Friday, February 29, 2008

Bali Hotels A Place to Cherish Posted By : Alex Albert

Bali, a dreamland of South Pacific region, is truly called as the venue for sweethearts. As per its beautiful set up, relaxing atmosphere and wonderful ambience the city is hoarded by huge bulk of travelers throughout the year. Therefore with such a vast inflow of visitors, there is also wide range of hotels in Bali that offers the tourists a perfect place to cherish.

The city welcomes the travelers to explore its everlasting identity of a multicultural diversity that showcases a true blend of sparkling contemporary lifestyle amidst its natural beauty of sea and beaches, as well as the ancient set ups. With endless charm of its innumerable places of interest and pleasurable sub tropical climate, Bali also hosts a huge selection of accommodation options for the visitor from all over the world. So from the innumerable hotels in Bali you can choose an option as per your taste and budget, and can make your trip full of comfort and enjoyment.

Over here there are different types of housing facilities like various hotel groups, budget hotels, as well as some other lodging options. World renowned luxurious hotels and seaside retreats, business hotels, apartments or comfortable budget hotels, are the few range of accommodation in Bali to enlist. If you are looking forward to a luxury vacation then put up in any of the best star hotels and resorts of the city. Many renowned global hotel chains also have their units in different areas of the city, which include the hotel groups like Hyatt, Four Seasons, Shangri-la, Hilton, Intercontinental, Sofitel, Radisson, and Marriott.

The city offers a flexible range of accommodation options into various areas to suit the varying needs of its visitors. Whatever your preference is, you can find a perfect accommodation for yourself in different areas of Bali within good price range.

You can enjoy traditional Indonesian hospitality at Bali hotels along with the world class facilities, which offers utmost satisfaction to the accommodators. In almost every type of hotels, the guests are privileged with huge range of facilities and services.

So with all these conveniences and added qualities of their own, Bali hotels are truly a place to cherish and retreat.



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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Bali-Hotels---A-Place-to-Cherish/99186

Kerala Tour Package

Kerala Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a perfect ancient science of life; the word Ayur literally means life and Veda the science or knowledge. Ayurveda briefly explains the knowledge of the do's and don'ts one has to follow, which favours the well being of each individual to lead a healthy, happy, comfortable and advantageous life both physically, mentally and socially. Ayurveda also emphasizes that prevention is better than cure.

Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June - November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative programs. In fact, today Kerala is the only state in India, which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication.

Rejuvenate your body, mind and soul by taking Ayurveda treatment atleast once in your life time. You can take body rejuvenation treatment for seven days, 14 days or 28 days. If you have specific disease, please mail us and we will send you the treatment and the duration.

Pizhichil - It is one among the rare and special treatments of Kerala. In this treatment, lukewarm herbal oils are applied all over the body by two to four trained therapists in a special rhythmic way continuously for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is done in a special table made from a single piece of Strychnos Nuxvomica wood. This treatment is very useful for Rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, paralysis - agitanus, sexual weakness, nervous weakness and nervous disorders etc.

Njavarakizhi - It is a type of sudation process in which the whole body or any specific part there of is made to perspire by the application of certain medicinal puddings externally in the form of boluses tied up in muslin bag. Two to four masseurs apply this for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 14 days. This treatment is for all types of rheumatism, pain in the joints, emaciation of limbs, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and certain kind of skin diseases.

Sirodhara - Sira - means Head and Dhara means the continuous flow of a liquid. In this process some herbal oils, medicated milk, medicated butter milk etc, are poured on the forehead in a special method of about 40 minutes in a day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is mainly for insomnia, loss of memory, headaches, mental tention and certain skin diseases.

Vasthi - Otherwise known as Medicated Enema. Vasthi is a Therapeutic procedure in which certain herbal oils, herbal extracts, etc are applied through the rectum daily for a period of 5 to 25 days. This treatment is effective for arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, numbness, gastric complaints, rheumatism and chronic constipation.

Sirovasthi - Certain lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head and held for 15 to 60 minutes per day according to the patient's conditions for a period of 07 days. This treatment is highly effective for facial paralysis, dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches and other diseases of the head.

Udvarthanam - This treatment is otherwise known as Powder Massage. This is found very effective in the obesity, hemiplegia, paralysis, skin diseases, impaired circulation etc and similar diseases. In this procedure 2 therapists apply certain special Herbal Powders in a peculiar way on the body for about 30 to 40 minutes daily for a period of 14 to 28 days.

Abhyangam - This is a special type of oil massage in which strokes arte given according to the circulatory channels for 45 minutes per day for 14 days. This treatment is very useful for obesity, loss of skin luster, sleeplessness and fatigue.

Nasyam - Being one among the Panchakarma procedures, Nasyam is a treatment in which herbal juices, medicated oils etc, are applied through nose for 7 to 14 days. This treatment is highly effective for certain kinds of headaches, paralysis mental disorders, some types of skin diseases etc.

Kizhi - Herbal leaves or powders are made in boluses and are applied on the whole body or a part specified after dipping it in warm medicated oils. This is done for 45 minutes daily for a period of 07 to 14 days. This is very effective for osteo arthritis, spondylosis, sports injuries etc.

Sandhi Vatha Chikilsa - Unlike the modern medicine Ayurveda has very effective cures for Arthritic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteo arthritis, ankylosing spondylosis, cervical spondylosis, osteo porosis etc. This programme includes massage, lepanam, and oil application on affected parts, kizhi, steam bath, snehavasthy, kakshaya vasthy, pizhichil, njavarakizhi, snehapanam and internal medicines.

Snehapanam - This word literally means oral intake of medicated oils or ghee preparations. This is done as a therapeutic procedure and also as a preparatory process during the body purification therapy. In this Treatment medicated ghee or oils are given internally in proportionally increasing quantity for a period of 08 - 12 days. This treatment is very effective for osteo arthritis, psoriasis chronic constipation, haemorrhoids etc,.

Dahanyamla Dhara - Warm herbal liquid is poured all over the body in rhythmic way using a special vessel. This is done for 45 minutes to 01 hour daily. this treatment is very effective for hemiplegia, paralysis.

Yoniprakshalanam - Herbal oil and decoction are applied through the vaginal root, this treatment is good for gynecological disorders. It is also a purification process for genital organ.
Kativasthi - In this process specially prepared warm medicated oil is kept over the lower back with herbal paste boundary. This treatment lasts for 45 minutes to 01 hour and it is good for any type of back pain and spinal disorders.

Urovasthi - Like Kativasthi warm medicated oil is kept over the chest for 45 minutes. This is an effective treatment for Asthma, other respiratory problem, heart diseases and muscular chest pain.

Ksheeradhoomam - This is a special procedure in which a mixture for medicinal decoction and cows milk is heated and the steam thus liberated is passed to a tube and applied over the affected area or whole body. This is found very effective for facial palsies, speech disorders, ptosis and various nervous disorders.

Thalam - Special powder mixed with medicated oil is applied on the top of the head for 20 to 45 minutes. This treatment is helpful for curing ENT problems, insomnia, migraine etc.

Lepanam - This is a process in which medicated herbal paste is applied on the affected part, this is useful for various types of inflammatory conditions, skin diseases, arthritis, gout, etc.

Thalapothichil - Various medicinal herbs selected according to dosha predominance is made into a paste and applied to the scalp for 30 to 45 minutes. This treatment is good for insomnia, premature, greying and other problems to the hair and scalp.

Swasa Kasa Chikilsa - Respiratory diseases like bronchill asthma, prolonged cough, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis etc, can be very effectively treated in Ayurveda. This program includes body massage, urovasti, pizhichil, podikizhi, snehavashti, kashaya vasthy, nasyam and internal Ayurvedic medicines.

Sukhanidra - Ayurveda , the knowledge of the life is not only related with the body, but with the mind and soul also, this particular treatment program is very much helpful for conditions like insomnia (lack of sleep), anxiety and it improves immunity and self confidence. This treatment program includes body massages, shirovasthy, ksheeradhara, thailadhara, thalam, thalapothichil and internal Ayurvedic medicines , yoga and meditation.

Psoriasis Treatment Program ( Sidhma Chikilsa)- Ayurveda forms very effective treatment for all type of psoriasis and various other skin diseases. This special Ayurvedic treatment program last for 21 to 28 days. This program includes special lepanam, abhyangan, snehapanam, pizhichil, medicated steam bath, shirovasty, exclusievely prepared internal herbal medicines along with yoga meditation because, Ayurveda emphasis that most diseases are psychosomatic.

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Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Kerala-Tour-Package/20954

The Last Hurrah and the Breathtaking View atop Montanas Little St. Joseph Peak:

My heart pounded. The sweat soaked my shirt. The sun was merciless beating down on my back and shiny forehead. I could see the summit just up ahead, so I pushed a little harder. And when I got there - I could see the top ANOTHER quarter mile or so up ahead! Those false summits will kill me yet!

This was the summer that I was going to do it! The Dieties and I had studied and approached Little St. Joe Peak in Montana's Bitterroot Range a half dozen times over the past 3 or 4 years, and each time vowed that the next time we came up we were "going to do that peak - no doubt about it!" Friends and I had camped at the overlook below the peak at the end of the road a couple of times, started up the peak in slushy snow, or too late in the day. I had made it up to the last hurrah of rock hopping to the top realizing my time for the day was past, and I turned back.

Little St. Joe is not one of the most outstanding peaks of the Bitterroot Range but certainly very approachable, following the windy dirt road past the Charles Waters Recreation Area and Bass Creek Campground, between Florence and Stevensville, Montana. The road up onto the bench below the peak, hits a fairly well marked trail from the parking towards the peak. Truly a favorite, at the end of road 1136, the trailhead begins at a perfect parklike picnic spot with a cliff drop off right next to it. A wonderful lookout viewing point from those cliffs affords a view of the cliffs across Bass Creek canyon and a sweeping panoramic view out across the entire Bitterroot Valley. When my kids were little we picnicked and camped there often, with treasured times settled in camp chairs perched out on the cliff overlook. With the expansive view we watched the mountain mists playing across the Bitterroot Range peaks.

Then again there was that pesky trail... . Finally, all the conditions were perfect. I had an early start on that day in July, the snows had receded on the higher slopes - and I had the whole day to myself and my Cosmic Companions to work this climb without rushing.

The trail departs the parking spot, taking a steep decline off down into the next draw. Passing through a wonderful patch of salmon berries, they delay further movement up the trail, sidetracked into working the berry patch. Taking a sharp incline, the trail almost crawls up the next ridge. Hitting the top of that ridge I am again captivated by the awesome view from yet another outcropping cliff, looking out across Bass Creek canyon far below.

Past the outcrop the trail departs the cliffs, into heavier timber for the next mile or so. Working over logs, and zigzagging through the trees it leads ever higher up the mountain's flank. I find again that living, working, and training for such adventures down there along the Missoula valley hills leaves something to be desired. I marvel as I hike short distances up to the next turn, then stand there - breathing hard, waiting for the pounding heart to calm. I wonder then that I had suddenly gotten so fifty something old and out of shape. After all, I routinely do 4 to 6 miles training treks up and down my local hills and hardly break a sweat! Of course, the elevation difference of around 3/4ths of a mile from the valley floor serves a rarefied air, forcing me to work to take in enough oxygen to maintain a pace up here. A factor to keep in mind - unless you're younger than dirt anyway.

From the trailhead to the last hurrah at the base of the peak the trail climbs through the timber from around 6,200 feet to around 6,800 feet. Breaking out of the timber again, spectacular views abound from cliff outcroppings down into Bass Creek and of the ranges to the south. For the lunch stop, I sat above the high mountain basin to the north of the trail. This wonderful basin opening out to the north side features a stream, waterfalls, and high mountain ponds. The Dieties have made sure that it is nearly impossible to get enough of this high country splendor.

The hard part: the last hurrah. The trail nearly disappears as I work up, around and through a series of boulder fields. Where dirt - probably younger dirt than myself - does appear between the rocks you know that you are following some version of high mountain trail. The scramble over the rocks tediously continues for the next hour or so, through boulder fields toward that summit right up there!

The false summit hits me as the true summit finally comes into view - another quarter mile on up the boulder fields! An incredible area though, as I pause in my stumbling up the ridge, turning to catch my breath on the exposed face. I absolutely revel in the views up and down the Bitterroot Valley and over across the Sapphire Range to the east.

That last hurrah: a push from 7,200 feet to 9,033 feet, a good 1,800 foot elevation climb, nearly the undoing of this tired old body. But the absolute thrill! Little St. Joe's summit was achieved at last..., the little pile of rocks..., the jar with signatures..., and the view - the splendid view in all directions! Absolutely worth every aching muscle, every drop of sweat, a perfect place to settle in for a while with the Cosmic Companions, drinking in the surrounding mountainous wonder.

And of course, perched there, reveling in the surroundings, the pathway leading across the connecting ridge and on up to the summit of St. Joseph Peak standing even taller behind Little St. Joe looks so available. Oh my, another day perhaps, another lifetime maybe.

Twice since others trekked to the top with me, and we'll do it again. Thank goodness there are wonderful base-camp accommodations all along the Bitterroot Valley from Missoula to Hamilton, serving comfortable beds, breakfast bars, and jacuzzis to soak tired, aching muscles. The Bitterroot Range produces more than it's share of those every summer! Set up your perfect base-camp motel accommodations at: http://www.montanaadventure.com. Then dig in - the Montana Bitterroot Range Dieties and adventure are calling!

As web designer and owner of the Montana Receration Connection and Western States Wilderness Tours at www.montanaadventure.com, Gordon Hollingshead has provided an online travel directory for the past 10 years for people planning their vacations and travels throughout the western United States. More information contact Gordon at gordonh@montanaadventure.com.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/The-Last-Hurrah-and-the-Breathtaking-View-atop--Montana-s-Little-St--Joseph-Peak-/21286

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Best Places to See Wildlife in Nature

Copyright 2006 Emma Snow

While a zoo definitely has it's place in animal watching, it doesn't compare to seeing animals in their own natural habitat. After a recent visit to Yellowstone National Park, this felt especially true for me. A traffic jam caused by young buffalo calves and their mothers crossing the road is an experience not to be missed. It made me wonder about other places that would be conducive to viewing wildlife in a natural setting. From my research I have come up with a list of some of the best places to visit if viewing animals in nature is your objective.

In the United States, national parks are the best place to start. For viewing sea animals, the best places include the Channel Islands off the coast of California. The islands are surrounded by sea lions, seals, gray whales and humpback whales. There are also numerous tide pools that house creatures such as sea urchins and anemones. Another area great for water animals is Glacier Bay in Alaska. Humpback whales and sea lions are in abundance off shore and on land bears and moose are often times available for viewing. For a different spin on water creatures, visit the Florida Everglades, the last remaining everglades on the planet. There you will see crocodiles and alligators co-exists along with turtles, dear, manatees and bobcats. The everglades contain large viewing towers that are devoted especially to wildlife watching or you can be a bit more daring and take a canoe ride in croc-infested waters.

Other national parks that make the list for best wildlife viewing are Denali National Park in Alaska, Glacier National park in Montana, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. Denali, Glacier and Rocky Mountain offer animals such as dall sheep, grizzlies, caribou, wolves, mountain goats, elk, dear, bighorn sheep and marmots. Theodore Roosevelt is a less well known park and therefore offers great viewing of bison, wild horses, deer and elk without all the crowds.

Outside of the US, there are more exotic animals available for viewing at places such as Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica, the Komodo Islands in Indonesia, Tanjung Puting National Park in Borneo, Polar Bear Observation in Canada, and of course a Kenyan Safari.

The Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica is a brilliant rain forest that contains over 100,000 acres of land and 5,000 acres of marine habitat. The park is home to 116 species of amphibians and reptiles, 139 species of mammals and more than 400 species of birds. There are no roads into the park, only hiking trails. Unless you are an avid hiker and have excellent map-reading skills, a guide is recommended. In addition to the trails, there are also viewing platforms built atop massive ajo trees.

The Komodo Islands in Indonesia house the world's largest population of Komodo dragons. These animals can grow to be over 300 pounds and up to nine feet in length. These islands are now an Indonesian national park and permits and tour guides are required, but they make the experience much more user-friendly (Komodo dragons aren't in petting zoos for a reason). In addition to land tours, you can also take a sea kayak around the park and see coral reefs, fish, dolphins, whales and sea turtles.

Tanjung Puting National Park in Borneo is one of the last places to see orangutans in their own natural habitat. Through an elaborate network of hiking trails, you can see the orangutans up close, swinging from branch to branch, suckling their young, or building nests to sleep. There are also orangutans in captivity which can be viewed. They are being rehabilitated before being returned to the wild. There are other jungle species as well that can be viewed in the orangutan jungle, including clouded leopards, civets, Malaysian sun bears, deer, numerous species of birds, and butterflies.

Nowhere can you see polar bears so up-close and personal as you can in Churchill, Manitoba. When Hudson Bay freezes, between October and November, this town is overrun with polar bears as they travel their migration path. In early winter, they even stop to dine on the region's seal population. For more up close views, you can take a tundra buggy (a converted school bus) into the migratory packs for a quick day-trip. For longer exposure, there are tundra lodges that provide all day exposure to the bears in their native environment.

One of the most famous places to view wildlife is Kenya, and what better way to see it than on a safari. Safari's can take you through the likes of Masai Mara National Park, Amboseli Game Reserve and Mt. Kilimanjaro to view lions, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, flamingos, black rhinos, giraffes and elephants. Safari's range from less expensive options starting around $500.00 for an 8 day excursion to very luxurious safaris costing up to $9,000. Either way, you get to see what you like most...animals.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Best-Places-to-See-Wildlife-in-Nature/21465

Some tips on backpacking

Travelers around the world enjoy seeing the sights and wonders of different places with only a backpack for all the things they need. Because they only have a pack on their backs, the possibilities of new sightseeing and activity adventures are limitless.

But of course, before you head for a faraway hiking adventure with your backpack, you must make sure that you bring all the things you need to put in your backpack. Below is a checklist that will make your backpacking adventure a pleasant experience.

- Backpack

Of course, how can you go for a wild backpacking activity without a backpack! Pick one that is comfortable and fits well on you. A properly fitted backpack is essential. You are going hiking and the last thing you need is a backpack that is gouging into your shoulders. Make sure your is fitted properly.

- Quick Drying Towel

Widely available in many stores. You don't want a heavy, damp towel on your backpack, do you?

- Walking Shoes

Pick comfortable shoes as you would learn soon enough that walking would be a major part in your backpacking adventure.

- Underwear and socks

These go without saying.

- Long Underwear

This depends on the season and place where you are traveling. You might also wear your long underwear when you stay in hotels that do not have adequate well-heating systems.

- Pillow Case

Pillow case is an essential thing to keep when you stay in backpacker hotels.

- Sleeping Bag

When you stay in backpacker hotels. Select a lightweight sleeping bag. Down is the best type of sleeping bag. Yes, they do cost a bit more, but the prices is well worth it. Feathers are very light and you can compress a down into a very small package.

- Passport

Don't even think of leaving the country without it.

- Spy Wallet

So that you could be able to divide up the money that you have just in case.

- Day Pack

Most backpacks have a detachable daypack.

- Camera

A digicam may be better, but bulkier and heavier to carry.

- Journal

For the writer and chronicler in you.

- Flip Flops

Useful when you take a shower.

- Traveler's Checks

You can never be too sure with your money.

- Wet Wipes

Always come in handy. Easy to carry too.

- Landry Detergent

It might prove handy.

- Space Savers

- Rain Coat

Especially if you travel on a rainy season or you're going to tropical countries like those in Southeast Asia or South America.

- Lock

For the safety of your belongings.

- Band Aids

It's better to be prepared than not at all.

- Travel Guide

Try picking a comprehensive yet easy-to-carry travel guide.

- Personal items such as toothpaste, deodorant, soap, and shampoo

For hygienic purposes.

- Clothing

A tip: The night before you leave, check all clothes that you need. Then take only the half. Clothing simply weighs too much. Take only what you can carry at ease.

If you are looking for a good vacation destination come to:



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Some-tips-on-backpacking/21659

Outdoor Activities Available In Denver

The city of Denver is also the city of outdoors and adventure. The pleasantly warm climate can change at any moment. Therefore, it is always advisable to keep your sweaters or jackets at arms length, wherever you go. It is also to be noted that though it snows at unexpected moments, you can find snow melting away in no time. You will enjoy the climate at the Rocky Mountains beyond the plains. So leave your Denver hotel and get out there to enjoy it.

Activities like bicycling, trekking, hiking, rock climbing, horse riding, camping, canoeing, boating, kayaking, rafting, skiing, fishing, ice fishing, fly fishing, snow mobiles, dirt biking, jet skiing, etc are some of the activities you can pursue while in Denver. The places to look for are Dillon Reservoir, Gross Reservoir, High Line Canal, Eleven Mile Reservoir, Williams Fork Reservoir and Waterton Canyon. Dillon reservoir is known for boat camping. Hunting is prohibited in Denver, but you can go hunting to adjacent state and federal property.

I am not that adventurous; do I have some thing in Denver? Hey, did you ask that question? OK, I will let you know other activities available in Denver too. Are you a lover of the past? Then you can go to different museums in Denver.

The main museums in Denver are:

Buffalo Bill Museum
Colorado Historical Society Museum (see here how Colorado looked 3 million years ago)
Denver Art Museum (a treasure-trove of American Indian and Spanish Art)
Museo de las Americas (learn about the art, life and culture of Latinos in America)
Denver Firefighters' Museum
Colorado Railroad Museum
Denver Children's Museum (designed for children up to age of 8)
Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and
Molly Brown House ("unsinkable" lady millionaire Molly Brown's home - memoirs of Victorian era in Denver)
The Denver Art Museum has just reopened in a stunning new building- an architectural masterpiece.

Advance reserve a trip to Denver mint to have a look at the processes of coin minting. Enjoy dance, theater performance, and enjoy shopping at Denver Pavilion in Sixteenth Street Mall or Larimer Square.

Denver zoo, always filled with some exotic wild animals is another place you can enjoy. You can take a ocean journey at the marine sciences center, where you will find fauna from the depths of the Pacific Ocean.

If you are an ardent fan of artworks, go to the different art galleries of LoDo Historic District. Lower Downtown (LoDo) is also known for its restaurants and shopping centers. Red Rocks Amphitheater is a natural amphitheater, where you can enjoy some summer concerts. LoDo is also a place where you can find many Denver Hotels.

Do you plan a full day playing with roller coasters and water theme games? Six Flags Elitch Gardens is the place to go. Here there is lots of fun for families and singles alike.

Are you in the mood of spoiling your taste buds? You can hit more than a few hundred restaurants serving Italian, Chinese, continental, Indian, culinary delicacies. Most restaurants have an informal setup while some are formal, where you need to observe certain dress code.

Getting around in Denver is not a major hassle as it is in many big cities. Denver is a warm hospitable city. It also gives you a tranquilizing country life experience. Accomodation is available at a wide range of Denver hotels.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Outdoor-Activities-Available-In-Denver/29351

Africa's most spectacular wildlife scene

"One of the World's biggest spectacles". Many have so described it. Many have come back time and again. They have witnessed this mass movement of wild animals roaming free through unspoiled and savage wilderness. The air fills with the click- click of the cameras tirelessly. You have not seen something like this before.

Africa is changing at a quick pace and human encroachment into the wildlife reserves has continued to erase the traditional routes. In association with development and changes of the way of life, the image of wildlife roaming free is slowly getting erased. Fortunately, Masai Mara National reserve holds on to its charisma of an open, limitless land. It is one of the places in Africa that still prides in wildlife concentration.

Masai Mara is located in the South-western of Kenya, 290 kilometers from Nairobi. The abundance of wildlife and the remoteness of the reserve implants memories that no money can buy.

The Migration is a recent phenomenon (60's and 70's was the biggest boom) with about 250,000 individuals. Gradually, with time the number has risen to the current population of over 3,000,000 individuals. Add to it an estimated 1,500,000 Zebras and the result is one of the most magnificent scenes in the world. The massive display attracts hundreds of big cats as the populations provide abundant prey. The giant African crocodiles lie in wait, patiently, as the big herds come to cross the river or to drink.

It is the masai community who are not so pleased with the whole phenomenon. The wildebeests compete with their huge herds of boran cattle for the grasslands. To them, it is a big calamity especially because the wildebeests transmit diseases to their herds and poison the waters with their fetal sacs.

This world famous migration is a circle of life which, in simple terms, means that there isn't a start or an end. Only where the herds are located at a particular time. The big determinant is the availability of pastures. The plains of Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Serengeti are a favored spot as grass abounds and the wildebeest find a safe place to graze. It is also here that over 500,000 new calves are born and many are taken by the nearby waiting Jackals or Hyenas.

New borns have little time to strengthen their legs. As soon after birth, the "pilgrim" continues.

By April, the rains are over in southern Serengeti and the plains have dried up. The great herds then gather and face the long march northwards and westwards. The natural lawn mowers abandon the exhausted grasslands of southern Serengeti to head for the already tall grass of the Western corridor, near the shores of Lake Victoria.

The pioneers of the migration movement are the majestic herds of zebras. They prefer the long stems of the coarse grass. This way, they leave behind shorter grass which is favored by the wildebeests.

In late June to July the mass start pouring into the Kenya Masai Mara reserve where fresh, tender and mineral-rich grass is already waiting. Here they meet the resident Mara populations which add up to about 150,000. Also commonly referred to as the Loita plains herds, they spend most of the season northeast of the Mara. When it gets dry, they pour into the interior of the Mara in search of greener pastures.

The migrating herds spend roughly 3 to 31/2 months in the Mara crossing through Sand River, which is a tributary of the Mara along the boundary of Kenya and Tanzania. They trek westwards and cross the Mara river and sometimes the Talek river. Usually around this time heavy rains on the Mau Escarpment (origin of Mara River) fill the Mara river to the brim.

This is a good time to watch the trunk-looking Crocodiles, while they await the forthcoming feast. Finally, the gnus (wildebeests) venture into the river. This gregarious coordinated behavior of the herds, usually teamed with zebras, creates an unimaginable scene. Just what the cameras have been waiting for.

They wander along the river looking for a convenient crossing point. This is a moment filled with tension for both the gnus(wildebeests) and the audience.

They survey for a less steep and with no obvious danger. Finally, one takes courage and plunges into the river and magically the rest falls onto the footsteps and in one organized line cross the river.

In addition to the crocodiles, accidents also occur. The river's current can be too strong for some especially the young ones. Or simply getting stuck between the rocks in the river and breaking limbs, a direct ticket to the jaws of the giant crocodiles. Finally, the crossing is done and the trek to their unknown (or known)destiny continues.

In the month of October, they are already heading to Serengeti where the rains have treated the southern grasslands to lush, green carpet of rich grass. Once again, they are heading to the southern plains, where a new generation will be born to start the cycle of life all over again.

Peter Philip is the operator of Natural Track Safaris, a Kenya based nature safari company catering for family outdoor adventures, camping and overland safaris. For more safari information visit www.natural-track.com



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Africa-s-most-spectacular-wildlife-scene/30163

Star Hotel Accommodation in Kent England UK

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Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Star-Hotel-Accommodation-in-Kent-England-UK/29608

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Bali Hotels A Place to Cherish Posted By : Alex Albert

Bali, a dreamland of South Pacific region, is truly called as the venue for sweethearts. As per its beautiful set up, relaxing atmosphere and wonderful ambience the city is hoarded by huge bulk of travelers throughout the year. Therefore with such a vast inflow of visitors, there is also wide range of hotels in Bali that offers the tourists a perfect place to cherish.

The city welcomes the travelers to explore its everlasting identity of a multicultural diversity that showcases a true blend of sparkling contemporary lifestyle amidst its natural beauty of sea and beaches, as well as the ancient set ups. With endless charm of its innumerable places of interest and pleasurable sub tropical climate, Bali also hosts a huge selection of accommodation options for the visitor from all over the world. So from the innumerable hotels in Bali you can choose an option as per your taste and budget, and can make your trip full of comfort and enjoyment.

Over here there are different types of housing facilities like various hotel groups, budget hotels, as well as some other lodging options. World renowned luxurious hotels and seaside retreats, business hotels, apartments or comfortable budget hotels, are the few range of accommodation in Bali to enlist. If you are looking forward to a luxury vacation then put up in any of the best star hotels and resorts of the city. Many renowned global hotel chains also have their units in different areas of the city, which include the hotel groups like Hyatt, Four Seasons, Shangri-la, Hilton, Intercontinental, Sofitel, Radisson, and Marriott.

The city offers a flexible range of accommodation options into various areas to suit the varying needs of its visitors. Whatever your preference is, you can find a perfect accommodation for yourself in different areas of Bali within good price range.

You can enjoy traditional Indonesian hospitality at Bali hotels along with the world class facilities, which offers utmost satisfaction to the accommodators. In almost every type of hotels, the guests are privileged with huge range of facilities and services.

So with all these conveniences and added qualities of their own, Bali hotels are truly a place to cherish and retreat.



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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Bali-Hotels---A-Place-to-Cherish/99186

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Five Amazing Hiking Trails in Arizona

Arizona offers many hiking trails apart from the Grand Canyon. They are difficult, but they reward with unmatched beauty. Here are the best five.

Wet Beaver Loop. The Wet Beaver Wilderness Area provides an amazing 22 miles round trip. It is advisable to not bring children along as this hike is extremely difficult and takes more than a day to complete. Be prepared to get wet as a fair portion of this hike requires walking through water. This hike takes you in a large loop to end up where you started from. You will encounter camps and waterfalls along the way and the stunning Waldroup canyon.

Picacho Peak. This hiking trail is fairly close to the Casa Grande and once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Sonora desert. The trail offers two options: the shorter seven mile round trip or the nine-odd mile trip if you return using the alternate trail from the peak. This is a fairly steep hike with numerous switchbacks.

It is advisable to wear gloves on this hike and you may need to use steel cables to aid your climb at times. You must be in good physical condition to undertake this hike as some Class 3 climbing will be necessary.

Kendrick Mountain is a moderately easy trail. This 9.2 miles round trip features a look at a cabin and ends in some spectacular views of Red Mountain, Mount Humphreys, Sycamore Canyon, and even the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. You will come across a series of short switchbacks toward the end that provide breathtaking views.

Paria Canyon hike starts in Utah near the border, and moves into Arizona. The frequent flash floods often wash out the trailhead, so you have to watch the weather intently. You can make use of the shuttle for the ride back since the trail ends far away from the car. It is a multi-day trip. Moreover, you need a permit from the BLM because you will be going through wilderness area.

The trail becomes prone to quicksand and quite muddy, especially if you go just after the rains. You will have to pick around quite a bit on this trail and in fact, there will be no trail once you reach the canyon. The only way is to follow the river. You will be walking through a narrow slot canyon with spectacular formation. Remember to avoid this trail if rain is forecast as there is no escape from flash floods in the Narrows.

Other fantastic features include a cave "room" in one of the walls, Wrather Canyon (along with Wrather Arch), Judd Hollow, and other canyons and routes, as well as springs. The views and formations along this hike are amazing and worth the trip.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Five-Amazing-Hiking-Trails-in-Arizona/33270

Friday, February 22, 2008

Things to Take with you on Safari in Tanzania

Things To Take with you whilst on safari in Tanzania

There are several types of holiday options in Tanzania, ranging from a week or two relaxing on the idyllic beaches to the adventurous treks up Mt Kilimanjaro. When you go on safari in Tanzania there are several things which will greatly help to ensure your enjoyment of your safari. Before going read as much as you can about Tanzania. Described below is a list of items that you may find useful whilst on safari.

Basic items of clothing (such as t-shirts) can be bought in even the most remote villages, so you can afford to pack light. Below is a brief list of a few essential items:

A Sun hat, ideally wide brimmed if you are going on a game viewing safari or hike.
This serves to protect your head from scrapes as you walk in the bush as well as preventing burning. The brim also helps if you are in the rain! A Tilly hat is best.

Sun screen is essential as are good quality sun glasses for the beach or the mountain where it is very bright. Though be aware that it is best to remove your shades when talking to local people.

Insect repellent or long trousers and sleaved shirts for the evening. Be aware that products containing DEET are the most effective but do have a tendency to melt certain plastics.

A solid pair of walking shoes or boots (even if you are not going hiking).

Sandals or something similar. It is possible to buy flip-flops very cheaply in almost every village.

Binoculars are essential especially if you are heading out game viewing. Get the best ones you can afford it's so worth it!

A week's s supply of underwear. Cotton is best.

A good book or two.

Torch and spare batteries.

You don't need to bring Mosquito nets as they are cheaply available here.

A small towel

The clothes you need depend on what you intend to do. For hiking activities you will need good quality trousers, a shirt or t-shirt and maybe even a jumper or fleece if you are heading up where it may be cold. Shorts are not always practical for hiking as there may be rough grasses which can irritate your skin. You will need specialist gear if you intend to hike up Kilimanjaro, which can be hired for the trip.

On game drives you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. It is best to stick to subtle lighter colours. If you have fair skin it is a good idea to always have a long sleeved shirt at hand for sun protection. It can be surprisingly cool on the mornings, especially when you are perched on top of your safari vehicle moving through the bush, so a light windbreak jacket or fleece will be useful.

If you are venturing out on an extended camping safari then you will need to bring along several changes of clothes. It will usually be possible to get laundry done along the way, but it helps if your clothes are made from quick drying fabrics, denim should be avoided. Camping shops are now full of hi-spec gear that is designed to keep you cool and dries in minutes. In some locations long sleeves and trousers are recommended for evening wear to avoid insect bites.

Wild Things will supply all camping equipment. You may want to bring your own sleeping bag or sheet.

Be Respectful

Tanzanian' s large Muslim population mainly live around the coastal regions and on the islands. However it is still important to dress decently when in any town or village, even inland. Women should cover their knees and shoulders and avoid low revealing tops. Skirts are considered more conventional than trousers. It is also more respectable for a man to wear trousers rather than shorts, and it is not acceptable to walk around in public without a shirt. When staying in a National Park or Reserve, at a lodge or camp site, it is acceptable to wear shorts and sleeveless tops.

Finally a word about the weather. This can't be predicted so remember that though Tanzania has a pleasant tropical climate. Hotter and humid along the coast (expect daytime temperatures of about 30'c), it becomes more comfortable as you move inland. Some areas lying at altitudes above 1000m are quite cool, and even surprisingly chilly at night, so a warm fleece or jacket may be needed. July, August and September tend to be the cooler months, with February usually being the hottest.

Most of the rainfall occurs between November and May, split into two rainy seasons. The short rains start in November and last 4 to 6 weeks. Long rains usually begin in around March and continue through until the end of May. However the rains have been somewhat erratic in the past couple of years.

If you plan to visit in the 'green' season then be prepared for some heavy (torrential) showers. This does make for good game viewing however with elephants having mud baths etc.

visit Wild Things Tanzania Safaris for more information on visiting the Serengeti..



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Things-to-Take-with-you-on-Safari-in-Tanzania/34506

Kenya safari: The fate of the rhinos

In Africa today, the fight for growth of the rhino population is an everyday activity.
After being declared an endangered species, Kenya has put up big efforts financially to see to it that their habitats have been safe guarded. As one of the 'Big five' the rhino is one of the most sought after animals on a Kenya safari.

The history of the rhino can be traced back to 45 million years ago.
The Baluchitherium, an ancestor of the Indian rhino, was the largest land mammal that ever lived. It was 18 feet high and 36 feet long. It lived over 20 million years ago.
Fortunately, the rhino is on its way back, thanks to the efforts of well wishers and volunteers.

THE PROBLEM..
The problem of the rhino has been its beauty, the horn. It is made of keratin, a substance found in human hair and nails. Powdered Rhino horn has been used extensively in traditional medicine in Asia and to make ornamental dagger handles in the Yemen. The demand is so great that traders are prepared to pay poachers vast sums to kill rhinos for their horns.
Because of these, Rhinos have faced wholesale slaughter. To stop these abuse governments and bodies such as Save the Rhino teamed up together to halt the abusive. Thanks to them, the overall decline of the rhino has been halted, and populations in Africa are beginning to stabilize.

A CLOSER LOOK.....
The rhino belongs to the family Rhinoceroteridae. They are 5 species placed in 4 genera.
Three of these species are found in south-central Asia and the other two live in Africa south of the Sahara. Rhinos inhabit savannahs, shrubby regions and dense forests.
The African species live in more open areas than do the Asian species.
Their habitat has to generally have access to water. They usually drink everyday.
Their horns are dermal growths originally composed of compressed keratin. Usually they have 1-2 horns. Both hind and forefeet have 3 digits with a small hoof. They are known to have poor eye sight but strong hearing and smell. The tough and wrinkled skin has very few scattered hairs. The tail ends with stiff bristles.

BREEDING...
Female rhinos give birth every 2 years to a single calf, which is active soon after birth.
The calf remains with the mother until the next offspring is born.
Gestation is 420-570 days. Sexual maturity is reached at 7-10 years for bulls and 4-6 years for cows.They a life span of up to 50 years.

Note that the African rhinos are more aggressive than Asian species.
They use their horns to attack and toss their enemies.
This can be especially dangerous and can kill attackers instantly.
African white rhinos have a preference of feeding low to the open grounds whereas the black rhino usually browse on leaves and have a tendency to stay hidden.
They have been noted to be more active in the evening, through the night and in early morning, spending their days resting in heavy cover.
Rhinos sleep in both standing and laying positions and love to wallow in muddy pools and sandy riverbeds. They penetrate dense thickets by shear force, often leaving behind a trail that other animals later use. Rhinos run with a cumbersome motion, reaching top speed at a canter. They can, however, attain speeds of up to 45 km per hour for short distances.Basically the black rhino is more solitary and territorial except for the mother-child unit.
Groups of adult cows or bachelor bulls are sometimes formed, however, and during the mating season pairs of rhinos may stay together for up to 4 months.
Rhinos mark their territories with urine and by dropping their dung in well-defined piles that can reach up to 1 m in height. They often furrow the areas around these piles with their horns and make the piles even more conspicuous.
The black rhino has a wide vocal range and can possibly communicate like an elephant,
through frequencies below the range of human hearing. Breathing is an important part of communication.
Unlike the white rhino-calf, the black rhino calf normally runs behind its mother.

CURRENT STATUS...
There were an estimated 20,000 black rhino in Kenya in the 1970s.
By 1982 the population was reduced to fewer than 400. Since then, their number has
increased and now stands at over 450. The number in fenced areas has risen at an average
rate of four percent each year when the conditions are good.
Since 1984 the Kenyan government has pursued an active program devoted to the
recovery of Kenya's black rhino, with efforts centering on the development of specially
protected or fenced sanctuaries on government and private land, such as Lewa.

Rhino populations under custodianship both on private land (Solio Ranch) and in some
State-run areas (such as Nairobi National Park) have provided set up for new populations
(including reintroducing animals into an electrified-fence sanctuary inside the KWS-run Tsavo West and Meru National Parks). The private sector thus plays an important part in the conservation of rhino in Kenya and currently supplies many of the animals being used to restock state parks.

Kenya is currently the stronghold of the Eastern African subspecies Diceros bicornis michaeli, a home to about 88 % of the population in 1995. Like South Africa and Namibia, Kenya is doing translocation to set up new populations while aiming to ensure that donor populations remain productive. The public plight of the black rhino has attracted support from many different areas. Today, scientists are formulating a method of «fingerprinting» rhino horn based on the nutrient content of each specific rhino conservation area. This will enable them to pinpoint the area a rhino came from, its family group, and even its preferred diet. It is also an important step toward eradicating poaching, as scientists will be able to determine where a rhino was when it was killed.
For more facts about Kenya wildlife visit http://www.natural-track.com

Peter Philip is the operator of Natural Track Safaris, a Kenya based nature safari company catering for family outdoor adventures, camping and overland safaris. For more safari information visit www.natural-track.com



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Kenya-safari--The-fate-of-the-rhinos/34718

Wildlife Kenya safari and the savannah queen

The savannahs of Kenya are a home to a wide range of wildlife. One of the most frequently seen wildlife is the spotted hyena, yet little is known about them.

In the traditional African society, the Hyena has been branded 'the coward one'. This has been due to the way of feeding of the hyena. Known as a scavenger, the hyena is actually a great hunter and scavenging only makes 5%- 10% of their meals.

They rarely leave any evidence especially because they devour everything. For example they can make a kill in the night and the only sign will be light blood stains.

In the recent years the complexity of the hyenas has been revealed. Lots of time has been dedicated to studying them. This article is about hyenas and their survival tactics in the savannahs of Kenya. They range throughout sub-Saharan Africa in savannah, arid areas, and open woodlands. So far they aren't present at the coast.

There exist three species of hyenas in Africa. Two species are found in Kenya. The most common being the spotted hyena, crocuta crocuta.
They live in groups called clans and the clan is under the leadership of the oldest female, the alpha female. Interestingly, the females are dominant over the males and are heavier than them. The females genitalia are very masculinized which contributes to their being aggressive. Such sex dimorphism is not common with other wildlife. This is due to the presence of higher level of testosterone in the female's body than that of the males.

A distinguishing feature with the hyenas is the 'haunch-back' and short hind legs. They hold their head low when they walk. Usually the head has a rounded skull and long ears. They have extremely strong jaws and a complex acidic digestion system. This is one of the factors that give them a step ahead for survival. They are capable of ingesting bones, horns, hooves and the tough animal skins.

Only the hair is not digested and this usually comes out in the form of bolus or locally referred to 'hyena hair ball'. All this bone matter that they eat is what makes the hyena feces chalk-white.

They hunt in packs in a way that could be termed as ruthless as they do not have a killing bite. They lack in hunting technique and most cases they run down their victim to exhaustion. Usually they attack their prey and tear chunks before their victim dies.

It is interesting to know that lions steal lots of their kills. It is true that hyenas do the final cleaning by chewing the bones and the skins left by others. In some cases the hyenas have succeeded to steal from the lions but in most of occurrences the reverse is more common.

The reproduction and life cycle is not seasonal. The females do not however mate with their members of the clan. They can take any other wandering male for mating and discard him. Four months is the gestation period and usually give birth to up to four cubs. These are usually black in color with some others having small taint of black. A weird thing that happens with the cubs is competition over who nurses first.

This in most cases result in fighting for dominance. The looser usually starves to death and this is only with the female cubs. Hyenas, unlike other wildlife take very long to wean their cubs. It may take between 14-18 months. The female can lactate up to 12 months with milk that is very high in protein percentage.( 14%). The cubs start following the mother to the point of kill when they reach 1 year.

They do not bring back food to the den. They eat to their fill on the spot.
The female cubs stay in the clan of their birth but males are kicked out when they reach around 2 years. Apart from playing with the cubs the male has no role in upbringing of the cubs.

One clan can have between 20-100 members, all on the matriarchal system. All the members are related. Each clan digs its own den which comprises of deep and long tunnels to accommodate the clan. They mark their territory through anal sac secretions. This is a paste that they use to define their boundary and is deposited at the edge of their territory. That is their home-territory that they protect and intruders are not welcome. They have a greeting system of sniffing each others genitalia and also as a way of identification or recognition within members of the same clan.

To the untrained eye, it is difficult to differentiate between males and females. This is because of the physical resemblance of the female's genitalia to that of the male. But in any case they are female organs. The females are not hermaphrodite as some have claimed at first sight. Hyenas have 'toilets' whereby all the members go to deposit their dung. This adds to the boundary markings of their territory.

They communicate in a number of ways: When about to attack the tail is held high, when it is held forward over the back, it is a sign of excitement. And when frightened they hold the tail tucked between the legs. When there is presence of food, this is the time you hear the famous 'hyena laughter' especially in the night.

This laughter is a call to other clan members and can be heard up to 3 kilometers away. It is important to note that though hyenas portray cowardly behavior, they can be extremely dangerous. They should be left alone, least intimidated and their respect awarded to them.

Peter Philip is the operator of Natural Track Safaris, a Kenya based eco-friendly safari company catering for family outdoor adventures, camping and overland safaris. Click here www.natural-track.com for comprehensive safari information.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Wildlife-Kenya-safari-and-the-savannah-queen/37580

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Dubai's Great Desert Safari

Dubai is one of the finest cities not only in the middle eastern region, but also throughout the globe. What makes it more special among the known urban centers of the world however, is the sandy surroundings it has been built upon. It shows on one hand the ability of the city planners to have got such an architectural marvel built in the middle of the desert, and on the other it lends a chance for some major outdoor activities around for the fun seeking enthusiasts. There are several locations around Dubai that one could choose to embark on with their desert safaris and have plenty of leisurely time ahead in the rustic Arabian countryside.

These safaris normally take place at a time the sun just starts lowering down on the western horizon and the sand dunes begin displaying larger shadows. The excitement of traveling straightway down from Dubai into a vast deserted land can be immeasurable in these circumstances. One normally encounters scattered villages and well-bred camels straying across on earth while being on these expeditions. The purple Arabian skies provide a very fitting backdrop for camping out in the desert as the evening finally sets in. Dubai is appreciated not only for its trade and commerce but also for the tourism activities it presents these days, and desert safaris may without doubt be stated as one of the key areas where these activities generally lay around at.

There are several available options for the tourists to get their safaris selected from. Generally all major hotels and resorts will get such trips organized when asked for by their clients. Guides are provided with all traveling parties for the duration beginning from the late afternoon start of any journey to the same night return later. Travelers should keep aware about the kind of topsy-turvy ride they might be about to undertake, as miles of sand dunes will be lying ahead in the path to be taken care of. Any lack of carefulness on part of the driver may cause the jeep to be overturned or get stuck inside the sand. Somehow, the fun and excitement of traveling like a gypsy will make out these stressful parts insignificant.

Once deep inside the desert, one may witness camels ferrying tourists across from one souk to another. It's not only entertaining but challenging as well to be placed at the top of mounting and dismounting camel backs. The long-necked mammals on their part are well bred and nicely taken care of by their masters, and would start acting somewhat like puppies whenever pampered by someone. Just scratch behind any camel's ears and it would start flattening its necks as if asking for more of the same massage.

The late evening outings normally include visiting souks in the desert and having Arabian dinner along with some entertaining folk dance and music shows on. Liquor drinks may cost between $7.00 - 10.00 and beers in the range of $5.00 - 7.00. You will enjoy watching stars at night provided Dubai is not very near the place where you have landed for your outing. The return journey takes place soon after all you camp fire itineraries, including having dinner and spending time around in shops, have ended to the best of your fulfilment. You will be back to your hotel just before the midnight and get on with your usual Dubai holiday making.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Dubai-s-Great-Desert-Safari/39909

Alternative vs. Mass Tourism

More and more people are breaking away from traditional package holidays (usually limited to transportation, accommodation and some local commercialized attractions), treating local people and their native area with responsibility, looking after the environment, searching for virgin nature and unsophisticated way of life. A vacation type, which most forms of the alternative tourism offer.

The impact of the mass tourism is quite popular, especially upon the environment. Besides, very limited share of money spent on holidays actually get to the local people, which regional and native cultural attractions we all enjoy. These are the people who actually save the traditions and habits of their local areas. The people, who allow us to catch a glimpse of their cultural heritage; these who have preserved and take care of the un-spoiled nature for all of us.

Maybe many of the people are used to think that big tour operators and large travel consortiums have a responsibility to preserve that local cultural heritage and environment. But the part of their great profits spent for this is not exactly known. But if one do not look a bit further in future and see that this way, one day there would not be many remaining tourist resources and gains will start descending fast. Unfortunately, this will affect no one so greatly, but the locals.

After all, alternative tourism forms include small groups of people, who surely do not harm the environment that much. Besides, if not familiar, as I am sure most of them are, one of the aims of the alternative tourism forms is to acknowledge how to preserve the environment and local traditions and culture. Actually, some alternative forms are meant to enable man to appreciate the greatness of nature, a great such example is the eco-tourism.

However, it is totally different situation in some big resorts with thousands of people running around and hundreds of hotels keeping the beautiful nature views away from your sight. Of course, there are many ways of entertainment in view of the tourists animation, nightlife, and other. But is it not exactly that what we are running from? Could great nightlife and various animations with the difference they are at different place, compare with the variety of all alternative forms; to compare with the naked nature and cultural heritage? So in my point of view except for the slightly higher prices in alternative tourism (due to the fact they usually include much smaller groups), it seems it that the alternative tourism is the better choice.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Alternative-vs--Mass-Tourism/48629

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Camping Holidays in France Posted By : Martyn Davis

When you think of a French camping holiday you may start to think of cold wet weekends away, you could not be so wrong, and with absolutely thousands of campsites in France, you have so many different ones to choose from, and whether you have your own tent, are touring with a caravan or a motor home, the choice of camp sites is endless.

If you were to pick an area of France, then you will not have any trouble in obtaining information on campsites in that particular province and in fact you would probably be spoilt for choice. But there is one place called Brittany that is one of the most popular destinations for a family camping holiday in France and this is due to sandy beaches, hidden coves, rock pools and the coastline that the children just adore.

Yet the Alps is a vast area waiting for the more adventurous camper with mountainous climbs, pretty villages and lakes to explore along with Chamonix, which is the highest town in Europe.

Then there is Paris, the capital city of France, which has everything a beautiful city can offer, and with several campsites around Paris, the closest is just a few minutes from the centre, you will also find others that are located near to Versailles and Disneyland Paris, let alone others near golf courses and fishing lakes.

And although most people end up going through the Rhone Valley without really much of a stop, it is well worth taking a detour either side of the river which is where you can find some beautiful countryside to explore, and in this area you will also be able to find some glorious wine produced on these slopes bordering the river, along with major towns like Lyon.

Most places will be able to provide hook ups for electricity from either 6 amps or 10 amps, plus many other facilities. And on a lot of different sites, rather just touring you can even hire out the caravans, chalets or mobile homes, but whatever you decide is best for you, this is a great way of touring through France.

As you can imagine, there are a vast amount of campsites with lots of different facilities, which you will find are rated with stars in a similar way to that of hotels, so the more stars a site has, the better it will be, although inevitably the more expensive they will be, especially in certain areas of France.

A camping site with one star is a basic site and there is no where near as many these days, due to competition from other campsites, whereas a two star camping site is rated for comfort and has some good amenities, then three star and four star campsites are of a very high standard, not only for the amenities and facilities they have to offer, but also for the quality of these facilities. For example, on a four star site you will often find top class restaurants that are even frequented by the locals for their phenomenal French cuisine, but also complete pool complexes and evening entertainment as a regular occurrence.

But apart from the typical camping sites available, you can also find places to pitch such as camping on farms, but lots of these do not have a wide range of facilities available, in fact some are so basic you will need to have all of your own facilities or they may just about have a toilet and hot shower for you to use.

One quick point, please do remember that it is only in authorised locations around France that you are able to camp and not in places such as woods, yet saying that, when travelling through France it can take hours or days, and we have seen many tired travellers putting up their tents on the grassy areas in the service stations alone the toll roads!.

Most people think of camping as purely a summer activity, but for an extremely reasonable holiday, which can be as low as 50 to 60 percent less in cost, you can go camping in the low season, and dependant upon the area of France you wish to go to, some campsites are even open all year round and still even have facilities such as indoor swimming available.

France can therefore offer you freedom and flexibility, whether you wish to stay in one place for the duration of your holiday, or why not try hopping from camping site to campsite, these types of holidays can offer you everything from excitement and family fun by the coast in places such as Brittany, through to the more sedate holiday staying in the grounds of chateaux in rolling countryside of the Loire valley, but for the more adventurous, you could even have a camping holiday incorporating adventures like kayaking in the Dordogne, or mountaineering in the French Alps

You will be able to get to see ancient ruins, quaint villages, monuments and scenery that you would never think possible in any country, but France has it all, and this is possible in many regions within only a few miles of where you have decided to stay, yet do not forget about the wonderful activities that are available to you on site, which sometimes makes it a hard job deciding on whether you want to leave!



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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Camping-Holidays-in-France/95468

Kingfisher to purchase five more Airbus A380 Posted By : syed quadri raheem

Vijay Mallya, the chief executive officer of Kingfisher Airlines stated "Now that I have secured all the necessary clearances, I am planning to convert the options to confirmed orders".Kingfisher has been given clearance to fly overseas later this year. "We will be operating all non-stop flights to international destinations," Mallya stated.
Kingfisher, the only Indian customer for the A380, could not immediately be reached for comment.Under India's civil aviation rules, only airlines which have flown for at least five years can fly international routes. Kingfisher will complete five years in 2010. But the airline can start flying foreign routes after its parent UB Group acquired a controlling stake in another carrier Air Deccan, which completes five years in the air in August 2008. The two carriers, Air Deccan and Kingfisher Airlines, have announced plans for a merger this year.
The Deccan brand, synonymous with no-frills travel in India, is also retained. This reinforces the segmentation trend in the Asian airline sector and use of multiple airline brands, including a "fighting" brand underpinned by a low cost operating model.
The merger will create an airline with around 80 aircraft, challenging Air India and Jet Airways for dominance of the high-potential Indian aviation market. It also takes advantage of Deccan's right to fly international routes from Aug-08, with the budget unit set to launch services to the Middle East with A320 equipment and Kingfisher utilising widebody aircraft to launch long-haul services, initially to the US.
Airbus is hoping to persuade Air India to buy the A380 too (reportedly 12 of the model), but the flag carrier has yet to make a decision, with another very large order of up to 100 aircraft imminent.Kingfisher expects deliveries of the five A380s it had previously ordered to start in 2011-12.
Development work is progressing well on IGI Airport's third runway in Delhi; which will be one of the longest runways in Asia. This 60 m wide, Code F runway will cater to new generation large aircrafts such as the Airbus A380.



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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Kingfisher-to-purchase-five-more-Airbus-A380/94208

Bali Hotels A Place to Cherish Posted By : Alex Albert

Bali, a dreamland of South Pacific region, is truly called as the venue for sweethearts. As per its beautiful set up, relaxing atmosphere and wonderful ambience the city is hoarded by huge bulk of travelers throughout the year. Therefore with such a vast inflow of visitors, there is also wide range of hotels in Bali that offers the tourists a perfect place to cherish.

The city welcomes the travelers to explore its everlasting identity of a multicultural diversity that showcases a true blend of sparkling contemporary lifestyle amidst its natural beauty of sea and beaches, as well as the ancient set ups. With endless charm of its innumerable places of interest and pleasurable sub tropical climate, Bali also hosts a huge selection of accommodation options for the visitor from all over the world. So from the innumerable hotels in Bali you can choose an option as per your taste and budget, and can make your trip full of comfort and enjoyment.

Over here there are different types of housing facilities like various hotel groups, budget hotels, as well as some other lodging options. World renowned luxurious hotels and seaside retreats, business hotels, apartments or comfortable budget hotels, are the few range of accommodation in Bali to enlist. If you are looking forward to a luxury vacation then put up in any of the best star hotels and resorts of the city. Many renowned global hotel chains also have their units in different areas of the city, which include the hotel groups like Hyatt, Four Seasons, Shangri-la, Hilton, Intercontinental, Sofitel, Radisson, and Marriott.

The city offers a flexible range of accommodation options into various areas to suit the varying needs of its visitors. Whatever your preference is, you can find a perfect accommodation for yourself in different areas of Bali within good price range.

You can enjoy traditional Indonesian hospitality at Bali hotels along with the world class facilities, which offers utmost satisfaction to the accommodators. In almost every type of hotels, the guests are privileged with huge range of facilities and services.

So with all these conveniences and added qualities of their own, Bali hotels are truly a place to cherish and retreat.



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Camping Holidays in France Posted By : Martyn Davis

When you think of a French camping holiday you may start to think of cold wet weekends away, you could not be so wrong, and with absolutely thousands of campsites in France, you have so many different ones to choose from, and whether you have your own tent, are touring with a caravan or a motor home, the choice of camp sites is endless.

If you were to pick an area of France, then you will not have any trouble in obtaining information on campsites in that particular province and in fact you would probably be spoilt for choice. But there is one place called Brittany that is one of the most popular destinations for a family camping holiday in France and this is due to sandy beaches, hidden coves, rock pools and the coastline that the children just adore.

Yet the Alps is a vast area waiting for the more adventurous camper with mountainous climbs, pretty villages and lakes to explore along with Chamonix, which is the highest town in Europe.

Then there is Paris, the capital city of France, which has everything a beautiful city can offer, and with several campsites around Paris, the closest is just a few minutes from the centre, you will also find others that are located near to Versailles and Disneyland Paris, let alone others near golf courses and fishing lakes.

And although most people end up going through the Rhone Valley without really much of a stop, it is well worth taking a detour either side of the river which is where you can find some beautiful countryside to explore, and in this area you will also be able to find some glorious wine produced on these slopes bordering the river, along with major towns like Lyon.

Most places will be able to provide hook ups for electricity from either 6 amps or 10 amps, plus many other facilities. And on a lot of different sites, rather just touring you can even hire out the caravans, chalets or mobile homes, but whatever you decide is best for you, this is a great way of touring through France.

As you can imagine, there are a vast amount of campsites with lots of different facilities, which you will find are rated with stars in a similar way to that of hotels, so the more stars a site has, the better it will be, although inevitably the more expensive they will be, especially in certain areas of France.

A camping site with one star is a basic site and there is no where near as many these days, due to competition from other campsites, whereas a two star camping site is rated for comfort and has some good amenities, then three star and four star campsites are of a very high standard, not only for the amenities and facilities they have to offer, but also for the quality of these facilities. For example, on a four star site you will often find top class restaurants that are even frequented by the locals for their phenomenal French cuisine, but also complete pool complexes and evening entertainment as a regular occurrence.

But apart from the typical camping sites available, you can also find places to pitch such as camping on farms, but lots of these do not have a wide range of facilities available, in fact some are so basic you will need to have all of your own facilities or they may just about have a toilet and hot shower for you to use.

One quick point, please do remember that it is only in authorised locations around France that you are able to camp and not in places such as woods, yet saying that, when travelling through France it can take hours or days, and we have seen many tired travellers putting up their tents on the grassy areas in the service stations alone the toll roads!.

Most people think of camping as purely a summer activity, but for an extremely reasonable holiday, which can be as low as 50 to 60 percent less in cost, you can go camping in the low season, and dependant upon the area of France you wish to go to, some campsites are even open all year round and still even have facilities such as indoor swimming available.

France can therefore offer you freedom and flexibility, whether you wish to stay in one place for the duration of your holiday, or why not try hopping from camping site to campsite, these types of holidays can offer you everything from excitement and family fun by the coast in places such as Brittany, through to the more sedate holiday staying in the grounds of chateaux in rolling countryside of the Loire valley, but for the more adventurous, you could even have a camping holiday incorporating adventures like kayaking in the Dordogne, or mountaineering in the French Alps

You will be able to get to see ancient ruins, quaint villages, monuments and scenery that you would never think possible in any country, but France has it all, and this is possible in many regions within only a few miles of where you have decided to stay, yet do not forget about the wonderful activities that are available to you on site, which sometimes makes it a hard job deciding on whether you want to leave!



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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Camping-Holidays-in-France/95468

Kingfisher to purchase five more Airbus A380 Posted By : syed quadri raheem

Vijay Mallya, the chief executive officer of Kingfisher Airlines stated "Now that I have secured all the necessary clearances, I am planning to convert the options to confirmed orders".Kingfisher has been given clearance to fly overseas later this year. "We will be operating all non-stop flights to international destinations," Mallya stated.
Kingfisher, the only Indian customer for the A380, could not immediately be reached for comment.Under India's civil aviation rules, only airlines which have flown for at least five years can fly international routes. Kingfisher will complete five years in 2010. But the airline can start flying foreign routes after its parent UB Group acquired a controlling stake in another carrier Air Deccan, which completes five years in the air in August 2008. The two carriers, Air Deccan and Kingfisher Airlines, have announced plans for a merger this year.
The Deccan brand, synonymous with no-frills travel in India, is also retained. This reinforces the segmentation trend in the Asian airline sector and use of multiple airline brands, including a "fighting" brand underpinned by a low cost operating model.
The merger will create an airline with around 80 aircraft, challenging Air India and Jet Airways for dominance of the high-potential Indian aviation market. It also takes advantage of Deccan's right to fly international routes from Aug-08, with the budget unit set to launch services to the Middle East with A320 equipment and Kingfisher utilising widebody aircraft to launch long-haul services, initially to the US.
Airbus is hoping to persuade Air India to buy the A380 too (reportedly 12 of the model), but the flag carrier has yet to make a decision, with another very large order of up to 100 aircraft imminent.Kingfisher expects deliveries of the five A380s it had previously ordered to start in 2011-12.
Development work is progressing well on IGI Airport's third runway in Delhi; which will be one of the longest runways in Asia. This 60 m wide, Code F runway will cater to new generation large aircrafts such as the Airbus A380.



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Friday, February 8, 2008

Boat Shows Posted By : David Done

Boat shows are great for new and experienced boaters alike

It doesn't matter if you were born on the water or if you just started lake boating with your buddies, a boat show may just be the perfect, fun outing for you to go to. Boat shows are held all over the country, from Seattle to Chicago to Miami, and they include not only boats, but seminars, new product displays and more. If you are interested in seeing a boat show near you, ask your local lake officials where and when the nearest show is coming.

Here is what most boat shows cover:

About a gazillion boats: At it's core, a boat show is in fact a showing off of boats, meaning you can shuttle around the water checking out some of the most prestigious, shiny new boats from other boaters. The bigger boat shows could have upwards of a hundred or more boats while smaller shows may have 10 or 20 boats. The boaters that are displaying their boats often prepare for this event for some time before hand, to make sure their vehicle is clean and ready. If you want to have your boat displayed in a show, talk to the event hosts well in advance.

Seminars: Most boat shows also have seminars for different things relating to boats. Seminars may inform you of the best ways to clean certain parts of your boat or may include guest speaker appearances. The seminars are either held on a bigger boat docked on the water or on shore.

New product give-a ways: Retailers from the boating industry flock to boat shows. Since boaters navigate their way to boat shows when they are around, retailers find it the best place to sell boating equipment, parts and boating accessories. Many of these retailers do raffles, free product give-a-ways and more. If you are looking for equipment, a boat show is often a good place to go.

Boat shows are held all over the nation and are the place to be for interested boaters. Free entertainment, great boats, boating apparel, food and more are often available. It isn't uncommon for thousands of people to attend the boating events. The shows bring together boaters with similar interests and sometimes last several days. Some of the bigger boat shows in the United States include: The Seattle Boat Show, the Fort Lauderdale International Show, and the Atlanta Boat Show.

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Boat-Shows/85562

Boat Shows Posted By : David Done

Boat shows are great for new and experienced boaters alike

It doesn't matter if you were born on the water or if you just started lake boating with your buddies, a boat show may just be the perfect, fun outing for you to go to. Boat shows are held all over the country, from Seattle to Chicago to Miami, and they include not only boats, but seminars, new product displays and more. If you are interested in seeing a boat show near you, ask your local lake officials where and when the nearest show is coming.

Here is what most boat shows cover:

About a gazillion boats: At it's core, a boat show is in fact a showing off of boats, meaning you can shuttle around the water checking out some of the most prestigious, shiny new boats from other boaters. The bigger boat shows could have upwards of a hundred or more boats while smaller shows may have 10 or 20 boats. The boaters that are displaying their boats often prepare for this event for some time before hand, to make sure their vehicle is clean and ready. If you want to have your boat displayed in a show, talk to the event hosts well in advance.

Seminars: Most boat shows also have seminars for different things relating to boats. Seminars may inform you of the best ways to clean certain parts of your boat or may include guest speaker appearances. The seminars are either held on a bigger boat docked on the water or on shore.

New product give-a ways: Retailers from the boating industry flock to boat shows. Since boaters navigate their way to boat shows when they are around, retailers find it the best place to sell boating equipment, parts and boating accessories. Many of these retailers do raffles, free product give-a-ways and more. If you are looking for equipment, a boat show is often a good place to go.

Boat shows are held all over the nation and are the place to be for interested boaters. Free entertainment, great boats, boating apparel, food and more are often available. It isn't uncommon for thousands of people to attend the boating events. The shows bring together boaters with similar interests and sometimes last several days. Some of the bigger boat shows in the United States include: The Seattle Boat Show, the Fort Lauderdale International Show, and the Atlanta Boat Show.

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Boat-Shows/85562

Cruise Vacation- Preboarding Posted By :

When you are new to the cruise vacations you must have many doubts regarding the kind of activities and procedure you have to go before you board the cruise. It is obvious for any novice traveler of cruise ships to become nervous due to the nature of traveling in a ship. It is not at all unnatural in the part of the traveler and anyone in that situation would do the same. So you must know about the pre-boarding process.

Pre-boarding is the phase that you have to face before you are allowed to travel in the ship. It is commonly used by the travelers though for this particular phase there is another term used by the cruise lines. This particular phase involves accessing all the information regarding all their travelers in detail. You have to avail about you and your family who is with you to travel in the cruise to the cruise line officials. The information includes name, address, passport information and all such things required for the travel. You are also going to receive the ship card in this process which is very important during your stay in the cruise ship and that's why you can not afford to loose it.

The pre-boarding process also involves producing your passport every time you reach a new place or destination. Once this phase is over, you are ready for the travel. The checking of passport is done every time you are in a new place and this is for all the passengers. This is a difficult task but cruise lines made it easy before the traveler get inline at the terminal. The traveler has to fill the online information form before he gets onboard the cruise ship. Incase the traveler book for the cruise through a travel agent, a lot of information about the traveler is already known to the cruise line. Passengers are also able to complete the process by visiting the website of the cruise line itself.

It also save more time for both the passenger as well as for the cruise line if you fill all the information online when you reach the counter for check in. you have to do no more extra thing than filling up information that you do at the time of register for gain access to get on board. But while filling information online you must ensure that the website address starts with 'https' and also make sure you are not giving personal information such as bank id, credit card information in the website as there is always possibility of hacking. If you are booking through travel agents make sure you ask for the cruise lines web address.



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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Cruise-Vacation--Preboarding/80945

Prague Hotels Posted By : Boucher

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic sometimes called - the golden city and one of the most popular cities in Europe. Not so long ago Prague was still under a communist regime making travelling to Prague very difficult. However all that has changed, especially just after the fall of the iron curtain finding accommodation in Prague was very difficult. Nowadays the number of Prague hotels has soared, estimates run into 400 hotels and pensions. Back in the early nineties the quality of the hotels in Prague was questionable but at the moment all international hotel chains have their own hotels in Prague. From very basic to the most luxurious hotels such as the Corinithia Towers Hotel or the Alcron hotel located close to the Wenceslas square, in fact Prague is one of Europe´s cities with the highest number of five star hotels. When looking for Prague hotels it is not difficult to find a hotel in the city centre most of the hotels lie in the old city and are located close to each other. This is one of the attractive aspects of Prague, as the city is pretty small compared to some other major European cities , it is easy to explore Prague by foot. Getting to Prague is very easy, Prague has an extensive transport system. For transport within the city the most suitable means of transport is the metro which is cheap, safe and reliable. By air Prague can be reached via Ruzyn airport, at Ruzyn Airport you will find the Ramada Airport Hotel Prague. If you arrive in Prague by train you will also find a great number of hotels in the direct neighborhood . For example the luxurious Esplanade Prague hotel which offers you a delightful stay in a beautiful Art Nouveau building. If it is a hotel close to the Prague Castle you are looking for then the 5 star Savoy Hotel could be your best choice. Being member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World this hotel has been the favorite place to stay for many famous persons visiting Prague. So Prague caters to the preferences of many, it is an history city with attraction and landmarks that are all in short reach however offering the atmosphere of a true metropolis. And finding accommodation in Prague will never be difficult, hotels can be found in all sorts and classifications.



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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Prague-Hotels/74215

Finding the Perfect Canada Canoe trip Posted By : blackfeather

For the committed canoeist and outdoorsman, the search for the ultimate canoe trip ends with Canada's Nahanni River. A river trip down the beautiful Nahanni River, a federally protected wildlife preserve, provides paddlers with astonishing views of nature that include 3,000 foot canyon walls and rare native Canadian wildlife.

Something for everyone

A Canada canoe trip on the Nahanni provides variety for different skill levels and different tastes. Whether you like the rapids, smooth paddling, or a little of both, the Nahanni has it.

The outdoors fan will also have plenty to talk about upon his or her return. The Nahanni National Park spans 8,800 square miles with the best of it all being right along the Nahanni. Paddling down the river will take you past four canyons with walls rising up to thousands of feet on both sides, rare plant and animal wildlife, sulphur hot springs, and an overall view of nature's beauty as it was meant to be
seen.

More than a Boy Scout trip

Black Feather, a wilderness adventure company that offers guided Nahanni River trips, doesn't cater to your inner Boy Scout. These are for the serious adventurer lasting anywhere from 10 days to three weeks! More experienced paddlers can take on the whitewaters, while site seers will be taken on hikes to places few people have ever seen.

Author bio:-Black Feather has been offering northern adventures since 1971. Employing highly experienced and well-trained guides for each adventure and providing the best in gear, Black Feather expeditions are sure to be one of the finest life experiences you'll ever have. Destinations include Nahanni River trip (beautiful), a remote fjord in Greenland,Canada canoe trip and even Ellesmere's Muskox Way, located just a few hundred miles from the North Pole, just to name a few.

Black Feather has been offering northern adventures since 1971. Employing highly experienced and well-trained guides for each adventure and providing the best in gear, Black Feather expeditions are sure to be one of the finest life experiences you'll ever have. Destinations include Nahanni River trip (beautiful), a remote fjord in Greenland,Canada canoe trip and even Ellesmere's Muskox Way, located just a few



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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Finding-the-Perfect-Canada-Canoe-trip/73037

Gulet Charter in Turkey Posted By : ben jones

Mid July through to mid September are the busiest and most expensive months to cruise the Turkish coast. Temperature can exceed 40 deg C. May and late September are a little cooler and cheaper. April and October see some rain but it is still pleasantly warm. From May to October this area experiences the Meltemi wind. It blows from the N and NW and can make sailing in that direction hard work.

Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye are the chief yacht charter ports. The following destinations are ordered from north to south.

Iskele is a lovely little village on the northern Aegean coast opposite the Greek island of Lesvos. A lot of the village's old stone houses now serve as inns, pensions and restaurants. A short distance away is Behramkale, although most people still call the town by its ancient name of Assos. It was founded around 700 BC by colonists from the island of Lesvos. On a hill nearby are the ruins of the Doric-style Temple of Athena (530 BC) surrounded by crumbling city walls and an ancient cemetery. Close to is the 14th-century Ottoman Murad H?endigar Mosque. The hill offers spectacular views of the island of Lesvos and the Aegean Sea.

Ayvalik is a coastal resort in the northern Aegean. It is surrounded by olive groves that produce much of Turkey's best olive oil. Ayvalik has an interesting history, after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the Ottoman Greeks of Ayvalik moved to Greece, and Turkish citizens of Greece moved to Ayvalik. The town has many old Ottoman Greek houses and orthodox churches that have now been converted into mosques. The harbour has many good restaurants. Ferries run daily in summer between Ayvalik and the Greek island of Lesvos (Mytileni), but the fare is extraordinarily high for the 2 hour trip.

Alibey Island lies just off the coast opposite Ayvalik. It has good waterside restaurants and tavernas.

Izmir, formerly Smyrna, is a major port and commercial centre sitting on a large bay. The city was rebuilt after a fire, during the 1922 War of Independence, destroyed most of old Smyrna. Consequently the city is modern with little in the way of archaeological interest. There are perhaps other more rewarding places too visit if your time in Turkey is limited to a 2 week yacht charter.

Kusadasi is a major Aegean resort town and cruise ship port. It also has a full service yacht marina. From here it is possible to visit Ephesus, just 11 miles away, one of the best preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean region. Other ancient cities such as Aphrodisias, Euromos and the Temple of Zeus, Priene, Miletus and Didyma can also be seen. Kusadasi is popular with holidaymakers from Western Europe; so expect to find the "Red Lion" serving the "all day English breakfast" and several outlets for Guinness.

Gumusluk has an attractive small harbour with good shelter There are several good restaurants around the harbour.

Turgutreis sits on the end of Bodrum peninsula and yachts can find berths in the full service marina, a short distance from the town. There are good beaches at Aspat, Akyarlar and Huseyin Feneri

Amazon Creek is a narrow bay lined with pine trees. Nearby is a campsite with swimming pool and small provisioning store.

Bodrum is one of the main centres for yacht charter on the Aegean coast of Turkey. Here are the ruins of the original Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. And one of the world's foremost museums of Underwater Archaeology is located in the Castle of St Peter, a Crusader fortress. The beaches in town of Bodrum are small and get crowded, neither is the water particularly clean. There are better beaches along the Bodrum peninsula. Bodrum is known for its nightlife with many loud discos and clubs going through until the early hours. You can take a ferry from here and visit the Greek islands of Kos and Rhodes.

Datca harbour is divided into two halves by a thin causeway joining a small island to the mainland. In the summer months the harbour gets very crowded and a berth may be difficult to find. The town is good for provisioning and has plenty of restaurants to choose from. Nearby are hot, highly pungent sulphur springs.

Orhaniye lies at the eastern end of the Gulf of Hisaronu. A modern marina is situated about 1.5 miles from the comparatively unspoilt village of Orhaniye.

Ekincik can be identified by the light tower on its western headland. For a day trip, take on of the local boats for a guided tour of the Dalyan River. Watch for loggerhead turtles that can be seen on the long sandy beach at the mouth of the river. The beach is one of only two Mediterranean breeding grounds for this species. The first stop is usually the caves just outside Ekincik. Once you enter the river mouth travel upstream amongst reeds and marshes before reaching the impressive ruins of ancient Caunos. These include Roman Baths, amphitheatre, library, temple and a medieval fort. Carrying on up river to Dalyan village you'll pass the Lycian rock tombs set high up in the cliff face and eventually reach the lake of Koycegiz Golu.

Marmaris is arguably the premier location for yachting on the Aegean Coast. It has a full service marina or yachts can try for a berth in the busy harbour. Take a stroll in the honeycombed streets of the old quarter. Ferries cruise to and from the Greek island of Rhodes several times a day during the summer months. It is in the natural harbour of Marmaris that Nelson prepared his fleet in 1798 prior to the Battle of Abukir that saw the English triumph over the French. There is a museum in its small castle.

Make a stop at Kumlu Buku and explore the ancient ruins of Amos in the hills to the north. The stiff climb will be rewarded with a fine view.

Ciftlik sits in a pleasant bay and is a good spot for basic provisioning.

Gocek lies in a wooded bay at the northern end of Skopea Liman. It is protected from all but the strongest south and south westerly winds. Skopea Marina is located in Gocek town and a second facility; Club Marina lies just across the water. There is a regular ferry service running between the Club Marina and Skopea Marina. Club Marina is set amongst landscaped gardens and pine trees; facilities include bars, restaurants and games areas for children. Gocek provides good shopping and many of the shops in the town will deliver to the boat. Restaurants offer a good choice of local cuisine

Fethiye lies on a broad Mediterranean bay with some of Turkey's best beaches close at hand. The ?lis and ??iz beaches are within a few miles. The bay itself is excellent for sailing. On the approach to Fethiye, pass through the navigable channel to the west of Fethiye Adasi. From here it is possible to see the prominent rock tombs visible in the cliffs above the town. A good day trip inland is a visit to Saklikent Gorge, set high in the mountains above Fethiye. Over thousands of years rushing torrents of water have cut a constricted channel through the mountains. This gorge is 300 metres deep and 10 miles long. Because the walls of Saklikent Gorge are so high they cut out most of the sunlight and it a lovely refuge on hot summer days. Take a picnic or visit one of the rustic restaurants that overhang the river and try delicious fresh trout. In the summer months there is a ferry service from Fethiye to the Greek island of Rhodes.

Gemile Island, in Fethiye Bay, has many Byzantine ruins.

Sail southwards and pass the Seven Capes. Gusts from the top of these capes can be very strong and yachts are advised to stay a good two miles off shore when passing.

Kalkan is a lovely peaceful anchorage. This town is attractive and a good base for heading out to explore the ruins of Letoon, Patara and Xanthos.

Kekova Roads is the channel of water running between Kekova Island and the mainland. The roads are 6 miles long and offer many attractive anchorages and interesting ruins to explore.



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