Friday, July 3, 2009

Top 4 Favorite A-Lister Destinations

There are a handful of dream locations, world-wide, that offer the astute and well-heeled traveler entertainment, relaxation and, critically, relative privacy. We have selected four locations preferred by the so-called A-listers amongst us and why:

Barbados

The island of Barbados in the Caribbean has long been the chosen destination of the rich and richer. It is not unusual to spy celebrity couples - the Beckhams, Sting & entourage, and even aging rocker Mick Jagger and his latest conquest - enjoying the fabulous beaches of this island paradise. One of the world's most successful sportsmen, Tiger Woods, followed up his romantic proposal at a South African game reserve with a luxurious wedding at the celebrated Sandy Lane Hotel in St James, Barbados.

Dubai

One of the seven Arab Emirates and arguably one of the wealthiest, Dubai has a skyline to match its unmitigated glamor and this burgeoning desert city has become the destination of the extraordinarily famous. The largest artificial islands in the world, the Palm Islands can be found off the coast of this magnificent modern city and the likes of Formula One Champion, Michael Schumacher, and former ATP giant, Roger Federer, have opted to purchase real estate on the islands. Add unrelenting sunshine, designer shopping and plenty of outsized bling and you'll see why Dubai is the ideal place for the wealthy.

Clifton, Cape Town

Clifton on the Atlantic Seaboard of Cape Town is another unequivocal hit with international and national A-listers. Stunning beaches and the rolling hills of the famed Table Mountain make this dream location the preferred choice of international investors. Unsurpassed beachfront property lends itself to the consummate vacation home and both Clifton and Camps Bay property is highly sought-after by the jet setters. The area is the private vacation stomping ground of the likes of Sir Elton John, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, Monty Python's John Cleese, as well as a host of British royalty that includes the Duchess of York and her daughters and the mischievous Prince Harry.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil's Rio de Janeiro, with its glorious beaches and wild and whacky carnival, is another venue for the eminent and prosperous. The famed bikini beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema have long entranced visitors visiting this heady and exciting city. British actor, Jude Law, was recently spotted with his family snorkeling off the island of Ilha Grande. Other celebs who have enjoyed the sun and surf of Rio are Madonna, Sylvester Stallone and Tom and Katie Cruise.

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Stretch Your Las Vegas Convention Trip Into a Real Vacation

Spring and Fall are particularly busy times in Las Vegas, as one of the premier business convention destinations in the country. Every hotel and airline serving this desert oasis wants in on the action and there are many travel deals to be found online. The Travel section of the newspaper will often include information on hotel deals and cheap airfare.

Of course, Las Vegas is a reasonable driving distance from maybe 40 million people, so many visitors drive instead of flying. From Southern California you can make the trip in 4-5 hours; some convention participants drive in for an overnight trip, and then back home. Others come for the casinos and shows, with convention and trade show sessions during the days and Las Vegas casino action after hours. The Las Vegas Convention Center is huge and can handle multiple large conventions at once. There are other convention halls in town as well, and they get very busy in the April-May timeframe and again in September-October. The conventions often last 2-4 days.

However, if time permits and you aren't tied to the blackjack tables, there are a lot of great outdoor destinations that you can add to the trip, making it a real vacation. There really is a misperception among many of the millions of Las Vegas visitors, that the Strip and casinos are the only game in town. In fact it's a city with pushing 2 million residents and a wide variety of natural wonders and outdoor opportunities within driving distance. Your family could enjoy the pool and other attractions in town, and then you could head out after the trade show is over.

The first natural wonder that comes to mind when you think about Las Vegas is actually the man-made Lake Mead recreational area. The lake was formed by Hoover Dam, both of which are worth a visit and can be reached in less than an hour by car. By the way, many of the travel deals out there offer great pricing on car rentals. Water sports are the theme at the lake of course. You can camp or stay at a nearby hotel. The dam is 726 feet high and offers breathtaking views. There are tours and a Visitor Center.

Red Rock Canyon is another inviting natural wonder that is truly natural. You can take the 13-mile scenic drive, which offers one cool vista after another; bring your camera to all of these places. In this area is the Bonnie Springs western town, with shoot-outs, saloon, historical features and a dose of touristy shops and restaurants. You'd be surprised how many museums there are to be found in the greater Las Vegas area. Art museums, historical museums, nature sanctuaries and the Liberace museum are just a few of the non-gambling entertainment options.

If you have a full day to spend, take the 5-hour round trip north up I-15 to Zion National Park in Utah. This 229-square-mile park includes canyons created by the Virgin River. There are many beautiful waterfalls. The most famous landmark is the Kolob Arch, which stretches 310 feet. It's the largest natural arch in the world. There is camping, hiking, swimming and tubing. The national parks are among the best travel deals to be found anywhere, with fantastic countryside, fun activities and a minimal entrance fee.

Speaking of national parks, if you can stretch an extra day away from your Las Vegas convention trip, venture further north along I-15 to Bryce Canyon National Park. It also is in Utah. It is probably a 7 to 8 hour round trip from Vegas, so you'll want to spend a night or two in one of the little towns near the park. This park is a bit more off the beaten path, which can be a good thing to avoid crowds, but you won't find as many travel deals to Bryce Canyon. The geography in this park is really amazing, characterized by the colorful limestone that has been carved into arches, spires, cliffs and canyons.

Do not think of Las Vegas as merely the gambling capitol of the U.S.A. It truly is a gateway to a wide variety of outdoor vacation opportunities, as well as in-town museums and cultural opportunities. When you do your online research for travel deals, spend some time investigating these great ways to enhance your Las Vegas trip. Turn that trade show into a vacation.

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The Most Popular Tourist Attractions of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a wonderful travel destination. Visitors will certainly never get bored as there are so many excellent tourist attractions for them to enjoy and visit. The most popular attraction is most definitely the local Disneyland which opened several years ago and which attracts visitors from around the globe.

There are so many places to visit in Hong Kong and unfortunately most tourists only spend a couple of nights in this wonderful city. We have listed for you the most popular tourist attractions and if possible you should try to visit all of them during your stay in this former British colony.

Disneyland

No visit to Hong Kong can possibly be complete without a visit to the local Disneyland. If you are visiting with your children then they will never forgive you if you don't take them to this amazing tourist attraction. Disneyland is located on Lantau Island and there are a number of outstanding hotels and resorts located nearby to this popular tourist attraction.

Ocean Park

Ocean Park has been one of the most popular Hong Kong tourist attractions for some time now. This excellent theme park is popular with both local residents as well as tourists. There are all sorts of attractions and activities at the Ocean Park including a shark aquarium and various rides and roller coasters. If you are interested in visit the Ocean Park during your visit to this Asian city then please note that Ocean Park is located on the south section of Hong Kong Island. Opening hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 until 18:00.

Victoria Peak

One of the most beautiful places in Hong Kong is Victoria Peak. It is located at a height of just over 550 meters and many tourists visit Victoria Peak so as to enjoy the city from above. Be sure to take your camera when visiting this popular tourist destination. If you are interested in visiting the Victoria Peak then please note that you should take the Peak tram which will take you all the way to the top and takes only eight minutes.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

Hong Kong is home to some rather stunning temples and one of the most popular of these temples is the Wong Tai Sin Temple. This popular Hong Kong tourist attraction is especially very popular with Chinese people visiting from abroad. The Wong Tai Sin Temple is a Taoist temple and was build in 1921.

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Bangkok Temples

Bangkok is a fascinating and unique travel destination and the Bangkok temples are a major reason for this. Any travelers visiting the Thai capital should definitely visit at least one or two temples. The architecture of these temples is just stunning and all the gold and colored glass which you will find at the temples in Bangkok will allow for wonderful photo opportunities.

If you would like to visit some of the beautiful Bangkok temples then please note that the best time to visit these temples is in the morning as it will not be too hot and the temples will be less crowded. Temples in Thailand open their doors very early in the morning and generally close for the public in the late hours of the afternoon.

Travelers who are interested in visiting some of the magnificent temples in Bangkok can ask their hotel concierge to organize a tour which includes visits to several temples. You should also be aware that there are big differences between the various different Bangkok temples so please do not think that if you visit one then you have seen them all.

Information on the most famous and popular temples in Bangkok can be found below. Be sure to visit some of these outstanding temples during your next stay in the capital city of Thailand.

Wat Arun

The Wat Arun in Bangkok is also known as the temple of dawn. This beautiful Bangkok temple is located along the west bank coast of the Chao Phraya River. Wat Arun is open daily for visitors from 08:00 until 17:00.

Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew is also known as the temple of the emerald Buddha. Many Thai people consider this Bangkok temple to be the most important temple of Thailand. Wat Phra Kaew is located on the same grounds at the Bangkok Grand Palace and is open to the public between 08:30 and 12:00 and from 13:00 until 15:30.

Wat Pho

Another name of Wat Pho is the temple of the reclining Buddha due to the large statue of a reclining Buddha which is located at this temple in Bangkok. The reclining Buddha statue is nearly fifty meters in length and is covered in gold leave. Wat Pho is also famous for another reason and which is its legendary massage school in which they train blind people to become experts in the art of Thai massage. Opening hours of this Bangkok temple is daily from 08:00 until 17:00.

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Your Florida Summer Beach Vacation - What to Bring & How to Pack For the Best Family Fun in the Sun!

My family's first beach vacation was in 1997. We went to Mexico Beach, a town in the Florida Panhandle. Even in our Dodge Caravan, known as "the mom-mobile," we pulled out of the driveway packed to the gills. Since that first trip, we have headed on beach vacations more times than I can count. Here are my tips learned in 10-plus years of packing for vacations in Cape San Blas, Florida, to help you avoid the hassles and be a smart beach vacation packer!

CLOTHING: Create a checklist of clothing to bring. Now reduce that by half, and that is what should actually go in the suitcase! Seriously, depending on the destination and your planned activities, a Spartan approach is fine. Bathing suits, shorts, a cover-up, jeans or slacks for cooler evenings t-shirts or summer blouses, a sundress for ladies and aloha shirt for men, and you're good to go. As for shoes, flip-flops, Tevas, boat shoes or running shoes for the athletic types. Dress shoes are only worn by, well, tourists. Except for hotels, most Florida beach vacation rentals provide a washer and dryer, so plan to wash things out to lighten the load if you're tight on space.

LINENS AND TOWELS: If your rental doesn't supply them, make everyone responsible for finding room in their suitcase for their share. If like me you have a teen-aged diva, make her fit extra bath towels for her hair in her suitcase. Leave super-plush towels behind. In the Florida humidity, they'll stay damp all week. Opt for thinner towels and nothing you'll cry over if stained with suntan lotion or left behind. In Cape San Blas vacation rentals, beach towels are a less common amenity. Have each person be responsible for theirs. One per person is plenty. Hang them up each night or throw them in the washer and dryer.

BEACH CHAIRS, TOYS, ETC.: Consult your rental company, since what is guaranteed varies. Are beach chairs provided? If so, how many? What about beach carts, floats, skim boards, boogie boards and kites? Many times you arrive at your vacation rental and find everything you need there, left behind by someone who didn't want to drag it home. If there is a beach store near your rental, weigh the savings of bringing from home versus waiting until you arrive to make any purchases. Beach chairs take up a lot of room. Don't take them unless you have to! With any items you do decide to take along, divide things up in as many suitcases as possible.

TOILETRIES, MEDICATION, FIRST AID AND PET SUPPLIES: Do a check-list of needed medications and refill prescriptions well in advance so you have plenty of required drugs to pack for the trip. Many places provide "hotel amenities," but don't count on those getting you through the week. Have everybody take a supply of personal toiletries in their suitcase.

Nobody wants to think about a jellyfish sting or other injury, but they happen. Check with the rental company and see if the home has a first aid kit. If not provided or the company is unsure, pack essentials -- pain reliever, something for upset stomachs, hydrogen peroxide, band-aids, neosporin, and benadryl for allergic reactions. Important note: Beach vacations often mean bringing your kids' friends along. Be sure you have a signed medical authorization for each minor and a copy of their insurance card!

For the pets, most pet-friendly vacation rentals require your dog to have current flea treatment. Also bring proof of rabies vaccinations. Find out where the nearest vet is and their contact information. Don't wait to be dealing with a crisis and have no idea who to call.

RAINY DAY KIT: Ours is simple. We bring a jigsaw puzzle. Find out if the unit has games, puzzles, cards, movies. If not, be sure to bring items or make plans for when beach activities are unavailable due to weather.

SUN PRODUCTS: Go to your favorite discount store and stock up on suntan lotion (we like the spray kind, and you can never bring enough). Select waterproof and maximum SPF. Don't become a cliche. Growing up I have seen hundreds of visitors underestimate the Florida sun and fry themselves on their first day at the beach. Don't ruin your vacation! Chap-stick is a must too. Sunglasses for everybody, hats and/or visors. Bring something for sunburn since somebody always gets too much sun.

GROCERIES AND OTHER SUPPLIES: If you have family members with allergies and special needs, definitely pack what they need. We have gone both ways on things like toilet paper and paper towels, but I find the little we save dragging these items to the beach isn't worth it. We hit the Piggly Wiggly in Port St. Joe the day we arrive or first thing the next morning. Stopping in your unit first to do inventory helps you make wiser purchases. At the Cape, town is 20 minutes away. You want to plan your shopping trips and not spend your whole vacation driving! Your rental agent and their website is a great resource. They should list suppliers for groceries, fresh seafood, etc. If this is your first trip, shop with the mindset of "less is more." We see so much food go to waste on check-out day from folks who overestimated what they needed. Also, find out what is supplied in your rental, whether a grill, a crock pot, blender or crab pot. When you're cooking for your family, you want to be sure the kitchen supplies available work with your menu!

BEFORE YOU GO: Review the checklist and be sure you eyeballed everyone's suitcase. Moms are the ones who realize your son has forgotten his retainer (or even his toothbrush) and your husband didn't pack a any underwear, but he has golf clubs and 14 fishing poles.

Once you leave home, if you forgot it, you probably don't need it or you can buy it when you get there. Remember, this is a beach vacation and it's supposed to be fun and relaxing! You've planned, you've prepared, and now you deserve to kick back, soak up the sun, read a good book and watch the dolphins and the pelicans from your deck. If you followed these simple rules, you'll actually have a book, your sunglasses, suntan lotion and your beach towel, too. Enjoy your vacation at one of Florida's fabulous beaches!

Laurel Eiler is a Florida native and owner of Rentals Cape San Blas, LLC. Her company offers Cape San Blas vacation rentals for visitors to the area, most of which are pet-friendly. Several Florida Beach Vacation Rentals are featured on her website, along with things to do, a live beach webcam, weather information, many photos of the area and much more. Laurel enjoys sharing her experiences and information about Cape San Blas with people who are planning vacations to the area or who have never heard of this part of Florida, often known as "The Forgotten Coast."

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5 Places to See in Marrakech

The Moroccan city of Marrakech, also known as the Pearl of the South or the Ochre City, is the third largest city in Morocco and lies at the foothills of the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains. As one of the five Imperial Cities of Morocco, Marrakech has a long and fascinating history, dating back to its foundation by Princess Zaynab in 1070. The city not only has the largest traditional market or souk in Morocco, but also offers a variety of astounding architectural sites that are not to be missed. Among the many charms and jewels of Marrakech, here is a list of 5 of the finest ones:

The Bahia Palace

The construction of the Bahia Palace was commissioned in 1880 by the Grand Vizier Sidi Moussa and is said to be the fruit of his folly. Successively at the service of Sultans Moulay Hassan and Moulay Abd el-Aziz, Sidi Moussa was the actual master of the Kingdom of Morocco.

The Grand Vizier commanded the erection of this palace, which consists of no less than 160 rooms, for one of her official concubines, thus the Bahia Palace meaning "Palace of the Beautiful Woman".

The estate consists in a succession of luxuriant apartments and courtyards. The sumptuousness and elegance of the interior gardens are incomparable, and the ornaments and decorations are simply sublime. Moreover, the property is surrounded by an 8 hectares garden.

The beauty of the Bahia Palace is a remarkable testimony of 19th century Eastern architecture.

Saadian Tombs

The Saadian tombs are the sole remains that wear witness to the power and refinement of the Saadian Dynasty, which ruled over South Morocco during its Golden Age, from 1554 to 1659.

At the dawn of the 18th century, Sultan Moulay Ismail had already decided to make all the traces of the magnificence of this dynasty disappear by commanding the destruction of all the remaining vestiges. But he did not dare committing the sacrilege of destroying their burial places and commanded that a wall be erected at the entrance of the necropolis. It was only in 1917 that the secret location of the tombs was unveiled.

The most stunning and prestigious mausoleum is the Hall of the Twelve Columns. This hall houses the tomb of the Sultan's son, Ahmad Al Mansur, where the stele is in finely worked cedar wood and stucco work. The tombs are made of white and blue-grey Italian Carrara marble. Some of the tombs bear poetic epitaphs, such as that of Princess Zohra's, where one can read: "Here is the tomb of the noble dame, new moon, marvel of virtues".

El-Badi Palace

Dar el-Badi, the Palace of the Incomparable was erected in 1578. It was the Saadian sovereign Ahmad Al Mansur, son of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who decided to build it as a celebration of his victory over the Portuguese Army after the battle of Ksar Al Kebir or Battle of Three Kings in 1578. It took 25 years, from 1578 to 1608, to complete the building of this sumptuous palace, and the richest and finest materials were used in the decoration of its 360 rooms of the princely estate.

The magnificence of the El Badi Palace is now ancient history, since it became one of the many victims of the will of the Alaouite sovereign Moulay Ismail, the "Warrior King", of destroying any trace of the Saadian heritage. But you will certainly be amazed just by exploring the immense esplanade dug with basins and surrounded by fortifications, a design inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Also, you will be able to admire the skill of Moroccan craftsmanship in the wooden work on the Koutoubia minbar exhibited in one of the refurbished pavilions.

Jemaa El Fna Square

The Jemaa El Fna square is the biggest square in the African continent and remains the geographical, social and cultural centre of the medina of Marrakech. For centuries, this square has been, and still is, a meeting and exchanging point of the populations of the North and South of this part of the country.

Nowadays, despite all cultural erosions and mutations, the Jemaa El Fna square is the meeting place of Berber merchans, travelers, peddlers, writers, and artists, and brings together all the traditional trades and crafts - public scribes, fortune tellers, storytellers, tooth strippers, herbalists, etc.- and entertainers -snake charmers, acrobats, musicians, dancers, fire-eaters, etc.

Ben Youssef Madrasa

The Ben Youssef madrasa or « school » is one of the jewels of the Arab-Andalousian architecture of Marrakech. The current structure of this Islamic college was erected around 1570 during the rule of the Saadian dynasty and was refurbished in 1950. At the peak of its splendor, the Ben Youssef madrasa could house up to 900 students in its 150 cells arranged around a courtyard richly carved in cedar, marble and stucco. The carvings contain no representation of humans or animals as required by Islam, and consist entirely of inscriptions and geometric patterns. Due to its characteristic architecture, this sacred building is the largest madrasa in the whole Maghreb.

So, if you are planning to discover the fantastic Ochre City and its amazing sites, we recommend you that you also enjoy the fantastic accommodation Marrakech has to offer. Also, in order to make the best of your vacation in Marrakech, I recommend you to contact your local travel agent to find out about the many choices of different vacations and leisure activities that you can find in this wonderful and diverse country.
David Gonzalez - Company is a writer, journalist, educator and translator who has traveled extensively and has lived in several European, North American and African countries.

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Le Pays Lauragais - A Part of France Not to Be Missed

Le Pays Lauragais is the region that encompasses the Haute Garronne(31), Tarn (81) and Aude (11) departments in the South of France. I would imagine that most people are aware of Tarn, with it's capital Albi, as an area of outstanding beauty but may be less familiar with the Aude and Haute Garronne departments, until of course the fabulous cities of Carcassonne and Toulouse are mentioned.

Carcassonne is the capital of the Aude department and home to 2 world heritage sites, and Toulouse known either as the 'Ville Rose' or the 'Cite d'Espace' is of course the capital of Haute Garrone and is the principle city in the South of France. It is also home of France's aerospace industry and the headquarters of Airbus.

All three departments are named after the primary rivers that run through them and two of them also play host to the famous Canal du Midi which was championed into existence by Pierre-Paul Riquet, France's answer to Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

The main feed reservoir for the Canal du Midi is a gorgeous lake that sits above the market town of Revel famous for its food market and furniture industry. To form the lake, a large dam that is 30m high, 10m thick and stretches some 871m in length was constructed in the 17th century.

Today the lake is used as a recreational area providing a beach from where you can swim, sailing, fishing and walking facilities in a very pleasant and attractive part of France, it has also been made more interesting through the provision of an arboretum around it's shores that has over a 150 different varieties of trees including one which is circa 400 year old . It has been classified as a Worldwide Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO

The lake has become a natural attraction for leisure facilities and there are a number of restaurants, shops, a large hotel, an equestrian center, camping site and cafes with views over the lake. The most recent addition being a museum dedicated to Monsieur Riquet (opened in 2008 overlooking a large fountain) which provides a detailed insight into his life and works, you can also get a nice lunch in it's new restaurant if you want to make a day or half day of it.

Castelnaudary of cassoulet fame, is a little further south from Revel and actually sits on the Canal du Midi, it also has a very good food market which takes place on a Monday morning. There are boat trips along the canal from the port in the summer months and some fine examples of the locks of the Canal du Midi can be found here.

Going towards Toulouse from Castelnaudary you will find Villefrance de Lauragais and opportunities for hiring bikes to cycle the paths of the canal and explore the small villages, restaurants and a little bit of wildlife on route.

Circling back towards Revel you can find the towns of Durfort and Soreze, Durfort is well known for it's copper based products that are hand crafted and sold in the local shops, a good place to visit on a Sunday morning, especially since the portfolio of hand crafted products has now extended to include leather, pottery basketry and cabinetwork.

Soreze is best known for its 'Parc de l'Abbaye-Ecole' which, in it's hey day around 1776, was one of 12 military academies created by Louis XVI. Later it was managed by Father Lacordaire, who revived the Dominican Order in France, but after educating a number of famous people, including officers, writers, philosophers and politicians it ultimately closed it's doors as a school in 1991. Since then (starting in 1993) the whole site has been under a program of restoration and has been listed as a historic monument.

The town itself is full of old world charm with half timbered village houses from the 16th and 17th centuries and its famous building is the 'bell tower of St Martin' which is believed to have been completed around 1512.

Soreze is located at the foot of the 'Montagne Noire' and has become a favorite tourist destination for the region, it provides a gateway to the Parc natural regional du Haut-Languedoc, where you will find caves, grottos and streams plus plenty of places to cycle or walk.

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