Tour Guide



Chesapeake Bay is an all-encompassing name that includes the likes of Baltimore and Annapolis in Maryland as well as Norfolk and Virginia Beach, in Virginia. The bay itself is huge, making for a scene of rich activities, history and wildlife fit for a steady stream of vacationers. If you’ve yet to visit, consider checking out a quiet corner of the bay sometime. Specifically, if you find yourself actually needing a vacation and not just half-heartedly accepting one, rent yourself a waterfront retreat that will reward you for all your hard work in more ways than one.

There’s no doubt about it, life is simpler, kinder and gentler by the water. Bay front homes invite easier breathing at first sight, and their tendency to bring people together for games, meals and laughter is pretty universal. As you’ll see when you arrive, having a home rather than a hotel room will add a sense of fortune and enchantment to your gathering, so bring the whole crew along and see what merriment occurs.

Larger homes make great excuses for family reunions, formal or informal. Maybe, in this day in age, getting mom, dad, and the kids all in the same room can seem practically impossible, so accomplishing it during your upcoming trip will be like a reunion of epic proportions. Many vacation rentals are pet-friendly, too, so even Rover will be able to join in the fun.

But back to Chesapeake Bay, picture a gem of a vacation rental located along the east shore; a short drive from DC, St. Michaels, and Easton. These towns have all you’ll need as far as restaurants, nightlife, marinas and festivals, but you won’t be spending all of your time there by any means. Nope; believe it or not, you might end up pretty attached to your beach front estate. The fact that is has a kitchen for whipping up quick meals, a room filled with games, a luxurious patio overlooking the serene bay views, and even a heated pool in the backyard all mean that everyone will be perfectly satisfied with spending a day (or two, or three…) at “home.”

If you fancy yourself more of an upper shore person, there’s a place for you, too. Located on the Elk River, a great spot for canoeing and kayaking, you’ll find a restored 1850’s farmhouse that might make your heart flutter. It also has a heated pool, as well as a screened in porch, central air, and a DVD player. Conveniently located near a boat slip, you’ll be able to head to the Delaware Canal in the space of just 10 minutes. This region is a hotspot for antiques, and a theatre and several dining establishments will help to make each day complete.

Even if you’re taking an intimate trip with your significant other, the one who you can barely remember thanks to both of you being so busy lately, there’s a rental to fit your needs. Properties come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges, including mini, cute, and affordable. Get cozy with your sweetheart in a tastefully decorated cottage a mere 50 feet from the water’s edge and about thirty miles from Washington. You may want to take a trip to the city, or you may end up snuggling your days away. The point is, it’s your choice.

If you’re picky about where you stay, go online to check out detailed pictures, descriptions and reviews of all the Chesapeake Bay Vacation Rentals available. You’ll surely come across something that speaks to you, so get ready to make a reservation sooner rather than later.

Touring the countryside in search of some fine regional wine is a great way to spend a weekend or two. It makes no difference if you are in France, Italy, Australia or the U.S for example, you will find wineries that produce fantastic reds and whites for you to enjoy.

For instance, if you live in France or are going there for a holiday you will be overwhelmed by the many regional options that you have. You can visit the Bordeaux, Champagne, Burgandy, Loire Valley, Alsace and many more. France has always been a leader in this field and regional French wine is loved all around the world.

Whilst in Europe, perhaps you would like to tour Italy and their many wineries. Once again, just like France, Italy is also known around the world for producing fine red and white beverages. You again have a choice of many regions including Tuscany, Lombardy, Abruzzi, Calabria, Sicily and many more. Italian regional wine is also loved all around the world.

Europe over the years has had a major hold on this industry but things have changed now and countries such as Australia and America have reason to be held up high along with these countries. Australia has become a major contender with exceptional grape growing regions of its own, producing some of the very best wines in the world today. Along with its beautiful countryside it is well worth a visit. Overall there are about 60 regions to choose from including Margaret River, Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley, Rutherglen and many more.

In the U.S you too will find wonderful wineries that produce fine wines. Places such as the Napa Valley in California, Hudson Valley in New York, Walla Walla Valley in Washington are all fine examples of grape growing to perfection. All of these places that have been talked about offer fantastic holidays and tours with affordable accommodation for you to choose from.

Of course these countries that have been mentioned are not the only countries to offer exceptional regional wine. There are many others such as the U.K, New Zealand, Germany and Greece just to mention a few that are all producing world standard beverages. If you cannot get to these countries to see for yourself then there is no stopping you from purchasing a bottle or two that have been imported for your pleasure.



No matter who you are, Nassau’s thriving travel and tourism business has many things for you to do when you’re in town. The Caribbean area offers many activities to fill your day on your family vacation. The beautiful sunny weather allows you to experience a variety of attractions with the help of a friendly tour guide or sightseeing charter trip.

Perhaps go to the Bayshore Marina to experience many sports fishing adventures. Fishing charter boats have scheduled trips throughout the day to fit your travel needs. Yacht charters are also available. Whatever your choice is, each guarantee lasting memories from Nassau’s waters.

The beautiful climate allows travelers to enjoy a variety of tours. Whether you want to take in the town’s culture in various shopping districts or want to take a tour of the island’s attraction, Nassau offers great fun. The long list of things to do in Nassau makes it an amazingly beautiful vacation spot.

Various sightseeing tours will take travelers on various experiences. If you’re interested in beaching, the Blue Lagoon Island, offers a great beach experience for every traveler to Nassau. At the beach, you can embark on a scuba diving experience that you will never forget. The crystal blue water houses a large variety of fish that you can only hope to swim next to. Don’t be scared though! Professionals will be right with you to guide you on what not to do while in the water with these creatures.

Perhaps you love dolphins. On a Bahamas sightseeing tour, a tour guide can travel with you to the Grand Bahama Island for “the Dolphin Experience.” It is here where tour guides can help guide you to swim with bottle nose dolphins. Suit up and jump in. These dolphins are waiting to make new friends, are you ready?

For others, some like taking in the scenery and culture of a town. For those individuals, travel to Port Lucaya Marketplace where a variety of shops and local artists perform on the marketplace for your enjoyment. Another friendly district is Bay Street in Nassau. The island’s busiest street houses a variety of interesting shops for visitors to look through. These are just some of the exciting places that a Bahamas sightseeing tour can take you to.



Promise not to tell? One of the best kept secrets of the Bahamas is Harbour Island. This romantic little island, known as “Briland” by its inhabitants, is a short hop from the States. A one hour flight from Florida to North Eleuthera followed by a brief cab and water taxi ride gets you to this Bahamas gem in a hurry.

Harbour Island is less than 4 miles long and a 1/2 mile wide. Its long wide beach is famous for its hard-packed pale pink sand. The likes of Fodors and Conde Nast rate it as one of the “best Bahamas beaches.” The beach, combined with some great restaurants, hotels and vacation home rentals, makes Harbour Island a destination of choice amongst Bahamas enthusiasts. It’s no surprise to find a few “rich and famous” there — they know they won’t be hounded.

Central to Harbour island is Dunmore Town. This quaint and friendly community features old Victorian structures adorned with Bahama’s colorful pastel paint schemes. No high rise hotels, fast food or traffic jams on this island!

Golf cart rentals are the transportation of choice. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and just plain walking the beach are some of the popular activities. To be sure, Harbour Island is not known for its shopping and night life nor is there any gambling. If you seek large crowds, wild parties or theme park rides, this is not your destination.

Harbour Island’s weather is delightful; especially during late Winter and Spring when there is little chance of rain. Ocean breezes take any edge off of moderately warm temperatures ranging from the 70s to 80s during the day and late 60s at night. Air conditioning during season is unnecessary — ceiling fans are adequate. Nothing beats falling asleep to the sounds of the ocean through an open window.

Dining out is casual. The better restaurants include Pink Sands Hotel, Coral Sands, The Landing, Rock House, Romora Bay Club and Harbour Lounge. For local fare, Ma Ruby’s should not be missed. And there are more… Part of the pleasure of exploring the island is checking out the restaurants. When compared to other Bahamian islands, Harbour Island has one of the best selections of restaurants — all within close proximity to any place you stay.

On the ocean side, hotels include Pink Sands Hotel, Coral Sands Hotel and Dunmore Beach Club. On the bay side, it’s The Landing Inn and the Rock House. On a budget? There are other hotels to choose from. Visiting Harbour Island is not cheap, but if it was, then everybody would be there, right?

Harbour Island’s vacation home rentals and villas are numerous. Location and size come at a price. If you desire “beachfront”, the better locations are usually on the north and south along the east coast. If you want to save a little, there are some nice rentals in Dunmore Town and others located in the interior of the island. The beach is always minutes away.

Look for home rentals on the internet offering more than a few photos so you know what to expect. A number of rentals are handled by rental or real estate agents who may not provide much in the way of details, descriptions, map locations or photos. Owners who care about promoting their home rental typically have independent web sites and accept e-mail inquiries directly.

The better house rentals on Harbour Island are booked nearly a year in advance of prime season. Those who want the best make early reservations — many are repeat customers. You can also take a “standby” position on a number of rentals in hopes someone cancels. Ask for referrals and double check policies for deposits and refunds.

If you seek a memorable and relaxed Bahamas vacation coupled with sun, sea, great food and a romantic beachfront that will knock your eyes out, consider Harbour Island. See you on the beach!

Copyright © 2004 Perry Joseph

Anaconda snakes, for sure, conjures up an image of a gigantic, black, serpentine creature slithering in mud and constricting a hapless creature to death. You are not to be blamed for this. Instead, blame those numerous movie directors and novelists who, thanks to their imagination or lack of it, portrayed these docile creatures as vileness epitomized.

Urban legends and rumors are awash with horror tales of anaconda snakes gobbling up innocent kids, regurgitating and re-swallowing their victims thereby giving them a slow and painful death and so on and so forth. So much for the creativity of human brain! Ask a biologist and you will get a drastically different image, an image of a docile, fearful and reclusive creature tucked away in the dense forests of South America.

Classified as members of the boa family, anaconda snakes represent one of the lowermost strata in the pyramid of evolution. Found naturally in the dense tropical forests of South America, these serpentine creatures are worlds one of the biggest constrictors. Anaconda snakes come in two distinct and attractive colors, dull yellow and green. Wet and tropical climates, dense forests and undergrowth, and abundance of food are what make the ideal habitat for these visually majestic snakes.

In this era of instant gratification and consumerism, you do not need to go all the way to the dense forests of Trinidad or the swamps of Amazon to achieve the glory of viewing an anaconda alive. Drive down to the nearest snake park, or even easier, search for a view of anaconda in many famous sites and you shall get to see many antics of this particularly gigantic snake head. However, to appreciate Mother Nature true wonders you have to get your boots dirty.

Anaconda snake viewing is one of the most exotic adventure tourism available to us. All you need to do is consult your travel agent, fix up a packaged tour, and get a guided tour of Amazon. With a little luck and some time, you can see not only live anacondas, but also experience anacondas in conjunction with their own, natural ecosystem. No amount of National Geography documentaries viewed in widest of the wide screen televisions can substitute the rush of adrenalin that you will get while watching a true anaconda snake attacking a wild pig.

Planning a trip to the exotic Amazons is easy enough. A little research on the internet will give you sufficient information to plan your trip depending on your appetite for adventure and precious time available with you. A session with your travel agent will further fine-tune the travel plan and will ensure that what you get dovetails with what you expect.

Starting from specialized and trained guides, to boutique hotels offering you unmatched view of the jungle, a whole industry is waiting to help you experience the nature in its purest form at the Amazons. Now get out of that couch and grab a ticket to the Amazons, for watching anaconda snakes in its natural habitat is a sight to remember.



Rental homes or home for rent will have new flavour both for the property owner and the guest.

The rental market in India is acquiring a new face as the real estate touches unprecedented heights and the demand for A-class accommodation, for instance in Five Star properties falls awfully short.

According to the ministry of tourism figures India has only 110,000 first class hotel rooms where as the demand as of now is more than five times.

Hence, the various international hotel groups including Hilton plan their new businesses in India through setting up a chain of hotels running into as many as 200. Coming to the new rental paradigm that is being laid by the ministry of tourism. The latter has started a scheme whereby anyone who has some spare rooms can book with the ministry for a nominal sum for renting out space to international tourists who would like to stay with Indian families for experiencing their lifestyle and food while they pay far lesser compared to a five star or any star accommodation in a hotel.

The room rents offered are in the range of Rs 1000-4000 a day. The property owner has to organise minimum facilities like furnishing, an air-conditioner, a television, attached toilet with hot and cold water. Providing food from the Indian platter will be payable extra. Other services like laundry, taxi etc too could be provided at cost. In the new scenario of accommodation wanted letting one’s flat or apartment or house may not be as lucrative, and on the contrary it will be quite hassle some given the rental laws being in favour of the tenant and high possibility of losing one’s property to the tenant in the bargain.

“I had three rooms lying vacant and I had no clue what to do with them especially when I did not want to give them away for rent; this opportunity from the ministry of tourism has come about as a windfall; I am able to earn as much as Rs 110,000 a month after having been into it for the last six months now,” says Anupama. Hence rental homes or home for rent will have new flavour both for the property owner and the guest.



The beautiful weather of Hawaii keeps visitors busy. Nobody is thinking about the cold weather back home and they are free to enjoy every minute of every activity that Hawaii has to offer. The NFL Pro Bowl is a staple February event in Hawaii. The Pro Bowl is held there every year prior to the SuperBowl. This is your chance to watch the AFC take on the NFC and see some of the leagues best players working together on the same teams. Pro Bowl coaches, the players themselves and the fans vote for players. Each group’s ballots count for one third of the votes. There are also replacements voted should a selected player be unable to play due to injuries. Before 1995, only the coaches were allowed to vote for Pro Bowl selections.

The Run for the Whales is a 5K and 10K Fun Run held in Makena and Wailea. The race is for families and children to participate in. The proceeds from the race go to benefit the Pacific Whale Foundation. The Annual Hilo Chinese New Years Festival is a February event that transforms Kalakaua Park into a mini-Chinatown. Asian products and tents with food fill the park with the sounds and smells of China. There are Lion Dancers offering blessings to businesses and visitors as the make their way to the park and the festival opens with firecrackers. There are also several performances, displays and special guests that show what an influence China has had on the culture and people of Hawaii.

Cultural Demonstration Programs are held at the Puukohola Heiau National Historic. The demonstrations include Hawaiian crafts and other programs throughout the month. There are also footpaths, guided and self-guided tours, exhibits, interpretive talks and bird watching. The Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is an annual event that features the blooming of the cherry trees and the Japanese tradition of viewing them called hanami. There are several activities including performers from Japan, demonstrations of bonsai, origami, sumie, calligraphy and tea ceremonies. There is also a large craft fair and mochi pounding at the Parker Ranch Center. Activities for the event spread from Church Row Park to the Parker Ranch Historic Homes on Momalahoa Highway 90. The Annual Waimea Town Celebration Ukulele Contest features some of the best amateur strummers. This event takes place on the main stage at the Waimea Town Celebration.

Las Vegas is considered the entertainment capital of the World. It is located in the southwestern corner of the state of Nevada. There are about 35 million people visiting the city each year. They enjoy the luxurious hotels and shopping experiences. There are dazzling stage shows, multi-cuisine restaurants and world-class gaming clubs. Las Vegas is also famous as the golfer’s paradise. There are many golf championships held in the city. There are famous casinos that continue to draw tourists to Las Vegas, from all over the world. There are a number of Las Vegas vacation packages that offer discounted prices on tours to the city.

Discount offers on Las Vegas vacation packages ensure a regular flow of tourists. People who cannot afford long vacations benefit by such discounts. They are able to enjoy their vacation in standard hotels, with their families. Las Vegas is a family-friendly city. In the effort to appeal to kids, there are many hotels that provide technically sophisticated indoor amusement rides, such as the Race for Atlantis.

It is beneficial for tourists to plan carefully for a rejuvenating stay in the city. Local newspapers and magazines, along with the Internet provide detailed descriptions on the discounted Las Vegas vacation packages. There are a number of tour operators that offer favorable rates on vacation package tours, especially during high-tourism seasons. The special package rates cover airfares, hotel accommodations based on occupancy and local sight seeing.

The discount vacation package includes celebrity entertainment shows, challenging golf course tournaments and refreshing spa treatments. Due to the booming tourism industry and existing competition, there are many agencies offering discount rates on the tour packages.

Why mountain vacations? Hmm… Two days ago I was swimming in the Arkansas River. A few days before and an hours drive away, I was playing in the snow at a roadside rest area. Tomorrow I will drive an hour to the trail head and hike to a beautiful mountain lake at 11,000 feet.

Of course, this is all made easier by the fact that we live here in Colorado now. The point however, is the same if you are vacationing here from other places: You get the widest variety of climates and experiences in the shortest time when you vacation in the mountains. Where else can you be hiking a snowy pass in the morning and sunbathing in the desert in the afternoon?

It isn’t all about the outdoor activities either. There is a unique atmosphere to small mountain towns like Silverton or Buena Vista. The isolation seems to make them immune to the rushing and busyness of the cities. You can walk the streets safely at night, stop in a saloon that may have been there for a hundred years, and see the stars as you walk back to your hotel.

There are ghost towns throughout the mountains of the west. They range from the restored ones that have become parks, to the remnants of small towns left in the weeds. Yesterday my wife and I explored an old abandoned schoolhouse on a back road near Canon City. Last week we poked around an old town site that used to have five grocery stores, nine bars and over a thousand residents. Now there is nothing left but a few foundations where the buildings once stood.

Just driving from one town to the next makes for a scenic and relaxing vacation when you are in the mountains. Even if you don’t get out of the car very often, it is enjoyable to look out the windows like you are watching a beautiful scene in a movie. One moment you are staring up at huge cliffs, and a few minutes later you are on top of them looking down on a river winding through a grassy valley.

A Few Tips For Mountain Vacations

- Weather is always unpredictable in mountains. Have clothing for all conditions.

- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Plan hiking early in the day, and come down from higher elevations before one in the afternoon.

- There can be long stretches between gas stations in many mountain areas, so fill up when you have the chance.

- Altitude can make you sick. The solution is to go lower if this happens.

- There are some dangerous animals in most mountainous areas. We disturbed a six-foot rattle snake while hiking yesterday - just back off as we did in this case. Bears don’t normally attack, but may break into coolers and picnic baskets if you leave them unattended outside.

- If your vacation in the mountains is in summer, bring sun block. The sun can be especially severe at higher altitudes.



The most convenient way to travel throughout the Costa Blanca region is by an Alicante car rental. There are nine car hire companies operating at the Alicante International Airport, including Avis, Hertz, Altesa, Centauro, Aruiga, Europa, Record, Solmar and Euopcar. These car rental companies are conveniently grouped together in the airport and located immediately outside of the arrival area.

It is best to reserve your car before leaving home to not only guarantee the availability of car, but also to get the best deal on the car you want. The Costa Blanca area is the busiest during the summer season when car reservations fill up quickly. Consider reserving a car at the same time you make your hotel and flight reservations. You will likely find a better deal if you reserve a car in advance. If you do not know what size you need, at least reserve an economy size as you can always upgrade to a larger vehicle later.

When searching for a car, compare deals and availability with several car hire companies to get the best rate. You can call the company directly, can call a travel agent or search the internet. Travel agents sometimes offer hotel and flight packages that may include car rental. Of course, compare the cost of the entire package to the price of reserving each part separately. It may or may not be a better deal, but despite how you choose to find your car, there are a few car rental extras that you should consider when comparing rental packages.

First, consider whether or not you want to pick the car up from the airport or in the city. Generally, there is little difference between the cost of renting a car directly from the airport or from a city, such as Benidorm or Torrevieja. However, you should check the cost between the two options. It may be cheaper to rent in town and companies often provide transportation from the airport.

Also, if you need an infant or child seat, be sure to reserve a seat when you originally book your car rental. Child safety seats are the law in Spain and you want to be sure there are appropriate seats available based on your child’s size and weight. You will pay an additional fee, but such seats are available as a car rental extra. Of course, you can always bring a car seat from home. Though the added “luggage” may be somewhat of a hassle, you will not have to worry that the seat will not be the appropriate size for your child. The money you save may be worth the added inconvenience.

Finally, with the hot weather during summers in the Alicante area, you will definitely want air conditioning. It may not be available in all vehicles. Be sure to confirm that this extra is included, if you plan on cool and comfortable travels during your stay. It will make a big difference.