Culinary, Confucian,... Korea

Korea might best be described by its food. Indeed, more than 200 variations of kim chi will do the trick—a spicy mixture of fermented cabbage and secret seasonings poured into clay urns and buried for just the right amount of time brings a new surprise in each batch and something warm and sustaining for the effort. And then there is bimbibap: a casual medley of mixed vegetables, meat and fried eggs over rice, all brought into focus with a spooning of gochujang, an earthy and piquant red pepper paste that seems to filter from the very soul of this land.

At once stiff and formal and possibly more Confucian than anywhere else on earth and at second glance, friendly, jocular and frenzied under a fast-forward motion of modernization, Korea is always a multitude of worlds speaking at once—and like any cacophonous family meal, a visitor simply pulls up a chair and joins in on the action.

No larger than Indiana, travelers will find here a 5,000-year legacy of cultural and natural beauty, from a majestic countryside to numerous Buddhist and Confucian shrines. Travelers will find cities with futuristic technology and infrastructure that put U.S. cities to shame. They will find UNESCO World Heritage monuments, monuments to war and peace, and first-rate museums to nearly every possible collection or icon.

Korea easily divides into five regions of tourism. To the north is Seoul with its palaces, parks, museums, fantasy shopping experiences and sophisticated urban beat. In the Eastern Area, along the East Sea about three hours by car from Seoul, visitors find dragonback mountains, scenic national parks full of ancient Buddhist temples and hermitages, mineral spring resorts and volcanic islands. South of Seoul, about two hours by car, is the Central Area, home to the city of Daejeon, known principally as the science center of Korea and with a mammoth science park attraction to match. The land here is full of forests, tombs and temples with odd Buddha interpretations built more than a millennium go, and Asia’s largest herb garden at Sangsu Herb Land.

The Southeastern Area of Korea is possibly the richest for tourism attractions along the sites of the ancient Silla kingdom and the eclectic cities of Daegu, Gyeongju and Busan. High-speed rail service launched in 2004 connects Seoul to Busan in two hours and 40 minutes with frequent daily departures that cost $40 one-way. As Korea’s principal port and second largest city, Busan is a jumping-off point to Japan by ferry and a modern city with top-flight hotels. Nearby, the city of Daegu is Korea’s textile hub and center of herbal medicine with some 300 Oriental medicine clinics and herbal dispensaries as well as parks and temples at every turn. Gyeongju is a bit more scenic as the capital of the Silla kingdom for 1,000 years (57 B.C.-A.D. 935). Tabbed by locals as a “museum without walls,” the treasures here include the tombs of the royals, Asia’s earliest known observation tower (the seventh century Cheomseongdae Observatory) and several museums bearing artifacts unearthed as recently as 1974. The Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an elaborate testament to the Buddha and Bodhisattvas (a person who has attained Enlightenment) built in the fifth century, easily combines with a trip to Gyeagju Folk Craft Village for unusual and historical handicrafts in a country where few such ideal souvenirs exist.

The Southwestern Area is home to fertile rice paddies and farmlands flanked by jagged
coastlines. Folk villages, quaint temple sites, and kitschy museums mark the attractions and there are oddities such as the Uhang-Ri fossil site where you can trace the vivid footprints of nearly 1,000 huge flying reptile species and dinosaurs that lived in this region 83 million years ago. Art finds include hanji, or Korean mulberry paper used for parasols and calligraphy, and celadon vessels.

Jeju-do, or Jeju Island, marks the southernmost area of Korea, an hour from Seoul by
air and an easy ferry ride from Busan. This is Korea’s Hawaii, with temperate weather in most seasons, a romantic coastline for the gazing, fine resorts that take advantage of those views, enrapturing trails and nature walks that lead to magical waterfalls, and lots of island lore to experience. Jungmun Resort in western Jeju, about 45 minutes from the international airport, is the hub of the tourism hotels and expo center. The hotels (the Lotte, Shilla and Hyatt Regency) are top-tier resorts with modern conveniences, excellent service, high-speed in-room WiFi Internet service, world-class spas and fine dining. The island, as the resort and leisure center of Korea, regularly hosts international diplomacy meetings and international trade expositions. For visitors it offers a cornucopia of kitschy museums (a teacup-shaped museum of green tea, the Teddy Bear Museum, Miniature Theme Park, the Chocolate Castle and the Africa Museum), as well as a number of excellent museums showcasing the natural history, island arts, bonsai craft and island culture.

Parks along the beach bring sightings of the island’s legendary women divers — women
who, through years of hardship, supported their families by diving for mollusks,
urchins and sea creatures in depths of up to 60 ft. without benefit of scuba gear. The practice is dying out, although older women in their 50s to 70s can still be seen bobbing in the chilly waters of the East Sea and bringing their catch to impromptu food stands that offer the items raw with chili sauce or cooked with seasonings on the grill.

It is no wonder that the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) chose this island as its 2007 site for the International Destination Expo, March 25-29.

Tour operators are receiving promotional assistance from a ramped-up Korea Tourism Organization office in New York and showcasing Korea’s mountains, waterfalls, seashores, lime caves, and mineral spas. New eco-tours embrace recreational activities like snorkeling, waterfall hiking, crater climbing and kayaking. And, despite the recent tantrums of a North Korea eager to receive world attention for its nuclear capabilities, interest in this neighbor to the north continues, so several U.S. tour operators continue to heed the call with security tours to Panmunjeom and the underground tunnels, Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and even Pyongyang and environs.

Rich in culture, growing in popularity, Korea could be the destination you've been waiting to see.

European Cycling Adventure

As if river cruises in Europe, with their quaint bank-side villages, marvelous hotel stays and intimate settings weren't already one of the most enjoyable leisure vacations available, there's a new breed of river cruise appearing that caters to those who want to get a more intimate view of the land these scenic rivers navigate.

Peter Deilmann Cruises has announced the creation of a countryside cycling program for some of its river cruises along the Seine, the Rhone, the Elbe and the Danube rivers this summer.

From June to September, the cruise line's cycling-themed river excursions will include the chance for adventurous but introspective bicycle rides through some of the most intriguing areas of France and Germany. Some of the cycle tours include backwoods paths, monasteries, castles, orchards, nature reserves, wine-tastings, picnics, and hotel stays overnight. This type of slow travel will allow visitors to take in the essence of cities like Lyon, Dresden, Paris, Vienna, Budapest and Hamburg from a totally different perspective than the average escorted tour or cruise.

~ note ~
contact us for more information if you'd like for us to help you plan a European River cruise for you.

Wine Tourism in Spain

One of Spain’s leading wine-producing regions, La Rioja, is transforming itself into a wine tourism destination. In the past two years, a wine museum has debuted, a Santiago Calatrava-designed winery has opened and a Zaha Hadid tasting room was inaugurated. And this past October, the area saw the opening of the Marques de Riscal’s City of Wine, which houses Rioja’s oldest winery, Marques de Riscal, and a new Frank Gehry-designed complex that is home to the 43-room Hotel Marques de Riscal, a Starwood Luxury Collection hotel. Hotel guests will have access to the Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa—offering a wide variety of massages and treatments featuring “wine therapy”—as well as to the local vineyards, a cooking school, a wine tasting corner, and a restaurant that will cook up regional dishes and promises to please even the most discerning of gourmands.

Wine tourism is a nice fit for Spain since the country has more land “under vine” than any other country in the world and is third in wine production after France and Italy. Indeed, the government—along with the Association of Wine Cities of Spain (ACEVIN)—is developing 17 wine routes throughout the country, and in the region of La Rioja, specifically, visitors can tour 35 bodegas that dot the area’s already-established wine route.

~~ For more information on Marques de Riscal City of Wine, visit marquesderiscal.com. For more on Spain, visit spain.info.

Costa Rica - The New Central American Destination

What makes vacationing in Costa Rica so special is that this tiny little Central American country has something for everyone. Whether you just want to sit back and relax on the beach, surf a wave, climb a volcano or go flying through the rainforest, Costa Rica has much to offer. With a plethora of activities to enjoy, a trip here is ideal if you want to see nature at its very best.

A top notch tourist destination, by the end of this year Costa Rica is estimated to attract over 1.2 million visitors from all over the globe. With so much to see and do here, it is little wonder then why Costa Rica is on the fast track to becoming one of the most popular travel destinations in the whole world. Surfing, swimming, snorkeling, trekking, canopy touring, diving, kayaking and bungee jumping are just some of the many activities that one can enjoy.

An excellent way to tour Costa Rica and get the best from your vacation is to stay at a resort hotel. Offering excellent accommodations and superb facilities, a Costa Rican resort lets you experience all that is wonderful and amazing about this small nation. All inclusive resorts, beach resorts, golf resorts, honeymoon resorts, luxury resorts, family resorts, fishing resorts, diving resorts, wedding resorts, spa resorts and yoga resorts are some of the many different kinds of resorts and hotels you can find when you are here.

Each offering an incredible wealth of amenities alongside plenty of touring and sightseeing opportunities, Costa Rica resorts are a fabulous way to vacation in. Letting you enjoy a stress free getaway where you don't have to lift a finger, staying at a resort means the ultimate in comfort and luxury. While most resorts tend to be quite expensive, Costa Rica also has a number of affordable and economical resorts that one can stay at with the entire family. These resorts not only provide daycare facilities, but also playgroups and activities for kids to enjoy, while their parents are out touring the surrounding areas. Child-friendly sightseeing trips and locations are also part of the resort's itinerary.

For those with cash to spend, Costa Rica has a number of deluxe luxury resorts that offer the finest accommodations money can buy. These resorts are located along secluded beaches and are surrounded by some of the most lush and dense forestation, providing an intimate and private setting to relax your cares away.

If you want to enjoy a Costa Rican resort vacation then head on out to either coast where some of the best hotels can be found. You can find plenty of resorts located along the Northwestern and Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in Guanacaste and Puntarenas, while if you head down south, you will find a number of attractive all inclusive lodges and inns to stay at. The Caribbean Coast offers a different side of Costa Rica to vacation in and provides a more secluded environment to have some fun in the sun.

See San Jose, Costa Rican Hotels

Golf Vacation Destinations

By Larry Denton

Does your ideal vacation include spending hours hitting a little white ball into a hole hundreds of yards away? For many people golf is the ultimate in relaxation and even a dream vacation. Many individuals and, indeed, entire families are taking golf
vacations which include visiting some of the premier golf courses around the U.S. or even signing up for a week of professional lessons given by former or current golf pros.

Granted, golf is not for everyone and dragging your entire family on a vacation that only you enjoy might not be the best idea. However, a number of golf courses and golf clubs now offer family packages that allow you to enjoy the course while your family explores other local culture, history, sporting, and entertainment options. Many such packages will even offer the ability to plan parallel vacations so that your family can join up with another local tour group while you enjoy the greens.


So where do people go when wanting to get in some serious golfing? Major cities such as Dallas and Chicago host a number of PGA golf courses that offer an exciting, challenging experience that will challenge your skills and teach you a few new tricks. There are ever getaways in the Caribbean and Hawaii for those who want to enjoy a bit of the exotic while they play the back nine.

Some daring adventurers may find that the best golf (and a good vacation for the rest of the family) takes them overseas to England, Scotland, Germany and Ireland which are home to a number of world-renowned golf courses on which to play. While these options can be considerably more expensive than domestic vacations, they can be worth it when it comes to the experience and the culture you enjoy by visiting a foreign land.

Many golf courses are resorts in themselves offering lodging and other entertainment options. Some, such as Disney properties, include both golfing and other vacation opportunities combined into one property so that the whole family has something to do right on site.

So what does it take to get your golf vacation planned? For the most part all it takes is a destination to get the ball rolling. The PGA provides a number of recommended sites and facilities that you can visit on their website. Or you can just simply find your own course and make your own vacation. Sometimes the best vacations are those that aren't planned out by a travel agency, but one you put together yourself.

So pack up the golf clubs (yes you can take them on the plane) and get out your best golf hat. A golfing vacation is going to be a challenge that you will enjoy!

additional links
Playa Azul, Cozumel
Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort Spa and Golf
Gaylor Texan Resort and Convention Center, Dallas
Four Seasons Resort and Club, Dallas
CityWest Hotel and Golf Resort, Dublin, Ireland
Hyatt Hacienda Del Mar, San Juan, Puerto Rico
JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, Orlando
La Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort, Bali, Indonesia
Ocean Blue Golf and Beach Resort, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Beijing - 2008 Olympic Destination

All the travel industry gurus predict that by 2010, China will be the number 1 travel destination in the world. After eons of social isolationism, the Chinese seem to have finally figured out that they can preserve their culture and share it with the world at the same time. As one of the featured host cities for the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing is right in the middle of this stunning turn around.

The name of Beijing's famous imperial Ming Palace, "The Forbidden City," pretty much sums up the antiquated isolationist viewpoints that have dominated China for much of it's history. Now the major cities of China are embracing technology, and welcoming the world as tourism soars throughout a country that has a more or less remained the same for the last couple thousand years.

As the capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing is the nation's political, economic, cultural and educational center as well as being the China's most important center for international trade and communications. It has been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history and consequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travelers as they explore Beijing's ancient past and enjoy its exciting modern development.

The major highlights of a visit to Beijing should include the following:

Great Wall of China - the longest man-made architecture on
earth, which can even be seen from space. This should be your number one destination in Beijing.

Forbidden City - the former palaces and offices of Ming and Qing
Dynasties. It is currently a museum with countless treasures and consists of almost 9,000 rooms.

Summer Palace - the most well preserved royal resort of Qing
Dynasty. Beautiful waterfront gardens are the highlight of spring tours.

Temple of Heaven - the 600 year old Taoist temple where Ming and Qing emperors demonstrated their devotion to Heaven.

Other things to enjoy include a classic Peking duck dinner, Peking Opera, shopping and browsing in old Beijing, Tiananmen Square, The Ming Dynasty Tombs, Temple of Azure Clouds, or a visit to the National Museum of China.

The best way to see the sights is to walk. Make sure you plan to allow yourself plenty of time to see everything there is to see. Prime times for travel to Beijing are May and September, when the weather is milder. If you do plan to travel as a spectator for the 2008 Summer Olympics, be sure to plan your trip as early as possible. Be aware that some events are scheduled for early morning hours rather than in the afternoon to accommodate live western television brodcasting. Opening Ceremonies begin August 8, but there are actually soccer matches scheduled to begin on August 6, so be sure you are also aware of the scheduling of the events you're planning to attend, when scheduling your travel plans.

Most vacation trips to China are planned for multiple cities and also include Xian, and Shanghai, among others. Yangtze River tours are also a great way to see the vibrant central China provinces, where you can see everything from archaic terrace farming to the very modern Three Gorges Dam. The average vacation into China lasts about two weeks and includes four stops. With new air lanes opening up between the US and China, air service is also more readily available, which makes the planning of these visits to the other side of the world even easier.

Among destinations on the lifelong to-do list, China remains popular. And as the country continues to welcome western tourists, more and more travelers will be able to look to far east and say, "been there, done that, bought the t-shirt."

GoTravel.com's Destination guide for Bejing

Adventure Vacation: White Water Rafting in Scotland

White water rafting is fun, exciting, dangerous and now Scotland has placed itself firmly on the map as the place to do it. Since the early 1970s white water rafting has become a sport that has grown rapidly year on year. Places such as River Tummel in Scotland are now home to thousands of tourists and experienced rafters alike who take to the water each year.

With white water rafting comes more than just adventure, there is the risk of injury as well. That is why anyone who is new to the sport must understand the risks that are involved every time you enter a raft. The fast-paced nature of the sport means literally anything can happen, and not just falling overboard. Steering in and out of obstacles also means that you run the risk of collisions, so it is imperative that you understand the importance of wearing a life jacket and as well as a safety helmet. It is usually the case that rapids are given a rating between 1-5 for how complicated they are, so remember and start low before working your way up. 1 is the lowest and would be suitable for young children and beginners, whilst a more experienced rafter may be able to take the challenge of a rapid classed as 5.

With the growth of rafting as a recreational activity and a sport, many improvements in the options that are open to people have become available. This means that lazy rafters looking for cheap frills without wasting energy can now look towards motorised rafts, rather than the traditional human-powered raft. This is also a great way for people to settle into the experience of riding a rapid, without the added worry of steering and powering the raft at the same time. It is also worthy of note that many say the motorised element can remove much of the fun associated with the sport.

Scotland and white water rafting now go hand in hand for a number of reasons, not least the great facilities. Scotland is home to highly skilled and qualified instructors in the area of white water rafting, but that is just the start. Places such as Grandtully, Dunkeld and Averfeldy have world class facilities for experienced rafters and beginners alike. Not only that, but Scotland is also home to dam induced rapids that mean rafters do not have to count on conditions to be sure they can have a great days sporting activity.

As Scotland continues to grow as the place to live the white water rafting experience, it is also becoming home to many sporting events in the international arena. This is not only raising the profile of white water rafting within Scotland, but also has a positive impact on the country as a whole. The areas in Scotland where rafting is most prominent are also tranquil and unspoiled, and therefore are suitable for holiday makers who want to enjoy the great sporting opportunities and the quiet country side at the same time.

Accomodations:
Hilton Dunkeld
Kinnaird Relais & Chateau Hotel
Hilton Dundee


by Peter Syme, of Splash White Water Rafting in Scotland

Top 5 Poker Rooms in Las Vegas

Top Five list provided by Jack Reider, professional gamer

If you want to experience live poker action at the gambling Mecca of the world, here is a guide to the top poker rooms in Las Vegas. You can read here updated info on each of the recommended Las Vegas poker rooms including their game variety, limits and tournaments.

1) Bellagio Casino and Hotel
If you want to experience Las Vegas poker action and hang out with pros, the Bellagio is the casino for you. It is one of the classiest poker rooms available in Las Vegas. It is so popular that you might find yourself spending over an hour at the waiting list and then find yourself stuck with a bunch of enthusiastic amateurs.

The games offered are Texas Holdem, Omaha and stud games, and you can also join one of the tournaments, but note that this involves playing No Limit Holdem. As for the table limits for the regular games, these are as follows:
a) Limit Holdem: 4/8, 8/16, 15/30, 30/60, 60/120, 75/150 dollars and up.
b) No Limit Holdem: 200 dollars buy ins with 2/5 dollars blinds.
c) Omaha: 6/12, 15/30, 20/40, 30/60, 50/100 dollars and up.
d) Stud Poker: 1/5, 4/8, 8/16, 30/60, 75/150 dollars and up.

2) Mirage Las Vegas
If you are tired of waiting for a table at Bellagio, the poker rooms at the Mirage can be an acceptable alternative. It resembles Bellagio's with its luxurious atmosphere, variety of games and its huge popularity among pros as well as tourists.

The games offered are Texas Holdem and Omaha, Stud and as the Bellagio, playing in a tournament means getting involved with No Limit Texas Holdem. As for the limits of each table in a regular game, they are:
a) Limit Holdem: 3/6, 6/12, 10/20, 20/40, 40/80 dollars.
b) No Limit Holdem: between 100 and 500 dollars buy ins with 2/5 dollars blinds.
c) Omaha: 5/10 dollars.
d) Stud Poker: 1/5, 5/10.

3) Excalibur Las Vegas
If you want to play in a less stressful environment, check out the poker room at the Excalibur casino. You can play spread limit Holdem with the lowest limits available on the Strip and enjoy beginners friendly rules such as limitation on three raises. The room has been renovated recently and the poker tables and seats are very comfortable.

At the Excalibur, you can play Texas Holdem or 7 Card Stud, and the limits are slightly lower:
a) Limit Holdem: 1/3, 2/6 dollars.
b) No Limit Holdem: 100 dollars buy ins with 1/3 dollars blinds.
c) 7 Card Stud: 1/5 dollars and up.

4) Binions' Horseshoe Hotel and Casino
If you want to play at the same room where the first WSOP took place, you must visit Binions' poker room. Although the casino has been renovated and went through many changes since the days of Nick the Greek, the ghosts of the past still haunt the place, but in a good way.

Here too you can play Texas Holdem, No Limit Holdem in their own tournament, Omaha and Stud games for the following limits:
a) Limit Holdem: 2/4, 4/8, 10/20 dollars.
b) No Limit Holdem: 100 dollars minimum buy ins with 1/2 dollars blinds.
c) Omaha: 4/8 dollars.
d) Stud Poker: 1/5.

5) Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino
If you want to follow in the steps of the 2006 WSOP champions, check out the Rio poker room. You might be surprised from the size and the small variety of games, but the thought of sharing the same location with contemporary gaming legends adds a certain appeal to it.

Other than taking part in the tournament where you can participate in some No Limit Holdem, you can pick from Texas Holdem, 7 Card Stud, Omaha or a few other variations according to what players request. The limits are as follows:
a) Limit Holdem: 2/4, 3/6, 4/8 dollars.
b) No Limit Holdem: 100 dollars minimum buy ins with 2/5 dollars blinds.

Keep in mind that you are not by any means limited to only playing in the hotel where you stay. Strip shuttles are the key to hitting all the hot gaming spots. Think about how you plan to spend your days (or nights) and book at the hotel that best suits those plans - you can play cards anywhere you want.

For a weekend trip, you might want to book a hotel closer to the center of the strip, then spend one day going south and another day going north... and if your luck runs out, you can always take in the sights: the mesmerizing fountains outside the Bellagio, or the spectacular fountains and volcano outside the Mirage are well worth the price of (free) admission.

The ABC Islands of the Caribbean

Exploring The ABC Islands
by: Justin Burch


As a group, the ABC islands offer an incredibly distinctive Caribbean vacation. Consisting of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, the ABC Islands were under the control of the Netherlands as the Netherlands Antilles until 1986. In that year, Aruba gained independence, though the island is still aligned with the Dutch Kingdom. Today, the Willemstad, Curacao serves as the capital of the Netherlands Antilles, a colonial grouping which also governs Bonaire and the smaller islands of St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba. As a result of Dutch rule, each of the islands is dominated by Dutch colonial architecture and custom, though in most cases infused with colorful local flourishes. Yet, despite this European influence, the ABC islands are as exotically Caribbean as you can imagine. From the diverse sporting opportunities to the wonderfully rich history, these Caribbean resort islands definitely have much to offer any type of traveler.

Aruba, the most southwestern of the ABC Islands, is located 42 miles from Curacao and a mere 15 miles from the coast of Venezuela. The premier Caribbean resorts are located in Aruba, the most developed and glamorous of the ABC Islands. As a result, over one million visitors are attracted to the island each year. But Aruba has far more to offer than glitzy Caribbean resorts, casinos and restaurants. Nearly 20% of the island is devoted to Arikok National Park, home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire Caribbean. The island is also a popular destination for water sports, hosting an internationally recognized windsurfing competition each year. For many travelers, Aruba represents the ideal, picture book Caribbean vacation.

Bonaire, on the other hand, is the least developed of the ABC islands. The primary attractions here are the coral-filled waters off the coast and the laidback ambiance of the island. About 25 years ago, the local government designated much of the sea surrounding the island a marine park, preserving the reefs and beaches for the enjoyment of scuba divers and snorkelers. Expectantly, over half of the island’s annual visitors come to explore these waters. Beyond the 60 official dive sites, Bonaire is also known as a top bird watching destination. Inside the sprawling Washington-Slagbaai National Park and throughout the island, over 200 species of exotic birds can regularly be spotted. For a relaxing Caribbean vacation away from the crowds, Bonaire may be the perfect island.


Curacao, the largest island in the Netherlands Antilles, lies between Aruba and Bonaire in the Caribbean Sea. The island boasts an interesting history, visible in the museums and vibrantly painted buildings of the island’s capital, Willemstad. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is also home to the oldest operating Hebrew synagogue in the Western Hemisphere and several other historic sites. Walking the streets of this colonial treasure, you will hear residents speaking four distinct languages: Dutch, English, Spanish and the indigenous Papiamentu. This cultural diversity is also present in the island’s cuisine, some of the most unique fare in the Caribbean. Like the other ABC islands, the opportunities for fun in the water are limitless. There are also plenty of great options for families including the Curacao Seaquarium and plenty of quiet, unspoiled beaches. While Aruba is the most luxurious of the islands and Bonaire the most pristine, it could be said that Curacao rests somewhere in between.

~ editor's note ~
With daily flights departing from Miami to Curacao, it's well within the American vacationer's reach to plan an island hopping vacation that takes advantage of the unique characteristics of all three of these Caribbean gems. Many cruise lines also offer Caribbean cruise itineraries that include stops at Aruba and/or Curacao, giving the traveler yet another opportunity to see these tropical locations up close and personal. Visitors to Venezuela can also take advantage of the short boat trip across the water to see historic Willemstad, enjoy the ultimate dive locations in Bonaire, or even plan a wedding in romantic Aruba.

An Introduction To Tuscany Italy

by: Rob Carlton

Tuscany, Italy is the place that movies are filmed and fantasies run wild. Perhaps it is the cities of Florence, Pisa, or Livorno that invoke feelings of culture, art, or arouse the senses to the smells and taste of the Chianti region. The fact is that Tuscany is home to some of the most famous tourist destinations in Italy. It is here that budding artists come to learn from the masters. It is here that the world of fashion takes it cues. And it is in Tuscany that romantics rekindle the flame and celebrate their love.

The Cities of Tuscany
Florence is perhaps one of the most famous cities in the area known as Tuscany. The Uffizi museum after all is home to such masterpieces as “The Birth of Venus.” Originally built to house the Tuscan administrative offices, the top floor now houses masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio. Each visitor to Florence must also stop in and gaze at Michelangelo’s “David,” on display at the oldest art academy, the Galleria dell’Accademia. The Ponte Vecchio is a landmark that literally translated means “old bridge.” It was built in the 1300s and has withstood floods and wars in order to continue to hawk some of the world’s most wonderful 18 and 24k gold products and leather goods.

Chianti is known for its wines which are famous around the world. Tourists to Tuscany can enjoy the world’s finest wines while enjoying the picturesque countryside.

Siena, also located in the Chianti region houses a gothic cathedral and paintings by medieval masters, Duccio and Simone Martini. The Renaissance and Etruscan history are evident in each landmark of the region.

Pisa is best known for the Leaning Tower whose construction began in the 12th century, but starting sinking into the ground after only 3 stories were completed. It stood this way for 90 years and was finally completed by the son of Andreo Pisano, Tommano Simone and Giovanni de Simone almost 200 years after it was started.

Hillsides and Waysides
Part of the beauty and mystique of Tuscany is its countryside. The rolling hills that slope down to the coast are dotted with vineyards and villas. There are working farms and vacation villas suitable for the most adventurous tourists or those who demand first class accommodations. Tuscany car rentals allow tourists to explore each tiny village at their own pace and on their own schedule.

The Heart of Commerce
Emerging as a real business centre, Tuscany is home to thriving businesses in the furniture, leather, fashion, and manufacturing industries. These businesses keep the region in the 21st century while the people and culture keep one foot in the past.

If romance, tradition and culture are your idea of an ideal vacation, then Tuscany is for you. On the other hand if shopping and the face pace of a thriving city are your style then you will also find it in the Tuscany region of Italy.

The Lazy Town of Loreto

It’s an idyllic 74 degrees in Baja California Sur and the tiny Loreto International Airport (LTO), which conceals more domestic and international flights than may appear possible for a thatched-roof structure, is bustling with people escaping the cold and coming home—or quite possibly, their second home. That’s because the bucolic hamlet of Loreto Bay, off the Sea of Cortez, is becoming a haven for people seeking the simpler life of a quiet Mexican town and the next “it” resort destination, one which not even superstars know about…yet.

The Inn at Loreto Bay is a getaway within a getaway whose Santa Fe architecture is perfectly— and unobtrusively—at home with its setting. Guests can spend their days enjoying a kayak ride or hiking Punta Nopolo, just a minute’s walk from the property. Rooms are spacious and orderly, also inspired by the region’s natural landscapes. Indeed, the hotel’s surroundings, including the nine proposed “villages” that will hug the property (the second has begun construction and follows key Loreto Bay principles such as adobe block-built courtyard homes with both ocean and mountain views), are being designed so that people can walk and bike around—a clearly novel concept in community planning design nowadays. In fact, the area is being “…designed for interaction with people,” says Peter Clark, Loreto Bay’s technical director of sustainability, explaining that each village will have a higher-density core and thus use less land.

Besides a loyal adherence to Loreto Bay’s elements of sustainability, the Inn at Loreto Bay has an added bonus in its dining offerings: the produce used here grow in Loreto Bay’s Agricultural Center and Organic Farm, where the freshest fruit and vegetables are cultivated and cared for—and later served to clients in the resort’s restaurants. One of the Inn at Loreto Bay’s trademark offers is its learning vacations—packages influenced by Baja California Sur’s wide range of educational possibilities. A Digital Photography Vacation, for instance (April 26-29), allows your clients to hone their digital photography skills with expert Frank Fennell while shooting photos of the region’s vistas and wildlife. Another vacation, Medicinal Plants of Baja, is scheduled for May 3-6.

The hotel currently has a 3-night Loreto Bay Fishing package available through May 15 that includes accommodations and meals as well as two days of a “Super Panga Boat Charter” with a captain for seven hours per day of fishing along with gear, bait and licenses. Also available is a Whale Watching package (through April) for a 4-day holiday that includes a visit to the waters now flush with grey whales and their brood. Furthermore, a number of homes in Loreto Bay will be available for nightly and weekly bookings at a future date, with a number of hotel services and amenities available to them; details are in the works.

The Town of Loreto is home to the Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, the first mission established in the Californias, this is an undiscovered gem years away from the hustle and bustle of Los Cabos. The region is ripe with opportunities for getting away from it all: snorkeling off Coronado Island (just eight miles away), biking along desert trails, even just enjoying a leisurely walk along Loreto’s boardwalk and watching the pelicans dive into the waters with glee. Some airlines flying into Loreto include Alaska Airlines, Delta, AeroMexico, and beginning in June, Continental Airlines, which will offer nonstop service from Houston twice a week.

Kids Included in "All Inclusive"

When you think about it, the island of Jamaica has a lot in common with your average kid: carefree and fun-loving, outgoing and unpretentious, a unique blend of high energy and naptime.

So it’s no wonder that Jamaica is a hit with children of all ages, who with a flick of the imagination can turn just about any of the island’s exotic beach and jungle settings into impromptu playgrounds. Of course, they do have some help from Jamaica’s hotels and tour operators, providing excursions, amenities, special menu items and even a few “real” playgrounds, no make-believe necessary.

Swings and Slides
And what better fodder for a playground than a fort, a lazy river and a 240-ft. waterslide? According to Carol Lynton-Reid, director of sales for Sunset Resorts, the Pirate’s Paradise Water Park at the Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Montego Bay has proven to be fun for the whole family.

“The reception we’ve received from families traveling with their children has been just great,” she says. “Of course, they realize that happy children make happy families and parents, so the water park gives everybody the chance to have a fabulous vacation.”

Pirate’s Paradise combines adventurous features like two 40-ft. tall waterslides and a 40-ft. high Pirate’s Plank Bridge with calmer pursuits like Blackbeard’s Lazy River, which winds around the park “taking children or adults having fun in a tube and carrying them along,” Lynton-Reid describes. The three jacuzzi tubs stationed at the top of the Caribbean Pirate’s Paradise Fort are also awaiting travelers looking for a more laid-back water experience.


But where high-energy kids are concerned, the Pirate Ship delivers with a special section for kids ages 2 to 12 that includes “their own little kiddie pool and their own froggy slide,” Lynton-Reid explains. And dryer kids activities are just steps away in the adjacent Club Mongoose kids’ club, including a disco, special events stage and facilities for supervised activities like t-shirt tie dying. “Trained staff lovingly take care of them, catering to their every need from arts and crafts activities and little shows, to taking them to the beach or the water park,” Lynton-Reid says. Then there’s the Pirate’s Cove Teen Center with arcade games, pool tables and reggae music. Overall, the facility fills more than an acre with family-friendly amenities.

“And it’s just as popular with adults,” Lynton-Reid says. “I see the adults—the 21- and 25-year-olds as well as the older folk—everybody having a good time. The children are coming down the slide as well as the adults. It truly is a family experience.”

Kids can go straight from swimming through the ocean to flying through the air (with the greatest of ease) at SuperClubs’ Starfish Trelawny all inclusive family resort between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. In addition to typical amenities like a kids’ club and watersports, the all-inclusive package at Starfish includes trapeze and trampoline courses as part of its circus workshop. Kids will learn swinging and bouncing tips from the pros, and can take skills like juggling with them to impress their friends at home.

The surprises don’t stop at the circus; Starfish is also home to a SuperIce skating rink—good luck finding another ice skating opportunity in the Caribbean. Parents can also watch their kids safely pummel each other in padded sumo wrestler suits, or send everyone over to Bubbles Disco. Open nightly as an adults-only reggae club, Bubbles also hosts events for children and teens in the early evening, so the whole family can enjoy the space.

Kids will find a more traditional jungle gym and playground at the Kid’s Club, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for arts and crafts, trampoline lessons and kiddie pool wading for kids as young as 6 months and as old as 12. Onsite babysitting is also available while parents enjoy a 4-course gourmet dinner at Casablanca (no kids under 10 allowed) or indulge in a massage, facial or manicure at the spa.

Kidding Around
After an afternoon of Jamaica-style excitement, kids will need some down time for rest and refueling. No problem at the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Jamaica, says General Manager Michael Hoe-Knudsen. “Our dedicated kids’ snack bar, Just Kidding, is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. We serve anything from nachos to hot dogs to popcorn to soft ice cream, with different juices.” In addition to kid-friendly treats, the snack bar was specially designed for the vertically challenged: “It has a sunken counter so even 3 and 4 year olds can see the waiter and place their order there. And the funny thing,” Hoe-Knudsen continues, “is the parents like it almost more than the kids do.”

Other dining venues, like the hotel’s buffet restaurants, have also been outfitted with sunken counters so that girls and boys can make their own food choices. Chefs at the resort prepare special food for kids, Hoe-Knudsen explains, including “ABC” fries for breakfast, pastas and pizza for lunch, and macaroni and cheese for dinner.

But the kids’ concessions don’t end at the dinner table. “We don’t just welcome kids and families; we celebrate them,” says Hoe-Knudsen. “From the start, when you arrive with your family, there’s a separate area for kids during check-in.” He also points out the sloped, zero-entry platform into the pool, “so when you walk in there’s no risk for the young toddlers,” as well as the KidSpree Vacation Club with organized activities for kids between 6 months and 12 years old. Here, kids can play in the outdoor garden, express their creative side with arts and crafts, or take a well-deserved nap in the playroom. Plus, “It’s located right in front of the snack bar, and the organized activities vary from day to day,” he explains. “There’s a kids’ disco at night. There’s a talent show. And there’s a fashion show for the older kids. It almost looks like a runway in New York with all the parents taking pictures.”

Even the sea itself seems engineered for children. “Mother Nature did us a favor in that all of the beach and ocean areas are quite shallow…. It’s great from a safety standpoint,” he explains. Of course, lifeguards are standing by just in case.

But one of the best reasons to stay at the Holiday Inn SunSpree in Montego Bay, Hoe-Knudsen says, is the pricing. Up to two kids under 12 per room can stay, play and eat for free year-round—“No exceptions, no blackout dates, no strings attached,” Hoe-Knudsen emphasizes. “That’s our biggest competitive advantage.”

Catching Some ‘Rays
Possibly the hottest new family adventure in Jamaica is a re-do of a Cayman Islands vacation staple: Stingray City, Chukka Caribbean Adventures’ newly opened venture. Located on James Bond Beach, 10 miles from Ocho Rios, the attraction gives kids and adults alike the chance to snorkel and swim with the silky, slimy creatures. Never fear; the stingrays are tame enough to feed, pet, and even pose with for a unique photo-op. And because it’s appropriate and appealing for both adults and kids ages 6 and up, it’s an adventurous experience the whole family can enjoy. Not that there’s any shortage of adventure at Chukka, which also offers horseback riding in the ocean, canopy tours, mountain biking, ATV safaris, ocean kayaking, river tubing.... Just about anything a kid could dream up. Tours are available at many Jamaican hotels including the Holiday Inn SunSpree Jamaica, and can also be booked independently. Visit stingraycityjamaica.com or chukkacaribbean.com.

For the Culinary Traveler: Experience Cayman Cuisine

If you're a culinary traveler who likes the Caribbean, mark your calendar. This summer, celebrity chefs from around the globe will participate in the May 2007 Cayman Classic, a 3-day feast combining cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, and other tricks of the culinary trade at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman.


A far cry from simple jerk chicken, Cayman cuisine is celebrated among the island's varied and high quality restaurants. Take the Casa Havana, the only four-diamond restaurant on the island, situated within the Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa. They've created winemaker dinners, a series of dining events designed to allow diners the chance to sample wines not commonly found in the Caribbean along with meals prepared especially to create a perfect wine pairing. They also feature a Sunday Champagne brunch - the only Champagne brunch on the island.

Down the way is Blue by Eric Ripert, at the Ritz-Carlton. Blue features many lobster dishes and chef's tasting menu for those who want to get a real feel for what the kitchen is capable of producing. For vacationers who are looking for a night of elegance, this is the place.

For culinary travel with a Caribbean flair, ask about travel in early May that includes passes for the Cayman Classic food event, which occurs May 10-13, or packages that will get you to the Westin in time for their season finale wine dinners, the The Super Tuscan Evening - The Ultimate Dinner is served on April 13 and the season closing Gosset - Le Grand Dame of Champange serves on June 8.


Book travel: Ritz-Carlton, Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa, Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman
Other Grand Cayman Destinations

Ten Reasons to Visit Norway

The Vikings influenced most of Europe, and even part of North America, but a quick view through any Nordic travel guide will have you wondering... why were they in such a hurry to go somewhere else?

Here are the top ten reasons for the globe-trotting family to book a cruise to Norway:

• Sites of historical and cultural significance
  Norwegian cruises offer a vast selection of shore excursions where visitors can disembark to experience the country’s rich culture and heritage—from architecture, museums, and literature to festivals, concerts, and other great performing arts.
• An extremely safe destination
  Norway is an economically stable and high-tech country situated in a calm corner of the world.
• Lots of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages (family friendly)
  Nature lovers experience mountain walks, camping, fishing, golf, polar expeditions, and so much more—all appropriate for different ages and fitness levels.
• Amazing landscapes
  From waterfalls to fjords to parks, the Norwegian coastline includes more than 67.000 enticing islands, enabling cruise ships to sail in beautiful sheltered waters.
• Easily accessible air travel
  Travel from the US and other destinations in Europe is easy, with as many as nine airlines serving travelers.
• Family-friendly hotels
  You will even find a collection of hostels who cater to backpackers, providing inexpensive lodging for the adventurous.
• Modern lifestyle and cosmopolitan cities
  The combination of big city life, a diverse array of cultural activities and easy access to untouched natural surroundings have made Oslo an increasingly attractive destination for travellers from all over the world.
• Warmer than many nordic destinations thanks to the Gulf Stream
  While winters can still be cold enough to warrant a large coat and scarf, often simple layered clothing is enough to keep travelers comfortable the rest of the year.
• Easy entry
  Upon entering Norway you must present a valid passport and/or document proving your nationality, but Americans staying less than 90 days are not required to have a visa.
• Friendly English-speaking population
  Many tourists look upon Norway as a safe destination and discover how warm, engaging, and welcoming Norwegians are. A large portion of the population is proficient in English as a second language and can converse easily with travelers from the US.

Additionally, Norway claims one of the premiere Heritage sites in the world. You will find two of the world’s three longest fjords in Norway. UNESCO has included Norwegian fjords on its World Heritage List, and National Geographic has ranked Norwegian fjords the most popular of all World Heritage sites.

Norway also boasts one of the most highly rated train rides in the world - the trip between Oslo and Bergen, hitting heights of more than 1200 meters above sea level!

Currently about 18 different cruise lines makes ports of call in Norway. Maybe you should see what all the excitement is about?

http://www.visitnorway.com

Diving Into the Far Reaches of the Caribbean

When you mention Caribbean vacations and water sports, a lot of the same names come up - Grand Cayman, Nassau, Aruba, even Bonaire for the most avid divers. But there are other locations around the bright blue sea that are underused, but becoming ever more accessible.

Trinidad & Tobago may not spring immediately to mind when you think of a scuba vacation, but there's no reason to keep this destination off your list of dive sites. First of all, consider its location: neighboring islands are Grenada and Barbados to the north, and the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao to the west, and to the south, you have the lovely coast of Venezuela. So why aren't more divers plowing through the pristine waters?

Consider again, the location: Trinidad & Tobago are about as far away from the US as you can get and still be regarded in the Caribbean. And in point of fact, it's just a location that's not all that well-known in the US as a vacation or adventure destination. The folks in charge of tourism development are ready to change all that.

New hotels are coming into service this year, among them, the 428 room, 5-star Hyatt Regency Hotel and Conference Center, which is part of the Port of Spain's International Waterfront Development initiative.The hotel will include luxury amenities as well as complete convention and business facilities. The Hyatt is expected to open in the fall of 2007. See the links listed at the end of this article for more details.

For dive enthusiasts, you'll be happy to know that US-valid dive certifications can be obtained in the warm tropical waters through DiveTNT. This 17-year old diving operation has locations on both islands - at the Coral Cove Marina in Trinindad and in the town of Charlotteville in Tobago. DiveTNT has certification programs to suit beginners and pros, ranging from simple Resort Dive training to Rescue Diving.

Links:
DiveTNT
Hyatt Regency
Neighboring Aruba
Lodging Options:
Ancon Club All Inclusive
Trinidad Hilton