Sunday, August 8, 2010

Travel Insurance, Why You Need it!


When you spend months planning and preparing for your vacation, you develop images in your mind of what will make your trip the perfect trip. You can not imagine that anything could go wrong. But did you know that according to a recent survey commissioned by World Access, a travel-insurance and assistance company, more than 35% of business travelers said they or a colleague have become seriously sick or injured while away from home?

Whether it's your trip, your possessions, your luggage, or your health, travel insurance and most important, the right kind of travel insurance, has become an essential item to pack for smart travelers. And if you don't buy travel insurance — or the right kind — more than your trip could be ruined.

Reasons to buy travel insurance

1. Your flight has been cancelled.

2. Your bags are lost and your medication is in it. You require an emergency prescription filled.

3. Your passport and wallet are stolen, and you need emergency cash and a replacement passport.

4. You're involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available. You need medical evacuation.

5. You need to cancel your trip due to illness.

6. Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. You need your non-refundable expenses covered and to get to your destination.

7. You have a medical emergency in a foreign country.

8. A terrorist incident occurs in the city where you’re planning to visit and you want to cancel your trip.

9. A hurricane forces you to evacuate your resort, hotel or cruise.

Here is a brief run down of the basic types of insurance. Click here for a full guide.

Flight Insurance.
Promises to pay out big bucks in the event that your aircraft should crash. It's expensive, and considering what it pays for, not necessary.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance. If you get sick, or miss your trip, or the travel provider goes out of business, you're not left high and dry. Do NOT buy this insurance from the individual travel provider, meaning don't buy your cruise trip insurance from the cruise ship company. Why? If that company goes out of business, chances are, so does their insurance. in my opinion, its worth the few bucks to cover your trip.

Health insurance.
Most people think they are covered if they already have existing health care insurance. Within the United States, that’s true. Outside the U.S., however, usually not. And in some cases, your insurance won't even cover you if you're traveling on a foreign-flagged vessel. This is a huge red flag, since most cruise ships, even those cruising U.S. waters, are not flagged in the U.S. And in many cases, even if you are covered for basic emergency care overseas (a big IF), in almost all cases, your current health insurance does NOT cover you to evacuate you and repatriate you back to the U.S. My suggestion, get the coverage. If you’re in a foreign country, particularly a developing country, many hospitals will admit you without caring about coverage, but they won’t let you leave until you pay.

Baggage insurance.
As of Feb. 28, 2007, U.S. airlines' liability for lost or damaged luggage increased to $3,000 per passenger from the limit of $2,800. There's an entire list of excluded items not covered (jewels, furs, negotiable financial documents, et al), and then there's something called.... depreciation. The airlines may have a $3,000 liability limit, but that limit is not per bag, it's per incident, and it's all based on depreciated value. Hardly anyone in the history of aviation has ever received $3,000. It’s well worth it if the airline does lose your bags, and they sometimes do. Click here to read more about lost baggage.

Non Refundable insurance.
This runs about $13 per $100 of coverage. An expensive premium, but still worth it if you really think you might have to change your trip once you purchase your ticket.

Golf travel insurance.
Travel Guard provides golf equipment loss, golf equipment delay, golf fee refund. In addition, every Golf Travel Insurance Plan customer will also receive AIG Travel Guard's Golf Concierge Services, which includes golf course recommendations and driving directions, tee time reservations, PGA-Professional referral service and much. If you get a hole-in-one, they'll reimburse for the celebratory round of drinks (up to $250) at the clubhouse.

Adventure/Extreme sports travel.
In most cases, there are exclusions on basic travel insurance when it comes to adventure travel. That means specifications on how high is the mountain you’re climbing, and how far are you scuba diving. However, third-party travel insurance can offer additional coverage for adventure and extreme sports—even professional sporting events can be covered, but it will cost you.

Where ever you go, I wish you happy and safe travels.



Insuremytrip.com allows you to compare national plans, based on what they cost, what they cover and payouts.

TripInsuranceStore.com offers comparisons and testimonials from users, and you can also sign up for a plan though the site.

Access America 1-800-729-6021.

Travel Guard International: 1-800-826-4919.

Travelex Insurance Services: 1-800-228-9792.

HTH Worldwide: 1-888-243-2358.

Travel Insured International: 1-800-243-3174.

Global Travel Insurance: 1-800-232-9415.

Travelsafe: 1-888-885-7233.

Medjet Assistance: $250 per year, $350 for families. 7, 14, 21 and 30-day options available as well. 1-800-963-3538.

Air Ambulance Card: $195 per year for individuals and $295 per year for families.


Information correct at time of publication. Check for latest updates.
Article by Jennifer Baeta SF Travel Tips Examiner - March 18, 12:34 http://bit.ly/bdtIXp


Wednesday, June 23, 2010

33 Things Life's Too Short For

You know the old “life’s too short” cliché? Well, sometimes clichés turn out to be true. Life is too short. We’ve only got a certain number of years to live and, worst of all, we don’t have any idea how many.

Make sure you’re not falling into any of these life-sucking traps because life’s too short for them.

Life’s too short to:

  1. Stay in a job you don’t like.
  2. Play it safe.
  3. Worry about what other people think.
  4. Stay put and not travel.
  5. Maintain your prejudices.
  6. Be mediocre.
  7. Give up on.
  8. Not spend it with family and friends you love.
  9. Bear a grudge.
  10. Be petty.
  11. Read about things but never do them.
  12. Be mean.
  13. Go on fad diets.
  14. Be indirect.
  15. Wear boring clothes.
  16. Eat junk food.
  17. Hang on to clutter.
  18. Not speak your mind.
  19. Follow the herd.
  20. Try to impress people.
  21. Be grumpy.
  22. Be insincere.
  23. Take too seriously.
  24. Hold on to your fear.
  25. Be stuck in the past.
  26. Daydream away.
  27. Delay doing what’s important to you.
  28. Spend in front of the computer or TV.
  29. Be miserable.
  30. Wish away by living in the future.
  31. Hang on to self-destructive behavior.
  32. Not ask for help when you need it.
  33. Compromise your values.

Is life is too short to stuff a mushroom?

Shirley Conran, author of seventies classic, Superwoman, famously said:
‘Life is too short to stuff a mushroom’. Trouble is, life’s not too short for eating stuffed mushrooms is it? I think it’s a case of making sure your priorities are right and being true to yourself. What do you think? Have I missed anything off the list?
I wish us all a long life but even if it doesn’t turn out to be as long as we’d liked, at least we can make sure it’s happy and fulfilling. Now let’s go out and have a fabulous day.

http://www.letsthrive.co.nz/SELF/Self-development/33+Things+Lifes+Too+Short+For.html
© Copyright Annabel Candy. Annabel Candy started Get In the Hot Spot to inspire and inform people on how to live their dream. She was born in England, but recently moved with her husband and 3 kids from New Zealand to Australia via Central America . She loves travel, travel writing and living her dream.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

For many, Cruising is the way to see the World

Perhaps not everybody is cut out to cruise, but a lot of us are. I have a twin brother John, who likes to do stuff like hike through the Himalayas in the snow, and truck through the jungles of Brazil. Well he can have his adventures, but when I am on vacation I like to find a chocolate on my pillow when I hit the sack after a hard night at the casino.


Cruising is not really expensive. For the nightly price of a good hotel room you not only get a place to sleep, but you get 24 hour a day free room service, all kinds of food available all the time, fantastic meals in formal dinning rooms or just hit the buffet. Free shows, free movies, entertainment of all sorts, a casino, swimming pools, hot tubs, putting greens, tennis, ping pong.
All free.


There really is something for everyone. There are contests at the pools, bingo for those so
inclined, art auctions, dancing lessons, and demonstrations of ice carving and even juggling bartenders. Don’t worry about missing those important emails, because all the ships have internet cafes now. The last cruise I was on, I had wireless internet in my room.


For the ladies there is always an elegant spa and all kinds of beauty treatments available. My wife really enjoys getting a foot massage after a long shore excursion…in preparation for the evenings dancing. You can even do your shopping on board, since there are a number of stores on the ship selling everything from clothing to jewelry. And be sure to bring some formal gowns for the formal nights on the ship. Formal nights are your chance to wear all that new jewelry and those new shoes with your new gown.


There are different kinds of cruises and quite a few cruise lines to choose from. Some cruise lines
are known for having superior service, some for lower costs, and some for catering to kids. There are destination cruises where the main thing is seeing the sights at the ports of call. Then there are party cruises that tend to be populated by younger couples and the destinations are less important than the activities and partying. There are also specialty cruises that cater to gay couples and singles etc.


The destinations and shore excursions can be a very important part of the cruise experience. You can find cruises that take you darned near everywhere you could ever want to go. I’ve seen everything from the pyramids of Egypt to the Great Wall of China by going on cruises. And my wife and I have ridden ATV’s through the jungle, swam with dolphins, and went tubing in underground caves…all on just one cruise!


So if you want to visit Harrods department store in London, walk on the Great Wall of China, see the ancient Greek ruins at Ephesus, or visit Red Square in Moscow, and you want to do it in style, choose a cruise. No unpacking and repacking, no strange food unless you really want it, and great service 24 hours a day. It’s about as close to a worry free vacation as you can get.


For those of us who want to be pampered and spoiled and see the world at the same time you just can’t beat a cruise ship vacation.


About the Author William Lund is an inventor and webmaster with over a dozen patents and a number of websites. His business website dealing with making money with your website is: Website Marketing and SEO Mr. Lund is an avid cruiser as well and has website devoted to his cruise vacation experiences. Cruises R Fun

Tips for Traveling Abroad




Traveling overseas can be a fun and exciting experience. However, it can also put you at risk for scams and other attacks. It is important that travelers be aware of their surroundings and that they follow basic guidelines for protecting themselves.

For instance, travelers should never hand their wallet to anyone. In some countries, con men will appear in police uniform and ask for your wallet in order to check for drug money. Travelers should always beware when someone asks for their ID or for cash, even if they appear to have a legitimate badge. It never hurts to double check in order to avoid a scam.
Photographers can also be tricksters in disguise. Many photographers will take pictures of tourists without their request and then ask for money in order to sell you the picture. If the photographer disappears to a nearby studio with your cash, however, there is a good chance that he or she will never come back. Do not fall for this scam.

Pickpockets are also common. Tourists who are visiting crowded areas (especially popular destinations) should be aware of anyone who brushes by them. Many pickpockets work in teams, with one person meant to distract you while the other takes your money. Always be aware of who is around you and of where you have placed your wallet and cash. Women should hold their purses close to their body in order to avoid someone grabbing their bag and running away with it.
Another typical trap for tourists involves cab rides. Many taxi drivers will overcharge unsuspecting travelers. A good way to avoid this trap is by asking about the fare before the journey begins. You should also keep an eye on the meter, and don't be afraid to ask questions about the price.These tips can help you have a safe travel experience. 
 Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Stutzman



Sunday, May 2, 2010

New Onboard Cruise Activities


With ships beefing up their activities and amenities, even veteran cruisers will find new kinds of entertainment. From wine tours to political debates, here’s the lowdown.

Food
Cruises continue to step up their culinary offerings with updated restaurants and food-themed seminars. In May, Food & Wine magazine is pairing with tour operator Food & Wine Trails (800/367-5348; foodandwinetrails.com) for a 14-day Barcelona-to-London voyage on Oceania Cruises’ Regatta. On the menu: exclusive wine tastings and chef-led shore excursions in Spain and France.

Cruise West (888/851-8133; cruisewest.com) is giving its new menus a Pacific Northwest twist, serving up wild salmon with an apple-cider reduction, paired with a Washington State Riesling.

The 8,000-bottle cellars on Azamara Club Cruises’ ships Journey and Quest (877/999-9553; azamaracruises.com) now include vintages from boutique wineries, many not available in the United States.


Adventure
Looking for high-action, low-impact excursions? Gap Adventures (800/708-7761; gapadventures.com) has teamed up with the Discovery Channel for a series of environmental expeditions: the six-day Galápagos cruise deploys Zodiacs and dinghies to explore lava caves and wildlife-filled mangroves.

On an ascent up an active volcano in Santorini, Greece—a new eco-excursion from Costa Cruises (877/882-6782; costacruises.com)—hikers get 360-degree views from the summit’s crater.

Quark Expeditions (866/961-2961; quarkexpeditions.com), meanwhile, has travelers pitching tents in Spitsbergen, Norway, home to 3,000 polar bears, in its Arctic shore option.

Spa
With enhancements industry-wide, spas at sea are making waves. Oceania (800/531-5658; oceaniacruises.com) recently joined forces with the Canyon Ranch Spa Club to offer signature treatments in state-of-the-art facilities that include a Thermal Suite with a steam room and thalassotherapy pool.

The Odyssey and Sojourn ships from Seabourn (800/929-9391; seabourn.com) feature 750-square-foot spa villas with oversize tubs, wraparound terraces, and customized treatments.

Come April, Windstar Cruises’ Wind Surf (800/258-7245; windstarcruises.com) will also have a set of spa suites—with organic bath products and bed linens, as well as credits at the ship’s WindSpa.

Multigenerational
With family travel bigger than ever, cruise lines have been developing creative ways to keep everyone happy. Ride a jet boat to Mount McKinley, tour a gold mine, and hike to the historic Savage River Camp on a 12-night Alaska cruise tour from Princess Cruises (800/774-6237; princess.com).

Uniworld (800/733-7820; uniworld.com) has expanded its family programs on the Paris & Normandy and Castles Along the Rhine itineraries, now with more kid-focused options such as hot-air balloon rides over Paris and visits to the Cologne Chocolate Factory.

Disney Cruise Line’s (888/325-2500; disneycruise.disney.go.com) 12-night Baltic itineraries offer exclusive family-friendly port excursions, including a “Royal Ball” in St. Petersburg’s Catherine Palace.

Learning
Seminars and theme cruises are offering innovative forms of onboard enrichment. Science buffs can hop on the Science & Technology cruise from Crystal Cruises (888/722-0021; crystalcruises.com) for lectures on military, space, and medical trends and workshops on the latest personal handheld devices.

Debate U.K.-U.S. politics, history, and culture with academics, politicians, and journalists on transatlantic crossings aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary (800/728-6273; cunard.com).


Friday, April 30, 2010

Navigating The Hotel Star System



"It's a five-star hotel!" But what exactly does that mean? And is a five-star hotel really worth a hundred dollars more a night than a three-star hotel? It doesn't help that the same hotel may have three different ratings depending on the travel website you visit or the tourist guidebook you read.
If you're blinded by these perplexing little stars, you're not alone. Read on to learn more about the intricate hotel star rating system.

Star Light, Star Bright. Is That Hotel Rating Right?

The star rating system was designed to measure the quality of hotels. While you may assume a one-star rating means a "disgusting hole in the wall where illegal activities take place" and a five-star rating means "Oprah Winfrey stayed here and loved it," that's not always the case.

First of all, Europe and the U.S. use different hotel star rating systems. In Europe, hotels are generally rated on a four-star system, with four stars being the best hotel room money can buy. On the other hand, the U.S. uses a five-star system to rate hotels.

And there's more to these star ratings than meets the eye. A one-star rating doesn't always suggest a bloody shoot-out recently took place in the hotel - it may simply mean that the hotel offers basic rooms and limited amenities. (Find out how to have a fun and budget-friendly summer adventure in 7 Ways To Save On Summer Getaways.)

Reaching for the Stars
So, who determines how many stars each hotel receives? In Europe, local government agencies and independent organizations hand out star ratings to hotels. In the U.S., stars are rewarded by a variety of different groups, from travel guidebooks and national consumer travel associations to travel agencies and websites.

To make things more confusing, each travel website has their own hotel star system. So, the same property may receive three stars on Travelocity, five stars on Orbitz and four stars on Expedia. Luckily, most of these travel websites and associations provide a consumer guide to their personal hotel star rating system.

For the most part, the North American hotel star system breaks down like this:

One-Star Rating: The Bare Necessities
A one-star hotel is simply a place to rest your head for the night. Generally owned by a sole proprietor, these hotels offer modest rooms with nothing more than a bed and bathroom. There are no restaurants on site, but there should be one within walking distance of the hotel.


These hotels don't offer extra amenities or special services. In other words, you're not going to get a nightly turndown service with a Godiva chocolate
on your pillow here. However, you should have access to nearby public transportation and reasonably priced meals and entertainment.

Two-Star Rating: A Few Extras
Although similar to a one-star hotel, a two-star hotel is generally part of a larger chain as opposed to privately owned. (Think Econo Lodge or Days Inn.) The accommodations are similar to a one-star hotel - simple and basic. However, two-star hotel rooms include a television and phone. . (If you're a long-time air traveler, you've probably noticed that flying means pulling out
your wallet a whole lot more often. Find out what's fallen off the list of airline freebies in 7 Air Travel Perks That Used To Be Free.

Plus, these hotels typically offer an on-site restaurant or dining area and a daily housekeeping service. The front desk at a two-star hotel is usually open 24 hours a day

Three-Star Rating: Moving On Up
Three-star hotels are typically part of larger, first-class hotel chains, such as Marriott, Radisson and Double Tree. These hotels are generally more stylish and comfortable than one and two-star hotels, and they offer a wider range of services and amenities, which may include a fitness center, a pool, business services, an on-site restaurant, room service, conference rooms and valet services.

The hotel rooms are larger with higher-quality, contemporary furnishings and often include fancy extras like flat-screen TVs with extended cable. Three-star hotels are located near a major expressway and local attractions, and they are often geared toward business travelers.

Four-Star Rating: Upscale Comfort
Also known as superior hotels, four-star hotels are large, upscale establishments complete with first-rate service and tons of extras. The spacious rooms are beautifully designed with premium furnishings and include luxurious touches like lavish bedding and fine bath products.


Four-star hotels offer loads of special services and amenities, including concierge services, fine dining, multiple pools and hot tubs, high-class fitness centers, bell hops, room service, valet parking, day spas, limousine services and an array of special suites. (A staycation can be just as enjoyable as a vacation, and can enrich your life for the whole year. Find out more in 9 Summer Staycations That Feel Like Vacations.)


Five-Star Rating: G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S.
Now we're talking lifestyles of the rich and famous. Five-star hotels are the most luxurious hotels in the world. These fine establishments boast extravagant lobbies, unparalleled service and unequaled comfort. Five-star hotel are generally architectural works of art, featuring cutting-edge interior design and opulent furnishings.

As a guest in a five-star hotel, you will not have to lift a finger (except for when you hand over that platinum credit card, of course.) Many of these hotels provide their guests with a personal butler or designated concierge. The massive five-star guest rooms are glamorous and elegant, often including premium linens, a personal Jacuzzi tub, a large-screen Plasma TV with high-definition cable, a DVD player, high-speed internet access, fresh flowers, lavish bath products and speedy, around-the-clock room service.

For the most part, five-star hotels also offer gourmet restaurants, on-site entertainment, state-of-the-art fitness centers, multiple heated pools and hot tubs, valet parking, spa services, tennis courts and golf course access. Champagne wishes and caviar dreams!

Star-Struck
There's no question that the hotel star rating system can be vague, confusing and downright arbitrary. However, with a little bit of research, it is possible to pinpoint the perfect hotel to suit your unique needs - and your budget.

While you're doing your hotel homework, you should also check out what other hotel guests have to say. Many travel websites include guest ratings in addition to their regular star ratings. Often, the best information comes straight from the horse's mouth.

Above all else, take hotel ratings with a grain of salt. You may not get a truly objective opinion on a hotel until you stay there yourself.

Article Posted: April 26, 2010 9:57AM by Amy Bell
Navigating The Hotel Star System - Investopedia.com

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Celebrity Cruises, Cruise Travel, Cruise Caribbean



Celebrity Cruises' four Solstice-class ships, which are sailing together in Europe in summer of 2011, will also be cruising through the Caribbean later that year and into 2012.

The cruise line's Caribbean itineraries range from four to 14 nights. Celebrity Silhouette will sail from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ, offering 14 alternating Southern and Eastern Caribbean voyages.

Celebrity Equinox will sail 15 alternating 10- and 11-night 'Ultimate Caribbean' cruises out of Fort Lauderdale.

Celebrity Constellation will say a host of 14-night Southern Caribbean cruises round trip out of Fort Lauderdale. And Celebrity Century will offer 12-night Eastern Caribbean sailings out of Baltimore.

These four ships have been added to the already four ships that sail to the Caribbean: Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Infinity."


Apr 23, 2010 By: Meagan Drillinger TravelAgentCentral
http://www.travelagentcentral.com/cruises/celebrity-cruises-sends-new-ships-caribbean-21075

The Best of the Best Cruises



Let's face it. We all love "best of" lists. Be it accolades from industry insiders or polls voted on by seasoned travelers, everyone has an opinion on what constitutes the best room, best value, or best experience, and we are all ears. We sorted through some of the popular 2009/2010 lists and compiled a collection of which cruise lines took top honors. Think of them as the Oscars of travel, only they rate excursions instead of art direction. Read on to see who took the top prizes -- and what makes them so special.

Crystal Cruises

Crystal has clinched the pole position on
Travel + Leisure's World's Best list for large-ship cruise lines for an impressive 14 consecutive years. What sets it apart? Exclusive offerings like a sushi bar by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, celebrity entertainers, and Berlitz language instruction. www.crystalcruises.com

American Safari Cruises

Citing access to places big boats can't go, travel critic Howard Hillman names American Safari Cruises as top choice for an Alaskan expedition. The deluxe yachts only carry between 12 and 36 passengers and get up close and personal with glaciers and grizzly bears alike.
www.americansafaricruises.com

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is the overriding family favorite and garnered top honors among mega-ships for activities as well as service in
Condé Nast Traveler's 2010 cruise poll. Disney characters come to life onboard, with kids' imaginations in tow, and parents get a coveted pass to the magical kingdom called relaxation.www.disneycruise.disney.go.com

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is a multiple winner in
TravelWeekly's 2009 Magellan Awards, including best overall large cruise ship, best suite design, and best pool design. The newest member of their fleet is the 16-deck, 220,000-ton Oasis of the Seas (the most expensive cruise ship ever built) which features seven "neighborhoods" with 21 restaurants, 4 pools, and a Central Park with 12,000 trees. www.royalcaribbean.com

Voyages of Discovery

Selected Best Value in Specialty Cruises by the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society three years running, Voyages of Discovery caters to seasoned travelers who value exploration over extravagance. The mid-size vessel makes long trips to uncommon destinations like Kenya and the Ukraine with onboard naturalists and cultural specialists to enrich the journey.
www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

by Catharine Lo AOL Travel & News Posted Apr 13th 2010 11:10 AM

Friday, April 23, 2010

Voyage through blue heaven: Bora Bora Cruise



Never been to cruise or want to experience a place where you want to fall head over heels in love. And if you are not a cruise person, and yet want to know what is like going on crusie?

Nomade Yachting Bora Bora is the perfect and idealistic cruise for you. The luxury yacht just contains some 30 cabins only and on board there are rarely more than 50 people as guests.
Nomade Yachting Bora BoraExploring Bora Bora Island along with Taha'a, Raiate'a, and Huahine, there is something magical and heavenly feeling about it. As you will be floating in the blues of Bora Bora, for a week, nothing will be able to match this voyage not even the biggest resorts or big named cruise liners for the kind of special services they are able to provide and most of all important the beauty this voyage will make you experience of the amazing islands.
Bora Bora island, will not need any introduction, for such is its beauty, nature and ambience. With adding of the cruise experience, you will be enthralling and regaling in this mind blowing combination which is awe inspiring.
From the moment you’ll be swept up from the Bora airport, you will be having a week long of pleasures and leisure’s, fun activities to just simply relaxing on the deck. While on the cruise you will be all busy throughout the week dinner shows, with private motu picnics, local musicians show, dancing rae rae that is Tahitian drag queens tantalizing in between. You can chance on beach volleyball, swimming, and getting sun tan while relaxing or reading your favorite book. On the board avail for spa treatments, and there is visit from traditional Polynesian Tattoo artist. Also you will visit pearl farms and go for exciting shark-feeding… a total extravaganza. …
Nomade Yachting has two elegantly designed private yachts which are delightfully stylish and chic in every way

The TU MOANA
The TI’A MOANA
    The private yachts are distinguished and more cosmopolitan and contemporary in style; the two ships presents as a svelte profile. Private Yachts have been constructed in Australia from the combined workings and talents of the Austal Ships and the Oceanfast Yachts, creating yachts utterly unique.
    Each yacht has own personality with its own tone and settings. One yacht has dark woods, and another has light woods and both encompass fashionable design. The yachts successfully merge Polynesian art with of audacious dream of Swedish design studio, together with Tillberg Designs and along with original inspiration as given by the ship’s owner.
    All the famous Stark, Ralph Lauren, Kenzo, Noguchi, and Yanagi have cohabitate in harmony way with their artwork and with elements especially commissioned by the Polynesian artists that is creating ambiance- novel and simply breathtaking.
    The design and décor of the ship is awesome in itself, which will add to the vibe, with tiniest of the alcoves, smallest of corners sheltering gracious statue or majestic carved “Tiki,” all showcasing a contrast to wealth of the romantic white and black photography that poise the hallways, adding the nuances and shades such as will feed the emotion, sooth the mind and calm the eye. Just so much like heaven isn’t it!
    Nomade Yachting to Bora Bora has created treasures of attractions, events and activities that are unique in worldwide.
    Tevairoa motu


    Nomade Yachting will give you altogether a new experience of cruising, with no more crowds. Suits budgets and is for family vacation and even idealistic for couples on honeymoon. Nomade Yachting cruise of Bora Bora will be most memorable experience of all.

    Author/Admin http://www.cruise360.net/nomade-yachting-bora-bora.html
    Posted April 7, 2010




    Thursday, April 22, 2010

    The Girls Great Getaway

    Ladies, take a break from your fast paced life and escape to a Costa Rican paradise. You’ve heard about Costa Rica’s gorgeous coastline, warm waters, and tropical weather, but do you know all of the life changing experiences that await you?


    Costa Rica’s continuous temperate climate and frequent flights in and out of the country’s 2 international airports make it the ideal, affordable location for a quick getaway or an extended vacation any time of the year. And here at Costa Rica Luxury Rentals and Tours, we’ll help you put together a customized girls getaway package for you and your girlfriends, or all for yourself.

    Renew

    We understand that sometimes you just need to leave work at the office, the kids at home, and your man behind, and spend some much needed quality time with yourself and your friends. Your worries and stresses will melt away as you sink into our bubbly jacuzzis and pools located right outside your condominium rental. Get your feet out of those heels and sink them into soft sands and warm ocean waters, or sneak away with a good book for the day to a secluded beach tucked away below the cliffs.

    You and the girls will want to take advantage of our full service, beautifying spa treatments offered on location. Add on a professional massage or a yoga class to complete your total wellness experience. During your one on one private beach yoga class, held in the cooler morning or evening hours, you will be enveloped by the soothing sounds of waves and the sweet, fresh scents of local flowers and fauna as you balance your mind, body, and soul. As if you haven’t been pampered enough, imagine finishing off your evening with fine wine, an international gourmet meal, and dancing into the night to live local bands. Costa Rica provides you with it all!

    Explore

    Maybe you want to take a walk on the wild side while away from home. Costa Rica is also the perfect location to explore your adventurous side. You’ll have stunning views of the rainforest below as you hold on tight and soar across the trees on the countries various canopy tours. If you want to enjoy the sights from above without the adrenaline rush, many of the national parks have elaborate suspension bridge systems strung among the trees, where you can pause to take in the sights and sounds of Costa Rica’s wildlife. Yes, that is a family of monkeys in those trees!

    Empower

    If it’s more physical activity you and your friends crave, river rafting and volcano climbing are two of the most popular and plentiful eco friendly activities available in the country. Whether you’re a novice rafter or expert thrill seeker, Costa Rica is filled with rapids of all levels to conquer. And if you’ve never seen an active volcano before, you can hike or ride up on horseback, explore the crest, and see the lava flow. One of the most amazing things about Costa Rica is how in touch you are with the countries natural wonders no matter what activity you choose.


    No matter how you choose to spend your time in Costa Rica, you will leave refreshed and invigorated, having experience just a touch of all that our country has to offer.


    Author Resource:- CR Luxury Rentals is the premier choice for the discriminating traveler who expects and demands 5 star luxury and customer service, plus we offer fantastic Costa Rica condo rentals that are perfect for any type of vacation. http://www.CRLuxury.com
    Article From Your Travel Articles


    Sunday, April 18, 2010

    5 Essential Destinations for your 'Bucket-List'

    If you’re putting off making one, don’t, you must get started ASAP! Everybody needs a bucket list, for how could you ever forgive yourself if the worst happened and you’d forgotten your lifetime aspirations? As you grow with age and forget about your youth, it’s possible to forget the fantasies which were once all that mattered and become engrossed in the importance of life.

    Just about everything in life is achievable so why not get the most out of it? After all, we’re only here once! Most people will think about things such as running a marathon, skydiving, driving a Ferrari and bungee jumping, but what about the places in life we’ve missed? Wasn’t there always just one special place that you had your heart set on visiting? Here are the top 5 destinations good enough for anyone’s bucket list:


    1. Paris-What could be more romantic than overlooking the city from above after ascending the Eiffel Tower, walking along the Seine with your fiancee or sipping fine wine sat in the street of an open-air cafe. With the beautiful language filling the streets, sublime restaurants tempting you to dine and precarious nightspots lining the corners, it’s no wonder that this stimulating city is the most popular tourist destination in the world.


    2. Australia-Go beyond your wildest dreams and discover the mysterious Ayer’s Rock where you’ll witness one of the most stunning sunsets ever seen. For a trip you'll never forget, stop off at the sparkling Sydney harbour and surrounding golden sands. This cosmopolitan city offers stylish shops, suave restaurants, the infamous opera house and recognisable bridge. See the Great Barrier Reef with your own eyes and if you get chance, explore the bush for yourself.



    3. Maldives-Live the dream on one of these sensational islands spread across the sublime Indian Ocean, escaping reality for at least a week. Relax and unwind on your tropical isle, snorkel the crystal clear waters and swim with the creatures of the deep or laze on your lounger with a good book in hand, absorbing the soaring sun rays. As the evenings draw to an exquisite close, watch the dramatic sunset, head out for some fine food then relax with your loved one under the night’s sky with an ice cold sumptuous cocktail.




    4. Florida- Treat the child in you and relive your youth in a Disney filled, jam packed holiday. Visit Walt Disney World to meet the mouse himself, Mickey, explore Universal studios to check out Hollywood’s finest stunts and discover how the astronauts jet off into space at the popular Epcot . Every child will love it and each adult alike, it’s one of those things in life you’ve just got to try.


    5. Greece-It’s difficult to pick just one as there are so many stunning Greek Islands! Although one stands out like a rare diamond sitting among dull, dusty stones. Think dreamy days, sparkling shores and relaxing nights and you’ve found yourself in Samos. This shimmering island sits proudly in the Aegean Sea and offers everything you could want from a traditional Greek holiday.

    Holidays in Samos boast lush green landscapes and small, local tavernas where you’ll be welcomed with a shot of ouzo and open arms, each time you visit.


    Laura Elliott
    Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1506283_29.html
    http://www.indianoceanholidaysblog.com/