Whale watching on the Sunshine Coast

Author: Roger Laganin

The Glass House Mountains and the spectacular countryside aren't the only attractions of a Sunshine Coast holiday just north of Brisbane, Australia. Another viewing adventure is nearby. Just off the coast in the crystal blue Pacific waters another adventure awaits. Every year from June to November more than 9000 humpback whales make the journey northward from Antarctica and winter in the warm waters off Queensland.

Getting to see a humpback whale is one of nature's most amazing experiences. These creatures are giants. Humpbacks are the world's fifth largest whale, and they are beautiful to behold. The humpback whale can be nearly seven times the size of an African elephant. But he humpbacks aren't content to merely allow you to watch them. Humpbacks like to entertain their fans. You can see and hear a fascinating show. Whales have as many as 40 different tones, and while you're listening to the symphony you can watch them soar out of the water before crashing back and diving below, leaving turbulent seas in their wake.

Researchers studying the humpback whale have learned that the whales have a complex method of communication, and some scientists even believe they have a level of intelligence on par with that of humans. Evidence of this can be seen as well has heard, particularly in the care mothers give to their young. Some of these wondrous sites unfold so close it seems just an arm's length away. Imagine being so close to a whale blow that you can feel the spray. Imagine being able to look into the eyes of such a massive and magnificent creature.

Humpback whales may have the lead roles in the show, but they aren't the only performers. Dolphins are also stars of the pageant, and they are not at all shy. Imagine seeing a whale interacting with a group of dolphins. Sharks and turtles often make more than a mere cameo appearance, and this fantastic aquatic cabaret unfolds in the Sunshine Coast's brilliant waters - waters warm enough for swimming year round.

Another type of whale can also be spotted taking a Sunshine Coast holiday and presents a rare treat. Those embarking on humpback whale watching tours occasionally see white whales. These beautiful creatures are unforgettable. Yet as magical as an appearance of a white whale may seem, nothing can upstage the humpbacks themselves.

Whale watching wasn't always the main interaction between humans and whales. In fact, only in recent years has whale watching become a popular activity. As recently as the 1960s whales were slaughtered by the thousands. The whales seem to understand that times have changed, and they are becoming more and more accustomed to the sight of adoring fans in whale watching boats. Whereas once the whales once might have fled oncoming vessels, they now seem attracted to the boats full of adoring fans.

Before venturing out into the azure blue waters on your Sunshine Coast holiday,it's best to plan ahead. Whale watching is becoming more and more popular every season, and the tours fill quickly. You don't want to miss this grand opportunity.

About the Author:

Roger Laganin runs ocean front accommodation at the Catalina Resort, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia where you can enjoy your Sunshine Coast holiday. Find out about their special deals for a limited time only at =>
http://www.catalinaresort.com.au

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Tough climate for airlines

Author: Keith McGregor

First, British Airways announces record losses and then ‘no frills’ airline Ryanair does the same. Now we have Richard Branson announcing that he expects the current economic downturn and decline in business travel will result in the collapse of a major American airline in 2009. His own airline, Virgin, seems to have bucked the trend, doubling its profits in the last twelve months but Virgin does appear to be a rare exception in this difficult market.

Competition is fierce between airlines trying to attract a dwindling traveling public leading to bargain basement prices, so much so that there has never been a better time for passengers to travel. Richard Branson put it very well when he reminded everyone that British travelers are currently paying the same price for fares as they were when Virgin launched the airline 25 years ago.

But will this lead to further airlines going out of business? In the past 18 months around 25 airlines have gone under, including Silverjet, Maxjet, XL Airways and Oasis Hong Kong. When this happens, people who book their flights through travel agents might receive a refund but those travellers, who make direct bookings through company’s website, may not be so fortunate. In this instance, the only real hope for passengers who buy flights directly is to seek cash back from their credit card company, assuming they used a credit card for the transaction, but anyone who paid using a debit card, cash or a cheque to can only hope that their holiday travel insurance provides protection against the collapse of an airline failing.

Not all travel insurance policies will offer this but some insurers offer Passenger Protection Insurance sold separately or part of a travel insurance policy but always check the small print if this is offered because these are quite often restrictive in their cover.

About the Author:

South African born Keith has lived in the south of England for most of his life. After graduating from University with a degree in Business Information Systems Management he decided to start Strawberrysoup; a website design company based in West Sussex and Dorset.
Keith successfully gained entry into the Southampton University Air Squadron and spent over 12 months training to fly. Since then he has continued to follow his interest in flying and has now began his own training in the form of a Private Pilot's Licence.
Keith also spent 13 months working within the Image and Printing Group at Hewlett Packard in Bracknell. Throughout his time there, he was responsible for many activities including events organisation and website design and maintenance.

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Internet Marketing Business - Niche Research

Author: Gen Wright
Where does a new internet marketer start? That is a very good question indeed. That is one thing all marketers must know - spot the right business opportunities. It is not easy to acquire this ability. Patience and perseverance is required to spot the lucrative opportunities.

You can use affiliate marketing techniques to help you spot opportunities on the Internet. Use affiliate marketing to promote other people's products and services. When a sale is completed, you earn a percentage of sale amount. If you can't convert the traffic into paying customers, you don't earn a single cent.

There is very little risk involved in affiliate marketing. You start off by driving traffic to the sales page. All you need is a couple hundred visitors to determine whether the offer will convert well enough or not.

This is the perfect way to test a market. There is no need to spend money to develop a product, only to realize that nobody wants to buy it. If you find that an offer is converting strongly, simply swap the offer with a better one by developing your own product.

You see, it all starts from affiliate marketing. If you like, you may even test different markets at one go. Very soon, you will be able to see for yourself, some concrete results - which market is lucrative with rapid buyers, and which market appears to be just luke warm.

Once that is over, just keep your eye on the profitable opportunities. If you want to make more money, just rinse and repeat what you have done.

Here is a business model that has been proven to work - build a list of prospects or customers, and sell them products over and over again. Even though it sounds simple, some marketers are still not building a list.

Without a list, you can't really grow your business. For instance, you may have a $100 product. To make $1000, you have to sell 10 copies of that product. That means having to acquire more new customers. As we all know, acquiring new customers can be costly.

Assume that you don't acquire any more new customers (which is unlikely). Can you still grow your affiliate business? You can work on developing more products to sell to your customers. That means making more sales from your customer database. That greatly increases the customer lifetime value.

The lifetime value of a customer is the amount of money that he spends with you. If you make $2,000 profits just be selling to this same customer, that customer's lifetime value would be $2,000.

Here is where it gets interesting. Now if you know that for every customer you acquire, you will earn an average of $2,000 during a customer's lifetime, how much would you spend to acquire that customer?

This is what many affiliate marketers are not doing enough of. They make one sale, then forget all about the customer. Try to serve just one customer over and over again. It's much easier to sell to an existing customer than to sell to a completely new customer.

Setup a simple squeeze page to capture the contact information and keep in contact with your customers. You will be making 3-4 times more than what you are earning now.

About the Author:

Learn more about affiliate internet marketing and internet marketing business.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands (Holland)
I have traveled to Amsterdam four times in the last three years. The city has its own unique energy that it gives off, not like any other city that I have been to. Amsterdam offers many wonderful museums, beautiful windmills, and many old buildings with beautiful architecture. The canals that runs through the city add a unique characteristic and provides as a useful mode of transportation, recreation, and home to many families that live on the house boats that line the canal walls. (Click on all pictures to open in full size)

During my visits to Amsterdam it was as a crew member with the airline I worked for in Detroit and the company used the Dorint Amsterdam Airport hotel, which was later sold and the name changed to Novotel Amsterdam Airport. The hotel regardless of the name was very hospitable to crew members now matter which airline that were from. There is a crew lounge that was made available for airline employees only with the use of their room key which contained a computer, desk, couch and a TV with a DVD player and VCR.

The hotel bar in the basement Bar Cantus is a great place to meet local people, other airline employees and where to ask some local people on thing to do and see while visiting Amsterdam. The hotel resturant Wintertuin has a great international cuisine as well as a very nice continental breakfast.

The rooms in the hotel are like most 3 or 4 star hotels, they are very clean and spacious with all the amenities that you could need. The bathroom fixtures are plated in silver and the shower has a glass partition. I heard from other people that stayed there before me that if you call the front desk and are willing to pay the money then they will even arrange for you to have a visitor for the evening.

A friend of mine and I found out from people in the hotel that there is a bus stop not to far from the hotel which goes to downtown and then we can bring the train back to the airport and catch the hotel shuttle to get us back. Before we could get on the bus, we had to stop at a grocery stop and purchase a round trip ticket (which is cheaper than the one-way ticket) and the bus stopped right out side of the grocery store. The bus ride was nice because you could see how peopled lived as it went through a lot of residential neighborhoods before stopping in downtown.

When we got off the bus we was near a small square with tons of shopping and fast food restaurants. It was around 11am when we got off the bus and right in front of us was a McDonald's, so we decided to grab some lunch before starting our walking tour of the city. The food was pretty close to what you would find in America with the exception of the prices being a little bit more then you would normally pay.

Holland Casino Amsterdam









Some of the things for sale in a gift shop within the RLD (Red Light District)












A area near the red light district (notice on the light pole on the left side of the picture the three X's that make up the bottom of the pole)


Amsterdam Schiphol Airport control tower









Amsterdam Schiphol Airport bus and taxi area (notice the large screen TV in the back-
ground)

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport main terminal. The terminal has a train station in the basement that only costs a few dollars to take you to downtown.


Tour boats for the tourist to see Amsterdam from the canals, there are several packages to choose from, starting the basic sight-seeing tour up to packages that include dinner.


Due to high fuel costs in Europe, bicycles and public trans-
portation is part of daily life, so much in fact that shown in this picture is a parking garage for bicycles out side the train station. Not sure how any bicycles it holds but it looked like there was thousands.

And of course your trip to Holland would not be complete without your very own pair of wooden shoes. I talked to several business associates that grew up in Holland and it was customary for them to wear wooden shoes when they were kids. They got a new pair every year, whether they needed them or not.


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Go Open-Air in Rome This Summer

Author: Isla Campbell

As renowned for its range of exquisite cuisine as it is for its breathtaking sights, it’s no wonder Rome is a popular tourist destination. Indeed, boasting a mixture of Renaissance and Baroque architecture and housing some of the most interesting attractions around, there is enough to keep even the most eager culture-vulture entertained.

And, alongside the warm temperatures, the summer promises both a wealth of open-air entertainment and the chance to bag an assortment of attractive bargains. In fact, with most Italians taking the month of August off, it is the perfect opportunity to experience all that Rome has to offer, without its usual hoard of people, and often at a lower cost!

Cited as one of the most interesting events hosted by the city, Fiesta - an annual world music festival - is definitely worth a visit. Offering up a diverse and colourful assortment of musical genres, from jazz and Latin music to sounds from the Caribbean, its programme is packed with fun and entertainment. Not only that, but there are also a number of food stalls and ethnic stands available for you to browse around.

Keeping in line with the musical theme, the Villa Celimontana Jazz festival is another great event to attend. Established in 1994, it has increased in popularity over the years and is one of the longest running events of its kind in Europe. And, what could be more perfect than relaxing under a shady tree whilst listening to some world-class jazz and sipping a cold glass of white wine?

The Marcellus Roman Theatre also plays host to a range of concerts and shows throughout the summer months. Celebrating the best in both Italian and international classical music, literature and poetry, there are over 100 performances to catch. And, set amongst one of Rome’s most scenic archaeological locations, it is well worth taking a stroll around before the entertainment begins.

If the hot weather is too much to handle however, then it might be a good idea to seek out the shady confines of one of Rome’s many parks. Scattered around the city, there are plenty to choose from and all offer up a stunning selection of beautiful views. To truly indulge, pack yourself a picnic and spend the day soaking up the summer atmosphere. Or, if you need to hit the water, then book a day trip to the beach. Only half an hour away from the city, the Mediterranean Sea can make for a great escape when the temperatures soar!

So, if you’re looking for a break this summer, Rome is always a worthwhile consideration. In addition to the numerous events and festivals on offer, there are a huge range of fabulous restaurants to eat in and Rome hotels to sleep in, meaning all budgets are catered for.

About the Author:

Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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3 Day Cruise Packages

Author: Elijah James

3 day cruise packages can be a great introduction to sailing on the open seas. Many people are curious about a cruise vacation, but they may hesitate because a 7 or 14 day plan might seem out of their price range at the moment. Others may question whether or not they would enjoy a long cruise, but these economical, 3 day plans are the perfect length and price for everyone.

Have you wondered what cruising involves and were just unsure about the time involved? This is a common concern for many prospective passengers. Maybe you only have a few days of vacation, or you only have a long weekend that you can use for a quick getaway trip. Some people are just looking for something to break the monotony of long weeks of work. Whatever your reason, 3 Day Cruise Packages are certainly a perfect solution.

Even though you only have a few days to be out on the ocean there is no lack of excitement. The activities on board will provide you with many diversions and opportunities to experience the adventure and fast paced lifestyle onboard large ocean liners. You might just find that cruising is something that you want to repeat again and again.

For people that enjoy shopping there are shops onboard for your enjoyment when you are not at docked at a port of call. Bingo, night clubs, parties, entertainment and other activities will keep you busy throughout the day and evening if you sign up for one of the 3 Day Cruise Packages. There are always events that are scheduled for passengers of every age. You might have an onboard auction, or a cooking class to attend and most classes will be giving away door prizes to lucky guests.

If you want to rest and relax you can sunbathe at one of the pools or hot tubs or just enjoy the view from a reclining deck chair. You can even read or watch your favorite television shows in your cabin. If you have a private balcony you can enjoy a little solitude at any hour of the day or night. You will be provided with a daily schedule of the ship’s activities for every cruise, including those 3 Day Cruise Packages, but you only choose those that you want to be involved in each day.

Outstanding food is included, and you will have regular meals served in the restaurants daily. These are buffet affairs. The large windows surrounding all of the restaurants provide panoramic ocean views that are sure to impress you as you dine. A wait staff is always on duty to assist you, and they will even bring your meals to your cabin if you prefer. Snacks and drinks are available throughout the day and if you have special dietary requests the cooks and chefs can accommodate you easily.

The cost of these short getaways is very inexpensive, even if you are planning on taking the family. You can also check for last minute specials on which can save you 50-75% of the original cost. This means that you can often arrange one of these exciting 3 day cruise packages for less than $200.

About the Author:

For more great information on 3 Day Cruise Packages visit our new website www.allmytraveltips.com. And for more great articles visit www.pencilsense.com today.

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Discover the Magical City of Venice

Author: Gen Wright
The magical city of Venice welcomes you with boat tours, gondolas and the beautiful buildings all around. Venice is a city of surprises and great heritage. You need to experience its beauty thoroughly in each and every palace and church that you visit.

The famous landmarks of Venice are San Marco Square, Rialto Bridge, Byzantine heritage and the Doge's Palace. The cultural history of Venice is evident in each of these landmarks. All along the Grand Canal are the churches and palaces of this beautiful land, which are a pleasure to the eyes.

When visiting Venice you should never miss St. Mark's Basilica, the heritage church. Entry is free in the Basilica. Venice is a city visited by flash floods often and so the Basilica is closed to the public without notice in the event of floods or other festivities.

Venice is an incredibly elegant with its' magnificent palaces and churches along the Grand Canal. You should never miss a ride in a gondola. The pleasure of riding a gondola is awesome, you have gondoliers who will sing songs and entertain you with music throughout the ride.

The Venice lagoon has the famous islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Murano is famous for its glassware. Here you can explore shops and factories that manufacture glassware. You can even see a display of glassblowers creating the authentic works of art. A visit to the museum of Murano glass showcases the famous art of Venice.

Burano Island is famous for its lace. There is a museum dedicated to lace craft; you can shop for lace at the local shops too. Here you find the fishermen's houses painted in bright pallid colors.

The last stop is the island of Torcello; here you can visit the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta of the 7th century and the remains of circular baptistery of Santa Fosca.

The Dolomite Mountains of Venice offer exquisite scenery, which are really awesome. Almost an hour's drive from Venice the mountains are a mix of towering peaks and peaceful valleys with villages splattered here and there. Dolomite Mountains have the world famous lakes of Lake Santa Caterina and Lake Misurina. Lake Misurina offers a breath taking view of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the most famous peak of the Dolomite mountains. From the base of Tre Cime Di Lavaredo you can see the spectacular view of the entire Dolomite mountains.

Venice the city has everything to offer its beloved tourist from lace to glassware and exotic views of the mountains. You will enjoy long cherished memories of Venice which will leave wanting to visit again and again

If you wish to explore beyond the city of Venice and see more of Italy then you may want to consider hiring a car at Venice Airport. The airport is very well connected so flights are of course another option. Booking ahead is highly recommended particularly during peak holiday times. Due to demand prices can shoot up during the summer months.About the Author:

To learn more about Italy and things to see and do have a read of last minute car hire at Venice Airport and cheapest car hire Naples Airport

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Traveling To Mexico In June

Author: sweta

Before committing to your vacation planning it is crucial to give an important thought to where and when you will prefer to go The right season when you desire to go for your trip is such a crucial thing otherwise you might be unfortunate to see some seasonal specialties, and you also might undergo inconvenience. And for Mexico, June is the best time when you should make your trip to for several reasons.

The Mexico in the Month of June:

When it is June, it is usually warm and clear weather and you may see comparably less tourists in Mexico. It is the time when you may come across numerous things to see and enjoy. This is the month when you have lots of fun-day activities, and you can enjoy the wonderful night-life here.

1. What Will You Eat/Drink at the End of the Day?

You could spend the entire day around enjoying and experiencing varieties of things. This certainly would bring exhaustion. If you get weary and get hungry just after your so much traveling during the day, you could enjoy having varieties of Mexican foods, and other regional specialties along with enchiladas or tamales. You may find good restaurants in Mexico that you can easily afford.

More importantly, there’s an annual fair that you can see is Nopal Fiesta. It is known for varieties of food and dancing.

2. Festivals and Celebrations in June:

If you visit Mexico in the month of June, you would see a celebration spirit. Some religious ceremonials are worth watching. For example; June 24 is celebrated as St. John the Baptist Day, and the June 29 is notable for being a St. Peter and St. Paul Day.

So, there is the lot for everyone in this month and therefore, most of the visitors come to Mexico in this moth.

About the Author:

Comfortable and luxurious villas and condos at El Fin del Mundo. Visit http://www.rockypointmexicovillas.com, to know about Mexico beach homes and rocky point rentals.

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Discover Paris

Author: Gen Wright
There are so many things to do in Paris; the fashion capital of the world. One thing you really should not do is miss the Eiffel tower. I have known people who have spent a lot of money to go to Paris just so that they could take a snap of themselves on top of the famous tower but another thing you should not do is just take the usual Eiffel tower, Louvre, world-famous-places tour and then leave without seeing the real Paris.

The real Paris is best seen on your own without a tour guide, with a map in hand. There are however, tours like the bike about Paris tour that will show you a side of Paris that you have not seen before. Another option is to hire a car and move around on your own, sight seeing at your own time and pace. Paris has so much to offer, you will never run out of things to do.

If you are a food connoisseur, you will love the amount of fine dining opportunities that the city offers. You can participate at a wine tasting session at O Chateau. Sitting at the heart of Paris, the O Chateau Sommelier aims to introduce you to the world of French wines.

If you love architecture and especially the gothic style, you must visit the world famous Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathedral de Notre Dame de Paris). The original construction began way back in the 12th century. It stands on ?e de la Cit?nd is one of the structures in which the entire city takes pride.

There are two airports in Paris. The main airport is Charles De Gaulle Airport which is actually the busiest airport in all of Europe. Budget travelers will often find cheap deals in Beauvais Airport which about an hour from Paris. Budget airlines have made Paris an affordable dream for many by introducing flights to Beauvais.

For adults only, there is the amazing and the colorful Paris nightlife. It is crowned by the Moulin Rouge which is by now world famous with its stories and legacy. They say that nightlife in Paris is absolutely unforgettable and people often do not mind missing daytime sight seeing in exchange of a slice of true Parisian nightlife. Paris comes alive at night with lights; vivid colors and a pulsating crowd of revelers who are out of have the time of their lives.

At the end of it all, Paris is also the city to fall in love. If you have a special someone in your life or even if you have been married for over 30 years, you must come to Paris to celebrate your love. In Paris, you might even fall in love all over again.About the Author:

Find out more tips for getting about in France by having a look at car hire Beauvais and car hire Charles De Gaulle Airport

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Oxford Tourist Guide & Travel Information

Author: Nazir Daud

Oxford is situated in the South East region of England and is the county town of Oxfordshire. The city is most famously recognised for housing the oldest university within the English speaking world, the University of Oxford. The university is globally known for its academic high status and is one of the leading academic establishments worldwide. The buildings that make up the university structure are incredible in their architecture and are authentic in appearance.

Oxford is situated in the South East region of England and is the county town of Oxfordshire. The city is most famously recognised for housing the oldest university within the English speaking world, the University of Oxford. The university is globally known for its academic high status and is one of the leading academic establishments worldwide. The buildings that make up the university structure are incredible in their architecture and are authentic in appearance.

The precise date of when it was built is unconfirmed however it is a fact that The University of Oxford dates back to the twelfth century. The institution is commonly identified as having direct competition with The University of Cambridge after the quarrel amongst the students and local residents in Oxford which lead to the evacuation of many students to Cambridge.

On behalf of the university's education facilities are many enthralling museums including The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology which is historically the oldest museum in Britain. The current building was established in 1845 and can be located on Beaumont Street. Here you will find Collections of Elias Ashmole alongside a wide range of archaeological and fine art collections. The interior of the museum has been heavily refurbished and is now modernised to cater to new visitors with the introduction of a gift shop and restaurant.

Another brilliant museum that is definitely worth a visit is Pitt Rivers Museum that showcases a variety of archaeological and anthropological collections. Constructed in 1884, the museum has grown from 20,000 items to 50,000 items which are predominantly donations from scholars and missionaries. The order in which the collection appears is unconventional as, opposed to the items being displayed chronologically, the items are shown according to how they were used traditionally.

For shopping visitors can go to Westgate Shopping Centre that is home to many popular retailers including, New Look, Sportsworld, Shoe Zone, Apple Zone, Sports Zone, Specsavers, Holland & Barrett, Carphone Warehouse, Vision Express and many more fantastic stores. It is open every day of the week and also offers late night shopping on Thursdays only.

For a more cultured experience of Oxford, visitors can go to The Oxford Apollo which now goes by the name The New Theatre Oxford. Theatre productions here vary from Welsh National Opera, dance, ballet and major successful musicals such as Chicago. To accompany this there are regular large scale music concerts which were first initiated in the 1970's as the theatre has a capacity to hold 1800 people.

If you would like a day out in the outdoors you can visit Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park, the largest park in the city. It is located in the north end of Oxford and has a diverse choice of facilities for all ages such as a children's play area and sports grounds. The Cutteslowe area within the park has cricket and football pitches that can be hired for the day by visitors. You can also play a game of miniature golf, basketball and tennis. The Sunnymead area found towards the south of the park is primarily geared towards teenagers as there are skating parks, basketball courts and a youth shelter.

About the Author:

Naz Daud - CityLocal Oxford
Oxford Guide
Oxford Business Directory

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Holiday on the Enchanting Relaxing Island of Isla Mujeres Across the Bay From Cancun

Author: Peter Edward Lee

Just across the Bay from the hustle and bustle of Cancun lies the small serene island of Isla Mujeres, nestling on the Mayan Riviera. Here white sand beaches border the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, under the blue skies, as colourful fishing boats dot on the horizon. Isla Mujeres is a very popular destination for those seeking a more relaxed, tranquil, Mexican holiday experience. The Mayan Riviera world famous Coral Reefs create paradise waters for Snorkeling and Scuba Diving. Isla Mujeres white sand beaches, and quaint Mexican street scene takes on back to a bygone era.

There is great holiday accommodation offered which is varied, affordable and comfortable, from where to explore, and enjoy, the pleasures of Isla Mujeres.

Nature is certainly bountiful on Isla Mujeres. There are many vantage points on Isla from which you can see stunning sunsets and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Cosy hotels and restaurants located downtown, a Marine Park with world class facilities a haven for snorkellers with an incredible underwater world teeming with tropical fish, with their bright colours, nurturing the senses.

Dolphin Discovery

Swimming and playing with dolphins is a unique and therapeutic experience. Because these mammals have a friendly and sociable nature, it is for people to interact with them safely, and you do not need to be an expert swimmer to do so.

At Dolphin Discovery you can touch a dolphin, shake its fin, go diving with them and even receive a kiss. Visitors have the chance to interact with these amazing creators as well as with other marine species such as sharks, sting rays, spider monkeys, toucans and macaws. Dolphin Discovery definitely is one of Isla's most fantastic attractions

Garrafon Marine Park

The name Garrafon means 'decanter', an excellent name for this natural aquarium where the waters are clear, calm and reefs are so abundant with life that it gives you a feeling of being inside a decanter. You can safely swim and snorkel due to the soft ocean current being almost imperceptible.

The reef in this area is part of the second longest barrier reef in the world and is home to an enormous variety of species, including some which are considered endangered.

Punta Sur

Located on the southern most tip of Isla Mujeres, where the sun rises, in the Park of Sculptures. Due to its unique geographic location, it has been designated as a permanent open air museum in 2001 and displays 23 original pieces by local and foreign artists. Among the most famous pieces are those by the world famous sculptors Sebastian and Jose Luis Cuevas, from Mexico.

It is a splendid site, enhanced by the incredible backdrop of majestic cliffs, enhanced by the stunning turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

Turtle Farm

For thousands of years the beaches on Isla Mujeres have been nesting grounds for marine turtles that return to the same beach every year. Between the months of May and September they lay hundreds of eggs and then return to the sea, leaving their babies to fend for themselves.

The Turtle Farm is on of Isla's main attractions and a source of pride for the local community and without the important work of Tortugranja (Turtle Farm) only a small number of the hatchlings would survive, as many of the local natural predators and also poachers.

The hatchlings are protected until they are strong enough to live in the sea. At which point the local Island schools are invited to set them free on the shore. This provides a fantastic opportunity for the children to understand about conservation techniques and to learn how to help the survival of this wonderful species.

Templo Maya

Historically speaking, Templo Maya, is one of the most important attractions on Isla Mujeres. In Punta Sur, there is an ancient temple, erected to worship the Mayan Goddess of the moon and fertility, Ixchel. Built on higher ground, archaeologists say it was also used as a lighthouse to guide the trade boats coming ashore from Cozumel, Tulum and Xaman-ha, now known as Playa del Carmen.

Mundaca Hacienda

An interesting attraction, is the remains of an old estate belonging to the famous Caribbean pirate Femin Antonto de Mundaca y Marechega, who is also renowned architect, poet, slaver trader and of course dreaded buccaneer. The Hacienda has many legends to tell, especially famous is one about Mundaca's heart was broken, leading him to despair and a terribly sad end.

The estate is open to the public and is home to a small zoo, where visitors can see endemic animals species and walk through the lush tropical gardens.

Whale Sharks

Isla Mujeres and her visitors are blessed as once a year, with arguably the world's most amazing opportunity, to experience Whale Sharks in their natural habitat. During the summer months (June - September) hundreds of Whale Sharks gather just north of Isla Mujeres in a seven mile radius to take advantage of the plankton rich waters created by the joining of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

A quick, but breathtakingly beautiful, one hour boat ride from the docks of Isla Mujeres will place you right within the territory, where a trained guide will search out the Whale Sharks. This will be an experience you will never forget.

The Shark Whale is normally solitary creates, but off Isla Mujeres they socialise in groups of up to 20. This phenomenon gives nearly a 100% success rate of seeing multiple Whale Sharks on a one day tour, not to be missed.

To find out more about the enchanting Island of Isla Mujeres go to www.islamujeres.co.uk

About the Author:

Peter Edward Lee, Swanage, UK Regular Visitor to Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres Holidays Rentals is a UK based Business promoting Isla Mujeres Holiday Accommodation. Please visit http://www.islamujeres.co.uk All new registrations are entered into a £50.00 FREE DRAW for a Marks and Spencer Voucher. Take a Glimpse, I am Sure you will not be Disappointed! http://www.islamujeres.co.uk

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Holiday on the Enchanting Relaxing Island of Isla Mujeres Across the Bay From Cancun

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Cheap Holidays Don't Mean Poor Quality

Author: Martin Shane Jones

With the current financial climate the way it is right now more and more people are tightening their belts and cutting back on luxuries. To some people this might mean an end to shopping sprees whereas for others it can mean waving goodbye to their yearly break in the sun. If you are longing to get away from it all to relax and top up your tan you could still do this by taking advantage of some of the amazing cheap holidays that are out there right now.

You might never have experienced a cheap holiday before and you may feel slightly concerned about the quality of a budget break, but there is really no need to worry. Today taking cheap holidays does not mean that you will be going to a low grade resort and staying in terrible accommodation. It just means that you are taking a holiday as usual, just at a reduced price.

If you have never really thought about cheap holidays before you really don’t know what you are missing. There is a cheap holiday available to suit every single taste – regardless of whether you want to go on an all inclusive break in Egypt, a family holiday in Florida or a Mediterranean cruise you can find a cheap holiday that will be exactly what you are looking for.

Many people fail to realise just what bargains they can get when they book a cheap holiday as they don’t know where to book them. So it could come as a surprise to find out that there are a few different places to do this. One option is to visit your local travel agents and see what holidays they have on offer. Usually these holidays are advertised in the windows and you can get a good idea of what quality cheap holidays are available just by browsing a little. Or you can go online and type ‘cheap holidays’ into your search engine and see what it brings up.

One thing that you will notice when you start looking for cheap holidays is that there are some really great deals to be found on 3 and 4 star accommodation from around the world. You can forget about having to go to a second rate hotel and endure a poor quality holiday and instead enjoy a wonderfully relaxing break at a fraction of the brochure price.

So if you are interested in taking a cheap holiday you should start to take a look at the types of holidays that are available right now. The chances are that you will be shocked at the range and the quality of cheap holidays and you will be only too happy to book yourself onto one. Rather than sit at home and feel down about not being able to go on holiday this year, check out a cheap holiday. Then you could soon be packing your case and setting off to the airport to have a fantastic holiday for much less than you would have expected to pay.

About the Author:

Martin Shane Jones is a Travel Writer in the UK. Martin works for a Beach Holiday specialist in the UK who offer cheap holidays, and like to consider themselves as the beach experts.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Cheap Holidays Don't Mean Poor Quality

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Maui Golf Vacation Packages: Emerald Greens and Sapphire Seas

Author: Tim Roseland

The stunning scenery and splendid climate of Maui have made it one of the world’s top golfing destinations. Imagine yourself driving the ball over not a simple hazard, but a bay, a series of lava outcroppings, or a section of rainforest canopy. You won’t be bored as you wait for the foursome in front of you to hole out, because you’ll be drinking in the ocean views and the scent of salt air. Even those who shoot the worst rounds of their lives while enjoying Maui golf vacation packages return home with happy memories of their hours on the links!

While many of Maui’s top-tier courses are connected to its top-tier resorts, and will cost extra for anyone not a resort guest, part of the advantage of Maui golf vacation packages is that any additional greens fees are usually included in the total package price. There are twenty private and public courses on the island of Maui, and even the public courses are breathtaking.

When you enjoy one of the many Maui golf courses, you may get the feeling that the courses included are eerily familiar. Familiar they may be, because Maui’s championship courses, like that at the Kapalua Resort, make frequent appearances on nationally-televised golf tournaments. The PGA tour, in fact, kicks off each January with the Mercedes Championshipsat the Kapalua Plantation Course.

If you love the challenge of a large, undulating green, you’ll be in heaven if a round at the Kaanapali Golf Resortis included in your Maui golf vacation package. The rolling greens at this course average a monstrous 10,000 square feet! Large greens are also a hallmark of the Arnold palmer-designed Bay Course at Kapalua, where your tee shot at the par-3 fifth hole will have to clear a portion of Onelua Bay if you want any chance of making par!

Choosing one of the Maui Golf Vacation Packages which has you staying at one of the six hotels of the Wailea Golf Resortwill give you access to not one, but three (the Emerald, Blue, and Gold ) championship course, each with its own striking ocean vistas from every hole. The wide fairways of the Emerald course make it a ladies’ favorite, while course designer Robert Trent Jones, Jr. referred to the Gold course as the “masculine” one. The best senior golfers in the world gather at the Wailea Gold Course each February for the Senior Skins Game. Shots across lava outcrops and ravines are “par for the course” at the Gold Course!

One of the most attractive futures of a Maui golf vacation package is that, while you are out on the links, your traveling companions can enjoy all the other remarkable attractions available in Maui, from water sports to hiking, horseback riding, or cycling through some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth! All this, and daytime temperatures which are consistently in the 75-80°F range all year long! Shorts are perfectly acceptable on the courses, but jeans may not be.

Almost all travel agencies which offer trips to Hawaii have Maui Golf Vacation packages. Simply do a bit of advance research to determine which are courses are right for you and talk to you travel agent about making it happen!

About the Author:

myroadtotravel was created in late 2007 as way for my wife and I to do what we love most...Travel. We love to share our experiences with others and have recently created our first blog myroadtotravelblog.com to help us do just that. Through this blog, we offer travel tips, our own personal experiences/adventures and photos from our vacations. Please stop by and give us your feedback.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Maui Golf Vacation Packages: Emerald Greens and Sapphire Seas

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Tips for your next Day Trip

Author: J Mikula

If you take a look in your local paper you will always see day trips out advertised. These trips are a great way of seeing the sights and making new friends with the same interests as you. Whether going with 50 people or just 5 you can have a good time no matter what.

There are different types of trips that you can go on.

City breaks.
If there's a city that you've always wanted to see but never had the chance to do so why not go on a day trip there. You will be going on the coach with lots of others with the same interest as you. Certain tourist areas are particularly good to visit such as Cambridge, Bath or Blackpool.

Theme parks.
Going on a day trip to a theme park is great fun for all the family. When you arrive you merely agree a time with your coach or minibus driver and meet back then. That leaves you free to spend the day tiring yourself out for a nice nap on the way home.

Exhibitions.
Exhibitions are famously popular for their over priced parking fees so why not save money and go on a day trip. You can go on a day trip to almost any event including Crufts, The Baby Show, The Ideal Home Show and many more!

Theatre breaks.
These are ideal if you love the theatre. The coach arrives at a set time to collect you, you arrive with time to find a restaurant to eat at, catch a show and leisurely make your way back home whilst singing all the tunes in the play.

Seaside trips.
Sun bathing can be very tiring which is why it's so handy to have someone to drive you home! Don't forget to take your bucket and spade though. You could even squeeze a lilo in the storage compartment!

Shopping.
A lot of schools and local businesses organise day trips to certain large shopping malls. Going on a day trip means you can shop with a large group of friends (not the usual 4 that you can fit in a car) and you still wont have to limit your shopping to how much you can fit in the boot.

Events.
Most events such as football matches or a day at the races cater for large groups and there is no easier way of travelling than by coach. You won't want to be driving back after a few drinks!

Day trips are such a good way of seeing the country and doing different things. You will be going with like minded people who will want to be there (no more dragging the kids to places they dont want to go). It's often cheaper than driving as you save on petrol and parking fees. And last but not least you get to relax after a long day instead of tiring yourself out even more by driving home. If you want to do something different tomorrow, go on a day trip.

About the Author:

Coach hire quote

School coach hire

J. Mikula is a business professional, consultant, and writer.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Tips for your next Day Trip

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