African Safari

The World Traveler

Planning a trip? How to choose travel guide books that are a good investment

You’ve been saving up all year long for your dream vacation. You go to sleep with visions of adventure, sightseeing and a new perspective of the world at large. You’ve taken care of your airfare, transportation, insurance and a general itinerary. If you’re going far afield from your home base, you know that travel guide books are a necessity.

You need at least one general travel guide book which covers the basics. Sightseeing must-do’s, getting around, a few restaurant and hotel recommendations, and a brief recap of museum attractions are all you need, right? Not so fast! If you’re not a seasoned traveler, you might be shortchanging yourself with the basic, all-around travel guide book. Let’s take a look at some of the specialized travel guide books that can make all the difference between a ho-hum experience and a truly enchanting and memorable trip.

If your itinerary involves traveling from city to city, your hotel accommodations become more important. Check your bookstore for travel books that review hundreds of hotels, residencies and B&B accommodations. Such books are written by dedicated and frequent travelers who search out those cheap sleeps and out of the way hotels, with an eye to value, charm and amenities. Such a travel guide is worth its weight in gold. Wouldn’t you love to stay in a medieval castle with modern plumbing, for the same price as a plain-Jane chain hotel? If your stay is extended, wouldn’t you like to know where you can stay in a fully-furnished apartment for the same price as a hotel? Take advantage of this type of travel guide book.

If you’re into museum hopping, make the most of your trip with a travel guide devoted to museums. Your trip time is limited. A museum guide can help you zero in on the ones you’d kick yourself for missing.

If you love shopping, or are on a business buying trip, investing in a shopping travel guide book pays you ten times over. This variety of travel guide book is written by a shopaholic, well versed in those little out of the way shops you’d never find on your own, except perhaps by accident. Detailed descriptions of the type and quality of goods available in any given shop will save you lots of time and research, leading you by the hand to insider gems.

If you’re going to a non-English speaking country, a travel guide book of conversational phrases can be very useful! Such books cover many common foreign dilemmas. When are the banks and post offices open? What’s the current etiquette on tipping? How about ordering at a restaurant? Where do you do your laundry? This type of travel guide keeps you on the planet, so to speak, in a foreign country.

Come to think of it, perusing the travel section in your local book store just adds to the excitement of your upcoming trip. A great way to stretch your travel dollar and your memories, once you’re back home.

Usually, travel plans go smoothly - all things considered - and your vacation to another country comes off without a hitch. However, there are those times when something can go wrong.

The problem may happen before you are even aware, which makes it all the more important to learn the best ways to travel safely to any land - even when it’s a US-based destination. Canada is a wonderful country, full of thrills and exhilarating cities.

Learn the Laws of the Land

But like any other country, it can be a place that has safety issues for which you must come prepared. There are basic rules for any country.

Before you go to Canada you should obtain the Consular Information sheet that will tell you fundamental laws of Canada. It also lets you know about health conditions, security issues, and other pertinent information relevant to your travel.

Keep it on you at all times for reference during your vacation. Along with your information sheet, you also need to hang onto your Visa, passport, and any other travel documents you may need.

Prepare for Safety Issues

From the US, all people are now required to have a passport to travel to Canada or a Visa if you plan on spending a longer period of time there. Make sure you know all necessary regulations so you face no deportation concerns.

When it comes to your safety and the security of your belongings, the primary responsibility lies in your own hands. It is important to realize that just because you are in another country doesn’t afford you the freedom to be careless.

For example, don’t wear every diamond you own or flashy clothes to walk in the downtown area, even in Canada. And don’t carry a large amount of cash around with you. It is better to use credit cards when possible so you do not attract a thief because of a large wad of bills in your wallet.

Insurance Considerations

Another safety tip to follow when traveling around Canada is to carry your insurance policies with you at all times. You simply must be prepared in the event of a significant incident, such as an automobile accident. Otherwise, necessary care may not be available to you without assurance that your insurance is valid in Canada.

You can have a wonderful vacation in Canada as long as you approach it cautiously and safely. Take your time and plan well ahead of time so you have all your bases covered before stepping on the airplane for the trip.

Though there are many great US-based vacation destinations, sometimes we get the itch to travel internationally. If you are like most people, you have probably dreamed of traveling to the beautiful country of Australia.

All over the world are opportunities to enjoy varied vacation experiences, but in Australia there are wonderful beaches perfect for scuba diving or snorkeling, incredibly nice and welcoming locals, and the land is also a safe and wonderful place to visit.

Overview of the Nation

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, making it twice as large as Europe, except not nearly as crowded. That means you have plenty of activities without being the intense tourist magnet that Europe experiences.

There are over 7000 beaches to play around on, and the most amazing fauna you could ever see in your life. Australia’s culture has so much to offer as well.

English is spoken in Australia but with a little twist. People there often insert words that are only known to the natives, so it may be a bit difficult to understand everything they are saying.

For example, instead of calling someone “buddy,” they call that person a cobber; and rather than suggesting that a person dress warmly, they tell you to”rag up.” So, the English language it is, but you still may want to consider studying up on their native slang.

Climate and Environment

The climate is opposite the United States. It is the months of December to February that are the warmest, as those are their summer months, so if you are traveling there during those months it is best to dress lightly.

The air is very humid as well; plan to bring a little bug repellant and some sunscreen. The nights tend to get chilly, though; bringing a light jacket will help with the cool air, especially if you are traveling to the Southern region.

There is no question that if you are headed for the bushes, you will need a comfortable and durable pair of boots for the hikes.

Additional Considerations

Other tips that are important include knowing drivers travel on the left side of the road, so take note before you get on the road, and pay attention once you do.

Finally, Australians are the opposite of Americans when it comes to tipping as well. They tend to consider it bad taste unless a special occasion.

Australia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and with its immense diversity. There is something to see for everyone. From the bush area to the Great Barrier Reef and everything in between, Australia is simply a vacation of a lifetime.

Families traveling with kids will find Amboseli national park a safari destination matched to no other, with less tourist traffic, breathtaking open spaces, easy access from Nairobi, the list is endless.

The park described by writers as ‘ a home for the Gods’ covers 150sq mile south of Nairobi and lies just at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895m. The park is currently on the cross roads with the government and the local communities both claiming ownership, with Kilimanjaro’s snow capped peaks dominating every aspect of this Park and form a stunning backdrop to the wildlife found here - elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, cheetah and a host of plains game and its breathtaking beauty, the tag is well worth the effort!

The area is home to the Masai people, tall, colorful, proud, nomadic warriors famous for their legendary prowess in battle and single handed acts of bravery in fights with wild animals. Perhaps, more than any other people they have learned to live in complete harmony with the wildlife which surrounds them, this knowledge they proudly shared to visitors and well worth the time. Kids will be allowed to get really close and explore the simple but fascinating homestades, adults will also enjoy the cultural aspect of the lifestyle.

Amboseli’s Oltukai lodge is one of the best spots in the world where children can watch elephants and study their fascinating wilderness behavior, This is where you will find the highest concentration of elephants than anywhere else in Africa, they can be seen spread well over the savannah woodland, just remember to ask your driver guide on how this clever mammals mourn and pay last respect to a dead member or how they cross their tiny young on a fast flowing river. Refer to overland tours for more information.

Quietly tucked away from view, The Kibo family Villa crouches undisturbed, an elegant three-bedroom log cabin built in stone and gum tree, in complete harmony with its surroundings. Own entrance, a lounge, a fully fitted kitchen and a barbecue area. Secluded by a copse of indigenous Acacia Tortilis trees and five acres of garden, Kibo Villa is peace and privacy made perfection. Two or threes small families traveling together love the self-catering option, use the lodges facility is welcome. Detailed attention is taken on security issues and a resident nurse is available on call.

Kids will love the lavish private family buffet breakfast or dinner set out specially as a family package in wonderful secluded detting amongst the tortillas trees only a tone away from the family of the resident elephants also having a feast of their own, breakfast works out best. For mor information refer to overland safari tours.

Selenkay conservation area lies east of Amboseli is well off the beaten track, never visited by tourist till now, birdlife is prolific especially bird of prey. The 6 tents Porini luxury camp caters for 12 guest at a time, the camp is in the lines of a traditional luxury family camp, comfortable family tent rooms, ensuite bathrooms, flush toilets, solar powered electric lighting and an amazing chef completes a safari family haven!

At Amboseli locally trained masai naturalist or walking guides will get Kids out in the mornings in a small group of say 8 kids for an adventurous nature exploration. This walking trips to the nearby sites in most cases will include lessons on the masai hunting techniques, catching and naming butterflies, treasure hunts, tree planting, hide and seek in animal camouflaged clothing and an interesting Q and A session answering every question they’ ve ever had on wildlife and tribesmen.

The young rangers club is available to 10 - 15 year olds, could be a temporally or annual membership with letters, post cards and birthday cards sent to members all over the world from deep down wild Africa! For more information visit african adventure tours

The Algarve is undoubtedly the most well known tourist destination within Portugal, liked for fabulous beaches, wonderful weather and picturesque trditional villages. The sporting activities are numerous and the well known golf courses plentiful and of a standard to keep even the keenest golf satisfied. But if you are considering an Algarve villa, then where are you going to chooseto stay in? Well, one option is Acoteias.

Acoteias in the Algarve
Positioned in the central part of the Algarve, Acoteias is a pretty village that is perfect for peaceful holidays. It enjoys access to one of the best beaches in the Algarve region and as it is situated a few kilometers inland, rather than on the water’s edge, it still maintains the traditional feel. But this does not necessarily mean that it is short on important facilities for the visiting tourists as most of the accommodation is set closer to the coast with access to the sandy beach.

Acoteias – With The Longest Of Portugal’s Many Golden Beaches
Acoteias village is just 10 minutes away from the beach at Praia de Falesia, which is the longest beach in the whole of the Algave, stretching for a whole 6 kilometers, or 4 miles. It runs from Quarteira to Olhos d’Agua and because of its expanse you should always be able to find your very own, individual spotto relax on. To reach the beach you first have to pass through a scenic drive of pine trees, finally reaching the Blue Flag awarded beach and accessing it through steep steps. The beach itself is lined with red tinged sandstone cliffs and thatched wooden umbrellas. There are scattered around various playgrounds for the children to entertain them and beach bars to entertain the adults.

Relax in Acoteias
The area is best suited to quiet, relaxing holidays. Nightlife is not too noisyif that is what you are seeking, although Albufeira is just a few kilometers away for the all-night bars and a busier night life. The large beach offers a wide and varied selection of watersports, including sailing, scuba diving and deep sea fishing and other sports are available locally such as tennis, cycling and walking. Being the Algarve, golf is also available to the enthusiasts, with Vilamoura just 10 minutes away. Other resorts are near by and easily reachable by car if you want to explore the region.

Acoteias With Ideal Weather
Because it is positioned within the Algarve, Acoteias benefits from the typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers, yet mild winters. As with other areas of the Algarve, Acoteias typically has 300 days of sun each year. Although the daytime temperature can reach 30 degrees in the summer, there is also a sea breeze to help make the heat bearable. The wonderful Mediterranean sun without the scorching heat make Acoteias a perfect destination for a holiday, so well worth considering if you are planning an Algarve Villas holiday. Don’t miss out.

If you need luxury vacation home - read how to choose one in a smart way.

Marrakech Riad
All aboard the Marrakesh Express! Oh the sights and sounds of lively, lovely, lyrical Marrakesh; the ideal place for adventure; the idea place for a Marrakesh holiday. When I was younger, I would always dream of a place where the weather was warm, people friendly and a place for me to explore and set off on mini adventures. Well, now I’ve travelled and seen much more of the world and those places really do exist. You can find it all in Marrakech. It’s such a wonderful place and I’ve falling for it.

Morocco Flights
In your heart of hearts you just know that a Marrakesh holiday is something that will take you places you never thought was possible. Imagine the ability to stay in a Marrakech riad in superb luxury, getting familiar with the sights and sounds of the local culture. Go on the internet and find out information about Marrakech Riads. Stay there in total comfort, listen to their music and see how the local culture lives its day to day life.

Luxury riads can be found in the heart of the old town, tucked into winding passages that beckon to you to be explored. You just won’t believe you very eyes when you see some of the gorgeous villas and accommodation available. To think, some people come over here for their weddings or honey moons give you some idea of how beautiful and wonderful this place is. It’s as second nature to want to go there, as it is to breathe.

Cape Town Hotels
You can probably tell that whenever I get the chance to go on a Marrakech holiday, I’m already packing the bags, it’s just part of my life and how nature would want me to be. There’s loads of hidden treasures which will take you loads of time exploring all for the benefit of education and understanding. It’s guaranteed that you will return again and again to experience this land of pure visual delights.

Over one million people populate this delightful city and wish to share their good fortune with visitors. Yes indeed, the land of God calls to many with its ancient streets and souks. We would have had so much fun and learned so much about the culture, music, food, entertainment and people living over here and how the world in general has wonderful places that just need to be explored and researched.

Lastly, I must close this report by telling you about the scenery. The scenery is spectacular and the diversity of the land is well worth investigating. Make your Marrakesh holiday one to remember. Book soon for the best accommodations!

Have you always wanted to go into space? Have you wondered just what it would be like to be living in space? Is the thought of going into the great unknown of the sky always been something you have dreamt about? If these are true for you then you really should go to the Challenger Space Center in Peoria.

The Challenger Space Center was built to memorialize the astronauts that died on that mission. But it is through this center and the combined work with the Smithsonian Institute that the memory of these brave souls is immortalized in the most positive manner possible. They teach children and show adults what being in the space program can offer. It exposes the people of all ages to the challenges and the joys of being in space and is a perfect part of any Central Arizona attractions

It gives educators an opportunity to expose their students to a universe much larger than they have ever thought about. It takes them from the classroom to the stars. Giving children the opportunity to see that there is so much more in the universe than just Earth gives them the opportunity to reach higher, study harder and set goals many of them would never realize were even available prior to being exposed to the Challenger Space Center of Arizona.

Never fear that your child (or yourself) will be unable to grasp the possibilities of space. At the Center you will see that not only can they grasp the concepts but learn how to focus on what they will need to accomplish in their schooling to make it into the space program and perhaps, someday, actually go into space or be a part of the space program. To reach for the stars and understand that which has been a mystery to man for centuries before.

There are opportunities to come to the Center and stargaze, to use the indoor planetarium to see things, learn about things that you would not be able to learn about without the guidance of the staff and educators at the Center. You can listen to the lectures of speakers sharing their stories or teaching about the universe beyond us.

This is a wondrous place to visit when you are seeking a new experience and educational outlet on your Arizona tourist exploration. It is an opportunity not to be missed for the entire family. Make the family vacation something special, visit the Challenger Space Center of Arizona a stop and you will take away impressions, memories and dreams that could make a life changing impact on your child and yourself. Don’t miss this adventure, relish it, enjoy it and learn from it.

Acoteias in the Algarve is a good choice of holiday location for villas in Algarve, with wonderful year round weather including 300 days a year of perfect sunshine. Yet there is a gentle cooling breeze in the summer to keep visitors to the area during the hotter months from sweltering in the Mediterranean heat. So what is there to do therefor visitors?

Beaches
Praia de Falesias is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve and its perfect golden sand is set against the wonderful red sandstone cliffs. It is a Blue Flag beach with a children’s playground and a good choice of water sports from the beach to take part in over the summer. This beach is just minutes away from Acoteias and is one of the many fantastic beaches within reach. If you prefer something rockierwhen you visit a beach, head west whilst if you head east you will find flatter sandier beaches.

Golf
There are an excellent choice of golf courses to visitaround Acoteias – there are cetainly enough for most visitors to be entertained on every day of a holiday whilst never visiting the same course twice. About 10 minutes away is the golfing centre of Vilamoura with its six superb golf courses and a good variety of challenges and settings along with pro shops, equipment hire and practice facilities. Near to Acoteias is the 9-hole golf course called Pine Cliffs, with a spectacular final hole called the Devils’ Parlour that is over a ravine with views down to the beach below.

Family Fun
There is also plenty to entertain the entire family of all ages in the area. For water parksto cool down in, try out Aqualand with slides, infant areas and high adrenaline slides. Slide and Splash has landscaped gardens in addition to breathtaking rides and more gentle baby ridesfor the not so brave. And in SeaWorld, you can even swim with the dolphins.

Other family entertainment in the area includes a petting farm with goats and deers, called Krazy World. Being located in the Algarve, it has its very own 18-hole crazy golf courses. Also visit Amazonia, which features Amazonian creatures such as alligators, crocodiles macaws and turtles.

Nightlife
Local nightlife is quiet and relaxed and Acoteais is not known as a busy all night resort, but the much busier Albuferia is not that far away for those looking for this kind of entertainment.

Outside Acoteais
Why stick to just visitingand exploring the town you are staying in one of the many villas in Algarve available when you can also explore the area? Faro is the airport you will probably fly in through and it is well worth a visit to see the cobbled streets of the old town or a visit to 13th century Se Cathedral, for plenty of fascinating architectural interest and excellent views of the town. Less than an hour away from Acoteais in the car is the Serra de Monchique mountain conservation area, which is superb for exploring on the back of a horse or by bike or just walking.

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Calahonda

What with the current world financial climate consumers are looking for a good summer holiday at affordable prices. Being only two and a half hours away from the United Kingdom, Spain certainly has the edge. We recommend holidaying in Andalucia and in particular in the area known as the Costa del Sol.

The Costa Del Sol also known by many as the Costa Del Golf due to the abundance of excellent golf courses which means lots of green spacesin the region. The Costa Del Sol is some 154 km long and stretches from 54 km to the east of Malaga to the Cadiz province in the west. Weather wise the area has an average of 11-12 hours of daily sunshine in the summer with the average temperature being 31-33 degrees centigrade with little or no rainfall.

For a choice of apartments in Calahonda, we recommend holidaying at Las Palmeras de Calahonda, which is a newly built apartment complex just 25 minutes from Malaga International Airport with Gibraltar International Airport being only one hour away, even less if you take the fast toll road! Calahonda is set against a picturesque backdrop of mountains, undulating hills and scenic valleys which meet the jewelled Mediterranean Sea.

If you do not wish to hire a car at the airport and drive to the apartment, then instead a taxi from Malaga International Airport will cost approximately 50 Euros.

To aid holidaymakers and residents get around there is a land train which runs from just below the complex into the town of Calahonda itself. The children will love it and it’s also great for adults who do not wish to drink and drive!

Las Palmeras de Calahonda is designed neatly into small communities each community having access to a swimming pool. Additionally, there are also childrens’ poolsavailable for use. The apartments have 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and sleep 4 to 6 personsin each. All apartments also have large terraces and some even have under floor heating in the main bedroom.

Situated near to Las Palmeras de Calahonda on Calle Don Jose de Orbaneja are the local amenities including a supermarket, bars and a couple of good restaurants and children’s playgroundto keep the little ones entertained. At the bottom of the hill you will also find a street of bars and restaurants which are truly international, ranging from English Fish and Chips, to Chinese and typical Spanishdishes. Calahonda has indeed a lot to offer everyone who visits.

Calahonda has its own Marina to explore- Cabopino, situated just 5 minutes drive along the coast road. Cabopino is undoubtedly the Coast’s best kept secret to many visitors and has a host of fine bars & restaurants as well as a really superb sandy beach. For other beaches visit the nearby beach at La Cala, Marbella and the stretch around Puerto Banus.

So if you think Calahonda fits your holiday requirements why not choose from one of the many apartments in Calahonda and stay at the luxurious Las Palmeras de Calahonda, on the Costa del Sol.

For the luxury vacation home information and tips, visit this blog.

Between 1842 and 1853, Fort Scott was established and garrisoned by the United States Army. As part of a line of forts stretching from Minnesota to Louisiana, Fort Scott was one link in a chain of fortifications to protect the Permanent Indian Frontier. Fort Scott was also located on the Frontier Military Road built in 1836-1845 connecting Fort Leavenworth with Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. The Army abandoned the fort in 1853 and the buildings were purchased by local settlers at auction.

Between1854 and 1861 the citizens of Fort Scott experienced the violence resulting from the clash between free-state abolitionists and pro-slavery advocates. The era described as Bleeding Kansas described the murder, arson and mayhem committed by both sides during the fight to determine whether Kansas would be admitted into the Union as a free or slave state.

Despite admission as a free state in 1861 the violence of the Bleeding Kansas period continued throughout the Civil War. Fort Scott was re-established as the Union Army district headquarters which included the first African-American unit for the Union entering service in 1863.

After the Civil War, Fort Scott became one of the largest cities in eastern Kansas rivaling Kansas City several times as the largest railroad center west of the Mississippi. Fort Scott later became home to three brick factories-some of which were used to pave the Indianapolis Speedway and in construction of the Panama Canal along with many of the streets and buildings of Fort Scott. Agriculture, small industry and insurance have also played a large part in the development of Fort Scott.

The Fort was restored in 1978 and was designated a National Historic Site. It remains the centerpiece of our historic downtown where we have just completed a $2 million Streetscape Project which added period street lights and park benches to our shaded sidewalks.

Interesting Historic Fort Scott places to visit include:

• Lake Fort Scott
• 1873 Old Congregational Church
• Gunn Park
• Narrated Trolley Tours

Also in the area - Kansas tourism:
Marais des Cygnes Massacre Site and Wildlife Refuge
Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site
Kansas Rocks Recreational Area
Bourbon State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

Historic Fort Scott is nationally known for its Fort Scott National Historic Site and its National Cemetery. But, the community that was built around a frontier military fort well over 160 years ago is a thriving community rich in historic heritage, unique shopping opportunities, industry, culture, education and outdoor recreation. Recognized for its small town hospitality, Fort Scott and its residents are even the proud owners of three World Records!