3 Top Tips For A Great Disney Cruise Line Vacation

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If you are planning to go on a Disney Cruise Line vacation, there are several things that you can do in order to ensure that you have the best holiday possible. Here are three top tips that will help to improve your luxury cruise.

Study Your Daily Navigator

The Navigator is the name of the daily schedule of events that will take place during your cruise vacation. This includes all the on board activities and programmes. For those who are travelling on one of the many Disney Caribbean cruises, this will also include the events that are available when you arrive at Castaway Cay, Disney’s privately owned island in the Bahamas.

It is a really good idea to take a look at the Navigator first thing in the morning so that you can highlight those things that are of interest to you so that you do not miss a thing. You will see that there is a whole host of fun things to entertain all ages from toddlers, to active seniors and everyone in between.

Pre-Brook For The Premium Restaurants

Each ship has at least one premium restaurant which offers you a wonderful menu that will have your taste buds singing. There is a surcharge for these restaurants so it would make a wonderful choice if you would like to plan a romantic meal for two or if you are celebrating a very special occasion.

These restaurants are open every evening of your cruise but there is limited space. It is therefore advisable to either pre-book your reservation when you are booking your cruise or alternatively, book your table as soon as you get on board your ship.

Pack Your Swimsuit In Your Hand Luggage

As soon as you have completed all your paper work and you are allowed to board the ship, your Disney vacation has begun. Your luggage will be taken to your stateroom which you will have access to after 4 or 5 pm.

It is definitely a good idea to pack your bathing suit in your hand luggage as you will be able to use the pool as soon as you get on the ship. This will definitely be the best opportunity as the majority of guest will not think to do this. You and your family can enjoy splashing about in one of the many pools available to you while others have to wait until they can unpack their luggage.

These are just three top tips that will get your Disney cruise vacation off to an amazing start. Happy sailing.

3 Top Tips For A Great Disney Cruise Line Vacation

Lake Champlain 5 Ways to Enjoy This Great Lake

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Lake Champlain is the largest body of fresh water in the U.S. after the Great Lakes, and at 120 miles in length and an average depth of 400 and 12 miles across, everything about it is impressive. But more impressive than its size is its unspoiled beauty. In a state already known for conservation and back-to-nature vacations, Lake Champlain is the secret destination for a growing number of New England vacationers.

Heres my pick of five destinations and attractions in the Lake Champlain region when you visit…

ISLAND HOPING VERMONT STYLE:

The northern half of Lake Champlain contains a wonderful patchwork of Islands. The largest of the Islands are interconnected with each other and the Vermont mainland by Route 2 in the south and Route 78 in the north. Following Route 2 from south to north will take you through the picturesque towns of South Hero, Grand Isle, North Hero, and Alburg just a few miles from the Canadian border.

The Lake Champlain Islands terrain is flat to gentle rolling hills, which means bicycling is a popular way to get around on vacation. In most areas youll have unobstructed views of Vermonts Green Mountains to the east, and New Yorks Adirondacks to the west.

BURLINGTON – LAKE CHAMPLAINS CITY

Though Montpelier is the state capital of Vermont, its largest city is Burlington, which sits on the shore of Lake Champlain, with the stunning backdrop to the east of the Green Mountains.

Activities in Burlington include ECHO, Vermonts world-class lake aquarium and science center on the waterfront, Lake Champlain Chocolates guided factory tour, where you can see these famous chocolates made right before your eyes, and The Ethan Allen Homestead and Museum. Complete your day with a train ride through the beautiful Champlain Valley on the Green Mountain Railroad. The train meanders through gently rolling green pastures to Shelburne and back.

CRUISES ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN

Two cruise boats operate on Lake Champlain in the summer – “The Spirit of Ethan Allen III” accommodates 500 people and the “Northern Lights” has room for 150 guests. Both these boats leave from the docks in Burlington.

While cruising youll listen as tour guides discuss the Lake Champlain regions rich revolutionary past, the importance of the Native Americans of this area, and interesting facts about the Lake. But center stage on either cruise is the stunning views of the Islands and the surrounding mountains of Vermont and New York.

DIVING FOR WRECKS

If diving for wrecks is your passion then in Lake Champlain youve come to the right place. The Lake is considered by many divers to have the best collection of historic shipwrecks in North America.

Eight of these wrecks are preserved for the enjoyment of divers, and under the watchful eye of the Lake Champlain Underwater Historic Preserve. These wrecks offer a unique experience for northeast diving. The types of wrecks vary from a horse ferry to canal boats, with some located close to both the Vermont and New York shorelines of the Lake. Diving experience required ranges from beginner to advance.

For more information on these wrecks visit the Preserves site at www.lcmm.org.

LAKE CHAMPLAIN MARITIME MUSEUM

The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is located near Vergennes, and is a marvelous way to experience the historical significance of the lake. The museum at Basin Harbor provides opportunities to step back in time as you explore a Revolutionary War gunboat, watch craftsmen use traditional shipbuilding skills, and learn about nautical life in the Champlain Valley during the conflicts of the 18th century.

The Museum is self-guided but has plenty of demonstrations for you to stop and view as you wander around.

STATE PARKS ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN

There are over 50 State Parks in Vermont, and the Lake Champlain area contains twelve of those state parks, and includes: Alburg Dunes, Knight Point, Sandy Bar, Burton Island, Grand Isle, Knight Island, North Hero, and Woods Island in the Lake Champlain Island chain. Other state parks on the Lakes shore are: Kill Kare, Kingsland Bay, Button Bay, and DAR.

Within these Vermont State Parks are opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, boating, fishing, picnicking, and swimming. The parks are a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the waters of the Lake for a day or longer, and to hike trails in between a swim and reading your novel.

Lake Champlain 5 Ways to Enjoy This Great Lake

Great Holiday Destination Madrid

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The official epithet for the natives of the city is Madrileo, but they are frequently known as gatos (cats). City breaks in Madrid will make it apparent that the city positions itself as one of the important cities in Europe. Madrid is a foremost southern European city and the most significant link between the European Union and Latin America. The enlightened city is home to over three million people. Like any other chief European capital city, each district (or barrio in Spanish) has its own ambiance.

Madrid is also distinguished for its nightlife and discotheques. Young & warm madrileos dances all night and stop off for chocolate at first light. Also trendy is the custom of gathering in parks or streets with friends and drinking together (called ‘botelln’, from ‘botella’, bottle). Since few years drinking in the street is endorsed with a fine. The juvenile madrileos drink together all around the city instead of in some well-known places. Youll take best pleasure in your Madrid holidays.

Other cultural tourist attractions include the Royal Palace of Madrid and the nearby royal monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Madrid’s main Opera Theatre is the Teatro Real (Royal theatre). In front of the theatre is the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace is no longer used as a residence, but it has been kept intact since it last functioned as home to the King, serving as a cultural monument and occasionally used for state functions. The entire palace is not open to the public, but most of the more important rooms can be visited.

Serving the city’s population of some six million, the Madrid Metro is one of the most far-reaching and fastest-growing metro networks in the world. It is now the second largest metro system in Western Europe, first being the London’s Underground. The province of Madrid is also served by a widespread rail network called Cercanas. Madrid is operated by Barajas International Airport. With airlines commencing new routes to Madrid, there is now a good choice of cheap flights to Madrid from UK Airports. You can book online with many online travel agents in UK, and receive access to extremely competitively priced Madrid city break packages along with a 5.00 per person discount! You can also book cheap flights to Madrid while booking Madrid hotels at website: www.mymadrid.co.uk . Look out for other money saving offers when you book online!Plan your trip to Madrid now whilst airfares are still low and the city remains unspoilt before the hoards of tourists and stags discover this latest new destination.

Great Holiday Destination Madrid

For a Great Vacation Get Booted to Idyllic Southeast Italy

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My holiday in Italy was a dream come true and my wish to enjoy the less touristy side of Italy was realized. I stayed in a vacation rental villa in the city of Avetrana , situated in the Apulien region which is also called the “boot heel” of Italy. This was the perfect way to experience the local culture and the little villa in Italy served as a great hideaway when I wanted to be alone.

Located in an area in Avetrana called Urmo Belsito, this vacation rental villa boasted a beautiful view of the sea from a rooftop terrace. Nestled on a small hill, my idyllic Italian paradise was within a few miles of the beach on the Ionian Sea. The open-aired balcony offered not only the great view but also a pleasant breeze that was cooling in the warm weather. I enjoyed the fine sandy beaches and clear blue waters and when I got tired, I just dusted myself off and headed to my villa.

This villa in Italy possessed two bedrooms and extra beds for guests (up to four people total), along with the requisite bathroom and kitchen. The landscaping was fitting for the beach town environment and the bricked courtyards were perfect for an evening of dining under the stars. With all the basic necessities and storage, this vacation rental villa made a perfect home base for traveling to other cities in the region like Tarent and Gallipoli. Both towns were within a short driving distance for sightseeing and partaking of various cultural activities.

During my adventures of meandering through the streets of Avetrana , I visited wonderful quaint stores and found some great deals on linens and ceramics and picked up a few lovely bottles of wine. Shopping for food in the markets was a fun experience. The townspeople were so gracious and friendly, even inviting me, a perfect stranger, over for dinner! Just the hospitality alone made my holiday in Italy worth it.

Day trips throughout the Apulien region to cities like Tarent and Gallipoli provided some great times. I rented a car and traveled the winding, narrow roads of the countryside, fascinated by the old stone walls left over from ancient times. The views of the coastline were spectacular and the architecture in these towns and those that dotted the countryside was amazing. My vacation in Italy was studded with valuable gems of sights, sounds and people. Of course, the food was excellent, with rich olive oils and fresh seafood.

All of these day trips to places like Tarent and Gallipoli and many points in between were made possible, thanks to my little vacation rental villa in Urmo Belsito in the city of Avetrana . Having it as my “home base” was a treasure. This little villa in Italy allowed me to relax after a long, eventful day of sightseeing. All the amenities like a washer, refrigerator and stove enabled me to save some money when I needed to do laundry or prepare a home-cooked meal. It was my home away from home! For a great vacation in Italy, I suggest getting the “boot” to the southeast region of Apulien, specifically a quaint little vacation rental villa in Urmo Belsito in Avetrana . Youll be glad you did!

For a Great Vacation Get Booted to Idyllic Southeast Italy

The Great Ocean Road AustraliaS Costa Verde

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Visitors to the Australian state of Victoria and its capital Melbourne should definitely consider reserving two or three days to explore Victoria’s own Costa Verde, the Great Ocean Road. This magnificent coastal tour combines spectacular Southern Ocean scenery, huge cliffs, towering rock stacks, lush temperate rainforests, tranquil bays, intriguing coastal villages full of history, clean uncrowded beaches and great surf.

The Great Ocean Road winds its way along the breath-taking coastline of south-west Victoria, from Geelong in the east to Nelson in the west, with the area between Lorne and Apollo Bay being the most picturesque. It is without doubt one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. It traverses an extended length of coastline that includes the world-famous Twelve Apostles rock formation, the Otways rainforest, and Bells Beach on the Surf Coast. The Great Ocean Road also regularly passes through coastal resort towns including Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay, coastal cities including Geelong and Warrnambool, and historic villages including Queenscliff, Port Campbell, Port Fairy and Portland.

There is ample opportunity to expand and extend the Great Ocean Road experience by detouring inland to the magnificent Grampians National Park and the Goldfields, continuing across Victorias western border to South Australia, or exploring Port Phillip Bay in the east including the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas.

Portland (population 11,000) was founded by the pioneering Henty brothers in 1834. Today, it boasts more than 200 well-maintained heritage buildings and private residences. Visit the Maritime Discovery Centre for an insight into Portlands long seafaring history. Portlands waterfront is still alive with commercial activity today, and whales sometimes visit in the winter months. Portland is also an anglers paradise, the range of fish in the area including King George whiting, flathead, snapper, tuna and mulloway.

Apollo Bay (population 2,000) is regarded by many as a paradise by the sea. The town is characterised by a wide, crescent-shaped sandy swimming beach, a backdrop of undulating green Otway hills, relaxed lifestyle, waterfalls, national and state parks and abundant flora and fauna in the nearby ranges. The beach at Apollo Bay is a focus for activity all year round. Swim in the clear sea waters, kayak with local seals, go deep-sea fishing, surfing, or simply take a relaxed horse ride along the beach at sunset.

Anglesea (population 2,500) is a favourite Great Ocean Road holiday destination due to the great beaches, bushland, wildlife and stunning coastal scenery in the area. Located on a wide sandy expanse beside the Anglesea River, Angleseas main beach is perfect for swimming, surfing and relaxing. Anglesea is also a great place to explore on foot. The 35 kilometre Surf Coast Walk passes through the town and can be followed along the coast in either direction. Coogoorah Park fronts the river and has a series of walking tracks, boardwalks and bridges winding through native bush and reedy wetlands teeming with birdlife.

Aireys Inlet, just a few kilometres from Anglesea, is a peaceful village nestled in the shadow of Angahook-Lorne State Park. Clifftop tracks provide views of rocky reefs, rock pools and sheltered coves. Aireys Inlet has superb beaches suitable for swimming and board riding, with a national park at its backdoor which is home to native trees and heathlands that are alive with colour when wildflowers bloom in winter, spring and early summer.

Port Campbell (population 200) is located amongst some of the most spectacular coastline scenery found in Victoria, including the Port Campbell National Park and the Twelve Apostles. Sheltered by towering cliffs and Norfolk pines, Port Campbell has the feeling of a haven on the edge of wild nature. It is a great base for a day tour to the Twelve Apostles, the dramatic rock stacks that have made this section of Victoria’s coastline famous. Other spectacular coastal features include Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps and the Bay of Islands.

Torquay (population 3,670) is a major holiday resort town, and also Victorias surfing capital where beach-based culture is strong. Many of the best known names in surfwear and accessories are based in Torquay, with anything and everything connected with surfing available in retail outlets at Surf City Plaza. The Surfworld Museum captures the spirit of surfing in a variety of multimedia and hands-on displays. Famous surf beaches in the area include Jan Juc and Bells Beach, famous as the venue for the Rip Curl Pro (held in Easter), one of the most sought after titles on the World Championship Tour.

Lorne (population 1,170) has a distinct Mediterranean atmosphere and outstanding picture-postcard scenery. This beautiful coastal town has been attracting visitors for more than a century. Located between Loutit Bay and the cool Otway ranges, Lorne’s charm is difficult to beat. Mild weather, a thriving caf culture, and a full range of shops, boutiques and galleries make Lorne one of the Great Ocean Roads most popular holiday destinations.

The City of Warrnambool (population 29,500) is situated in one of the most picturesque locations in Victoria, nestled into the coast amid green countryside and overlooking the deep blue of the Southern Ocean. Warrnambool has a long and colourful history linked with the sea, much of which is on show at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum. The museum provides a fascinating insight into the early life of the city, and includes original buildings, a lighthouse and a recreated port complete with ships. The many shipwreck relics on display include the famous porcelain peacock salvaged up from the tragic wreck of the Loch Ard in 1878. Giant southern right whales return to Logans Beach near Warrnambool every May to October and can frequently be seen just 100 metres off the shore.

Port Fairy (population 2,600) is a charming old fishing village with wide streets lined by 19th century cottages, old stone churches, boarding houses, inns and imposing Norfolk pines. Many fine examples of 19th century architecture can be found, with more than 50 buildings classified by the National Trust.

The Great Ocean Road AustraliaS Costa Verde

The Great Barrier Reef

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The Great Barrier Reef is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world stretching from the northern tip of Australia to just north of Bunderburg. It’s coral reefs stretch over 2000km along the eastern coast.

The reef is a sanctuary for well over 1000 fish varieties, whales, dolphins, dugongs and turtles. Many different types of birdlife can be found here.

The coral which forms the reef itself is also a living thing. When it dies it turns white. Different types of coral grow at varying speeds, while some are quite quick to grow, some take well over a hundred years to fully grow. There colors are by the growth of algae on it.

The reef lives in a tropical climate relying on warm shallow water to survive. Salty water and plenty of light is required to keep the coral healthy.

With hundreds of thousands of square miles of reef it is diving and snorkelling mecca. Access through diving tours are available from the mainland up and down the coast. Even if you don,t swim you can see the marvels of the reef through glass bottom boats.

The reef is heritage listed and vast areas are protected from fishing and removing coral from the reef is prohibited to preserve it for generations to come.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef AustraliaS Tropical Paradise

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The Great Barrier Reef is located off the north-east coast of Australia, and is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding natural wonders of the world. It is a World Heritage listed park and is one of the foremost holiday destinations in Australia and the world. It combines a fantastic climate, pristine native rainforests, white sandy beaches, and a shimmering turquoise green ocean, ensuring its reputation as a premier location in which to lie on the beach, swim, surf, snorkel and sail.

The Great Barrier Reef is scattered with beautiful islands and idyllic coral reefs and covers more than 300,000 square kilometres. The area abounds with wildlife, including dolphins, whales, dugong, green turtles, 1500 fish species, 200 bird species and 4000 types of mollusc. The reef system consists of around 3000 reefs ranging from 1 hectare to over 10,000 hectares in area.

The ideal conditions for coral are shallow warm water, plenty of water movement and light, and salty water low in nutrients. There are many different types of coral, some slow growing and living for hundreds of years, others faster growing. The colours of coral are created by algae. Only living coral is coloured. Dead coral is white.

The Great Barrier Reef’s popularity is demonstrated by the fact that more than 2 million people visit the area each year, making tourism a major earner for the state of Queensland. More than 500 commercial vessels are available to transport tourists to the reef system, and tourism is permitted through nearly all the Park. A majority of the Reef forms part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Various parts of the Reef are protected: fishing is restricted in some areas, while particular animals including whales, dolphins, green turtles and dugong are all protected.

Coral reefs are sensitive to climate change, changes in water movement patterns, and physical damage. Problems such as global warming, the building of structures such as breakwaters, and excess nutrients from human settlements can have a negative effect on the reef system and the wildlife which depends upon it for survival. Tourism may also have a negative impact, with fragile corals broken by reef walking, dropped anchors or by boats dropping fuel and other sorts of pollution. Even large numbers of people in the water, with the associated run-off of sweat and suntan lotions, can have a negative impact on the reef’s fragile environment.

Most visitors value the reef’s beauty and diversity, which is after all why they visit. Tour operators and tourists as well as government agencies cooperate to develop sustainable tourism approaches over the medium to long term. Despite the challenges, the Great Barrier Reef remains one of the natural wonders of the world, a rich environment of extraordinary beauty with a diverse ecosystem, which makes its conservation essential. This will maintain the Reef as fantastic place to relax and enjoy Australia’s natural heritage.

The Great Barrier Reef AustraliaS Tropical Paradise

The Great Barrier Reef a Must See

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It has been my privilege over the past twenty years to travel to many parts of the globe. When I was hired to be a traveling photojournalist for a popular travel magazine, I had no real idea what kind of life lay ahead of me. I never really expected to spend weeks on an African safari or climbing the Great Wall of China. I guess I sort of expected that my job would take me to places like Kansas and Canada. I have made it to nearly one hundred countries now, and I have a short list of favorite places that I’ve seen. For the most part I would be happy never returning to the places I’ve seen, but there are a few that stick out that I must see again in my life. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is one of those places that I just cannot get enough of.

My coworkers laugh at me for how many times I suggest the Great Barrier Reef when we need an article or a spread of photos for an upcoming issue. They all know how much I love the reef and how I’m dying to go back at any chance I get. We sit in staff meetings and I slyly or not-so-slyly suggest the Great Barrier Reef as often as I can. It has worked sometimes because I have been able to travel to this beautiful part of the world six times now. My coworkers have said that my turn is up because they all want to go as well.

The Great Barrier Reef is simply breathtaking, and Australia is not bad itself. I love going there for work or for play. I have been able to bring my family with me three times and they have loved it as much as I can. There is nothing like spending a day deep sea diving around the most famous reef in the world. I have captured a collection of the most amazing underwater shots from the Great Barrier Reef.

So if you’re looking for a beautiful location for your next vacation, look no further than to Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. Talk with a travel agent or get online to find the best deals. There are often great packages that can be purchased that include airfare, hotel and excursions, so just take your time and look carefully.

The world is a beautiful place. Few places compete with the beauty and wonder of the Great Barrier Reef though. See it for yourself.

The Great Barrier Reef a Must See

Six Great Vegas Hotels

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Looking for tips on just the right place to stay on your Las Vegas vacation? There are a lot of great hotels in Vegas, but these six definitely stand out.

Wynn Hotel

The newest masterpiece by Vegas hotel legend Steve Wynn, the 50-story Wynn Hotel opened in 2004 with 2,716 rooms, an 18-hole golf course, 19 restaurants, and 54 private spa treatment rooms. His namesake hotel displays his amazing art collection, offers incredible shopping right on site, and has a posh private lobby for VIPs. And of course, there’s an awesome state-of-the-art casino at it’s heart.

Bellagio

Built by Steve Wynn in 1998, the lavish Bellagio has excellent rooms, awesome service, and an amazing water fountain show. In December 2004, just before the Wynn Hotel opened, the Bellagio added a special 928-room Spa Tower, boosting total capacity to 3,933 rooms. The Bellagio is so ritzy that they offer a 50-minute body bronzing treatment with real gold dust.

THEhotel at Mandalay Bay

This all-suite exclusive hotel within the larger Mandalay Bay property has 1,117 rooms that aim for a more cosmopolitan clientele than it’s namesake parent. Each suite is 725 square feet of luxury with three flat-screen televisions, including one in the mega-swank bathrooms.

Four Seasons

Another swank luxury hotel within the Mandalay Bay complex, the Four Seasons occupies floors 35-39 and has rates much higher than the standard $119-$349 of its parent. Four Seasons guests have their own elevator and entrance, plus pools, spa, and restaurants in an adjacent building.

Ritz Carlton at Lake Las Vegas

The Ritz Carlton hotel is a half-hour’s drive from the Strip, but it’s renowned for it’s golfing and outdoor activities. It nestles against manmade Lake Las Vegas where the water offers a refreshing alternative to the summertime heat. This three-year-old Tuscan-themed resort still maintains a touch of the glitz: Guests can stay on a special bridge with suites built to recreate Florence’s legendary Ponte Vecchio (Bridge of Gold).

Venetian Resort Hotel Casino

Located near the Wynn, this 4,027-suite hotel is part of the Sands Hotel group. Rooms are luxuriously appointed and the casino is magnificent. Coming this summer is a new theater hosting Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit musical, the “Phantom of the Opera.”

So, there you have it. Six great Vegas hotels that will never fail to dazzle and are guaranteed to impress even the most jaded repeat visitor. Just be sure to book ahead to get the best discounts on room rates and snag hard-to-get show tickets well in advance.

Six Great Vegas Hotels