Collectively, Aruba’s beaches are consistently ranked among the cleanest, widest and most beautiful of the Caribbean and the world. On the island?s southwestern coast, tourists will find one beach after another, each with its own distinct atmosphere and diverse possibilities. As nearly all of the beaches are public, access is a breeze. Furthermore, several Caribbean beaches have change and shower facilities, shade huts and water sport equipment provided by Aruba resorts and hotels. For travelers in search of more privacy, a number of public beaches offer dazzling blue water and immaculate sand without the crowds. While most of Aruba?s best beaches are concentrated on the southwestern coast, a number of less frequented beaches on the eastern shores offer unique opportunities for families, surfers and sightseers.

Western Aruba Arashi, Boca Catalina and Malmok Beaches near the California Lighthouse at the northwestern tip of the island, are all part of the Arashi Underwater Park. Calm water, gentle currents, shallow reefs, and outstanding visibility make them popular swimming and snorkeling sites. Snorkelers and swimmers can glimpse large elk horn coral, sea sponges and schools of colorful fish just six feet below the water?s surface.

Hadikurari Beach, directly south of Malmok Beach, is well known for its fantastic windsurfing. The Hi-Winds Pro-Am Windsurfing Competition is held here each June, but the vibrant sails and accomplished surfers entertain spectators year-round. Also known as fishermen?s huts, numerous shade huts and picnic tables are available for public use at Hadikurari.

Perhaps Aruba?s most famous and frequented beach, Palm Beach features miles of powdery, freshly raked sand, excellent swimming conditions, pristine water and numerous watersport activities. Palm Beach is also one of the best-equipped and serviced beaches on the island; public changing areas and refreshment stands are readily available. What?s more, many of the island?s finest resorts and hotels overlook the popular beach, granting a short walk to paradise for many travelers. Additionally, many resorts offer watersports equipment, shade huts and lounge chairs for their guests.

Directly south of Palm Beach behind a rocky outcropping lies Eagle Beach. With even more clean sand and luminous water than Palm Beach and fewer high-rise resorts, Eagle Beach is Palm?s less-crowded cousin. Though watersports and beach activities are still abundant here, Eagle Beach remains a local favorite and an ideal picnic spot.

Continuing south from Eagle Beach, the island?s widest stretch of unspoiled sand rests at Manchebo Beach. As the land juts out further into the Caribbean Sea at Punto Brabo, the surf here is much stronger than at Eagle Beach. Motorized watersports are not permitted at Manchebo, allowing this beach to retain a sense of tropical seclusion. As the coastline again turns inward south of Manchebo, the typically overlooked Druif and Surfside Beaches offer excellent swimming conditions.

Sonesta Island, a 40-acre private tropical retreat with spectacular white sand beaches, secluded coves and protected swimming areas, has long been a tourist favorite. Here, travelers can rest in hammocks under shady palm trees or engage in snorkeling, scuba diving or kayaking.

Eastern Aruba As the name might imply, Baby Beach is known as Aruba?s premier family beach, highlighted by its placid turquoise waters and endless sand. Located at the southeastern end of the island in the area known as Seroe Colorado, the calm lagoon surrounding the beach is also ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Like so many other beaches in Aruba, Rodgers Beach features plush sand and excellent swimming in reef-protected waters. Though the surf at Rodgers is slightly more robust than at Baby Beach, recreation is still possible for the whole family.

Lastly, as one of the few accessible beaches on Aruba?s windward side, Dos Playa is a smaller white sand beach surrounded by an imposing, rocky coastline. For those in search of waves for a challenging surfing experience, Dos Playa is certainly the beach of choice.

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

Current info about Fun Amsterdam Vacation is not always the easiest thing to locate. Fortunately, this report includes the latest Fun Amsterdam Vacation info available.

Amsterdam is lovely and very unique. In Amsterdam the people, the streets and the atmosphere are all attractions that people come to see and enjoy.

Amsterdam is also teeming with culture with all of their libraries and museums. There is so much to see in Amsterdam that you will have to make plans for your excursions so you don’t miss anything.

Another fine attraction of Amsterdam is their many wonderful restaurants. As you walk down the Damrak, which is the street facing Central Station you can see the old familiar neon signs yelling pizza! Or you can experience the local cuisine by window shopping the sandwich boards sitting out front of the local eateries to see what you are in the mood for.

The city of Amsterdam has long he herald for it’s 17th century architecture. It is everywhere and simply gorgeous. It is also famous for all of it’s canals and waterways as well as it’s lively nightlife and numerous charming bed and breakfasts.

Amsterdam Bed and Breakfast travelers can take advantage of seeing all the must see sights and enjoying relaxing accommodations that make you feel as if you are home. Some of the must see sights include: Van Gogh Museum, the 250-room Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, the Artis Zoo, the Royal Palace, the world-wide known Dam Square, local theatres, local restaurants, and eclectic shopping in the Jordaan neighborhood.

Think about what you’ve read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about Fun Amsterdam Vacations? Or was there something completely new?

For those who are budget conscious and like to travel off the peak season when everything is usually about 50 percent off you can do that in Amsterdam as well. You would book your trip from October to March. When you go in March a lot of times the flowers are starting to bloom and the weather is getting a little warmer.

When you arrive it is a good idea to visit one of Amsterdam’s Tourism & Convention Board offices. You will find several information centers and kiosks located in and around the city center where tourists can find up to date information about Amsterdam’s many happenings like museums, events, festivals, sightseeing and more.

Amsterdam’s many accommodation choices range from any imaginable budget all the way to state-of-the-art hotels. Or you can stay in a canal front apartment. All the accommodations are just an easy walk to the city central where you will find it busting with restaurants, coffee houses and shops.

I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing–the more you understand about any subject, the more you will be able to share with others.

Owen Walcher is a freelance writer, writing travel and vacation articles such as Amsterdam Vacation Fun You can find more Amsterdam Vacation articles here: www.relaxingvacation.info

Every region and major city in Italy has more than a few unique hotels in settings that will mesmerize the tourist.

Many hotels are near restaurants or have a built-in restaurant for convenience. Some are known for their picturesque designs (both architecture and decor) as well as the landscapes where they sit. Below are some fabulous hotels along with detailed descriptions about their special features to help the traveller who’s looking for something beyond ordinary.

Lap of Luxury in the Alps of Italy

La Perla Corvara, Italy

Situated high in the Dolomites, the South Tyrolean lodge called La Perla is located in Corvara, a friendly Alpine village that’s near the Swiss border. The lodge has traditional rooms with rustic wood furniture, decorative headboards and printed fabrics. The hotel resembles a typical Swiss lodge, with a dining area that has all wood paneling and timbered ceilings. The walls are lined with wine bottles. There’s also an unusual motorcycle museum at the resort that has antique bikes on display! The resort is just over 100 miles from Venice.

Guests at La Perla enjoy the daring view of the Dolomite peaks, snowshoeing and skiing activities, and also hiking

during warm weather. There are Turkish baths, a jacuzzi and saunas as well as an indoor-outdoor pool. This is a fun and relaxing place to rest during your Italy tour.

Vigilius Mountain Resort South Tyrol, Italy

This resort sits at the top of a mountain in South Tyrol in the Alps, near the Italian-Austrian border. Don’t want to drive up the mountain? You won’t have to because this resort is accessible by cable car only – 1500 meters up!

The hotel is modern in design with stone and concrete on lots of plain wood. If you want remote, this is the place to be.

Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria Sorrento, Italy

This hotel is located high on a cliff that overlooks the harbor in Sorrento. The hotel is actually three villas, each built in the 1800s. The hotel has been restored, but still maintains its original design. Ornate frescoes on the ceilings of a few suites and unique furniture give the hotel its unique beauty.

There are two restaurants. One is a traditional dining room with a 19th century elegant style. The other is a terrace restaurant that has a tremendous view of the harbor. Guests staying during the summer months might get to dine by candlelight on the Vittoria Terrace as a small orchestra plays music. The hotel offers a private elevator, which transports guests to the harbor. Boats are also available for hire here.

Il San Pietro di Positano Positano, Italy

For those not afraid of heights, this unusual hotel descends with each level down a cliffside. The views of the sea can be enjoyed from each room and terrace to the max because the hotel is built alongside the cliff only one room deep. Each room has its own private terrace. This makes for a very relaxing and quiet getaway.

The entrance of the hotel is actually a small chapel from the 17th century that was devoted to San Pietro. There is a restaurant on top of the hotel that serves Italian cuisine and offers more stunning views of the Gulf of Salerno. There’s also a swimming pool that has been carved into the cliffside. A lift can be taken from the hotel lobby down to a private beach and seaside cocktail bar.

Grand Hotel Quisisana Capri, Italy

The Grand Hotel Quisisana is where many supermodels, actors and other members of the elite go to hide away. Located in the popular city of Capri, this hotel resembles a habitat for the rich and famous with its 19th century design, endless mirrors and amazing floors. A pool and outdoor cafe are available.

Caesar Augustus Hotel Capri, Italy

Sitting above the Bay of Naples, 1000 feet above, is this classic hotel with its unmatching views of the bay. The rooms are welcoming with bright modern bathrooms and private balconies. There is a restaurant on a terrace that overlooks the bay also. It offers stylish comfort and a beautiful view all in one package!

The Capri Palace Anacapri, Italy

A hotel with Roman Empire elegance and a stunning view of the sea, the Capri Palace welcomes guests to gorgeous rooms with chandeliers, tile and marble baths and canopy beds. Luxury is an understatement at this hotel. Even outside the hotel is a well-kept garden. A pool and spa are available for relaxation. The hotel offers a penthouse suite and also an apartment-style suite for long stays that has its own garden and pool.

Don’t settle for second best on your trip. If you don’t see a unique hotel above for the area you plan to visit, use online resources and searches to find other dream resorts in Italy! Choice Hotels, Unique Settings for the Italy Traveller

San Domenico Palace Hotel Taormina, Sicily, Italy

For a luxury vacation in Sicily, tourists enjoy staying at the San Domenico Palace. It sits on a hill above Taormina and offers lovely views of the volcanic peak of Mount Etna as well as the Ionian Sea. The hotel is in a 15th century monastery with beautiful terraces and gardens. Although the building is ancient, the interior is not. The marble bathrooms are very modern as are the fixtures and amenities. Guests enjoy lounging in the pool during the summer, or dining at one of three restaurants that each serve a broad range of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Hotel Eden Rome, Italy

When in Rome, many tourists choose to stay at Hotel Eden, even Hemingway and Ingrid Bergman! With over a hundred rooms, Hotel Eden is far from small, but gives guests a feeling of seclusion, like a stay in a private residence. It’s just a few blocks from the Spanish Steps, a main tourist area in Rome.

The rooms are classic and offer striking views of the city. Antique furnishings and corniced ceilings blend with modern design to give an elegant appearance. Nearby there are great shopping areas, attractions, sights and restaurants for fine dining.

Hotel Forty Seven Rome, Italy

Hotel Forty Seven is a place for art lovers with Italian art from the 20th century on each floor. The rooms have comfortable furnishings, satellite television and Internet connections. Twenty-four hour room service is also available. Atop the hotel is a restaurant that overlooks Ancient Rome, where guests can enjoy a delicious Mediterranean dinner.

Hotel Capo d’Africa Rome, Italy

This hotel offers spacious, decorative rooms with high ceilings, painted in warm, bright colors. The furnishings are modern although the building was once a school in the early 20th century. The neighborhood is quiet, and there is a rooftop terrace that’s a great place to relax. Just a few blocks from the hotel is the Colosseum.

Hotel Gritti Palace Venice, Italy

This is a gorgeous hotel that was once a palace in Venice. It’s just steps away from San Marco, but located far enough from the roar of traffic to give guests a peaceful stay. The Terrazza restaurant at the hotel offers a terrific view of the Grand Canal.

Hotel Spadari al Duomo Milan, Italy

The Hotel Spadari al Duomo has a middle name – and that name is fashion. Designers often set up at this hotel for furniture fairs, making it a favorite place to stay for those in the fashion industry. The rooms are comfortable with custom-made furniture for a unique appeal. Some rooms offer a view of the Duomo cathedral. There are beautiful contemporary paintings hanging on the walls.

Grand Hotel et de Milan Milan, Italy

An elegant hotel in Milan that has lovely rooms with period furniture and rich fabrics. The La Scala theater is just a short walk from the hotel.

La Sommita Relais Culti Ostuni, Puglia, Italy

La Sommita Relais Culti is a hotel that doesn’t look like much on the outside, and the rooms are very discrete. This is an unusual hotel that has only nine suites, with each suite appearing to be the only one around. This is the place to stay for those needing seclusion or who want to grasp what it’s like living in a place like Ostuni.

Grand Hotel Continental Siena, Italy

Once an aristocratic residence, the Grand Hotel Continental is the most luxurious hotel in Siena. It’s located just off the pedestrian street of Piazza del Campo in the heart of Siena. Although the building has been restored, the original details remain. The hotel has a grand ballroom, a splendid restaurant and a wine bar. The rooms are designed with frescoed ceilings, paintings and unique furnishings while also offering the modern conveniences of satellite television and Internet access.

Lungarno Suites Florence, Italy

This hotel adds modern elegance to Florence with three stylish hotels. The suites are apartment-style with kitchenettes and refrigerators, and are also very spacious. The hotel’s location makes it easy for guests to explore the city. Families will appreciate the extra space! A dream vacation in Italy doesn’t have to be bland, and neither do the accommodations!

You can find international cell phones and service for Italy from http://www.planetomni.com. Free incoming calls from all countries night and day and calling the states is just US $.60 per minute! They rent and sell phones and satellite phones as well.

John Dulaney, born Dec. 11th, 1946, married with children. Living most years since 1969 outside the USA and working in motion pictures since 1965 I started QuantumStar.com with my wife, Jojo, in March of 1994 in San Francisco, Ca. I’ve lived in or been to approximately 36 countries and have lived under Democracies, Socialism, Communism, dictatorships, kingdoms and others. There is nothing like home. I participated at Channel Four in Manila, Philippines during the People Power Revolution and stood, with my wife’s brother, along with half a million others against the threat of tank attack. I have witnessed the ruinous effects of Socialism /Communism /Dictatorship in dozens of countries and today enjoy the remains of our freedoms and protections of the Constitution in the USA here in California. Working in front of and behind the camera films around the world we removed to the suburbs and a quiet life, for a few years. We still have property in Umbria, Italy, some is for sale. After all is said and done I count my children, wife Jojo and my friends as my only real treasure.

Let?s face it – when it comes to style, cuisine and wine – the French do pretty well! With world-class fashion and theatre, unrivalled music and clubbing, and an eclectic array of restaurant and bar choices, this is a city built on historical grandeur and everything chic.

Nowhere do all the romantic clich?s play more strongly than Paris ? the city of lights and of a thousand whispers. Like an impossibly beautiful woman who is placed on a pedestal, the sheer beauty of Paris can be overwhelming at first glance. But don?t let the glittering fa?ade fool you?look beyond the heartbreaking beauty and you?ll find a charming and disarmingly normal city, and people who are not only friendly – but also curious about you (where you come from, your views on politics and so on)! It does take a bit of attitude adjustment though ? just give the city a chance; not every Parisian is a snob! Just know, it certainly helps to arm yourself with at least a ?bonjour? in their language.

Here, it?s far better to experience the city, than to just look at it. Of course, the Louvre, Pompidou, Musee D’Orsay, the Opera, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower are unparalleled. But, Paris is far beyond the shadows of impressive monuments and grand boulevards. So, skip the endless museum hopping for a day, find your spot in one of the numerous caf?s, and watch the world go by. Paris is a city full of romance and passion, so let it sweep you off your feet. Do like the Parisians do: enjoy your morning croissant or Nutella crepe as you stroll along the Seine. Or grab a mobile lunch of a baguette, brie, and sliced tomatoes. You too will feel like a Parisian (just like cute little Audrey Tautou when she portrayed eccentric Amelie) as you slowly stroll through the streets, taking in every smell, sight, and sound

When the sun starts to set, climb up to the top of Paris for the best views and Bohemian vibe in the city. No kids, not the top of the Eiffel Tower. We prefer the steps of Sacre Coeur where you can relax with the locals and a good bottle of wine as you watch the city transform.

Paris is chic, royal, ever-changing and always fascinating, so go ahead and discover where the locals hang out, eat, drink and reminisce about the day?s events in a tradition that?s impossibly French. If you want to run this town like Napolean did, checkout some of our journeyPod Picks and have some fun on us!

Top Paris Picks

Chez Papa – If you want to eat very good (and not expensive) Southwestern French cuisine come to Chez Papa early – because it’s always full. With several locations throughout the city, Chez Papa serves dishes in a charmingly old-fashioned way in pots, pans and clay bowls. The service is excellent too ? and, if you?re lucky ? you may even get a chance to meet the big daddy himself, Chez Papa! The place is vegetarian-friendly, so you may order any of your choices without the meat. And, you can?t go wrong with their omelets, salads and onion pie! If you find yourself at Chez Papa on the busy rue La Fayette, sit near a window for some people-watching.

Buddha Bar ? Roll up your sleeves and prepare to get into some trouble. Everyone from flight attendants to die-hard travelers to local Parisians agrees that Buddha Bar is the hottest spot in Paris! As you embark inside, you?ll find yourself greeted with an enormous Buddha who towers graciously over the crowd. Don?t piss him off as you climb the massive staircase to the restaurant and indulge in Japanese-American cuisine. If you?re in the mood for some chow, the most talked about dish here is the grilled duck. Just like their sister Buddha Bars in London and Dubai, this place also lets you dance off those calories after dinner.

Hungry for more? Well, you can hop a transcontinental to DeGaulle right now, but we’d advise you first to check out the rest of our top Parisian night spots at journeypod.com, and be prepared for some serious ooh-la-la.

journeyPod.com is the only place you need to visit for information on the trendiest bars and restaurants, the most luxurious hotels, and the most exclusive parties and shops for discriminating travelers. Visit journeyPod.com for the lowdown on where to go in Atlanta, New York, Miami, LA and other major cities around the world, and listing to our monthly travel podcast for the best in upscale travel and entertainment. If you like the finer things in life, journey to journeyPod.com!

August in Edinburgh, Scotland is festival time. And it?s not just one festival but six:

There is the original Edinburgh International Festival of music, drama and visual arts that started in 1947. Around the same time came the Edinburgh International Film Festival promoting British and continental films as well as American imports.

In 1950 the army started performing the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in the Castle Esplanade, which has become one of the main festival attractions with some 200,000 tickets sold each year.

Then during the 1950?s uninvited performers set up shop in any space they could find in pubs, halls and churches. By the end of the fifties the uninvited referred to themselves as being on the Fringe. Today the Fringe Festival is actually bigger than the official festival and is the main draw for many festival visitors.

The Edinburgh Book Festival is held in a series of marquees erected in the middle of Charlotte Square in Edinburgh?s New Town. It?s also worth taking time off from the festival to pay a visit to the Georgian House that stands at the end of Charlotte Square. Refurbished by the National Trust for Scotland this Robert Adam designed house shows what domestic life was like for the well to do in 18th Century Edinburgh.

Last but not least is the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival with free concerts in Princes Street Gardens and the Grassmarket as well as in numerous pubs and bars.

With so much going on in one month it?s not surprising that the city?s population of about half a million is expanded by three times. And whilst the city has a great many hotels and guest houses it make sense to book early to secure your Edinburgh accommodation. So here are some suggestions for the budget conscious seeking cheap discount hotels.

Ailsa Craig Hotel, 24 Royal Terrace, EH7 5AH ( 44 [0131 556 1022) offers large clean rooms with original Georgian features. Popular with students and low budget groups.

Balfour Guest House, 90-92 Pilrig Street, EH6 5AY ( 44 [0131 554 2106) has a central location with free parking that makes it popular with groups.

Brodies Guest House, 22 East Claremont Street, EH7 4JP ( 44 [0131 556 4032) has been extensively refurbished with most rooms having en-suite facilities. Friendly service, free street parking and full Scottish breakfasts at this family owned establishment.

Claremont, 14-15 Claremont Terrace, EH7 4HX ( 44 [0131 556 1487) has large clean rooms some with views of Arthur?s Seat ? the extinct volcano that looms out of Holyrood Park. The downstairs disco may be much enjoyed by some but too noisy for others.

Frederick House Hotel, 42 Frederick Street, EH2 1EX ( 44 [0131 226 1999) is a listed building very near Waverley Station – the main Edinburgh railway station.

Glendale Guest House, 5 Lady Road, EH16 5PA ( 44 [0131 667 6588) situated in the conservation area of Craigmillar Park, 3km from Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street. Secure private parking and close to a direct bus route into town.

Greens Hotel, 24 Eglinton Terrace, EH12 5BY ( 44 [0131 337 1565) owned by a charitable trust and located just near Haymarket Station this hotel offers good quality at a reasonable price.

Menzies Guesthouse, 33 Leamington Terrace, EH10 4JS ( 44 [0131 229 4629) is located in the heart of the city of Edinburgh just a short walk away from Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle, King’s Theatre and all main attractions.

Nova Hotel, 5 Bruntsfield Crescent, EH10 4EZ ( 44 [0131 447 6437) is just ten minutes from town and offers spacious rooms suitable for groups.

Town House, 65 Gilmore Place, EH3 9NU ( 44 [0131 229 1985) is close to some of the major theatres making it convenient for Festival visitors.

Full details of festival dates and venues are at www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk and for a useful site listing more Edinburgh accommodation options take a look at www.visitscotland.com.

Michael Soliatis edits Cheap Discount Hotels and writes about Edinburgh Accommodation.

The beautiful, rustic, old, colonial city of Morelia is situated about halfway in between Guadalajara and Mexico City and has a thriving population of around 1,000,000 people. It has everything from historical buildings and monuments to modern-day conveniences, shopping centers, restaurants, movie houses, universities and colleges, etc. What makes Morelia special, though, is its people. Their backgrounds vary from native Indian to French to Spanish and other nationalities. Their greatest asset, however, is their warmth and friendliness.

What Brought Me To Morelia

Most of my life I have studied foreign languages and other cultures. I spoke Spanish as a child and then went on to other languages. In 1996, I was attending Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington for a degree to validate my business experience. Then, one day, a visiting international programs speaker came to one of my history classes and shared her experiences about living in the country of Sri Lanka (an island country just south of India). As I was in a transition period of my life and needing a change, I checked on nearby countries where I could go on an exchange program to re-establish my Spanish language skills. My school had such a program with Centro Mexicano Internacional (CMI) in Mexico that really appealed to my sense of adventure and interest in other cultures. So, I signed up for Spring Quarter 1997 and headed off to Morelia, Michoac?n, Mexico.

Morelia would be my home from March 1997 until I moved to Guadalajara to enroll in a more advanced Spanish language program in August 1997. Even now, though, if given the choice of living in Morelia versus Guadalajara, Morelia would always win out. The city is vibrant with a deep sense of culture and history dating all the way back to the 1500?s. Every day, on my way to school and back, I walked by old colonial style structures, buildings, statues, monuments, fountains, and parks, each with a story about the past. For instance, an aqueduct (called El Acueducto in Spanish), built in the 1700?s to carry Morelia?s water supply goes right through the center of town (El Centro). I passed this marvelous structure every time I walked the avenue (Calzada Fray Antonio de San Miguel) leading up to my school. Next to the Calzada is a wide cobblestone pathway with benches to sit and relax, read, or visit with friends. On one side of Calzada Fray Antonio de San Miguel are churches and schools. The other side has shops, art galleries, and a restaurant or two. All of the buildings appear to be at least as old as the Acueducto or older and are fairly well maintained.

Paying the bills

When I first arrived in Morelia, I was depending on financial aid from my school in the US. Within a week or so of arriving at my new school I was asked to substitute for an ill teacher to teach Mexican students enrolled in CMI?s ESL (English As A Second Language) program. I found out that I loved teaching the Mexican students. And, as the school was very impressed with my teaching skills, they offered me a part-time job teaching all levels of English and Linguistics classes. Also, I began to work in the school?s computer laboratory as a supervisor in the evening after classes were done for the day. Together, both of my positions paid about $3 per hour. With the surplus from my financial aid and from what I earned, I lived on approximately $500 a month or less. Out of this amount I paid for rent, food, travel, entertainment, and obligations I had back in the US. After paying my US expenses, I usually had about $300 or less for my day-to-day living.

My monthly expenses generally amounted to approximately: $50 rent, $150 food, $25 clothing, $25 transportation, $50 other personal expenses (laundry, haircuts, entertainment, etc). Now, some people may think one can?t do too much on $300 or $400 a month. It can be done if one does not have to worry about the ownership and upkeep of an automobile. Granted, things were tight at times, but I always managed to go see movies at least a couple of times a month. And, I went to a lot of free or other low cost events such as concerts put on by some of the local schools or musicians. Movies, haircuts, and restaurant meals only cost about $2.

Finding a place to live

Before I even left the US, I checked Morelia?s hotels on the Internet and asked for recommendations from officials at my new school. The first place I found that I liked and stayed at was the Mintzicuri Hotel at Vasco de Quiroga No. 227. The rooms were very clean and comfortable at a rate of about $8 a night. Within a week of arriving in Morelia my school?s housing director, Charly (a dear, sweet lady), took me to look at local apartments. I found one at the Posada de Villa located at Padre Lloreda No. 176 for about $150 a month. Then, after a few weeks I decided to see what was available in the local paper. I found a rooming house that offered a room for about $50 a month at Vincente Santa Maria No. 1925. When I went to check it out, I found a large, comfortable room with a bath shared by 3 other roomers. We also had access to cooking facilities as well as a mini refrigerator in each room.

Day-to-day life in Morelia

I lived a basic, simple life. I would stop at a local bakery and buy rolls, bolillos (small loaves of bread), and/or galletas (large cookies) for breakfast on my way to school. Then, I ate sandwiches and fruit at my school?s snack bar for lunch. For supper, I would either eat at a local caf? or buy groceries and fix something in my room. My favorite item at the caf?s was milanesa, a thinly sliced beefsteak, chopped up and mixed with fresh avocado and eaten with tortillas. Or, I would have milanesa sandwiches and other local dishes. Usually, if I cooked at home, I would eat spaghetti type meals or fruit and vegetables.

Routinely, Monday through Friday, I took Spanish classes and taught English between the hours of 8:00 AM through 2:00 PM. 2:00 to 4:00 PM was siesta (break) time. Afterwards, I taught and worked in my school?s computer lab from 4:00 to around 9:00 PM. After 9 was suppertime. Saturdays, I taught classes half-day. I devoted the rest of the weekend to either resting or other personal activities.

When I wasn?t busy working or studying, I oftentimes walked around town or took a combi (Morelia?s VW Van Mini-Bus system) or taxi to various cultural sites such as the city library, the government buildings, other buildings of historical interest (ex: Mexican Patriot Jos? Morelos? birthplace and house), or mercados (open markets either outside or housed in large buildings) and did a little exploring.

I almost always felt safe in Morelia, not because of the visible presence of gun toting policemen, but because of the very low crime rate. El Centro (downtown) was generally always crowded and busy. Many of the side streets off of Avenida Francisco Madero (Morelia?s main downtown street) had shopping bazaars and mercados with every imaginable item from food to clothes to leather goods to electronic items and much more. The one area I did not care much for was right around the bus depot (long distance buses). There are x-rated theatres and other nefarious activities close to that location.

One thing I came to really appreciate in a hurry, was that I did not have to wash my own clothes. There are no self-service laundries that I am aware of in Morelia. I usually took my clothes to the laundry service in the block just down the street from my room. The two young ladies that ran it were efficient, prompt, and always welcomed me with smiles.

The people of Morelia

Generally, the people of Morelia were very friendly, warm, and caring. Two of my friends at a local Internet cyber caf? were especially helpful to me. When I first went to Morelia, my spoken Spanish consisted of only being able to speak in the present tense. I had never really learned how to properly conjugate verbs. Even though I could read and understand Spanish very well, I was very limited in my ability to converse. At first, I carried 2 very helpful books ? Practical Conjugation of Verbs and a Spanish dictionary, both published by Larousse. For 2 months I carried these books everywhere I went and referred to them almost constantly. One day, my friends Genaro and Marcos took me aside and told me to put the books away, try to think and talk as best I could in Spanish and let them help me to correct errors in my grammar. That was the very best thing I could have done. It worked! It was not long at all before I was able to converse fairly freely. The key is immersion in a language ? thinking, speaking, and living it.

Other people and families also befriended and ?adopted? me. Two of my students took to me like an older brother and included me in their family activities and meals and recreation and also acted as my personal guides around Morelia. One of their favorite activities was gathering around a big-screen TV and watching f?tbol (soccer). Sometimes, we would go to a local park or concert. Another of my students took me to events like the local fair and flea market.

Places of interest for tourists

Places I would recommend for visitors to Morelia to see: The sidewalk cafes and food stands, the shopping bazaars and mercados, Morelia?s Zoo, the annual Feria in April-May (the local fair), the cyber caf?s, local book stores, church and government buildings, museums and art galleries, the parks and fountains (ex: Bosque Cuauht?moc and the Three Sisters fountain in El Centro), the local universities, movie theatres (generally $2 or $3 for an adult ticket), musical entertainment ? one place that comes immediately to my mind is El Colibri restaurant (located in El Centro just off of Francisco Madero). El Colibri has a live band that plays both local music and soft rock as well as a show called El Baile de los Viejitos (The Dance of the Little Old Men), a delightful presentation and musical score.

The shopping bazaars and mercados have all kinds of clothes, leather goods, electronic gadgets, and food items. They even sell birds ? big birds! There are shopping areas or mercados all over Morelia. Some that I frequented are: 1). on the way towards the central bus station ? several shops selling food items and leather goods; 2). Mercado Revolucion ? between Francisco Madero and Plan de Ayala in El Centro; 3) Mercado Independencia ? on Avenida Lazaro Cardenas just off of Vincente Santa Maria. One word of caution ? when eating at the local food stands, make sure the food is fresh and has not been sitting out for an extended period of time. And, always, always ask for agua purificada (purified water). One more word of caution, this time to women, Mexican, American, or any other nationality ? always take along a companion or stay in a group.

Morelia?s weather

I was not there during winter months; however, I have heard that the winters are fairly mild. The summers can be very hot at times, but, for the most part, I found them moderately warm to hot. I have heard that it is wise during late summer, fall, and winter months to carry an umbrella, though.

Do your homework before you go

If you are really serious about visiting Morelia ? do your homework before you go. Many excellent hotel deals, information about sites to see, historical background, information about language schools, etc. can be found by looking on the Internet. Other great sources of information are travel guides you can either purchase or find at your local library.

My experiences in Morelia were generally positive mainly for the following reason ? I went there expecting to live like a native, not a foreigner and I kept a good attitude and sense of humor.

If you are looking for a place to start a new life or to seek a little culture and adventure then, this little hidden gem, Morelia, could be your ticket.

About The Author

The author, David Wix, lived, worked, and traveled extensively in Mexico during 1997 and has degrees in history and languages. Currently he is working as an insurance broker in California. He has had articles published in his areas of expertise and is currently working on a couple of books to be published in the near future. Author’s website: http://www.dave-wix.com and http://www.travelwriters.com/davewix.

dave@dave-wix.com

Long lines and restless guests in popular queues are a thing of the past at Walt Disney World. At least it is for those who choose to take advantage of Disney?s free service: FastPass.

So what is it?

FastPass debuted in 1999 and was embraced as a brilliant innovation in theme park engineering. This computerized system allows visitors to avoid standing in line for the most popular attractions throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Many guests did not understand the system at the time and some still do not. As a matter of fact, during the three and a half years I was a cast member at the Disney-MGM Studios, I would often overhear guests remark: ?Hey, that?s not fair! Those people pay extra and get to cut ahead of us in line!?

How does it work?

The FastPass attraction reservation system is very simple to use and best of all?it?s free. Go to a participating show or ride, locate the FastPass machine and insert an admission ticket for each person in your party who wishes to enter the attraction. The FastPass machine reserves a return appointment for your party and prints a pass for each ticket with a one-hour window (for example, 10:20-11:20 a.m.). From here, you can feel free to explore the less crowded attractions in your selected park. During that one hour time frame, you can usually squeeze in two (maybe three) smaller attractions instead of waiting in that bloated line. Give yourself at least 15 minutes to be able to make it back in time for your designated FastPass time. When you arrive at the attraction, simply hand the cast member standing in front of the FastPass entrance your passes and you?re in!

Wow, that?s so cool! I think I?ll get one for every ride!

Not so fast. In order for Disney?s FastPass system to work properly, they had to implement restrictions on the amount of FastPasses a guest can hold during a given period of time. Each guest may hold one FastPass for one attraction every two hours or after the one hour window expires; whichever comes first. Why? If everyone were able to come in to the parks and get a FastPass for every attraction at once it wouldn?t be very fast, would it?

Great, I?m ready to go!

The most important factor in getting what you want out of your Disney World visit is time management. Now that you know the FastPass system inside and out, you?ll be able to get out there and experience more of what the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer?faster, of course!

Article Source: Orlando Vacation

Jose M. Negron has been a resident of Orlando, FL for the past 17 years and is a copywriter and web programmer for Affordable Travel, LLC and http://www.orlandovacation.com Feel free to visit to read more articles by this author or contact him directly: jose@orlandovacation.com

Terrific Tofino

The Esowista Peninsula is perched in the edge of the North America Continent. Next stop Japan! At the north end of the Peninsula is the town of Tofino, located in a protected harbour. Just to the North, you will also find protected waters, and directly offshore is the Wild West Coast.

The constant ocean surge in this area keeps the surf breaking on expansive white sandy beaches. In winter, waves can reach up to 50 feet in height! North of Tofino, you’ll find the Ahousaht First Nations Community, Cougar Annie’s Gardens and Hot Springs Cove, and just across the harbour you’ll find Optisat First Nations Village on Meares Island.

Before you enjoy all the exciting tourist activities Tofino has to offer, you must first find a place to stay. Since nearly one million visitors flock to this paradise each summer, it is best to book in advance.

Clayoquot-Orca Lodge

If you are looking for a good value, check out the Clayoquot-Orca Lodge. It’s centrally located on the East Side of Highway 4, just as you approach Tofino, and close to all the major beaches. Clayoquot-Orca is a unique destination resort featuring on-site Eco Experience on 4 acres of old growth rain forest. Well groomed trails lead to Jensen Bay, a waterfront Bird Sanctuary, while other trails will lead you throughout the rainforest. The Lodge has comfortable, spacious ensuite rooms, some with private hot tubs. There is a licensed piano lounge, ‘the Chuckling Oyster’ which is also pet friendly. It’s full of games and activities and has a nice fireplace to curl up beside on summer evenings.

Olivia, the owner/operator of Clayoquot-Orca is a unique character who’s dedicated to ensuring you have a special holiday. She quite regularly helps guests plan their days and book their chosen activities. Many people who’ve stayed here have written to say their stay in Tofino was the highlight of their trip. Olivia is currently adding an additional 30 rooms to the Lodge. We stayed in a spacious suite that had two Queen sized beds and a pullout couch in it. The room could have easily handled six people and there was lots of room to relax at the end of a busy day.

The Lodge also has a dining room that operates throughout the peak tourist season with an attached Solarium where guests can dine with their pets. Now that is pet friendly! Chloe is the host pet. The highway sign proudly boasts that the Clayoquot-Orca Lodge was voted #1 for best-value accommodation in the Tofino area.

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

Traveling to Barcelona involves choosing a place to stay. The Barcelona hotel you choose can made a tremendous difference in your enjoyment of your vacation or business trip, yet it’s difficult to find a Barcelona hotel that meets your needs if you haven’t been to the city before. Taking into account service, quality, price, and location are important, but Barcelona hotels can offer so much more – such as views of sites steeped in history and easy access to transportation.

The best hotels in Barcelona include the Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel, located on the water in the heart of Port Vell. One of Barcelona’s most unique hotels is the Claris Hotel, which was once a nineteenth-century neoclassical palace. Culture buffs may wish to make Barcelona hotel reservations at Le Meridien Barcelona Hotel, which is in the center of the city and close to the Liceo Opera House, the Museo Picasso, and the Gothic Quarter. Those who love to shop until they drop might choose the Intercontinental Princess Sofia Hotel, which is close to the city’s exclusive shopping district. The Colon Hotel offers gorgeous views of the Cathedral of Barcelona, while the Expo Barcelona Hotel is in the heart of the business district.

Barcelona offers a multitude of sights, sounds, and experiences for every visitor. With miles of redeveloped seafront, you can enjoy a wonderful day at the beach, soaking in the sun and partaking of the shops, restaurants, and festivities dotting the shoreline. The Museo Picasso and Fundacion Joan Miro, along to nearly four dozen other private and public museums provide art aficionados with the opportunity to admire local and world renown paintings, sculptures and drawings. Fans of the Olympics will enjoy visiting the site of the 1992 Summer Games, strolling through the Olympic Village and viewing the names of 257 Gold Medalists in Placa dels Campions. With architecture dating back to Roman times, you will enjoy walking tours of the city that include sites such as the Roman Wall and Roman aqueduct. Steeped in history yet very much a part of the twenty-first century, Barcelona vibrantly integrates old with new.

Barcelona is known for its lively nightlife, with choices ranging from cocktail lounges and dance clubs to karaoke bars and the theater. Known for its terrace dining in open-air restaurants, Barcelona is a gastronome’s delight. From Mediterranean fare to traditional Spanish dishes, dining in Barcelona is an experience that fills all of the senses.

Barcelona is a joy to visit, whether for pleasure or business. Just keep in mind that, when you make your Barcelona hotel reservations, you choose a Barcelona hotel that has the quality, service, and location that you need.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about The Best Hotels in Barcelona or Majon’s Travel directory.

The ?City of Diamonds?, as Amsterdam was once known has been offered a special elite glamour by being the host of some of the most valuable and expensive diamonds in the world. It is not only that Amsterdam is only one of the major jewelry centers around the globe, but also it has had a rich history and tradition in the manufacture of rare gems. Sephardic Jews were the clan who brought Diamond cutting to Amsterdam at the end of the 16th century. However it gathered and experienced great popularity as well as development among locals and foreigners very soon.

There are hundreds of gifted cutters and polishers in Amsterdam who transform rough diamonds into precious, priceless gems and jewelry. If the tourist desires than the daring tourists can take part in one of the most dazzling metamorphoses. Visitors are given the chance to assist diamond manufacturers in the process of diamond cutting first-hand and witness, thus, more than four hundred years of evolution in an almost mystical field.

The craftsmanship and tradition of diamond in Amsterdam can be certified by many important works which has been done in Amsterdam. The ?Cullinan?, the diamond which has the largest size in the world was cut in the old Amsterdam. It is a work of art to see these beautiful pieces. ?Koh-I-Noor? meaning The Mountain of Light, and is among the collection of Crown Jewels of England was also cut and polished in old Amsterdam. All these have been turned into genuine art pieces. The smallest diamond in the world with only 0.00012 carat weight was cut in the city. Though small in size it is very valuable due to its 57 facets.

One is spoilt for choice in the city of diamonds. If one wants to buy or just wants to assist in the production of diamonds, there are plenty of places like the shops – Gassan Diamonds, Amsterdam Diamond Center, Van Moppes Diamonds, Stoeltie Diamonds and Coster Diamonds. All these shops not only welcome visitors but also are happy to receive their guests and introduce them in the bright universe of world-class gems.

Van Moopes Diamonds is the diamonds shop which was the first to introduce visitors in 1955 so as to let them watch and assist the process of diamond cutting and polishing every day. If customers decide upon a diamond or jewelry, craftsmen can adapt it to personal preferences o the spot, so lucky buyers can enjoy it as soon as possible.

One of the oldest diamond shops is the Coster Diamonds. It is much more than a diamond and jewelry center. It has the privilege of being one of Amsterdam?s oldest diamond factories bearing the blaze of tradition and high quality. It has more than 160 years of experience in the diamond industry. Coster Diamonds can proud of the fact that it has re- polished one of the largest diamonds in the world, Great Britain?s crown jewel, Koh-I-Noor. Coster Diamonds is the favorite destination of thousands of tourists every year in search of beholding how world?s most valuable gems take shape. Dedicated craftsmen are ready to share the secrets of how cutting and polishing needs to be done to bring out the best of a diamond. Tours are free of charge and multilingual.

Rahul viz recommends that you visit http://www.bookings.nl/city/nl/amsterdam.html?aid=305255 for more information on city of Diamonds.