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Exploring Canada: An affordable and adventurous family vacation

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From tip to tip Canada has so much to offer when it comes to vacationing that it’s almost impossible to take it all in. Regardless of the kind of vacation you are looking for, Canada has it. If you are looking for an urban adventure you can hit Toronto or Montreal and live it up. Or you can take to the open road and enjoy the scenic views of the East Coast or the wheat fields of the Prairies.

Bright lights, big city
Canada’s cities offer you the best in entertainment, dining and nightlife. They’re also filled with museums and loaded with history. You can visit the country’s capital, Ottawa, and take in parliament. Or maybe Toronto, with its hot nightlife, amazing shopping and theatre is more up your alley. Or you can hit Old Quebec for a romantic getaway.

Sounds expensive, doesn’t it? But the great thing about Canada’s cities is that there are accommodations for all price points. You can choose to stay in a top-notch, expensive hotel if you want. Or you can opt for a cute little B&B or a more reasonably price motel. You can also check online to see if there are any deals or packages in your chosen city.

Canadian Rockies by train
One of the greatest sights in Canada is the Rocky Mountains. Magnificent and awe-inspiring, they have to be seen in person to be truly appreciated. And while looking at some mountains doesn’t exactly sound like a fun vacation it can be when you are viewing them from a train. In fact, you can plan your whole Canadian adventure on a train, taking in the Canadian wilds and also staying in wonderful resorts along the way with Canadian rockies coach tours . These all inclusive trips can help you save the energy of planning every step of your vacation and can save you money. Or you can plan part of your vacation to include taking in the sights by train. Either way, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

East Coast experience
Campfires in the evenings with marshmallows and hotdogs. Ceilidhs at night with the best fiddlers in the world. An early morning fishing trip. Lobster for lunch. When it comes to summertime adventure you can’t go wrong with a trip to Canada’s East Coast. Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island have so much fun to offer that you won’t want to leave! For a truly adventurous experience, pack up a tent or two and go camping! The East coast of Canada comes alive in the summertime. You can go hiking, whale watching, take in some Highland games or spend hours at the beach. You can also take in a Gaelic class in Cape Breton, see where author Lucy Maude Montgomery lived in PEI, walk on the floor of the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick and take in the colourful sights of Newfoundland.

The ultimate Canadian vacation
If you have the time you can combine the above three vacation for one ultimate Canadian vacation. You can travel from one end of Canada to the other to get the full experience. And this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what Canada has to offer. You can stop in any Canadian city or town and find something fun and exciting to do. And you don’t have to break the bank to have fun in Canada. Camping and B&Bs don’t cost a fortune and have the benefit of adding to the experience.

Regardless of the type of vacation you are looking for you can find it in Canada. Canadian vacations are fun and affordable and will have you falling in love with the country in no time.

The Saugerties Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast

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Saugerties Lighthouse
There are all sorts of unique hotels in the world; some are floating oases, others are refitted jumbo jets, and then there are some hotels that look like they came right out of a Stephen King novel like the Saugerties Hotel. The Saugerties Lighthouse Hotel looks like a great place on the outside and is actually pretty quaint on the inside too, but it all just seems too nice. A little too perfect. The Saugerties Lighthouse, built in 1869, is actually a small bed and breakfast (B&B) located in New York only about a half hour drive north of Albany. The Saugerties B&B has two second floor bedrooms, one facing East and the other facing West. Breakfast is provided for guests that stay overnight but you’re own your own for the other meals. Though it said that the local restaurants are to die for. If you plan to stay at the Saugerties than expect to leave a few comforts behind like your hair dryer and computer, because the power at the lighthouse is limited. But just because the power is limited doesn’t mean there aren’t things to do. There are regular festivals near the Saugerties and guests can also spend time fishing and or bird-watching or just lounging around the lighthouse. The Saugerties Bed and Breakfast certainly delivers on the promise of an authentic rustic getaway. And yet, there is something oddly appealing about it.
Shining Hallway
So go ahead and stay at the Saugerties Lighthouse, but if two twin girls appear in the hallway and ask you to play with them for “forever… and ever”, well you made your own bed. Though, you don’t have to actually make your own bed because it’s a bed and breakfast your bed will be made for you. It’s just a figure of speech. All joking aside, the likelihood of Stephen King levels of creepiness occurring at the Saugerties Lighthouse B&B is actually pretty low. In fact, hundreds of people stay  at the Saugerties every year and there hasn’t been a single report of creepiness.  Unless you count the May 2008 incident in which Ms. Habersham received one extra piece of toast at breakfast. Naturally, everyone was pretty shocked by this unexpected piece of toasts. That incident aside, Saugerties Bed and Breakfast bookings for the rest of 2011 for the have almost filled up completely.  But if you’re still not convinced that your stay will be free of eerie events and you want to check the rims and tires on your car before going to bed then no one will judge you. Beside, if the Saugerties Bed and Breakfast  were out of a Stephen King novel then the Hudson River  would be swarming with sharks, but it isn’t, so it’s not.

The only shark you’re bound to see at any point on this trip is the Travel Shark. The new mascot for TravelShark, one of the leading global travel networks that lets people book stays at hotels all over the world.

The truth is the Saugerties is not too good to be true – just too good.  The Saugerties would be a great place for a quite retreat with that special someone. Find out more about the Saugerties from their website here

Photo by By Skip Willits & Aaron Gustafson

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Holiday Car Hire Top Tips

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The type of rental car you choose during a holiday can enhance or spoil your holiday memories. Especially if your trip is going to cover vast distances, comfort is of utmost importance. Other factors you will have to consider are the amount of passengers, luggage and terrain.

Distance and Comfort

Short distances can really be traveled in any car but if you are in for the long haul, it will be to your advantage to get a car with comfortable seats. Doing 600 miles in one day can tax the back and backside if seats are not comfortable. If you are going to be the only driver and travel vast distances, also seriously consider getting a vehicle with cruise control.

Reliable Car and Rental Service

If you are on holiday for, let`s say a month, you would need a reliable car from a reputable car hire company. The car should start and stop as required and if anything does go wrong on your trip, the car hire company should be able to offer you a replacement car within a few hours. It is therefore advantageous to make use of a company with several car depots across the company.

Passengers and Space

Two people, a husband and wife for example, could easily fit into a smaller car and get all their travel gear loaded as well. When the kids are tagging along, space would be an obvious issue. If children are uncomfortable due to a lack of space, they may be more irritable and whiny. Opt for a car with boot space sufficient to handle the entire luggage and allow you to lock belongings out of eyesight of possible thieves. A car which comes with a roof-rack will have obvious advantages.

Terrain and Area

It goes without saying that when traveling in snow, you will require a car that can easily be fitted with snow tires. Similarly, if the trip covers very rough terrain, a 4×4 SUV with sturdy tires and excellent road-holding is essential. In the city, a smaller car will be more maneuverable and you will be able to get into tight parking spots more easily.

Accessories

Vehicles with cup holders will prevent unnecessary spilling of liquids and allow easy access to drinks and water. Airconditioning is an essential luxury in summertime and an on-board GPS can help you get to your destination.

Fuel and Fuel Consumption

Consider the environment and rent a car as fuel efficient as possible. Not only will you be able to go further and save money, less carbon dioxide will be released into the atmosphere. Do some research about the fuel options and prices in the country you are planning to travel; you may be able to save some money if you opt for diesel rather than petrol or vice versa.

Costs

Depending on your budget, cost will be a major consideration in your choice of a vehicle. If you decide to make use of a cheap car hire company, ensure that they have a good reputation and are widely recognized. Be sure to ask about extra cost factors such as rental cost per day and per mile and insurance costs to ensure you are not in for a nasty surprise when you get the final bill.

Adventure in Australia

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Sydney has so much to offer, whether it be the beautiful beaches, the amazing site seeing, the opera house or the aquarium. If you have never been there before, you will want to book your trip to Sydney, Australia now.

While in Sydney there will be plenty to go see and do, but there are a few things that you will definitely not want to miss out on.

A tour of Sydney is well worth the money; Sydney has a fascinating colonial past and was originally where Great Britain sent its criminals. Although that sounds a bit daunting, the history of Sydney is extremely unique and the city is full of beauty. The tour will also show you all the best parts of Sydney, including beaches, points of interest, and restaurants.

If you are the adventurous type, the Bridge Climb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge should be on the to do list. The Bridge Climb allows you to walk across the arches of the bridge to the top, where you will overlook the harbor and Sydney at 134 meters above the Harbor.

Sydney is most well known for its Opera House, where you can see unforgettable performances and concerts. The aquarium is also one of the main attractions in Sydney, as it offers all types of unique sea life. Both are attractions you won’t want to miss out on.

After all the tourist time, a day at the beach will be great for relaxation. You might also want to pick up a road map and explore Sydney yourself, not to mention that a map would be a great memento of the trip.

Australia is a beautiful country (and continent) to visit and Sydney is one of the best places to vacation. With endless attractions, beautiful scenery and a fascinating historical background, why wouldn’t you want to visit, Sydney. If you have been trying to come up with a great place to visit, start planning the trip to Sydney, Mate!

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The Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel in New York

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It’s been a long day, Alex thought to himself. The train from New Haven, Connecticut was peaceful enough, but he was tried nonetheless. Alex’s train had just arrived at the Grand Central Terminal in New York; today Alex was in town on business. It was extremely urgent business too—the kind that forces a person to board the last train leaving New Haven immediately without making hotel reservations. So here he was in New York feeling exhausted and without any place to stay yet. Alex wasn’t sure yet which hotel he would stay in, but he knew it would be a nice one, he deserved that much. Alex was the only one in the office with the patience and flexibility to cooperate with these urgent requests. Even though his trip was unexpected, Alex still had his phone with him, which he used to go to look for a hotel whenever he had to run these urgent errands in New York for his employer. Alex didn’t feel like walking far and lucky he wouldn’t have to, because he decided to stay at the Grand Central hotel. He had heard his coworkers mention it before as a great place for the family vacations as well as business, and it was a four star hotel after all. What could be better than that? So he booked his room online and was surprised that he even received a bit of a discount. He put his phone away and began to walk the 12 blocks from Grand Central Terminal to the hotel on 141 East 44th Street.
Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel

He made his way past the lines of limousines and valets at the entrance of the hotel and up to the concierge at the front desk. The concierge confirmed his reservation and informed Alex that his stay at the Fitzpatrick included complimentary access to the New York Sports Club which has a full gym, sauna, and offers exercise classes. The concierge continued to state that the hotel also included 24 hour in-room dining, same day laundry and dry cleaning services, and free internet access. “Thanks”, Alex interrupted, “but I’ve already read about all of that from the website I used to book my room.” Alex then proceeded to make his way to the elevators and up to his room. Even for a four star hotel Alex thought his room was very impressive: it had a 37-inch flat screen television, a king size bed, and even a work desk.

Fitzpatrick Hotel SuiteHis bed was clearly a pillow-top and the hotel even went so far as to triple-sheet the beds and even though he was here to work he wasn’t worried about getting a good’s night rest in that bed. It past eleven o’clock before Alex decided to go down stairs to the Wheeltapper pub in the hotel for some dinner; conveniently the pub stayed open till 2am. For dinner, Alex ordered the Shepherd’s Pie with an herbal tea and after feeling very satisfied made his way back up to his room.


On his way back to his room Alex noticed the Vico Boardroom and made a mental note to let his boss know that the Fitzpatrick would make a great place for their company’s next meeting. When Alex got back to his room he was starting to fall asleep, but he already knew that he would have to stay at the Fitzpatrick again. Although, Alex thought to himself that next time he’s in town on urgent business maybe he would try the Fitzpatrick’s Liam Neeson Penthouse Suite.

Images via Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel site

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Majorca Travel Information

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Over ten million visitors descend on the island of Majorca every year to enjoy the incredible beaches, warm ocean waters, and wonderful food and drink. Equally famous for its beaches and its nightlife, Mallorca (known also as Majorca) is a Spanish island on the Mediterranean Sea.

The best beaches on the island can be found on the east and north coasts with a few others scattered along the southern coast. Sun worshippers will find that the temperate climate offers few clouds and more active visitors can enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, and swimming. Those who venture to the northwest coast of Mallorca will find gorgeous mountains in the sSerra de Tramuntana range and can try their hand at rock climbing, hiking, and even cycling. Other natural wonders offered by the island include the National Maritime Territorial Park at the Archipelago de Cabrera and the S’Albufera Nature Park.

Mallorca has a number of historical sites that are worth a visit. La Seu Cathedral and Bellver Castle are popular tourist attractions as is the Monastery of Lluc. The island is also home to the Museo de Arte Español Contemporáneo (Spanish Contemporary Art Museum) and the Baluard Museum. Both can be found in the capital city of Palma de Mallorca.

Food is Mallorca is outstanding. Spanish dishes featuring the island’s abundant seafood can be found everywhere from small beach stands to beautiful fine dining restaurants. Visitors can stay in the many five star hotels on Mallorca or in popular beach resorts. In addition to the food, be sure to sample the world-famous nighlife on the island by visiting one of the many bars, lounges, and nightclubs on the island.

Visit Ibiza

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ibiza travelThe Spanish island of Ibiza is one of Europe’s top tourist destinations attracting thousands of visitors every year.  It is one of the three Balearic Islands along with Mallorca and Majorca.  It has a reputation as having the best nightlife and is home to a burgeoning scene of electronic music.  Some of the islands nightclubs, bars and discos are world famous and offer music parties and concerts throughout the summer months.

Ibiza is popular with water sport enthusiasts.  Surfing, snorkeling and diving are common activities for tourists who are looking to augment relaxing on the beaches and in the sea.

As well as the nightlife Ibiza is also renowned for its culture and its character.  Much of the island includes areas that fall under World Heritage status.  These sites can be remote and are ideal locations for tourists looking for a quieter time and are also popular with artists, photographers and film makers.

Away from the beaches and nightclubs the island features traditional villages, villas and cottages that shows the other side of life on the island.  Within the towns there are many Ibiza boutique hotels and in the outlying areas bed and breakfasts and small hotels can be found.  There are also many opportunities to rent villas and cottages that are off the beaten track and away from the crowds.

So Ibiza offers something for everyone – culture, scenery, exciting nightlife, beaches and friendly people.  You can decide to relax or be active.  It truly is a jewel of the Mediterranean.

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New York’s Chelsea Market

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One of the favorite destinations for foodies in New York City is Chelsea Market. This complex takes up two entire city blocks and comprises twenty-two buildings. While mostly a shopping mall and food court, the complex includes offices for broadcast and media companies including the Food Network. An enclosed ground floor concourse was completed in 1997 that connects all the back lots of the buildings and creating a large retail space with entrances at both ends.

NYC Chelsea MarketThe retail shops in the Market sell mostly food and cooking products. Many of these vendors supply the various restaurants in the complex. Fresh produce, meat, and seafood is available to the public as well as to commercial accounts.

Some famous New York restaurants are located in Chelsea Market, including eateries owned by Iron Chefs Masaharu Morimoto and Mario Batali of Food Network fame. Food Network films several of their shows in studios in Chelsea Markets as well as location shoots throughout the complex.

The synergy created by suppliers, restaurants, and media all located “under one roof” provides a unique environment and a “must see” for any food tourist.

Chelsea Market was originally a Nabisco factory complex. Oreo cookies were first invented there.

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Exotic Bangkok

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Visitors to Thailand will want to make time to visit the exotic capital city of Bangkok. In addition to being the country’s capital, Bangkok is easily the largest, and most interesting, city in Thailand. Home of the both the government and the royal family, Bangkok is a city that preserves the history and tradition of the Thai people while celebrating the modern global nature of a world capital.

BangkokThe House of Parliament is located in Bangkok, as is the Grand Palace, which is the official residence of the Thai royal family. The city is easily the political and diplomatic center of Thailand, but it also exerts its influence in finance, business, education, fashion, entertainment and the arts throughout southeast Asia.

The city’s population is a mixture of Indian, Chinese, and European heritages and its architecture, music, languages, and culture reflect this melting pot. The city manages to blend traditional aspects with modern city life in a unique and exciting way — all the while maintaining the slower, more appreciative pace of life that is the hallmark of Thailand. The city bustles, but it does so at a slower pace than most urban capitals.

Visitors can choose from a variety of hotels in Bangkok Thailand ranging from luxury resorts to small boutique hotels. Restaurants offer cuisines from around the world, though where else can one get Thai food at its source? Shoppers will love Bangkok as prices here tend to be significantly lower than other large cities. There are traditional open markets as well as modern malls and shopping centers.

As for attractions, Bangkok has more than its fair share of interesting places to explore. In addition to the grand Palace, there is the Victory Monument, the Anantasamakhom Throne Hall, and the National Museum. Outside Bangkok is the Ancient City which showcases historic buildings and architecture from all over Thailands. The city also has a lot of green space, with many parks and animal sanctuaries showing off the region’s natural wonders.

The mix of skyscrapers with ancient temples, of historic relics and modern Thai art, of traditional restaurants with cutting edge global cuisine are just a few of the juxtapositions that make Bangkok such an exciting and memorable place.

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Visiting Madrid in Spain

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Madrid Spain TravelMadrid is the capital city of Spain.  It is a wonderful European city to visit and has a culture rich amongst artists and writers.  The city came into its own in the early twentieth century and the artistic element flourished in the coffee shop environment.

Things changed after many changes in government and the Spanish Civil War and many of the artists went into exile.  After the monarchy was restored  Spain has regained it’s place as one of the most important cultural centers in the world.

As well as culture Madrid is famous for its Museums, its architecture and its bustling night life. It is also the home to Spanish kings, bull fights, flamenco dancers and great food. One of the worlds greatest soccer teams Real Madrid is located in the city.  If you visit the city there is an impressive range of five star Madrid hotels available.  The good thing about the city is that it is so easy to get around and so a central hotels will serve you well.

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