Advantages of booking luxury vacations early

Chances are, travelers who have spoken to travel agents about booking luxury vacations often hear the travel agent mantra of “book early.” With myths of last minute deals and other types of discounts, travelers are often confused about “how soon is too soon” and what is available to travelers who want to book early. Here are a few of the advantages of booking luxury travel early.

Better Availability

When you book a luxury travel vacation early, you have the first shot at getting the best category. From flights to hotels, this can really make or break the mood of your vacation, especially if it is a special occasion such as a honeymoon. You are also the first travelers to be granted requests such as a non-smoking room, king size bed, "roll aways" and such. Hotels and cruise lines will also go in order of booking date when they are offering free upgrades and extra amenities. And of course, if you have your heart set on a specific hotel, resort or cruise ship, the earlier you book, the better chance you have of getting to stay where you want.

Early Booking Discounts and Incentives

Most hotels, resorts, cruise lines and tour companies will offer special deals on luxury vacations that are booked early. These early booking discounts or incentives will really save you money. They are usually available through your local travel agent from September to the end of October. Make sure to pay special attention to when your reservation must be paid in full, as most specials will require an earlier final payment date.

When to Book

The beginning of the travel business year is September, after most clients return from high season summer vacations and luxury world cruises. This is the best time to see what is available for the upcoming year. However, pricing becomes available ten months before departure date. Once the ten months has begun, start checking prices and come to a decision about seven to six months out. If you are traveling for a special occasion, or somewhere exotic, make your plans no later than nine months out. Although there are a lot of last minute deals available, they are usually very restrictive. If this is your once a year big trip, you do not want to trust it to the limitations of last minute deals, and especially not if this is for honeymoon and wedding travel. There are just too many things that could go wrong for something as momentous and important as such events!

Booking a luxury travel vacation should be booked early for so many reasons. First, there will be better availability for the vacation you are considering, and you will be first in line to get upgrades and extra amenities. You also can take advantage of early booking discounts. By knowing when to book, you can save yourself the hassle of second-guessing or considering too good to be true last minute deals. Booking early gives travelers the advantage of being secure in their travel plans.

To find great deals for your next luxury travel vacation check out amtvacations. com

Travel to germany

Germany continues to gain popularity worldwide as a tourist destination for vacationers around the world. Germany’s unique culture, friendly people, and distinctive destinations are just a few of the distinctions that have made this beautiful country one of the hottest tourist vacation spots since 2000. Each year, the number of overnight visitors grows. In fact, Germany attracted over 2.2 million visitors from the United States alone within the first six months of 2006!

Travel to and from Germany with ease and in style can be a relaxing and pleasant experience in and of itself. Depending on where the visitor is coming from, Germany can be reached by boat, airline, automobile, or train. With all of these options available, there is a safe, convenient, and affordable option accessible for travel to Germany for every one!

Air Travel to Germany

Air travel affords the world traveler speed and convenience. Germany can be reached as an air destination from major airlines located across the globe. The most accessible German cities by air include Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt. Germany’s own airline Lufthansa accesses over 75 countries, reaching more than 175 cities. No matter what continent the German tourist is located on, there is a flight headed to Germany nearby.

For the budget-minded traveler, there are a variety of no-frills air fare packages available. Some of the airlines to consider when flying affordably are Air Berlin, Ryanair, Germanwings, and Easyjet. For the most recent and up-to-date deals on airfare to Germany near you, contact your local favorite airline.

Travel to Germany on an Ocean Liner

For the traveler that isn’t in as much of hurry, or wants to combine their German vacation with another unique and memorable experience, visiting Germany by way of a cruise can be the perfect choice for relaxation and fun. The benefits of a cruise to Germany include avoiding the hustle and bustle that can be associated with flying and another option to reaching Germany from an overseas destination than via a plane.

Rates vary substantially with packages, but cruise lines typically offer great deals on packages and for the traveler that is available on a flexible schedule. In fact, some cruise lines can offer rates that come out to be pennies on the dollar when compared to premium air line rates!

Popular cruise lines that port in Germany are Norwegian Cruise Lines and Sea Cloud cruises.

Visit Germany by Train

European transportation is world famous for its efficiency, speed, and affordability. So for the budget-minded traveler, catching a train to Germany is an option that the traveler can’t afford not to look into!

But don’t discount the amenities available aboard trains! Packages offered by German rail travel can vary from the no-frills to the extravagant. There is truly something available for everyone.

Trains allow tourists visiting Germany to relax and enjoy the countryside without the added stress that can come with airline travel. Meeting new people and sharing the experience is a traditional aspect of vacationing in Europe and traveling by train affords the vacationer a unique opportunity to have the option of mingling with their fellow passengers if they want or to ride in privacy if they wish – something no long flights in a plane can present.

What are your goals for a vacation

I participate in numerous forums and the question of where to go on vacation comes up frequently. I often suggest Disney World and it usually goes ignored. It left me wondering what it is people are looking for in a vacation.

There is no question that people should go where they want on vacation because they work hard all year to save for it and vacations do not come very often. A vacation should be relaxing, fun, enjoyable, and memorable. I have been on very few vacations that didn’t involve camping at Sebago Lake State Park in Maine. In fact, the only place I have vacationed outside of New England is Disney World. And, to be honest, I really can’t think of any other place I would want to go now that I have been there.

My wife and I went to Disney World for our honeymoon. I was against it when she first mentioned it, thinking we needed to go to Hawaii, Cancun, Aruba, or something more “conventional”. But, we went to Disney and I couldn’t be happier. We stayed at the Grand Floridian Hotel, which is their best hotel. This trip offered everything I mentioned in the previous paragraph and I think people, like me, that dismiss the thought if Disney as a vacation destination really need to rethink their decision.

A trip to Disney will never be boring and it will always be fun, enjoyable, and memorable. You may not think of Disney as relaxing however. After all, you are on your feet all day, walking through the parks in intense heat, most of the year, and standing in lines waiting to get on rides. But, my wife and I both said we could have stayed at the hotel for the week and had just as good of a time. The service anywhere at Disney is superior to any other company I have dealt with. The hotel had a white sandy beach, nice pools, hot tubs, spas, excellent restaurants, and beautiful landscaping to just take a relaxing walk around.

Disney also offers night life like you may find on a cruise or at a Cancun or Aruba. Located in downtown Orlando is Downtown Disney. They have numerous dance clubs, comedy clubs, and the party is brought to the street as each club wheels out their portable bar and serves drinks on the street. At the end of the street is an open stage where they often have live concerts. In addition to this nightlife Disney is known for their entertainment throughout the parks. They put on shows that are amazing. We saw a show that was outside at night. I believe it was called Illuminations. This was a show made up of characters as well as movie clips. The best part was the movie clips were shown on sheets of water spraying up from the lake/pond the show was in.

I have talked so far about what my wife and I like in a vacation but the fact remains, there are many different types of people and thankfully there are unlimited places to vacation. Just in our country alone we have many attractions. You can pick any region of this country and find something worth seeing on a vacation. We have so many different sites that should be seen by all before they die, such as the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Empire State Building, Washington, DC, and the list goes on.

As much as I enjoyed my trip to Disney I could also see myself in Montana doing some fly fishing. The scenery in that movie, “A River Runs Through It” was breathtaking. I have also watched many shows on Discovery HD and seeing what else is out there really makes you appreciate how lucky we are to be alive and enjoy the scenes nature has created.

Regardless of what you look for in a vacation there is something out there to fill that need. Our travel industry was hurt by September 11th and I still do not think it has recovered fully from that day almost 5 years ago now. But, you should not deprive yourself of seeing some of the places in the world you really want to see just because of a potential terrorist attack. Get out there and enjoy it.

Aigua blava hotel

If you are looking for a haven of peace and tranquility in one of the most spectacular settings anywhere on the Spanish coastline, then look no further than the renowned Aigua Blava Hotel.

Why Go To The Aigua Blava

Opened in 1929 with just eight rooms, it has gradually grown to 18 suites and 70 double rooms, all of them different to each other. You can relax over the many terraces, or enjoy tennis, swimming, boating and beaches. It is also considered a 'best kept secret' by many British families who keep very quiet about the fact that they return year after year, sometimes for over 20 years, and always in the same room, in case it becomes mobbed!!

It’s that kind of hotel. The staff is also part of the hotel family. These are not temporary employees who come and go - for most of them this has been the only job they ever had. They care about their guests, in a way that most hotels can never hope to achieve.

The Aigua Blava is a way of life, much more than just a hotel. A beautiful double room with private terrace, overlooking the sea, including breakfast buffet and four-course dinner will cost just Ђ 87 per person per night, in May. That is marvelous value for money. In addition, if you are a golfer, the hotel has 20-30% reductions on the green fees of all courses.

Where is It

Aigua Blava is on the north west mediterranean coast, or the north east coast of Spain, not far from Barcelona, and just north of the beaches of the Costa Brava, but it is a different world from the tourist traps found only a few miles away.

Aigua Blava is the name given to the small but stunningly picturesque stretch of coastline around an inlet between two rocky, pine-covered headlands Literally translated from the Catalan as Blue Waters, it encompasses three beaches connected by a road.

Arrival

The Hotel Aigua Blava is about 40 minutes from Gerona airport and 90 minutes from Barcelona airport. It is easy to drive from the UK, and we did it in a day, so you have a car for exploring.

Accommodation

The Hotel has 70 double rooms, 6 suites and 11 junior suites, all with air-conditioning, heating, bathroom with shower, private balcony, satellite TV, hairdryer, telephone and safe, based either in the main building or in annexes.

Dining

The restaurant is the place for romantic dining, wonderful food, and spectacular views, it is first class with superb Catalan and international cuisine. Half board is included and represents excellent value. A comfortable and hospitable bar offers a warm atmosphere for aperitifs.

The levels of service and the quality of the Gastronomic Restaurant, together with an impressive wine cellar outclasses many 5 star hotels in other regions of Spain.

Amenities

The Aigua Blava is more than just a hotel, it is a resort. In June and September half board is offered as a mandatory inclusion, whilst in July and August, a unique full board package is offered.

In the summer one can hire boats from the harbour below the Hotel via reception, to explore the coastline.

Amenities include a secluded pool area with bar, tennis court, parking, outdoors cooking area, hairdressing and beauty salons and useful money changing facilities. Bar and terrace bar, 2 restaurants, table tennis, room service 7 am - 11pm.

Golf

All area courses are between a 15 - 40 minute drive making Hotel Aigua Blava the perfect place to stay during your Catalonian Golf Tour. The excellent golf courses of Pals and Emporda are both approximately 15 minutes driving time, while Girona, PGA Catalunya and Golf dХAro are also within easy reach.

The hotel is closed from early November until end of February

What to See & Where To Go

The closest large cities are Girona and Figueres, and the roads are good and in the main uncluttered

The city of Figueres is the birthplace of the 20th century surrealist painter Salvador Dali, and the Dali museum here is the second most visited museum in Spain. Inaugurated by Dali himself, it is dedicated to his weird and wonderful work and will not fail to delight, surprise and puzzle.

Further south, the beautiful walled city of Girona hosts a number of ancient monuments within its old town. Further afield, beyond Barcelona, is Montserrat, a great mountain of strange rock formations shaped by centuries of wild weather and with one of Catalonia’s most important shrines, the Benedictine Monastery, perched on one side. Although popular with tourists and pilgrims, the Monastery is still inhabited by monks and is a fascinating place. If heights don’t faze you, the approach by cable car is the most dramatic.

You will enjoy a visit to the village of Cadaques, which has traditional white houses, narrow cobbled lanes and arty boutiques. It was made famous by Dali, who live close by, and it was a well-known haunt of artists.

The delightful coastal villages of Llafranc and Tamariu are close by and well worth a visit.

Summary

With clients coming back to the hotel year after year, early booking is essential at the Aigua Blava, because now you have found it, you must try it and discover why it is one of the best kept secrets in Europe

Thai perfumeries with thailand new year traditions

Thai Perfumeries are comprised of several kinds of fragrant cosmetics. In the old days, ladies would wear perfume everyday while men would do in some special occasions. Thai Perfumeries could described into four categories as follows:

1. Water-based perfumeries: Nam-Ob Thai (eau de toilette ) and Nam - Proong (eau de cologne);

2. Oil-based perfumeries : Fragrant oils, Tani oil (thick body oil), and fragrant lip balm;

3. Powdered perfumeries: Fragrant talc, Sarapee talc (siamensis Kosterm), Poung talc, Kra-jae talc, powdered nutmeg, powdered Kamin (Curcuma domestica Valeton), and Juang;

4. Scent chewing herbs: Mak-Hom, Niam leaves, Ganploo (Syzygium aromaticum), and nutmeg.

These perfumeries may be applied together with each other, such as Kar-Jae talc is mixed with Nam - Ob Thai, or individually used such as scent talc for powdering.

Pang-Ram (Scented talc)

Pang-Ram is made of naturally white talcum powder. It is ground into fine particles and mixed with other fragrant herbs or perfumeries, i. e., kameyan, Magrood (lime)’s peel (Citrus hystrix), Chamod ched (Viverricula malaccensis), saffron, alum and red cane sugar.

Ladies would directly powder their skin with dry Pang-ram, or melt it with Nam-Ob Thai before applying it. The Pang-ram could reduce skin irritation caused by heat or pollens. Thai people use Pang-ram after taking bath.

New year traditions

The most obvious celebration of Songkran is the throwing of water. People roam the streets with bowls of water, water guns or even a garden hose, and drench each other and passersby. This, however, is not the heart of this festival. Not many people, even the new generation of Thais, realize that Thai ancestors started this festival to teach their descendants some important things. This festival teaches people to come home to visit their parents, pay respect to them, and usually bring them a small gift. Mother and Father have given to their children so much, and this is the time that children show them that they recognize their parents' favor. People also visit their older neighbors to keep the good relationships and to pay respect to the elders around the neighborhood. For these reasons Songkran days are also considered the family days and the elderly days.

People go to a wat to pray and give food to monks. They also clean Buddha images in temples with water and gentle Thai perfume (น้ำอบไทย), as it is believed that this will bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year. In many cities, such as Chiang Mai, the Buddha statues from all of the wats in the city are paraded through the streets so that people can wash them as they pass by. People carry handfuls of sand to their temple to in order to recompense the dirt that they carry away on their feet during the rest of the year. The sand is then piled into large, tiered piles and decorated with colorful flags. Later in the day, people also do community services. Going to wat and doing community service teach people to give, the most basic way to happiness in Buddhism.

Some people make New Year resolutions - to refrain from bad behaviour and to do more good things. Songkran is a time for cleaning and renewal. Many Thais take this opportunity to give their home a thorough cleaning.

The throwing water part was originated as a way to pay respect to people, by pouring a small amount of lustral water on other people’s hands as a sign of respect. The youths also do it in a more fun way. They splash others with water to relieve the heat, since April is the hottest month in Thailand (temperatures can rise to over 100°F or 40°C on some days). This has changed to water fights and splashing water to people on vehicles, a hallmark of Songkran as tourists know, as Thais assimilate more western cultures and technologies.

The use of plaster is also very common having originated in the plaster used by monks to mark blessings.

Nowadays, the emphasis is placed on fun and water-throwing rather than on the festival's spiritual and religious aspects, which sometimes prompts complaints from traditionalists. In recent years there have been calls to moderate the festival as there are many road accidents and injuries attributed to some extreme behavior - water being thrown in the faces of travelling motorcyclists and elephant riding elders.

Golf like a champion on grand cayman

While Grand Cayman is known for its beaches and underwater activities, golf is becoming an increasing popular sport with locals and tourists alike. The small island now boasts courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, while there are a number of other facilities perfect for golfers of all skill levels looking for a fun way to enjoy an afternoon. After you’ve experienced everything else this remarkable island has to offer, enjoy the Caribbean weather and scenery on one of Grand Cayman’s distinctive golf courses.

Featuring a rare 3-in-1 course designed by Jack Nicklaus, The Grand Cayman Britannia Golf Club is one of the most unique facilities in the world. All the action at the Britannia Golf Club revolves around the 9-hole championship course, a par-35 that rivals some of the best courses in the Caribbean. Making use of additional greens and tee boxes, the 18-hole par-57 executive course is built right into the primary 9-hole course. The most unique option, however, makes use of the exclusive “Golden Bear Cayman Ball.” A restricted-flight ball designed to fly approximately half the distance of a standard golf ball, the Cayman Ball converts the course into a challenging 18-hole 71-par adventure. The Britannia Golf Club currently offers regulation play every day and Cayman-style golf on Mondays and Fridays.

One of the most challenging courses in the Caribbean is Grand Cayman’s own Links at Safe Haven. Designed by Roy Case in 1994, The Links at Safe Haven makes incredible use of the island’s waterfront scenery and prevailing winds. Tucked against the breezy North Sound of the island near Seven Mile Beach, The Links at Safe Haven generally plays longer than its listed 6,605 yards. Constructed as a traditional Scottish links course with a par-71, The Links at Safe Haven features gently rolling hills and elegant open spaces, all set against the backdrop of Grand Cayman’s picturesque coastline. Even if you don’t head out on the course, you can enjoy an afternoon hitting balls on the course’s unique aquatic driving range or sipping cocktails at the open-air bar.

The newest option for golfers on Grand Cayman is the Greg Norman designed Blue Tip. Developed by Norman as a reinterpretation of the 9-hole format, Blue Tip has earned a reputation as a world-class course in just its first year. Though enough land was present to construct a sizable 18-hole course, Norman decided to develop nine spacious and difficult holes for his design – including five lengthy par-fours that play directly into the Caribbean trade winds. By making remarkable use of the undulating coastal landscape, nearly all of Blue Tip’s holes bring the sparkling water, natural mangroves and rocky hazards into play.

If you want to simply spend a pleasant Caribbean afternoon outdoors while swinging the clubs, The Sunrise Family Golf Centre is an affordable option. Featuring a large driving range, large practice greens and an enjoyable 9-hole par-3 course, The Sunrise Family Golf Centre offers plenty of great ways to unwind while on vacation. Measuring approximately 900 yards in length, the par-3 course offers golfers the chance to spend a few relaxing hours amongst the scenery, admiring Grand Cayman’s near-perfect weather. As the name implies, The Sunrise Family Golf Centre is also inviting to children and beginning golfers, yet remains a fun challenge for all skill levels. Golfers can simply show up ready to play and take advantage of low-priced club rentals and other equipment in the friendly clubhouse.

If you are unsure about where to play golf on Grand Cayman, ask the concierge at your resort for recommendations. In addition to possible discounts for guests, you will be able to find transportation to the golf course of your choice and schedule tee times with the help of your resort.

Looking for a massage colorado

Colorado has many things to offer, and to end it all up you may need a massage Colorado. With such a wide variety of things to do and take in while you are in Colorado you may wan tot consider the advantages of having a massage don while you are there. Whether it is business or pleasure that you are there for you will find the things that you want to do and the right massage to meet your needs. Everyone should be able to get the massage that they need while they are in Colorado. Whether it is from spending a long day of skiing on the slopes or if you have just had a very stressful business meeting; finding a massage to manage your stress and pain should not be very challenging at all if you know what you want.

There are a wide variety of massages that are available in Colorado depending on your needs of course. If you have been participating in a sporting event you may be interested in receiving a sports massage. Of course you may be looking to do this to prepare you for your event or you may be looking to receive a massage following the event to aid you in the recovery process so that you can more quickly recover. What if you just need some stress relief fro the day. Then you would want to consider a Swedish massage. This massage will give you the relief you need as it helps to push the toxins and lactic acid out of your muscle groups to make them feel more relaxed and you stress free. There is the deep tissue massage which can be used to aid in relieving severe muscle aches and pains and in keeping you limber and relaxed. Of course if you are suffering from headaches you may look into receiving a head massage in order to provide you with relief that you need to keep your thoughts and mind clear. Whatever your massage need is you will be able to fill them in Colorado.

However one needs to be wary when shopping for a massage. First of all make sure you know what kind of a massage you are looking to get. Also look into what type of establishment you will be visiting when you go to get your massage. You want to go to a place that is clean and has a reputation that is well known for being good throughout the community. Make sure that the place employs people who have been schooled in the art of massage and is just not hiring people off of the street to fill needs. Look into whether or not they have any complaints filed against them as that should be a red flag to indicate that you should not be going there. Essentially do your research and pick the establishment that will do the best job for you. Remember you are there to relax, not to stress out over the type of massage facility that you are going to.

Hello from austria classical music hiking summer tobogganing two delicious backyard feasts ii

At 9:30 am I went to visit Klaudia, one of my best friends from high school, at her parent’s house. Our other school mate Doris was already there and it was great to see both of them again, more than 23 years after we graduated from high school. After the initial hugs and kisses and how-are-yous we started walking onto the local hill, the Weizberg. Our stroll took us through the local cemetery where we admired a very famous grave: the last resting place of Aurelia Schwarzenegger, Arnold’s mother, who was a long-time resident of Weiz.

Klaudia even mentioned that her father happened to encounter Mrs. Schwarzenegger at the cemetery a number of years ago, but she had collapsed due to a heart attack. My friend’s father called the ambulance which gave her emergency treatment and took her to the hospital. She passed away shortly after and Arnold Schwarzenegger sent a thank you letter to the ambulance employees as well as to Klaudia’s father, to thank him for getting help for his mother. Proof that in this town real celebrity connections are just steps away…

Right next to the church is the so-called “Krдutergarten” (herb garden) that was created by a group of local residents (including Klaudia’s mom) that features a wide variety of local herbs, many of which are used in the regional cuisine. Then we took the romantic stairs down the hill, a pathway that we had walked many times as children. Our local stroll took us past our former high school, where we discussed fond memories of our school years.

One of the highlights of our high school careers were two choir trips to Germany, to our partner school in Offenburg, where the two school choirs jointly performed classical songs. We most fondly recalled the actual concert where for the finale both school choirs appeared together to jointly sing the last song. Screaming our lungs out among 120 singers from two different countries was an exhilarating experience, and not surprisingly my passions for cross-cultural exchanges were kindled at an early age.

After our return to Klaudia’s parents Doris left and the rest of us started preparing a hearty meal, and I, by no means gifted in the kitchen, donned the apron and started cutting and chopping whatever needed to be done. (Good thing I was not in charge of any really important tasks…) Klaudia’s mom whipped up a delicious meal for 10+ people in next to no time and we soon sat down in the garden to have some Austrian specialties: we savoured a “Brцselknцdelsuppe” (breadcrumb dumplings in a clear beef broth), stuffed green peppers and delicious mashed potatoes with caramelized onions.

Given this delicious yet substantial calory injection, we had to do a work-out and decided to do a hike up onto the Schцckel, at over 1400 m the highest local mountain. Around 2 pm we met up with Doris again and all three of us broke out our Nordic walking poles and we attacked the mountain from its steepest side. Doris, an experienced hiker, led the group at a rather hellish pace, and the two of us clambered behind her. Some areas were so steep we had to use our hands to brace ourselves climbing up between the rocks. But our walking sticks definitely aided in the ascent and about an hour later we were rewarded with an astounding 360 degree view over the Styrian hills and mountains.

The Schцckel is also referred to as the “Grazer Hausberg” or local mountain of Graz, and we had great views down into the Styrian capital and the Mur Valley. To the south the Austrian and Slovenian plains were stretching out, looking east and right saw the foothills of Eastern and Western Styria, and to the north we took in the panorama of the more imposing mountains of the Styrian Alps. We also saw several ramps for hang-gliders, a popular activity in this region.

We walked past some peaceful cows that were grazing on the mountain pastures and reached the summit area which is the location of the upper station of the cable car, of a couple of restaurants and a summer tobogganing course. The weather today was brilliant and many serious hikers, mountain bikers and tourists were congregating at the mountain top. We were quite fascinated by the summer tobogganing and Doris suggested that I should try it.

Well, I have always been a bit of a daredevil and she did not have to say it twice. She even sprang for my Euro 2.50 round, and a couple of minutes later I was sitting in the steel “buggy of death”, ready for my hair-raising descent down the serpentine curves of the course. Actually, the ride was a lot tamer than I expected, and I only occasionally pulled the brakes, but it was still an very entertaining experience. I figured if I did it again I would probably try to go down the course without breaking at all.

Once the lift had pulled my buggy back up to the summit plateau we started walking past the Stubenberghaus, a large mountain restaurant and inn, towards the summit cross which provides a beautiful view northwards into the mountainous area of Upper Styria. I have always loved mountains, and to see peak after peak after peak was just a great experience. We then started hiking back to the car and our trek back down was considerably easier than the torturous climb up. We stopped at Doris’ beautiful country house on the way back where we admired her recently created garden pond and her new dog. Equipped with some gorgeous ripe Styrian peaches from Doris’ family’s farm we returned to Weiz and I dropped Klaudia off.

About an hour later we reunited when Klaudia, her husband and two children, her parents, her sister Andrea and her daughters Nina and Katja arrived at my brother’s place. Tonight we would all get together for a great barbecue, and my brother Ewald, the passionate chef, had a few special treats waiting for us. Anneliese, my sister-in-law, had been helping all afternoon with the preparations.

After some initial chit-chatting we started off with a savoury vegetable soup, and then my brother started preparing the main course: 13 whole artic chars were waiting to be grilled in a large pan on an open fire. Ewald had already been marinating the fish in a special blend of herbs and spices the whole day. Tender young potatoes were to accompany the fish, and a solid Styrian salad with pumpkin seed oil rounded out the main course. A scrumptious raspberry parfait provided the sweet final note to our culinary symphony.

So despite a bit of rainy weather yesterday, I had had a fantastic couple of days which included classical music, hiking, a reunion with good friends and an amazing array of gastronomic delicacies. Now there is only one more full day left of my trip to Austria, and tomorrow we will explore one of the medieval treasures of Styria: the Riegersburg, a massive fortress on a basaltic outcrop dating back to the 10th century, often referred to as the “strongest fortress of Christianity” because it was never conquered.

Indulge yourself at perugia s famous eurochocolate festival

Perugia's Eurochocolate Festival, an annual event that is famous throughout the world, is the most popular chocolate festival in Europe. Chocolate is big business in Umbria and Italy, with annual sales of 350 million euros. Consumption has doubled over the past 10 years, rising from two to four kilos per year, per person – and is still growing!

This year’s festival, ChocolAge, runs from 13–21 October 2007. Each year a new theme is developed, and commercial, educational and cultural activities are planned around the theme. For nine delightful days, Perugia in Umbria is transformed into a chocolate lovers dream – a fantastic occasion to discover and enjoy the highly celebrated Umbrian hospitality.

More than a million chocoholics visit this beautiful city each year, to sample chocolate delights from all over Europe. You can scramble with the locals for free trimmings as chocolate artists carve huge sculptures out of the massive metre-high blocks of dark chocolate placed around Piazza IV Novembre. Join special guided tours of the city, peruse the many exhibitions and live demonstrations, and enjoy the numerous and generous free tastings, when samples of chocolate from all over the world, including Vietnam, Cuba, Bolivia and Papua New Guinea, are handed out on special trowels.

If you enjoy shopping, the city’s charming promenades are filled with vendors – more than 700 booths offer an incredible array of goodies made with chocolate – pasta, salami, liquors, cheeses, desserts, drinks and a vast array of pastries, cakes and candies, and much more.

During the festival, Perugia also hosts numerous educational and cultural events – cooking classes, banquets, chocolate theatre, a chocolate cooking competition by top chefs, and finally the much-anticipated Eurochocolate Awards. The many seminars and talks will increase your knowledge about this delectable favourite and afterward you will have no doubt about chocolate’s distinct nutritional and dietary benefits.

You can also take part in informative and lively forums that highlight the production of cocoa as a sustainable industry for third world nations. The festival has a special area that features certified Fair Trade cocoa products, made from cocoa that was bought from Third World farmers at a fair price. This cocoa was produced with full respect for workers’ rights and grown in an environmentally friendly way. Most Italian artisan chocolate makers use cocoa with the Fair Trade certification.

If you need some exercise to work off all that overindulgence, there are excellent tennis courts in the city and plenty of places to walk and cycle. Around Perugia, you will see some of the region's most innovative architecture – the Renaissance-era Rocca Paolina Fortress, the Priori Palace and beautiful churches such as the Duomo San Lorenzo and the Basilica of San Domenico. For the more adventurous, there is plenty of climbing, trekking, rafting, canoeing and kayaking in the hills nearby.

If you are more into relaxation, you will enjoy the aromatherapy sessions that utilise cocoa and chocolate facemasks. The Eurochocolate festival also showcases the latest in chocolate beauty treatments – and some are free. What a fantastic way to top off nine days of celebrating the ‘food of the gods’.

Perugia is Umbria's capital city, known as the ‘green heart of Italy’, and the area, with its fascinating array of mediaeval towns and hilltop villages, is a popular tourist destination. The city is 175 km from Rome and 150 km from Florence and is easily accessed by road and train. Inexpensive flights are also available from Rome and Florence. You can hire a car at the airport and train station, but be sure to book well in advance as this is a very popular festival.

Las vegas a wondrous playland part 2

Exploring Some of the Main Sights of Las Vegas

Throughout the city, impressive Vegas show presentations bring can-can dancers and the Cirque du Soleil to the forefront. Magicians and spectacular animal shows entertain the masses, as dolphins jump into flight and big cats, such as white tigers fascinate the curious. At the Madame Tusand wax museum, you can view your favorite famous personalities, as life-like presentations are sure to fool to eye. Many tourists enjoy a ride aboard the Desert Princess Boat Tour, while others wish to give into a shopper’s delight, browsing about the many designer labels, kooky jewelry, and interesting souvenirs that the city has to offer. Below you will find some of the most popular sights to consider when visiting Las Vegas:

Fremont Street Experience

425 Fremont St

When visiting this attraction, you will come across two million lights, as well as an impressive sound system. If you’re lucky, you might be able to catch the filming of a major motion picture.

Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

3400 Las Vegas Blvd South

At this site, a variety of animals can be found, including elephants, panthers and leopards. You should seek out the Mirage Hotel Casino in order to take advantage of this experience.

Gondola Rides at the Venetian

3355 Las Vegas Blvd South

Honeymooners and those who are in-love will surely enjoy a romantic gondola ride that visits sights, such as the Grand Canal Shoppes by the Venetian Hotel Casino.

Star Trek: The Experience

3000 Paradise Road

Trekkie fans may enjoy this attraction at the Las Vegas Hilton, which presents exhibits involving popular characters, as well as more than 200 Star Trek-related items.

Lion Habitat

3799 Las Vegas Blvd South

Located at the MGM Grand, you will have the chance to view the King of the Jungle as they interact with one another within their own natural habitat.

Wet 'n Wild

2601 Las Vegas Blvd South

When traveling with the family, the children may enjoy what some consider one of the greatest water parks throughout the nation. Throughout the year, this site also holds entertaining events, such as the Miss Hawaiian Tropic Pageant.

Bellagio Fountains

3600 Las Vegas Blvd South

Bring your cameras to capture this awesome water display, which offers water jets that enter 240 feet into the air. Additional features include choreographed lights, as well as relaxing classical music.

Guinness World of Records Museum

2780 Las Vegas Blvd South

As you explore the many interesting hands-on displays, you will also learn of many individual and team record-breaking feats through a self-guided tour.

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art

3600 Las Vegas Blvd South

Art lovers will enjoy the many sculptures and paintings hailing from late 19th and 20th century artists, including original Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh works of art.

Booking an alicante car rental

An Alicante car rental is the most convenient way to travel around the Costa Blanca. Nine rental companies operate at the Alicante airport: Altesa, Aruiga, Avis, Centauro, Europa, Euopcar, Hertz, Record and Solmar. Compare deals and availability with several different companies to get the best rate.

The companies are located just outside the arrival area. They are grouped together and are easy to find when you arrive at the airport. Spend some time getting the feel of the car in the airport before you venture out onto the main roads.

Booking an Alicante Car Rental

Book your car hire before you leave home to be sure you get the best deal on the car you want. Consider reserving a vehicle around the time you book your flight. The summer is the busy season on the Costa Blanca and rentals at this time tend to fill up fast. Also, the earlier you start looking, the better deal you are likely to find.

You can reserve your vehicle directly with the company, through a travel agent or on the internet. In some cases, travel agents offer deals with vacation packages. These packages can include flights, hotel and car rental. Compare the overall cost of packages with the cost of reserving each part of your trip separately.

The internet is a great resource for finding a car rental. In many cases, better deals can be found online. Finding the best price will require you to spend some time researching and comparing deals through each company. Some websites allow you to compare rental companies to find the best price.

Consider where you will pick up and drop off your rental. In many cases, there isn’t a big difference in cost between renting at the airport or in cities, such as Benidorm or Torrevieja. Check the cost of airport rentals or in town rentals. In some cases, it is cheaper to rent in town. In this case, most companies will provide transportation to and from the airport.

Alicante Car Rental Extras

There are certain extras that you may be interested in having with your Alicante car hire. Some may be included in the package, but many are available for an additional charge. Become familiar with the typical extras to get what you want in your rental.

Additional drivers on the car may cost extra. If you won’t be the only person driving the vehicle, ask about this. You may have to pay more. Some companies do include one extra driver. Be sure all drivers are listed on the rental agreement. Each driver must sign papers when the car is picked up.

Infant or child safety seats are the law in Spain. You can rent these with your car. Reserve a seat when you book the vehicle. Otherwise, they may run out of seats. Be sure the seat you reserve is appropriate for the age and weight of your child. You will pay an additional fee for this service.

Another option is to bring your car seat from home. It’s a bit more of a hassle to carry the seat with you. However, you will be sure the seat fits and is comfortable for your child, and you won’t need to pay additional fees. This may be worth the added inconvenience of carrying the seat with you on your trip.

Air conditioning may not be available in all vehicles. If you are renting a car in the summer, you will want air conditioning. It gets very hot in the Alicante area in the summer. Air in the car will make a big difference in comfort.

Venice on the shores of fort lauderdale - fort lauderdale travel information

Twenty-three miles north of Miami on the subtropical Atlantic Coast, Fort Lauderdale is a sophisticated resort destination as well as the yachting and cruise capital of the world. There are numerous options for airfare to Fort Lauderdale with three major airports in the area that service the city: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, Miami International, and Palm Beach International.

Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” for its intricate network of canals and Florida’s deepest port, Port Everglades, which makes this beach city a major hub for the boating industry. The canals offer a twist to sightseeing, with many water taxis and aquatic city tours. From the sea you can catch a glimpse of Florida’s most beautiful waterfront mansions that line the bays and canals. Also, Fort Lauderdale’s proximity to the Bahamas and Caribbean makes tropical cruise travel extraordinarily convenient out of Port Everglades.

Fort Lauderdale’s Fine and Funky Enclaves

Travel to Fort Lauderdale is diverse and eclectic due to the city’s various districts, each with its own personality and character. The Strip, or Fort Lauderdale Beach, was put on the map as a Spring Break mecca during the 1970s and 80s due to the film Where the Boys Are. Elbo Room, the famous spring break bar that was featured in the film, is still standing today at the corner of Las Olas Blvd. and A1A. That intersection may not be as wild today, but its ocean breeze and string of lively bars and restaurants still attracts spring breakers and local beach-goers alike.

Further down Las Olas Blvd. in Downtown, the entertainment district has experienced a major rebirth, attracting waves of locals and visitors alike. Enjoy an evening at the Broward Center for the Performing arts and then wander by the many new restaurants and shops lining the boulevard. This area is also home to Fort Lauderdale’s museums, including the Museum of Art and the Museum of Discovery and Science as well as some historical exhibits covering the Native American and European settler history of Fort Lauderdale. Just to the north, Wilton Manors is a very popular gay and lesbian community within Fort Lauderdale, packed with lively bars, blaring nightclubs and all inclusive resorts. Whatever your orientation may be, this place is certainly worth a visit.

Get In and Get Out

Travel to Fort Lauderdale and experience all of what the southeast Floridian coast has to offer. The city is conveniently close to Miami’s South Beach resorts, clubs and restaurants and just a short drive to the expansive biodiversity of Florida’s Everglades. Additionally, booking your airfare to Fort Lauderdale today will get you that much closer to a luxurious Bahamas or Florida Keys vacation. Treat yourself to a tropical getaway right here in the United States.

An overview of midtown manhattan

Midtown Manhattan contains the most popular tourist destinations in New York City and is the single busiest commercial district in the United States. This section of New York City includes the area between 14th Street and 59th Street from the East River to the Hudson River; the “heart” of Midtown is from 31st Street to 59th Street between Third and Ninth Avenues.

Manhattan was originally settled by the Lenape. In 1624, a permanent European presence settled on the island; one of the Dutch East India Company’s explorers, Henry Hudson, was the first to successfully map the region. The land was named Fort Amsterdam and the natives sold it for $24; 1625 is now recognized as the birth date of New York City. The British conquered the settlement in 1664 and renamed it “New York” after the English Duke of York. From January 11, 1785 to the Fall of 1788, New York City was one of the capitals of the country under the Articles of Confederation; New York was America’s fist capital city under our Declaration of Independence.

The nineteenth century population explosion made Midtown Manhattan the center of commerce for the entire area. During the Great Depression and between the World Wars, Midtown saw a lot of art deco buildings erected, in particular, the Empire State Building, which was the tallest building in the world at that time. Today, it is the tallest building in New York after the demise of the World Trade Centers, and the second tallest building in the country.

Today’s Midtown includes a variety of vibrant, eclectic neighborhoods: Gramercy, a relatively quiet area; Hell’s Kitchen, which figured prominently in New York City’s organized crime; Chelsea, a very gay-friendly area and a center of art and night life; Murray Hill, formerly a stiff and professional area, recently becoming a nightlife haven; Turtle Bay, where the UN Headquarters is located; Rockefeller Center, site of the famous Christmas tree, the Theatre District, famous for the many Broadway theatres in the area; the Meatpacking District, once an undesirable location is now one of the hottest nightclub spots in Manhattan; Koreatown, affectionately called “K-Town” by the locals; Times Square is one of the busiest tourist destinations in the entire world; the Garment District, the center for fashion design and manufacturing; and Herald Square, a hub for retail shopping.

Most of the famous New York City tourist attractions are located in Midtown Manhattan: The Museum of Modern Art, or the MoMA, is one of the foremost museums of modern art in the world. The largest gothic-style Catholic Church in the United States is St. Patrick’s Cathedral, located on Madison Avenue. Nearby is high-end retailer Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship store. Legendary concerts and sporting events happen nightly at Madison Square Garden. The New York Public Library, one of the world’s best research institutions, has various locations throughout Midtown. Midtown Manhattan is absolutely packed with restaurants, bars, and just about anything for individuals of all ages.

Midtown Manhattan is a bustling metropolis for both tourists and locals. It’s easy to navigate and you’re never far from a museum, world-class shopping and dining, or family attractions. Midtown offers a colorful, vibrant slice of New York life that you can’t afford to miss.

Learning spanish part six more on conversation classes

Think about this very seriously for a moment. If you have children, just think what degree of spoken fluency your child had when you first packed him off to first grade. Think of all he could understand and say before he ever started his formal education. When your child was 6 years old, he or she had already achieved a high degree of spoken fluency and you didn’t have to enroll him in a “Total Immersion” course in order for him to achieve fluency. He could understand and use prepositions and other parts of speech long before he ever learned what a “part of speech” even was.

Long before learning what the names of the parts of speech were, he learned to ride the horse. He achieved spoken fluency. Then, once a high degree of spoken fluency was achieved, he hooked that horse up to the cart. He learned formal grammar.

This is why traditionally-taught foreign language courses do not work to give you a high degree of spoken fluency. It is because they put the cart (traditionally-taught grammar) before the horse (high degree of spoken fluency in the target language). The horse pulls the cart. The cart is inert and lifeless alone. It cannot move without the horse.

Does this not make sense? Is this an epiphany? I remember when this light bulb came on in my head. I recall how mad I got at how much time and effort I wasted in my days at the university trying to learn Spanish. I passed the courses. I could translate written text but could not speak Spanish.

Where I live in Mexico, there are scores of so-called Total Immersion Spanish schools. These are built on the same traditional methods. The real kicker is that are all taught in Spanish. If you cannot speak one word of Spanish and come here expecting the miracle of something called Total Immersion instruction to magically work, you will be sadly mistaken.

Can you imagine the horror?

This is another common “myth” about learning a second language. For those who finally figure out that the traditionally-taught language courses are not working, they are told they must engage in something called Total Immersion in the country where the target language is spoken.

Ok, back to critical thinking. If traditionally-taught second language instruction is, by design, unable to teach you a high degree of spoken fluency through its boring process, just imagine going through the process when the instruction is given entirely in Spanish.

I haven’t the slightest notion how this idea came into being. Haven’t you heard this pitch?

“You can’t learn Spanish here in the States. You’ve got to go to Mexico to get into Total Immersion.”

This notion, I am convinced, was born as the result of someone figuring out that teaching foreign languages in America using the traditional method wasn’t working. Someone saw that the process designed to teach you how to be a good interpreter of written text in the target language wasn’t working to give you spoken fluency. So, they concluded you would have to travel to the country of the target language and spend a fortune to do so. Then the magic of a so-called Total Immersion program, based in another country, would transform you into a native speaker.

If the process wasn’t working in the States, then what made someone think that it would magically work in the target language’s county? Especially when the course is taught all in Spanish. It is a small wonder why less than 9% of Americans are fluent in any foreign language.

Let me make the point that coming to a Spanish-speaking country can be a very smart thing to do once you’ve developed a high degree of spoken fluency.

To start with the cart (formal grammatical instruction—the cart) cannot do a thing for you without the horse (spoken fluency) to pull the cart. Remember, as children we learned first how to climb on the horse long before we ever learned there was a cart to pull. Don’t forget the Mexican nationals in the resort towns who managed to learn how to climb on the horse without the benefit of a cart.

This is so essential to understand. To learn Spanish, you have to use the same natural, fluid method you used to learn your native language. You have to use the same method to learn Spanish that you used to learn your native tongue. Never lose sight of this fact. Bilingual Mexicans, too poor to afford English lessons, do this all the time to learn English. More than half of all of Europeans learn this way and most are fluent in multiple languages.

Listen up, America. Learn to use the correct, natural method and you too can become bilingual. You do not have to attend formal classes or spend a fortune to study in another country. It is possible, right now, to begin acquiring a high degree of spoken fluency in Spanish.

First, it is the horse you must seek. Then, later comes the cart.

NEXT: How to Begin

Top tips for traveling abroad on a budget

When most people think of vacations, especially traveling abroad, the first thing that comes to mind is their inability to afford a vacation. While it certainly makes sense to save up as much money as you can before jetting off, there are a few ways that you can lessen your expenses and enjoy your vacation without breaking your budget.

Saving on accommodation

While the thought of staying in top-class accommodation can be appealing, the reality is that you’ll probably be doing little more than sleeping and showering there. It makes sense then to spend a little less on accommodation so you have more to spend on other things.

Group tours

Group tours are often equated with young people who end up spending more time in the local pubs than anywhere else. Don’t underestimate them, though – group tours (and there are many that don’t require you to be young and single!) have a number of advantages.

-Meeting new people

-All-inclusive costs – many tours include meals and hotel transfers, which is convenient as well as possibly saving money.

-Seeing attractions you otherwise wouldn’t. Most group tours are geared towards fitting in as many sight-seeing opportunities as possible - which you may not have had time to see if you had to find your own way around, or may not have even known about!

Make use of public transport

As well as allowing you to become familiar with your surroundings and get your bearings, making use of public transport (even if it’s just in and around the city centre) to go short distances is much cheaper than hiring a car or catching cabs.

Use travel guides

Any good bookshop will stock travel guides for many of the main countries and cities of the world. These often include details of free or cheap attractions, inexpensive accommodation and where to dine on a budget.

Don’t underestimate discount tourist attractions

When it comes to tourist attractions, cheap (or even free!) doesn’t have to equal boring. Options such as exploring botanical gardens, markets and landmarks can be a relaxing way to spend your ‘down time’.

While there are many ways that you can trim your budget, the above tips are a good place to start. If you are sensible and open-minded, it really is possible to enjoy a decent overseas holiday without throwing your budget out the window.

Hello from vancouver- part 1 - arrival in vancouver

I left beautiful Victoria early yesterday morning at 8 am and took the Pacific Coachlines bus/ferry combination back to the mainland. It was another gorgeous day and I spent the entire ferry ride on the top deck soaking in the scenery and the sunshine. At about 11:30 I exited at Broadway and Cambie as the bus driver had advised me and caught the 99B bus to the University of British Columbia campus and arrived about a half an hour later. First I found the student union building where I picked up a bus map and a campus guide. Then I asked my way to the student residence where I was staying and checked myself into a comfortable reasonably priced student room that is part of a 6-unit apartment at a very affordable C$38.00 a night.

After dumping my luggage and getting changed I had a few hours until check-in for the Servas conference and I decided to use the time by renting a bicycle at the local university bicycle co-op to explore the area on 2 wheels. I rented a mountainbike and started heading west to North West Marine Drive which is the road that is parallel to the coastline, but the view to the ocean is obscured by dense forest. In various areas trails and steps lead down to to Spanish Bay.

I then cycled eastwards and found a beautiful lookout spot from where I could see the mouth of the Burrard Inlet and the mountains of North Vancouver. The university grounds in this area have several mansions that are surrounded by gorgeous flowers and this is a just a superbly scenic area. From there I took NW Marine Drive down towards Spanish Banks and kept cycling eastwards past Locarno Beach and Jericho Beach which is a recreational paradise. The water level was quite low, however, and people had to walk out quite a while over the sand to reach deeper water. After a couple of hectic days I figured I deserved about an hour of downtime and bought myself an icecream which I savoured sitting at a bench while observing the action on the beach.

Of course after this little respite I had to cycle all the way back up, which ended up not being as bad as expected. The campus of the University of British Columbia (UBC) is a beautiful facility. It is very expansive with a large number of mordern buildings interspersed by green zones and parkland. UBC is home to about 45,000 students and it is the 3rd largest university in Canada. The UBC Campus is also the home of the world-renowned UBC Museum of Anthropology, the Nitobe Memorial Gardens, the UBC Botanical Garden as well as the Rose Garden & Chan Centre. The First Nations Longhouse serves as a gathering place for native students and features sculpted log poles and various pieces of First Nations art. UBC also houses the largest university bookstore in Canada as well as the Astronomical Observatory, located beside the UBC Geophysical Observatory which monitors earthquake activity.

My first outing on the bike gave me the lay of the land and a first glimpse at the Vancouver skyline which certainly has one of the most stunning locations of any large city I have ever seen. I am glad I had a bit of a chance to explore it before I return back to the student residence to get ready for the Servas Conference.

For the entire article including photos please visit

travelandtransitions. com/stories_photos/hello_vancouver_1.htm

Hawaii vacations - is a cruise the best way to experience hawaii

Hawaii is an incredible vacation destination packed with pristine beaches, lush tropical rain forests, gorgeous waterfalls and spectacular volcanoes. For the average person, with so much to see and so little time to see it on their one or two week vacation, planning an unforgettable Hawaiian vacation can be a challenge. For that reason and others, Hawaiian cruises have become one of the more popular Hawaii vacations, especially for those who have not yet experienced the islands.

To help you decide whether or not a cruise is the best choice for your Hawaiian vacation, we’ve outlined some of the pros and cons that you should consider:

Pros:

• Cruises take all of the hard work out of planning for your Hawaii vacations. As with all cruises, planning meals, entertainment, and logistics become somebody else’s concern - not yours! All you have to worry about is getting yourself to the ship.

• A cruise can be one of the most time-efficient and cost-effective ways to explore all of the major islands in one trip. Most cruise companies make sure that at least three islands are built into your cruise itinerary. The ship generally travels while you are asleep, so you save valuable beach time, as well as the airfare you would have spent to fly between islands

• Hawaii cruise vacations ensure that you’ll get the opportunity to sample the local cuisine and participate in a traditional Hawaiian Luau. The downside to most Hawaiian cruises is that you eat the majority of your meals on the boat.

• Nightlife on Hawaiian cruises generally tends to trump the quiet scene onshore. If you’re bringing the kids or just like to live it up at night, a cruise could be the way to go.

Cons:

• Sightseeing on cruise ships is limited to the time you spend on shore each day. Some of the best sight seeing requires at least a full day trip, which often is not possible from a cruise ship.

• Although Hawaii is beautiful, its ports unfortunately are not. If first impressions tend to color your impression of a place, this might be a reason to avoid a cruise on your Hawaii vacations.

• On a cruise, you’ll miss out on some of Hawaii’s great dining options. That said, the food on most Hawaiian cruises is not too shabby!

Now that you’ve got some of the pros and cons behind taking a cruise for future Hawaii vacations, you can choose whether or night a Hawaiian cruise would give you the best Hawaiian vacation experience.

Here’s our suggestion:

Whether or not you’re a first timer to the islands, combine a cruise package with a few nights on land. That way, you can experience the best of both worlds with your Hawaii vacations.

Traveling to torrevieja from the alicante airport

Torrevieja, Spain is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the province of Alicante. It is about thirty miles south of the city of Alicante within the area of Spain known as the Costa Blanca, or “The White Coast.” Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada are in the most southern tip of the Alicante province before you enter the province of Murcia. The nearest airport to Torrevieja is the Alicante International Airport, or called the Altet, which is the main airport for this area. It has great flights from all over the world, and especially for those flying in from England. If you were to use car hire services once you arrive at the airport, reaching your hotel or accommodation in Torrevieja should only take you about thirty minutes. The highway N-332 heading south will take you to the city, but if you prefer not to drive there are busses available to take you to Torrevieja as well as other towns and cities. Some hotels even offer an airport pick-up service. Of course, the taxi is always an option if you prefer not to drive yet still want to enjoy the scenery on the way to your hotel.

Leaving Torrevieja on the highway C-332, you will find that you are heading toward the Natural Park of the Lagoons of the Mata. If you want to visit this park, it is highly recommended that you get information and book a date to visit in advance since only thirty-five people are allowed at a time. The most interesting fauna are the birds such as the stone curlew, diving birds, storks, eagles and avocets. Salt baths, which became popular in the 19th century, are another great treat you can partake in while at the park. They are recommended for some illnesses such as arthritis as well as skin diseases.

Though Torrevieja itself has a lot to offer and plenty to do, it is also well worth your time to take an excursion up the Costa Blanca and visit Santa Pola outside of Alicante. You can then travel to Benidorm for a day of theme parks, or to the towns of Altea and Javea. Of course, you cannot miss the beautiful beaches of the Costa Blanca. Enjoy a day soaking up the sun, enjoying the warm water and beautiful surroundings at Torrevieja and so many other cities along Spain’s eastern coastline. Make the most of your vacation experience.