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Electronic board to act as eyes, ears of desert…

The popularity of ’four wheel drive’ travel across desert stretches has necessitated the need for fast, reliable and latest information about road conditions, things to see and do in the Australian outback.

Accordingly an electronic bulletin board, iVisit, capitalising on the rapid spread of Internet access across the desert, is being developed by Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre (DKCRC) for the purpose.

“It started with the obvious concerns about the safety of 4WD tourists in the Outback, but when we investigated further we found a whole range of reasons why people want to get location-specific information as they travel along,” explained Roy Jones, from DKCRC and Curtin University of Technology.

“These include negatives – like the road is washed out, there’s a tree down across it, there’s a big bush fire ahead. And they include positives like now’s the time to view the desert wildflowers in bloom or observe rare birds, attend the local rodeo, picnic races or witness an Aboriginal ceremony.”

It can also provide up-to-date advice on entry permits onto private or Aboriginal land, advice on desert behaviour such as collecting firewood, camping, hunting, rubbish disposal, fire bans and ’outback etiquette’ or safety measures.

Importantly, the system will be two-way, meaning visitors can log their experiences into it for the benefit of others and chat on virtual bulletin boards.

iVisit will also enable emergency services to keep track of individual 4WDs and for drivers to post a travel plan, so that failure to arrive at the next destination would trigger an alert. Internet cells along the route can automatically record the entry and exit of a vehicle if its computer switched on, said a DKCRC release.

A paper on the project will be presented at the Council for Australian University Tourism and Hospitality Education conference scheduled in February.

Source: IANS

Mexico

Planning your next holiday in Mexico?

Taking the time to plan your trip ahead of time is the best way to enjoy your holiday in Mexico. Planning is not only needed to enjoy your holiday, but to stay within your budget, have access to entertainment, and have a backup plan should anything go wrong.

When creating your Mexico travel plan, it is advised that you include the cost of your trip, as well as your spending money. If you are planning a family trip, you may want to let your children participate in the plan by letting them decide where they’d like to go and what they’d like to see. Mexico is a big country and proper planning will allow you to see as much of the country as possible. A Mexico travel plan is also important because it can and should be used to manage your time which can also prevent burnout. You are encouraged to make a list of the top destinations that you would like to see. Be sure to include museums, beaches, historical landmarks, and anything else that peaks your interest.

Planning your budget will help prevent spending on an impulse. You will find that there are many opportunities to purchase souvenirs in Mexico. With a pre-planned budget, you should be able to enjoy the benefits of Mexican shopping. You can easily use calculators to determine the exchange rate between the United Kingdom and Mexico. Taking the exchange rate into consideration is the best way to effectively budget your money. You should also plan for tipping when preparing your budget as tipping is a common practice in Mexico, and is in some cases expected.

If you decide to holiday at an all-inclusive resort, then the cost of airfare, hotel, and food should be included. However, it is important to note that certain restrictions may apply. At an all-inclusive resort, you will have to pay for the extras, so make sure that you include some extra budgeting to pay for these purchases. Extra money should be set aside for shopping at the many fine markets and travelling outside of your resort.

Planning for your entertainment ahead of time will help to prevent overspending. Planning and budgeting for your Mexico holiday can be difficult, especially when it comes to entertainment. You may find that you and your family will want to enjoy the entertainment and spectacular nightlife on offer, and therefore it is advised that you plan for unexpected expenses and purchases. If you have already set aside some money for an unexpected activity, you won’t have to worry about the cost of a last minute decision.

Finally, your plan should consist of contact information and an emergency back up plan. Whenever you are visiting a foreign country, as advised by the Home Office, it is important that you create an itinerary with all of your information and the details of your trip and leave a copy with a friend or family member back home. That itinerary should be left with a close friend, family member, neighbour, or co-worker. In addition, it is advisable for you to register with the British High Commission or Consulate offices when you arrive. If anything happens while you are in Mexico, seeking the help of the High Commission or the nearest consulate office will provide the quickest and most effective assistance.

Before leaving for Mexico, make sure that you have up-to-date passports for all family members, as well as other forms of identification. By creating a travel plan, sticking to your budget, and creating an emergency backup plan, you can ensure that you family will have a wonderful holiday in Mexico.

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Chile

Ski slopes and beaches in Santiago, Chile

Approximately two decades of uninterrupted economic growth have transformed Santiago into one of Latin America’s most modern metropolitan areas, with extensive suburban development, dozens of shopping malls, and impressive high-rise architecture. The city has some of Latin America’s most modern transportation infrastructure, such as the growing Santiago Metro (the metropolitan underground train system) and the new Costanera Norte, a toll-based highway system that passes below downtown and connects the Eastern and Western extremes of the city in a 25-minute drive.

The hotel owners point out that Santiago is one of the few cities in the world where you have access to both ski slopes and beaches.

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Sri Lanka

New Look for Kosgoda Beach Resort

The fully refurbished Kosgoda Beach Resort is now being marketed and managed by Sanath Kumarasinghe. Mr Kumarasinghe who has over 30 years experience in the hotel trade was also the Director / GM of this property from1988 to 1990.

Kosgoda Beach Resort is just 80 km from Colombo in a sprawling tropical garden where the lagoon meet the sea in beautiful Kosgoda area. The resort which has masterly designed one executive suite, 14 deluxe, 27 luxury villas are each provided with air conditioning, Jacuzzis, open air bathrooms, mini bar, cable TV, tea coffee making facilities.

The Villas are spacious and tastefully decorated all the villas are overlooking either the ocean or the lagoon. The open air bathroom has sunken stone stove bath, the latest in massage shower systems. A butler service is available on request to the duplex villas, at an extra charge.

The ayurvedic spa is hosted in the colonial house with professional expert therapists. The resort operates three Restaurants, which overlook tastefully designed swimming pool. The main bar, offers international branded cocktails and other service too.

Cool air wafts in from the ocean, and across the shallow pond which surround the lobby area. The many contoured swimming pool is a favourite place for guest to while away their morning hours.

Guests can spend the time with Nature and Eco Environment. The Resort has a nice bio diversity setup in the region. Apart from the sun and sand tourist can enjoy the Nature and adventure such as nature exploration, bird watching, turtle watching , Soft skills adventure and Water sports.

Turtle watching is most enthralling activity can be at night, when you visit the beach near the hotel to watch marine turtle comes on shore to lay their eggs. It’s also possible to sometimes see the naturally hatched hatchling come out of the sand and wobble along towards the shore, a sight seen to be seen usually around twilight.

Many guests come here spend several days, and usually don’t want to leave the Resort. The guest find relaxation and rest come naturally, when they are here.

The hotel has set up a marketing / sales office in Colombo in order to service the Sri Lankan clientele even better. For inquires could call either the Hotel on 0912264848 or the corporate office on 0117202905.

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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s famous monkeys do it again!

The toque macaques of Polonnaruwa, who shot to fame through many internationally acclaimed documentaries, are part of the longest-running study of primates in the world. Kumudini Hettiarachchi reports.

Jr, Sirima and Hema are just a few of the 4,000, with no two having the same name. They are named after politicians, famous people, family and friends. Two brothers are called Ponnam and Peruma, after Cyril Ponnamperuma, the founding head of the Institute of Fundamental Studies (IFS).

Who are they? They are the toque macaques (Macaca sinica) who roam the ancient citadel of Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Ceylon, with whom any visitor to the area is familiar. For they are part of the landscape, gambolling across the pleasure gardens of the kings, with the babies clinging on to their mothers’ under-bellies or peering inquisitively at the human intruders, while perched on a pillar centuries old.

Conceding that it is inevitable to have favourites, top primatologist Dr. Wolfgang Dittus, better known as ‘Wanduru Mahattaya’ (Monkey Gentleman) mentions ‘Not so’, a male which was “not so strong or not so weak”, ‘Hema’, a red-faced female, ‘Stumpy’, a male with a short tail and ‘Saf’, a young female whose entire life he and his team have followed from youth to breeding age and on to old age. “One was even called Lal, after a former girlfriend,” he adds smilingly and when asked whether Jr was a wily one, quickly replies that he was an “innocent fellow who died young”.

And what’s special about these simian cousins of ours in Polonnaruwa is that they are part of the longest-running study of primates in the world being carried out by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, America.

The study is being conducted by Dr. Dittus, Research Biologist for the Smithsonian Institution and Senior Visiting Scientist of the Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, along with a local team headed by Sunil Gunathilake who has been with the programme for 20 years.

These are also the very same monkeys who have shot to fame through many international film documentaries on Discovery Channel, BBC Natural History World and Animal Planet. The latest is ‘Dark Days in Monkey City’ (2009) produced for Animal Planet while some of the others are ‘Temple Troop’, winner of 12 international awards (1997) and ‘Life of Mammals: Social Climbers’ with David Attenborough (2002) both for BBC Natural World.

‘Dark Days in Monkey City’ is about many troops of macaques who fight for dominance in Polonnaruwa. Using the semi-animated graphic-novel visual, it is like ‘300’ and ‘Sin City’, says Dr. Dittus.

Having spent his childhood in Germany where he was born and getting his first degree from McGill University in Canada, Dr. Dittus, who was looking to do a study on primates, was the last person to join the Primate Biology Programme (PBP) of the Smithsonian.

Nobody wanted to do the macaques, he says, when asked why he decided to spend the better part of his life here in Sri Lanka studying these monkeys, “because ‘my fellows’ are considered ugly compared to other good-looking types such as the grey langur”. The macaque is endemic to Sri Lanka and is known locally as rilawa.

By the time he joined the PBP, Dr. Dittus was already heavily involved in studying animal communications such as the development of song in birds. “But communication among primates is more complex and the macaques are socially very active.”

It was way back in 1968 that he set up base in Polonnaruwa to study the troops of macaques which rule the ruins there, observing them, identifying them as individuals and taking meticulous notes on their behaviour.

There are around 1,000 at a given time, he says, explaining that he gained his Ph.D from the University of Maryland in America, on the research he did on the ecology and behaviour of macaques, which found that the monkeys’ reproduction and survival (evolutionary fitness) was influenced by their social behaviour.

The macaques live in social matriarchal groups in a certain area, feeding on natural vegetation such as fruit and flowers. Males leave the “mother family” on reaching puberty to find a mate from another troop, according to Dr. Dittus who has numerous publications on a wide range of subjects to his credit.

“There is a genetic-imprinting that prevents inbreeding among macaques even if there is an opportunity to do so. They avoid mating with close relatives because any ancestral macaque with such a predisposition would have been handicapped with few descendants. Thus incest behaviour has been eliminated by natural or genetic selection,” he says.

Although the original mission of the PBP was basic science, it has now developed along three fronts: science, conservation and education. The research includes behaviour, ecology, demography, population genetics, epidemiology, physiology, and comparative socio-ecology among three sympatric (species sharing the same habitat) primate species, says Dr. Dittus.

Apart from the Smithsonian Institution, IFS and the University of Peradeniya (Veterinary Faculty) and a number of international collaborations have been involved in the research, The Sunday Times understands.

As the research is carried out where threats to nature conservation loom large, the PBP has become involved in conservation by establishing the NGO, Association for the Conservation of Primate Diversity to mobilize local leaders in business, education and science, he says.

“We have promoted and participated in film documentaries on the premise that the public will conserve only that which they love, and love only that which they understand,” Dr. Dittus explains. “This has brought the wonders of primate social life into the living rooms of millions of viewers around the globe. We have also got some of them dubbed in Sinhala and telecast on Rupavahini for the home audience,” he says seeking the support of a corporate to do the same with the series ‘Dark Days in Monkey City’.

Stressing that although primates are the focus, the principles and biological phenomena enlightened by these studies have a relevance among vertebrates, especially mammals, Dr. Dittus’s hope is to write up all the data collected, spanning 40 years of research.

Some firsts of PBP

1968-2008: World’s longest continuous study among vertebrates, of animal population dynamics, under a varying environment.
1977: Discovery of the role of behaviour as the major factor governing mortality and hence the growth (and density) of primate populations and their age-sex compositions.
1988: Showed that macaques use referential vocal signals to communicate about the quality, quantity, and distribution of food resources in the environment.
1993-2007: Discovered that dengue fever is an epizootic disease in non-human primates of the Sri Lankan dry zone and that human encroachment of wild areas results in the introduction of human diseases to wild primate populations (e.g., toxoplasmosis, cryptosporidosis).

Monkey camp

Small groups of schoolchildren studying science can now go to “monkey camp” at Polonnaruwa, for a reasonable fee, not only to learn about primates but also about plants, with a few lessons on history thrown in courtesy of the Association for the Conservation of Primate Diversity.

Source: SundayTimes.lk

Sri Lanka

Blue Oceanic Beach Hotel, Negombo, Sri Lanka

DELUXE BEACH RESORT | 102 A/C ROOMS | 2 FAMILY SUITES

In a lush tropical garden set out in the vicinity of a golden stretch of the Negombo shoreline, the Blue Oceanic Beach Hotel offers exquisite service and accommodation with spectacular sea views from their large private terraces.

The Blue Oceanic Beach Hotel is located 12 km [15 minutes drive] from the Colombo International airport and only 43 km from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Besides being close to the country’s only international airport, the hotel is also in close proximity to all local conveniences.

ACCOMMODATION

Bright and airy, the rooms at Jetwing Blue Oceanic offer comfort and privacy coupled with fantastic views of the Indian Ocean. All rooms are well appointed with modern amenities and all the comforts of home.

The total numbers of guest rooms are 106 and include 2 family suites. Room Area – 27 sq. meters. Bathroom area – 6 sq. meters

Room Facilities: Central air-conditioning with individual temperature controls – Electric Power – 220 to 240v – Ceiling Fans – IDD Telephone – Mini Bar – Bath & Shower – Hot & Cold water – Piped music – Multi Channel Televisions – Piped music – Room Safes

CUISINE

The dining at Blue Oceanic is far better than the hotels star rating suggests, absolutely five star cuisine coupled with superb service is evident in all the hotels outlets.

Main restaurant – Continental, western, Indian, Chinese, Italian and Sri Lanka buffet with themed evenings – Seafood restaurant: Outrigger – Center point bar & Grill, the pool bar – Pizza counter at Center Point Bar & Grill – Lobby Bar

FACILITIES

Foreign exchange encashment – Hair & Beauty salon at Blue Oceanic – All major Credit cards accepted – IDD telephone facilities – Facsimile – E-mail and Internet services – Ayurvedic treatment programmes at Ayurveda Niwasa – Doctor on call – Car Rental Services – Parking facilities – Kiddies corner – Laundry/Dry cleaning – Baby sitter on request – Baby cots on request – Hotel shop – Gem & Jewellery shop – 10% discount on Food & Beverages at any other Jetwing Hotel in Negombo and vies-versa – Daily Housekeeping – Hair dryer on request – Post Office

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Fully equipped Gymnasium – Swimming pool – Tennis Court at The Beach [Flood lit] – Squash Court – Table Tennis – Beach games – Boat rides – Scuba diving during winter – cycling – Boat & Catamaran tours – Volley ball [flood lit] – Evening programmes with live entertainment [Live bands, Magic shows, Fire limbo. etc] – Karaoke Music at Checkers’ bar – Live DJ at the Center Point every Friday and Saturday.

Check-in/Check-out Time: Check-in is 12.00 noon and Check-Out is 11.00 a.m. An earlier Check-in or later Check-out can be requested on a case by case basis and the resort may agree depending on availability.

Address: Negombo, Sri Lanka

Airport: Bandaranaike – Colombo International – 30 minutes

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Sri Lanka

Ranweli Holiday Village, Negombo, Sri Lanka

ECO FRIENDLY RESORT | 84 A/C BUNGALOWS

Ranweli Holiday Village is an eco-friendly resort located on a 22-acre peninsula where mangrove forests and winding rivers converge to meet the sea. Located only 18 km from Colombo’s International Airport, Ranweli is the perfect base to explore the fascinating history, culture and nature of Sri Lanka.

Enjoy a relaxing holiday in the scenic and tranquil surroundings or engage in numerous eco-friendly activities and sports both land and water based. If you wish to explore the flora & fauna in our extensive garden and its environs, Ranweli has many options of guided tours offering valuable insights to the sights and sounds that surround you. Part of Sri Lanka’s bird friendly hotel network, Ranweli has a wealth of bird species for the novice to the keen birder. Also available are a number of cultural trips further a field in which you could also participate.

Ranweli’s architecture blends with the unique and rich natural environment. The serene and idyllic location has been fully utilized in the layout of the land, featuring indigenous flora and fauna, bordering the wide sandy beach on one side, the river on the other.

The land was originally a coconut plantation surrounded by wetlands, mainly mangroves. In conceptualizing Ranweli, the architects used the spacing of the rows of the coconut trees (called the coconut grid by agriculturists) as the discipline for the design. The bungalows, central areas and facilities were built with minimum removal of coconut trees. For each bungalow only one tree was removed and the tree trunks used as pillars in the construction.

The connecting walkways open out into beautifully tended palm gardens leading to the heart of the resort. Architecturally and aesthetically the construction and furnishings of the village blend western standards of comfort and convenience with the traditions of indigenous Sri Lankan culture.

ACCOMMODATION

Ranweli offers bungalow-type accommodation constructed with local building materials, in a unique ethnic style resembling a typical Sri Lankan village.

The 72 individual bungalows (sea view) and 12 river view rooms nestle within a forested environment and provide comfortable accommodation. The bungalows offer privacy and an excellent view of the sea and/or river – an exotic tropical setting for a peaceful holiday.

All rooms are air conditioned, with private bathrooms that are sunlit from an open court and with solar powered hot showers to provide ventilation and natural lighting, substantially conserving energy. Rooms are also equipped with a sitting area, ceiling fans and telephone.

The interior décor includes terracotta pots, brass lamps, artefacts produced by local craftsmen, and hand-woven local cotton fabric.

CUISINE

Ranweli’s restaurant, offers a delicious buffet and a-la -carte Sri Lankan and International cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available on request and during all buffets.

In addition to the main restaurant, an outside Pavilion Bar by the swimming pool, constructed with eco-friendly and biodegradable material, provides snacks and beverages. This is a favourite meeting point of guests to enjoy the ambiance and sunset. Also, a small fruit stall, called Palathuru Masse, located next to the main bar, offering fresh fruit, juices and herbal drinks of medicinal value.

Whenever possible, fresh produce is procured from the local community. We also have our own organic vegetable plots.

Special diets to accompany your ayurveda treatments can also be arranged.

FACILITIES

To sustain the tranquillity and ambiance of the property, Ranweli offers only soft-impact sport and games facilities to our guests. There is a small local charge for some activities.

Indoor: squash, darts, carom, chess, pool billiards and table tennis
Outdoor: tennis, beach volleyball, badminton, basketball, bocce, cycle hire
Water sports: canoeing, paddle boating, river cruises, river fishing

Shops

Eco Shop: Selected quality hand crafted eco friendly products and herbal cosmetics are available, including pottery, terra cotta items, wall hangings, hand bags, purses made of reed ware & rush and many other artefacts made of local material by our craftsmen using skills passed down from generation to generation for centuries.

Hotel Shop: Sundry items for guests, toiletries, books, postcards etc…

Jewellery Shops: A selection of precious and semi-precious stone jewellery.

Evening Entertainment

Every night we offer some live entertainment:

Cultural show / Sri Lankan Dance
Live band
Calypso band
Magic show
Oriental Band

BIRD WATCHING

Sri Lanka is blessed with an abundant avifauna with 229 resident and 197 migrant species making a total of 426. With 24 endemic species, Sri Lanka has one of the world’s highest numbers of endemic bird species.

Ranweli itself is located in a coast wetland estuary amidst mangroves, contributing to a large diversity of over one hundred thirty (130) bird species. Bird watching on the river and mangroves by boat is offered as a specialised facility to guests. A three-hour tour, accompanied by an interpreter, has been developed with the assistance of the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL), an affiliate of Bird Life International (an international bird conservation organization).

CYCLING

Two exotic tours on bicycles through lush countryside are available, providing an opportunity to enjoy the natural environment and historical sites, including many local Catholic churches and Buddhist temples. The tour is accompanied by a member of the staff, so there is also an opportunity to interact with the local community in the villages. A route map with descriptions of the sites to be visited is provided to the participants.

Tour 1: 16 km/2 hours
Tour 2: 26 km/4 hours

RIVER CRUISE

Glide along the waterways by kayak or motor boat in the environs of Ranweli and explore the unique ecosystem of the mangrove community. Discover the numerous indigenous aquatic and terrestrial plants. Enjoy a green wonderland of breathtaking beauty.

Observe water monitors (Varanus salvator) swimming lazily in the waterways or lying on a branch of a tree along the river sunbathing, as well as a variety of bird and insect life, such as butterflies and dragonflies.

This fascinating and tranquil tour will last approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, guests often choose to take a canoe and explore the waterways by themselves.

UNIQUE NATURE TOUR

Anaivilundawa – Wildlife Sanctuary and International RAMSAR Site

Located only one hour from Ranweli, is a man made wetland constructed in the 12th Century AD and is located on the western migratory route of birds. This is a sanctuary of wetlands with prolific bird life in beautiful surroundings. The vegetation of the site is a forest of the low country dry zone, which is very scenic. In addition to birds, other interesting fauna which can be sighted here, such as:

Mammals: mouse deer, hare, mongoose, squirrels, wild cats [such as civets], wild boar and fruit bats.
Reptiles/amphibians: land monitors, water monitors, lizards, geckoes, skinks, and tortoises.

There are over 100 species of birds in this site. However, of special interest are species [Spoonbills, Ibises, Darters, Harriers, species of Bee-eaters, and the Jungle Fowl, which is an endemic species – the national bird of Sri Lanka] that are not found in Ranweli and its environs.

Sinharaja Rainforest Biosphere Reserve

1 or 2 day tours to Sinharaja, Sri Lanka’s last significant undisturbed stretch of rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage site are arranged on special request.

UNIQUE ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOURS

Panduwasnuwara & Yapahuwa

This 1-day tour will take you to Panduwasnuwara, one of the ancient Royal Capitals of Sri Lanka, which is only a one-hour drive from Ranweli. This impressive sprawling (50 acre), moated and walled ‘sleeping city’, some of it still unexcavated, was an expertly planned and well laid out metropolis with a stately palace, royal audience hall, store houses, granaries, monastic complexes, shrines, bath houses, toilets and ponds. Beautifully proportioned platforms, terraces, pavements and doorways enhance its architecture, handsome stone sculptures and carvings adorn it and rock inscriptions record its events and happenings.

After your visit to Panduwasnuwara you will be taken to Yapahuwa, a citadel built on a huge rock boulder in the style of the 5th Century Sigiriya rock fortress. Well defended with double ramparts and moats, Yapahuwa holds many delights for sightseeing. These include the remains of the King’s Palace, royal audience hall and other stately structures, shrines and baths.

YOGA AND MEDITATION RETREAT

Ranweli Village also offers unique yoga and meditation retreats. Please check with us for select packages. These are generally tailored and come in variations of 7, 14 and 21day packages.

Products & Services: Birding, butterfly watching, nature walks, cycling/habitat tours, fishing in the lagoon and river, demonstration of ethnic indigenous crafts and skills, sports – tennis, squash, archery, table tennis, pool billiards, volleyball, wave board, boogie board, paddle boating and canoeing. Vegetarian meals are provided during buffets and on request. Tours to cultural & heritage sites are also available.

Check-in/Check-out Time: Normal Check-in is 12.00 noon and Check-Out is 11.00 a.m. Earlier Check-in or later Check-out can be requested on a case by case basis and the hotel may agree depending on availability.

Address: Waikkal, Negombo, Sri Lanka

Airport: Bandaranaike – Colombo International [12miles]

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Uncategorized

9 Top Beach Holiday Ideas for this summer

If you’re looking for a great beach holiday this coming season, it can be very hard to pick a destination. There are many places you can go, whether you want to explore the beaches of Hawaii or just play golf in Georgia. Below, you’ll find 9 ideas to help you decide on where to go for your beach holidays.

1. Hawaii
You can choose to put your frequent flier miles to good use and take a beach holiday on the island of Hawaii. Here, you can relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, play golf, and even indulge in one of the many innovative spa treatments on offer at most Hawaiian resorts. Hawaii enjoys some of the best weather in the world – making it a great choice for your beach holiday this season.

*To compare prices and book hotels in Hawaii go HERE!

2. Golf and Beach in Georgia
Popular among Golf enthusiasts, the Cloister at Sea Island in Georgia offers you 54 holes of championship golf, sandy beaches, and a wide array of things for you to do.

3. Oahu beach holidays
At the Kahala Hotel & Resort Honolulu you can expect to be pampered like never before. You can visit the spa, take scuba diving classes, or choose to swim with the dolphins. The resort is conveniently located 15 minutes away from Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.

4. Virgin Islands
At this holiday destination you can enjoy blue warm tropical waters and sandy beaches. The Ritz Carlton Hotel and St. Thomas resorts offer you the best of luxury hotels during your beach holiday in the Virgin Islands.

5. Half Moon Bay California
Located just 30 minutes away by car from San Francisco, the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay is a beach holiday away from the normal busy life of the city. This Half Moon Bay (CA) hotel contains all the facilities and conveniences you would expect from a hotel in its class. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. To proceed with your reservation at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay Hotel via our secure online booking form, please click here.

6. Luxury Beach Resort in Bermuda
Bermuda is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Located off the east coast of the United States, Bermuda is situated northeast of Miami, Florida. Ariel Sands Beach Club Hotel offers you 47 guest rooms with gourmet food and breathtaking views. Named after the sea sprite in Shakespeare’s classic play “The Tempest,” Ariel Sands shares the bewitching charms of her namesake.

7. Romance and seclusion in Jamaica
With unique rooms and splendid views of the Caribbean, gourmet cuisine and amazing beaches, The Caves Resort in Jamaica helps to set the beach holiday mood like never before. The Caves is the perfect locale for those who value spirituality, privacy and luxuriant beauty set against a romantic setting. This resort is ideal for couples and romantics.

8. Lakeside Resort Georgia
Near Atlanta Georgia, the Lake Lanier Lodges offers a golf course for golf lovers and a waterpark with several water rides, slides, and water attractions the entire family will enjoy. Note that prices and availability is by request only.

9. Family fun in Hawaii
The Kona Village Resort in Hawaii offers you several holiday activities that include snorkelling, kayaking, sailing, volleyball, tennis, fishing, scuba diving, and glass bottom boat tours, all included in the room rates. Room rates also include breakfast, lunch, and dinner for two adults.

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Mexico

Spring Break Holidays in Mexico

Mexico is an ever increasingly popular holiday destination. While a large number of individuals visit Mexico during the summer, there are many who choose to visit during the spring as the weather is somewhat more pleasant and the crowds more bearable. If you are like most college students, you may want to spend your spring break holidaying in Mexico.

While holidaying in Mexico, there are an unlimited number of destinations that you can choose from. If you are interested in partying, socialising, and spending time with your peers, you have a variety of Mexican destinations to choose from. You will find that many of these locations are beach resorts.

The most popular spring break destination in Mexico, if not the whole world, is Cancun. Cancun is most famous for its nightlife and is literally loaded with a large number of bars and nightclubs. If you are interested in partying the night away, Cancun is the place to do it. Just a few of the many nightclubs in Cancun include the Bulldog Café, Daddy ‘O, Margarita Ville, Fat Tuesdays, and Senor Frogs.

Cancun is best known for its night life; however, you will need to find something to keep your days busy too. If you love the beach and all of the activities it has to offer, you will not be disappointed. Along the beaches, you can swim, sunbathe, play volleyball, or toss a Frisbee around. In addition to the activities found on the beach, you can also ride four-wheeler/quad-bikes, take jungle tours, go horseback riding, experience an ocean cruise, or go snorkelling and scuba diving along the coast.

While Cancun may be the most popular Spring Break destination in the world, Mexico has a number of other beach resorts that you may want examine. One of those locations includes Acapulco. In many ways, Acapulco is similar to Cancun. Acapulco has an active nightlife and other amazing activities, which can be found on or off the beach.

As with most beaches, while in Acapulco you can sunbathe along the shore, go swimming in the ocean, or participate in a number of outdoor beach sports and water sports activities. In addition to traditional beach activities, you find even more to fill up your days, on and off the shoreline. Just a few of the many activities that you can enjoy while visiting Acapulco include snorkelling, swimming with dolphins, and participating in a true Mexican fiesta.

The nightlife in Acapulco is often compared to Cancun where you will spend your nights partying away in bars, nightclubs, strip clubs, or discos which are numerous. Just a few of the many famous bars in the Acapulco area include Mangos, One Dollar Bar, and Yuppies Sports Bar.

Whether you choose to spend your spring break in Cancun or Acapulco, you will have to make your plans ahead of time. Your Spring Break holiday can be planned on a whim; however, many popular hotel resorts quickly fill up during spring break. As soon as you decide that you are going to spend your break in Cancun or Acapulco, it is likely that you would want to make your travel plans right away.

When making hotel and travel accommodation reservations, it is important not to make reservations with the first airline or hotel that you come across. A large number of resorts in the Cancun and Acapulco areas offer spring break packages. In addition to searching for beach resorts that offer package holidays, you may want to examine the deals found on discount travel websites. Many of these deals are similar to ones that you may find being offered by a popular resort.

With all of activities, services, and facilities found in Mexico, you are sure to enjoy your Spring Break. In fact, so many students enjoy their time there that they often return the following year. Whether you what a simple holiday or to start a tradition, Mexico is the place to be. For holidaying couples and families too, Mexico presents a fantastic holiday destination.

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COMPARE AND BOOK HOTELS IN MEXICO FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

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BOOK HOLIDAYS TO MEXICO – HERE!

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Uncategorized

Popular Summer Holidays for Couples

Each year, millions of families take a summer holiday together. Holidaying with your family is nice; however, there are times when you and your partner may just need to be alone. If you are interested in scheduling a romantic getaway with your spouse or girlfriend, you have a number of different options to choose form.

When selecting a romantic summer holiday destination, you will need to consider what romance means to you. For many individuals, there are certain activities, settings, or events that may ruin the mood. To find the perfect romantic getaway, you are encouraged to examine what you need and want to get out of your trip.

If you are looking for a romantic holiday that offers a beautiful tropical climate, you are encouraged to examine Barbados or the Maldives. Barbados is an island located in the Atlantic Ocean. It is an eastern Caribbean island. Barbados is well-known for its amazing coastal holidays and beaches. These coastal destinations are ideal for romantic lazy summers, and in addition to its beautiful coast, Barbados has a collection of unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

The Maldives also offers a selection of couples only, or otherwise romantic island destinations with all the trimmings for that second (or first) honeymoon. Island life, undersea excursions, warm Blue Ocean and gorgeous accommodation make the Maldives a lover’s paradise.

Tahiti is often referred to as “one of the most beautiful island in the world.” Located in the Pacific Ocean, just below the Equator, Tahiti offers romantic summer holiday getaways like no other. With a large number of romantic resorts, restaurants, and themed activities just for couples, you are sure to enjoy a romantic getaway of a lifetime in Tahiti. Sri Lanka is also a similarly romantic, beautiful and popular destination for couples.

The Pocono Mountains, located in Pennsylvania, is another popular summer holiday destination in the US for couples looking to escape their daily activities. Pocono resorts are most often known for their wintertime activities; however, the resorts are open all year long. As Pocono is widely regarded as a winter destination, summer holiday makers are limited even though in the summer time it’s tropical. Pocono resorts are ideal for those looking for privacy in the summer.

Similar to the, above mentioned, Pocono resorts, Paris, France is not considered a tropical destination. Despite Paris’s weather variations, it is often considered one of the most romantic cities in the world. Once you arrive in Paris, you will see that romance is in the air. In addition to hotels with romantic themes, you will find a number of amazing tourist attractions. The Eiffel Tower is a place where many couples reconnect and reaffirm their love and vows for each other.

Tahiti, Maldives, Sri Lanka, the Pocono’s, Paris, and Barbados are just a few of the many popular summer holiday destinations this season, that are designed for lovers. In addition to visiting a specific destination, you can schedule a romantic cruise. A large number of popular cruise lines offer cruise ships that are designed specifically for couples. Aboard a cruise ship you are likely to find a number of exciting, relaxing, and romantic activities.

In addition to onboard activities, cruise ships often dock in a number of ports. A cruise ship with a romantic theme is likely to select ports with romantic settings. Depending on the cruise ship in question, you are often allowed a few hours or a whole day to explore the port. For many couples, this exploration often feels like a whole separate experience.

The above mentioned locations are popular summer holiday travel destinations for couples. If these locations are out of your reach, do not worry. There are thousands, if not millions, of other summer travel destinations for you to choose from.

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