Tips & Articles on Traveling, Aviation, Boating and Cruises
Archive for March, 2010
A Quick Guide To Morocco
Mar 25th
Morocco has something of an aura about it created mainly by the major tourist destinations of Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez and Rabat.
Where is it?
Morocco is on the North West coast of Africa, just across the sea from the southern tip of Spain. This means that its easy for most Europeans to reach by plane and even by road or train. Its proximity, mixed with its unique style and culture make it an increasingly popular destination.
Where can I stay?
There are a number of small, exquisite boutique hotels in Morocco. It seems to have the boutique style and attention to detail all wrapped up, making it difficult for the traveller to choose which unique hotel to stay in. Theres the Dar Zemora in Marrakech which has just five rooms, but where the decoration, furnishing and service ensure that you have the best of both worlds a perfect place to stay, with the many attractions of Marrakesh just around the corner. Alternatively, stay in the Kasbah du Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains, which reportedly has the best views in North Africa, and where your stay is enhanced by the informal feel of the hotel and the services offered. Surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the landscape, it is a place that has inspired anyone whos stayed there. Whether you want to stay in the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, on the beaches of Essaouira or in the heart of the mountains, theres a perfect hotel waiting for you.
What can I see?
Wherever youre staying, you should make an effort to visit Marrakech. The coming together of civilisations, conquerors and craftsmen makes it a truly eclectic city, yet one thats bound together by the beauty of its buildings, the simplicity of its crafts and the awe of its visitors. Its souks, or markets, which are organised by trade, are a fascinating insight into the life of Marrakechs residents and an experience not to be missed. Spend some time in the Place Djemma El Fna the citys main square, where regular entertainment keep the crowds amused, and then walk through the streets of the old town, taking in the magnificent medieval buildings and romantic gardens. The rest of Morocco holds its own delights the whitewashed buildings in the simple coastal resort of Essaouira, the regal buildings of Rabat or the market town of Tata in the Sahara you will find plenty of reasons to return to Morocco.
How do I get around?
You can hire a car in Morocco, as driving is fairly easy and it will let you explore more of the area around your chosen destination. Petrol can be expensive, so it may be wise just to hire a car for a day or two rather than for your whole stay. Morocco operates a system of shared taxis, which works out pretty cheaply and is fairly straightforward to use. Alternatively, try the bus network, which is generally comfortable and, although they may reach their destination later than a shared taxi, it will be a smoother, safer ride. If youre travelling between cities, then choose the trains, which are also comfortable and affordable.
Disneyland Vacations – 4 Steps To Booking Your Trip
Mar 25th
Some people say “80% of your vacation is the anticipation!” Let’s get started with these tips on booking a trip to the ‘House of the Mouse?’. If you have a particular interest in Disneyland Vacations, then this informative article will help, even before you strap on your mouse ears.
Disneyland park at Anaheim, CA in the USA is in fact one of the best theme parks in the world and booking a trip to Disneyland can itself get you into a good mood. However, like any vacation, you need to make sure that you’ve got your Trip to Disneyland planned out. Good planning will not only add to your enjoyment but will also help you in saving some money.
Here are some tips that will help you plan your Disneyland trip:
Before you book: You must make sure that Disneyland is open on all the days that you plan to visit Disneyland on. Though Disneyland is usually open on all days throughout the year, there might be times when it is closed e.g. Did you know that Disneyland was closed for one day in 2005 in preparation for their 50th anniversary celebrations?
Timing is everything: If you plan a trip to Disneyland during off-peak days, you not only get great deals on travel and accommodations, but also on the entry tickets for parks. Moreover, the rush in Disneyland is alot less on off-peak days so you might be able to reduce the wait time for the attractions. However, some attractions and events might not be open during off-peak times. Also, the opening hours might be limited during off peak period of the year. So, check the calendar at Disneyland website and decide on the dates you want to visit Disneyland on.
Book in advance: The general rule of booking travel / vacation applies to Disneyland too. Booking your hotel and flight in advance is especially important if you are planning to travel to Disneyland from a far off location. It can really save you a lot of money.
Booking a complete package all at once: The website of Disneyland offers many ways of booking vacation packages in one shot. You can book hotel + Air + tickets or just hotel + tickets or just the hotel through their website http://disneyland.disney.go.com This can save a lot amount of time and hassle. However, if you want, you can book your trip through a variety of travel agents too.
There’s a lot to understand about Disneyland in California. In knowing the facts above, your trip to Disneyland will be a much more enjoyable experience, but there is still plenty more you’ll learn about in subsequent articles.
Cosmos Luxury Yacht Charter
Mar 25th
Planning Your Luxury Trip
With your budget in mind, it is easy to plan a chartered yacht vacation. Companies often have a fleet of sailing vessels that can accommodate parties of various sizes. You may want to make it a more intimate trip with only close family. There are charters that can be rented for as few as two people. These include either a sailboat or motorboat and can come with or without a crew and captain to sail the ship for you. If you choose not to hire a crew, you will have to show that you are knowledgeable of sailing and can handle the ship competently.
The next part of planning is to determine your starting and ending ports. This could be a place close to home and sail in one area or start and finish at two different ports. Generally, starting and stopping in the same port will save you money and is usually more convenient.
You can also fly to a destination far from home and then sail another exotic sea. There are luxury yacht charter companies that cruise the Caribbean and Mediterranean seas or around Alaska, the Panama Canal, or anyplace you can imagine.
Determining the type of cruise is another aspect of planning a chartered yachting trip. You can have as little or many crew members as the ship will hold. A captain takes all the worries out of navigating and onboard housekeeping services make it a real vacation that rivals the finest hotel services. You can also choose to have a chef and service crew as part of your vacation package.
If you like the idea of knowing what it is really like to sail, but dont want to risk safety, you can charter a sailing cruise that puts you in the role of deck hand. A competent crew will direct you as to your chores for keeping the ship in top shape and on course.
Destinations & Ports of important Charter Companies
One of the greatest benefits of choosing a chartered cruise as a vacation is the choice. You will most likely have a rough itinerary and that can be affected by weather. However, you are flexible in deciding how long you want to stay in a particular port and if you want to add or subtract stops along the way.
Your yacht is your hotel that travels with you. There is only one flight and one hotel to book! Then you take all of your luggage and unpack it just once to enjoy several days of new destinations.
If you have never experienced cruising before, a chartered experience is a great way to get your feet wet. It is different from cruise lines with thousands of guests because the people on your ship will be your friends and family. The personal touches of a chartered trip will help you develop your love for the sea with all the best benefits of commercial cruises.
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Antarctic Cruise – An Adventure Vacation For Everybody
Mar 25th
If you really want to get away from it all, think about a cruise to Antarctica.
Underneath the ice at the South Pole is a land mass that used to be much nearer the equator, where it was forested with a normal variety of animal life. AS the continent drifted south, at a rate of centimetres a century, the species living there evolved to cope with the changing climate.
Those animals still live there. The continent, or at least the Southern Ocean surrounding it are teeming with wildlife. This is the only place on Earth where wild animals have not learnt to be afraid of humans, meaning that you can get really close to these animals in their natural habitat.
This area may not be inhabited by many people but there is an enormous variety of wildlife, including various species of whales, seals and sea-lions. You will see Rockhopper penguins, Magellanic penguins, Adelie, Chinstrap, Gentoo and King penguins. For those interested in flying birds there are Albatross, Kelp Gulls and Terns.
Most people are interested in seeing Orca, killer whales, and this is certainly an impressive species, especially when seen in family groups.
An Antarctic cruise will enable you to see the Antarctic coastline and visit some of the islands of the Southern Ocean. Many of these islands have only a very small human population, others are uninhabited (by people anyway.) The silence away from the ship is simply stunning.
Visit the graves of some of the early Antarctic explorers such as Shackleton and venture amongst the islands and icebergs in a Rigid Inflatable Zodiac Boat (RIB).
That’s just the activities OFF the ship. Of course you have the normal exciting cruise ship lifestyle on board, with all luxuries available. No ordinary cruise this, though. You will have so much to tell people when you return home from your out of the ordinary holiday to the Earth’s least known continent at the end of the world.
Chester City guide, including hotels
Mar 25th
Visit Chester and discover a delightful cultural mix that evolves when a 21st century city has been shaped by 2,000 years of history. Within the city walls Chester combines five star luxuries, exclusive stores, excellent dining and a vibrant nightlife with attractions such as a Roman Amphitheatre and Gothic Cathedral.
Places of interest:
Chester boasts a complete circuit of historic walls, sections of which date back to Roman times, Chesters most unique feature is the 13th century Rows two tiers of enticing shops, running through the main streets. Other attractions include the beautiful River Dee, the recently restored Grosvenor and Cheshire Military Museums, a Roman Amphitheatre, the Grosvenor Park and the citys famous Roodee Racecourse.
The Roman Amphitheatre, the largest arena ever uncovered in Britain.
The famous Chester Rows are unique, being two-tiered galleries built in the traditional black and white magpie style. They offer a wide range of shops selling goods from antiques to high fashion.
Grosvenor Museum offers visitors the chance to explore 2000 years of Chester history. This includes Roman life, Chester wildlife – past and present, art galleries, and a unique Chester timeline. Entrance is free. You can take a light hearted journey through the Roman heritage of Chester. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours and can be provided, on request, at any time of the year.
Chester Zoo is one of Europe’s leading conservation zoos, with over 7,000 animals living in spacious and natural enclosures. The zoofari overhead railway and waterbus cater for your transportation needs. There is also a Children’s Farm complete with Marmot Mania, brass rubbings and face-painting.
Chester Market, having been established in Chester since Roman times, is one of the oldest functions of the council.
Things to do:
There are many ways of seeing the attractions and surrounding areas of Chester. Tours by Foot, Bus, Rail and Waterway are all available. If you enjoy the festival atmosphere you can relax at the Chester races, the annual international film festival or food and drinks festival. All tastes are catered to in historic Chester.
Chester Racecourse holds meetings throughout the summer months including the May Festival, a Family fun day and a Roman day. There has been racing on the Roodee at Chester for over 450 years and the thrill of watching a race at Chester unfolding before you from the sophisticated surroundings of the courses enclosures or the vantage point of the City walls is an unforgettable experience.
Bus tours operate from the Chester Visitor Centre that allows you to discover Chester from the comfort of a coach. Commentary is provided along the way by a knowledgeable and experienced guide. The tours take in such sites as the Amphitheatre, the River Dee and its bridges, the Old Port, and the Racecourse.
The Annual Food and Drink Festival celebrate the success of local producers where they exhibit their fayre to over 6,000 food and drink lovers.
The International Film Festival is run by the Chester Film Society. This popular annual event showcases fringe cinema from all over the world. The festival runs for a week, generally during early spring.
A Cruise along the Waterways of Cheshire is not only relaxing but offers a chance to enjoy the attractive sites of historic interest, heritage and culture of the area. There are more miles of canals here than in any other English county.
A Town Crier is a regular feature in the summer months You can enjoy this midday flamboyant spectacle at the Cross in the heart of the City, from Tuesday to Saturday from May to September.
Food & Drink:
There is plenty of opportunity to pause and take refreshment during your strolls around Chester in one of the many cafes, restaurants and wine bars. Contained within this vibrant city is an eating scene of diverse proportions. The styles of foods available include Italian, Chinese, Thai, Indian and some of the best bars, night clubs and coffee houses you can imagine.
Samsi Japanese Yakitori Bar. Instead of the menu being divided the traditional manner of starters and main course you will find that most dishes are available in appetiser and main course portions. For people unaccustomed to Japanese food assistance is available.
Vito’s Trattoria Pizzeria. This is a traditional pizzeria where the waiters pace about with enormous pepper mills and straw-wrapped Chianti bottles hold candles over gingham tablecloths. All the old favourite dishes appear on the long menu.
Chez Jules Restaurant. Located in a former fire station this is a bistro style restaurant where the reasonably priced menu is changed daily. There are usually about six starters and the same number of mains on offer. It is a firm favourite with the locals.
Mongolian Barbeque. An award-winning restaurant that offers customers the chance to choose their own combination of meat, fish and vegetables and then watch as they are stir fried on a huge Mongolian style griddle.
The Boot Inn, Chesters oldest public house dates back to 1643, its faade was rebuilt and restored in the late 19th century and again in 1988. This very attractive 17th Century inn is accessible from the street level by narrow stony staircase. This leads into a large hall, which is divided into two main sections. Features include a fireplace, a large bar counter, low ceilings and exposed beams.
Hotels & Accommodation:
The city of Chester has a wide range of hotels and quality assured guest houses suitable for the business traveller and tourist alike. Elsewhere in Cheshire your options include luxurious country house hotels, excellent farmhouse B&Bs and self catering.
Macdonald Blossoms Hotel
Higher Huxley Hall Non-Smoking
Alton Lodge
Best Western Queen Hotel
Quality Hotel Chester
Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel
Eaton Hotel Non Smoking
Dene Hotel Chester
The Chester Grosvenor and Spa
Comfort Inn Chester
Ramada Chester
Brookside Hotel
Llyndir Hall Hotel
Chester Moat House
De Vere Carden Park Hotel Golf Resort Spa
Broxton Hall Country House Hotel
St. David’s Park Hotel
Mollington Banastre Hotel
Best Western Westminster Hotel
Thornton Hall Classic Hotel
Hoole Hall Hotel
Express by Holiday Inn Chester Racecourse
Crabwall Manor
Gateway To Wales Hotel
Entertainment
Telfords Warehouse is an independent family run bar/restaurant and an internationally renowned music and arts venue. Upstairs is a popular restaurant and contemporary art gallery. The lower area and bar are reserved for the many popular live music nights which having played host too many famous names that have helped to establish Telfords as one of the most important venues in the country.
The Miniature Theatre of Chester is based at the Chester Town Hall, performing works that include both world premieres and plays by local talent.
Chester Theatre Club, based at the little theatre, was founded in 1944 and stages 6 plays per year. The auditorium seats 126 and there is a licensed bar
Alexander’s Jazz Theatre is the leading North West venue for jazz, blues and rock artists. It hosts Chester Jazz and Blues Festival. Alexander’s is also a famous for the alternative comedy nights every Saturday.
Chester is an excellent destination for that short break. It is a city where you can immerse yourself in history, shopping or elegance. This Roman city and its 21st century delights will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
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