Dream Style Vacations For You

New Zealand Offers Many Exciting Vacation Opportunities

Justin Davey — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 02:58:47 +0000

YouTube: 100% Pure New Zealand

A vacation in New Zealand offers a wide range of experiences from miles of beautiful ocean beaches to rugged mountains, glaciers, fjords, volcanoes, diverse agriculture, romantic cities, and friendly people. Although it may seem far away, you will be in for a very special adventure once you arrive. So let’s take a look at some of the possibilities that nature has to offer.

New Zealand is surrounded by ocean on all sides with beautiful beaches and rugged coastal areas for you to explore and enjoy.They are considered the closest thing to natural beauty that any traveler may ever find.

New Zealand is an island country of 103,483 square miles in the south-western Pacific Ocean. The North Island (43,911 square miles) is separated from the South Island (58,384 square miles) by the Cook Strait with ferry service between Wellington and Picton that takes about 3 hours. About 76% of the population of 4.4 million lives in on the North Island. You can experience an amazing vacation any time of the year.

The South Island is divided along its length by the Southern Alps with 12,316 foot Mount Cook being the highest. The western side is famous for its rugged coastline, fjords, and glaciers. The Fox Glacier falls 2,600m on its 13km journey from the Southern Alps to the west coast, ending is a lush rainforest only 300m above the ocean. During the last ice age, the Fox Glacier reached beyond the present shoreline. The 12km long Franz Joseph Glacier is just 20km north of the Fox Glacier.

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, so summer is December, January, & February. New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall, and many hours of sunshine throughout most of the country.

Be sure to visit the Lake Taupo region on the North Island. It is the site of the world’s largest volcanic eruption in the last 5000 years. You can still see active volcanoes, spectacular steaming cliffs, geysers, boiling lakes, bubbling mudpools, and floating pumice rocks.

The North Island is also known for extreme sports such as bungee jumping. On the west coast you can experience the thrill of black water rafting (cave rafting) to get your adrenaline rush. Of course there are other things to do that are not so extreme.

You can relax your mind and spirit with a stroll on the Ninety Mile Beach during a lovely day or beautiful night under the stars. It is located on the western coast at the northern most tip between Kaitaia and Cape Reinga. This is a famous tourist destination, especially the northern dunes where you can bodyboard. You will not run out of walking space here!

So why not pack your bags for an adventure of a lifetime and see the many splendid wonders of nature? This is an experience you should not miss.

YouTube: Morning helicopter ride up to Fox glacier, passing over Franz Joseph Glacier. We stopped half way to let a hiker off and then continued. It was amazing to see from above the glacier that I had only yesterday been hiking up.

8 Incredible National Parks Of The World To Explore & Enjoy

Adriana Noton — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 10:21:05 +0000

YouTube: Masai Mara Safari. Thanks to its wildebeests, lions and cheetahs the Mara, Kenya, is the most predator-packed reserve in the world. This is an excellent experience for anyone wanting to get up close and personal with wildlife in Kenya.

The following 8 National Parks from around the World offer an incredible vacation experience for any family or individual. Each is truly worthy of consideration for your next vacation. Experience the fresh crisp air, beautiful scenery, warm sun, and rugged shorelines to regain your sense of wonder, relaxation, and contentment. This is a great way to escape the pressures of work and regain a sense of tranquility.

Swiss National Park: This park is located in the easternmost part of Switzerland. It is the largest protected area and is home to many animals, plants, wild flowers, and alpine meadows. Only 150 000 people a year can visit the park. This park is closed during the winter.

Acadia National Park: Located in Maine, USA, it is a beautiful park with inspiring mountains. It is well known for its rugged coastline and wide ranging plant and animal life. Visitors enjoy swimming, hiking, and biking through this stunning park. During the summer months, one can swim at Sand Beach and Echo Lake Beach. There are also guided tours available. Acadia National Park is open year round, but the campgrounds and roads are closed during the winter.

Masai Mara Reserve: Located in Kenya, Africa, it is home to many exotic animals such as the Wildebeest, Zebra, Crocodiles, Leopards and much more. The reserve is 583 square miles in size. It is a great place for bird-watching, wildlife viewing, and photography.

Grand Canyon National Park: Located in Arizona, USA, it is an amazing natural wonder. Every year, an estimated 5 million people visit the Grand Canyon National Park. Visitors can take in the breathtaking view and enjoy many hiking excursions. People can also river raft on the Colorado River.

Serengeti Park: Located in Tanzania, Africa, it is home to many exotic animals such as the lion and leopard. Landscapes include: amazing mountains, grassy plains, and wooded hills. Almost 1.5 million wildebeest undertake a long journey to locate new watering holes and grazing pasture.

Yellowstone National Park: Located in Wyoming, USA, it was the first national park in the United States. It is also home to the famous geyser, Old Faithful. One can watch the eruption of Old Faithful, go horse back riding, and even go Llama packing.

Galapagos National Park: More than 1.7 million acres comprise the Galapagos Park in the Ecuador. It is home to many incredible animals. Tourism is being promoted in an environmentally conscious way so as to protect the land, waters, and species that inhabit the area.

Skaftafell National Park: Located in the southern part of Iceland, it is the country’s second largest national park. It is a great park to hike with its amazing, craters, glacial caps, plains, and volcanoes. There are even campgrounds.

Taking a vacation that includes spending time in a national park will make your holiday much more exciting and memorable. Whatever park you choose, it is important to check with the park officers about safety and rules that must be obeyed. A National Park is one of nature’s most valuable gifts that can be enjoyed inexpensively.

YouTube: Galapagos Islands documentary. The Galápagos archipelago, with a population of around 30,000, is a province of Ecuador, a country in northwestern South America, and the islands are all part of Ecuador’s national park system.

YouTube: The Skaftafell National Park is located near the highest mountain in Iceland (Oraefajokull). Glaciers on one side and the large Skeidararsandur on the other side make this a special place.

A Summer Vacation In Turkey Has Much To Offer

Morten Elm — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 21:46:04 +0000

YouTube: Alanya, Turkey

Turkey is a great place for a summer vacation. The sun shines and there are many great beaches. After a full day you can enjoy a delicious Turkish dinner and then explore the wild nightlife. Let’s explore some of the diverse places you might want to visit.

The beach is a great place for relaxing. Rent a deck chair or play some beach volleyball. You can also try one of the water activities like banana boat, jet skiing or parasailing.

If you get tired sun bathing, you can trek in the mountain. If you like it a little wilder, mountain climbing and ravine climbing is also a possibility. Other options are diving, rafting and sea kayaking.

Ten percent of all tourists in Turkey stay in Alanya. And the reason is probably the great combination of beaches and sights. The most interesting sight is the castle hill 250 meter (820 feet) above the sea. From the top you can see how the hill divides the two beaches. There is also a great view of Alanya and the surrounding country.

A popular attraction for the kids is Water Planet Aquapark, one of Turkey’s largest water parks. Here you find everything from water slides and rafting to crazy golf and bungee jumping. In the evening you can shop branded goods (both real and fake) in Alanya. Finish your day in one of the many bars and discos.

Antalya is not like the other holiday destinations. It has developed from a small fisher village to a holiday destination. With its 500,000 residents you will see more locals than tourists. So a visit to Antalya will give you a better look at the real Turkey.

In Alanya you will find a lot of shopping streets, centers and bazaars. But there are also a lot of great sights. In the old town Kaleici you will find a lot of traces of the Roman Empire. It is also a great place to see the typical Turkish everyday life, where old women prepare the dinner while the men play dominoes.

The number one golf destination in Turkey is without doubt Belek. Eight golf courses can be found in the area and many more are on their way. It might be necessary to book several months before the holiday if you are going in the high season.

But Belek is more than playing golf. Here is a fantastic nature and an incredible silence, which are not found in the livelier holiday destinations such as Alanya and Side. Belek is also a paradise for bird lovers. The city does of course also have fine shopping and several water parks.

Kemer might have the most beautiful location in Turkey. Surrounded by the Mediterranean and the Taurus Mountains is this special place. The city does have a unique mix of the real Turkey and a modern holiday village. The city has an elegant marina, beautiful beach promenades and lively pedestrian streets.

For some sightseeing you can visit the ruins of Phaselis, the winter location for Alexander the Great. Another great place (especially for the kids) is the 55,000 m2 Moonlight Park in the middle of Kemer. Here you find a playground, restaurants, bars, discos; and even a dolphinarium

Kusadasi is another fishing village which has developed into a holiday destination. The city has a lot of great Turkey restaurants, and while the nightlife is not a wild as in Alanya or Side, there is still a small bar street with discos and bars.

There is an international feeling in the city because of the many cruise ships; most of them come to see the famous sight Efesos (also called Efesus) near Kusadasi. So if you like smart cafes and international clothing brands, Kusadasi is the city for you.

If you are looking for a romantic holiday destination, Side might be the answer. In the old town you can see many Roman building. Do also walk a little away from the main street and take stroll among the well-preserved wood and stone houses in the quieter streets. Finish the day in the city theater, where concerts and theater have replaced the gladiator fights.

Combine culture with pleasure by visiting one of Side’s most popular bars located among the ruins of two temples from the 2nd century. Spend the day at the beach, either the quit eastern beach or the lively and kid friendly western beach.

YouTube: Ephesus, Kusadasi, Turkey

Bulgaria Is A Popular Vacation Destination For The Whole Family

Jayne Naylor — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:54:14 +0000

YouTube: Bulgaria in Eastern Europe on the Black Sea is Paradise on Earth

Bulgarian holidays offer diverse opportunities for the whole family at affordable rates. Nessebar on the Black Sea is one of the most popular tourist destinations with several large resorts. Sunny Beach is the largest resort and is located immediately north of Nessebar. Elenite is another perfect place for a family vacation. You can expect great value for the price when vacationing in Bulgaria.

The inland of Bulgaria boasts dense fauna and flora in the forests; magnificent mountains; national parks that are home to animal species including bears and golden eagles; sweetly scented rose valleys and natural springs. All this makes Bulgaria a rich and diverse country which welcomes tourists to this country.

In the Eastern Parts of the Balkans, Bulgaria borders on Yugoslavia, Romania, Turkey and Greece and has a golden coastline of approximately 400 kilometers long. With no tides, the Black Sea is safe for swimming for adults and kids alike and the majority of beaches boast EEC Blue Flags.

The warm temperatures of the Black Sea as well as the low salt levels make for beautiful swimming beaches. Summer days bring about approximately 10 hours of sunshine and summer time temperatures average between 26-28C.

Bulgaria offers plenty in the line of entertainment. For those looking for something traditional, you can go to a folklore evening that offers music and dance along with hearty cuisine and good wines. Legends are told with the use of musical instruments, extravagant local costumes to depict mythical figures as well as animals. Fire dances take place as the end of performances.

Water sports are popular all over Bulgaria, on fresh water lakes as well as on the Black Sea coastline.

Craft workshops are offered for tourists as well as locals to teach them how to make interesting crafts and curios. You can also purchase jewelry, traditional crafts, leather goods and more at the local markets and boutiques.

Winter months bring about skiing as well as snowboarding in the snow slopes. Bird watching is another great way to pass the time in beautiful surroundings. Walking in the national parks and on the sunlit beaches can be enjoyed at no cost. You can also observe the surroundings by bicycle.

So why not come to Bulgaria and enjoy a vacation of a lifetime?

YouTube: The 24 Wonders of Bulgaria

YouTube: Pictures of some of the newest resorts of Bulgaria — mostly along the Black Sea coast.

Vacation In Turkey’s Bodrum & Experience Old-World Charm

John Barker — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 17:18:53 +0000

YouTube: Kumsal is a Turkish belly dancer and teacher from Istanbul. As a 25 years old young new generation dancer she became famous in Turkey with an oriental dance competition held in 2004 on national TV. She dances in winter times in Istanbul famous night clubs such as Sultana’s, Dedikodulu Meyhane. In summer times she dances in famous dance club Kervansaray in Bodrum. She has appeared on national television, magazines, news papers after becoming successful in the oriental dance competition. She had ballet education in Turkey but then oriental dance became her passion as well as a career in Turkey. She went to Japan for stage shows and danced in famous trade fair shows as well. She teaches both in Egyptian and Turkish style. In her classes veil work, floor work, finger cymbals, body posture are the main subjects.

Situated on the Aegean Coast, Bodrum’s charming (and mainly original and old-world) landscape is dotted with bars and nightclubs featuring a nightlife second to none. However, it’s not all about the nighttime. The daytime is just as much fun with plenty of things to see and do. A number of historical attractions such as the Castle of St Peter, the Mausoleum, and the Myndos Gate provide an interesting and educational overview of the area’s history. There are many activities such as sailing and boating and hamams (Turkish baths), that will keep you happy during the hot sunny days.

The sun shines for around 300 days a year in Bodrum, making it the perfect holiday destination for the sun worshiper, and between May and October you’ll find the best weather. August temperatures regularly reach a very warm 35C+ with over 12 hours of beautiful Turkish sun. There is generally a nice coastal breeze that helps to keep humidity to a welcome level. These temperatures obviously mean it’s advisable to ensure you book somewhere with air conditioning. In addition to the great warm weather, the Agean sea warms up to about 25C so you are guaranteed a nice warm swim. Things do cool down in Spring and Autumn, but even then it is far from cold.

Just outside Bodrum is Bitez, otherwise known as Agacli (meaning “full of trees”), which gets its name from the fact it is one of the main citrus growing areas of the Bodrum peninsular. The promenade is lined with restaurants and cafes offering every nationality of cuisine with a view of the cleanest beaches on the peninsular. The clientele of Bitez attracts more of an older circle, giving it that high-class feel. This is amplified by the white washed hotels and apartments that overlook the sandy beach with its picturesque wooden jetties, which plays host to a popular windsurfing and sailing school with Bitez cove being the ideal place for the beginner.

Turkish Markets are a must for any holiday maker and Milas Market is one of the biggest in the area. With everything from textiles to perfumes to fruit and more, it is an extraordinary place to visit. The stallholders are uniquely Turkish and this being a”proper” market, you’ll find them courteous and the whole place does not have that “holidaymakers” market feel. There’s still plenty of opportunity to find that perfect souvenir with handicrafts and local weaving and produce in abundance. If you’re up for it, forget eating out and enjoy putting together your next meal from the local offerings. With so much on offer you’ll find everything you need for that perfect lunch! There is so much to experience, you’ll wonder where the time has gone as you wander round the masses of stalls. Once you’re finished at the market you may fancy a change of pace. Just a little north of Milas you will find Lake Bafa where the northern shore of the lake’s steep slopes are covered by wild or semi-domesticated olive trees that are virtually untouched to this day. According to legend, it was here that the goddess Selene fell in love with the shepherd Endymion and she asked Zeus to keep the young shepherd in perpetual sleep and bore up to fifty children from her nightly encounters with the sleeping young man.

The Bodrum peninsular has managed to keep its charm. There are many villages and hamlets to explore, with Karakaya being a fine example. With its beautiful views across the Aegean and lovingly restored house, it is a very special place to visit. Many of the local communities welcome your visit and the bazaars and villages are the ideal way to explore. Comakdag village lies on the Izmir Milas road on a picturesque mountain slope. With its native culture and heritage, you’ll find it a welcome place with its artistic houses. You may even be lucky and witness one of its wedding feasts that can last for days. Many beautiful local silk weavings are available int the stores and worn by the residents. Rabbit Island is another fabulous place to visit and is situated between the Bodrum and Gumusluk beaches and is accessed by paddling across the sunken causeway, a treat in itself.

If golf is your thing, it is available only 15 minutes outside Bodrum. Vita Park lies close to Tuzla Bay, a unique wetland habitat for a number of rare bird species and flamingos. The resort encompasses a total area of one and a half million square meters, including the 5795-metre course, clubhouse and the Mike Adams Golf Academy. The par-71 Milas course is the first course finished and is reminiscent of a Scottish links course. The second course, the Halikarnas, is currently under construction and is designed to have a dramatic Arizona golf course look.

Bodrum is a perfect place to experience a delightful Turkish holiday. It still has a unique blend of old world charm with quiet unspoiled villages as well as great night life. There is something for everyone. Visit Turkish Sun for more information.