Showing posts with label Adventure Vacations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adventure Vacations. Show all posts
Travel And Vacation At Barbados In The Caribbean
Travel And Vacation At Barbados In The Caribbean
by Robert Barner
Escape to a world of endless summers and sun-kissed beaches, where the dazzling ocean welcomes you each morning and a painted sunset settles along the western shores of the Caribbean every night. Nestled on the "Island of Eternal Summer
Barbados is a relatively flat island rising west to east in a series of terraces to its highest point Mount Hillaby, which is 1100ft. On the western side of the island, the sea is relatively calm. However, on the eastern side where the waves roll in from the Atlantic the coast is much more rugged. This is a perfect choice for a Caribbean family vacation or a special island holiday. Noted also for its excellent scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing and boat cruises at its best. There is easy access to horseback riding, tennis, and special rate golf.
The island has one airport, Grantley Adams International which is a thirty (30) minute drive from the capital, Bridgetown. Barbados is serviced by a number of international airlines including Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Air Jamaica, BWIA International and Virgin Atlantic. Barbados, with over 900 miles of paved roads, is considered to have one of the best systems of roads in the Caribbean.
The resorts start at $52.00 dollars a day to $141.00 a day. Two of many choices!
Time Out at the Gap at $52.00 a day
Affectionately referred to as Time Out, this place was created for relaxation! Parties and local entertainment three times a week are the rule around the nicely landscaped pool and at the Whistling Frog Restaurant & Bar, outfitted with large screen TV, pool-tables and dart boards. As the Party Monarch of the South Coast, this three-star hotel is located in the St. Lawrence Gap area ?the best known, most kicking party scenes in Barbados. With its frequent happy hours, its always happening bar even attracts local professionals who go there to mingle and be happy.
The Savannah at $99.00 a day.
Truly a complementary blend of the traditional and the modern, the Savannah is the most prestigious of the Gems. From here, a world apart, one is just ten minutes away from down town Bridgetown and twenty-fine minutes from the International Airport. Almost two hundred years old, its original main building is nicely complimented by the ultra modern architecture and tropical foliage of its newly built extension. Together, they comprise ninety-eight of the most luxurious rooms on the South coast. Boasting a beachfront location, the Savannah also offers its guest the choice between two fresh water pools, one of which meanders through the length of the dramatic setting of the new wing. Together with the fitness and beauty facilities for both women and men, Swedish massage, facials, manicures and pedicures, help ensure a leisurely pampering experience.
Two restaurants offer a delightful mix of Caribbean and International cuisine and three bars, including the ever- popular swim-up bar mix exotic tropical cocktails. Nightly local entertainment (including weekly Managers Cocktail Parties) add sparkle to one of the finest holiday experiences that guests can expect on the South Coast of Barbados.
READ MORE - Travel And Vacation At Barbados In The Caribbean
by Robert Barner
Escape to a world of endless summers and sun-kissed beaches, where the dazzling ocean welcomes you each morning and a painted sunset settles along the western shores of the Caribbean every night. Nestled on the "Island of Eternal Summer
Barbados is a relatively flat island rising west to east in a series of terraces to its highest point Mount Hillaby, which is 1100ft. On the western side of the island, the sea is relatively calm. However, on the eastern side where the waves roll in from the Atlantic the coast is much more rugged. This is a perfect choice for a Caribbean family vacation or a special island holiday. Noted also for its excellent scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing and boat cruises at its best. There is easy access to horseback riding, tennis, and special rate golf.
The island has one airport, Grantley Adams International which is a thirty (30) minute drive from the capital, Bridgetown. Barbados is serviced by a number of international airlines including Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Air Jamaica, BWIA International and Virgin Atlantic. Barbados, with over 900 miles of paved roads, is considered to have one of the best systems of roads in the Caribbean.
The resorts start at $52.00 dollars a day to $141.00 a day. Two of many choices!
Time Out at the Gap at $52.00 a day
Affectionately referred to as Time Out, this place was created for relaxation! Parties and local entertainment three times a week are the rule around the nicely landscaped pool and at the Whistling Frog Restaurant & Bar, outfitted with large screen TV, pool-tables and dart boards. As the Party Monarch of the South Coast, this three-star hotel is located in the St. Lawrence Gap area ?the best known, most kicking party scenes in Barbados. With its frequent happy hours, its always happening bar even attracts local professionals who go there to mingle and be happy.
The Savannah at $99.00 a day.
Truly a complementary blend of the traditional and the modern, the Savannah is the most prestigious of the Gems. From here, a world apart, one is just ten minutes away from down town Bridgetown and twenty-fine minutes from the International Airport. Almost two hundred years old, its original main building is nicely complimented by the ultra modern architecture and tropical foliage of its newly built extension. Together, they comprise ninety-eight of the most luxurious rooms on the South coast. Boasting a beachfront location, the Savannah also offers its guest the choice between two fresh water pools, one of which meanders through the length of the dramatic setting of the new wing. Together with the fitness and beauty facilities for both women and men, Swedish massage, facials, manicures and pedicures, help ensure a leisurely pampering experience.
Two restaurants offer a delightful mix of Caribbean and International cuisine and three bars, including the ever- popular swim-up bar mix exotic tropical cocktails. Nightly local entertainment (including weekly Managers Cocktail Parties) add sparkle to one of the finest holiday experiences that guests can expect on the South Coast of Barbados.
Introduction to our Ontario Vacation 2007
Introduction to our Ontario Vacation 2007
by Lloyd Mize
This is the first of a fifteen part series on a trip from the United States into the province of Ontario, Canada. Not being fond of large cities, my wife and I opted for the small towns of eastern Ontario. We entered Ontario, Canada, in Sault Ste. Marie.
From there we traveled to Wawa, Chapleau, visited the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, Cochrane where we visited the Polar Bear Habitat, boarded the Polar Bear Express for Moosonee, rode the Polar Princess, went to Moose Factory Island and returned to the States. You can find the titles of each article by the towns we visited.
But first we visited Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. After checking into the hotel the Soo Locks became our destination. This is where they transfer ships from the Lake Michigan side to the lower Lake Huron. Just as we arrived a barge was just coming in from Lake Huron, more specifically, from St. Mary's river that connects to Lake Huron. It was fascinating to watch as they closed the locks and opened the valve. Without pumps the water just seeks its own level taking only 15 or so minutes to raise the level 21 feet for the ship to float towards Lake Michigan. Then a 1000 foot ship from Lake Michigan came in another lock. It wasn't in there long and it was amazing to watch the ship almost disappear into the lock before departing for destinations serviced by Lake Huron. Another barge at closer range gave us an even better idea of just how high it rose as the lock was filling. As you will be reading about our travels in more detailed articles I wanted to share with you some observations of ours.
Moose Crossings
Having seen deer signs in the states and realizing that deer are killed and vehicles damaged as they cross the road, I did not realize the same thing would happen for moose. Every so often we would see a sign with a picture of a moose jumping. A little thing I know, but hey, if you have never seen one it is different.
Snowmobiles
Many times we would see a sign with a picture of a snowmobile entering the road, much like a sign for trucks crossing the road. OK, that's natural in Canada. After we reach Chapleau and seeing more snowmobile signs our attention was drawn to them. Just crossing the main road was one thing but the snowmobile paths have their own stop signs! Yes, traffic signs for the snowmobile paths. In some locations the path paralleled the main road with their own stop signs!
Traffic Signals
Why should a traffic signal be an observation I would make? Because the green light is smaller than the red light. In the States all three lights are the same size. This obviously emphasizes the red over the green. It definitely sends a strong message which I liked.
The Polar Bear Express is the only way to travel to Moosonee unless you are flying. I didn't see or look for an airport there but you can connect with outfitters to go farther north than Moosonee. If you decide to take this ride and have small children, I suggest going on a weekend Santa Clause rides the train too. It would be exciting to experience Christmas in July on the Polar Bear Express. This has been in operation for over 40 years and is nothing like the movie!
When you arrive in Moosonee realize that it is not really a tourist town. Yes, you can arrive on the train at 2, go to Moose Island Factory and be back in time to make the return trip on the train the same day. There are shops there but they are for the towns' people mostly. The absence of any type of tourist shops was noticeable to us. Learning about a different culture is good and we enjoyed our visit. I just don't think we will be returning.
READ MORE - Introduction to our Ontario Vacation 2007
by Lloyd Mize
This is the first of a fifteen part series on a trip from the United States into the province of Ontario, Canada. Not being fond of large cities, my wife and I opted for the small towns of eastern Ontario. We entered Ontario, Canada, in Sault Ste. Marie.
From there we traveled to Wawa, Chapleau, visited the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, Cochrane where we visited the Polar Bear Habitat, boarded the Polar Bear Express for Moosonee, rode the Polar Princess, went to Moose Factory Island and returned to the States. You can find the titles of each article by the towns we visited.
But first we visited Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. After checking into the hotel the Soo Locks became our destination. This is where they transfer ships from the Lake Michigan side to the lower Lake Huron. Just as we arrived a barge was just coming in from Lake Huron, more specifically, from St. Mary's river that connects to Lake Huron. It was fascinating to watch as they closed the locks and opened the valve. Without pumps the water just seeks its own level taking only 15 or so minutes to raise the level 21 feet for the ship to float towards Lake Michigan. Then a 1000 foot ship from Lake Michigan came in another lock. It wasn't in there long and it was amazing to watch the ship almost disappear into the lock before departing for destinations serviced by Lake Huron. Another barge at closer range gave us an even better idea of just how high it rose as the lock was filling. As you will be reading about our travels in more detailed articles I wanted to share with you some observations of ours.
Moose Crossings
Having seen deer signs in the states and realizing that deer are killed and vehicles damaged as they cross the road, I did not realize the same thing would happen for moose. Every so often we would see a sign with a picture of a moose jumping. A little thing I know, but hey, if you have never seen one it is different.
Snowmobiles
Many times we would see a sign with a picture of a snowmobile entering the road, much like a sign for trucks crossing the road. OK, that's natural in Canada. After we reach Chapleau and seeing more snowmobile signs our attention was drawn to them. Just crossing the main road was one thing but the snowmobile paths have their own stop signs! Yes, traffic signs for the snowmobile paths. In some locations the path paralleled the main road with their own stop signs!
Traffic Signals
Why should a traffic signal be an observation I would make? Because the green light is smaller than the red light. In the States all three lights are the same size. This obviously emphasizes the red over the green. It definitely sends a strong message which I liked.
The Polar Bear Express is the only way to travel to Moosonee unless you are flying. I didn't see or look for an airport there but you can connect with outfitters to go farther north than Moosonee. If you decide to take this ride and have small children, I suggest going on a weekend Santa Clause rides the train too. It would be exciting to experience Christmas in July on the Polar Bear Express. This has been in operation for over 40 years and is nothing like the movie!
When you arrive in Moosonee realize that it is not really a tourist town. Yes, you can arrive on the train at 2, go to Moose Island Factory and be back in time to make the return trip on the train the same day. There are shops there but they are for the towns' people mostly. The absence of any type of tourist shops was noticeable to us. Learning about a different culture is good and we enjoyed our visit. I just don't think we will be returning.
Adventure Vacations Fo Both Kids And Parents
Adventure Vacations Fo Both Kids And Parents
by Eric J. Slarkowski
When you bring up the subject of vacation with your kids, there is usually one of two responses; either they want to go to Disneyland for the third time or they want to take an exotic trip that Indiana Jones would consider an adventure. You don't want to take that repeat vacation; you want something different but also a vacation that is not stressful. As parents you have the task of figuring out what is best for the family while at the same time satisfying everyone's dream vacation. Since children don't have the experience or insight that you have, many times they don't know what they will like. Trekking through the jungles of Thailand sounds fun and exciting to your child but you know that the first night of sleeping in a jungle will be the last.
Cartoons with cute, talking animals such as Lion King spark interest in your children for an African safari. Some parts of Africa should be avoided but many areas are family friendly and can provide an adventure without needing machetes or trekking through miles of dense jungle. You can even sleep comfortably under the stars if you are willing to spend more money for fully catered meals and tents that are far from basic.
Even though Africa is a big safari draw, you should also consider Central America for a nature adventure. Costa Rica and Belize provide an amazing array of flora and fauna and the airfare is significantly less than a trip to Africa. The added benefit of Costa Rica and Belize can be a rest from the jungle at the many pristine beaches.
Asia is becoming a top choice for families seeking a holiday that is both interesting and affordable. Beijing, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur are not only interesting and family friendly cities but they are inexpensive compared to western cities. The Great Wall and the temples of Thailand are impressive and so much more interesting in person. Sites in these big cities allow your family to enjoy the culture but also retire to your comfortable hotel room so your exploration is not too stressful.
European cities offer the best combination of family-friendly and culture however there is a higher price tag. Museums and tourist attractions in Europe offer family discounts and sipping an espresso after climbing the Eiffel Tour has a big draw for parents while keeping the children amused.
Since international travel requires passports and generally long flights, you may want to consider destinations that are closer to home. Hawaii, for example, offers sun, beach and hiking so while you're sipping your Mai Tai the kids can swim at the pool. As an added attraction there is no language barrier and flight discounts are often available to make your vacation more affordable.
It's often a compromise to find the vacation that suits your entire family but a holiday with children doesn't have to be the tried-and-true theme park. With some research and planning, exotic destinations that cater to families can be found to delight both you and your children.
READ MORE - Adventure Vacations Fo Both Kids And Parents
by Eric J. Slarkowski
When you bring up the subject of vacation with your kids, there is usually one of two responses; either they want to go to Disneyland for the third time or they want to take an exotic trip that Indiana Jones would consider an adventure. You don't want to take that repeat vacation; you want something different but also a vacation that is not stressful. As parents you have the task of figuring out what is best for the family while at the same time satisfying everyone's dream vacation. Since children don't have the experience or insight that you have, many times they don't know what they will like. Trekking through the jungles of Thailand sounds fun and exciting to your child but you know that the first night of sleeping in a jungle will be the last.
Cartoons with cute, talking animals such as Lion King spark interest in your children for an African safari. Some parts of Africa should be avoided but many areas are family friendly and can provide an adventure without needing machetes or trekking through miles of dense jungle. You can even sleep comfortably under the stars if you are willing to spend more money for fully catered meals and tents that are far from basic.
Even though Africa is a big safari draw, you should also consider Central America for a nature adventure. Costa Rica and Belize provide an amazing array of flora and fauna and the airfare is significantly less than a trip to Africa. The added benefit of Costa Rica and Belize can be a rest from the jungle at the many pristine beaches.
Asia is becoming a top choice for families seeking a holiday that is both interesting and affordable. Beijing, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur are not only interesting and family friendly cities but they are inexpensive compared to western cities. The Great Wall and the temples of Thailand are impressive and so much more interesting in person. Sites in these big cities allow your family to enjoy the culture but also retire to your comfortable hotel room so your exploration is not too stressful.
European cities offer the best combination of family-friendly and culture however there is a higher price tag. Museums and tourist attractions in Europe offer family discounts and sipping an espresso after climbing the Eiffel Tour has a big draw for parents while keeping the children amused.
Since international travel requires passports and generally long flights, you may want to consider destinations that are closer to home. Hawaii, for example, offers sun, beach and hiking so while you're sipping your Mai Tai the kids can swim at the pool. As an added attraction there is no language barrier and flight discounts are often available to make your vacation more affordable.
It's often a compromise to find the vacation that suits your entire family but a holiday with children doesn't have to be the tried-and-true theme park. With some research and planning, exotic destinations that cater to families can be found to delight both you and your children.
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