of town, in the slightly more commercial
clubbing hotspot of Somerset road in Greenpoint, devoted
clubbers rub shoulders with students on mid-week booze binges
and trendy suburbanites looking for their fix of serious
dancing. Here, designer hangouts like Opium - a winning
combination of stylish cocktail lounge and serious dancefloor -
and the more definitive clubbing hub, Confessions, draw polished
crowds who are as serious about their fashionable attire as they
are about their dance moves.

On a prominent street corner in this district, Cape Town's
oldest and most famous gay club, Bronx, is situated. Here
predominantly gay men and a rather strong following of straight
women come to enjoy good music and incredibly good-looking
barmen. The varied crowd inevitably includes some
straight-guys-in-the-know, hoping to find a beautiful girl with
her guard down.

If any or all of the above sound like too much of a commitment,
head over the mountain to the breathtakingly beautiful Camps
Bay, where you can have a quiet drink in a sophisticated
cocktail lounge while soaking up the sun and enjoying some of
the most spectacular sunsets on the African continent.

With a happening social scene and such a wide range of
incredibley cool venue's, Cape Town is any holiday maker's
paradise. No matter what your preference or mood - if you plan
to visit Cape Town with the intention of winding-down, you're
most certainly on your way to the perfect destination.