Top Picks for a Caribbean Honeymoon Vacation

Posted: February 20th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Destination Guides | Tags: , , , , | 2 Comments »

Princess Cruise line offers a wonderful honeymoon vacation amid the Caribbean islands. A romantic cruise is the best type of honeymoon because you can leave all your worries at home. After months of stressful wedding planning, husbands and wives are often feeling frazzled and exhausted. Likely, the high of being newly wed will fill them with energy to make it to their romantic vacation, but once aboard the cruise ship, the temptation to lounge in the sun with a drink in one’s hand is strong. This April, Princess will offer a 7-night cruise out of San Juan, Puerto Rico to St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Grenada, Bonaire and Aruba, which offers ample opportunities for romantic and adventurous port stop activities.

San Juan, Puerto Rico is an intriguing US territory and a popular honeymoon vacation stop. In New San Juan, you’ll find McDonald’s and American cuisine, fancy hotel resorts, business districts and trendy bars. In Old San Juan, you’ll encounter an exotic blend of Spanish, Italian and South American influences that are very much akin to Cuba. You’ll see preserved 16th century architecture, forts, antique shops, pastel buildings, cobblestone streets and stunning cathedrals.

History lovers will appreciate the El Morro fort, San Cristobal Fort, La Fortaleza, Catedral de San Juan and Museo Pablo Casals. The Bacardi Rum Factory can add a little fun to your romantic weekend and, if you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at the Sheraton or Ritz-Carlton casinos. Waterfalls and wildflowers await a scenic stroll at El Yunque rainforest.



Once you gaze upon the island peaks of St. Lucia, you’ll see why it’s been dubbed “Helen of the West Indies.” Even though honeymooners frequent the island, 19,000 acres are protected as part of the St. Lucia National Rain Forest, so you’ll see unspoiled territories and dense tropical foliage. The capital city of Castries is within walking distance from your port stop in Place Carenage or Pointe Seraphine. Avid shoppers will enjoy duty-free shopping, local crafts markets, farmer’s markets and souvenir shops. The white, relaxing sands of Choc Beach is a 20 minute cab ride away, although Pigeon Beach is preferred for visitors who love museums, restaurants, water sports and other amenities. Anse des Pitons is a fantastic beach for snorkeling and diving. Gros Islet offers countryside and beach horseback riding, which can be part of romantic vacation packages. Another romantic travel option is to take a bus, rental car or cab to the south, where you’ll see the former French colonial capital, Soufrie’s drive-in volcano and sulfur pools, as well as the Diamond Botanical Gardens. Adventurous types can trek through the rainforest, uncover hidden waterfalls and snorkel amid sunken ships in Anse Cochon.

It’s amazing that Grenada, “the Isle of Spice,” is still a viable honeymoon vacation spot following the 1994 Hurricane Ivan, which destroyed 90% of the buildings on this island. Despite the terrible devastation, much of the land has been rebuilt and revitalized. After your ship docks, your island vacation begins. You can walk to the St. George’s tourist destinations like the Grenada National Museum, the Market Square and several beautiful churches. If you dock at Carenage, you’ll be a quick cab ride from the city’s forts and the world-renowned Grand Anse Beach. Once you reach the beach, you’ll be able to go diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, parasailing and kayaking. For the best snorkeling, visit Moliniere Point and for the best hiking, visit Annandale Falls or Grand Etang National Park. The Dougaldston Spice Estate and Goyave Nutmeg Processing Station can give you an interesting look into how spices are produced. La Sagesse Beach is one of the more secluded, relaxing areas of the island, complete with a salty pond, mangroves and tropical birds.

Your honeymoon vacation will create memories that will last forever, so it’s important that you plan it carefully. Many couples choose to go on cruises, and this can be a good value if you do your homework.


What Does Fuerteventura Have To Offer The Holiday Maker?

Posted: February 20th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Destination Guides | Tags: , , | No Comments »

The second biggest of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura is located just off the coast of Africa. There are 7 islands in total and Fuerteventura is home to the longest beaches of all the islands.

A popular winter holiday destination, the island boasts all year round sunshine with winter temperatures between 20 and 22 degrees and the summer averaging 30 degrees.

Although one of the less commercialised islands, Fuerteventura still has lots to offer the holiday maker. There are two main resorts, Corralejo and Caleta de Fuste.

Corralejo is situated in the North of the island and was the first resort established on the island for holiday makers. Consisting of apartment blocks and newer luxury apartments and villas the resort has lots to offer both the young and old. An abundance of restaurants align the coast walk and the adjacent main street and a host of water sports can be found on the beach. There is also a new ‘Baku Water Park’ and adjacent theme park which are both popular.

A little quieter than Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste is situated on the east coast of the island, only a fifteen minute drive from the airport. The resort is based around a horse shoe shaped beach which has been built with children’s safety in mind. There is an abundance of bars, restaurants and nightclubs and lots of children’s parks to keep the kids amused. The harbour offers a wide range of water sports including water skiing and diving.


The town of Jandia is in the south of the island. Stronger winds prevail in the South, and the annual windsurfing championship is held here bringing hundreds of people to the region. The beaches in and around this region are the longest in the Canaries.

A drive inland can find some beautiful villages, still relatively untouched and still having typical Canarian traditions. The food served in these areas is some of the best on the island and also some of the cheapest!

With its crystal blue waters and consistent water temperatures, Fuerteventura is an ideal holiday destination for people of all ages and if you are a beach lover, there are more than 150 to choose from!

Please see our main site for more information on

restaurants in caleta de fuste, bars in caleta de fuste and caleta de fuste

 


The National Parks System Offers a Myriad of Opportunities for Disabled Travelers

Posted: February 19th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Camping, Travel For Disabled | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »
Card Reader Accessibility
Image by cobalt123 via Flickr

I’ve said it before, but I am happy to reiterate that traveling in a motorhome is a very comfortable and affordable means of transportation for the disabled.  It allows you to explore different parts of our country and experience some unforgettable opportunities.  I can think of nothing more awesome than a trip to our National Parks.

There are 391 areas in the National Parks System covering more than 84 million acres.  These areas consist of National Parks, National Seashores, National Forests, historical and military areas, as well as scenic and recreational trails and waterways.  All are kept immaculately clean, amply staffed, and easily accessible.

The National Parks Service offers a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass absolutely free to disabled persons.  This Pass, called America the Beautiful Pass, allows the pass holder, plus three additional persons in their party, free entrance to federal recreational sites that charge a free.  It also provides a 50% discount on extra activities such as camping, swimming, boat launching, tours, and specialized services for the cardholder.  Concessionaries (gift shops, food, etc.) are usually not included in this discount.

The America the Beautiful Pass is a lifetime free pass and can only be obtained in person at any National Park.  In order to obtain this pass, you must provide valid documentation for your disability.  This documentation can include a written physicians statement; documentation from a Federal agency such as the Veterans Administration or Social Security Disability Income; proof of Supplementary Income; or a document issued by a state agency.

The National Parks System wants their parks accessible and enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their disability.  Many provide specialized programs in which to participate.  The best way to find out about these programs is to investigate the parks via www.nps.gov.  It is also highly recommended to visit each park’s Welcome Center upon arrival, in order to take full advantage of the programs and activities they offer.

Depending on the disability needs and the particular National Park, there are a variety of services offered.  Most offer ADA compliant tours; some tours are accessible with assistance.  For the visually impaired, audio stations and Braille are used to describe the sights and history in detail.  Service animals are permitted, but due to safety issues, some areas are limited.  For the hearing impaired, employees using sign language assist; as well as the Hearing Helper, which amplifies the audio descriptions.

There are wheelchair accessible decks and doors, as well as paved boardwalks at many of the scenic vistas.  Tram service, golf carts, and beach wheelchairs, which are ambulatory in sand and shallow water, allow access to areas within the National Parks.  For those who cannot get to these sights, CD-Rom, photos, and touchable exhibits are available in the Welcome Centers and Ranger Stations.

Many of our National Parks are easily accessible by motorhome.  The roadways are easily drivable and pull-offs are large enough to afford ample space in which to accommodate the motorhome so the breathtaking views can be enjoyed and appreciated by all.  Some campsites are also specifically reserved for those with disabilities.

Our National Parks System has been set up in order for all of us to experience our country’s natural beauty and history.  Because of a few extra considerations, like free access, special tours, and ADA compliancy, those with disabilities can enjoy our National Parks, as well.

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Paris – Accessible Travel For The Disabled

Posted: February 17th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Destination Guides, Travel For Disabled | Tags: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »
Mona Lisa
Image via Wikipedia

accessible trip to Paris, France

Paris is called the City of Romance, City of Lights, and City of Carousels. It is one of the glorious international tourist places that one should not miss. The city is also very much accessible to the disabled people. Most of the city is flat and is accessible by wheel chairs.

Passerelle des Arts is the bridge only for the pedestrians. This is a wooden planked structure which is the gathering place for friends, for street musicians and also for picnics. This structure is very much accessible by wheel chair.

The art galleries and historical museums of Paris are accessible easily. The Louvre, where you can see the painting of Mona Lisa, Musee d Orsay, Pompidou Centre has lifts, provide wheel chairs which can be hired from the front desk and there are also disabled toilets.

The famous Eiffel Tower can also be easily accessible. There are lifts provided for the disabled visitors to move to the second floor of the tower to enjoy its ecstasy. The restaurant at the tower has lift facility which requires an advance booking.

The Parc de la Villette is set around the Canal St Martin which is in northern Paris. It spreads over an area of 25 hectare. There is an arts centre called La Grande Halle where shows, exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances are held. The park is very much accessible because of its flat surface.

Opera Garnier which is known as the Paris Opera is a place you cannot miss. The opera house has a seating capacity of over 2000 people.

Apart from the historical places, the stores and restaurants are also accessible. The owners politely and willingly lift the wheel chairs and help the disabled people also to enjoy their shopping and the food at restaurants. Some of the new pay phone facilities are easily accessible. Cafes have outdoor tables which is very comfortable.

The buses that operate on accessible lines are accessible. They are lower than the typical American buses. The accessible buses have ramps which are wide where the chances of falling are reduced.  The drivers and co-passengers are very polite and courteous. There are also some organizations which provide accessible van for transportation if advance booking is done. There are also accessible boat operators who provide boat rides. The tramway lines T1 and T2 are both fully wheel chair accessible. The suburban express trains and metros are accessible to all types of disables.

The hotels are accessible with wheel chairs. You can stroll through the beautiful neighboring places from the hotels. The elevators in the hotels are spacious that a person in the wheel chair can be accompanied by two other normal persons. The rooms and other facilities inside are also accessible. The bed height is a good for transfer from the wheel chair. The toilets are accessible and the transfer is easy.

The French Ministry of Tourism has defined a set of criteria which has to be complied by many establishments which will make the travel comfortable and accessible for the tourists. They can select the accommodations, tourist spots according to their convenience and enjoy their trip.

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Have A Best Gay Travel To Italy

Posted: February 16th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Destination Guides | Tags: , , , , , | No Comments »

Italy is one of the best and popular destinations for romance, history and art and it is a popular location for gay couples. Gay community has a presence in the most populous urban area like Milan, Rome, and Florence in Italy. These areas allows so many alternatives for gay travel to Italy.

There are a lot of cities, town and museum where gay travelers can visit in Italy, notables ones include Torre Del Lago and Viareggio which offer invitation for gay travelers. These places have so much to offer for gays at discounted prices.

The gay pride events such as movies and carnivals particularly make Italian gay vacations very special. The Florence Queen Festival and Festival Pucciniano for instance are popular events that make vacations unique in Italy.



There are a number of gay vanity events throughout Italy and the large gay film festivals that attract visitors all around the world for instance, the Florence Queen Festival and many others.

There are several other reasons to have a gay travel in Italy experience. No matter what your preference is, you will always come back with tales of wonderful experiences.

Whether your goal to travel to Italy is to experience as much of the history, art, and culture possibly during your stay, touring is also essential. Above all you can travel to Italy just to have a taste of the food, wine, the art, the historical places and the legends, there is bound to be a tour organizing agent relating to your interests and that will be the best way to organize the most memorable Gay travel and tour to Italy.


Lanzarote hotels provide couples with a romantic getaway

Posted: February 15th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Accommodations | Tags: , , , | No Comments »

For anyone seeking a destination that both ignites and nurtures passion, Lanzarote is a strong candidate. Set off the eastern African Coast, Lanzarote is located in the Canary Islands archipelago and has been welcome guests to it’s shore for thousands of years. The island welcomes 5.5 million visitors to its sunny shores each year. It’s not just the diverse flora and fauna or the intriguing volcanic countryside that attracts people to this captivating isle; a romantic ambiance permeates both the landscape and culture. The beautiful beaches and cosy, intimate restaurants lure lovers from all over the world, who come to get lost in the island’s infectious beauty and enjoy the comfort and luxury of the many Lanzarote hotels.

The warm, dry climate and non-stop trade winds of the Atlantic make the island a perfect beach destination. With temperatures remaining in the twenties (°C) for much of the year there is always some warmth and sunshine to be found. Meanwhile, the miles of picturesque coastline offer visitors the chance to select a secluded spot where they can soak up the sun in privacy.



The northern part of the island is filled with palm covered valleys, while the southern part is a volcanic wonderland. The island has been protected by local authorities, who have imposed strict planning and building regulations, allow Lanzarote to retain its natural beauty. There is still plenty of infrastructure to support the booming tourist trade, though. Good quality three and four star hotels have blossomed in quantity and availability around the island, making it easy to rent a holiday villa or an affordable hotel, with features such as internet connection, Jacuzzis or other luxury additions, at a reasonable price.

Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca is a southern resort town where couples, as well as groups, can go and enjoy high quality, yet cheap Lanzarote hotels or private villas that offer all the luxuries of a romantic island holiday. It is a relatively new area, where the eclectic mix of accommodation offers visitors a chance to stay close to some of the best beaches in the Canaries, while local restaurants express Spanish romanticism in their décor and their lunch and dinner entrees, as well as in their wine selections.

Puerto del Carmen

Puerto del Carmen, meanwhile, has been a favourite spot for honeymooners for years. Perched above the old harbour, romantics find the secret Lanzarote hotels and resorts hidden behind garden walls and surrounded by palm trees and tropical flowers. Hibiscus trees add a splash of colour in Puerto del Carmen and for romantic adventurers the rural town of Teguise, which is the island’s old capital, offers additional attractive and affordable holiday hideaways.