World Travel

by: Christopher Longmore

Although the sailing season in the South Eastern Mediterranean runs from mid-May to the end of October, there is still significant demand from European sailors for charters in waters warm during the long, cold Northern winter.

Traditionally the Caribbean has been the main beneficiary of this. The British have tended to go to the ex-colonies - the Virgin Islands, Antigua, and Grenada. This always has two problems. Travel costs are high and/or inflexible, and the area is equally popular with North Americans to the point that it gets very crowded. Getting there from the USA is seriously cheap and easy, and there is little or no time difference.

The charming French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe have long been an attractive alternative to the traditional winter destinations for frost-bitten Brits, but one that they seem determined to ignore. A quick connecting hop to Paris and a direct flight from there to either French island is an altogether more attractive option; when you get there the Gallic charm (and excellent food) is much in evidence; and there are plenty of yachts to charter from companies every bit as well equipped and more flexible than their neighbours in the English speaking Caribbean! The cruising opportunities are almost the same.

The other interesting alternative is Cuba. The country does not always enjoy the best of press coverage, and is in many ways a good advertisement for the failure of socialism. Despite that there is a rapidly emerging yacht charter industry on the northern coast. Transfer times from Havana airport are a little long at 2 1/2 hours, but you do get to see some of the islands magnificent scenery. The sailing itself is fabulous. Getting there is also relatively easy via either Madrid or Barcelona. The latter in particular has plenty of low-cost flights from all over the UK, so it isvery easy to combine a couple of days there with a Caribbean holiday sailing in Cuba (see http://www.allafloat.com).

Last but by no means least is Belize. OK OK, so you don’t know where it is. Neither did we until we got interested in the yacht charters (see http://www.global-yacht.com) business. You may know it as British Honduras though. Anyway it’s in the middle of the Central American mainland. Yes it is very very difficult to reach, and should only even be on your agenda if you have at least two weeks to spare, with three an advantage! It’s definitely near the top of our personal wish list. There are three reasons for this. Belize is home to the world’s second biggest coral reef, and you are sailing inside it in a catamaran; on shore there are some of the world’s greatest Mayan monuments, and some amazing luxury boutique hotels.

by: David Stanley

The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new South Pacific travel destination between Hawaii and New Zealand. This “Heart of Polynesia” is politically split into two distinct entities 80 miles apart. The country Samoa is a former German colony, captured by New Zealand in 1914 and granted independence in 1962. In 1997 the name was changed from Western Samoa to Samoa.

American Samoa is the only U.S. territory south of the equator. Annexed by the United States for use as a naval base in 1900, the territory no longer has any military significance. Instead, Pago Pago currently hosts the StarKist and “Chicken of the Sea” tuna canneries, making it the most important commercial fishing port under the American flag.

The Samoan environment is tropically lush, with green volcanic peaks plunging to brilliant coral reefs, an ecotourism paradise still unspoiled by mass tourism. Visitors often stay in open Samoan beach houses called fale (pronounced FAH-lay) and adopt the laidback local lifestyle. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, deep sea fishing, and hiking opportunities are all close at hand.

Samoan culture is alive and strong, and local traditions can add another fascinating layer to your travel experience. Most Samoans are subsistence farmers who reside in small villages governed by chiefs (matai). The egalitarian ideals of this communal society place loyalty to family and religion above all. Visitors can sample this culture at the weekly “fiafia” island night dance shows staged at most of the larger hotels and beach resorts. Buffets of authentic Samoan dishes are an essential part of these events.

Samoa’s climate is sultry, alternately sunny and rainy, but always hot and humid. Cooling sea breezes make the shoreline the best place to be yearround. The nicest months weatherwise are May to September, “winter” south of the equator. The rainy season runs from November to April, with increasingly intense hurricanes sweeping in due to global warming. Yet you can get long spells of bright sunny weather even during the “rainy” season, and Samoa’s excellent Vailima beer (created by German brewmasters) tastes best at this time of year.

Most visitors spend their time in independent Samoa, which is considerably bigger and less expensive than American Samoa. However the rugged scenic beauty of Tutuila, the main island of American Samoa, should not be missed. In recent years some of the most strikingly beautiful parts of the territory have been incorporated into American Samoa National Park. There’s great hiking on Tutuila and wonderful snorkeling on Ofu in the seldom visited Manua Group.

Traditional Samoan culture is largely based on oratory, and it’s no accident that several literary legends originated here. Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last five years of his life in Samoa and is buried on a hilltop above Apia, the capital. His mansion is now a museum dedicated to the author. Somerset Maugham’s short story “Rain” about Sadie Thompson and the repressed missionary thrown together in a guesthouse at Pago Pago, American Samoa, has been adapted by Hollywood several times. The original guesthouse still exists, now an upscale restaurant and inn. In “Tales of the South Pacific,” James A. Michener based the prototype of his character Bloody Mary on an Apia hotelkeeper named Aggie Grey, whose family still operates Samoa’s largest resorts. Michener’s book was later made into the musical “South Pacific.”

Getting to Samoa is easy with direct flights from Hawaii and Los Angeles on Hawaiian Airlines, Polynesian Airlines, and Air New Zealand. Local ferries and small commuter planes ply frequently between the islands, and getting around by public bus or rental car is no challenge. Visas are not required by most visitors for entry to either Samoa, although a passport and onward plane ticket are mandatory.

By lucyevans44

Your main priority before setting off for any camping trip is to produce a check list whether your going for a couple of days or for a whole week. You will need to think about such items as tents, sleeping bags, extra blankets, firewood and cooking equipment. Talking from experience I find preparing a night in advance is idyllic so you’re not hurrying on the day and forgetting to put those crucial items on the list.

Just before heading off on your camping holiday it will also be a good idea to find out what facilities the camp site has to offer, such as toilets or showers or whether they allow any pets on site. I always try to leave enough time between exiting the house and journeying to the camp site so I can unwind as packing a car and remembering all the necessary gear can be very hectic.

Upon arrival at the camp site take a drive or even a walk around to see what location will be best for you to pitch your tent. This is an important factor because it will decide how your trip will be affected, so you need to ask yourself, do you want to be near young children? Or do you need to be by the camp sites facilities? I would also check that the ground where you pitch your tent is level and clear of any debris such as twigs, stones or anything else that could affect your night’s sleep.

Making your first camp fire can be very tasking, so be prepared. From a personal view it is always key to start off small then build it up later on if the fire is quickly burning away. The best wood to use for lighting fires are dry hardwoods such as oak or birch as they tend to burn much longer than softwoods and use firelighters to give a bit of extra aid. Once your fire is in full glow you can then start to roast those marshmallows! Try to keep in mind that starting a camp fire can take time, effort and patience and you should always be in its continuous presence.

If your new to camping you will almost certainly feel the cold especially if your trip is around autumn or winter periods. My advice is to do some exercise before you jump into your sleeping bag. Taking a walk about the camping area or even a quick jog will help get the blood pumping around your body. However you don’t have to exercise you can spend 5 - 10 minutes in front of a camp fire before retiring to your tent. Added warmth can also be gained from wrapping yourself in an extra blanket inside your sleeping bag or by wearing an extra pair of trousers, a woollen jumper or even a woolly hat.

At the end of your camping trip you will have to start repacking for the journey back home. Although the thought of a nice hot bath will be in the forefront of your mind remember to clean up all your rubbish and don’t forget any paraphernalia. If you need to just go through that check list as you start to pack all your possessions back into your car so you don’t risk leaving anything behind.

By: Thomas Morva

Site: http://www.e-dolphinswim.com

f you want to swim with bottlenose and spotted dolphins, both trained and wild, the Florida coast is an ideal destination. Bottlenose and spotted dolphins are the most gentle and intelligent mammals next to humans and even more when you meet them. You’ll be able to swim with dolphins when you visit them in the Florida, Key Largo, Key West area, and Miami, Fort Lauderdale area.

You can choose from shallow-water swimming experiences with trained dolphins and deep-water encounters with wild dolphins. In shallow water enclave, you can spend time working with a trainer from a platform, as the dolphins perform tricks on command. You can also swim with the dolphins, as they will do toe pushes and body rubs. You can enjoy dorsal fin rides and snorkel with them.

Once the trained dolphin swim in captivity gives you an understanding how the dolphins behave in a controlled environment, you can go for wild dolphin encounter. You will need to go out in the sea in a boat with an experienced guide and boat captain, to find pods of wild bottlenose dolphins.

There are several facilities in Florida that offer the opportunity to swim with dolphins, both trained and wild. One such facility is Dolphins Plus, a dolphin research and education facility located south of Miami in Key Largo. Dolphins Plus houses 14 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.

In the Florida Keys, there are three legally registered facilities that offer you the opportunity to swim and interact with dolphins – Theatre of the Sea, Dolphin Plus, and Dolphin Research Center.

There are structured and non-structured swims with the dolphins programs. In the structured program one can have an up front and personal dolphin experience. You can swim, dance, kiss, and enjoy a dorsal tow with the dolphins. In this swim, contact is guaranteed with the dolphins.

Pregnant women are not allowed in the water.

The non-structured swim is only meant for snorkelers who are comfortable in deep water. Since the dolphins in these sessions are not trained, contact cannot be guaranteed. The dolphins set the pace, and contact is up to them.

If you are finally in your lodging facilities and off to see what Madrid, Spain has to offer, one of the first tours you should book is one of Madrid’s most famous: the Plaza Mayor. You will find that it has changed names over time, gone through historic fires but still has a flair that makes it unique. Throughout the architectural work you see here, the art, the people all make it one of the best places for both the locals of Madrid and the tourists visiting.

What Is It?

The location is one that has seen history take place. It has been the place for political battles throughout the ages, festivals of all types, bullfights themselves and even a few beheadings. Though today, you are likely to simply tour the location and enjoy a bite to eat in the beautiful climate of Madrid. Surrounding you are beautiful shops that offer plenty to see and do. There is something here for everyone.

It was first established centuries before it looked as it does. A fired destroyed the location in 1790. Phillipe II wanted Madrid to be the capital of Spain and completed the plaza in 1619, under Phillipe III. You will see the statue of Phillipe III in the plaza itself. Today it is about 100 m on each side. Inside, about 50,000 people can visit. It has been filled with people looking to enjoy the many festivals in Madrid’s culture, as well as many of the horrific scenes including executions. This is the ultimate public square. Weddings have taken place here, as has the Spanish Inquisition. One common enjoyable activity that takes place every summer is the bullfights. The buildings surrounding the plaza are great for high viewing locations for what’s happening down below.

What’s There Now

If you visit the Plaza Mayor today, you’ll find tourists enjoying a summer’s meal from one of the tables located here. With restaurants surrounding the plaza, it offers a chance to enjoy a range of foods. The location is surrounding with dozens of restaurants, as well as bars and cafes. Once done with your meal, you can enjoy a bit of a nap here and then head out to explore the many shops lining the streets with coins, antiques, and a variety of other goods.

Tourists should take care to avoid any type of crime that may find them here. Plaza Mayor is a safe place, but like any location that attracts a large crowd, you should remain protected. It is not likely that you will see a royal coronation happen here, but a glance around you is sure to show you what it would look like. Do not worry about seeing anything that would be horrific or horrid because these things do not happen here any longer. You still will find that there is so much to enjoy here, including the people. Enjoy life as they do and visit the Plaza Mayor for all that it can offer you on your travels through Madrid and Spain.

Canada vacations can provide some of the most enjoyable breaks from work. Especially if you’re in a warm country, the colder climate can make a nice change for once; you might not want to live there, but as a vacation destination Canada can really deliver. The way the world is with so many countries at war, the socially indifferent and politically free Canadians can be a very welcoming community. And Canada has so much to offer, what with all its history, places to visit, cultural activities and sport activities such as White water rafting. Then there’s its spectacular countryside offering all kinds of activities for all.

So where could you visit during your vacation in Canada?

There are so many great places in Canada to visit, that you’d have to make a number of trips just to see the most interesting parts. Canada is the second biggest country in the entire world after all, from Alberta to Quebec to Ontario to British Columbia, there is plenty to see. Then add to that Manitoba, Vancouver Island, and Newfoundland (not actually a part of Canada, but very close by). Probable the first places on your list to visit should be the best known internationally tourist attractions; the incredible Niagara Falls, the equally grand Jasper National Park and the spectacular Banff National Park.

Ok, so what activities will you be able to participate in while in Canada?

Obviously hiking in such a grand environment would be spectacular, but if you’re one of those people who need a little more action you definitely won’t be disappointed. Some of the best locations for white water rafting can be found here and then there are other water sports such as kayaking and boating to consider. One of the best places to participate in these activities would be the longest river in Canada, the Mackenzie, which begins in the Northwest Territories and eventually ends at the Hudson Bay.

If water sport isn’t for you, you could always visit some of the wilder regions where fishing and hunting activities bring in an abundance of pro and non pro sportsmen. And you could also go and see a hockey game at one of the most well known Canadian hockey Stadiums. Then there’s the French Canadian cuisine, you just have to try some of the specialties like the gallettes, the maple syrup and galumpkies.

If all this doesn’t interest you, why not consider actually getting away from all the tourist attractions and sporting activities and take a closer look at the Canadian culture. Meet the people, participate in their cultural activities, take a look into their history (interestingly free from international trouble). This is something few tourist actually do, but it is the only way to really get to know a country and its culture.

Whether it’s just the pure beauty of the Canadian wilderness that interests you or it’s the pure adrenalin you seek from speeding down a river in a raft or the challenge of climbing Canada’s highest mountain situated in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson, in British Columbia, Canada has something to offer all of us. The only question is will you let the opportunity pass you by?

Bird Watchers need special binoculars. They can’t be too heavy because you need to carry them around with you, but they should be rugged enough to last several years. You need some that you can hold steady rather easily. The optics must be good enough that they can reveal details and colors. You might have to view objects up close quickly and they should be easy to focus. Remember to make sure that your eyeglasses will fit with your new binoculars before you buy them.

When buying binoculars, trying them out in person is the only way to tell if they are right for you. At first, it is hard to hold high powered binoculars steadily, so try using a smaller magnification at first. As you become more experienced with bird watching, you can choose something with a higher magnification. Some binoculars work great with people that wear eyeglasses, but some clearly don’t. This is why you need to try them first hand before buying binoculars.

Understand binoculars helps you make a good desicion. Basically, binoculars are made from two telescopes connected together. The lens closest to the object is called the objective lens, and the lens closest to your eye is the eyepiece. The object becomes bigger, but upside down and backwards. In order to straighten out the object, a prism is needed. A prism is like a mirror but it doesn’t have a reflective back, it is just a piece of glass that acts like a mirror when light hits it at a certain angle.

Porro Prism binoculars were very popular until the 1950-1960’s when roof prism binoculars were made available. Roof prism binoculars automatically shorten the distance between the lenses making roof prism binoculars lighter and smaller. Roof prism binoculars require precise handling of equipment because they require a more complex light path to work. The Porro prism binoculars are a lot cheaper and easier to use, but roof prism binoculars are considered the industry standard.

If you are thinking of buying binoculars for bird watching then I would suggest buying the most expensive binoculars that you can afford. Binoculars hold their value well and you can always sell them later. Make sure you get some that seem rugged.

It is important that you try on your binoculars because everyone likes different ones. Good binoculars can hardly be noticed after a long time but cheap ones will cause discomfort after a while. Make the right choice the first time, and buy a good pair of binoculars.

London is well-known for its tasty food and the excellence as also high costs of its restaurant cooking. A food with wine at a high-quality restaurant will cost you the whole your weekly cash. Nevertheless, there is an option of eating all tasty food without enormous expenses.
Initially, try to find bargains and special suggestions. London is a giant competition market and a lot of companies reduce their prices to trade their goods or draw their customers. When you’re doing food preparation by yourself, attempt to get components in cheaper supermarkets. You can make pleasure for yourself from time to time by buying something additional from expensive stores which is likely to cost you almost double for the same item you’re looking for somewhere else. Still it will certainly make you feel fine and the cooking is tasty itself! Try to find bakeries or coffee stores, sandwich places and other minor facilities where you have the opportunity to buy fresh breakfast meal. A sandwich or some outgrowth are as a rule not of a very high price and can help you include some fit diet to your every day life. Never spend much cash on cookies.
Fish is generally more luxurious than chicken, still it’s very fit. There are various sorts of fish with dissimilar costs depending on the place the fish comes from or whether it’s fresh or not. In case you want to economize on fish, attempt to pick a cod as an alternative to salmon. You have the chance to do like that with meat. Try to purchase more turkey instead of lamb. Put aside aristocratic food for weekend and cook a meal for several days. Nearly all the healthy cooking is cheap in London. You can cook a lot of dishes with vegetables or buy some pasta. These things are cheap and simple to cook. London is well-known for a wide assortment of ready foods, often not fit but in many cases rather cheap.

White-water rafting can be one of the most exhilarating experiences of a lifetime. River rafters see breathtaking scenery, get great exercise, and experience terrific adventure. There are great places to go river rafting all over the world, but many of the best rivers for white-water rafting are here in the United States.

It’s a good idea to contact a licensed river rafting agency to plan a rafting trip. These agencies, found near most major rivers, provide trained guides and planned routes for rafting rides. Many agencies also provide training for novice river rafters. These services are especially good for people rafting for the first time.

River rafting has been a sport for decades. The person generally credited with inventing river rafting is Bill Dvorak. In 1969, Dvorak was the first person issued a river recreation outfitters license when he formed Dvorak Expeditions in Salida, Colorado. Dvorak created many of the safety guidelines and license requirements for equipment used in white-water rafting. He came up with the idea of having guides lead rafting tours.

There are many great places to go white-water rafting in the United States. One of the most popular is the American River, which starts in the Sierra Nevada and splits into the North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork before converging near Sacramento, CA. The American River provides a wide variety of river rafting experiences, from easy rapids for beginners to difficult stretches navigated by expert rafters.

White-water rapids are rated based on their level of difficulty. Water speed, currents, the amount of rocks, and other factors influence the river’s rating. The easiest rivers to navigate are Class I; Class VI rivers are considered impossible to run. As equipment has become more advanced, many rivers previously defined as Class IV became Class V, and extremely skilled rafters have begun navigating them safely.

River rafting is a fun and challenging sport. A river rafting vacation is perfect for people who love challenges and being in the great outdoors.

If you have some free time to spend in London, you have a lot of things to do. London’s stations weren’t on purpose sited close to interesting traveler sights - still if you are aware where to look, lots of of them have wonderful places to visit. For those going to the east of the state, Liverpool Street suggests some attractive options. So, it’s chiefly Bangladeshi district, with curry cafés and a mosque engaging what was previously a typical synagogue. Actors started to occupy the ancient brewery houses on Brick Lane and even now there exists a bakery suggesting lox bagels. During days-off, there’s a full of activity street market as well.
When you’re going south, quite a lot of exciting places to engage your free time suggests London Bridge Station. For example, Southwark Cathedral, though not of the same range with Westminster Abbey, is sure to occupy the moment. There is Shakespeare’s brother grave in this place, and there is a splendid Gothic altar panel. Close by is the cleaned out fortress of the Bishops of Winchester, more over the New Globe Theatre, a true replica still on a new location, adding to the Shakespearian association. A bit further is Cardinal’s Wharf, where one can see seventeenth-century buildings; Christopher Wren settled here during the construction work of St Paul’s, more over he had himself to take a boat trip over the river every daybreak.
In case you are going west, stroll down the Grand Union Canal previous to your going. Current regeneration works comprised the construction of a walker pavement along the canal, formerly closed, the entire road to Little Venice where you can enjoy white stucco residence fronts and blossoming charm. Here you can see a splendid art gallery and a marionette theatre on a canal vessel, in addition to the Warwick Castle bar. In case you have some more hours, take a journey on a narrow yacht.
Drummond Street, round the corner, with a few of South Indian vegetarian cafés for vegetarians plus more conservative curry cafes is a real zest for tourists. There are Indian candy stores, as well, several even covered with gold leaf. You cannot resist them especially when having a sweet tooth.