It’s difficult enough for an experienced boater to find the perfect boat, but for a first time boater it can be even more difficult. However, there are a few key areas that can help your quest to find the perfect boat.

Types of boats

Boats will typically fall into five categories:
- fishing boats,
- power boats,
- sailboats,
- personal watercraft,
- self powered boats

When searching for the perfect boat, we need to look at what each of the categories offers. We will go through the first three major categories; fishing boats, power boats and sailboats.

Power boats
Power boats are the most popular types of boats sold, which contributes to the varied designs that can be sought. Power boats with seating in the front are called bowriders, and are mainly used for towing skiers or rafts. They can also be used for fishing as well. To do this there are many ski and fish combined power boats available.

Fishing boats
The designs that are available for fishing boats vary quite a bit, as are the places where they can be used. Fishing boats that are meant for shallow waters of inland lakes and rivers are not the same boats that are meant for deep seas and great lakes. There are many designs available even for boats that serve no other purpose besides fishing. These boats usually have stowage and holders for bait, fishing poles, tackle, and sometimes have special tanks for holding live fish.

Sailboats
Sailboats are probably the most difficult boat to pilot. It can be very challenging, although also very rewarding once mastered. A lot of skill and knowledge is required to operate a sailboat in comparison to other boats.

Again, as with other types of boats, sailboats have several varied designs although the single masted sloop is the most popular.

Decide what is important

When deciding on your perfect boat you need to decide what is important to you. This will include deciding upon the use of the boat – private use, fishing, or cruising. Your family may also contribute to what is important when deciding on a boat if they are interested in boating themselves.

Once you have decided upon a selection of boats that you are interested in, take a look at what each one offers and how you plan to use it. There are plenty of boats out there and you are sure to find one that is perfect for you, you just need to discover your most important aspects in a boat.

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Croke Park, or ‘Croker’ as it is known by locals, is not only the finest stadium in Ireland, but also one of the finest stadiums in the whole of Europe. The stadium has a capacity of 82,500, the fourth largest in Europe, and is the largest stadium under the ownership of a amateur sporting organization in the world. Croke Park is widely used throughout the year, but particularly during the summer during the All-Ireland Gaelic Football and Hurling Championships.

Croke Park stands on ground that was originally the Jones Road sports ground which was an athletics ground. The sports ground was used by the GAA after its foundation in 1884 for Gaelic Games and in 1896 the All Ireland Hurling and Football Championships were held there. The GAA recognized the importance of the ground, and Frank Dineen who was a member of the GAA borrowed £3,250 to purchase the grounds in 1908. The ground was purchased from Dineen by the GAA in 1913 and became known as Croke Park in honor of Archbishop Thomas Croke who was one of the premier patrons of the GAA.

In 1913 Croke Park had two stands where Hogan Stand now stands, and the rest of the ground was surrounded by a grassy bank. After the Easter Rising, rubble from Dublin City Center was brought to Croke Park and used to build a grassy hill on the railway end of Croke Park. This hill allowed spectators better views of the pitch, and became immortalized as Hill 16, presumingly the ‘16′ referring to the 1916 rising. The ‘Hill’ is the famous viewing platform for the Dublin supporters and today holds 13,000 spectators.

During the 1920s the GAA set about building a high capacity stadium at Croke Park. In 1936 the double decker Cusack Stand was opened, In 1952 the Nally Stand was opened and in 1959 the new Hogan Stand was opened. The new Cusack Stand was built in 1966. The highest ever attendance at Croke park was 90,556 during the 1961 Senior Football Final between Offaly and Down. Croke Park remained unchanged for several decades until it was decided to completely redevelop the ground in 1991.

The design for the new Croke Park was split into four phases. Special considerations based on the way and speed that Gaelic Games are played at had to be taken into consideration, and resulted in a three tiered design. The project took 14 years to complete and had included premium level vantage points which had bars and restaurants. While the development of the ground has been completed for the moment, there is speculation that future development will include a roof for the stadium. During early 2007 floodlights were added to the stadium.

During 2003 the Special Olympics opening and closing ceremony was held in Croke Park. During 2007 the Irish Six Nations rugby clashes with France and England will be held in Croke Park and the Republic of Ireland soccer games against Wales, Slovakia, Germany and Cyprus during the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road. Without doubt Croke Park is one of the finest stadiums in the world, and an ideal showcase for Irish sport.

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Mildura, known for its citrus fruits, fishing and outback national parks,is a travellers delight. With an endless list of travel choices including the great ‘Walls of China’ and the vast Murray River, the city and surrounding attractions will keep you enthralled. Mildura is a fantastic location for a driving holiday with plenty of camping spots and places to visit. You will love the freedom that a self drive holiday brings you.

Located on the banks of the Murray River in the north west of Victoria, the citys climate is warm and dry, and known for its plentiful days of sunshine. The wettest month is October, but any time of year is good to visit this picturesque region, with orchards, wineries, indoor attractions and an amazing inland botanical garden.

The Murray is popular of course for fishing, houseboats, canoeing or just hiring a boat and exploring. For a relaxing day trip, board the Paddlesteamer Rothbury and enjoy the wildlife along the riverbanks. Winding through the heart of town from Swan Hill and ending in South Australia, the Murray supports an abundant ecosystem of wildlife and vegetation.

There are plenty of local wineries on the outskirts of town, many offering vineyard walks and wine tasting. Yearly festivals, such as the wine, food and jazz festival or country music festival, also add a vibrant atmosphere to town.

Orange World is a must as Mildura is proud of its citrus fruit, and it is no surprise that inside you can find out everything you wanted to know about oranges. There is a tour on to grow your own fruit trees, and a train ride to take you through the huge citrus orchard.You also won’t be able to leave without visiting the fruit market filled with the best selections.

If you are a seafood lover you cant go past the Gol Gol Fisheries, which offers an interesting tour of Murrays cod breeding techniques, and there are plenty of live or cooked fish to choose from, specialising in yabbies.

There are plenty of accommodation choices. The Callipari Bed and Breakfast in town is a great choice, only minutes from the Murray. You might prefer to board a houseboat for a few days, or camp out under the stars.

Mungo National Park is located over 100 kilometres from Mildura, and is a unique paradise with a wealth of animals to discover. It is best visited in the colder months as the temperatures can soar quickly. You would hope to catch a glimpse of the red and grey kangaroos or the prickly echidnas. The geckos and bearded dragons are always a favourite with the kids. The pink cockatoos will dazzle you with their performances at dusk, and you will be captivated by the wedge tailed eagles as they soar high above.

What makes this park stand out even more is it desert landscapes, most famous being the ‘Walls of China’, aptly named because of the naturally formed sand formations, easily viewed from a large boardwalk. The many dunes, sand hills and craters all give an eerie appearance; however after rain the wildflowers explode with colour and provide a soft carpet over the harsh terrain.

There are some relatively easy walks here. The Grassland Nature Trail starts at the camping area, and the Foreshore walk is longer but just as picturesque. Whatever your fitness level you would still enjoy the walks and scenery along the way.

Main Camp and Belah Camp both offer basic facilities if you want to stay longer. There is plenty of room but you will have to bring all your own supplies. For those who love the solitude of the bush, this region will be relaxing especially at night under the canopy of stars.

There is a direct contrast between the stillness of the Murray and the cosmopolitan culture of the city of Mildura. The nearby towns such as Gol Gol, Buronga and Red Cliffs are just as lively with food, wine and great entertainment that will keep you coming back. This region is fantastic for all tourists who are looking for the remoteness of the outback but the comforts of the city. You have it all here.

Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After spending her leisure time writing time writing childrens stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For more of her articles visit

Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is a great place to visit and to inhabit as well. There is a wide range of cultural and tourist attractions that will keep people entertained at all times, be it rainy or sunny. A fantastic thing about Cardiff is that it is full of surprises, and it will never stop amazing its visitors. Cardiff certainly has a diverse and cosmopolitan air to it.

Some of the most beautiful places in Cardiff are the green areas, seen in every corner of the city. This means that a day out in Cardiff or in the surroundings of Cardiff is an excellent way to relax and spend some quality time with your loved ones. It is also a great place to go on a date or simply take a long walk. Cardiff is full of green parks, the most popular being Bute Park, which is actually a garden that joins the Llandaff Fields with the Taff River. Other parks in Cardiff are Roath Park, situated in the north of the city or Victoria Park, which is full of colour in spring. Victoria Park was actually the first official park in Cardiff.

A weekend out in Cardiff or in the surroundings of this marvellous city is like a breath of fresh air. This is the reason why days out in Cardiff are very popular activities.
You can hop on a Cardiff Bus, prices start from £3 and fun is guaranteed. The most advantageous way to travel by Cardiff Bus is to purchase day-to-go and day-to-go plus rider tickets. These tickets can be bought on the bus. The regular tickets cost £3, £2 for children and £7 for a family of 5. Tickets are valid for an entire day, and can be used in, around and beyond Cardiff.

One good idea for a day out in the surroundings of Cardiff would be to go to Barry Island, and you’ll enjoy being by the sea all day. Close to Cardiff, the large sandy beach awaits you with plenty of souvenir shops, cafes and arcades. Go to the pleasure park on this island and try the rides. Try the thrilling Log Flume. You can also visit the Glamorgan Steam Railway Heritage Centre, or take a steam train ride. All these, plus panoramic views of the Bristol Channel.

If you want to visit some ancient locomotives and furnaces you should check out the Blaenavon World Heritage Site, the Pontypool and Blaenavon Steam Railway and Big Pit. There are many monuments in the area and there are structures of ironworks you can admire. You can take an underground tour at Big Pit, or see a locomotive collection at Pontypool.

For a relaxing tour with mountainous scenery, go to Brecon Mountain Railway, Merthyr Tydfil. You can take the steam train through the Breacon Beacons National Park and enjoy the lovely view of mountains, forests and lakes. You can stop at a cafe, take a walk or stay for a picnic.

If you want a glimpse of history, go to the Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre and Legionary Museum. You will have the chance to see the Isca fortress, one of the most important military bases in Britain. The Amphiteatre is a great site to see. The Museum in High Street pictures the entire history of Roman Caerleon. You can take a look at his armours, arms, and lots more enciting things linked to Caerleon’s time.
Wales is very famous for its numerous castles. Around Cardiff you can visit Caerphilly Castle or Castle Coch.

Caerphilly Castle is an impressive castle with huge gatehouses, moats and lakes, towers and other beautiful architectural maneouvres. It will send you back to medieval times, the castle being built in 1268. There are also shops and cafes here, to make your trip even more pleasurable.

Castle Coch is another castle near Cardiff. It is a fairy-tale like castle also known as the Red Castle. The castle was built back in the 13th century but its foundations were laid in the 7th century. In the 19th century, under the orders of the Marquis of Bute, the castle was transformed into a romantic country retreat. You can see Aesop’s fables illustrated on the walls of the Coch castle. All in all, the castle is a very extravagant building, worth visiting.

If you want to go on a picnic, you can choose the Comeston Lakes Country Park and Medieval Village. You can see amazing wildlife there as well as beautiful scenery and a medieval village from the 14th century.

If you want to experience life in the 17th century and the Civil War, just visit the Llancaiach Fawr Living History Museum. Another similar experience would be the Museum of Welsh Life.
At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol you can go wine tasting at Wales’ greatest vineyard. You can also take long walks in this country park and see the picturesque lakes and forests.
A great tourist attraction and a good idea to spend a day out in Cardiff would be at the Rhondda Heritage Park. Experience the unique audio and visual presentations of Rhondda Valley. There is also a contemporary artifacts museum.

Last, but not least, you can go to the ancient site of Tintern Abbey. The area is splendid and you can also see the ruins of the old abbey. It is actually a place many artists have been drawn to, due to its outstanding beauty, and therefore, many works of art were created here. Currently, the Wye Alley, where Tintern Abbey is located, is a common attraction for those who are in love with the countryside. It’s just pleasant to take the famous Wye Valley Walk on the Offa’s Dyke path, which is situated on the hills above.

To make it easier, you can book an organized tour and let others worry about your itinerary. All you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of Cardiff and its surroundings.

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