Tourist Information
Archive for June, 2010
When Adoptees Seek Family on Facebook
01 year ago
by admin
in Special Interest Travel
When Adoptees Seek Family on Facebook
As adoption becomes more open, Facebook, social media present new questions. Facebook – Social media – Adoption – Social network – Family
Read more on ABC News
Fall Festivities Abound in the Great Smoky Mountains
01 year ago
by admin
in Special Interest Travel
One of the best (and busiest!) times to visit the Great Smoky Mountains is during the month of October – the peak season for fall foliage when the Great Smoky Mountains National Park comes alive with a brilliant blaze of red, orange and yellow leaves, as well as fresh, crisp mountain air. Some of the best fall colors can be viewed along Newfound Gap Road, the scenic 32-mile stretch of U. S. 441 that winds the the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina.
An abundance of festivals and special events also take place throughout the Smokies during the autumn months. For example, the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival, which runs until October 31, 2007, features live entertainment, old-fashioned hayrides, local crafts and more. Dollywood’s National Gospel & Harvest Celebration, which takes place from October 5 to November 3, 2007, offers the best in Southern gospel music, along with the talents of more than 100 craftspeople. Named as one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeastern United States” by the Southeast Tourism Society, the 32nd-annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair (October 11-28, 2007) boasts over 200 talented artists and craftspeople in the areas of pottery, woodworking, broommaking, stained glass, basketmaking and more. Old-fashioned Hayrides depart approximately every 45 minutes from the Mountain Mall at Traffic Light #6 in downtown Gatlinburg Sunday through Thursday from 5 PM to 9 PM until December 1, 2007.
In addition, fall is the perfect time to drive through the 8-5-mile loop that comprises the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, which contains numerous studios, shops and galleries. Founded in 1937, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community has evolved into the country’s largest organization of independent artisans. Mountain crafts that can be purchased here include woodcarving, pottery, quilting, painting, weaving, candlemaking, broommaking and more. The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community lies just 3 miles from downtown Gatlinburg on U. S. 321 North.
The fall traveler can choose from either resorts, hotels and motels convenient to downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, or rustic cabins and chalets nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. Most cabins provide spectacular views, along with such amenities as bubbling hot tubs, fully equipped kitchens, vaulted ceilings, outdoor decks and wood-burning fireplaces.
“With great weather, colorful foliage, a multitude of lively festivals and a diversity of accommodation choices, the Great Smoky Mountains provide the perfect fall vacation destination,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp. com. “And by purchasing discount vacation packages, hotels and attraction tickets online, you and you family can enjoy substantial savings on your fall getaway to the Smokies. ”
Escape to the Smokies, the most comprehensive online guide to the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, also provides discount Smoky Mountains attraction tickets, Smoky Mountains discount hotels and Smoky Mountains discount vacation packages.
an1 been to kenya?? thinking of goin there any advice. ?
41 year ago
by admin
in Special Interest Travel
im planning to go to kenya this holidays. an1 give me a good way to spend 2 weeks in kenya to the best way possible. i love adventure and anything to do wid nature. an1 knws about mara, naivasha or samburu as i was planning to visit these places. ?
Nov. 4th (obama victory) is now national holiday in Kenya?
51 year ago
by admin
in Special Interest Travel
CNN just said that kenya has declared nov. 4th a national holiday because of obama’s kenyan ancestry. How do you feel other countries are so happy with obama’s victory
Walking in the Canary Islands
01 year ago
by admin
in Special Interest Travel
They may be better known as beach holiday destinations, but there are plenty of excellent opportunities for walking in the Canary Islands. With their beautiful volcanic landscapes, scenic mountains, and diverse natural wildlife, you can experience some truly spectacular routes on your Canary Islands walking holiday.
Each of the individual islands has something different to offer – here’s an overview of what to expect on each of the five islands. . .
Tenerife
Famed for its black beaches, Tenerife’s volcanic landscape is a walker’s paradise that sees relatively few visitors – ideal for those who like their peace and quiet whilst hiking! The scenery ranges from dramatic ravines to thick forests and rocky coastal paths, with the Adeje and Anaga Mountains providing some of the best walking country on the island. The centrepiece of any walking holiday in Tenerife will likely be Mount Teide – at 3,718m in height, the volcano is the highest mountain in Spain. Whether you manage to get to the top of it or simply walk in its shadow, it is an unforgettable and awe inspiring sight.
La Gomera
If you are interested in a Canary Islands walking holiday, La Gomera is likely to be the first place you will consider visiting – it is famed as having the best walking routes of all the islands. The verdant valleys are the main highlight of La Gomera, and as you are walking, listen and see if you can hear Silbo Gomera – the strange whistling language, unique to the island, which was devised by the natives to communicate in the valleys! ( before mobile phones of course)
Gran Canaria
The appeal of walking in Gran Canaria, known as the miniature continent,
is the sheer diversity of its landscape. The island is home to numerous micro climates, which mean that you can be walking in an alpine meadow in the morning and then a sub tropical valley in the afternoon! The central Cumbre mountain range provides most of the best walking on the island.
Lanzarote
The striking volcanic scenery on Lanzarote can be truly out “of this world”, and Timanfaya National Park is the best place to see the lava fields, salt marshes and volcanic cones that dominate the surreal landscape. The coast of Lanzarote also provides some wonderful walking opportunities, with the northern coastline being more rocky and rugged and the south coast offering sandy beaches and gentle hills. Some of the best walking routes give you the best of both worlds, beginning up in the mountains and ending on the coast for a welcome rest.
La Palma
Famous for its pine forests, charming villages, and dramatic volcanic ranges, this island presents plenty of opportunities for great walking. The must see sight on this island is The Caldera de Taburiente National Park. With the colossal crater-like mountain arch Caldera de Taburiente stretching 10km across, the park is rife with excellent walking routes through stunning scenery.
Whether you want to explore volcanic craters, lush mountain valleys, or striking coastal walks, you are sure to find the experience you are after on a Canary Islands walking holiday!
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. On a Canary Islands walking holiday with Ramblers you can walk the Canary Islands most scenic landscapes at the best value prices.
What is the coach to take from Moi Int airport in Mombasa to Papillon Lagoon Reef Resort in Kenya ?
31 year ago
by admin
in Special Interest Travel
Hello. . . we’re going on holiday to Papillon Lagoon Reef Resort in Kenya and we need to take a coach from the airport to the resort. . . Our plane arrives at 9:30am on Sunday morning and we’ve got a coach booked to take us to the resort. . . where do we go to catch it and what is the coach called?? What time do we need to catch it??
Planning a vacation to Kenya is not that difficult
01 year ago
by admin
in Special Interest Travel
Kenya is one of the most leading African wildlife safari destinations in the world. Besides the more than 20 national parks and game reserves, Kenya has a coastline of approximately 536 kms fronting the Indian Ocean with some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa. The weather is generally good and pleasant throughout the year with the hottest months being February and March and the coldest being July and August.
Planning your vacation to Kenya is not so difficult. Depending on your location, you can find help and guidance. Locally, there are regulated Tours operators and travel agents can give you advice. If you contact your local travel agent, chances are they will be able to offer you something attractive in form safari to Kenya.
You may also decide to use online travel agents who are equally reliable when it comes to organization trips to Kenya. This way, you can actually put your whole tour together according to your budget and interest. Local airlines offer schedule flights and charters, and are perfect and affordable in rates giving you more time to enjoy the destination.
Hotels offer good rates for holiday stays. And you if are patient in searching, you may get some that have special offers – often including all meals. Kenya has a wide variety of hotels to suit all budgets and tastes.
Lodges in Kenya:
A visit to Kenya is not complete without a visit to the national park. And visiting national park, reserves and the wilderness does not necessarily mean roughing it. Lodges offer hotel-style accommodation and full services within reach of wild so you can combine comfort and game drives.
Tented camps in Kenya
If you like the idea of camping out but don’t want to sacrifice comfort and service, try a tented camp with large fitted out beds, en suite bathrooms and verandah areas. These camps offer memorable safaris in style.
Basic Camps and Bandas
The Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) has excellent tents and bands available for hire throughout the country in spectacular holiday locations and appointed camps sites all at very affordable prices for you to experience Kenya under the canvas with tents rental available. These basic tents and bandas may not offer as much comfort and ambience, but this is a small inconvenience since they are much cheaper too.
Home stays and Houses in Kenya
In some areas local people let our rooms or guesthouses. Check this out with your travel agent or tour operator. This is an economical and interesting way to spend a holiday and a great way to experience different cultures firsthand. Individual houses can be rented for short-term in holiday areas – an excellent option for large families of groups of friends.
Holiday Activities in Kenya
There is always plenty to do while on holiday. Trying out new activities can be easily arranged and there is always trained staff on hand to assist. Water sports such as sailing, water-skiing, and diving are widely available all along the coast. Adventure activities such as trekking, cycling, horse and camel riding can be experienced all over Kenya and can be arranged locally or included in on an arranged itinerary. Check this out with your travel agent.
Kids Clubs
Kids love to be kept on the move and entertained. Many Kenyan hotels, lodges camps cater specifically for them. Some lodges and resort have Kids clubs that are professionally run and which incorporate appropriate physical activity, sports and games together with cultural excursions, natural history and adventure. These programs are a great success and keep kids yearning for more.
Let your travel agent know your interests and ask them to guide you plan a Kenyan vacation stress-free.
Solomon Okila is the Editor and Senior Safari Consultant at African Voyages Tours and Travel. This is a tour operator and Safari Outfitter that specializes on African Travel and holidays. The website has guided thousands of travelers to achieve their dream holiday. For more information and guidance, visit the site at http://www. africanvoyages. com/tours/index. asp
Walking in Unspoilt Menorca
01 year ago
by admin
in Special Interest Travel
Menorca is the least visited and most unspoilt of all the Balearic Islands, so it seems fitting that it is the perfect destination in which to organise a walking holiday. The stunning path of the horses or ‘Cami De Cavalls’ has recently been re-opened for the first time in 400 years and promises to provide you with an unique insight into this beautiful island whilst on your Menorca holidays.
The Cami De Cavalls is a medieval coastal path which winds around the edge of Menorca. Historically, it was used to spread news of any impending invasions during Menorca’s turbulent past. The path has in the past been trodden by Moorish, Catalan, French and English occupying forces, but can now be strolled through at a more leisurely pace on a Menorca holiday.
The path is 35 miles in diameter, but the walk can be enjoyed in stages whilst on your Menorca holidays. Most commonly it is attempted over five days in six mile sections, but you can choose whether you wish to attempt the entire walk or simply a small section of the walk. Riding the path is an alternative option, and certainly a very fitting way to experience the ‘path of the horses’. Although the path doesn’t follow the traditional route, due to developments over the centuries, it does stretch along the scenic coastline which is beautifully peppered with small inlets and coves. But whilst you’re certain to enjoy the breathtaking scenery on your Menorca holiday, you may be surprised to hear that when this path was first built in the 16th century it was largely avoided by the local population.
Stories of invasion, pirates and the fear of disease from mainland Europe meant that many Menorcans feared, and therefore avoided the coastal areas of the island and many locals lived without ever seeing the sea. However, it would be a complete shame if you avoided the ocean areas whilst on your Menorca holidays. But although the stunning coves and deserted beaches provide a scenic accompaniment to your walk, they are not the only landscape that you are guaranteed to spot on your Menorca holidays. By turning a corner on your walk you are likely to come face to face with a huge Megalith. These Stone Age monuments are similar to Stonehenge and bronze remains of ancient Egyptian gods have even been discovered in the area. Some of the caves along the ‘Cami De Cavalls’ date from Neolithic times and are a testament to the historic past of this Balearic Island.
The best time to walk the Cami De Cavalls is in the spring, when the flowers are just beginning to bloom. From the common mallow to the blue flowers of the borage plant, Menorca’s flora is certainly brightly-coloured and beautiful to stroll alongside on a clear spring day.
You can start the walk on your Menorca holidays at the popular resort of Son Bou and the first stage is to the area of Cala Galdana. However, if you only plan to do one stage of the trail on your Menorca holidays then we recommend that you start at Es Grau, which is easily the most scenic part of the Cami. The road takes in the lighthouse at Favaritx and continues through Punta Prima, ending in the scenic location of Mahon’s harbour where, if you time it just right, you can finish just in time for sunset and sangria.
Brenda Jaaback is the Managing Director of Bartle Holidays. They can provide you with a wide selection of villas perfect for your Menorca holidays. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information contained in this article and excludes any liability of any kind for the information contained in it.
Walking in Greece – Treading a Wonderland
01 year ago
by admin
in Special Interest Travel
Why go on a walking in Greece holiday? Quite simply, its a chance to escape to a world that many of us thought only existed in our dreams until we visited Greece!
Greece and the Greeks
Even people that proclaim they know nothing of even their own history probably have heard some of the echoes of Greek history ringing down through the ages. The 300 Spartans, Mount Olympus and the Gods, The Trojan War, great architecture, art, literature and science all these often come to mind when the word Greece is mentioned.
More recently, Greece has also become associated with marvellous holiday opportunities through its beaches, crystal clear waters, marvellous historical sites, great food and fabulous people. There are so many destinations on both the mainland and islands of Greece that its hard to know where to start first in terms of choosing a destination. Yet one thing should be clear from the outset; while youre in Greece youll want to get the most out of your experience.
Walking in Greece Getting the Most Out of Your Holiday
The majority of tourists to Greece tend to visit a relatively small number of main centres. Their holiday is usually based around a major resort, typically on a beach and there may be a few short day-trips by coach to see some sights. Theres nothing wrong with that at all but, if youre interested in seeing a little more of the real Greece and a little less of the pool and beach, a walking in Greece holiday may be for you.
These holidays are taken in many parts of Greece including the Peloponnese, Samos, Crete, Rhodes and other locations. There are guided walks under the supervision of an expert and well-qualified tour leader and youll get the chance to see rural Greece at its best, or the wildlife of some of the more the remote parts of the countryside. Youll come across isolated bays and inlets or mountain villages places that most tourists will never see.
If thats not appealing enough, then some of Greeces best-kept historical secrets are far more easily reached on foot than by coach or car. You may even get to Delphi and ask the Oracle what the future holds for you! To see large parts of Greece, your own feet are often the very best way to get there and youll see far more en-route in so doing.
Walks for All Tastes
Dont worry, unlike Pheidippides who ran 26 miles after the battle of Marathon in 490BC to bring Athens news of their great victory over the Persians, you wont have to push yourself too hard! There are plenty of holidays to choose from and many are specifically arranged to allow a gentle pace for people to explore at leisure.
Walking in Greece holidays also cater for the modern tourists demands for comfort.
Your guided walk accommodation and daily itineraries have been provided to ensure that you dont get too stretched and are able to relax in civilised and pleasant surroundings at the end of the day. Your tour leader is there not only to act as an expert in helping you see all that there is to see, but also to ensure that youre being well looked after in terms of creature comforts.
Guided Walks in Greece Not Just for the Countryside
If youve ever visited a major city overseas, you may have found it a good but possibly a very tiring and even intimidating experience. Thats why there are also walking in Greece holidays that include walks around Athens and other major urban areas to admire at the art, history and architecture under the helpful eye of an experienced tour leader. You wont get lost and you wont miss anything important.
The Walking Holiday a Growing Phenomenon
As people increasingly recognise the benefits of exercise, walking holidays are booming. Lying around all day eating and drinking is becoming less fashionable and perhaps for good reason. So walking in Greece may be not only be very enjoyable, but possibly better for your health than a conventional break!
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While walking in Greece with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.
Is it cheaper to book a safari separately when going to Kenya or as a package?
41 year ago
by admin
in Special Interest Travel
I am interested in going to Kenya next year around May time for my holiday. I am looking to stay at Diani Beach for 14 nights and use 4 of these nights on a safari but does anyone know if it is cheaper to wait until I get to Kenya to book the safari?
I am going to Kenya for 14 nights next year but want to do a 2 or 3 day safari. Would it be cheaper to arrange this when I get to Kenya rather than booking it through a travel agent?
