The beach city of Santa Monica, California with it’s average year round temperature of about 68 degrees Fahrenheit, good air quality, 245 acres of state beach, over 3,800 hotel rooms, numerous restaurants and abundant shopping is not only a destination for millions of Southern California day-trippers, it is also a popular destination for vactioners from all over the United States and the world.

The city is also home to the Santa Monica Pier, where you can fish day and night, watch the waves, view the wonders of the undersea world at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, dance under the stars to music from big name bands and musicians (summers, Thursday nights only), ride the Ferris wheel, ride a carousel horse or a roller coaster, dine in an ocean view restaurant, entertain yourself at an arcade, watch street performers, jugglers and roller bladers, and shop for souvenirs.

For shopping you can go to the Third Street Promenade, an outdoor, pedestrian-only shopping and entertainment destination where you can spend the whole day. There are more shops are on adjacent boulevards and neighboring 2nd and 4th street. You can also visit Santa Monica Place, a tri-level skylit galleria housing 570,000 square feet with 120 shops and eateries. There is more shopping on Pico Blvd., Montana Ave. and Main Street.

There are accomodations in every price range from inexpensive motels like the Travelodge Santa Monica on Pico Boulevard to luxury hotels like the Hotel Oceana Santa Monica, The Fairmont Miramar Hotel, Le Merigot, Shutters on the Beach and Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.

Dine in an inexpensive coffee shop, have a Fat Burger or some Mexican fast food or dine in more expensive restaurants like Melisse, Valentino, The Lobster, Il Ristorante di Giorgio Baldi, Josie, Chinois on Main, Rockenwagner Brasserie, Sam’s by the Beach, The Beach House, Drago and many more.

Check out the male and female weight lifters and body builders at Muscle Beach with it’s free weights, rings, parallel bars, balance bar, and other gymnastics apparatus. Play or watch people play chess at Chess Park with its 14 large tables with 4 chess boards per table and 10 small tables with 1 chess board per table. Go surfing in the Pier, Bay Street and Rose Ave. beach areas.

For more information about the city of Santa Monica, California see http://santamonica.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Santa Monica, California guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, attorneys, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go and more.

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Barcelona enjoys a warm, welcoming climate and pleasant temperatures all year round, since it is located on the shores of the Mediterranean. Similar to other European regions, Barcelona has well defined seasons in which the temperatures and general weather are fairly predictable. Since it is on the seacoast, Barcelona has a relatively high humidity level of about 70%. June and August are the warmest months, with the mercury higher than 30 degrees (Celsius), perfect for a holiday close to the sea, relaxing on the beaches or in the pools, walking through the city wearing light clothing, or just relaxing and having a cold drink at the various terraces available in the city.

But definitely the best weather can be found by the end of summer and beginning of fall, from September up through part of December, when one can still get a lot of sun, but temperatures are milder than in summer. Barcelona is in the center of the Costa Brava, Spain’s northernmost Mediterranean coastline, and also the commercial center for this region. Barcelona weather is traditionally hot and reliable, with an average rainfall of 1.7 inches per month, except for September and October where 3 to 4 inches per month is the average. The rainfall nourishes the many green areas around the city.

With winter temperatures hovering around 10 degrees Celsius, Barcelona never gets too cold. The ideal months to visit are May, June and September, when one can rely on good weather and avoid the occasional extreme heat. Being situated on the shores of the Mediterranean, Barcelona is blessed with good weather for most of the year. January is the coldest month, with top temperatures averaging 13? Celsius (55? Fahrenheit), while August is the hottest, with an average high of 29? Celsius (82? Fahrenheit).

For all seasons of the year, Barcelona enjoys sunshine. One can eat in open-air restaurants or have a drink on the terraces, by the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

Barcelona provides detailed information on Barcelona, Barcelona Hotels, Barcelona Soccer, Barcelona Weather and more. Barcelona is affiliated with Spain Golf.

Whether you are looking for Scotland tours that take you through history or Scotland tours that show you just how far the country has come in the last few centuries, there is a tour for you. Scotland is a country that is rich in history and rich in people who have a deep love for their country.

Scotland Tours with a True Scot

If you are looking for the best way to see Scotland, you need to make sure that you are touring the country with a true Scot. That does not necessarily mean your tour guide needs to be wearing a kilt and running around with a thick accent, but it does mean that finding someone who was born and raised in Scotland will greatly increase the quality of your Scotland tours.

There are several ways to make sure that you are being led by a true native person, and the first way is to just ask your tour company up-front if they employ only native Scots. Once you are on your tour, ask your guide about their country and their home. Ask your guide where they grew up; what they love the most about their homeland, and why they have never moved on. Ask about family and friends. By doing so, you will get not only a deeper sense of your guide, but a deeper sense of their love for their country. And, as an added bonus, your Scotland tours will be a unique experience.

Single Family or Group Scotland Tours

Most, if not all, travel companies only offer Scotland tours at a group rate. While this can be cost-effective and a little more comfortable for most people, single family Scotland tours are a truly magical and unique experience. If you and your family are feeling adventurous, see if you can find a tour-guide that is willing to just give your family a tour. It may be easier to find someone to do this than you think. If you stick to the more traditional Scotland tours, make sure you don?t just blend into the group.

All Scotland Tours are not the Same

Believe it or not, not all Scotland tours are the same. While most tours will include similar elements such as castles or traditional lore, there are different tours available for different kinds of people. Making sure that you choose the right kind of tour will help you and your family gets the most out of their tour experience. If your family is full of history buffs, there are plenty of Scotland tours that will play to your love and interest. You can walk almost back to the beginning of recorded history about Scotland on the right tour. You can see ancient castles and strongholds, and walk on grassy fields where epic battles once took place.

If, however, you and your family do not want to add an academic side to your vacation, there are Scotland tours that deal with the more modern parts of Scotland?s history and future. You can see the beginnings of the great new era in Scotland and you can tour the current film and history scene. You can see the places where Hollywood has left its mark, and even find yourself a little closer to your favorite Hollywood and music stars.

No matter what kind of Scotland tours interest you, there is something available. No tour of a country like Scotland would be complete without a tour of some of the more well-known and popular castles. Make sure your Scotland tours include a little local color and variety, as well. Find a local pub and grab dinner. If there is an outdoor festival going on while you are there, join the festivities. Make yourself a student of the Scottish culture and way of life, and your time in the country will be an amazing experience. Let yourself be immersed, and you will be forever changed.

Whatever you are looking for in Scotland tours, make sure you take the time to research your options so you can find the perfect fit. Scotland is too great a country and there are too many amazing opportunities available for you to miss out!

Copyright 2006 S Wander

Smooth Hound http://www.smoothhound.co.uk offers affordable hotel, guest house and bed & breakfast accommodation throughout the London and the rest of the world.

Dresden is the capital of Saxony and one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. Someone called it ?Florence-on-Elba? and, really, like Florence, Dresden was known for its architecture and art treasures.

It was nice and flourishing city, but by the middle of the XX century situation has changed. During World War II Dresden was completely destroyed. Since that city and state government has been taking a lot of efforts to restore the city. They planned to finish all works by 2006 (800 anniversary of Dresden), but there is still a lot to be done. Among the nearest plans of restoration are Frauenkirche built between 1726 and 1743 in baroque style and know for its dome.

However, Dresden is once again a popular tourist destination. A lot of beautiful churches and interesting museums attract tourists from all over the world. Restored Hofkirche is the largest church in Saxony. Fa?ade shows 38 historic and bible characters. Kreizkirche is the home for the famous chorus.

One of the symbols of the city is Dresden Opera Theater. The first Opera House at this location was built 1838-41 by the architect Gottfried Semper and considered to be one of the most beautiful theatres in Europe. After the fire of 1869, the house was reconstructed 1871-78 in High Renaissance style. At the end of World War II, in 1945, Opera House was badly concerned. In 1977 – 1985 the theatre was reconstructed, considering the requirements of a modern opera house.

Albertinium is a museum named in the honor of its founder ? king Albert the Saxon. It was constructed in 1884-87. Here you can see the works of the German and French artists of XIX-XX centuries.

One of the most impressive samples of baroque style is Zwinger palace. It houses some museums, especially popular is Dresden Painting Gallery. It exhibits such masterpieces as ?Sistine Madonna? by Rafael and ?Sleeping Venus? by Giorgione.

The palace was built in 1710-1722 in the honor of August the Strong. Like the entire Dresden the palace was erased from the surface in 1945, but in its 1964 opened its doors again.

For booking a hotel in Dresden, please, go to Dresden hotels page.

For booking a hotel in any other city, please, go to Hotel reservation site.

Tavira is one of the most important and worth visiting destination in Portugal. Its inviting long beaches, typical roof and chimneys attract people from all across the globe. The beautiful view over the Gilao River and its Roman Bridges enthrall you to the max. This picturesque town of Portugal has so me excellent sight which you can enjoy the most. Many churches and few castles are there.

Santa Maria do Castelo, Miseric?rdia (Renaissance), Nossa Senhora das Ondas, S?o Jos?, S?o Paulo and Carmo constitutethe list of old churches in the city?they all are worth visiting. Though the castle is not as exciting as that in Alto Alentejo, you will find the walled garden beside it to be a gorgeous beauty. Beautiful medieval houses of along the Travessa de Dona Brites are eye-catching. Gothic windows and portals of the houses impart them an excellent look.

The small village of Luz in the suburb features a renaissance church which has been a pilgrimage place for many centuries. While going from the along the Pra?a de la Rep?blica along the river towards the sea you come across some salt pans with major stretches of water. And if luck favours you, you might be able to see the black-legged stilts or flamingos in this region. The nightlife of Tavira is great! Many Portuguese and Irish bars adorn the city streets. Tavira hotels ensure all comforts for you to make yous stay pleasant one.

www.stayresportugal.com/hotels-in-tavira.html

This Parador in Malaga is located on the famous Costa Del Sol of Spain. There are great views of the sea from the Parador which has a ‘look-out’ postion over the city. It sits next to an centuries-old Moorish fortress (Alcazaba) – the Gibralfaro.

In ancient times, there was kept lit a fire on this hill that guided the ships out at sea into the harbor of the city (this is how the name Gibralfaro came about; gibral = mountain, faro = light).

The Parador of Malaga is surrounded by pretty pine trees and has extensive garden areas. There is a swimming pool on the top where you can swim and lounge with the incredible views. As well, each bedroom has it’s own small balcony and views.

The restaurant at Parador Malaga offers a superb menu that specializes in sea food and typical Andalusian cuisine.

The city of Malaga is the gateway to the Costa Del Sol, but – if that’s where you’re headed – do stop awhile in this wonderful city and visit before moving on to the sun and sand. Malaga has one of the busiest ports in Andalucia, fine golf courses and restaurants, and a host of things to keep travelers busy and entertained during their visit.

Interesting nearby excursions from Parador Malaga:

- The Moorish Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro. These are right near the Parador of Malaga and best preserve what remains architecturally of the once-powerful Moorish controllers of this city. Climb up on the old walls of the castle and get a great view out over the city.

- The new Picasso Museum (Picasso was a native son of Malaga).

- The city’s central zone has some interesting churches and other museums worth visiting.

- The Alameda Principal is a great place to stroll and watch the busy Malague?os living their daily lives.

- Walk down to the Paseo del Parque and you’ll encounter a very peaceful environment of tropical plants near the sea.

- El Palo and Pedregalejo is an area of quaint beaches with several restaurants and cafes that serve some of the very best fish and seafood meals anywhere in Andalucia.

Interesting day trips from the Malaga Gibralfaro Parador include:

- Rincon de la Victoria and the treasure caves.

- Mijas is a pretty little white village in the hills above the sea – about 26 km from the Malaga Parador.

- Ronda is close, and one of the must see towns of Andalucia with its incredible gorge and Moorish ruins.

Malaga offers a great mix for the visitor; the port and nearby beaches, quality museums, fascinating ruins, a world-class golf course – and the great Andalusian ambience. The Parador Malaga Gibralfaro is the perfect place to stay while visiting – you’ll feel a bit like a king (or queen) from this perch that overlooks the entire city.

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. http://www.SpainParador.com