Your Ideal Travel Destination
For many people traveling to a foreign place can be an intriguing and exotic experience. Having the opportunity to learn about other cultures within their setting can be remarkably enjoyable and educational. Unfortunately for many individuals the prospect of traveling never presents itself, whether it is because of a hectic career or a budget that is simply too tight to allow for vacation spending. However, if one can afford to take a trip to an exotic place, there is truly no better way to spend vacation time.
Choosing a vacation destination that is ideal for you can be a difficult task. If you’ve never traveled abroad in your lifetime then it is likely that there are countless places you’d like to visit and as such choosing just one can be rather tough. The decision can become quite complicated if you have a number of friends or family members going with you and you simply cannot agree on a place. However keeping in mind what you wish to discover or partake in on your vacation can make the decision a little less problematic. To elaborate if you wish to bask in the hot sun all day and work on a tan or go swimming or snorkeling in warm, blue waters then it is likely that you will travel to somewhere in the Caribbean. Knowing exactly what you wish to see accomplish on you vacation can rule out a significant number of places.
If you are more partial to the cultural aspects of a place, you really enjoy historical artifacts and you really cannot stand overbearing heat, then you may want to consider some place in Europe. This is not to say that you cannot observe rich history within other places in the world, it is just that many cities in Europe are quite popular for their presentation of history within the landscape and their history oriented tours.
Your Honeymoon In Kauai
Hawaii represents pure beauty and one of the most popular wedding destinations. Finding a Kauai honeymoon destination is an exercise in picking your favorite slice of paradise.
Your Honeymoon In Kauai
A honeymoon in Hawaii. Can anything be more romantic? Whether you enjoy soaking up the sun while sitting on the beach or hiking up flower covered mountains, Hawaii has activities for all to enjoy. Kauai, one of Hawaiis less inhabited islands, offers honeymooners a special secluded feel and romantic vibe. Finding the right place to stay can make your honeymoon the most memorable trip youll ever take.
Kauai is by no means the largest in the chain of islands that makes up Hawaii. At just 550 square feet, this island has the most deserted shoreline 45 percent of its beaches are untouched. Snorkeling and private beach time is abundant here, and three of Hawaiis top golf courses are on Kauai. This island is also home to many different rare species of birds and plants, making it a wilderness lovers paradise, and the coral reefs beckon those who want to explore underwater.
For places to stay, you have the choice of many top resorts and hotels. One such resort is the Poipu Kai Resort, located between Poipu Beach and Shipwreck Beach. This property offers rentals ranging from economy cottages to full size house rentals for extended or nightly stays. This type of resort is perfect for the honeymooner as you neednt come into contact with anyone you dont want to! Hole up in your cottage, stroll down beautiful Poipu Beach or enjoy the other amenities this resort has to offer. Poipu Kai Resort has been awarded four stars by major hotel ratings systems.
If you prefer the feel of a bed and breakfast, the Poipu Plantation Resort in Koloa can offer you a great honeymoon suite. Called the Alii Suite, this room offers a four poster bed, ocean view and two person whirlpool bath tub among other romantic touches. A fireplace, wet bar and private lanai will make you feel as if you are in Hawaiis version of heaven. Breakfast is served to you each morning in the common room. Styled after rooms from the Victorian Hawaiian period, this suite is perfect for romance.
Finding the perfect place to stay in Kauai will make all the difference in your Hawaiian stay. Vacation cottages make the perfect choice for those who would like some seclusion and privacy, while the quaint feel of a bed and breakfast can also enhance the feeling of romance. Enjoy your first vacation together as man and wife, and explore all that the exquisite island of Kauai has to offer.
Why I Love Provence in the Springtime!
With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, you are almost guaranteed some sunshine when holidaying in Provence.
Combine that with a visit in the spring time and you’ll also find that a vacation rental out of the peak season is far more reasonable than you might have thought!
In spring, the beaches on the French Riviera are almost empty, the sun is still warm and the welcome is friendly.
Booking yourself a holiday in the south of France in the spring time is just what you need to chase away the cold grey days of winter. You’ll
The pretty hill town of Bormes-Les-Mimosa typifies what is just so perfect about France in the spring. The Mimosa trees are in full bloom with a perfect yellow blossom. The pavement cafes are open and you can take a seat and enjoy a view out across the hills to the Mediterranean sea in the distance. Browsing around the village shops you’ll find jewellery stores, stores selling limoncello (a local drink made from lemons), fresh olives, olive oil flavoured with basilic and cushions filled with fragrant lavender. It’s well worth the winding drive up the hillside to see this pretty village.
At this time of year not only are the road and beaches empty but the restaurant owners are pleased to see you and have plenty of time to serve you and make your time there enjoyable.
Even the renowned St Tropez wakes up quiet and sleepy on a spring morning and you can find a waterfront seat in one of the cafes overlooking the harbour. If you get there early enough you can browse the designer shops in the little backstreets before enjoying your croissant or petit pain with a hot chocolate or coffee in one of the many pavement cafes.
If you have children, they’ll relish the opportunity to dig alone in the clean sand whilst you lie back and enjoy the sight of the sun glittering on the sea.
With little competition you can also enjoy the delicacies created by the local bakeries, in particular the gateau and confectioneries that are often snapped up quickly during the summer months.
With the arrival of Easter, the French are on vacation but there is still plenty of room for everyone. You have time to visit the shores of La Lavandou, the wide beaches at La Cavaliere, the delightful shops at Le Rayol.
With access from Nice Airport direct on to the autoroute (motorway) you can be at your holiday destination within an hour or two of landing on the runway.
Vacation Rentals are often cheaper than their counterparts in the U.K. and combined with the very cheap airfares now available to all European locations, you could treat yourself to a week in the warm French sun for about the same as a week in Padstow in the drizzle.
Out of season, villa rentals are fairly reasonable, but if you are on a budget then renting an apartment can be very well priced. You’ll also find adapted accommodation suitable for the disabled at well below the price of it’s equivalent in the UK.
Of course, you’ll also be the envy of all your friends and work colleagues when you return looking slightly bronzed and very relaxed from your holiday in the Cote d’Azur!
For further information on choosing your holiday home, visit Vacation Rentals in Provence
This article was submitted by Jen Carter, she is owner of the Toujours Provence website.
What to see in Pretoria, Gauteng
Pretoria didnt develop as quickly as Johannesburg did over the years but two of the most impressive buildings are located in this beautiful Jakkarandastad (city, filled with the most beautiful purple flower trees called the Jakkaranda).
The first building is The Union Building that was built on Meintjieskop, Arcadia, named after Stephanus Jacobus Meintjies. Arcadia was farmland, originally belonging to Andries Francois du Toit, who then sold it on. Sir Herbert Baker was the architect of The Union Building and it was built from light sandstone. The building was completed in 1913, 3 years after the colonies united, forming the South African Union.
The building is 275 m long and has a halve-round shape with two wings at the sides, representing the English and Afrikaans (Boer) population of South Africa separately at that time. The gardens of the Union Building consist of roses imported from England, plants from Rotterdam and others from South Africa. Today, tourists from all over the world come to see this building.
Parliament spends the winter months in Pretoria at the Union Building, while they spend their summer months down in Cape Town.
The Voortrekker Monument is the second great building and can be seen from almost any location in Pretoria. It was built in honour of the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony and embarked on the Great Trek back in 1836. This monument is the icon for all Afrikaans South Africans. The architect for the monument was Gerard Moerdijk and construction started on the 13th of July 1937. The monument was inaugurated on 16 December 1949 and stands 40 metres high with a base of 40 m by 40 m.
An amphitheatre which seats 20 000 was built to the north west of the monument in 1949. The focus point of the monument is the cenotaph. On top of the Hall of Heroes is a dome from where you can view the inside of the monument. The sun shines through this dome only one day a year at exactly 12 oclock on the 16th of December, onto the middle of the cenotaph and the words Ons vir jou, Suid-Afrika (we for Thee South Africa).
This ray of sunshine symbolises Gods blessing on the lives of the Voortrekkers. The 16th of December is the day of remembrance, a promise that was made to God to always remember this day, treating it as a Sunday, every year, because He was with them when they fought and defeated the Zulus at the Battle of Bloodriver. Lots of lives were lost on that day and at present, we remember those who lost their lives.
People in South Africa have different views and it means something different to everyone in regards to the Monument as well as the Battle of Bloodriver. Doesnt matter what your opinion is these days, these two building are very impressive and has to be visited! Go there, see the buildings, read about the history and learn a little more about how South Africa became the country it is today!
What is the best season to visit Whistler, BC?
Whistler is known as a four-season resort, with activities for all the family available all year-round. If you are planning a trip, when should you come?
First we must divide this question into two parts. If you are coming for the legendary skiing on Whistlers 8000+ acres, you have to choose sometime between November and April. Although there is skiing available later than April it is not for serious skiers, due to the combination of marginal snow conditions and limited mechanized uplift. Within this time, you should definitely avoid November, as although occasionally there is good snow, more often than not it is too thin on the ground. So your choice is between the months from December to April. What are the main characteristics of each month?
December is a game of two halves. The early part will find the slopes deserted, great deals on accommodation and restaurants and a lottery with respect to snow. If you have come in a great early snow year, this will be a fabulous time to visit. If not, bring your rock skis and plan to spend some time in Whistlers great spas. Later in December, and especially over Christmas and New Year, you will pay the steepest prices of the season, have trouble getting a table in any of the good restaurants and stand in some brutal line-ups on the Harmony Chair. However you will experience the rush which goes with peak season in a top resort: the buzzing nightlife, the parades, the fireworks and the thrill of First Night in the Village.
January often has the best snowfalls of the year (Jan 2006 was the snowiest month in Whistler for 25 years). It also offers discounted accommodation (you can safely wait to the last minute to get a great deal on a beautiful chalet or condo), and no lift lines, except on weekend powder days, when the locals will crowd the lifts lines at 8.00 to catch the fresh tracks. But it can be cold, and it gets dark early. January is the best month for hard-core skiers.
February and March are more crowded, but more mellow. Avoid Presidents Week in February and Spring Break in March and you could have the best of all worlds: plenty of time for snowfall accumulation to have built up, plenty of buzz in town but easy access to the best tables.
April is mainly for the British market, who come over in droves during their Easter holidays. The peculiarity of the April snow is that there is more of it at the top of the mountain, but less at the bottom, so dont bother to pay the premium for a ski-in, ski-out condo as it may not be possible. Last minute Whistler accommodation discounts are widely available in April.
In the non-skiing season you can pretty much write off the autumn: too cold to swim in the lakes and too much rain. May and June can be fabulous weather-wise; perfect conditions for white-water rafting in the snow run-off and great golfing weather. But you will probably have to leave it to July and August if you are looking for warm water in Whistlers beautiful lakes.
Warren County New Jersey: the New York Metro area’s Undiscovered
Warren County New Jersey: the New York Metro area’s Undiscovered Historic Treasure
When people head out from New York and surrounding environs in search of weekend retreats, invariably they end up in western Connecticut, the Hudson River Valley, the Catskills and other upstate New York areas, the Jersey Shore, and the Hamptons.
As places where New Yorkers traditionally vacation, purchase second homes, celebrity watch and more, its understandable that these locales are top of the list.
But what about a place as close to Manhattan as any of the aforementioned hotspots that offers almost everything we find endearing about our destinations of choice for second and vacation homes historic villages and towns, amazing countryside, outdoor activities, farmhouses, farm markets, artists, country restaurants but doesnt have the buzz or the name recognition, at least not yet.
There is an area within the New York Metropolitan region that is still overlooked by the masses. Where residents are already starting Friday night dinner in their stone farmhouses while weekenders are stuck in traffic on the way to Litchfield, or Rhinebeck, or East Hampton. Even places farther a field like Bucks and Pike Counties in Pennsylvania and Sullivan County in New York get more press. Well let me introduce you to the formerly depressed backwater turned beautiful and convenient countryside of Warren County, New Jersey.
Interestingly, Warren is surrounded by counties which consistently rank among the wealthiest in America: Hunterdon, Somerset and Morris. These are counties full of investors, a highly educated workforce, an abundance of so called McMansions, and quite a bit of disposable income. And to be sure, some of Warrens eastern border towns have picked up developments and transplants from these ever more unaffordable neighboring areas. But for the most part, its the locals who know about or consider living in or visiting Warren County and even then, the western and northern reaches are still quite rural and untouched. For most of its history, Warren County has either been a mystery to those who have never seen it or a place to avoid to those who had heard of its largest town, Phillipsburg–a poor industrial city that had fallen on hard times.
A Pleasant Surprise
Four years ago, my partner Mark and I stumbled across the village of Finesville in southern Warren County completely by accident. Living in suburban Morristown New Jersey, we were contemplating a second home purchase in the country and saw a house in Bucks County Pennsylvania on a real estate Website that interested us. Always up for a weekend drive, we decided to find it. With map in hand, we took what looked like the most direct route to Upper Bucks County and found ourselves following the Musconetcong River, along Warren Countys southern border, past a collection of about fifty small but magnificent 18th and 19th century stone and clapboard buildings, known as Finesville, just before we crossed into Pennsylvania.
Although Warren County was barely on my radar screen, as a Real Estate Agent specializing in historic homes and neighborhoods — www.gerrykasper.com —, I was flabbergasted that there was a hamlet of this size and quality in Northern New Jersey of which I was unaware. Even more amazing, Mark grew up in eastern Warren County and we had attended an auction only three miles away from Finesville so I had some knowledge of the area.
With its roots in the mid 18th century, Finesville began as a collection of taverns, shops and a mill along the Musconetcong River run by the Fine and Siegel Families of Germany. The village was fairly prosperous for most of its history but declined during the twentieth century. Today, locals have bought and restored many of its buildings and, indicative of its burgeoning upscale nature, two vineyards, a winery, an antique store, and an alpaca farm have set up shop in the hamlet. Some of the restorations have been so impressive that two Finesville homes were recently featured in national home and garden magazines.
At the time we discovered it, a c.1825 stone Georgian colonial was for sale in the village. The exterior was in some disrepair, the stucco was cracking and peeling, and the original front doors were gone. But the setting in this pristine and unusual village was beautiful and the price, at $135,000, was irresistible. Once inside, we realized this was our dream house in the country. The interior was almost completely intact with a walk-in fireplace, cupboard stairs, beamed ceilings, wide plank floors, and original windowsa jewel box of a house that just needed some sprucing up. And so we bought and restored this house and received the Warren County Historic Preservation Award for our efforts. Even better, because of Warren Countys proximity to work, we were able to sell our primary house in Morristown and move to the country permanently.
The Villages and Countryside
Warren County is full of hidden and beautiful villages and towns like Finesville and since arriving, several of them have tempted us to consider moving again.
As testament to Warren Countys less than stellar reputation, the sign welcoming visitors into its county seat describes Victorian Belvidere as New Jerseys best kept secret. Belvidere is a sleepy town located off the beaten path and layed out around a New England-style Village Green. Each September, the town celebrates Victorian Days, highlighting the prevalent 19th century architecture that lines its streets and forms the basis of the towns small commercial district. Most of the grand homes have already been restored and there is a great sense of pride in this small close-knit community. Its location directly on the Delaware and Pequest Rivers also makes it a good base for outdoor activities.
Northern Warren County offers a scene that rivals the most beautiful in New England. Hope is a one-traffic light crossroads town, founded in the 18th century by a group of Moravians who left an impressive collection of stone dwellings now restored and converted to businesses and residences. One of which is a former gristmill turned into an inn and conference center. Stone and clapboard homes surrounded by cows and sheep dot a landscape that is reminiscent of the Litchfield Hills. With little commercial development, the pace in Hope is decidedly slow but that just adds to its appeal.
North of Hope lies the slightly larger village of Blairstown with its recently restored collection of shops and restaurants, currently under consideration for the National Register of Historic Places. Main Street is bookended by a prestigious prep school and the towns venerable feed store. This is a walking village, good for an hours stroll with weekend guests and a poke around the stores and quiet streets.
Just west of Hope and Blairstown, outdoor activities exist in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area which includes part of the Appalachian Trail, Millbrook, a recreated 19th century village, and Peters Valley, an artists colony which offers regular shows and exhibits.
On the eastern edge of Warren, Hackettstown still retains its 19th century feel with impressive multi-colored Victorian homes, antique stores along Main Street and Centenary College in its midst.
Phillipsburg An Industrial Town Reborn
As beautiful as Warren Countys countryside is, its the city that we originally tried to avoid that has captured our imagination and may eventually tear us away from Finesville. The countys largest town is a small, formerly industrial city and transportation hub along the Delaware River that had been neglected for years. Think Hoboken New Jersey or Hudson New York before gentrification. Thankfully that neglect, as in most of Warren County, has kept much of its historic fabric intact and over the past 20 years, building owners have been peeling off old aluminum siding to reveal stunning architecture.
The town actively encourages restoration and business development — businesses in Phillipsburg charge only 3% sales tax with some of that money going to revitalization projects. Progress had been slow, but now there are several highly regarded restaurants in the restored downtown as well as antique shops and several specialty stores. Train rides along the Delaware River start downtown and are popular in the summer as well as for Halloween and the winter holidays. On Thanksgiving, Phillipsburg High School plays its rival Easton Pennsylvania in their annual football game. Pburg, as it is known by locals, is extremely convenient as Routes 78 and 22 run just outside of town as does the express bus to Manhattan, which stops at the Phillipsburg Mall.
There are several plans to transform Phillipsburg including the redevelopment of its underutilized waterfront into a residential neighborhood, with construction set to start in 2006, and the repurposing of a vacant industrial park into a new commerce center. Rumor has it that a bed and breakfast is slated to open in an historic stone tavern near the Delaware River bridge. Phillipsburg was named as the location for the New Jersey Transportation and Heritage Museum. Sadly, legislation to provide the funding to make it happen has been stalled and appears unlikely. However, the town is committed to building its own museum and has plans already in the works.
Just over the river, Easton Pennsylvania offers more restaurants, the Crayola Factory museum, a very popular local grocery store (a branch of which may hopefully pop up in Warren County), a thriving artists community, the State Theater, and the historic College Hill neighborhood. Even more exciting, there are several luxury condominium developments currently under construction or planned in existing historic Easton properties, such as the former Easton Hotel, which will bring wealthy people within walking distance of downtown Phillipsburg.
Phillipsburg has great bones and incredible architecture. South Main Street near the Delaware River Bridge is mostly restored and ready to become the next Cold Spring or South Norwalk or New Paltz. And prices are still a relative bargain. A couple of years ago, we purchased two historic properties on Phillipsburgs Main Street: an 1887 firehouse for $60,000 and a 19th century Georgian-style colonial for $90,000.
As the town continues to revitalize, we are considering a move into the colonial as our permanent home so we can wake up on Saturday mornings and walk to our favorite breakfast spot down the street. Although, well probably keep the Finesville house as our place in the country.
Visitors Guide to Seattle, Washington, USA
The city of Seattle is situated in the eastern area of the state of Washington in Northwest America, between the waters of the Puget Sound and Lake Washington. Known for its appealing atmosphere and emergence as the USAs city of the 1990s, Seattles waterfront is its main attraction and this lies along the Alaskan Way, although the city does contain a number of must-see sights.
Seattles community is built on commerce, fishing and timber, greatly influenced by the nearby Boeing aerospace company. Full of gourmet coffee shops, museums, art galleries and a lively nightlife, the city now also celebrates an important tourism industry.
Seattle is a large cosmopolitan city, covering around 90 square miles / 233 square kilometers, with a population of almost 600,000. The city incorporates many smaller communities and important, historical neighborhoods. Amongst these locations are the Ballard, Belltown, Capitol Hill, Pike Place Market, Freemont, Greenlake, Pioneer Square, Queen Anne, SODO and University districts.
Seattle Tourism:
Tourist attractions in Seattle are varied and impressive, making Seattle an excellent vacation destination. Facilities include many notable landmarks and monuments, museums and art galleries, parklands, recreational activities and insightful guided tours of the city. Top attractions include the Boeing Factory, Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, Fisherman’s Terminal, the Smith Tower Observation Deck, Hing Hay Park, Safeco Field Stadium, the Seahawks Exhibition Center and the Seattle Center both a cultural center and popular amusement park constructed for citys World Fair, which was held in 1962.
Seattle is perhaps best known for its eye-catching Space Needle, which towers around 150 meters / 490 feet on the city skyline, offering spectacular views. City museums worth a visit include the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, the Museum of History and Industry, the Science Fiction Museum and the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). Popular parklands in the Seattle area include Discovery Park, Freeway Park, Green Lake Park and the Washington Park Arboretum.
Seattle Transport:
Around Seattle, public transport provides a number of affordable options, including Amtrak trains, Greyhound and regional buses, and boats from Canada. One of the most popular ways to travel around the city is on the Metro Transit Buses, which are cheaper outside of peak hours. Renting a car is another transport option favored by many visitors to Seattle, allowing easy exploration of the city and surrounding areas.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport stands around 12 miles / 19 km from the city center and is a bustling transportation hub. With many passengers both arriving and departing each day. The airport provides a number of affordable ground transport options, which include shuttle buses, taxis, car rental options and luxury limousines.
Seattle Hotels:
The city’s central downtown district is often booked solid during the summer months, when hotel rates are at their highest. However, outside of downtown Seattle you will find many further hotels, which are more reasonably priced and just a short distance from the city center. Room rates are also often reduced during the rainy season, from October to April, and at weekends. Bed and breakfast accommodation in Seattle is both affordable and popular with visitors, with a number of options being located close to the waterfront.
Seattle Restaurants:
Seattle takes its coffee very seriously and is famous for being the origin of Starbucks, with the first store still in operation at Pike Place Market. Many other stylish coffee shops and espresso bars can be found throughout the city, together with an abundance of restaurants and dining options. Restaurants in Seattle cater for all palates and many are concentrated along the waterfront, where seafood is a particular specialty. The northwestern side of the city is another popular dining location, with restaurants offering Pan-Asian, Mediterranean, Italian, Mexican and more traditional American cuisine.
Seattle Shopping:
Seattle is a popular shopping destination offering a large range of major shops and stores. Facilities include a number of famous designer outlets, vast department stores, boutiques and large shopping malls. Popular shopping areas include Broadway Avenue East, First Avenue, Maynard Avenue, Pike Street, Pine Street, Queen Anne and West Dravus, Seneca and Fourth Avenue and University Way.
Seattle Weather:
The Seattle area is known for its rain, although this is a little unfair, since the city’s annual rainfall averages less than 40 inches / 100 cm. Much of the weather is both fine and mild, with hot summers and cooler winter weather. Temperatures are hottest during the months of July and August, peaking at around 25C / 77F. January is the coldest month, when temperatures during the daytime average 8C / 46F, well above freezing.
Visitors Guide to Orlando, Florida, USA
The world-famous city of Orlando is located in the central area of the state of Florida, in the USA. Home to the world’s number-one tourist attraction, Walt Disney World, Orlando also offers a range of must-see sights, which are popular with both children and adults. Ranging from historical museums to vast water parks, landscaped gardens to superb restaurants, Orlando has it all and is one of America’s most popular vacation options, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Orlando is a spreading city and covers almost 100 square miles / 260 square kilometers, with a population of around 200,000. Acclaimed as perhaps the ultimate family holiday destination, Orlando is also known for its outstanding shopping malls, vibrant nightlife and sports facilities. Other popular attractions can be found in nearby towns and cities, including Kissimmee.
Orlando Transport:
Around Orlando, public transport is well maintained and the city offers a number of options, which include taxis, coaches, trains, trams, and buses operated by the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority. Renting a car is one of the most popular ways to travel around the Orlando area and allows the freedom to explore the nearby towns, which surround the city.
Florida’s number one airport, the bustling Orlando International Airport (MCO), is located close to the city and each month sees several million passengers arriving and departing. Also, the smaller Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is nearby and has two terminals, offering a range of flights. Both airports provide a selection of reasonably priced ground transportation, which travels into central Orlando.
Where to Stay in Orlando:
Since the arrival of Disney’s Magic Kingdom, the tourist trade in Orlando has grown dramatically, together with the number of hotels. Orlando now offers an enormous selection of hotels, both throughout the city and clustered around many of the popular attractions, particularly Disney World. The nearby town of Kissimmee is just a short trip from Orlando and offers many reasonably priced hotels, which are often more conveniently located and offer better value for money.
Orlando Shopping:
Orlando is an impressive shopping destination offering a huge selection of outstanding shops and stores. Facilities include an endless range of designer outlets, many well-known department stores, countless fashion boutiques and sprawling shopping malls. Popular shopping areas include the famous International Drive, together with South Orange Blossom Trail, West Oakridge Road and Vineland Road.
Orlando Tourism:
Tourist attractions in Orlando are outstanding, making Orlando the ideal holiday destination. Facilities include many major landmarks and monuments, museums, art galleries, historical sights, recreational and sporting activities, and in-depth guided tours of the city. Top attractions in Orlando include the Disney Magic Kingdom – complete with its fairytale castle and Mickey Mouse attractions; the Universal Studios – with many outstanding rides, such as the ‘Back to the Future’ ride and the ‘Earthquake’; the Epcot Center – Disney’s vision of the future; and the MGM Studios Theme Park – where you will find many movie-related rides and tours.
Other popular places to visit in Orlando include the Church Street Station, Gatorland, Leu Botanical Gardens, the Orlando Science Center, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Wet ‘n’ Wild and Sea World of Florida – home to Shamu the killer whale and featuring more than 200 acres / 80 hectares of marine stadiums and lagoons.
Orlando Weather:
Orlando has a subtropical and extremely warm climate, with hot summer weather and sunshine throughout the year. The city has become a year-round resort, with little rain and predictable high temperatures. Winters (from December to April) are mild and pleasant and many of the city’s most popular festivals are held at this time of the year. Summers (from June to September) are hot, with temperatures consistently in the 80s and 90s.
Visitors Guide to Florence, Italy
The city of Florence is actually the capital of Italy’s Tuscany area and stands alongside the scenic banks of the Arno River, close to the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas. Bustling with local industry, which includes arts and crafts, commerce and tourism; Florence is a particularly historic location, steeped in heritage.
One of the most desirable places to visit in Italy, Florence was originally founded by Romans during the first century and grew dramatically between the 1200s and 1600s. Of particular importance, the Medici family, who ruled over Florence during the 15th century, were responsible for many of the city’s most spectacular landmarks, buildings and monuments, most of which remain in excellent condition.
Florence Travel:
The Florence area features a well-structured public transport network, comprising of main railway lines, orange ATAF buses and local taxis that congregate at various taxi ranks and around the piazzas. Renting a car is one of the most popular ways to travel around the Tuscany area and the A1 Motorway connects Florence to many major Italian cities, such as Bologna, Milan, Naples and Rome. Also the A11 Motorway links Florence to Lucca, Pisa and a number of coastal resorts.
Florence is easy to reach from around the world and the city’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport is nearby. Just 5 km / 3 miles from the city center, the Florence Vespucci Airport offers modern facilities and is home to a number of important international and Italian airlines
Florence Commerce:
With a thriving commercial city centre and many businesses supporting the services and financial sector, Florence is a wealthy city. Nowadays, with tourism being an equally important industry in the city, many local crafts boost the economy, such as jewellery, leatherwork and ceramics, together with hotels. Florence contains a number of notable, medium-sized companies, including engineering firms, publishing and textile businesses.
Florence Hotels:
Hotels in Florence are often fairly expensive throughout the year and many are centrally located, although a number of popular cheaper alternatives are available. Accommodation during the peak season quickly becomes fully booked in the most popular hotels and it can be advisable to book at least two weeks ahead. If you decide to rent a car, ensure that the hotel has car parking space available before booking. Hotels can be found all around the city centre, in the green Viale dei Colli area, close to the Santa Maria Novella train station, alongside the Arno River and on the city outskirts.
Florence Tourism:
Tourism in the Florence area is important and thousands of people choose to visit this part of Tuscany each year, to enjoy the scenic views, historical buildings, stunning architecture and famous works of art. Must-see attractions in Florence include a number of magnificent palaces, such as the Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi and Palazzo Strozzi. Other attractions include the Piazza del Signoria, the Teatro Comunale (theatre), the arched Ponte Vecchio bridge, the historic Campanile di Giotto and the world-famous Duomo / Santa Maria del Fiore also known as the ‘Cathedral of Florence’.
Top museums in Florence contain many important art exhibitions and outstanding exhibits. Worth a visit are the National Archeological Museum, the Uffizi Gallery and the Academy Gallery, amongst many others. Also, the Chianti area, which is situated between the city of Florence and nearby Siena, features one of Italy’s most stunning countryside landscapes and is also home to a number of famous vineyards.
Florence Restaurants:
Restaurants in Italy are known as ‘Ristoranti’ or ‘Trattories’ and are widespread in Florence, with many different kinds of cuisine readily available. Menu prices do not usually include service charges and these are added to the bill, together with any further cover charges (‘coperto’). Therefore, tipping in Florence restaurants is not strictly necessary, although always very much appreciated. Lunch in the city is generally taken around 13:00 and is the main meal of the day, with dinner being eaten between 20:00 and 21:00.
Florence Weather:
The city of Florence features fairly temperature weather, with notable hot, sunny summer months and cooler, breezy winters. Temperatures between the months of July and August are at their hottest and reach highs of up to 32C / 90F. January tends to be Florence’s coldest month with daytime temperatures only reaching 9C / 48F, although lows of 1C / 34F may be experienced.
Visiting Puerto Rico? Stay in a Parador
Next time you are visiting the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, instead of just concentrating your trip around the metro area and it’s surrounding historical places, take a trip around Puerto Rico’s country side and discover it’s beauty and culture. You can start by staying at a Parador.
A Parador in Puerto Rico is a small country inn participating in a government program. This program certifies the quality and hospitality of the inn. The inns in this program that also have restaurants serve traditional Puerto Rican food. These Paradores are usually located close to historic areas or popular attractions.
Some of the most popular paradores include:
In the hearth of downtown Mayaguez, the town with the only zoo on the island, The main place of the west side of the island and home to one of the biggest universities in Puerto Rico.
In between a coffee and a sugar plantation on the south east coast of the island, at the start of a panoramic road with some of the most interesting views on the island.
At the shore, just minutes away from the Bioluminescence Bay, with tours and local attractions, one of the most attractive Paradores in the island.
These are some of the locations of The Paradores in Puerto Rico, explore your options for an unforgettable adventure, sightseeing beautiful places in the tropical island of Puerto Rico.
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