16 Things To Do In Belfast, Ireland

Posted by admin on January 31st, 2010

If you are looking for a nice get-a-way weekend, with all the charm of a country town and yet all the opportunities of a thriving city, then Belfast is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy life! Belfast is the second largest city in Ireland, Dublin being the largest, and with a population of over 200,000 it is filled with the charm of an old town shipping port alongside a thriving metropolis.  Belfast originated centuries ago as a shipping passage through the Irish Sea, protected on one side by Ireland and the other by England. Today it is quickly gaining the reputation as being the place to go for “a break”, even more than Glasgow or London!  Once you get here, either by boat or plane, you have a choice either to stay inside your bed and breakfast, or get out and see what Belfast has to offer.

Below is a list of some of the things to do while in the area:

- Shine – nightclub plays extreme techno for dancing and disco.
- Crown Liquor Saloon – Is decorated in ornate, Victorian-era pub and is full of friendly faces.
- Ulster Museum – displays many artifacts of early Ireland and treasures from the Spanish Armada
- W5 – children’s Museum
- Ormeau Baths Gallery – well-known contemporary art gallery. Specialty shop inside.
- Linen Hall Library – Library founded in 1788, beautiful architecture.
- Customs House – Historic site.
- Belfast Castle – tour a majestic castle dating back to 1870’s.
- St. Anne’s Cathedral – outstanding architecture; religious site.
- Grand Opera House – opera
- Cathedral Quarter – in upscale neighborhood, buildings of glass and chrome, cafes and wine bars.  Scenic/historic walking area.
- Botanical Gardens and Palm House – walkthrough gardens.
- Belfast City Centre and Laganside Walk – historic walking tour around downtown area.
- Harland and Wolff Shipyard – shipyard down at the docks – where Titanic was built
- Mountains surround city and make a beautiful place to spend a day hiking, picnicking, horseback riding.
- Have a fresh seafood dinner out on the Pier.

Belfast is the kind of get-a-way everybody needs every so often.  Its quaint restaurants and pubs, old town background, and the dated architecture can’t help but lend a friendly atmosphere to all who enter.  Whether you take a weekend, a week or three weeks, there is plenty for you and your family to do.  If you need a rest, you can always slip down to the beach for a relaxing afternoon walking the shoreline and soaking up the sun.  But once you come to Belfast, you’ll see why it is becoming the get-a-way city of Ireland.

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A Hiking Guide to Easter Island

Posted by admin on January 26th, 2010

Ask me which Pacific island has the most to offer hikers and I’ll probably answer Easter Island. Here on an island 11 km wide and 23 km long you’ll find nearly a thousand ancient Polynesian statues strewn along a powerfully beautiful coastline or littering the slopes of an extinct volcano.

The legends of Easter Island have been recounted many times. What’s less known is that the island’s assorted wonders are easily accessible on foot from the comfort of the only settlement, Hanga Roa. Before setting out see the sights, however, visit the excellent archaeological museum next to Ahu Tahai on the north side of town (the term “ahu” refers to an ancient stone platform). Aside from the exhibits, the museum has maps which can help you plan your trip.

The first morning after arrival, I suggest you climb Easter Island’s most spectacular volcano, Rano Kau, where Orongo, a major archaeological site, sits on the crater’s rim. But rather than marching straight up the main road to the crater, look for the unmarked shortcut trail off a driveway to the right just past the forestry station south of town. It takes under two hours to cover the six km from Hanga Roa to Orongo, but bring along a picnic lunch and make a day of it. (If climbing a 316-meter hill sounds daunting, you can take a taxi to the summit for around US$6 and easily walk back later in the day.) Once on top, you’ll find hiking down into the colourful crater presents no difficulty. It may also look easy to go right around the crater rim, but only do so if you’re a very experienced hiker and have a companion along as shear 250-meter cliffs drop into the sea from the ridge.

Another day, rise early and take a taxi to lovely Anakena Beach at the end of the paved road on the north side of the island (you should pay under US$10 for the 20 km). A few of the famous Easter Island statues have been restored at Anakena and you could go for a swim, although the main reason you’ve come is the chance to trek back to Hanga Roa around the road-free northwest corner of the island. You’ll pass numerous abandoned statues lying facedown where they fell, and the only living creatures you’re unlikely to encounter are the small brown hawks which will watch you intently from perches on nearby rocks. If you keep moving, you’ll arrive back in town in five or six hours (but take adequate food, water, and sunscreen). This is probably the finest coastal walk in the South Pacific.

Almost as good is the hike along the south coast, although you’re bound to run into other tourists here as a paved highway follows the shore. Begin early and catch a taxi to Rano Raraku, the stone quarry where all of the island’s statues were born. This is easily the island’s most spectacular sight with 397 statues in various stages of completion lying scattered around the crater. And each day large tour groups come to Rano Raraku to sightsee and have lunch. However, if you arrive before 9 am, you’ll have the site to yourself for a few hours. When you see the first tour buses headed your way, hike down to Ahu Tongariki on the coast, where 15 massive statues were reerected in 1994. From here, just start walking back toward Hanga Roa (20 km) along the south coast. You’ll pass many fallen statues and enjoy some superb scenery. Whenever you get tired, simply go up onto the highway and stick out your thumb and you’ll be back in town in a jiffy.

An outstanding 13-km walk begins at the museum and follows the west coast five km north to Ahu Tepeu. As elsewhere, keep your eyes pealed for banana trees growing out of the barren rocks as these often indicate caves you can explore. Inland from Ahu Tepeu is one of the island’s most photographed sites, Ahu Akivi, with seven statues restored in 1960. From here an interior farm road runs straight back to town (study the maps at the museum carefully, as you’ll go far out of your way if you choose the wrong road here).

A shorter hike takes you up Puna Pau, a smaller crater which provided stone for the red topknots that originally crowned the island’s statues. There’s a great view of Hanga Roa from the three crosses on an adjacent hill and you can easily do it all in half a day. A different walk takes you right around the 3,353-meter airport runway, which crosses the island just south of town. Near the east end of the runway is Ahu Vinapu with perfectly fitted monolithic stonework bearing an uncanny resemblance to similar constructions in Peru.

Easter Island’s moderate climate and scant vegetation make for easy cross country hiking, and you won’t find yourself blocked by fences and private property signs very often. You could also tour the island by mountain bike, available from several locations at US$10 a day. If you surf or scuba dive, there are many opportunities here. A minimum of five days are needed to see the main sights of Easter Island, and two weeks would be far better. The variety of things to see and do will surprise you, and you’ll be blessed with some unforgettable memories.

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An Introduction To Bermuda Cruises

Posted by admin on January 24th, 2010

If you are planning a cruise to Bermuda, there are certain important things which you must keep in mind. If you have not been to Bermuda before, bear in mind that it is not a big island. In fact, it doesn’t take more than 24 hours to walk across the whole island.

Bermuda is around 120 miles north of the Caribbean Sea. It has a mild climate even during the winter months. Cruises to Bermuda are generally available between April and late October. There are certain cruises which keep on making trips until the end of December. However, they are relatively rare.

Your cruise ship could land in any one of the three ports at Bermuda, though it is most likely that you would stop in the port of Hamilton, as it has two shipping berths. It may happen that you visit more than one port on your Bermuda cruise trip.

The other port is known as St. George port. It is a historical port and attracts large numbers of tourists. Then there is the third port, at King’s Wharf. This port has museums, galleries and popular restaurants, which makes it a famous cultural hub. Bermuda cruises often have a large number of tourists who often make return visits to Bermuda. This indicates the island’s popularity.

However, as it is a small island, restrictions are in place concerning the maximum number of cruise liners that can land here. Check out the limit before you book a Bermuda cruise. The bookings can be done online or over the telephone. There are many cruise liners to choose from. Your choice of a cruise liner depends on your budget and the kind of vacation you are looking to take. There are luxury liners for those who want to splurge, and cheaper liners for those on a tighter budget.

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Bungy Clubs Around The World

Posted by admin on January 21st, 2010

If you are a newcomer to the sport of bungy jumping and wish to find others who share your likeminded interests, or if you’re a seasoned jumper who considers this sport to be one of your main passions, you may be interested in connecting with bungy clubs and their members.  As the popularity of this sport has become worldwide, so have the clubs which cater to bungy jumping enthusiasts!

In the United States, there are currently twenty-five states which have their own listed bungy clubs.  This is quite impressive for a sport which has only been in existence in its present form for the last two decades.  Some of these states boast more than one club;  California has the most, located in Sacramento, El Segundo, Alameda, and Los Gatos.  Canada presently lists five, located in British Columbia, Alberta, Ottawa, and two in Ontario.  If you are truly passionate about this sport, checking into these bungy jumping clubs is a great way to make your experiences even better.

If you wish to do a bit of traveling to join in with bungy jumping clubs, you can proceed to Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Guatemala, Colombia, Venezuela, or Ecuador.  Whether your interest in bungy clubs is for the jumping itself or interacting with other members, these clubs in Central America and South America will give you both benefits as well as broadening your horizons in very different geographical locales.

In the United Kingdom, many of the best bungy clubs are affiliated with the British Elastic Rope Sports Association in Oxford, England.  Endorsement by this Association assures you that the clubs have met and maintain specific standards, including the Code of Safe Practice.  In becoming involved with any of these clubs, you will know that your safety is their primary concern.  It is important to note that bungy jumping clubs in the United Kingdom are not required to be affiliated with the Association, and only those who are must adhere to their standards.  Therefore if you wish to become involved with bungy jumping clubs in the United Kingdom, it is a good idea to find out beforehand if the club you are interested in has been approved by the British Elastic Rope Sports Association.

In addition to those located in the United Kingdom, twenty-four other countries in Europe list bungy jumping clubs, as well as fourteen clubs in other locations.  If traveling will be a part of your bungy jumping experiences, becoming involved in the bungy jumping clubs in the areas you will visit will certainly add to your enjoyment.  In selecting foreign destinations in which to engage in your hobby, you can go beyond the sport to the extra fun of taking part in a new culture, sampling its cuisine, learning a new language, and, above all, having the opportunity to get to know many other people who share your interest in bungy jumping.  You may choose a club close to your own home, or you can make it an even more special treat by finding one to your liking on the opposite side of the globe!

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Accommodations are a Vital Aspect of Vacation Planning

Posted by admin on January 20th, 2010

When making travel plan, one of the most important details is going to be your accommodation. Most people worry and fret over flight plans or rental cars and breeze right through the accommodations and choose the very first room they find available within a reasonable distance from the local airport.

This is very rarely a wise course of action unless you are doing a one-night stay in town and desire to be very close to the airport for the sake of convenience. There are several reasons why this is true. First of all, not all airports are located in the safest area of town. Families tend to prefer nice quiet areas in which to raise their children, airports are generally anything but a quiet area in which to live. While most airport accommodations are reasonably clean, this doesn’t really guarantee that they are equally secure.

Second, these hotels and motels often charge a premium rate in exchange for the convenience of their location. In this day and age, we pay for perks and location is most definitely considered a perk in the realm of travel, if in doubt, check the prices for hotels on the Disney property vs. those on the outskirts of town.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, those hotels located closest to airports generally are further away from the area attractions. If you are vacationing with your family you will enjoy much better use of your time by limiting your travel time between destinations and attractions.

The final reason that it isn’t always best to choose accommodations close to the airport is that you may find the amenities designed for families to be somewhat lacking. Hotel airports tend to cater to the single in and out business crowd rather than family entertainment. These accommodations will be sparse and the quarters a little closer than the average family would probably appreciate.

Take care when making travel arrangements for your accommodations that you consider all of these things. This will make for a much more enjoyable vacation for you and your children.

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Atwood House

Posted by admin on January 17th, 2010

Built in the neoclassical Georgian revival style, Atwood House welcomes you. Step into the parlor and marvel at the elegance of midwestern luxury. This is a page straight out of the days of the railroad baron’s. The setting is complete with the player piano and period furniture. The staircase is reminiscent of the mansions built by the cattle barons, right down to the chandeliers. No visit to the capital of Nebraska is complete without a stop at the Atwood house.

Newlyweds will be most attracted to the three-room Atwood Suite. Enjoy the leather sofa in the living room as you relax by the fire crackling from the real wood that it burns. In the bedroom are the three-piece walnut and marble Victorian king-sized bed and ornate walnut wardrobe. The roman style bath features a two-person corner heart-shaped whirlpool tub. This suite is as large as some homes so nothing is crowded here.

The western aristocracy is well reflected in the Beals Suite. Center stage here is the three-piece walnut tester king-sized bed. The ambience is aptly set with the Victorian furnishings. Enter the bath and relax in the two person Jacuzzi with handheld shower.

Located just next to the main house is the three-room Carriage suite. The sitting room boasts a vaulted ceiling and leather queen-sized hide-a-bed. The king-sized bed in the bedroom is located next to the French doors of the bath that features a two-person aquatic whirlpool.

The Frank A. Little Suite has an L shaped layout that separates the bedroom area from the living room area. The three-piece walnut bedroom set features a high-backed carved king-sized bed. The bath area features a corner shower and claw foot tub and pedestal sink. Sink into the rocker in the living area and relax with your favorite magazine.

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Amsterdam Bed and Breakfast

Posted by admin on January 14th, 2010

The city of Amsterdam has long been acclaimed for its 17th century architecture, the famous canals and waterways, lively nightlife and countless charming Amsterdam bed and breakfast.  All of these are generally packed into a relatively small area, but although Amsterdam is a small city, it has a lot to offer.

When traveling for a vacation in Amsterdam, the Amsterdam bed and breakfast travelers must consider the must see attractions in the city, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the 250-room Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, the Artis Zoo, the Royal Palace, the worldly known Dam Square and a lot more.  Visitors must also take in local theaters, fine and ethnic dining, or explore the eclectic selection of shopping in the Jordaan neighborhood, and if the time to relax comes, the exciting and comforting Amsterdam bed and breakfasts are there to welcome you in.

Here are the top-rated Amsterdam bed and breakfasts that could give you the best accommodation and service possible.   They are the perfect places to stay on your Amsterdam vacation.

Amsterdam Central Bed and Breakfast

Amsterdam Central Bed and Breakfast Inn is located in the heart of the city, less than five minutes walking distance to the central station.   It offers well appointed bed and breakfast rooms, as well as apartments for the guests, and there is in guest kitchen, self service, or lots of different food available for dining.

Amsterdam Eelhouse

Amsterdam Eelhouse is actually a charming four-star Amsterdam bed and breakfast located in the heart of the city, closest to the Jordaan, Anne Frank House, Central Station and all the nightlife.   As a top-rated Amsterdam bed and breakfast inn, the Amsterdam Eelhouse offers rooms that are equipped with queen size bed, built-in wardrobe, dishes, lazy chair with ottoman, radio or CD player, and television.  In every room, there is also a wetbar with a small sink, coffeemaker, mini-fridge, and private bathroom.

Ruben’s Bed and Breakfast

Conveniently located in the museum district of the Amsterdam center, Ruben’s B & B is just within walking distance or a few tram stops from the major museums and main tourist attractions in the great planned city of Amsterdam.  As claimed, this bed and breakfast inn is also closer to the up market shopping street Beenthovenstraat, and from there exuberant nightlife is not far away.
Collector Bed and Breakfast

Here is another notable Amsterdam bed and breakfast that is conveniently located in the cultural center of Amsterdam – the Collector Bed and Breakfast.  This place is just a three-minute walk to the museum area and is so close to the Vondelpark and nightlife.  What’s more, Collector Bed and Breakfast has well appointed rooms, each with its own character, inspired by the Art Deco period.  It is also interesting to know that the house, including the guestroom, is decorated with different collections, and the rooms are fully equipped with the necessary amenities such as bathrooms, TV, a balcony where you can smoke, internet access, and a lot more.

Palace B&B Amsterdam

Finally, here is Palace B&B which is located on the palace area, Dam Square, the most central of all locations.  All rooms offered by this Amsterdam bed and breakfast are specious and luxurious with private bathrooms and coffee and tea facilities, including microwave and refrigerator, not to mention the other amenities.

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Posted by admin on January 13th, 2010

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California Wine Country: Your Overnight Accommodation Options

Posted by admin on January 10th, 2010

Are you interested in visiting California’s wine country?  If you are, you may want to make arrangements to make it a vacation.  After all, many wineries in the wine country area state that you should spend at least two days in the area.  Since you are encouraged to spend as much time touring wine country as possible, you will want to review your overnight accommodation options.

Since Northern California’s wine country area is relatively large in size, you will find a large number of options, in terms of your overnight accommodations.  With that being said, you are still encouraged to make your reservations well in advance of your trip.  This is particularly true on the weekends.  For that reason, you will want to take the time, now, to review all of your options.

Hotels are one of the most popular ways to stay in wine country.  They are ideal because most are affordably priced. When renting a hotel room, you get the basics, such as beds, a television, and a bathroom.  Although you may find an onsite restaurant, you will typically have to buy or prepare your own meals elsewhere.  For those interested in spending every minute of the day outdoors, a hotel room is a nice accommodation.

If you like the convenience that is associated with most traditional hotels, but want something more, you will want to examine vacation resorts.  Vacation resorts come in a number of different formats.  In California, they are commonly referred to as spa resorts, as many have onsite spas.  What is nice about staying at a vacation resort is that you often gain access to great features, services, and other amenities.  For example, you may gain access to an onsite spa, restaurant, laundry service, and so forth.  Generally, vacation resorts are more elegant in nature than traditional hotels.

Inns are another one of your overnight accommodation options when visiting California wine country.  Inns are defined as lodging that serves both food and drinks to visitors.  Typically, you will find that most inns are known for their food and drinks, but they also happen to offer overnight accommodations above the bar or restaurant.  For many, inns are a great option when hotels or vacation resorts are filled up with reservations.

Similar to inns, are bed and breakfasts.  Bed and breakfasts are overnight accommodations that are popular in wine country.  This is because many bed and breakfast establishments are scattered all throughout wine country, making them conveniently located.  In fact, many bed and breakfasts are located right on the property of some wineries.  One of the many appeals of bed and breakfasts is the small home like feel.  The only downside to staying at a bed and breakfast is their popularity, as they are typically small in size.

Vacation rentals are another option that you have when looking to visit California wine country.  Vacation rentals are one of your most expensive options, but many recommend vacation rentals.  Vacation rentals come in a number of different formats, including homes, cottages, and villas.  What draws many tourists to vacation rentals in the wine county area is their privacy.  Due to having the ultimate level of privacy with most vacation rentals, like homes and cottages, they are ideal for those traveling to wine country with the purpose of achieving romance.

RV park and public campgrounds are another one of the many options that you have when looking to visit California wine country.  RV parks are ideal for motor home owners or renters who must travel a long distance or for those who plan to stay in the area long.  Public campgrounds are nice, as they accommodate to both RV owners and traditional tent campers.  For many, camping is another fun activity all on its own.  Camping is also one of the cheapest ways to stay overnight in California wine country.

As outlined above, you have a number of different options, when looking to travel and stay in wine country.  If you are on a budget, you may want to examine all of the above mentioned options and compare the cost of each.

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