Showing posts with label trip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trip. Show all posts
Alaska Fishing Lodge - A Trip To Remember
Alaska Fishing Lodge - A Trip To Remember
by Kevin McCarthy
When fishing in Alaska timing is everything. In other words each species of fish has a time when they are most available and when there is an abundance of that particular fish. When booking a reservation with one of the resorts, check to see if the fish you want to catch are available during your visit.
Besides seeing the sights and experiencing seasonal changes in weather there is just plain relaxing. Consider stopping at the nearest Alaska fishing lodge. There are so many packages available and so many offers that you surely will find one for your family.
A great Alaska fishing lodge is one that offers all the amenities with easy access to the water. Any package should include close proximity to the oceanfront lodging, great meals, guide services and fish processing. So you get everything you need all in one trip. There are many choices in fishing lodges. Alaska also offers a great variety and quantity of fish to be caught. They can be caught in different regions of the state and at various seasons. Alaska most popular fish is the salmon and the runner up is halibut. In the South central region there are various choices of fishing lodges. First, Alaska Tree Tops Fishing Lodge. Then there is Alaska Accommodations and Fishing Charters, Alaska Adventure Company, LLC Wilderness Place Lodge. In the southeast region there are several selections in lodges such as Alaskan Advantage and Shelter Cove Lodge and Salmon Falls Resort. The southwest offers the Alaska Rainbow Lodge. There are many more selections of Alaska fishing lodges that are available. By searching the web or logging onto cleverfishing.com you may find out which lodge is best to suit your needs and who offers the best package and pricing.
Alaska Fishing Lodges are perfectly located in areas where the waters are abundant with the different species of fish. Usually, these lodges are situated in a place where trout, northern pike, and grayling mostly inhabit the waters.
Moreover, some types of lodge also house a place where king salmon are abundant especially during the months of June and early part of July. Most lodges also provide a wide variety of fishing equipment, from rods to tackles and lines.
Most fishing lodges offer valued deals on shelter, food, and fishing equipment rentals. How can you select what is best for you? Decide on what region has the fish you are looking to catch. Pricing varies on lodges, regions, seasons and packaging. A package can start from $75 and range up to thousands of dollars. Guides are included in these packages to show you the region and where the fish reside, how to catch them best and when is a good time to go fishing.
Alaska fishing lodges are fully staffed with professional fisherman who have been guiding on fishing subjects for many years. They love fish and will give the best fishing experience to maximize your chance for success. This should keep you coming back for more. Alaska fishing lodges offer stays from four to seven nights and offer a variety of options to meet the clients needs and desires. Most of the lodging are owned and operated by Alaskan residents.
Most Alaska Fishing Lodges are built big enough to occupy 16 guests, in which each guest can avail of personal and individualized services. In addition, because it carries the true Alaskan heritage, Alaska Fishing Lodges offer services and products that can be afforded by anyone. With its affordable rates, the place is inhabited by people, who mostly want to enjoy life and fishing but cannot afford to buy the pleasures in expensive beaches and lodges.
Normally, Alaska Fishing Lodges are made up of logs; sturdily build to provide each angler optimum convenience and comfort. It is known for its spacious interiors, creatively decorated with the right embellishments, thereby, setting the mood for fishing and wilderness.
Among all fishing lodges available in the industry today, the Alaska Fishing Lodges are among the most treasured and most popular fishing lodges in the United States. With all these beautiful features present in every Alaska Fishing Lodge, there is no better place to enjoy fishing and the wilderness like what this particular lodge can offer. Staying in an Alaska Fishing Lodge is, indeed, an ultimate fishing experience.
A Bahamas Trip-Is It For You?
A Bahamas Trip-Is It For You?
by Raul Gallu
Taking a Bahamas trip could be one of the smartest thing you have done in your life. The Bahamas Islands offer some of the most beautiful spots, the clearest water and an excellent weather in the entire world. A Bahamas trip could be a delight for you eyes because of the mixture between nature wonders and man made attractions and in the same time a delight for you body because of the marvelous relaxing facilities that you can find here on these islands.
When planning a Bahamas trip you can set as you destination anyone of the fourteen big islands such as Paradisse Island, Grand Bahama, Abacos, Acklins, Andros, Berry Island, Bimini, Cat Island, San Salvador etc. It doesn't really matter which one you chose as you destination for your Bahamas trip because anywhere you go you'll find nothing but crystal clear water, white sand beaches as far as the eye could see and a terrific weather.
There are several transportation means for to use for your Bahamas trip. The first and the quickest way is by plane which means an hour-long flight from Florida. Another way to make your Bahamas trip is by ship which means to take a cruise. This one takes a little bit longer because it makes a lot of stops but in same time it allows you to really enjoy the sights.
The first thing that almost everybody asks when planning a Bahamas trip is "what can you there for fun". Well...the answer is simple ..."anything you like". The soft white sand beaches with the turquoise blue water could be the first thing you, your wife/husband, or your kids, could enjoy in your Bahamas trip. Being the third coral barrier reef in the world, these islands offer some great sights for those who love scuba diving or snorkeling. If you like to spent your time golfing the Bahamas Islands, you can find here some of the world greatest golf-courses. The ecstatic nightlife in Bahamas could be another thing that can make your Bahamas trip worth while by enjoying the casinos and the clubs.
The locals you'll meet during your Bahamas trip are very nice and friendly people and talking to them won't be o problem because they all speak English. The Bahamian culture is a mixture of African and European influences and its greatest expression is Junkanoo which is a very rhythmic form of music.
The largest resort and casino in Bahamas is located on Paradise Island and its name is Atlantis. It was build by magnate Sol Kerzner and is the place where over 6000 residents work. The most elegant accommodations at Atlantis is The Royal Towers where the bridge suite costs 25.000$ a night and even if you have the money you have to put yourself on a five year long waiting list.
A Bahamas trip is not any more a privilege for the reach people. Anybody who works hard and makes a decent living can afford these luxuriant islands. So if you never had a Bahamas trip before, now it's the time to make it and it will be an experience you will never forget.
READ MORE - A Bahamas Trip-Is It For You?
by Raul Gallu
Taking a Bahamas trip could be one of the smartest thing you have done in your life. The Bahamas Islands offer some of the most beautiful spots, the clearest water and an excellent weather in the entire world. A Bahamas trip could be a delight for you eyes because of the mixture between nature wonders and man made attractions and in the same time a delight for you body because of the marvelous relaxing facilities that you can find here on these islands.
When planning a Bahamas trip you can set as you destination anyone of the fourteen big islands such as Paradisse Island, Grand Bahama, Abacos, Acklins, Andros, Berry Island, Bimini, Cat Island, San Salvador etc. It doesn't really matter which one you chose as you destination for your Bahamas trip because anywhere you go you'll find nothing but crystal clear water, white sand beaches as far as the eye could see and a terrific weather.
There are several transportation means for to use for your Bahamas trip. The first and the quickest way is by plane which means an hour-long flight from Florida. Another way to make your Bahamas trip is by ship which means to take a cruise. This one takes a little bit longer because it makes a lot of stops but in same time it allows you to really enjoy the sights.
The first thing that almost everybody asks when planning a Bahamas trip is "what can you there for fun". Well...the answer is simple ..."anything you like". The soft white sand beaches with the turquoise blue water could be the first thing you, your wife/husband, or your kids, could enjoy in your Bahamas trip. Being the third coral barrier reef in the world, these islands offer some great sights for those who love scuba diving or snorkeling. If you like to spent your time golfing the Bahamas Islands, you can find here some of the world greatest golf-courses. The ecstatic nightlife in Bahamas could be another thing that can make your Bahamas trip worth while by enjoying the casinos and the clubs.
The locals you'll meet during your Bahamas trip are very nice and friendly people and talking to them won't be o problem because they all speak English. The Bahamian culture is a mixture of African and European influences and its greatest expression is Junkanoo which is a very rhythmic form of music.
The largest resort and casino in Bahamas is located on Paradise Island and its name is Atlantis. It was build by magnate Sol Kerzner and is the place where over 6000 residents work. The most elegant accommodations at Atlantis is The Royal Towers where the bridge suite costs 25.000$ a night and even if you have the money you have to put yourself on a five year long waiting list.
A Bahamas trip is not any more a privilege for the reach people. Anybody who works hard and makes a decent living can afford these luxuriant islands. So if you never had a Bahamas trip before, now it's the time to make it and it will be an experience you will never forget.
Making the best use of your China travel Vacation Package.
Making the best use of your China travel Vacation Package.
by Lola Adewoyin
If you have planned your summer vacation for a trip to China, then its best you know how to best enjoy China within the thirteen days you will be visiting. The most attractive travel packages to China include tours between Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin and Yunnan. These travel packages are well selected tours of the beautiful cities in China highlighting their different attractions and sightseeing. The first step in planning your vacation to China is to seek the services of a Chinese tour operator who can arrange everything from your flight tickets, hotel bookings and tourist guides in order to make your trip a smooth free and relaxed holiday. The language barrier in China is one of the many issues which scare travelers from coming to China; however, it could be a great experience especially for the adventurous lover in you. This is one of the reasons why it is advisable to contact a tour operator to assist you in your china tour planning. There are a few cities of interest which must not be missed when you tour China. They include: Beijing: Beijing is the capital of China and the seat of the greatest and biggest palace square in the world. Beijing is the focal center of China's historical civilization where many historical monuments stand. Popular attractions to visit in Beijing include the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, the world renowned Great Wall, The Summer Palace and other interesting sites. These monuments contributed to the development of China's civilization. Shanghai: Shanghai is the most cosmopolitan city in China. Almost similar to the New York lifestyle, the streets of Shanghai is a combination of old Ming styled buildings and 21st century skyscrapers. Shanghai is the home to the Oriental Pearl Tower and China's financial district. Yunnan: The province of Yunnan is spring city of China which has reserved and peaceful environment. Yunnan is the most desired place to visit in China because of its beautiful landscape and local minorities. It is in this province where you can find a rare variety of mixed Chinese culture due to the influence of the different minorities. Popular places to visit in Yunnan include the Shilin Stone Forest in Kunming, the Old Town in Lijiang and Dali as well as the Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It is often said that Yunnan province is the place for romance, adventure and discovery. Guilin: Anytime Guilin is mentioned, Yangshuo is synonymously associated with it. Guilin and Yangshuo is situated in the South East of China. It is known for its special breathtaking landscapes and rich history over the past 1000 years. Guilin is known for its karsts and stone landscapes making it a great place for spelunking. The Reed Flute Cave is a major sightseeing to visit when you visit Guilin. Xian is one of the most ancient cities in China which traces back the huge transformation of the Chinese nations from the ancient times. It has become an industrial and tourist spot with the grimy background that people have gotten used to. Xian is the site of the Terracotta Army Warriors considered to be the eighth wonder of the world. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is also a major attraction in Xian known to be a well preserved ancient and holy place for Buddhist monks.
Vacation and travel plans are coming together
Vacation and travel plans are coming together
We’re just about ready to set off on our first family vacation in more than two years. Our last adventure was a break-neck road trip to Jasper, Texas, and Heavener, Okla., to visit my wife’s father and stepmother and my dad, respectively. Our son, Keegan, wasn’t quite 2 yet and he made the drive much longer than it had ever been when it was just Donna and me in the car.
It wasn’t a bad trip, just very hectic. Little ones don’t wait to go potty. They get tired of staring out the window or at a DVD player mounted on the back of mommy’s head rest. When it’s time to eat, there is no explaining to a toddler there is still another 75 miles to go before we reach the next Scottish-named internationally-known burger place with a playground.
I’ve made the drive back and forth to Heavener many times through the years since I left home, usually alone. I have gotten from my house in Elizabethtown to my dad’s front yard in just more than 10 hours if I stopped only twice for fuel and a bathroom break. Normally I’d drive just a bit faster than the speed limit, especially during the flat and boring stretch through Arkansas on Interstate 40. I’d eat sandwiches in the car and have a stack of my favorite CDs handy so that I could sing at the top of my lungs and no one would tell me to be quiet.
Then later when my wife Donna and I began to travel, we would take four or five breaks on the same trip from E’town to dad’s place. There was very little eating in the car and the speed was kept closer to the posted limits. The drive then took nearly a dozen hours, but was still respectable, considering it is 680 miles or so one way.
Hauling as much fanny as possible, she and I made a trip to her dad’s in Jasper once that took 14 hours one way. Not sure on the mileage, but it’s a long way that’s for sure. The last few hours of the drive to Jasper is on two-lane U.S. highways, which wind through several small towns. That doesn’t make for speedy travel either.
On the last major road trip Keegan, Donna and I drove to Heavener first and spent a few days. Then we drove down south about six hours and hit her dad’s place. Logistically, it was just as quick to return to Oklahoma and come home from there as to drive out of east Texas to Kentucky, so that’s what we did. The trip was something like 2,000 miles in eight days.
Now with Addison in tow, that’s not a drive I’m willing to make again soon. With a baby girl eating and filling up a diaper every few hours, something different had to happen.
The compromise we came to is for our brood to go to Heavener and have her folks come visit in my neck of the woods. It’s not too much of a drive for them and will save us a fortune in gas and time.
But there is still nearly 1,400 miles to be traveled in about six days time. The first and last days will mainly be on the road, leaving only about four to knock around and visit.
I had a brainstorm last weekend and decided to rent an RV for the drive. If Keegan needs the bathroom, he can just get up and go. If Addison fouls the air, we can change her and keep going. If I want a sandwich, I guess one could be brought to me if I asked really nicely. Since dad’s place isn’t large enough for all of us, the RV could serve as a motel room for her folks. I’m a genius!
I laughed as visions of Cousin Eddie’s RV in the movie Christmas Vacation flashed through my head. This was going to be awesome.
Then I called the RV place. Believe it or not there’s a national chain for such things. I’d made up my mind to double check prices and go ahead and book an RV for the trip. After taking down departure and return dates, size of the family, etc., the nice lady from the RV company informed me the rental would be ready for me to pick up in Nashville or some place in Ohio since there isn’t a dealership for them nearby. The RV was going to cost an extra 32 cents per mile after the first free 800 miles. I would have to pay extra to use the bathroom and kitchen areas. Running the generator costs $3 per hour and I’d have to fill up the RV with gas when I dropped it off, too.
Grand total, before all the additional stuff and prior to repeatedly filling up an RV that gets an estimated 10 miles per gallon, $1,000 was what I could expect to pay.
Suddenly being crammed into our 1998 Chevrolet Blazer is the best idea in the history of the world. Her dad can get a motel room, several in fact, for that kind of money.
Wish us luck, we’re going to need it.
READ MORE - Vacation and travel plans are coming together
We’re just about ready to set off on our first family vacation in more than two years. Our last adventure was a break-neck road trip to Jasper, Texas, and Heavener, Okla., to visit my wife’s father and stepmother and my dad, respectively. Our son, Keegan, wasn’t quite 2 yet and he made the drive much longer than it had ever been when it was just Donna and me in the car.
It wasn’t a bad trip, just very hectic. Little ones don’t wait to go potty. They get tired of staring out the window or at a DVD player mounted on the back of mommy’s head rest. When it’s time to eat, there is no explaining to a toddler there is still another 75 miles to go before we reach the next Scottish-named internationally-known burger place with a playground.
I’ve made the drive back and forth to Heavener many times through the years since I left home, usually alone. I have gotten from my house in Elizabethtown to my dad’s front yard in just more than 10 hours if I stopped only twice for fuel and a bathroom break. Normally I’d drive just a bit faster than the speed limit, especially during the flat and boring stretch through Arkansas on Interstate 40. I’d eat sandwiches in the car and have a stack of my favorite CDs handy so that I could sing at the top of my lungs and no one would tell me to be quiet.
Then later when my wife Donna and I began to travel, we would take four or five breaks on the same trip from E’town to dad’s place. There was very little eating in the car and the speed was kept closer to the posted limits. The drive then took nearly a dozen hours, but was still respectable, considering it is 680 miles or so one way.
Hauling as much fanny as possible, she and I made a trip to her dad’s in Jasper once that took 14 hours one way. Not sure on the mileage, but it’s a long way that’s for sure. The last few hours of the drive to Jasper is on two-lane U.S. highways, which wind through several small towns. That doesn’t make for speedy travel either.
On the last major road trip Keegan, Donna and I drove to Heavener first and spent a few days. Then we drove down south about six hours and hit her dad’s place. Logistically, it was just as quick to return to Oklahoma and come home from there as to drive out of east Texas to Kentucky, so that’s what we did. The trip was something like 2,000 miles in eight days.
Now with Addison in tow, that’s not a drive I’m willing to make again soon. With a baby girl eating and filling up a diaper every few hours, something different had to happen.
The compromise we came to is for our brood to go to Heavener and have her folks come visit in my neck of the woods. It’s not too much of a drive for them and will save us a fortune in gas and time.
But there is still nearly 1,400 miles to be traveled in about six days time. The first and last days will mainly be on the road, leaving only about four to knock around and visit.
I had a brainstorm last weekend and decided to rent an RV for the drive. If Keegan needs the bathroom, he can just get up and go. If Addison fouls the air, we can change her and keep going. If I want a sandwich, I guess one could be brought to me if I asked really nicely. Since dad’s place isn’t large enough for all of us, the RV could serve as a motel room for her folks. I’m a genius!
I laughed as visions of Cousin Eddie’s RV in the movie Christmas Vacation flashed through my head. This was going to be awesome.
Then I called the RV place. Believe it or not there’s a national chain for such things. I’d made up my mind to double check prices and go ahead and book an RV for the trip. After taking down departure and return dates, size of the family, etc., the nice lady from the RV company informed me the rental would be ready for me to pick up in Nashville or some place in Ohio since there isn’t a dealership for them nearby. The RV was going to cost an extra 32 cents per mile after the first free 800 miles. I would have to pay extra to use the bathroom and kitchen areas. Running the generator costs $3 per hour and I’d have to fill up the RV with gas when I dropped it off, too.
Grand total, before all the additional stuff and prior to repeatedly filling up an RV that gets an estimated 10 miles per gallon, $1,000 was what I could expect to pay.
Suddenly being crammed into our 1998 Chevrolet Blazer is the best idea in the history of the world. Her dad can get a motel room, several in fact, for that kind of money.
Wish us luck, we’re going to need it.
East India - Touristic Places in Bihar - Vaishali
East India - Touristic Places in Bihar - Vaishali
by Pal Groups
Location: Vaishali is situated 35 Km from Hazipur and 55 km from Patna, Bihar. Tourist Attractions: Ashokan Pillar, Bawan Pokhar Temple, Buddha Stupa-I, Buddha Stupa-II, Raja Vishal ka Garh, Shanti Stupa, Kundupur, Coronation Tank. Best Buys: The city has not much to offer, but 100 km ahead is Madhubani, famous for its paintings with same name. Festivals: The Vaishali Mahotsav in April celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira. Nearest Tourist Destinations: Patna, Rajgir, Bodhgaya, Madhubani. When to Visit: The best time to visit this place is October to March.
About Vaishali One of Buddha's favourite resort, Vaishali, is said to be named after King Vishal, a ruler during the times of Ramayana. There exists a large, but a ruined fort, which is believed to be built by King Vishal. The city was ruled by the Lichchavis till 6th century BC. The Lichchavi state is said to be among world's first republics. The city was a major industrial center and an important town under the control of the Lichchavis. Ajatshatru, the great Magadh King, annexed Vaishali in the fifth century BC and after that Vaishali gradually lost its glory and power.
Vaishali, the birthplace of Lord Vardhman Mahavira, last Tirthankar of Jainism, is equally sacred for the Buddhists. Lord Buddha gave his last preaching in this city and announced his Mahaprayan. In tribute to Buddha, king Ashoka erected a pillar (Famous lion pillar) here. 100 years after the death of Lord Buddha, the second great Buddhist council was held here. Two stupas were made in remembrance of the event. Today Vaishali is a small town and is surrounded by mango and banana groves.
Major Tourist Attractions in Vaishali Ashokan Pillar The Lion Pillar at Kolhua, was built by Emperor Ashoka. Made of single piece of red sandstone, the pillar is capped by a 18 m high bell shaped capital. On the top is kept a life-size figure of lion.
Bawan Pokhar Temple A Hindu temple, Bawan Pokhar temple is situated on the banks of a lake called Bawan Pokhar. The old temple, built during Pala period, enshrines beautiful images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
Buddha Stupa 1 and 2 The Buddha Stupas were created in the name of the second Buddhist council. The outer stupa has a stone box, which has one-eighth of lord Buddha's ashes. The inner stupa was excavation in 1958 and it also held a stone box containing some part the ashes of the Lord Buddha.
Raja Vishal ka Garh The fort of King Vishal is in ruins today. A huge platform here, which has a circumference of about one Kilometre and walls nearly 2m high with a 43m wide moat, is said to be the parliament house of King Vishal. More than seven thousands representatives could stand here to discuss the issues.
Coronation Tank An excavated site, this place is believed as an ancient parliament house of the Lichchavi government. The water of the tank was used to anoint the selected representatives. It is located near the Raja Vishal ka Garh.
Getting There Air: The nearest airport from Vaishali is the Loknayak Jai Prakash International Airport, Patna, situated 55 km away. Rail: The nearest railhead is Hajipur, situated 35 km, which is well connected to the major cities of India. Road: Roads are the most suitable means to reach Vaishali. There are regular buses for Vaishali from Patna and other major cities of Bihar.
Accommodation Vaishali do not offer very good stay options, so majority of tourists stay in Patna. Accommodations are available in the Tourist Bunglows and Tourist Youth Hostels of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation.
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10 Travel Adventures That Won't Break The Bank
10 Travel Adventures That Won't Break The Bank
by Steenie Harvey
Dreaming of taking a Big Trip in 2007? Finances a bit tight? Well, take a look at the following destinations.
Magic, thrills and adventure, yes. But for the budget-conscious globe-trotter, what's equally important is that these are places where your dollars will stretch a long, long way. As a travel writer, I'm lucky enough to have experienced all 10--but I'd love to revisit every single one as a vacationer.
Vietnam
Vietnam packs a lot into its borders. Highlights include misty Halong Bay with its fairytale seascapes of limestone outcrops and islands; the Mekong delta with its floating markets; the old Vietcong tunnels at Cu-Chi near Saigon--now officially known as Ho Chi Minh City. (Don't worry about getting stuck: one tunnel has been specially widened for westerners.) Backpacker beds are exceptionally cheap, but decent hotels often cost less than $40. A filling bowl of pho bo beef noodle soup or six seafood spring rolls is less than a dollar. In local hangouts, Saigon Export beer costs 40 cents a bottle.
For the ultimate traffic tale to tell the folks back home, head for Hanoi's old quarter. Any attempt to cross the road turns into a heart-racing adventure. Not only are you contending with psycho-cyclos (rickshaw bicycles), there are thousands of motorbikes and scooters whose riders regard a red traffic signal as a suggestion rather than an instruction. Best place to experience the utter chaos is from within a cyclo rickshaw.
Lithuania, Eastern Europe
The southernmost of the Baltic States, visitors usually couple Lithuania together with Latvia and Estonia. However, you can easily spend a week in Lithuania alone. Quirky cities like Vilnius and Kaunas are steeped in art, music and historical curiosities...mushroom-scented woods and farmers riding on haycarts...mysterious sites steeped in pagan traditions...the windswept sands of the Curonian Spit where you can beach-comb for amber.
Mid-June would be a great time to go. A national holiday in Lithuania, the old pagan festival of Rasos marks the summer solstice. It's an all-night affair with singing, dancing, bonfire-leaping, hunting for "magic" ferns, and floating garlands down rivers. Despite some serious alcoholic partying, most people manage to stay awake to greet the sunrise. As for prices, how about $2.54 for three potato pancakes with smoked salmon and sour cream and $1 for a glass of Svyturnys beer?
Granada, Nicaragua
From the laid-back colonial city of Granada, you can do a lot in a week in Nicaragua: tackle volcanoes...take Spanish lessons...visit Masaya craft market and also the villages where rocking chairs, hammocks, and pottery are made...explore the Selva Negra's cloud forests and coffee plantations...chat with expats in the beach surfing town of San Juan del Sur...go to colonial Leon, where you might get to meet indigenous Indians. Settling into a rocking chair with a cold Victoria beer is a pleasure that generally costs under $1 and spending more than $7 on a meal is difficult. The Alhambra Hotel on Granada's main square costs a mere $30 a night.
Goa, Southern India
India is beyond fascinating, beyond anything you'll ever experience elsewhere. The easiest introduction to this teeming country is the seaside state of Goa. Baking below a tropical canopy of banana, coconut and mango trees, this drowsy world of Arabian Sea beaches, backwaters, and spice-laden breezes is stamped with more than a few reminders of Old Portugal. You'll find sunrise yoga on the beach, full massages for $8, dolphin trips for about $6, and colorful hippie markets.
Including four beers, two people can eat in a beach shack for under $10. And if you want to cut your expenses to the bone, there's accommodation in simple beach chalets for as little as $8 a night.
Porto and Northern Portugal
Famed for its port wine lodges (yes, they do offer free samples), Porto is Portugal's second city. An historic Atlantic trading port, its warren of laundry-hung alleys plunges down to a waterfront of boats, nets and fish restaurants. Sheets of cod (bacalhau) hang outside grocery stores with original art nouveau tiled facades; the church of Sao Francisco has a gold leaf interior that would make King Midas salivate. Don't miss the Bolhau food market or the Torre dos Clerigos, Portugal's highest belfry tower. From the top, you'll get great views over the jumbled cityscape of churches, bridges and red-roofed houses.
By EU standards, the price of dining, accommodation, and public transport throughout the region is astounding. Trains and buses are an affordable way to make exploratory day-trips along the coast and into the interior of terraced vineyards and green river valleys. Don't miss Braga and the thousand-stepped stairway of Bom Jesus church. On holy days, some pilgrims tackle these steps on their knees.
Montenegro
After its split from Serbia, Montenegro is Europe's latest holiday hot spot--and also the world's newest independent nation. Along with three-course meals for $7 and rooms in private houses for $10, you'll find a land of craggy mountains with a switch-backed Adriatic coastline of bays, beaches and villages of pale gray stone. The sea sparkles like blue topaz and medieval walled towns with crumbling fortresses and palaces are often emblazoned with the winged lion emblem of the Venetian Republic.
Now paint in monasteries slotted into mountain crevices and fishing villages of red-tiled roofs and deep-green shutters. Roman mosaics...olive groves...water-lilied lakes...deep canyons and the mighty Boka Kotorska, Europe's southernmost fjord...the border town of Ulcinj with its minarets and tales of pirate slave-trading.
Austria
The Alps? There's no denying that Switzerland is one of the most scenically gorgeous countries on earth. But unless you're armed with an expense account, I can promise you that exploring its mountains, lakes and medieval towns will wreak havoc on your finances.
Winter or summer, neighboring Austria has just as much of the alpine wow factor...plus the city splendors of Vienna and Salzburg. And it's a lot less expensive than you may think. For example, in the Tyrolean village of Fendels, you could rent a furnished apartment for two in a chalet next spring for as little as 175 euro ($230) per week. Surrounded by hiking trails, Fendels village makes an excellent base--the Tyrolean Oberland is close to the borders of Switzerland and Italy. (Go to the Austrian Tourist Board's web site at http://www.tiscover.at and you'll find plenty more self-catering accommodation at similar prices.)
Penang, Malaysia
A melting-pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian culture, Malaysia offers up powder white beaches and virgin rainforest teeming with wildlife; the bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur and the historic port city of Malacca; inexpensive seafood and inexpensive spa pampering; sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, golf and island-hopping.
With a distinct Chinese flavor, one of Malaysia's star turns is Georgetown, capital of Penang island. You come across snake temples, arcaded shophouses and tiny workshops specializing in mahjong tiles and dice; kong-teik craftsmen who make funerary paper artifacts; fish getting dried like laundry in the open air. On the Weld Quay waterfront, around 2,000 fishing families live in rickety wooden dwellings on the Clan Quay jetties.
Chania, Crete
On the Greek island of Crete, Chania is one town that it would be criminal to miss. Crete's former capital, its history goes back 5,000 years. In the Old Town's skinny alleyways you'll find icon workshops...lyres hanging in dusty musical instrument repair-shops...bursts of white jasmine cascading from archways...cats snoozing on balconies...the unlikely sights of a pencil-thin minaret above church towers and a mosque squatting on the waterfront.
Strung with garlands of colored light-bulbs, Chania's old Venetian harbor at dusk truly is the stuff of romance. The water shimmers in waves of crimson, sapphire and emerald, the Venetian lighthouse sends out its beady wink, and stalls do a steady trade in pistachio nuts. Alleys that were afternoon-silent become thronged with locals taking the volta--the evening stroll. Even in July and August, you'll find studio apartments here for under $40 a night...plus you can eat well for $10.
Bohemia, the Czech Republic
Prague teems with tourists but few people realize what the rest of the Czech Republic offers. One of its regions is Bohemia, blessed with a spellbinding mosaic of castles, frescoed houses and Rapunzel-style turrets straight from a sword-and-sorcery tale. At Cesky Krumlov you can peer into a medieval bear pit complete with bears. Sedlec, a suburb of Kutna Hora has a chapel entirely decorated with human bones, right down to its chandelier.
Many towns have stoupas...lofty "plague pillars" adorned with chained devils. They commemorate deliverance from the plagues, which swept Europe during the Middle Ages. Then there's Karlovy Vary, the oldest of Bohemia's grand spa towns. With spa water bubbling up all over town which visitors can collect for free, it's a gorgeous place of baroque buildings in sugar-plum colors, flowery parks, and shops glittering with Bohemian crystal.
READ MORE - 10 Travel Adventures That Won't Break The Bank
by Steenie Harvey
Dreaming of taking a Big Trip in 2007? Finances a bit tight? Well, take a look at the following destinations.
Magic, thrills and adventure, yes. But for the budget-conscious globe-trotter, what's equally important is that these are places where your dollars will stretch a long, long way. As a travel writer, I'm lucky enough to have experienced all 10--but I'd love to revisit every single one as a vacationer.
Vietnam
Vietnam packs a lot into its borders. Highlights include misty Halong Bay with its fairytale seascapes of limestone outcrops and islands; the Mekong delta with its floating markets; the old Vietcong tunnels at Cu-Chi near Saigon--now officially known as Ho Chi Minh City. (Don't worry about getting stuck: one tunnel has been specially widened for westerners.) Backpacker beds are exceptionally cheap, but decent hotels often cost less than $40. A filling bowl of pho bo beef noodle soup or six seafood spring rolls is less than a dollar. In local hangouts, Saigon Export beer costs 40 cents a bottle.
For the ultimate traffic tale to tell the folks back home, head for Hanoi's old quarter. Any attempt to cross the road turns into a heart-racing adventure. Not only are you contending with psycho-cyclos (rickshaw bicycles), there are thousands of motorbikes and scooters whose riders regard a red traffic signal as a suggestion rather than an instruction. Best place to experience the utter chaos is from within a cyclo rickshaw.
Lithuania, Eastern Europe
The southernmost of the Baltic States, visitors usually couple Lithuania together with Latvia and Estonia. However, you can easily spend a week in Lithuania alone. Quirky cities like Vilnius and Kaunas are steeped in art, music and historical curiosities...mushroom-scented woods and farmers riding on haycarts...mysterious sites steeped in pagan traditions...the windswept sands of the Curonian Spit where you can beach-comb for amber.
Mid-June would be a great time to go. A national holiday in Lithuania, the old pagan festival of Rasos marks the summer solstice. It's an all-night affair with singing, dancing, bonfire-leaping, hunting for "magic" ferns, and floating garlands down rivers. Despite some serious alcoholic partying, most people manage to stay awake to greet the sunrise. As for prices, how about $2.54 for three potato pancakes with smoked salmon and sour cream and $1 for a glass of Svyturnys beer?
Granada, Nicaragua
From the laid-back colonial city of Granada, you can do a lot in a week in Nicaragua: tackle volcanoes...take Spanish lessons...visit Masaya craft market and also the villages where rocking chairs, hammocks, and pottery are made...explore the Selva Negra's cloud forests and coffee plantations...chat with expats in the beach surfing town of San Juan del Sur...go to colonial Leon, where you might get to meet indigenous Indians. Settling into a rocking chair with a cold Victoria beer is a pleasure that generally costs under $1 and spending more than $7 on a meal is difficult. The Alhambra Hotel on Granada's main square costs a mere $30 a night.
Goa, Southern India
India is beyond fascinating, beyond anything you'll ever experience elsewhere. The easiest introduction to this teeming country is the seaside state of Goa. Baking below a tropical canopy of banana, coconut and mango trees, this drowsy world of Arabian Sea beaches, backwaters, and spice-laden breezes is stamped with more than a few reminders of Old Portugal. You'll find sunrise yoga on the beach, full massages for $8, dolphin trips for about $6, and colorful hippie markets.
Including four beers, two people can eat in a beach shack for under $10. And if you want to cut your expenses to the bone, there's accommodation in simple beach chalets for as little as $8 a night.
Porto and Northern Portugal
Famed for its port wine lodges (yes, they do offer free samples), Porto is Portugal's second city. An historic Atlantic trading port, its warren of laundry-hung alleys plunges down to a waterfront of boats, nets and fish restaurants. Sheets of cod (bacalhau) hang outside grocery stores with original art nouveau tiled facades; the church of Sao Francisco has a gold leaf interior that would make King Midas salivate. Don't miss the Bolhau food market or the Torre dos Clerigos, Portugal's highest belfry tower. From the top, you'll get great views over the jumbled cityscape of churches, bridges and red-roofed houses.
By EU standards, the price of dining, accommodation, and public transport throughout the region is astounding. Trains and buses are an affordable way to make exploratory day-trips along the coast and into the interior of terraced vineyards and green river valleys. Don't miss Braga and the thousand-stepped stairway of Bom Jesus church. On holy days, some pilgrims tackle these steps on their knees.
Montenegro
After its split from Serbia, Montenegro is Europe's latest holiday hot spot--and also the world's newest independent nation. Along with three-course meals for $7 and rooms in private houses for $10, you'll find a land of craggy mountains with a switch-backed Adriatic coastline of bays, beaches and villages of pale gray stone. The sea sparkles like blue topaz and medieval walled towns with crumbling fortresses and palaces are often emblazoned with the winged lion emblem of the Venetian Republic.
Now paint in monasteries slotted into mountain crevices and fishing villages of red-tiled roofs and deep-green shutters. Roman mosaics...olive groves...water-lilied lakes...deep canyons and the mighty Boka Kotorska, Europe's southernmost fjord...the border town of Ulcinj with its minarets and tales of pirate slave-trading.
Austria
The Alps? There's no denying that Switzerland is one of the most scenically gorgeous countries on earth. But unless you're armed with an expense account, I can promise you that exploring its mountains, lakes and medieval towns will wreak havoc on your finances.
Winter or summer, neighboring Austria has just as much of the alpine wow factor...plus the city splendors of Vienna and Salzburg. And it's a lot less expensive than you may think. For example, in the Tyrolean village of Fendels, you could rent a furnished apartment for two in a chalet next spring for as little as 175 euro ($230) per week. Surrounded by hiking trails, Fendels village makes an excellent base--the Tyrolean Oberland is close to the borders of Switzerland and Italy. (Go to the Austrian Tourist Board's web site at http://www.tiscover.at and you'll find plenty more self-catering accommodation at similar prices.)
Penang, Malaysia
A melting-pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian culture, Malaysia offers up powder white beaches and virgin rainforest teeming with wildlife; the bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur and the historic port city of Malacca; inexpensive seafood and inexpensive spa pampering; sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, golf and island-hopping.
With a distinct Chinese flavor, one of Malaysia's star turns is Georgetown, capital of Penang island. You come across snake temples, arcaded shophouses and tiny workshops specializing in mahjong tiles and dice; kong-teik craftsmen who make funerary paper artifacts; fish getting dried like laundry in the open air. On the Weld Quay waterfront, around 2,000 fishing families live in rickety wooden dwellings on the Clan Quay jetties.
Chania, Crete
On the Greek island of Crete, Chania is one town that it would be criminal to miss. Crete's former capital, its history goes back 5,000 years. In the Old Town's skinny alleyways you'll find icon workshops...lyres hanging in dusty musical instrument repair-shops...bursts of white jasmine cascading from archways...cats snoozing on balconies...the unlikely sights of a pencil-thin minaret above church towers and a mosque squatting on the waterfront.
Strung with garlands of colored light-bulbs, Chania's old Venetian harbor at dusk truly is the stuff of romance. The water shimmers in waves of crimson, sapphire and emerald, the Venetian lighthouse sends out its beady wink, and stalls do a steady trade in pistachio nuts. Alleys that were afternoon-silent become thronged with locals taking the volta--the evening stroll. Even in July and August, you'll find studio apartments here for under $40 a night...plus you can eat well for $10.
Bohemia, the Czech Republic
Prague teems with tourists but few people realize what the rest of the Czech Republic offers. One of its regions is Bohemia, blessed with a spellbinding mosaic of castles, frescoed houses and Rapunzel-style turrets straight from a sword-and-sorcery tale. At Cesky Krumlov you can peer into a medieval bear pit complete with bears. Sedlec, a suburb of Kutna Hora has a chapel entirely decorated with human bones, right down to its chandelier.
Many towns have stoupas...lofty "plague pillars" adorned with chained devils. They commemorate deliverance from the plagues, which swept Europe during the Middle Ages. Then there's Karlovy Vary, the oldest of Bohemia's grand spa towns. With spa water bubbling up all over town which visitors can collect for free, it's a gorgeous place of baroque buildings in sugar-plum colors, flowery parks, and shops glittering with Bohemian crystal.
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