Theme park is a great fun. It is also possible to spend more time on the ride. You don?t want to spend money to stand in line, get sunburn, and feel sick from junk food. A little research will help you a long way. It is possible to have a fun, safe, and healthy day at theme park.

Before you make your reservations at the theme park, you should call to check on the big rides. You do not want to feel disappointment, if the big rides are closed. You can also save your energy and gas to drive there,

Try to make a plan before you go. Some theme parks are gigantic. You may not be able to see everything in one day. Some of the rides are better than the other. You may want to ride some rides more than once. Many parks have longer hours on a certain days. You want to find out when it is best to visit.

If you are a member of associations, you may get special treatment at the theme park. You may get special seating, VIP lounge, or be allowed to skip to the front of line.

You also want to check for special light shows, fireworks, parades, or live music on certain days. Some days are better than the other days. The Parks usually publish schedules with this information. Try to get your hand on them.

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Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin is a fun destination for a family vacation, and with a little research and advance planning the trip doesn?t have to make your wallet cry out in pain.

Wisconsin Dells (and the area is really two towns: Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton) has been a popular summer vacation destination for people who live in the Midwest since the late 1800?s. In recent years, several indoor water parks have been built making Wisconsin Dells a popular year around vacation destination, not only for people who live in the Midwest but for people from around the world.

What first drew tourists to the Wisconsin Dells area? It was the scenery. The Wisconsin River meanders through the Wisconsin Dells area and has beautiful sandstone rock formations. A trip to Wisconsin Dells wouldn?t be complete without a boat tour of those rock formations.

There are two basic choices of tours; either boat tour or a ?duck? tour which also includes some sightseeing on the land. If you have small children, they?ll enjoy the ?duck? tour the most.

If you take a boat tour, you?ll have a couple of options. You?ll be able to take an ?upper Dells? tour, a ?lower Dells? tour, or both. The upper Dells boat tour lasts about 2 hours and the lower Dells boat tour lasts about 1 hour. The upper Dells tour includes a few shore stops to look at some outstanding landmarks.

The ?duck? tour is a combination land and water tour. It?s a really fun way to see some of the beautiful scenery on the land and water. And the tour is a big hit with kids of all ages! My family takes a trip to Wisconsin Dells nearly every year and we go on the Duck tour almost every trip because we find it so much fun. The ?duck? vehicles used for the tours are amphibious vehicles used in WWII that have been revamped. The tour starts out on dry land. During the tour you?ll be taken down streets of Wisconsin Dells; through lovely wooded areas where wildlife is often seen (we usually see white-tail deer) and then it?s on to the really fun part of the trip.

The duck driver drives into the water with a big splash ? well; usually with a big splash. The driver will ask the customers if they want to go into the water slow or fast because fast gets some of the people wet. On every tour I?ve been on the fast trip into the water has won the vote and it is fun! After the twists and turns of the wooded trails (some of them steep and narrow, but always safe) the water part of the trip is a nice change of pace. After being in the water for a while and seeing some of the breathtaking sandstone rock formations, your driver takes you back onto dry land and your fun tour is complete. During the entire tour your driver entertains you with a funny and informative narrative.

Even though our family loves going on the Duck tour when we go to Wisconsin Dells, if they have a choice of only one activity to do, going to a water park wins hands down. There are over 20 water parks in Wisconsin Dells. There are outdoor water parks; indoor water parks; and combination indoor/outdoor water parks. So no matter what time of the year you want to splash in the water and have fun you can do it in Wisconsin Dells.

Our family usually takes a summer trip to Wisconsin Dells. And with mid-summer temperatures in the 90?s, and even occasionally in the 100?s, splashing in the water is very refreshing. Our family?s favorite outdoor water park is Noah?s Ark. It?s currently the largest outdoor water park in Wisconsin Dells. You can easily spend an entire day there and not get bored. I have a few tips for you though if you do go to Noah?s Ark (or any of the water parks in Wisconsin Dells) to help keep your costs down and to make the trip as enjoyable as possible.

1) If at all possible, don?t buy your admission tickets at the front gate the day you want to go to the park. You?ll pay full price and there are lots of ways to find discounted tickets. If you live in the Midwest check with your local Parks and Recreation Department to see if they have discounted tickets available. Also check with your place of employment to see if they offer discounted tickets. An Internet search may also give you sources for discounted tickets. Another option is to go into downtown Wisconsin Dells or Lake Delton before you go to Noah?s Ark and stop at one of the ticket booths there. You can almost always purchase discounted tickets there, especially if you are planning to do more than one activity while you are in Wisconsin Dells. For example if you are planning to go to a water park, take a duck tour, go to a water show, and go to one of the amusement parks to ride on the roller coasters and go-karts you can get some pretty good discounts by buying all your tickets at the same time.

2) Take waterproof sunscreen. You?re going to be in and out of the water all day so make sure you have waterproof sunscreen in order to avoid having to constantly reapply your sunscreen throughout the day.

3) Take towels. It may seem like a silly item to list but it?s surprising how many people forget to take a towel. You can purchase beach towels inside the water parks but they are expensive.

3) Consider renting a locker in the park. There are locker rentals available in the park for a nominal fee. I always rent a locker and put dry clothes for my family in the locker along with the things I don?t want to carry around all day, such as my sunscreen. At the end of the day we retrieve those dry clothes and change into

4) Take plastic bags for your wet swimsuits and towels.

5) Take a small waterproof container for extra money. Get one that attaches to your wrist or hangs around your neck. If you don?t have one or don?t know where to buy one, you can purchase one inexpensively at one of the stores inside the water park.

6) Bring your own lunch. There are several covered picnic areas inside the water park available free of charge for your use although it?s likely some of them will be unavailable on any given day because they will be reserved for groups who are at the park. Even if you don?t want to pack a cooler at home, bring along the empty cooler and pick up your lunch items from a store the day before. Although there is good food available inside the water park, it is expensive and will quickly put a big dent in your pocketbook.

7) Bring water shoes. Sandals are okay too but you want ones that are water friendly which typically means flip-flops and those can easily fall off your feet when you?re on some of the rides. I don?t advise going barefoot. The park is paved and if it?s a sunny day the pavement gets very hot.

Go on rides early in the day and late in the day. That?s when the lines are the shortest. The lines are really long in the middle of the day. Have your picnic lunch at that time, do a little browsing in the water park stores, and take a short rest before heading back on the rides.

Going on the ducks or a boat tour and going to a water park aren?t the only activities to do in the Wisconsin Dells area. You could stay busy for weeks (if your pocketbook could handle it) doing all the activities available to you. You could go horseback riding; go-carting; riding on roller coasters; shopping; take in the Tommy Bartlet water show; play miniature golf; play regular golf on one of the golf courses; rent a boat and go fishing (you?ll need to purchase a Wisconsin fishing license); rent a canoe and go canoeing; enjoy a movie at the drive-in movie theater; rent a jet-ski; visit the railway museum; visit the history center; play paintball; or do any of the dozens of other available activities. You could even take a short drive to Baraboo and watch the Al Ringling circus. There are literally hundreds of things to do in the Wisconsin Dells area.

I have one more thing to keep in mind as you are planning your trip to Wisconsin Dells. August is the busiest month in Wisconsin Dells. How busy? Consider this: Lake Delton and Wisconsin Dells have a combined year-round population of around 5,000 people. During the weekends in August, the population in the Lake Delton/Wisconsin Dells area can swell to more than 200,000 people. Lines at the attractions will be the longest in August and the hotels will be booked solid (I don?t mean to scare you though. Our family usually goes in August even though we know it?s going to be busy and we have a great time). Book your hotel early or consider going there at another time during the summer. June isn?t as busy but the weather may not be as warm either which means it could be a little chilly if you?re going to be visiting one of the outdoor water parks.

D Ruplinger is a featured writer for http://www.wisconsindellstoday.com Visit the web site for more information on Wisconsin Dells attractions.

ARRIVAL AT THE HOTEL

If you intend to arrive by car and don’t know the area, obtain detailed directions from the hotel. Be sure to ask if there are any areas that should be avoided en route, and if possible, plan to arrive during daylight hours. Parking is your next concern. If you drop off your luggage at the hotel and park your car in a public lot, consider how visible your car is, and how safe you will be walking to your car after dark. Find out in advance if the parking area is monitored by surveillance cameras. If you are a single woman, you may want to request that the hotel provide you with an escort to and from your car. If you use valet parking, make sure only your ignition key is left on the key ring given to the valet. It is unwise to leave anything of value in your car while it is parked; Even an adapter cord left plugged into the cigarette lighter is risky, since it an indicator to a potential thief that you own a cellular phone. Items to be stored in your car trunk should be placed there before you arrive so as to eliminate the security risk of someone watching you do so in the hotel parking lot. If you are arriving by limousine, taxi or hotel shuttle bus with other passengers, ensure that all your bags are loaded before you embark. If there is more than one stop between the airport and the hotel, watch to see that your bags remain on board as others disembark.

CHECK IN

At the front desk, the simple process of checking in can make you vulnerable from a security standpoint. For example, you will identify yourself by name to the desk clerk, and may be overheard by others. Your luggage tags may be visible to people standing near you. You will pull out a wallet or billfold to give the desk clerk your credit card, in clear view of others. Your room number may also be overheard, and a thief who is paying attention will quickly discern whether you are traveling alone or with others. To the greatest extent possible, be discreet when disclosing information about yourself, and be aware of who is standing around you and may overhear you. Women traveling alone should consider registering as Mr. & Mrs. Whatever. Generally, there is no additional charge for an additional person and it hides the fact that you are alone. If asked, say your husband is just around the corner. Where practical, look people in the eye to leave the impression that you could identify them. Request a new room if the desk clerk is overheard giving out your room number and then have them write down the number rather than announcing it. At a foreign hotel, discretion is much more difficult since a passport must be produced and sometimes even left at the desk. Unless you are familiar with the hotel, you have no way of knowing who will be privy to your passport.

If a bellhop is available to carry your bag, take advantage of it, especially if you are traveling alone. He will enter the room ahead of you and enable you to safely verify that there are no intruders hiding in the bathroom or under the bed. If you enter your room alone, prop the room door open with a chair while you check for intruders. If you are traveling with others, have someone stand in the open doorway while you check. Do the same for them if you are staying in separate rooms.

SMOKE AND FIRE

In most hotels there are bedside instructions outlining what to do in case of fire. It is wise to read them and follow them. Your first task should be to count the number of doorways on your floor from the door to the exit staircase, and then walk down the staircase to the ground floor. This will help you familiarize yourself with your escape route so that in a fire situation, when it is likely to be dark and smoky, you will be able to walk or crawl along your route to safety with no confusion, surprise turns, or unexpected locked doors. Put your room key and glasses beside your bed so that in an emergency, you will be able to find them quickly. If you leave your room in an emergency, take your room key with you so you can retreat back into your room if necessary. If you discover that the hotel does not have a smoke detector system, carry your own. It is also a good idea to carry an emergency escape smoke hood, which filters out the harmful gases that are present in a smoke filled environment, and provides those precious few extra minutes you might need to escape.

HOTEL ROOM SECURITY

Access to your room by strangers, and protection of your belongings, are the basic issues of hotel security. This is where the question of electronic door locks and key control comes into play. It is a virtual certainty that people unknown to you the cleaning staff will enter your room when you are not present, and the door will be left open for a period of time each day. Well managed hotels have elaborate security procedures in place to control who is issued a key.

Some hotels can monitor when and with which key a room is entered, and there are usually regulations about staff room cleaning procedures to thwart intruders. Out of the way hotels in foreign countries, hotels in cities like Moscow, and hotels in less developed countries, often do not have secure door locks. In some cases, the hotel staff may actually target you and your belongings. Your level of security awareness and the precautions you take must be adjusted for each city and area you visit, but there are standard minimal precautions that apply almost anywhere. Here are some tips to protect yourself and your belongings when you travel: e Don’t leave valuables in your room when you are absent. Use the hotel safe, and get a receipt for what you leave there. Professional thieves and hotel staffs are usually aware of every possible hiding place for valuables. Some hotels provide a safe in each guest room for storing valuables. Be aware that there could be an insurance liability coverage issue if you use a guest room safe rather than using the main hotel safe (e.g. your credit card loss/theft policy may not apply if you use the room safe). * When you are in your room, lock the door, use the chain lock, and use your door peephole to identify people who knock at your door. Overseas, there may be no chain lock and no peephole, so you should carry a good quality traveler’s door lock, a doorstop alarm that wedges against the base of the door, or a motion detector. * Do not open the door for unexpected visitors. Call the front desk to verify that someone claiming to be making a service call is from the hotel. Overseas, where a language barrier may complicate such a call, you should definitely carry your own interior door lock so that even someone with a key may be barred from entering when you are in the room. e Some hotels and motels that do not have their own dining facilities allow food to be delivered to your room from outside the hotel. It is best to have such deliveries made to the lobby. Delivery to your room allows an outsider to meet you, know your room number and determine whether you are alone. It is especially perilous for women traveling alone to have such details known by an outsider. Also, be careful about the leftovers you leave on a tray outside your door. A single drinking cup with lipstick marks and/or remnants of a single meal can alert passersby to the fact that you are alone in the room and can help them to determine your level of vulnerability.

When you are sleeping, make sure that your deadbolt lock and chain locks are in place and that no window or sliding door will provide access by an intruder. When you are not in your room, you may want passersby to believe that it is occupied. If possible, find out the hours for maid service, so that you may place the DO NOT DISTURB sign on your door and leave the TV or radio on at an audible level. At out of the way foreign destinations, this may be difficult because room cleanings may not be at appointed hours, and maids may have instructions to take down DO NOT DISTURB signs in your absence.0 Most security specialists advise you to keep your room key with you at all times in and out of the hotel so that no one (including hotel staff) can see by checking the front desk that you are not in your room. If you decide to use a hotel fitness room or pool, it’s a good idea to leave your key at the front desk rather than with your belongings. At some foreign destinations, hotels require you to turn your room key in as you go out. In Moscow, a concierge at the end of each floor is responsible for holding and dispensing room keys as guests come and go. With a few simple precautions, you can improve your personal security and protect your belongings even if there may be criminals lurking about your hotel.

A former chief investigator of a major law enforcement agency and director of the International Security Group, Ltd. in New York City and Israel. An executive level experienced security and investigative expert with proven diversified experiences in: anti-terrorism, managed operations, applied automation and technical information systems, administrative, staff development, and supervisory skills. Career spans more then thirty-five years in both the private and government sectors, with increasing levels of professional responsibility to the highest level. Decades of experience in national and international affairs, as well as close working relationships with U.S. and Israeli Security & Special Forces Units.

Badler can be reached at:

E Mail: mb@implexsecurityproducts.com

Just 30 minutes north of Victoria, high atop the Malahat Mountain, sits a world renowned resort. Aerie, by definition, is the nest of a large bird, such as an eagle, built on a cliff or other high place. A member of Relais & Ch?teaux, The Aerie Resort is an exclusive Mediterranean-style resort offering 29 luxurious rooms and suites, fine dining, conference and spa facilities to guests year round. This spectacular resort is nestled high above a massive ocean fjord (Saanich Inlet) and perched on the side of Vancouver Island’s coastal mountains.

The resort is surrounded by 85 acres of fabulous gardens and majestic mountainsides, the natural habitat of bald eagles. The Aerie’s exquisite setting, personal elegance and awe-inspiring vistas are simply unforgettable. Its unique location, innovative programs and emphasis on top quality service has established it as one of the finest resorts in the world.

The Aerie has managed to combine the warmth and charm of old world hospitality with very high standards of service excellence. The Aerie has blended intimacy and sophistication to make it a perfect spot for a romantic getaway or a relaxing vacation.

The awards and recognition go on and on and justifiably so. The Aerie has been the recipient of the coveted AAA Four Diamond Awards for the past five years. The Aerie was voted the Number 1 Top North American Resort and ranked 34th overall in the 100 Best in the World in Conde Nast Traveler Magazine’s prestigious 2002 Readers’ Choice Awards.

The splendor of the Malahat inspired the resort’s owner, Maria Schuster, and her family, to design a breathtaking mansion that is reminiscent of those in Southern Europe.

My first visit to the Aerie was years ago, not too long after it had first opened. My wife and I were on a camping trip at Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville when we noticed the signs for the resort and pulled in. We wandered into the resort wearing our dusty shorts and T-shirts from our back-to-nature weekend, but were greeted warmly and asked if we’d like to come into the dining room for lunch. Too embarrassed to enter in our grubs, we said we had just dropped in for a peek. So they asked us if we wanted to look around. They told us to check out any of the rooms with open doors and to enjoy our visit! We were flabbergasted by the sincere hospitality of the staff and thoroughly enjoyed our first self-guided tour.

Ron Kirstein is the owner of a Canadian Travel & Tourism Web site (since 1995). Ron has traveled the length and breadth of Vancouver Island BC Canada in search of adventures; see http://tourismmall.victoria.bc.ca/travelmagazine

You may be ready for your trip to Boston, but is your bank account? As one of the most expensive cities in the country, Boston can quickly deplete your vacation funds. The average hotel cost per night in 2004 according to the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau is $187. Now imagine all your other expenses added on top of that.

Here?s some ways to hold on to that cash:

1. Consider booking a hotel just outside the city.

Brookline and Cambridge are two nice cities that come to mind. You can easily hop on the ?T? for a short ride and take it into Boston and back each day. You can save a large chunk of change depending on how long you are staying on your trip.

2. Check out the prices of flights arriving into Providence.

It is only a 50-minute bus ride to Boston. Southwest Airlines, which can offer significantly lower rates, does not fly directly into Boston so what you?ll lose in convenience, you?ll gain in savings.

3. Book a package deal.

Websites such as Orbitz.com, Hotels.com, Expedia.com, and Travelocity.com all offer packages that will save you money by purchasing air and hotel together. You may even want to check directly with the hotel to see if they are offering a lower rate than advertised online.

4. Stay at a local B&B or rent a furnished apartment.

Normally, they end up being cheaper and give you a better feel of what living in Boston is really like. Two companies that offer many prime Boston locations are The Bed and Breakfast Agency of Boston (http://www.boston-bnbagency.com/) and The Bed and Breakfast Associates Bay Colony (http://www.bnbboston.com/).

5. Ride the MBTA (also known as the ?T?).

This is the subway and bus system that covers all of Boston. Driving and parking in Boston can be frustrating and expensive. If you plan on seeing many sights, you can pick up a visitor pass for a flat fee of $7.50 for one day, $18 for three days, or $35 for seven days. Most rides are $1.25 otherwise.

6. Buy a Boston CityPass (http://www.citypass.com/).

This allows you to see six of Boston?s most famous attractions for 50% off the price and avoid the ticket lines. You can purchase this pass online or at the first attraction you visit for $36.75 for adults and $25.50 for youths. These include the Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Skywalk Observatory, Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard Museum of Natural History, and the JFK Library & Museum.

7. Spend time at the free attractions.

You can enjoy the street performers and browse the shops at Quincy Market. Go for a walk on the Freedom Trail. Spend time in Boston Common, the oldest US park. Ride its famous swan boats for under three dollars. Go to the Harvard University Art Museums on Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 Noon to receive free admission. Other museums offer specials as well so check their websites.

8. Use coupons.

Check with your travel company or with the hotel you are staying at for specials and coupons. When I booked my trip to Las Vegas through Expedia.com, I was given a booklet at my hotel with numerous discounts throughout the city. If you are a member of AAA, give them a call to see what deals they offer. You can even check an attractions main website.

Follow these tips above and you can save significantly on your upcoming trip to Boston. Enjoy!

Courtesy of Metrowestlistings.com, http://www.metrowestlistings.com

Looking to move to Massachusetts? We feature information and listings of the Metrowest area which includes Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Franklin, Grafton, Medway, Millis, Natick, Northborough, Southborough, Shrewsbury, Sudbury, Westborough, Wayland, Upton and more.

You probably already know about Cancun?s reputation as a tropical beach paradise, complete with luxurious resorts and decadent nightclubs. What you may not know is that when the party is over, relaxation options are not limited to merely sunbathing or shopping for trinkets. From sightseeing to spa treatments, Cancun?s Mayan heritage colors all aspects of the area?s recreation and relaxation. Mayan Historic Sites

For instance, in the center of Cancun’s Hotel Zone are the Ruinas del Rey (Ruins of the King), a Mayan site dating to 200 BC. Thought by some to be an ancient observatory, remains found at the site also suggest it could have been a royal burial ground. With two plazas featuring well-preserved frescoes and a small pyramid topped with a vault, Ruinas del Rey is an excellent introduction to the intrigue of an ancient civilization.

For tourists with time and a greater penchant for history and exploration, the awe-inspiring Mayan site, Chichen Itza, lies about 125 kilometers west of Cancun. As the most visited archeological site in Mexico, this four-square mile city has long been a popular daytrip for Cancun?s visitors. Tourists can climb the esteemed Castillo and visit the largest remaining court from the Mayan civilization. For your convenience, several tours are available through hotels and resorts.

Mayan-Inspired Spa Treatments

The spirit of the Mayans is also captured in a number of unique spa treatments available throughout Cancun. With the beauty of the Mexican Caribbean as a backdrop, local spas and resorts blend ancient techniques with innovative technology. Therapeutic treatments, such as thalassotherapy (the use of seawater to relax and rejuvenate) and traditional hot stone massage, offer great opportunities to decompress at the beginning or end of your vacation. Many spas also utilize a fantastic array of sea greens, herbs and minerals indigenous to the region in their treatments. Furthermore, despite the elegance of these boutique spas and resorts, spa visits in Cancun are generally much less expensive than comparable experiences in the United States.

Cancun also boasts the largest spa in all of Latin America, the three-level, 35,000-square foot paradise at JW Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa. Offering a full range of Mayan-inspired treatments, incorporating materials such as crystal, stone, mud, exotic fruit and milk, this spa is certainly unlike anything you?ll experience at home.

For travelers looking for a distinctively native spa experience, Temazcal is an indigenous Aztec steam bath treatment intended to renew the body, mind and spirit. Performed on hot stones with aromatic herbs, the Temazcal treatments are performed in cloth huts on the beach at sunset. As a traditional form of therapy, Temazcal could be likened to certain aspects of the Turkish bath, Finnish sauna or Arabian hammam. Having been practiced for centuries by tribes throughout North and Latin America, the term ?Temazcal? is derived from the Nahuatl (Aztec) terms, ?temaz? (bath) and ?calli? (house). Several beach resorts also offer more conventionally romantic moonlight massages in outdoor cabanas or secluded terraces, allowing guests to enjoy services in a private environment with spectacular ocean ambience and vistas.

Lastly, to ensure that your relaxation plans don?t become stressful, it is advisable to make a reservation when planning a visit to one of Cancun?s pampering spas. Guests should also try to arrive 15-30 minutes early and inform spa personnel of any health concerns.

This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about travel in Cancun Mexico and other Caribbean resort areas for Marriott Resorts.

If anyone ever asks for the time while on a beach holiday, they surely have a thing or two to learn. Simply put, beaches have a way of holding time on their own accord, and they will undoubtedly insist on taking you with them at their own, leisurely, pace. And why wouldn’t you want to go? White, powdery sand along crystal-clear waters, palm trees for shade, and the sea breeze simply epitomize pure relaxation.

Spend your well deserved time soaking up the brilliant rays and letting go of all your stress, and if your idea of the perfect holiday is to take in all the splendours of the deep blue sea there are countless activities to take part in – including snorkelling, sailing, surfing, scuba diving, and more – all taking place in the sun’s rays of course!

Soon enough you’ll find that the essence of time just seems to roll away with the shells on the shore. And don’t be surprised if you forget what day it is. Sound too good to be true? It’s truly anything but. Whether your idea of the perfect beach holiday is to plunge into the crystal waters of the Bahamas, sink your toes into the idyllic white and black sand beaches of Hawaii, or absorb the warm and tropical paradise that Mexico has to offer, it’s all within reach – and you simply can’t go wrong.

As long as you have set yourself up with nice accommodation in advance, say a hotel on the beach, or something less refined, you can eliminate the final factor which could possibly cause anxiety and ensure that you are completely free to simply relax. There are a range of outstanding locales available to the inquisitive tourist, from tropical terrain to dazzling city coastlines. Visit your agent to catch a glimpse of all the luxurious hotels, fantastic locations, and amazing deals available to you.

When it comes to the wealth of the options you have for beach holidays, go with ‘whatever floats your boat’, but just remember not to let time keep track of you. Lose yourself in a place where the sun and the moon sparkle off warm waters, and where the sound of the waves will lull you to sleep at night. With all that beaches have to offer – surf, sand, sun and relaxation – it’s clear why beach holidays will never become a thing of the past.

So why not make your next holiday a beach holiday? It might be seen as unadventurous, but for relaxing in awe-inspiring sunrises and glorious sunsets it’s tough to beat.

Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh rugby club.

There is romance to be found in the great north. Canada is a country full of majestic scenery in its many lakes, and rivers, mountains and forests, and wonderful cosmopolitan areas. There are many hotels that stand out either for their history and beautiful surroundings, or for their luxurious accommodations and amenities in the midst urban sophistication. Either of these scenarios make these hotels a perfect setting for a romantic interlude to not be forgotten.

The Wedgewood Hotel and Spa, Vancouver, British Columbia

The Wedgewood Hotel and Spa, located on Vancouver?s chic Robson Square, is a romantic European boutique-style hotel. Privately owned and operated, it is smaller and more intimate than some other local hotels. All of the 83 luxurious rooms at the Wedgewood feature private balconies and beautifully crafted plush furnishings. You can relax at the spa and fitness centre, which carries the renowned Epicuren cosmetic line. The Award-winning restaurant Bacchus offers outstanding dining with live entertainment nightly and is known for its exceptional weekend brunches and afternoon tea. The Wedgewood Hotel is close to many attractions in Vancouver, and there is no shortage of activities to choose from. Suites and romance packages are available.

Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta

Discovery Travel voted Chateau Lake Louise as one of the ”World’s Top 10 Honeymoon Hot Spots” and did so for a very good reason. The scenery is breathtaking and the hotel is grandiose. Chateau Lake Louise is surrounded with snow-frosted Rocky Mountain peaks and secluded next to a legendary lake. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has a full range of newly renovated rooms and elegant suites featuring either a mountain or lake view, with facilities befitting one of the world’s finest mountain resorts: award-winning cuisine in eight restaurants and lounges, and a gallery of unique boutiques to shop at. Your adventure starts right outside the Chateau’s doors. You can go hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, skiing and snowshoeing (depending on the season of course!). Or you can kick back and relax in the spa, indoor pool or hot tub.

Windsor Arms, Toronto, Ontario

Step through the Gothic inspired doorways and you will find a luxurious, two-storey lounge, richly panelled in dark oak and offering 26 suites and two luxury rooms across four floors of this deluxe boutique hotel. Located centrally in Toronto in the upscale Yorkville area, this discreet small luxury hotel offers guests Toronto?s only caviar and champagne lounge, a dance and live entertainment club, a luxury spa and an indoor pool, complete with poolside fireplace and gourmet restaurant. Traditional tea is served at 1:30pm and 3:30pm daily. Shopping and entertainment are only steps away.

The Marriot Niagra Falls Fallsview and Spa, Niagra Falls, Ontario

We all know that Niagra Falls is one of the honeymoon capitals of the world. Something about those majestic falls inspires the romantic side in couples. A room with a view is a must in this location and this new luxury property boasts that it’s the closest hotel to Niagara Falls. The hotel has 427 Fallsview guestrooms overlooking Niagara Falls. The Deluxe Fallsview Fireplace and Whirlpool Suite is an intimate Suite featuring a King sized bed, a large 2-person Whirlpool and a fireplace. This suite is located on one of the hotel’s higher floors, and offers an extraordinary view of both the Canadian and American Falls.

Chateau Montebello, Montebello, Quebec

Nestled in the midst of a private 65000 acre estate, Le Chateau Montebello is located on the shores of the Outaouais River, halfway between Ottawa and Montreal and is a great place to get away from it all. This resort opened in 1930 as a private club and became a hotel in 1971. A legendary log chateau, being the largest log-cabin in the world, the hotel is an idyllic four-season resort offering a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities including: curling, cross country skiing, skating, dog-sledding, snow-shoeing, and sleigh rides in the winter and boating, fishing, jet-skiing, lawn games, outdoor swimming, tennis, and an 18 hole golf course. Jacuzzi suites and romance packages are available.

Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City, Quebec

This is a magnificent castle-like structure with copper turrets and stone towers, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is over 100 years old and a historic landmark of Quebec City. Situated on top of the Cap Diamant Cliffs in the heart of the old walled-in city, Le Chateau Frontenac overlooks the St. Lawrence River and provides some great views. Romance packages are available for any of the beautifully furnished 618 guestrooms and suites. There are exquisite restaurants, an elegant, beautiful bar and a more casual veranda bar. The Chateau also has many upscale boutique shops, art galleries, a florist and hair salon. There is also an on-site indoor pool and fitness center. When do venture out, a stay at the Chateau Frontenac permits you easy walking access to all of the wonderful sites and romantic experiences that Old Quebec has to offer.

The Casino Nova Scotia, Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Casino Nova Scotia is the only hotel located directly on the waterfront, in the heart of downtown Halifax. Guests enjoy convenient access via the walkway to Casino Nova Scotia, many boutiques, shops, restaurants, banks and entertainment hot spots. Casino Nova Scotia is located next door to the Hotel and offers you gaming, entertainment and restaurants. The hotel has two popular restaurants, with outdoor patios featuring a spectacular view of Halifax Harbour, offering an eclectic menu, two lounges, and an indoor heated swimming pool with a large modern fitness facility and full spa services. The rooms offer spectacular views of Halifax Harbour, Historic Properties, the city, or of the courtyard. . The Casino Nova Scotia offers full Concierge services, where sightseeing tours, Harbour boat ours, whale watching, deep-sea fishing, golf and other activities can be arranged. One-bedroom suites or Luxury suites are available.

Jolana Klobouk is a former travel agent who has traveled extensively for work and vacations with her family. For more travel information, visit her travel websites: http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.com and http://www.FlyFromCanada.com

The Parador of Merida is another of the Paradores that is located on the ruta de la plata – which may be the oldest road in Europe. Built by the Romans, the road got it’s name (plata) from the type of stones with which it was paved – called balatha.

The Merida Parador is housed in a building that has a very long history. It has been controlled by Romans, Visigoths, Moors and Christians, and has gone through times of being a Roman forum and temple, a mosque, a church, a hospital, a jail – and now a very fine Parador hotel.

Most of the ancient vestiges that remain in the Parador of Merida are from the monastery built by the Franciscans in the 15th century. It has a very lovely patio surrounded by arches supported by marble columns. The lounge is the former chapel and has an extraordinarily beautiful ceiling. The Parador of Merida has a serene air and really is one of the prettiest in the Parador chain.

The city of Merida has a fascinating history. Founded around 25 B.C. by the Romans, it was at one time one of the most splendid cities in all of Iberia and was actually the capital of Lusitania (the Roman name for what we now call Portugal). There are more Roman ruins here than anywhere else in Spain, and they make for appealing site-seeing.

Interesting nearby excursions from Parador Merida into the city and nearby environs:

- The Roman Bridge: at a half-mile in length, this was the longest Roman-built bridge in Spain. It has now been closed to car traffic, so you can stroll leisurely and peacefully out across the river Guadiana and take in the views back to the city.

- The Roman Amphitheater: When it was operating in the 1st century B.C. – this grand place seated 15 thousand – who came to watch gladiators and chariot races and fake sea battles (they actually flooded the arena so mock ships could float inside the amphitheater!).

- The Roman Aqueduct: Aqueducto de los Milagros isn’t nearly as well preserved as the one in Segovia, but it has a haunting feel to it and harkens back to pre-Biblical times.

- The Alcazaba: This fairly well preserved Moorish castle-fortress was later used by the Knights of Santiago.

- The National Museum of Roman Art: Well worth a visit – it contains all manner of archeologically interesting remains from Roman times.

- There are many other wonderful things to see in Merida – try to stay a few days in order to do this magnificent city justice.

Interesting day trips from the Parador of Merida include:

- Caceres: 68 kilometers to the north is one of the finest monumental towns in Spain and has been declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO.

- Trujillo: 90 kilometers away – Trujillo is a simple treasure . . . Spain as it once was, and with a plaza to rival any other in Spain.

- Zafra: 60 kilometers to the south – Zafra is a pleasant town to visit (and there is a Parador there for you to stay at if you prefer).

The Parador Merida is a fine place to stay, and it is located in one of the most interesting cities you’ll ever visit. Don’t hesitate to enjoy this unique combinations of experiences if you are ever traveling in this out-back area of Spain – the far west of Extremadura.

SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty – the wonderful Paradors of Spain.

Orlando is a city in central Florida and is situated in the northeast of Tampa. Though the main economy of this city focuses on aerospace and electronics industries, the presence of Disney World theme park has made this city a well-known vacation spot. Hence, along with being a trade and processing center, tourism helps to bring in the largest revenues for the city of Orlando, which is also called as The city beautiful. The Disney World theme park is one of the main attractions of this city as it includes the EPCOT center and Animal kingdom. There are a number of other attractions such as Sea world and Universal Studios Florida. Since Orlando is a famous holiday destination, it is surrounded by luxury hotels, restaurants and other tourist facilities. This city is said to have a mild climate and is home to the Magic (National Basketball Association).

Orlando is the sixth largest city of Florida and is also known to be its largest inland city. History shows that Orlando got its name in around 1836 after the death of a soldier named Orlando Reeves who died in this area during a war against the Seminole Indian tribe. This city is said to welcome around 52 million tourists every year and hence is also the second largest city in Florida for the number of hotel rooms. Orlando is located in the citrus fruit and farm area and was settled near Fort Gatlin during the Seminole war. This city is also known to have the second largest university in Florida, the University of Central Florida. Along with innumerable tourist attractions on offer, the world’s largest McDonalds is also situated in this city, which is regarded as a tourist attraction too.

Apart from tourism, aerospace and electronics are the main industries in Orlando. Since this city is very close to the NASA Kennedy Space Center, it has a large manufacturing facility for aeronautical crafts and related high tech research. There are a number of computer hardware and software firms such as IBM located in this city too.

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