Vacation and Travel Advice
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Archive for the ‘Island’ Category

Exploring Coral Reef in Fiji

Monday, October 9th, 2006

The first time I ever saw a coral reef in person was on a trip to Fiji. It was actually just an extended layover; I was traveling from Auckland to Los Angeles and I was able to add a layover in Fiji for $20. I figured that I probably wouldn’t have another chance to go to Fiji for $20, so I took it. I started sweating the minute I got off the plane; after spending six months in rainy, temperate New Zealand I wasn’t prepared for eighty degree weather and ninety percent humidity.

After my first night in Nadi I caught a bus and then a boat to one of the outlying islands, where I was to spend four days doing essentially nothing. I brought a couple of books and my pack-able hammock, but when I made it to the island I found that the hammocks were already set up for me. The island was small, but gorgeous. It only housed two resorts, which were essentially right next to each other, and it took three or four hours to walk all the way around the island. Fresh water was somewhat scarce, and rain water collectors made up for the majority of it. The whole island ran on a large generator, so the lights went off at 10pm and didn’t turn on again until morning.

I had heard about Fiji’s great diving, but since I was there for such a short period of time and didn’t have a dive license, I opted to snorkel instead. On my second day on the island I hired a snorkel and a set of fins and set off to explore the coral reef right in front of our resort.

When I plunged into the warm water I felt like I was in a different world. My doctor used to have this big elaborate fish tank filled with fish of all different colors, large and small. Gliding over the coral reef made me feel like I was in a life-sized mock-up of the same tank. Big fish patrolled the shelf of the coral reef while little neon-colored ones flitted in and out of the coral heads. Sea cucumbers loafed about the bottom, while parrot fish nibbled and ground at the coral. I snorkeled all day, checking out the coral reef all around the island. By the end of the day I had a terribly sunburned back and salty hair, but I knew that I was going back in the water the next morning.

Posted in Adventure Travel, Advice, Beach, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Holiday, Information, Island, Resorts, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Review | No Comments »

Visit Hong Kong of Wonderful Contrasting Elements

Friday, September 29th, 2006

During a trip to Asia with my husband, we saw quite a bit of Japan and China. We also took a few days to visit Hong Kong. This city is one of the most fascinating places to spend time in and I would recommend it to anyone. The first thing to hit you is the energy of the place. It’s a noisy, chaotic throng of people and has wonderful contrasting elements. The Chinese tradition rubs along with the Western influences. Sometimes a run down apartment block is immediately behind a modern glass fronted skyscraper.

We flew in from Tokyo and got into Kowloon, which is just across the water from the central part of the city. When you visit Hong Kong, you need to walk the narrow streets and give yourself time to acclimatize. Several buildings were covered in scaffolding. This is noteworthy because they use bamboo scaffolding in this part of the world. It looks somewhat fragile but it seems to do the job. We found a small, cheap hotel to stay in run by a man with the unlikely name of Charlie Chan. Next morning, we woke fresh and eager to explore but first we needed breakfast. If you visit Hong Kong, anything is possible and we found a welcoming Irish bar that served a full English fry up.

We then took in some of the sights and smells, the very English looking buses, the food stalls full of seafood and vegetables we didn’t know the name of, and the advertising hoardings and giant video screens. We had to go to the Foreign Affairs Office to apply for our visas to allow us into China for the next stage of our trip. Thankfully, this was done speedily and efficiently. The next stop was to visit friends who live at the top of a gated complex up in the hills. They used to visit Hong Kong and then decided to stay. The view from their balcony is amazing. That evening, we all went bar hopping, enjoyed some live music, and met some other residents. To visit Hong Kong is to have a cosmopolitan experience, as lots of British, American, and Australian people live and work there.

Next day, we went into the New Territories and the Monastery of Ten Thousand Buddhas. This is one of the places when you visit Hong Kong where you can take a breather from the city and enjoy some tranquility. The Monastery is high up in the hills near the town of Sha Tin, and you have to climb up four hundred steps to get to it. Life-size Buddha statues line the way. It’s worth the climb, when you see the giant pagoda at the top and the temple. The interior of the temple is truly breathtaking with small statues of Buddhas lining the walls numbering not 10,000 but actually 13,000.

After this, we went back to Kowloon and looked round a very exclusive shop selling items made from mammoth ivory. No one should visit Hong Kong without spending time on the Waterfront, so we went down after dark and marveled at the skyscrapers. These buildings contain some of the most expensive office spaces in the world. Our last night in our visit to Hong Kong was spent looking at the twinkling lights from the boats in the harbor, reflected in the water. Next morning, we flew to Beijing but that’s another story!

Posted in Advice, Asia, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Island, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Review, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Iceland Vacation – Unforgettable Hot Springs

Friday, July 21st, 2006

My Iceland vacation last summer was one of the high points of my life. You may not believe it but I can honestly say that I have never had a more fun-filled trip than my Iceland vacation. This might sound strange to you, as I’ve gone all over the world, and been doing it for twenty years now, but really there is no more picturesque place on earth than Iceland in the Summer. It is always light, and the hills surrounding the deep fjords are covered with delicate, beautiful wildflowers. Although trips to Iceland can be kind of pricey (think about it – taking a cruise ship to one of the more remote destinations in the world) the cost of it is completely worth it. I would recommend an Iceland vacation to anyone who appreciates the ocean, the mountains, or the delicate grassy shores of this varied and fascinating land.

Typically, an Iceland vacation will start with a cruise from one of the many ports of Europe. Of course, you can fly directly into Reykjavik, but you don’t know what you are missing by doing that. You will not have the opportunity to sail through the beautiful deep natural harbors, and look at all of the quaint farming villages perched delicately on the rocky shores. You won’t be able to smell the ocean air on your Iceland vacation, or see the beautiful island rising in the distance.

Of course, the high point of Iceland vacations is neither the boat trip there, nor the picturesque scenery once you arrive. It is the natural hot springs, which are known all over the world. During your Iceland vacation, be sure to enjoy this native national pastime. It is true, people all over Iceland spend most of the winter, and much of the summer months as well, blissfully soaking in these springs to pass the long months of night away in relative comfort. They are scattered all over the island, and during your Iceland vacation, you should be able to visit one that is relatively private to enjoy this native treasure.

Make sure to go around the rim road during your Iceland vacation. Much of the interior of the country is barren and icy – virtually impassible. Although a good bit of the south of Iceland is inhabited, the only way to get up north is via a single road that traverses the whole rim of the island.

I will definitely visit iceland again. Actually, I hope to be able to schedule another iceland vacation in the next few years. It’s impossible not to miss the beautiful scenery and the hot springs. No where else can you find similar experience.

Posted in Adventure Travel, Advice, Cruise, Family Vacation, Holiday, Iceland, Information, Island, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Review, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Palm Springs Vacation Rentals For Family

Thursday, July 13th, 2006

When considering vacation spot for the next vacation, many of us consider basking in the warm California sun. Such retreats are prominent in areas like Palm Springs. This relaxing tourist attraction draws thousands of vacationers every year. Many of which find a home away from home in Palm Springs vacation rentals.

Finding a comfortable yet affordable vacation lodge can be tricky. While rentals can break the bank account, you don’t have to blow your savings to have a good vacation. Palm Springs vacation rentals run anywhere from 60 dollars and up per night, depending on your taste and budget. Such lodges offer amenities to suit anyone’s needs. From relaxing in the Jacuzzi to playing a few rounds of golf, Palm Springs offers all you need for a complete getaway of fun in the sun.

With spas, casinos, and restaurants around every corner, Palm Springs vacation rentals allow all sorts of travelers a variety of fun things to do. When I visited this beautiful desert city, I found the mountains rather refreshing for a peaceful hike or simply taking in the sights of nature. In addition to sunbathing by the pool, and checking out the local attractions, this makes for quite the rounded stay.

If your destination is Palm Springs, some local favorites for dining that are worth checking out are the Blue Coyote Grill or La Casita, which both offer a tasty variety of southwestern dining. There are many others, from Asian to Italian, to choose from as well. Wherever your tastes lie, you’ll find it in Palm Springs.

While some Palm Springs vacation rentals offer basic amenities, others provide a more at-home feeling for their renters. For a little extra buck, vacationers and tourists can find themselves taking advantage of a fully equipped home with furnished rooms, laundry equipment, and even dishwashers for convenience. These homes away from home can go for a pretty penny, but some are reasonable if you do your research.

Finding a nice combination of luxury and savings can be difficult these days when it comes to vacationing. However, if you research all of your options, a great source being the Internet, you can plan a memorable and pleasurable trip for you and your family without breaking the bank. Palm Springs vacation rentals offer any traveler an enjoyable stay for the right price. We simply have to sort through our options, get all the information and plan ahead. Good vacation planning can stretch your vacation dollars to the maximum.

Posted in Advice, Budget Travel, California, Children, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Island, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Amelia Island – Top Ten Beaches in America

Sunday, July 2nd, 2006

Looking for the same kind of style in the place where you want to take a vacation or own a second home. A five-star kind of person, right. Look no farther than an island whose beach was voted in the Top 10 beaches in America by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Before you start thinking that you can’t go because your private jet is in the shop, this beach is on the Atlantic coast of Florida, USA. That’s right; you only have to travel as far as Amelia Island.

Amelia Island is one of the last remaining unspoiled island paradise in America. Here you will find 13 miles of beaches that are pristine and not crowded. The Island is part of the southernmost of the chain of Atlantic coast barrier islands that stretch from North Carolina to Florida. Near the border of Georgia, you will find a natural, lush setting of old oak trees covered with moss, incredible sunsets, and the best recreational facilities you could ever want.

You can reach the resorts through the Jacksonville International Airport, only some thirty minutes away from Amelia Island by car. If you are driving to Amelia Island, it is only fifteen minutes off I-95. Of course, when you get to there, you will think that you are a million miles away from the dull hustle and bustle of the big city.

Amelia Island is one of the few remaining undiscovered resort locations in Florida. Expect all the activities and nightlife you could want, but do not expect to leave Amelia Island thinking, Too bad it’s so commercials.

On the island, you can find luxurious hotels, private condominiums, bed-and-breakfast, and family homes for your pleasure.

Visitors have been coming to the area since General James Edward Oglethorpe named the place in honor of Princess Amelia, the daughter of King George II of England. The island has a rich history, having been owned by eight different countries over the centuries. Everyone wanted to come to Amelia Island; no one wanted to give it up. Part of the history can be seen at the Fort Clinch State Park, built during the Civil War and is the island’s camping facility.

Of course, water sports are a central focus. Sunning, fishing, boating, sailing, you name it, it is all for you here. However, the beach is not the only attraction on Amelia Island. There are five championship golf courses to fit all skill levels and all budgets.

Every place you go on Amelia Island is a piece of history waiting for you. How about lunch at an English style pub that was built almost 150 years ago? Or visit the lighthouse that is even older. You can even stay at the oldest surviving tourist hotel in Florida. Tell them President Ulysses S. Grant sent you; he stayed there also.

There is no end of things you can do at Amelia Island. It’s a vacation spots suitable for family and kids. Enjoy the sun, beach, sea and the history!

Posted in Advice, Air Travel, Beach, Family Vacation, Florida, Holiday, Information, Island, Resorts, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »