A Caribbean cruise is the world’s most popular cruise. The Caribbean islands are a dream destination and the journey is equally out of the world. The island chains with a delightful combination of modernity and natural resources are a heady mix. If you are a nature lover used to the modern way of life the Caribbean islands and the Caribbean cruise are perfect getaways for you.

A Caribbean cruise takes you to a land of lush vegetation, beautiful beaches and dense forests. Amidst the luxuries of the modern resort, you have the good fortune of experiencing the richness of the immaculate nature reserves. You witness nature in all its glory be it Puerto Rico’s dense rain forest or the nesting grounds of flamingos on Bonaire’s beaches. The pleasant climate of the Caribbean is just perfect for a swim in the sea, snorkeling or just basking on the beach. It is an ideal location for a nature or outdoor lover.

Caribbean cruises have their distinctive charm and characteristic appeal. The islands have a warm climate with some of the world’s best beaches, exquisite marine life along with the amazing coral reef and exceptionally clean seas. Shopping is also an interesting feature with duty free prices.

The Caribbean cruises offer a wide choice for travelers from a two-day trip to a long voyage. It is up to you to choose which one you want to take. The Caribbean comprises of eastern, western and southern Caribbean. A seven days cruise lets you explore the varied flavor of these regions their culture, history and its people in general. Somewhere you find the French influence at another port you find British while you may come across Spanish resemblances all interwoven in the Caribbean style, a distinctive blend.

Caribbean cruises are nice family cruises if you time them right i.e. during your children’s school holidays. All the year round, the cruises are organized. Holidays are the busiest periods, so plan ahead and book ahead. All the major lines offer number of routes and cruise itineraries for the Caribbean. You receive excellent food, attentive service, interesting historical tours of ancient ruins and a look at the distinctive culture on the way to the islands. Have a great time onboard relax on the deck, have fun at the entertainment centers and try your luck at the casino in the typical Las-Vegas style.

Caribbean cruise discovers for you beautiful concealed harbors and peaceful coves. It takes you to quiet and serene places away from the mad rush and maddening world. Explore the picturesque beauty of the sand beaches of St. John, the beauty of the sea caves around Virgin Gorda try your hand at yachting at St. Martin. Find yourself a nice bottle of French perfume in the peaceful streets of St. Barthelemy. Enjoy the music and the beats of Tortola’s drums. Try your hand on snorkeling at Pigeon Island. Absorb the magnificence of the Barbados, Nevis, Anguilla and Martinique. You discover amazing beauty and character at every place you visit and just be a mute spectator of all the beauty and natural abundance surrounding you. Caribbean cruise are your passage to an enchanting world with enthralling experiences.

Looking for information about cruises?
Go to: whatcruises.com whatcruises.com
‘What Cruises’ is published by Colin Hartness –
An excellent resource for Cruises!
Check out more cruise articles at: whatcruises.com/archive whatcruises.com/archive

I like to collect things from all my flight experience, I’m just that kind of person. I have a Las Vegas airfare travel mug and I have a collection of knick-knacks from airlines that I’ve been on too. My shower is full of soaps I’ve collected and my closet is full of plush bathrobes I’ve picked up. My Las Vegas airfare flight pins are also a favorite of mine.

Looking back on my many trips it occurs to me that trying to find the best deals on Las Vegas airfare can be confusing. Should I approach a travel agent in my area or should I look for a discount broker on the Internet? If I look on the Net, who is the best? Which airlines are the best ones for me? Who provides the most reasonable Las Vegas airfare?

Planning your trip to the great city of Vegas can be as fun as the city itself if you know where to look. We live in an age when opportunities for consumers are everywhere. The best first step when looking for Las Vegas airfare is to visit a discount flight broker like Orbitz, Priceline or Lowestfare dot com. Here you will get a reasonable idea of what the going rates are for Las Vegas airfare.

Discount brokers often find connecting flights or last minute deals that other travel services won’t use. Because of the number of trips they plan, they can also get impressive volume discounts. But these types of brokers will not include total trip expenses in their estimates, only the lowest, quickest Las Vegas airfare.

Planning where you will stay, what shows and sites you want to take in, what your budget for food and gambling, as well as planning for your Las Vegas airfare, are also important considerations when planning an overall trip. This is your experience.

The question you need to ask yourself is: what does Las Vegas airfare mean to you? Perhaps your definition of Las Vegas airfare includes accommodations, gambling, or car rentals? For these types of Las Vegas airfare quotes you are better off going to a more inclusive agent like Travelvacations or Affordable travel dot org. Travel Zoo, Expedia and Travelocity are also good picks if you are interested in overall travel planning as well as factoring in what they consider to be the best Las Vegas airfare rates they can find. Vegas continues to be one of the most popular and legendary travel destinations in the US and when considering your ticket purchases, it is important to decide on the length of your visit and the cheapest months in which to travel. February is the cheapest month for Las Vegas airfare with August as a close second.

In conclusion, searching for Viva Las Vegas airfare can be a rewarding experience if you use the latest resources and have clear goals set.

Have fun and viva Las Vegas!

Zahid Saddique is a successful Internet publisher and founder of GetCheapAirfares.info GetCheapAirfares.info. You will find anything and everything you wanted to know about getting GetCheapAirfares.info Las Vegas airfare at his cheap airfares web site.

JANUARY
Esencia – Mexico
Mexico’s Caribbean coast is home to some really romantic beach hideaways and January is a great time to go. Esencia set on a stunning white sand beach, is one of our favourites. It has just 29 white, minimalist rooms set among lush tropical gardens. Relax in the spa, snorkel off the beach, explore nearby Mayan ruins or sip tequila at one of the stylish bars in Playa del Carmen.

FEBRUARY
Explora Easter Island – Chile
Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is one of the most remote places on earth. In February the islanders hold their annual Tapati festival – a two week celebration of song, dance, parades and competitions. Explora is by far the most luxurious accommodation on the island with its brand new 30 room property opening in January 2008. in the meantime, guest are housed in comfortable local houses complete with hot tub. A trek to the Moai statues followed by a Pisco Sour cocktail on the beach is out of this world. Explora starts from £200 per person per night including all meals and excursions.

MARCH
Villa St Lucy – Barbados
Villa St Lucy is a lovely seven bedroom villa – perfect for a family holiday over Easter. There are endless things for all the family to do here from world class golf (the villa is on the 18th hole of Royal Westmoreland golf course), a brand new spa, tennis, swimming and white sand beaches just 10 minutes away. There is also a kid’s club during school holidays plus the villa has its own 17m oval infinity pool. The villa comes with a housekeeper and a private cook can be arranged if self-catering is too much like hard work. Rental over Easter starts from £9,625 a week for 14 people.

APRIL
Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires – Argentina
April is a great time to visit Buenos Aires, when the weather cools into autumn. Dance tango in the street, eat a steak the size of your handbag, sip Malbec into the early hours or snap up bargains at the growing number of designer boutiques. Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires is a stunning new hotel combining a restored 1932 palace with a contemporary building. A lush tree-lined garden, excellent spa facilities and an underground art gallery are just some of the features of this elegant hotel.

MAY
Hermitage Bay – Antigua
Head to Antigua in May and see some of the world’s finest custom-made yachts in Antigua Race Week. Nelson’s Dockyard is the hub of the action with parties and live bands playing into the night. Hermitage Bay is a brand new boutique hotels set on the islands’s west coast. It offers a luxurious retreat when you’ve had your fill of Race Week fun. There are 25 suites hidden among large tropical gardens. The Hillside Suites all have plunge pools and the Beach Suites are steps away from the ocean.

JUNE
Almyra – Cyprus
June is a great time to go to the Almyra, especially if you have young children. The weather is lovely and warm without being overly hot. The hotel has a fantastic ‘Baby Go Lightly’ service where you can pre-book all the food, nappies and other baby paraphernalia you need. There is also now a new crèche that accpts children from six months old.

JULY
Bushcamp Company – Zambia
Walking with wildlife is an unforgettable way to experience an African safari and July is the best time for seeing the animals. Located in the South Luangwa National Park, Bushcamp Company specialises in bespoke walking safaris between five luxurious camps along the Luangwa River. Walk from camp to tcamp in the style of an original pioneer, or base yourself at one camp and walk out morning and afternoon. The guides here are excellent and the South Luangwa valley is known for its outstanding wildlife, which includes the leopard.

AUGUST
Le Mas Candille – Cote d’Azur
Le Mas Candille is a charming Relais & Chateaux hotel set in pretty Provencal parkland in the hills above Cannes. It is the perfect retreat from the busy Cote d’Azur but just 7km from Cannes so you can join the action when you want to. Rooms are cosy and traditional in the old farmhouse and bigger and more contemporary in the new building. The hotel has the only Shiseido spa in Europe, three outdoor pools and a Michelin-starred restaurant with beautiful views over the Mougins valley

SEPTEMBER
Birkenhead House – South Africa
September is a great month for the Cape as it’s right in the middle of whale watching season, when the Southern Right Whales come to calve. You can take a boat trip and get right up beside these mighty mammals, or you can spot them while relaxing at Birkenhead House in Hermanus – a friendly boutique hotel, full of rare antiques, Persian rugs and original paintings. There are two pools, a gym, spa and two excellent swimming beaches.

OCTOBER
Elsa’s Kopje and Loisaba Wilderness – Kenya
For fans of the film Born Free, a visit to Elsa’s Kopje in Meru National Park is a must. This luxurious lodge is on the site of George Adamson’s first camp. Relax after a game drive in the ultimate ‘pool with a view’, looking out across the plains. Loisaba Wilderness offers a different safari experience as the emphasis here is on activity. There’s a spa, tennis, camel trekking, rafting, mountain biking and riding. You can even spend a night under the stars in Loisaba’s Star Beds hosted by traditional warriors.

NOVEMBER
Le Prince Maurice – Mauritius
November is a lovely time to go to Mauritius as the weather is at its best. Le Prince Maurice, on the northeast coast of the island, is a stylish and sophisticated all-suite hotel. Set over 60 acres with its own lagoon, the hotel boasts the only over-water villas in Mauritius and a floating restaurant. Golfers can use the two 18 hole courses at Bell Mare Plage five minutes away, while the children’s facilities are excellent and the Guerlain Spa is a absolute treat.

DECEMBER
Copacabana Palace – Rio De Janeiro
Rio is a place that really does live upto the hype. In true Brazilian style, the New Year’s Eve celebrations are lavish with Copacabana beach setting the stage for amazing fireworks. Overlooking the long, curving sweep of this beach, the elegant façade of Copacabana Palace is a city landmark. One of the best hotels in South America, it has two of the city’s top restaurants, the city’s largest hotel pool and even a rooftop tennis court.

Russ Pooley writes for Drake & Cavendish who provide a luxury hotel research directory featuring over 5,000 luxury hotels in over 700 resort locations around the world. As a content provider we are committed to developing entertaining and informative travel related information. You can read further articles and details at drakeandcavendish.com drakeandcavendish.com

The coast of South Carolina has a certain unique allure; it’s a well-known vacation destination, yet has enough history, variety, and natural splendor to overcome the loathed label of “tourist trap.” Taking into account that there are miles of coastline and several towns to choose from, you’re quite likely to stumble on a getaway spot that will truly take you away from it all. For example Beaufort is place with much charisma, beach beauty, and several vacation rentals perfect for settling in for a few days or weeks. Escape the doldrums that you know are dragging you down and sign yourself up for some southern comfort as soon as possible.

South Carolina’s Sea Islands achieve a level of peace and quiet not easily replicated. Your goal this vacation will be to transfer that feeling from a large scale to a smaller one; meaning that the noise in your head must be exorcised and replaced with genuine tranquility and well-being. You’ve tried it before with yoga and meditation, but the best way to succeed is to invoke the powers of the ocean.

Get started by renting a vacation property whose silhouette strikes a chord within you at first glance. As you drive up the road and devour it with your eyes, you’ll begin to feel the bundles of stress in your back and shoulders immediately start to lessen, and a giddy, Christmas morning type anticipation will grab hold. Unlock the door and explore your new digs, being sure to savor every little detail.

Vacation rentals have found their way into many people’s hearts due to the ample and out of the ordinary amenities that they provide. Many hotel rooms get the job done, but every now and then you want your vacation to rise to the next level. Especially if you plan to stay in the Beaufort area for more than just a quick weekend, you’ll love having homey accommodations.

For example, cathedral ceilings, picture windows facing the sea, hardwood floors, and furniture that has been tastefully chosen and elegantly arranged will all bring a smile to your lips. Also raising the bar is your whirlpool tub and roomy closet, plus little details like a toaster, spice rack, microwave, gas grill, extra towels, and a DVD player will all aid in making you feel pampered. Travelers who go this route tend to end up “nesting” a bit, as having everything you need to cook intimate meals and socialize with your companions in an inviting setting will definitely keep you close to home.

There’s no shame in living a quiet life, isn’t that the whole point of this vacation? A walkway to the beach will give you plenty of ocean time; stroll or jog along the shore, rent a surfboard for a few thrills, or just lay back under your straw hat and take a breather. Whatever book you’re reading will take a backseat to just staring out over the open water, so bring plenty of sunscreen and become reacquainted with the outdoors. After the initial shock of seeing so much space, you’ll wonder at how you’ve managed to stay away this long.

Downtown Beaufort is a designated historic region and is brimming with restaurants, boutiques and museums. The surrounding areas offer golf courses, tennis courts, and nature tours via sailboat and kayak. From old Spanish forts to modern military facilities you’ll find plenty to see and do, should you find the strength to tear yourself away from your comfortable beach bungalow, that is. Your home away from home will become more pleasant each day, and you’ll understand why many properties end up being visited again and again by the same people. You’ll never have to worry about keeping it maintained or paying a mortgage, but having made memories here will make it feel as if it’s at least partially yours.

If this idea appeals to you and if the understated elegance of Beaufort sounds like it would fit your style, then start preparing to set yourself free from schedules, meetings and the like. A wooden cottage or oceanfront villa awaits you, so don’t delay any longer.

Go online to research a1vacations.com/South-Carolina-Coastal-Rentals/Beaufort-vacation-rentals.htm Beaufort SC Vacation Rentals, arrange to take off work, and gather you loved ones for a long overdue respite.

Visit CyberRentals.com www.CyberRentals.com as you begin the planning process for your next fabulous vacation.

Merdeka Square
Also Known as Dataran Merdeka (in Malay). ‘Merdeka’ in Malay means ‘Independence’. A black marble plaque marks the spot where the Union Jack was lowered for the last time at midnight on 30th August 1957 and the Malayan flag hoisted in its place.

The national flag today flies on the tallest flagpole in the world, standing at 100m (328ft). This was formerly the ground used cricket, hockey, tennis and rugby matches by the colonialist, fronting the famous mock-tudor building of Selangor Club which is only open to members.

Stroll across the road to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, now the Supreme Court, and one of the most photographed of the city’s landmarks. At night, see this magnificent building lit up, it is a pretty sight indeed. The road in front of this building, Jalan Raja, is off limits to traffic on Saturday nights when oungsters, lovers and families hang out there or stroll along the road and enjoying the night breeze and right lights.

This Merdeka square is also focus on the annual countdown to Independence Day, and at the stroke of midnight, the big clock at Sultan Abdul Samad Building strikes to herald 31 August. On 31 December very year, large crowds also gather here for the new year countdown.

National Monument (Tugu Negara)
This memorial commemorates those who fell in Malaysia’s struggles for freedom during the Malayan Emergency of 1946-60. It is located in the Federal capital, Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian Houses of parliament is situated near the monument.

The monument depicts a group of soldiers holding the Malaysian national flag, the Jalur Gemilang, aloft. Each of the bronze figures symbolizes leadership, suffering, unity, vigilance, strength, courage and sacrifice.

The granite base of the monument bears only inscriptions in English with Roman script and Malay with Jawi script:

“Dedicated to the heroic fighters in the cause of peace and freedom, May the blessing of Allah be upon them”

Yazid Malek is the owner of mykltravelguide.mymamall.com mykltravelguide.mymamall.com, a website full of information about Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia.

You can read and learn more about Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia,from this site, mykltravelguide.mymamall.com mykltravelguide.mymamall.com

On Friday night in Caleta de Fuste, myself and some friends decided on a fishing trip the next morning.
Like all boldly made plans, hang-overs were not accounted for. My friends, at exactly three hours after the appointed time, finally and groggily left for Morro Jable, leaving me to catch the bus south and meet with them later. I enjoy the bus journey and sometimes the point of a journey, is the journey itself, so I didn’t want a stuffy noisy car to distract me from a great journey.
After an hour of travelling on the quiet mid morning roads, I arrived at Morro Jables main drag.
It’s a long straight road; to one side is the sea, (after a bit of scrubland and beach), the other side is fully occupied by bars, shops, restaurants, and anything else that could be placed in a busy, yet calming line.

The other guys got their equipment ready, and unloaded bait buckets, little chairs, and other such silliness. Once all this was unpacked, they headed to the nearest café for a fry up. I went for a walk…

I could not be less interested in fishing, its ok, if you need to relax and kill scaly things, but I am quite calm anyway, and would much rather explore new places.
With this in mind I left my weary and bleary friends to their sausages, whilst I headed into what I would call “the old town”, I am not sure if this is a proper term, but it certainly felt old compared to the main road I had just left.

The old town is located to the south of Morro Jable, and could not be more different; lots of building clustered on a hillside, intertwined with side streets and alleys. These side streets all head downhill eventually, so getting lost is pretty hard.

I started my day at the very bottom amongst the many bars and restaurants, with a spot of breakfast at a fantastic café right on the sea fronts main wall, next to the town’s clock. Great food and people watching are available there. As Morro Jable’s second largest nationality, German is on most signs and menus, as well as Spanish, I struggled a little, but my Spanish is better than my German.

Around me were plenty of well dressed people studying their local papers from back home, as they chatted with their companions. Many were eating pastries, so I chose something I discovered whilst touring Germany in bands many years ago; Chips and Mayo, lovely, and lots of it.
I ate my chips and was waited on by a German student, and he was very helpful and informative. On his advice I strolled and eventually sat on the rockier part of the beach for a while and read a book, and again watched the people passing by.

Morro Jable is not the biggest or busiest place on the island, yet it felt like a place I could live in. Hilly in one part and perfectly flat in others; many hotels are at the rear of the flat main strip, and I didn’t get a chance to explore those areas, but I think Morro is deceptively large, not huge, just a lot more than one main road and a hilly bit.
After I had watched the many people relaxing, and one gentleman even stripping naked in a very shameless and brave way, I decided on another walk, and headed up to the, what seemed, newer part of town, and its lighthouse.

Once on the flat part of Morro Jable, I was pleased to see that a little private road ran the length of the main road, and was just for cyclists. Many of these were on rented dual bikes (sitting side by side as opposed to a tandem); couples raced up and down this mini road, and I wanted to join them, but I felt I would look lonely or forgetful if I rented a bike for myself with the seat next to me vacant.

I tried a few of the bars after this, as not renting bikes is thirsty work. There are a lot to choose from, as are the number of restaurants and cafes, from all over the world.
As I sat at a bar and drank a beer, I noticed the restaurant next door; a pizza place, and their work load was non stop, all made fresh to order, and all delivered to the tables with smiles and professionalism. This seemed to be the case for most of the places I passed. Calm yet busy; a great combination indeed.

Sadly, my day was coming to an end, and I had to go and locate my friends.
This wasn’t hard, they were at the same café that I left them at that morning; very drunk and very loud, and not fishing.
I made a decision: I ignored them and jumped on the bus north; some days just shouldn’t be ruined.

Visit Morro Jable today, get the Number 1 bus from Rosario as it’s the scenic route through the middle of the island. You won’t regret it.

Sean Redfearn, is a writer for the Fuerteventura News, and owner of the Caleta Live website, dedicated to all things in Caleta de Fuste.
He is a resident of the Island, and spends much of it in Caleta de Fuste.

With summer nearly here again, Cordova, Alaska, draws me like a magnate. Seeing fresh, wild, Copper River salmon on sale at my local supermarket makes the longing to go there again even stronger.

A couple of summers ago, I spent several vacation days there. I will always remember my experiences then….

My flight from Seattle had taken about three hours, including a short stop at Anchorage: flight time from Anchorage to Cordova was about 35 minutes. Like all visitors to Cordova, I had to choose my mode of transport from among only three possibilities: visitors to Cordova must travel there by boat, ferry, or plane. There are no roads or rails to Cordova.

On that occasion, I arrived in Cordova on what for Cordovans was a very, very hot day–over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Everybody I met on my arrival had something to say about the unusual heat. Had the dreaded climate change arrived in Cordova and the Copper River Delta?

My first good look at Cordova was from Ski Hill, which overlooks Cordova, its harbor, and the Orca Inlet to the west, and to the east, Eyak Lake and the Copper River Highway (which passes the airport).

Blueberries were ready for picking on the mountain slope. The ubiquitous bunchberry plants colored the slope with their bright red berries.

At the end of the day, I hiked along a nearby stream, which meandered through the dense, moss carpeted, rain forest. Spawning salmon filled the stream from bank to bank.

From my lodging, overlooking the stream, I watched the sunset paint Heney Peak with warm, orange-red tones to the music of the jumping salmon in the water below.

The next day was again hot, so I spent the day with my friends picnicking and swimming at the Alaganic Slough Recreation Site, located in the Copper River Delta. For children, there is nothing to beat a mix of sand and water on a hot day; and for Licorice, the Labrador retriever that accompanied us, the only problem was coaxing the humans into throwing a stick into the water. Our arms tired out long before Licorice tired of retrieving the stick for another throw.

Later in the day, I hiked to Crater Lake. It is 2.4 miles to Crater lake and is a moderate hike. The trail climbs rapidly through a forest of spruce and hemlock. The plant life around the lake is varied and includes the dwarf blueberry with its sweet, delicious berries. From Crater Lake, the view of Orca Inlet and Orca Bay was spectacular.

Day three of my vacation was reserved for a trip to Sheridan Lake and Glacier with the Alaska River Rafters. A bus trip brought us to the trail head that would take us to the lake. The rafts were soon hitched up for the trip to the water and participants selected their waterproof boots.

Before hiking to the lake, our guide gave us a lecture about what to do in case we met any bears along the trail. The mountain scenery visible from the trail was breathtaking. We stopped along the way for a brief lecture by our guide about the glacier and its moraine. We soon arrived at the lake.

After putting on our survival gear and listening to raft-safety instructions, we boarded the rafts and were finally underway. From the lake, we were awed by the flower-covered slopes, glacier ice, and towering mountains.

On our way to the river rapids, ice clogging the route needed to be removed by our guides to allow the rafts to pass. Once in clear water, we had to put our cameras into waterproof bags and hang on for our trip through the rapids at the outlet of the lake….

On day four, our small family group traveled along the Copper River Highway to Childs Glacier.

Although four of the five glaciers feeding the Copper River Delta were named after Civil War Generals–Sherman, Scott, Sheridan, and Miles–Childs Glacier was not.

In 1884, Lieutenant William R. Abercrombie, who headed the first United States military exploration of the Copper River, named Childs Glacier after George Washington Childs of Philadelphia.

The glacier is some 300 feet high and is possibly the most active glacier in Alaska. Visitors can often observe huge masses of ice calving from the glacier into the river below.

On the drive back to Cordova, I stopped to photograph two beautiful trumpeter swans, which were standing on a beaver lodge. Later, I stopped again to photograph a family of swans, which included three cygnets.

On my last day in Cordova, day five, I packed my camera, water, and some food and headed for the Power Creek Trail.

The trail is 4.2 miles long and ends at the Power Creek Cabin.

Along the way, I stopped to photograph the beaver dams and lodges–and to sample the wild Alaska blueberries.

The end of the trail was worth the long hike. The cabin was beautiful, and faced towering mountain peaks. From the covered deck of the cabin, I could only sit back and marvel at the mountain scenery.

After returning to Cordova, there was still enough time for a short hike along the Heney Ridge Trail.

The trail begins on the edge of the Orca Inlet and winds through dense forest. For the photographer, using a tripod is a must for taking sharp photographs in the dim light. I was particularly interested in photographing the mosses and mushrooms on the forest floor.

The hike ended my 5-day summer vacation in Cordova.

Now that summer is nearly here again, I long to return to Cordova and its water, forests, ice, and mountains.

Copyright © 2007 Royce Tivel

A Summer Holiday in Cordova, Alaska, June 12, 2007

More information about Cordova, including images, can be found at
selectdigitals.com www.selectdigitals.com

Ecuador, South America, is being considered more and more as a Gay travel destination without equal.

Gays and Lesbians seeking intimate time with their partner have romantic highland haciendas and small, out of the way inns, as well as major multi-star Hotels to chose from.

Enjoy a candle light dinner next to a romantic fire place or enjoy a nice drink and a good conversation at the hacienda’s bar. Because temperatures can be low in the high Andes where many haciendas are located, a fireplace brings just the romantic touch, and will heat your bedroom to ensure that you have a cozy warm night.

During the day, haciendas offer activities ranging from adventurous horseback riding to visits to indigenous markets. There is a day activity for every taste.

Ecuador has a huge artisan tradition and most artisan workshops open their doors to the Gay and Lesbian visitor. Visits to artisan workshops can be combined with hacienda stays, especially north of Quito. Excellent handicraft workshops can be found throughout Ecuador, but especially in the city of Cuenca, about a 40 minute flight south of Quito.

Cuenca has been declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations and this small, yet bustling town is well-known for its excellent, colonial style Hotels and its Gay and Lesbian community—which can be found right in the center of the City. Plan on taking at least 2 days to explore the City and its surroundings.

Whatever you do, don’t forget to spend at least a half a day in Gualaceo and Chordeleg–well known for jewelry workshops and Orchid farms.

A short 4 hour trip by bus from Cuenca is the tropical city of Guayaquil. If you have the time, rent a car or travel with a public bus from Cuenca to Guayaquil. Make sure that you travel through the spectacular Cajas National Park with its hundreds of lakes.

Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and serves as the main port for the country. The city has a very active gay community and it is an excellent gateway for travel to Galapagos Islands. The main gay-bars and clubs can be found at the Rocafuerte Street, 2 blocks behind the Malecon 2000, about at the height of the Ramada Hotel.

Before you dive into the nightlife, walk along the Malecon 2000 and walk up the stairs to the Light House above Las Penas, the small old town of Guayaquil. On both sides of the stairs can be found a variety of bars and restaurants, which invite the Guayaquil visitor in for a cold beer—far and away, the best drink in this tropical city. If you have a moment more, visit “Parque Seminario” or “Parque de las Iguanas” as the locals call it. Here, Iguanas walk around like cats and dogs in North American or European parks. Although it may be tempting, don’t try to pet the Iguanas.

Within 40 minutes flight time is the City of Quito. Should you travel in the morning, make sure that you sit on the right hand side of the Aircraft, because this side of the flight has the most beautiful mountain scenery imaginable.
Quito is a bustling, cosmopolitan city, and offers the most of all the Ecuadorian cities to the Gay Traveler. Stay in the old town. Especially recommended is the beautiful—and pricey—“Gay-owned” Bed and Breakfast “Villa Colonna”.
Not far away from this Bed and Breakfast you can find the offices of True Colors Travel galapagostraveller.com, where you can get Expert advice on all travel related topics in Ecuador.

The historical part of Quito has been designated as a World Heritage Site by the UN and offers some of the most spectacular colonial churches in the world. In your visit to the colonial center, seek out and enjoy some of the various excellent museums.
The Gay Clubs and Bars you will find in the Mariscal district in northern Quito. Here, there are many excellent Bars, Clubs and Restaurants. You will feel a comfortable ambiance every day of the week, but especially from Wednesday to Sunday. For Gays and Lesbian who seek Gourmet Dining, there are several excellent restaurants be found behind the Swissotel, around Isabel La Catolica street. My favorite restaurant in this sector, and one which I recommend highly, is “La Choza” which offers excellent Ecuadorian food.

Quito hosts the most important Gay and Lesbian film festival in Latin America. For dates and programs visit quitogay.net

Ecuador offers Gay and Lesbian Travelers interesting options for sightseeing, enjoyment, and unique opportunities, and guarantees the trip of a lifetime.

For the best experience, participate in one of the True Colors exclusive Gay and Lesbian Roundtrips, organized by the Experts of Gay Travel in Ecuador, Galapagos and Peru. We look forward to meeting you on one of our journeys.

This blog is written by Peter Lauffer, General Manager of Galapagos Traveller. I will use this blog to share with you personal experiences and facts about Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

While on the Hawaiian islands, an early morning swim can turn into one of the greatest outdoor experiences of your life. The Hawaiian Spinner dolphins, along with other dolphin families, swim close to the shore early every morning. Being group feeders they are still gathered after a night of feeding in pods of hundreds. During this time they are quite active and playful allowing up-close snorkelers a chance to see them jumping, spinning, feeding, and even nursing their young. The calm and observant snorkelers will get the most out of this experience as the curious and playful dolphins will swim around, circling and showing off their acrobatic skills through the early morning.

This surreal activity happens just a few hundred feet from the shorelines of the Hawaiian coasts and is a continuous sight every morning until mid day. From personal experience, I have found that a mask, snorkel, fins, and a boogie board to float on make for the most comfortable and safest options for your snorkeling experience. That being said, it is important to remember that the ocean can have a strong current and the dolphins are out hundreds of feet from the shorelines, so this equipment would be the bare minimum. I strongly suggest a buoyancy vest or life jacket if you aren’t a strong swimmer. Never, under any circumstances, go snorkeling in the open ocean alone. This is a pairing or group activity to ensure a safe and fun experience. Also, it’s a great idea to bring an underwater camera to capture images you may never see again.

It’s very crucial that you do not feed, chase, or harass the dolphins in any way. Not only is this prohibited by law, it is morally wrong and will only have a negative effect on these beautiful creatures. It would also lead to a less enjoyable day, as the dolphins are easily scared away by unpleasant interaction.

As the early morning ends, the dolphins will head to the open waters and deeper seas. But not to fret! Your outdoor oceanic adventure has not ended. Keep your mask on and eyes open as monk seals, green sea turtles, and even migrating Humpbacks are occasionally seen. When you get close to the shore, look to the reef for an abundance of thriving reef fish and reef life to finish your day off right. A good eye will spot colorful butterfly fish, grazing tangs and busy hermit crabs.

To sum the day up, it’s an experience that you should not miss nor will you never forget. Be respectful of the ocean and the creatures that make their home in it. Be calm and serene in your interactions and you will swim away from this excursion feeling bonded with nature and all it’s splendor.

beachdayhawaii.com beachdayhawaii.com
all the resources for this article are from my personal experiences with ocean animals in the wild

Americans and Canadians speak the same language – right?

Well, not quite and if you want to make the most of your vacation in the beautiful and rugged north, you probably want to brush up on a few local terms to feel right at home.

Of course, you will see labels and signs all over in Canada in both French and English. But, through my extensive travels I’ve learned that some Canadian words just don’t translate into American English, and vice versa.

So, here is a handy glossary of 12 Terms You Need To Know When You Visit Canada:

1. Loonies and Toonies – These cutesy words are far weightier than they sound. They mean money. Loonies are gold colored $1 coins. Where does this term come from? Well the Loon is the national bird appearing on the front of the $1 coin. The lonesome call of the Loon is a familiar sound in the Canadian wilderness.

2. Toonies –Yes, you guessed it. Toonies are the Loonies $2 cousin.

3. Tuque – The quintessential winter accessory in Canada. We hear that these winter hats are called “ski hats” or “beanies” elsewhere. But Canadians will keep their tuques, thank you very much.

4. Tim Hortons – Canada’s favorite coffee and donut shop. Located throughout the country and often referred to as “Timmies”, it’s a staple in the Canadian diet.

5. Double-double – Often heard at Tim Horton’s, this is the way the “pros” order a coffee with two creams and two sugars

6. Pop The common word for a soft drink, deriving from “soda pop”. Up here, soda is the fizzy water that’s good for getting pop stains out of clothes.

7. Washroom – A synonym for bathroom, restroom or toilet. Don’t waste precious time looking for the bathroom when all signs point to the washroom.

8. Poutine – With all the multi-cultural foods peppering Canada, be sure to try this homegrown favorite on your vacation. This dish of French fries, cheese curds and gravy originated in Quebec has won fans across the country. Trust me, it tastes better than it sounds!

9. Canuck –This is a term of endearment for “Canadian” as in the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks, who can be seen on Hockey Night in Canada. Hockey Night in Canada is a must see TV event for hockey lovers…meaning most of Canada. Ask any Canadian on your vacation to hum the theme song – it’s a catchy one!

10. Runners – These are casual sports shoes, otherwise called sneakers or tennis shoes. “Runners” can join “sneakers” on my unofficial list of oddly named items.

11. Click/Kilometer – Kilometer is such a cumbersome word for measuring distance. The slang “click” is a much faster way to share how many kilometers you’ve traveled on your Canadian vacation.

12. Bill – Although you may run into a few friendly Canucks named Bill, chances are you’ll meet bill more often. In Canada, a bill is what you pay at a restaurant.

So, next time you’re in Canada, counting your loonies and toonies while enjoying your double-double after walking 10 clicks in runners and thinking about asking for the bill …you’ll feel right at home.

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