Latest Travel Articles

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Chile is incredibly diverse...from the cool southern tip, to the dry northern regions, this country is stunning. From Colonial towns and lush thriving vineyards to the deep, formidable fjords. Chile is waiting to be discovered. Here are just a few of the areas you might visit while on a tour of Chile.

Santiago:  Santiago de Chile is a modern, sophisticated city with impressive infrastructure, world-class dining and shopping within easy proximity to neighboring regions well known for wine and impressive scenery. Take the funicular to see the Statue of the Virgin atop Cerro San Cristobal. It is a great photo opportunity, as it provides a great view of the city. Other sights include the Museum of Natural History, Santa Lucia Hill and a cathedral which has a painting of the Last Supper.

Valparaiso:  This is Chile's oldest and largest port city. It offers both a rich cultural and architectural legacy, with an intricately woven tapestry of streets and alleyways. Valparaiso is one of Latin America's most interesting urban areas. Visit Victoria Square, the Naval Maritime Museum and the Church of La Matriz.  Ride on the cable cars, also known as ascensores.

Torres del Paine National Park:  Found in remote Patagonia to the south, these soaring granite peaks are surrounded by glaciers, wilderness and lakes.  You will see amazing scenery and lots of wildlife, including everything from pink flamingos, to herds of sheep and guanacos.

Easter Island:  These mysterious and exotic Pacific islands are home to friendly indigenous Polynesians and the famous ancient stone faces. Some of the ancient sites you can see are Ahu Tahai, Orongo, Ahu Vaihu and Rano Kau.

Puerto Montt:  The scenery in this area is amazing.  You would not expect to see Alpine houses in Chile, but in fact this area was settled by Germany's in the 1800's, so you see the influence still today.  Puerto Montt is excellent for trout fishing and skiing in the winter.

Punta Arenas:  This is know as the gateway to Antarctica, and is the southernmost city in the world.  It is a small area that can be toured in about an hour. See the monument to Hernando de Magallanes in the main square, the bell tower and cathedral.

October through March are the best months for South America tours and travel to Chile. Like in many European cities, dinner is normally eaten after 8 p.m.  so make sure you eat a late lunch or have a snack.  If you are interested in shopping, the most popular items are blankets, wool rugs, pottery, Easter Island statues, hand made jewelry and local wines

S Brage http://www.atlastravelweb.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_Brage http://EzineArticles.com/?Places-to-Visit-in-Chile&id=2736596

 

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

For a tropical vacation with a host of natural wonders take a look at Costa Rica and Panama. The tropical rainforest is on your doorstep in these neighbouring countries where ecotourism is a major industry. There are many options for enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife here plus magnificent beaches where you can simply lay back and relax.

Ecotourism Leader

Costa Rica and Panama are in the most ecologically diverse region on the planet so it's no wonder ecotourism is big here.

• Sustainable tourism and conservation are very important to these countries which strive to preserve the environment.
• Costa Rica has long been a leader in this area and in recent years Panama has been following similar practices.
• Many areas have been preserved as National Parks or Wildlife Refuges.
• Hotels and lodges are carefully assessed for their environmentally friendly practices.

The people live close to nature and visitors come to experience it first hand. From rain forest canopy tours to hiking and caving, there is a wide range of options for discovering the unique natural bounty of the region.

There are also beautiful secluded beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides with surfing a big draw on the Pacific coast. It's easy to combine your eco-adventure with a beach vacation in Costa Rica and Panama.

Natural & Man Made Wonders

• Rain forests, mangrove swamps, Caribbean and Pacific beaches, cloud forests, rivers and volcanoes both active and dormant are found here.
• The region is so rich in wildlife you often see monkeys and sloths as you drive down the road. The wildlife figures are staggering:
  • Costa Rica: 205 mammal species, more than 200 reptiles, 150 amphibians, more than 850 birds and 1,000 species of butterflies.
  • Panama: 218 mammal species, 226 reptile, 164 amphibian, 125 animal species found nowhere else in the world and 940 bird species, the largest number in Central America.
• The man made wonder of the Panama Canal adds another dimension to your Panama vacation. You can watch ships from around the world transit the Miraflores Locks at the observation centre.

Outdoor Adventures:  Windsurfing, Surfing, white water rafting, kayaking, snorkeling, suba diving, hot air ballooning, canopy ziplining, rain forest aerial trams, trekking, mountain biking, bicycling, horseback riding, bungee jumping, caves exploration and golf.

Wildlife Encounters:

Wherever you go there will be opportunities to experience the abundant wildlife. Here are a few examples:

• Sea Turtles: This is one of the best areas to observe several species of sea turtles. You can see the rare spectacle of females coming ashore to lay their eggs and turtle hatching at The Ostional National Wildlife Refuge and Tortuguelo National Park in Costa Rica and Isla de Cañas in Panama.
• Bird Watching: The region is a must for birders seeking the hundreds of species that thrive here. Panama's Canopy Tower is one of many spots specifically geared for bird watching. The Tower even has a birdmobile to transport birders to remote viewing locations.
• Wildlife Walks: Take a guided walk to see and learn about birds and animals. An example is the walk along the Chagras River in Panama where you'll see various species of monkeys, sloths, anteaters, iguanas and a variety of birds. Your guide will point out wildlife and interesting tropical flora and fauna along the way.
• Ecolodges: Lodges in the rain forest or cloud canopy give you a chance to easily observe birds and wildlife which may come right to your accommodation. Hike the surrounding trails to see more of the abundant flora and fauna.
• Swim with Sea Life: In Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, swim with schools of tropical fish off Cano Island. This is a snorkeling and scuba diving haven where it's possible to mingle with giant moray eels, white tip reef sharks as well as the gentler sea turtles, octopus and jackfish

Atlas Cruises and Tours offers many South America Tours visit : http://www.escortedsouthamericatours.com

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Ireland offers vibrant cities, picturesque villages, and beautiful countrysides. With affordable airfares from most major U.S. cities, Ireland is an ideal getaway.

A tour of all the major cities in Ireland would take 12 to 14 days, however keep in mind that this is just an overview of the sites. You will find that these itineraries typically spend only one or two nights in the larger cities, and are on the move the rest of the time getting from place to place. This is why many travelers choose to focus on a specific region of Ireland, to ensure they can take everything in.

The larger cities of Galway, Limerick, Killarney, Cork, Belfast and Dublin offer their own unique style with central locations that are perfect for exploring the countryside.

Dublin, which is the capital of Ireland, is a favorite of travelers. Visit pubs, museums, restaurants and shops. Popular sites include St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Malahide Castle, Guinness Storehouse and the Garden of Remembrance. Take time to stroll through Dublin's beautiful Georgian squares. Enjoy entertainment at a theatre, club or pub with traditional Irish music.

Killarney is considered the tourist capital of Ireland due to its natural beauty and the world-renowned Ring of Kerry. Other popular sites are Ross Castle, Dingle and Tralee, Ladies View and the McGillicuddy Reeks. Golfers can enjoy some of the world's best championship golf courses nearby.

Belfast is a thriving city in Northern Ireland, rich in history and culture. It is said to have some of the best nightlife in Ireland. Wonderful restaurants, shops, pubs and old markets offer plenty to do.

The city of Limerick, off of the River Shannon, is ideally located for a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Village and King John's Castle. Durty Nelly's is one of the most famous pubs in the area.   Located in South West Ireland, Cork boasts beautiful scenery of river valleys as well as the sandstone hills of the west. From here you can visit the Blarney Stone, Blarney Castle, Woollen Mills and the affluent town of Kinsale. Walking through Cork, you can see the Opera House, St. Ann Shandon Church, St. Finbarr's Cathedral.

Galway is full of narrow streets and medieval buildings which make you feel like you have gone back in time.  See the Spanish Arch, the Church of St. Nicholas and Lynch's castle.

The shorter tours typically allow you to spend at least two nights in each of the major cities, so that you have some free time to venture out on your own. You can always add a few nights before or after your tour begins as well. Tour accommodations range from budget hotels and inns, to five star hotels and overnight castle stays. Of course the better the accomodations, the higher the price. Another thing to consider when selecting a tour is how much sightseeing is included, versus what is going to be offered as optional and cost additional while you are on your trip. Also, how many meals are included, as this can be a considerable savings to you in Europe. Are there any special trips or highlights included? All of these factors can affect the price of a tour, but you may find that spending a little more up front, is a better value in the end to ensure you are getting the most from your visit.

In 8 to 10 days, you can take a Southern Ireland tours and spend time in Dublin, Shannon, Killarney and Waterford, which will include highlights and visits to such places as the Old Jameson Distillery, Bunratty, Ring of Kerry, Kenmare, the Blarney kissing stone and Waterford Crystal Factory.

On an 8 to 10 day trip to Northern Ireland, you would stay in places such as Galway, Derry, Shannon and Dublin.  The drive from the west cost over to the east coast incorporates natural beauty as well as historical sites. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and the Connemara region. Some of the trip highlights may include Kylemore Abbey, Glenveagh National Park, Giant's Causeway, Trinity College and St. Stephen's Green.

You can take an   rel="nofollow" [http://www.escortedirelandtours.com/]Ireland tour year round, but the best weather is found May through October. Weather can always get chilly, so pack warm clothing for the evenings. If you don't mind the cold weather, then in the winter there are far less crowds and prices are about 40% lower than traveling during peak season.

You can find great shopping in Ireland for hand-cut crystal, Irish Whiskey, jewelry, handmade sweaters and more.

S Brage http://www.atlastravelweb.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_Brage http://EzineArticles.com/?Ireland-Tours&id=2725210

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

One of the most frequently asked questions we are asked that pertains to fall foliage travel, is "When is the Best Time to see the changing of the leaves?" 

Witness the magnificent Fall Foliage of New England, starting in Boston and then traveling along Maine's rocky coast to Portland. Enjoy time in Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, picturesque Acadia National Park, and feast at a traditional Maine lobster bake. More stops in New Hampshire, Vermont and Connecticut will add to your unforgettable journey.

See oranges, yellows, reds, purples and browns burst into bloom in the autumn, painting a colorful backdrop to the white steeped villages of New England, the dramatic seascapes of Maritime Canada and the magnificent Rocky Mountains.

Keep in mind, fall colors can be affected by wind, temperature and moisture. Mother nature can be unpredictable, so try to make your trip for other sites & events around New England, as well as the changing of the leaves. The peak travel season is typically mid-September to early October. We normally suggest after September 23rd through mid-October. Peak fall foliage in New England works its way down from the north. The further north you go, the earlier the peak. Many popular tour itineraries include Vermont, New Hampshire (Kancamagus Scenic Highway) and Massachusetts (the Mohawk Trail.) 

Choose from various escorted tours and cruise itineraries to gain the full experience of what New England has to offer. As the season nears, there are many "Hotlines" to get up to date information on the changing of the season. Tauck has a foliologist/naturalist that gives updates on their hotline: 800-214-8209 starting in early September.

For more information: http://www.escortedfallfoliagetours.com/Default.asp

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_Brage http://EzineArticles.com/?Best-Time-to-See-Fall-Colors-in-New-England&id=2054304

Monday, November 16, 2009

Adventures by Disney just released their tour vacations for 2010.

Entering its fifth year, Adventures by Disney designs tours with the family in mind and provides educationally-enriched experiences so even younger travelers understand, appreciate and have fun in their new surroundings. These hassle-free vacations, rooted in the service and quality of family travel leader Disney, provide distinctive opportunities and special touches to make memories that last a lifetime.

“We are able to offer vacation experiences to some of the most fascinating places on earth, literally bringing history to life for our guests,” said Don Gross, Vice President, Adventures by Disney. “Each itinerary is carefully planned, creating a vacation that includes the most iconic and must-see sites as well as off-the-beaten path excursions. In fact, guests often tell us the hardest part about the trip is choosing the adventure.”

The Disney Difference

From snorkeling with sea turtles in the Galapagos to discovering Europe’s classic history, each itinerary is as matchless as its surroundings. Yet one aspect holds true for every trip: the special touches that are collectively called “the Disney difference” .

Adventure Guide: Part storyteller, ambassador, concierge and role model, Adventures by Disney’s highly-trained Adventure Guides are the friendly hosts and travel specialists who lead guests on every trip. With two guides assigned for every group (of up to 40 people), travelers receive individual attention to ensure a fun and enriching vacation.

Junior Adventurers: Young travelers are transformed into Junior Adventurers – seeing, hearing and tasting things that they might otherwise not have experienced. The immersive activities created just for kids allow young travelers to learn and have fun in places like museums that aren’t always as entertaining for the younger set. For example, at the Louvre in Paris, the Junior Adventurers play an Art Detective game throughout the museum with their Adventure Guides, while adults take a privately guided tour with an art historian. In addition, the Adventure Guides are expert storytellers and are trained to create fun and unique, locally-based experiences for the kids. On almost every departure, there is also a Junior Adventurers night, in which the kids have a special evening experience with their Guides, while the adults get a quiet evening on their own at the resort.

Local Experts: An authentic Tuscan chef, a naturalist from Costa Rica, a Chinese tai chi master – these local experts share a passion; they live and breathe the local history and culture of their destination. They are an integral part of every Adventures by Disney vacation. They join guests to share their stories and provide an “insider’s” perspective to each destination.

VIP Access: Travelers vacationing with Adventures by Disney receive VIP experiences that are practically impossible to schedule on their own. Special entry to otherwise crowded sites, unique accommodations (like castles in Ireland and Germany, a dude Ranch in Yellowstone and at the base of a live, active volcano in Costa Rica. Guests also get backstage access of celebrated performances like “The Lion King“ in London. These are just a few of the exceptional moments woven through each itinerary, promising expedited service and a broader knowledge of each destination.

Adventures by Disney’s 2010 destinations include 19 global itineraries:

Asia & Pacific

• Enchanted China - China: Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai and Hong Kong
• Safari to South Africa - South Africa: Cape Town, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve
• Discovery Down Under - Australia: North Queensland, Ayers Rock and Sydney

British Isles & Europe

• Cities of Knights and Lights – England and France: London and Paris
• The Emerald Isle – Ireland: Dublin, Killarney and Shannon
• Once Upon a Fairytale – Germany: Heidelberg, Trendelburg, Rothenburg and Munich
• Alpine Magic - Italy and Switzerland: Stresa, Zermatt and Lake Lucerne
• Viva Italia - Italy: Rome, Tuscany and Venice
• Bella Italia – Central Italy: Sorrento and Florence

Latin America

• Path to Pura Vida – Costa Rica: San Jose, Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park
• Treasures of the Galapagos - Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
• Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities – Peru: Lima, Sacred Valley and Cusco

North America

• Spirit of America -Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Pa., and Williamsburg, Va.
• Quest for the West – Wyoming: Jackson Hole, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
• Southwest Splendors – Arizona and Utah: Sedona, Grand Canyon and Moab
• Backstage Magic – Southern California: Hollywood and Disneyland Resort
• Golden Path to Yosemite – Northern California: Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park and San Francisco
• Taming the Last Frontier – Alaska: Fairbanks, Denali National Park and Kenai Peninsula
• Rocky Trails and Mountie Tales - Montana and Canada: Glacier National Park and Banff National Park

For Family Tour Vacations visit EscortedFamilyTours.com. For more on Adventure by Disney & other family tours, we invite you to visit  www.luxurytour.com.