traveling articles

Slip Sliding Away

The only real disadvantage to living in the Siberian city of Chita was the lack of personal transportation. This was particularly true during the winter when the temperature dropped as low as 40 degrees below zero. That may sound a bit nippy, but any negative temperature is relative. You really can’t tell the difference between 15 or 40 below. It’s just cold.

My problem concerned the proximity of my apartment and place of work. Put another way, there wasn’t any. It was a health 40-minute walk during warmer months, but a frozen baton death march in February. Walking really isn’t the right word since everything was covered in ice. To get from point “A” to point “B”, one more or less just tried to fall repeatedly in the right direction and hope for a good slide. After a few trips, a sprained ankle, sore butt, incredibly sore elbows and a bit too much medicinal vodka, it was time to explore public transportation.

And The Wheels Go Round and Round

In Chita, overhead electrical lines powered most of the buses. The buses were you basic city buses, which is to say they were large with massive tires and cheesy advertisements on the side. The Gillette shaving cream ads on the side reminded me of home. Ah, sweet capitalism.

Anyway, I wasn’t the only person in Chita that felt walking to and fro on sheets of ice was a bad strategy. The buses were packed morning, noon and night. We are talking sardine packed with no one able to move and lots of grunting involved in getting on or off. This condition gave rise to the “Get Funky with Your Bad Self” Siberian bus dance.

Six days a week, I would pile on to a bus every morning with a few hundred other Russians. The first mile was flat and we would all surreptitiously try to position ourselves for the hills. As we waited at a light to turn down the first hill, you could cut the tension in the air. The dance was about to start.

The bus would slow down to about five miles an hour and just creep over the crest of the hill. Then it would begin to slide. Everyone would involuntarily lean backwards so the person in front of you was more or less lying on your chest. Then the wheels would catch and everyone would lurch forward so you were now bent over the person in front of you in a rather compromising position. I often felt as though I should at least buy flowers for the women who happened to stand in front of me. Back and forth you would go until the bottom of the hill was reached.

On occasion, Mother Nature and the bus driver would conspire to create a more aggressive dance step. If the bus gained too much speed going down the hill, it would slide towards the curb and lose contact with the overhead electrical wires. No electricity meant no power and no control. As the bus hit and jumped the street curb, the mass of people would be slammed forwards and to one side before being whipped the other way as the bus stopped.

This particular dance was commonly known as the rib crusher since one tended to smash one’s ribs on the edge of the seat backs. There was no need for flowers after a rib crusher dance, unless they were for your funeral.

Riding the winter bus did have one thing going for it. It was a good way to meet people. If you managed to get off at the right stop, everyone had something to chat about.]]>

To understand Singapore you need to realize that it is the extension of one man’s intelligence, dream and drive. And that man is Lee Kuan Yew, the original prime minister of the Republic of Singapore. Yes, it is true he was aided in his task by the people of Singapore. It is interesting to ponder on what would have happened to Singapore if Lee Kuan Yew, one of the remarkable men of his century, had not been present.

Lee Kuan Yew is a nonya. That is he can claim both Malay and Chinese heritage. He was born in 1923 and was prime minister of Singapore from 1959 to 1990. And during his rule, as a simple statement of fact, Singapore went from being something of a backwater to becoming the most prosperous nation in Southeast Asia.

Lee Kuan Yew went to Cambridge University where he got a double starred first which is not something that is given out with the rations. He became a lawyer and was admitted to the English bar but returned to Singapore to work, as a committed socialist, with the unions.

In 1963 Lee took Singapore into the newly created Federation of Malaysia.

This created all sorts of problems. In Singapore 75 percent of the members of the PAP were Chinese and there was much tension between Chinese and Malays. There was communal rioting in Singapore and in 1965 Lee Kuan Yew was told by his Malaysian colleagues in the federal government that Singapore must leave the federation.

Singapore had to secede and it then became a sovereign state with Lee Kuan Yew as its first prime minister.

It is fair to say that in return for a mildly authoritarian style of government that sometimes infringed on civil liberties Lee Kuan Yew brought Singapore honest and efficient administration and spectacular prosperity.

Lee Kuan Yew resigned the office of prime minister in November 1990.

It is, perhaps, sad that such a great man who did not believe in inherited power has appointed his children in just such a manner. Does not affect the tourist. Possibly affects the future of Singapore.

Singapore is not a big place. It sits at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula 137 km north of the Equator. The main part is Singapore Island and there are also about 60 very small islands.

The main island is connected to Peninsular Malaysia by a road and rail causeway which bridges the Johor Strait.

Singapore does not depend on tourism for a living. It is the largest port in Southeast Asia and one of the busiest in the world.

Singapore is not just a small island. It is also a very flat island. Most of it is less than 15m above sea level and its highest point is Timah Hill which soars to 162m.

Climate

Singapore is near the equator and in the monsoon region. The average monthly temperature varies from about 27 degrees C in June to 25 degrees C in January and the difference is not noticeable. The wettest time of the year is November-March and the period with the least amount is May to September. Not that it makes very much difference.

Rain falls somewhere on the island every day of the year. Which is why it is very green. Do not let the rain worry you. In the constant warm temperature you very quickly dry out.

There is not much left of the original Singapore. There is a fragment of evergreen rain forest preserved around catchment areas and some mangrove vegetation survives in the Kranji area on the northwest side of the island but otherwise it is all cultivated in one way or another.

The city is in the south of the island but, in truth, most of the island of Singapore has now been built up and over. At one time it looked as though every old building in Singapore would be knocked down and replaced with a new and shining skyscraper. Eventually the penny dropped and the government decided that refurbishing rather than demolishing the once-common Chinese shop-house would not be a bad idea. And keeping the Raffles hotel operating in its old premises but with a new style was part of the campaign.

Nevertheless the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has changed forever the face of Singapore and has housed a staggering four-fifths of the population high-rise HDB flats located in housing estates and new towns.

Language

About three quarters of the population of Singapore is Chinese with Malays next and Indians the third.

But it does not break down as easily as that. Nearly half of the Chinese originate from Fukien province and speak Amoy; a third is from Swatow and speaks Teochew and most of the rest are Cantonese. That is three different dialects which are not understandable by all although, of course, written Chinese is a unifying force.

The Malays are pretty much one group although some of them speak Indonesian dialects which although very similar to Malay have some vocabulary differences. The Indians are the biggest mixture of them all. The majority are Tamils but there are also Malayalis and Sikhs as well as Pakistanis and Sinhalese.

There are four official languages - English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. And there is a fifth which although not recognized officially, is distinct enough to be the subject of several learned papers. This is Singaporean which is Singapore’s very own version of the English language.

It contains words and grammatical from all the languages of Singapore. Therefore “Must be, lah” is an affirmative declaration while, “What to do now, lah?” is an expression of helplessness in the face of fate. It is a lovely and expressive language based totally on English. If you speak English you will never have language problems in Singapore.
Singapore is a singularly pleasant place to visit. It is the ideal destination for someone making their first foray into Asia.

The chances of your being robbed in Singapore are pretty close to nil. And if you are, the local constabulary will move heaven and earth to fang the wretched miscreant and return your goods.

The roads are spotlessly clean - drop a bus ticket and you will very probably be fined. The road crossings are safe - go jaywalking and once again your wallet will be lightened. The roadside food stalls are the cleanest in the world. No one gets gippy tummy in Singapore.

The developers are something else again. Sadly, like developers all over the world their motto is ‘nothing exceeds like excess’. Almost everything that was old and worthwhile and interesting came under the wrecker’s ball.

Singapore eventually saw the folly of this and you can still find parts of the old Singapore.

The Tourist Promotion Board maintains a flood, a deluge, an inundation of brochures telling of the wonders of the city state. But it bridles madly at the sign of any criticism.

Despite this nonsense Singapore is a most attractive place to visit - for one reason. The people. Singaporeans are joyous, intelligent, friendly. In the restaurants you are served with pleasure.

Singapore need never run a politeness campaign. Its people are the politest and the warmest in Asia. Partially this has something to do with the racial mix. Within Singapore, Malays, Chinese of several varieties, Tamils and Europeans get on in the most amazing racial harmony.

This harmony spills over to the visitor. In Singapore, I promise you, the people positively love having you as an honored guest.

Pretty much all of the attractions in Singapore are man-made and of relatively recent origin. It is astounding that on this flat little island so much has been created to keep the visitor entertained.

What are the main attractions of Singapore? This is my list. Yours will almost certainly be very different.

Food. You can eat yourself silly with 100 different cuisines and still not have scratched the surface in Singapore.

My own view, formed after spending a lifetime in the area, is that the food in Singapore – because of its wide range of styles - is arguably the best in Asia.

You can eat very cheaply by sticking to the open air restaurants that abound. They are all squeaky clean and serve ambrosia at discount prices. The first place to try is the Satay Club on Elizabeth Walk and then make your own discoveries.

The Jurong Bird Park. When I have business in Singapore I make it a point to keep half a day clear to go and sit on my own in the Jurong Bird Park. This has the largest aviary in the world. What they have done is net off a valley so that there is a waterfall inside the aviary. It brings balm to the soul.

Visit The Off-Shore Islands. It is easy to think that Singapore is just one diamond shaped island for that is the way that it appears on most maps. In fact there are several smaller islands that you can visit.

Boats can be hired from Clifford Pier which is just across the road from Change Alley. On the islands you will find an older, more peaceful Singapore. One where Stamford Raffles - the man who founded the place - would feel very much at home.

Visit The Tiger Balm Gardens. This place is truly a nonsense - but a most enjoyable nonsense. Full of statues and grottoes and buildings all garishly painted. They are, as I understand it, intended to give you an idea how heaven and hell look in the Taoist religion. Incidentally, Tiger Balm ointment, which provided the funds to build this place, does cure what ails you.

Wallow In The Luxury Of An Up-Market Hotel. My theory is that the local towkays - the millionaires - have all tried to one-up each other in the construction of hotels. The result is that in Singapore you can stay in a hotel with appointments and service you could simply not afford anywhere else in the world.
Spend Time In One Of The Many Gardens. My favorite is the Japanese Garden, again in Jurong. A well-designed Japanese garden always gives me a special sense of peace. This is almost certainly the best Japanese garden outside Japan.

And so it goes. The average visitor spends 3.7 days in Singapore which is enough time to get the feel of the place, to go shopping, to eat yourself stupid and to make instant but lasting friendships with the local Singaporeans.

Then you can nip across the causeway to Malaysia. This is where the real Asia begins. Singapore is but a foretaste. For the first time visitor it is difficult to think of a better introduction.]]>

Pemba Mesali Marine Sanctuary is worth a visit, especially for the beach lovers. Spend time relaxing on the white beach or snorkeling on the numerous reefs around the sanctuary. The protected reefs provide home to an exceptional range of sea life. Pristine corals attract vast numbers of reef fish and animals coming in from deeper waters. It is quite probable here to bump into manta, eagle rays, barracuda and other game fish. For sun-lovers and dry land-lovers, the Mesali beaches are superb and it is possible to go for nature trails with trained wardens through this island marine sanctuary including a walk on turtle nesting beaches.

The warm Indian Ocean waters surrounding Pemba Island are home to thousands of species of tropical fish and exotic marine life. Not only is Pemba renowned for its pristine and un-spoilt coral reefs but also for its vertical coral cliffs which plummet to depths of more than 800 meters. Underwater visibility often reaches 40 meters or more. Looking over the precipice of some of the outer walls can be a mind blowing experience. Watch out for the Vertigo! There is stunning wreck dive available in the South of Pemba Island at Panza which is home to large groupers and Napoleon wrasse.

On a low tide, walking along the sand flats outside Fundu Lagoon will reveal an astonishing array of inter-tidal wildlife. This is particularly interesting for bird watchers, as the waders, such as herons, ibis and egret, flock to the area to hunt for small invertebrates and fish left behind on the sands and in the shallow sea pools. You can sometimes see the beautiful fish eagle circling overhead and hear the shrieking of the brown headed parrot in the trees. Other things to discover include many different shells, crabs, starfish and the peculiar mudskipper, a fish that can skip across the sands on its pectoral fins.

Other Activities include traditional Dhow Sailing Trips are popular at sunset. Sail around the Fundu Lagoon bay, on the wooden sailing dhow, listen to the wind in the sails and the water lapping around the dhow as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, turning the skies into a myriad of colors.
Fundu Lagoon lies on a peninsular with a large expanses of mangrove. The mangrove ecosystem is a precious world abundant in wildlife – the mangroves sustain a wide variety of birdlife living alongside the large numbers of crabs, insect life and fish life which coexist in this environment. You can visit this unexplored wilderness by taking a boat trip down the coast or hire a canoe and explore the mangroves with a guide.

Ngezi forest in the North of Pemba is a beautiful area of natural rain forest. it is full of spectacular tress and is populated by large numbers of birdlife and the vervet monkey. The best way to reach this forest from the south west is by speedboat to Weshe from where it is possible to drive northwards through the Pemba countryside, giving the chance to see some local village life on the way. Once at the forest a local guide will help you follow a nature trail which concludes with a picnic on one of Pemba’s most stunning stretches of beach.]]>

To get there, do you just hop in your car and drive up to the front door? No way! There is no road to these Smokey Mountain rental cabins. If you want to stay there, the only way in is by hiking! Talk about Smokey Mountain secluded cabins - it is a hike of over 5 miles if you are up to it. Lots of folks do just that, as this Smokey Mountain cabins facility fills up fast during the summer. Not only does it fill up fast, you may have to wait months to get a cabin reservation.

Located at more than 6,500 feet elevation, these Smokies rental cabins are very popular. Prepare for a sponge bath. While there is running water for the toilets, there is no electricity. Kerosene lanterns will provide you with light. You will not be blow-drying your hair or watching reruns while here. It is life somewhat like it used to be many generations ago.

These Smokey Mountain cabins only have a capacity of up to fifty guests per night housed in either handcrafted log cabins or group sleeping lodges. The cabins have upper and lower double bunk beds, which are great for two couples or a family of four or five persons. Each of the larger cabin lodges can sleep from ten to thirteen persons.

For your Leconte stay, make sure you bring sturdy shoes that you have already broken in. Include more than one change of socks in case your feet get wet. Layered, lightweight clothing will give you the flexibility to add more or take it off as temperatures change. A warm sweater or jacket is advisable and a lightweight raincoat or poncho is absolutely essential. Nature shows no mercy for those unprepared for the sudden changes in weather. Summer nights can dip to 40 degrees or lower, while in spring and fall, night temperatures can drop into the teens with snowfall.

No need to bring suitcases and other cumbersome luggage. A light backpack should be what you use for your necessities since personal clothing and toiletries are all you really need. Remember, it is a 5-mile hike to enjoy these very special Smokey Mountain cabins.

The Great Smokey Mountain National Park is about half in North Carolina and half in Tennessee. Leconte Lodge is located on Leconte Mountain which is on the Tennessee side in the national park. But you will not know which state you are in. Does it really matter? You WILL know that you are away from civilization in a beautiful unspoiled mountain retreat. Whether you stay in Leconte Lodge or other Smokey Mountain log cabins outside the park, once you have been there, it is easy to see why the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the #1 visited national park in the USA.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing]]>

The best scam detector you have in your arsenal is your common sense. Before placing your money and property in someone else’s hands, it would be a good idea to do some research on that agency. Ask questions, check out their references, and contact the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the agency. Remember the golden rule of buying and selling: if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is! Do not decide on a whim. Spontaneity may be a good quality in other aspects of life, but not when dealing with anything to do with money. Your goal isn’t to line someone else’s pockets. Your goal is to sell your timeshare for its full market value. Beware of companies who require a fee before the sale of your timeshare has transpired. Even if they claim this fee is refundable once the sale is made, the best thing to do is turn on your heels and leave. Remember the basic relationship between a company and a client. Pay only after the desired result is achieved. Once the agency has your money, you have taken away their incentive to work.

Selling a timeshare can be a difficult task since there are many factors that are involved. Not only are you selling a specific time during the year, you are also selling a location and a resort. These factors make finding a buyer a bit more difficult, since someone may be interested in the time and location, but not the resort or vice versa. In order to provide the buyer with the best timeshare option, you need to price the timeshare realistically. Find out the going market value for other timeshares in your area or during your allotted time. To find this information, contact the resort for their current selling prices or check out the real estate records for your area. Another way to obtain a price is through an appraisal of your timeshare. An appraisal company will charge a fee for their service and can readily be found in the telephone book or by contacting an appraiser’s association, such as the Appraisal Foundation.

Keep in mind, your goal is to sell your timeshare. Making a profit on your timeshare is a totally different matter. Remember, the key word to pricing is “realistic.” The realistic pricing for your timeshare may be considerably less than the original selling price. Keep in mind, you have used the timeshare for the length of your ownership and probably have fond memories attached to your time on vacation. If the price is less than you were hoping for, remember these good times and think of the difference in price as vacation costs.

After pricing your timeshare appropriately, you can choose an agent to sell your timeshare or sell it yourself. If you opt to sell your timeshare yourself, start by advertising. Take advantage of any local newspapers where your timeshare is based. A great tool is the Timeshare User’s Group at www.tug2.net. This website has great information on owning and selling a timeshare and is an excellent resource. Also check into advertising at the resort itself. Many resorts have publications, newsletters, or bulletin boards.

To learn more about selling your timeshare, just log on to the Internet and visit locations such as http://www.atimesharesz.com/sellingtimeshares to do a thorough search. However you choose to sell your timeshare, making well-planned decisions will ensure you will succeed in selling your timeshare and having the best possible experience.

© Copyright 2005 by Dana Sanders. All rights reserved.]]>

many people still feel uncomfortable in social situations.

Millions of people become anxious and insecure when
speaking in public, starting a conversation, or mingling
with others in a social setting.

There are a large number of individuals who are extremely
successful in their professional lives, but tend to shy
away from meeting new people, attending social functions,
and interpersonal communication.

Social skills training can help you overcome obstacles and
develop positive habits and social abilities…

1. Those wanting to improve their ability to communicate
and their level of confidence through social skills
training are increasing in number.

Developing and expanding your social skills is perhaps the
most important thing you can do for yourself, both
professionally and personally.

Speaking effectively, holding up your end of any
conversation, establishing new relationships, and building
confidence are just some of the personality traits that can
be built upon through better social skills.

2. Improving your Social skills will allow you to
understand the impact a lack of social skills can have on
your life, determine the personality traits that cause you
to feel uncomfortable in social settings, and give you the
tools you need in to become confident and comfortable in
any situation.

You can learn to resolve conflicts, the art of negotiation,
and how to easily carry on a conversation either
individually or in a group.

If you find yourself avoiding large social gatherings or
you are reluctant to meet new people, social skills
training can be very beneficial to both your private and
professional lives.

3. Learning new social skills involves learning to
communicate effectively, adapting to various social and
professional situations, interpreting the body language of
others and improving your own body language, and learning
to handle adversity and rejection in a positive manner.

Failure to develop adequate social skills can lead to
negative feelings, self-doubt, and low self-esteem. If you
are among the many who would like to improve your ability
to communicate with others in a positive manner, social
skills training can provide you with valuable information
and teach you techniques that will allow you to excel in
social settings and in your professional life.

4. Flexibility, understanding, and the ability to
communicate effectively are the most important factors in
improving your social skills.

Developing better social skills can help you conquer your
fears of social situations, teach you the correct ways to
communicate with others, and help you understand how to
resolve conflict and overcome adversity.

A lack of or underdeveloped social skills can lead to
isolation, loneliness, and frustration. Do not be afraid to
take the first step in improving your life and
relationships with others.

You can learn to speak in front of large groups without
feeling anxious, start new or improve your existing
relationships with family and co-workers, and exhibit a
positive, confident attitude.

Improving your social skills requires dedication and the
desire to change your own negative behaviors. You can
dramatically increase your ability to communicate and
influence others if you learn to change your own negative
behaviors and build upon the positive.

Understanding, good communication, interpreting body
language, and conflict resolution skills can advance your
career and personal life to levels you never thought
possible.

Social skills training can be done in groups or
individually depending on your needs and the method you
choose to assist you in improving upon your skills.]]>

Almost anyone will probably agree that in a perfect world they’d be able to travel more. It is one of the most natural human desires to want to see different parts of the world and experience new things. And anyone who has traveled will probably agree that you don’t really appreciate or think about your home too much until you have the perspective of seeing how people live in other parts of the world.

The problem of course, is that travel has always been expensive. Although airfares have gotten cheaper over the years, they are still expensive enough that most people don’t fly regularly, and this is likely to remain the case. So unless you plan on suddenly getting rich, you’re going to have to come up with some discount travel solutions if you want to fly more, and a great thing to look into if you’re looking for a cheap flight are charter flights.

Charter flights are cheaper because they work on a different system than a started airline flight. A standard airline will have a set route between two cites: an airline will fly a certain amount a times a week between two cities, and this remains constant regardless of the amount of passengers. In other words normal airline routes function like bus routes, and sometimes there may only be a few people on the plane. It is this need to average out costs - to be able to afford all those times when the plane is a third full - that leads to high airfares.

Nearly any popular destination has charter flights going to it from major airports across the country. Also there are plenty of charters overseas to Europe, Asia or the United States. Charter flying is highly recommended to save money on many flights around the world.

A charter company can offer cheaper fares by working in a different fashion: they will charter an entire plane from an airline for a particular date and time, and thus receive a heavy discount on the cost. They can then pass some of this discount on to you by offering a lower per seat price for the flight. Most charter companies operate along very common routes during peak times - for example, sunny vacation spots during the winter.

Charter flights are much more reliable then other more radical ways of obtaining discount airfare, and fares will generally get cheaper as the departure date approaches. There is a certain amount of risk, however: a charter company can decide to cancel a flight if they haven’t sold enough tickets. Unlike a regular airline, which constantly has planes going to multiple destinations, the charter company may not be able o immediately put you on another plane. So instead of waiting a few hours it’s likely that if your charter flight is cancelled you’ll either be receiving a refund, or waiting at least a day or two for another charter - which of course can ruin any vacation.

That being said, there are many large and reliable charter companies, and charter flights — while not offering discounts as big as can be found through other discount travel methods - remain a reliable alternative to regular airfare. And if you’re flexible and willing to buy a ticket on short notice, you can find many excellent airfares from charter companies, making charter flights one of the more popular discount traveling methods.

I hope you have found this article informative. It was brought to you by www.findingtraveldeals.com, stop by for lots of travel discount articles. With many ways to save money and find new ideas for places to visit on your vacation.]]>

There are spa vacations that include your particular hobby. You can book a spa vacation for a biking adventure, canoeing, kayaking, ski adventures, walking vacations, and horseback and golf vacations. If you are looking for just a relaxing spa retreat, you will find stress management retreats, weight loss vacations, spiritual retreats, and yoga vacations. There is a vacation spa package to fit nearly every possible need. These spa vacations are professionally managed and teach the guests healthy habits that they will take home with them.

Which spa is best for you? Here are some tips on how to find the perfect spa vacation.

Choose a spa vacation that fits your needs. If you’re looking for a spa to refresh your spirit, then choose a tranquil spot that will be most restful to you. That could be an oasis in the desert or a peaceful resort on the ocean. Choose one that is within your price range, so won’t add to your already high stress level.

Choose one that you feel you can get to or afford easily. Remember the purpose of a spa vacation is to relax and de-stress, not add more. There are stress management spa resorts that will teach you techniques to lower your stress level and give you a better quality of life. They may teach you yoga or meditation so you can more easily control your stress. Stress can make you sick in body and in spirit.

If you are looking to be just pampered there are spas that will do exactly that. All you need to do is go and do what they tell you. This spa will pamper you with facials, massages, and manicures, the whole works. That could be exactly what you need for this time of your life.

Do you feel the need to lose weight? Then a spa that will specialize in weight reduction should be your choice. Most of these spas will provide you with healthy foods, personal trainers, aerobics, nutritionist, and therapists. They will work with you to change your lifestyle to not only lose the weight but to keep it off once it’s gone. They will train you to make the right choices and continue your exercise routine when you return to your regular return. Sometimes it’s that little push that can give you the incentive to make permanent changes in your lifestyle for a healthier and happier you.

You may choose a spa vacation that will pamper you but also give you the opportunity to play nine holes of golf or take a private lesson. They offer all the same features of a regular spa but also include your favorite pastime to make it even more enjoyable.

Your choice might be a get back to nature spa. You can do that in some of the most beautiful spots in Southern California. The Spa Montage offers you a retreat on the ocean to reconnect with nature and you. It offers quiet, peaceful surroundings and therapeutic treatments.

You may choose to go to a relaxing spa by yourself, with a spouse or significant other or with a larger group. A spa retreat is a great idea for reunions and family gatherings, and corporate brainstorming sessions. Maybe you would love to go to a spa on your honeymoon. It could be one of the most restful trips you’ll ever take together.

Regardless of what spa vacation you choose. You will come away with a renewed sense of serenity and peace, and a new awareness of your body and how its surroundings affect it. So, go for it, whether you take a solo trip, a trip with a spouse or best friend, or meet as a group, you will find the spa experience to be a welcome break in this hectic, stressful world.]]>

As summer approaches, tourists inevitably begin to search for sunny holiday destinations, and Spain is one of Europe’s favourite locations. Last year over fifty-three million tourists took their holidays in Spain, a figure which represents a one point one increase over the previous year. Moreover, projected figures for the two thousand and five season have now reached over fifty-six million.

The majority of these tourists (forty-five per cent) are from just two countries – Great Britain and Deutschland. They come looking for the sun, sand and surf they don’t have in their home countries, and are pleased to discover Spain’s great cultural diversity, its monuments and incredible landscapes. For foreign tourists however, Spain’s greatest treasure is its relaxing yet vibrant way of life.

In fact, more and more people are considering purchasing property in the sun, and for numerous reasons. By doing so tourists avoid the cost of repeated hotel stays, while at the same time make a sound investment. Many are now choosing to reside in Spain all year round, and the staggering fifty thousand Britons will begin a new life in Spain this year alone. As a matter of fact, many find Spain so alluring that a common wish for tourists is to return, not merely as soon as possible, but indefinitely or for their retirement.

Currently, the hottest and most sought-after region is surely the Costa Blanca. Thanks to its wide diversity property developers and agents can offer properties to suit any cultural or financial requirements. Indeed almost all areas are proud to accommodate Spain’s unique mix of the old and the new – tradition, and innovation. The didacticism of the Spanish residence is its unchanging tradition and cultural heritage and its vibrant and pulsating modernity. Rural locations and rustic villas, high-rise apartments and progressive hot-spots, Spain can cater for all.

Over the next four years, housing sales to foreign residence and tourists in the Costa Blanca are estimated, incredibly, at just under sixty-six thousand. It is clear that not only is the housing market far from stagnating, but also is continuing to grow exponentially in what is still a relatively small and sparsely populated country of forty million.

Contact:

Soraya Garcםa
+34 923 21 28 69
www.propertiescostablanca.org
www.france-spain.com]]>

Defining an Adventure Holiday
Ok, so you’ve decided that you want an adventure holiday. This leads you to the next question – what type of adventure holiday do you want? There is just so much variety and different perceptions of the word “Adventure” that people have come up with all sorts of activities to define this word. For example, there’s the nerve-wrenching bungee jumping sport with locations available to do this all over the world. If you are into water adventures, then white-water rafting may just be right for you. For mountain climbers, they can scale any mountain in the world, each providing the mountain climber distinctive challenges and excitement.

On the other hand, some people may consider watching a cultural parade in an exotic country as an adventure. For example, the annual carnival at Tobago offers an opportunity for visitors to join into their celebrations of street parties and multi-colored parades. Perhaps a cruise to Alaska to watch seals and whales is an adventure to some, while others may prefer a hot air balloon ride amongst the clouds. Those with an archeological spirit within them, may desire to visit the ruins of Anchor Wat or the Pyramids of Kulkulcan and call that an adventure.

Well, the possibilities are just endless. And the definitions are wider. In the end, as long as you had a good time, experienced a great getaway and have opened your eyes to new sights and sounds, your objectives would then have already been met.

Preparing for your Adventure
Once you have made your decision on your destination and activity, the next step that you need to take is to gather as much information as you can on your destination. Things like health warnings, local hazards, visas and weather conditions are just some of the few things that you need to take note of. It would be advisable to join a forum to get to know others who have gone to the same location and have done the same thing, in order to get advice beforehand on things that you need to watch out for.

If your trip requires physical exertion, for example activities like mountain climbing, trekking, whitewater rafting or even bungee jumping; you will need to get yourself physically ready. Cross-training and focused exercise is advisable so that you don’t break down or sustain unnecessary injury during the course of your trip. Also, get a medical check-up before you go, to ensure a clean bill of health and fitness before you embark.

Finally, adventure travel is no doubt a great deal of fun and also a necessary ingredient to add variety to your daily routine. Once you have had a taste of a great adventure, you will no doubt look forward to your next adventure holiday! For more information and bookings on adventure travel america and overseas please visit www.adventuretraveltips.com]]>