Category: TRAVEL

A Guide To Cruise Ship Reviews

Cruise ships are huge and have a large crew to cater to every individual traveler’s needs. Hospitality rates high on cruises, and travel agencies offer vacation packages that are costly, but at the same time, offer a luxurious once in a lifetime experience. Many consider vacationing on the high seas to be the most romantic kind of vacation, and cruise liners are striving to prove them true with elegant and romantic settings aboard ship.

Most ships are equipped with swimming pools, music and dancing in the stateroom, casinos and special parties and entertainment shows. Some have entertainment for children. Service, ambience and cabin comfort are all part of a well-maintained ship. The crew must ensure that the passengers have no cause for complaint. Fitness centers, gymnasiums or other health related equipment must be state-of-art models and be in good working condition. Cleanliness along with subtle romantic touches is essential in providing the right atmosphere for an enjoyable, relaxing vacation.

Cruise packages also include excursions at different ports that the ship docks in. A tour guide can lead these excursions or they can be “freestyle” allowing passengers to tour on their own. Tourists not interested in going ashore can laze around on board, enjoying a pleasant day by the pool.

Overall rating for the ships include a passengers experience as a whole and comments on amenities like excursions, ambience, behavior of crew and other services. Reviews by passengers at the end of the cruise help give an overview of the ships performance, and what needs to be fixed.

A good review would be tourist who felt they got a great trip for the money and would definitely sail again. “Worth it!” is the review that any cruise ship staff loves to hear.

A Guide to Cozumel Hotels

Cozumel has something to suit the tastes and budgets of a wide variety of travelers. From the most lavish of hotels with services that complement the prices, to the most basic of rooms, some with cooking facilities, you can find what you are looking for without looking too far. First, decide what you would like out of your vacation time. Are you longing to wake up to a beautiful sunrise pouring over the ocean, the beaches and directly into your room? Or are you a night owl, looking to party at any of many local discos and watering holes until you crawl into your bed and draw the curtains shut? Do you want beachfront and a swimming pool at your facility? Or do you prefer the small town atmosphere where you can walk over to restaurants and bars and sample the local flavor of the island? There are hotels that offer anything you could possibly want – including some who specialize in singles events for those who are unattached.

There are hotels and resorts on the island built on or near some of the best beach diving available. They offer everything from diving equipment and lessons, to snorkeling gear and swim fins for an enjoyable underwater experience merely feet from your room. Others are built to take advantage of the offshore reefs a short boat ride from the beach where the diving and snorkeling is unbeatable. Still others offer family fun with a myriad of activities for the kids while the parents can enjoy their free time on the island however they choose. And then there are the lodges built for the serious fisherman who comes to catch some of the many types of ocean fish available around the island. These places offer serious equipment, including many boat excursions around the island to some of the well-known spots for catchinSome hotels offer a choice of suites with kitchenettes, or modest air conditioned rooms just steps away from the excitement of the waterfront with its many restaurants, oceanfront bars and magnificent shopping. When you stay in this type of hotel, you have the best of both worlds as the best diving beaches are minutes away and yet you have many amenities available to you just a short walk from your comfortable room. There are condos for rent on the island as well as houses priced to fit any budget. You merely have to do a little research, decide what you want from your fabulous Cozumel vacation, and then go for it!

A Guide to Cozumel Beaches

Some of the prettiest beaches in the world circle the island of Cozumel. They vary from long, treeless sandy stretches of white sand to isolated coves and rocky shores. There are two sides to the island – the leeward (western) side where the coast is sheltered from storms by the proximity of the mainland and the windward (eastern) side. The beaches on the windward side require a bit more of an effort to reach, but if you make the trip, you’ll be rewarded by some of the most beautiful, serene beaches in the world.

On the leeward side, the best beaches can be found in the southern half of the island. Most of the beaches along the northern hotel strip have rocky shores with little sand. Heading southward, the first beach of note is Nachi-Cocom in front of the Casa del Mar Hotel. Open to everyone, there you’ll find a Mexican restaurant, lounge chairs and beach umbrellas. Further on you’ll find Playa Corona, a relatively quiet beach with snorkeling equipment and some fabulous underwater fauna to explore. Probably the most crowded beach on the island is the Playa San Francisco. Popular with cruise ship passengers who have limited time, the beach offers a varied sampling of Cozumel without having to venture inland. There is usually live music, a collection of locals selling arts and crafts, a choice of moderately priced restaurants, gift and souvenir shops and an ample amount of recreational equipment for rent. Divers use Playa San Francisco as their jumping off points to San Francisco reef and the Santa Rosa wall offshore. For a quieter but just as lovely setting, head just a bit farther south to the beach at Palancar with it’s view of the Palancar Reef, water sports center and bar-café.

On the windward side of the island there are numerous narrow, powdery beaches and deserted rocky coves. Swimming on this side of the island is not encouraged due to the treacherous undertow that can sweep you out to sea in minutes. But the views and solitude of the area, and the opportunity for some truly world class sunbathing are unequaled by sites on the western side. Playa Bush is known for it’s café serving ice cold beer and a beach that offers up treasures from the sea that have washed up during the night. Punta Chiqueros called Playa Bonita by the locals is known as one of the swimming beaches on this side of the island due to it’s fine sand, clear water and moderate waves. It is also a campground of unmatched beauty for those who like to vacation in the great outdoors. For the surfing crowd, there is Punta Morena with a pounding surf and primitive rooms on the beach for a mere $10 per night. At Chen Rio, another camping spot, soldiers patrol the beach stopping tourists from poaching turtle eggs that are protected by law. For the serious explorer, Punta Molas, beyond where the paved road ends, offers unspoiled beach beauty for sunbathing and communing with nature. Whatever your beach desires, they can be completely fulfilled at Cozumel!

A Guide To Costa Rica Real Estate

A wonderful mix of nature and culture, Costa Rica appeals to many foreigners seeking to relocate on retirement or just looking for a vacation home. Unlike most other countries, you don’t have to be a resident of Costa Rica to own property e, and foreigners have the same ownership rights as citizens of Costa Rica. The constitution fully guarantees ownership of real estate so any purchase is completely safe.

Compared to real estate prices in U.S.A. and Canada, property rates in Costa Rica are a bargain, and transactions can be conducted in U.S. dollars. Though prices vary according to location and amenities, a decent home can be purchased for around $50,000, with financing options. A small house with a garden in a respectable neighborhood can cost $100,000. A farm of 100 acres or so will cost $100,000-200,000. The cost of building your own home will range $300 to $600 per square meter. Other expenses will include real estate taxes, land taxes and stamp duties at about 6% of the total investment, notary fees and a lawyer’s closing fee of about 1.5%. Usually property in Costa Rica is registered at a figure far lower than its actual sale price and all taxes and fees are a percentage of the reduced price!

The services of a reliable attorney are essential to ensure that the purchase of real estate goes smoothly and according to government regulations. The Registro Publico (Public Registry) will provide all relevant information including the name of the title-holder, boundary lines, tax appraisal, and mortgages. A Transfer Deed must be signed by the buyer and seller in the presence of an attorney, who will register the sale at the Registro Publico.

Zoning laws must be taken into consideration when buying real estate in Costa Rica. The country has very strict rules regarding the development of ocean front property. According to law, everybody has a right to use the beaches and the first 50 meters above the mean high tide line are deemed to be public land. Along a major portion of the coastline, 150 meters after the 50 first meters are designated as a Maritime Zone controlled by the government. Only foreigners who have resided in Costa Rica for at least five years can own more than 49% of a lease in the area.

Many Americans and Canadians have bought homes in Costa Rica and enjoy spending their winters in the infinitely more salubrious climate.

A Guide to Colorado Mountain Vacations

The state of Colorado is one of the premier spots in the United States for mountain vacationing. A Colorado mountain vacation can be the adventure of a lifetime. There are many attractions in Colorado, including skiing, shopping, hiking, biking, and enjoying live entertainment.

A Colorado mountain vacation is a great trip for the whole family. Children can enjoy the outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and rafting. Families can go shopping together and eat at world-class restaurants. Attractions like Pike’s Peak are designed for the whole family.

Couples looking for a good way to unwind are also advised to check out a Colorado Mountain vacation. Many lodgings are designed for couples, and feature romantic amenities like private hot tubs, candlelit dinners, and breathtaking mountain views.

Colorado includes six of Ski Magazine’s top ten North American ski resorts. Skiing and snowboarding are major attractions of a Colorado mountain vacation. Some of the major ski resorts in Colorado are Vail, Snowmass, Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, and Telluride.

Each of these resorts offers a variety of amenities, including accommodations, ski equipment rental, fine dining, and some of the greatest ski slopes on the continent. Many resorts also offer lessons to beginners, assuring that visitors do not have to be great skiers to have a good time. The slopes range in difficulty from beginner’s level to extremely difficult.

Each ski lodge rates its slopes somewhat differently, but the color code system applies to most of them. A green circle signifies a beginner’s slope, slopes for skiers with intermediate experience are designated by a blue square, and difficult slopes are marked with a black diamond. Some skiers are skilled (and brave) enough to try a double or triple black diamond. The most difficult ski slopes are marked with a yellow exclamation point.

A Colorado Mountain vacation can be the adventure of a lifetime. Aside from all of the breathtaking outdoor activities, visitors can also make the short drive to Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver to catch a concert, or go to the annual Telluride Film Festival. Vacationers on a budget can find lodgings and activities that will fit within their price range, too.

A Guide To Caribbean Cruises

Planning to go on a Caribbean cruise? You need to decide two things in advance – when you’re going and where. Read on for useful information to help you make those choices.

Many people say that the Caribbean islands are best enjoyed during summer, but keep in mind that Caribbean cruises during this time are usually jam packed. This is when families, tour groups, and even corporate assemblies prefer to visit the islands, so if you’re planning to join the pack, be sure to book your cruise in advance. The average cruise length is about seven days.

If you want to enjoy big discounts, though, then try Caribbean cruises during the fall. Rates are substantially lower (sometimes half the regular rate), and you usually don’t need to wait in line for slots to free up.

When deciding between Eastern or Western Caribbean, your decision should depend on what you intend to do during the course of the cruise. As a general guide, you should go for a Western Caribbean cruise if you want to spend more time sailing (rather than going on land for other activities). Western Caribbean cruises start in either in New Orleans, Texas, or Florida, and then make their way to Palaya del Carmen in Mexico, the Caymans, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica, among many other destinations. There are many things to do in a Western Caribbean cruise, and toping the crowd favorite are tours of the Mayan ruins.

If you want to do more shopping, though, then you might enjoy an Eastern Caribbean cruise better. This way, you get to see the shopping spots and fantastic beaches of the Bahamas and Puerto Rico (among others).

If you can’t decide, it might be a good idea to buy guide books to Caribbean cruises. Many books offer you great advice on the itinerary and the cruise ship to tally with your goals and interests.

A Closer Look at Pigeon Forge Real Estate

Those looking to invest in real estate should not overlook Pigeon Forge, TN. Though the 2000 census estimates the number of permanent Pigeon Forge residents at just over 5,000, the population during the popular summer months can soar to tens of thousands. Pigeon Forge has doubled in the last 25 years, and the real estate business is booming.

A great number of people who buy Pigeon Forge real estate do so in order to rent out the property during the busy tourist season. Cabins of all sizes are always being bought and sold, with some going for as much as $500,000. Savvy investors can make their money back in just a few short years by putting the property up for rent.

Pigeon Forge is located in a prime area for real estate. It is located within minutes of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and lots of Pigeon Forge real estate has views of the beautiful mountains and of the Little Pigeon River. Pigeon Forge real estate is a great investment for investors or for nature lovers who want to live close to a stunningly majestic national park.

Since the value of Pigeon Forge real estate is constantly rising, many investors buy empty plots of land and simply resell the land in a few years for a huge profit. Prices vary drastically for lots depending on their size and location, going from $15,000 for a few acres to over a million and a half dollars for some prime lots.

Pigeon Forge real estate is a sure-fire investment and can be a beautiful place to live. People looking to make money or relocate to a scenic region are advised to check out Pigeon Forge.

A Brief History of Tennessee

In 1567 when Captain Juan Pardo and his men came across a Native American town called Tanasquis. Later, European settlers moving inward came across a Cherokee town called Tanasi on the banks of the river. It is not quite certain whether both the towns (that Pardo and the European settlers found) were the same. Though the connotation of the word is not clear, some people say that it is derived from a Cherokee word meaning ‘winding river.’ The name Tennessee is attributed to Governor James Glen who used it officially in his correspondence.

Tennessee was first inhabited by Paleo Indians 11,000 years ago. When the Spanish travelers first came, it was inhabited by the Muskogee and Yuchi tribes, but probably due to the European settlement in the area, the natives were forced to relocate to the west and the south. Tennessee was admitted to the union in 1796 as the 16th state, and it was the last state to break free from the Confederates in 1861. It also adopted a new constitution abolishing slavery after the Civil War and was readmitted into the union.

The state of Tennessee flanks eight other states with Kentucky and Virginia in the north and Georgia in the south. It is divided by the people of the state itself, ethnically, into three distinctive regions – East, Middle and West Tennessee. The Governor of the State of Tennessee holds his office for a term of four years and can serve a maximum of two terms. According to the U.S. census of 2005, Tennessee has a population of 5,962,959 which is a boost of 1.2 % from the previous year. The population of Tennessee is made up of 80.2% white, 16.4% lack, 2.2% Hispanic, 0.3% Native American, 1.0% Asian and 1.1% others.

Though the capital of Tennessee is Nashville, Memphis is famous for being the birthplace of rock and roll and the assassination site of Martin Luther King, Jr. It is considered a major attraction, along with Chattanooga, popular for its Ruby Falls as well as being the railway and finance hub of Tennessee.

Talking about Tennessee would be incomplete without the mention of its hero, Andrew Jackson, who was influenced by the stories his mother told him about the oppression of the laborers by the aristocracy. After his relocation to Tennessee, his love for the land intensified as he realized that there was no other possession as cherished as land. His contribution as a lawyer, military leader and politician was remarkable. When Jackson became president he realized that land was not only a prized possession for settlement but also a great motivator for trade..

Tennessee derived its strength in troubled times from music. Blues found its place in the world with W.C. Handy singing Memphis Blues, which captivated America. With the advent of the radio, Nashville country music erupted from the hearts of the Tennessee people and went out to the rest of the world. Some of the legendary singers, like Elvis Presley, have been the gift of a state abundant in talent.

5 Star Los Angeles Hotels

Los Angeles is situated in the southern part of California. It is a city that has a large metropolitan area and is located along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Santa Monica and Verdugo are two famous mountain ranges that cut across this city, which makes it an extremely scenic place and attracts loads of tourists every year. Since tourism is one of the large industries in Los Angeles, there are a number of hotels in the city, classified into various star categories on the basis of their amenities, service standards and pricing. Most 5 star hotels in Los Angeles have panoramic views, as they are located in the two mountain ranges. Some 5 star hotels are also located amongst the luxurious villas of Beverly Hills.

There are many well-known 5 star hotels in Los Angeles namely St. Regis Hotel & Spa Los Angeles, Shutters on the Beach, The Four Seasons Hotel, Los Angeles and many others. The 5 star hotels in Los Angeles typically portray grace, style and timeless elegance. They provide tourists and business visitors to the city with a sophisticated atmosphere and help them feel completely relaxed and stress free. They offer luxurious rooms with fabulous dxe9cor and spectacular views. Some five star hotels in Los Angeles such as St. Regis Hotel & Spa Los Angeles have rooms offering a splendid view from the downtown skyline to the Santa Monica coastline, from the estates of Bel Air to the Hollywood hills.

Shutters On The Beach is a luxury 5 star hotel that is located right on the sandy beaches of Los Angeles. This beach hotel offers 186 gracious rooms and 12 suites in colorful architectural designs that resemble the art deco during the 1920′s and 30′s. The wide range of services and amenities offered by 5 star Los Angeles hotels include bars, beauty salons, handicap facilities, whirlpools and outdoor heated pools, valet parking, restaurants, shopping and much more.

5 star Los Angeles hotels provide the right blend of luxury and landscape. They have beautiful surroundings where guests can unwind from stress and socialize at bars and restaurants.