Blanchard Springs Caverns – Mountain View, Arkansas

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Under the ground is a wonderland of beauty just waiting for you to discover it at the Blanchard Springs Cavern. This beauty is in the form of flowstones and stalagmites along with hollow soda straws created by the single droplets of water flowing over the limestone for thousands, if not millions, of years.

There is even a stream running through part of the caverns bringing with it the carving ability to make the caverns even larger than they are today.

With three different tours available you will be able to choose the one that best suits your physical ability and your desires. Making this an Arkansas vacation stop that you will be able to tell your family and friends about for years to come.

Vacations In Scotland And Three Captivating Places To Visit In Inverness

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The Highland city of Inverness, Scotland is found in some of the finest countryside in the United Kingdom of Great Britain. In and around Inverness are a number of important historic sites, frequently these witnessed a large amount of violence and human suffering. Obviously Inverness has a amazing selection of visitor attractions (and the number is continually increasing). In the following paragraphs I introduce 3 tourist attractions in Inverness, Inverness Museum & Art Gallery, Beauly Priory and Inverness Castle:

Beauly Priory

It was in the 13th century that Valliscaulian Monks first set up a community at Beauly Priory. Unfortunately no-one has the evidence to say the accurate date of foundation but it is roughly sometime in the year 1230. At that time Sir John Bisset, whose lands were almagamated with the Fraser’s of Lovat, was the patron and landowner of Beauly. Sir John Bisset, together with the French monks, are those who named Beauly, coming from, ‘beau lieu’, the French for ‘beautiful place’. Unfortunately, Beauly Priory became deserted after the Scottish Reformation of 1582 and the stone was used in the building of other local structures. In 1913 the priory ruins were passed into state hands and it is now cared for by Historic Scotland.

Inverness Castle

There have been many structures on the site of Inverness Castle through the centuries, evidence shows that the site had a structure there as far back as 1057. King Robert I almost destroyed the very first Inverness Castle. Today’s castle was constructed and designed by William Burn in 1836. The bold castle, constructed of red sandstone, sits high on a cliff gazing down across the River Ness and the cathedral on the opposite side. King James I of Scotland conducted parliament at Inverness Castle in 1427, and called all the Northern Chieftains to attend. Shockingly 3 of these chieftains were later killed for their support of an independent monarchy.

Inverness Museum & Art Gallery

Located in the Center of Inverness is the newly renovated Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which is well worth a visit especially if the weather is wet and windy. Inside the museum visitors can enjoy Scottish History and find out how the Highlands are associated with the rest of the world. It is also possible to find out about the people of the Highlands, their traditions and culture. There are many different collections featuring, archaeology, wildlife, crafts, fine arts, textiles and costumes.

If you are thinking about a vacation in the UK this year and you hope in Scotland, you may wish to consider spending some time staying in Inverness. Finding Inverness hotel accommodation online is relatively easy as many establishments have their own web site. Hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts are always superb and the Highlands are very well know for unrivalled hospitality, so you can be certain of have a wonderful time.

Acoteias In Portugal’s Algarve Region

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The Algarve is probably the most popular tourist destination within Portugal, liked for fabulous golden beaches, wonderful weather and picturesque villages. The sporting activities are numerous and the golf courses plentiful and of a standard to keep even the keenest golfer satisfied.

Acoteias in the Algarve
Positioned in the central part of the Algarve, Acoteias is certainly a pretty village that is perfect for peaceful holidays. It enjoys access to one of the best beaches in the region and as it is located a few kilometers inland, rather than right on the water’s edge, it still maintains the traditional village feel. But this does not mean that it is short on important facilities for the visiting tourists as most of the accommodation is set closer to the coast with easy access to the golden sandy beach.

Acoteias – With The Longest Of Portugal’s Beaches
Acoteias village is just 10 minutes away from the long golden beach at Praia de Falesia, which is the longest beach in the whole of the Algaveregion, stretching for a whole 6 kilometers, or 4 miles. It runs from Quarteira to Olhos d’Agua and because of its expanse you should always be able to find your very own, individual spotto relax on. To reach the beach you first have to pass through a drive of pine trees, finally reaching the Blue Flag awarded beach and accessing it through steep steps. The beach itself is picturesque as it is lined with red tinged sandstone cliffs and thatched wooden umbrellas. There are scattered around various playgrounds for the children to entertain them and beach bars to entertain the adults.

Relax in Acoteias
The area is best suited to those seeking quiet, relaxing holidays. Nightlife is not too noisy, although for those with members of the party wanting a nightlife, Albufeira is just a few kilometers away for the all-night bars and a busier night life. The large beach offers a wide and varied selection of watersports, including sailing, scuba diving and deep sea fishing and plenty of other sports are available locally such as tennis, cycling and walking. Being the Algarve, excellent golf is also available to the enthusiasts, with Vilamoura just 10 minutes away. Other resorts are near by and easily reachable by car if you want to explore the region.

Acoteias Weather
Because it is sited within the Algarve, Acoteias gains from the typical Mediterranean climate with long hot summers, yet mild winters. As with other areas of the Algarve, Acoteias typically has 300 days of sun each year. Although the daytime temperature can reach 30 degrees in the height of the summer, there is also a welcome sea breeze to help make the heat bearable  even on the hottest days. The wonderful sun without the scorching heat make Acoteias a perfect destination for a holiday, so well worth considering if you are planning an Algarve villa holiday. Don’t miss outon the wonderful area.

Puerto Vallarta Lodging & Attractions

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Puerto Vallarta sits tranquilly between the Bay of Banderas and the Sierra Madre Mountains on Mexico’s west coast. It still has the appearance of a small town with narrow paved streets, red tile roofs on top of homes, and small sun-bleached store fronts. Puerto Vallarta has seen a steady stream of guests since 1963 when the first movie “The Night of the Iguana” was filmed there. Since then, new resorts have been popping up nearly every year.

The area’s main attraction is by far the beautiful climate: hot sun with soft ocean breezes. During the months of June, July, and August expect your sunshine to be interrupted with a rainshower. The rainy season peeks in September and October, so plan your visit accordingly.

There are several rentals that are so enormous and elegant that you’ll never want to leave, so your major decision will be having to decide how much time to spend basking in the sun and how much time you will spend exploring the area. A typical day at one of the many Puerto Vallarta resorts might include relaxing by the beach or by the pool, taking some time for tennis, water skiing, or, maybe, parisailing might be your thing! Not so adventurous? How about a relaxing spa treatment?

Shopping can be done in the hotel shops and even on the beach where local peddlers offer a variety of merchandise. If you’re lucky, you might even run into one of the young boys toting around 3′ to 4′ iguanas. For a couple of green backs, they will let you take pictures with the beast.

Puerto Vallarta resorts boast dramatic dining rooms. Most have a couple. They can range from casual to formal. They have a perfect setting to create a very intimate feel. The food is wonderful and the menus offer a nice assortment so everyone can find something there they like.

There are also many attractions outside the hotel. Enthusiasts can take day trips into the jungle by either horseback or jeep. One can also spend the day on a fishing excursion. If golf is your game, Puerto Vallarta also offers beautifully kept courses with a scenic landscape to enjoy.

After a day of fun and the sun goes down, there is still a lot of action in Puerto Vallarta. There are several bars to go dancing or you can catch a variety of shows. You can also indulge in a sunset dinner cruise or lobster dinner cruise.

At the end the day Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful destination spot. If you ever get the opportunity to explore, you have to go. You will leave with smile on your face and a lifetime of memories.

Calahonda On The Costa Del Sol

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Calahonda

Calahonda, lying on the Costa Del Sol, Spain is set beautifully against a backdrop of mountains, picturesque undulating hills and valleys which meet the jewelled Mediterranean Sea.

If you wish to visit the area we highly recommend staying at the luxurious Las Palmeras de Calahonda. Las Palmeras is a superb new apartment complex set at the top of Calle Don Jose de Orbaneja. The complex affords magnificent views across rural landscape to the sea. It is so rural that one can hear wild turkeys call out across the valley and owls can be see flitting around as well as a variety of other birds!

The complex is made up of 2 bed roomed apartments and penthouses, large kitchens and living rooms, 2 bath rooms, complete with double sinks. All have large terraces from which to watch the stunning morning sunrises and sunsets and to enjoy outdoor livingin the warmth.

If you don’t wish to drive or hire a car at all, a taxi form the nearest international airport, Malaga, will cost approximately 50 Euros. One can however also easily fly into Gibraltar International Airport which is only 1 hour away.

Additionally to help one get around the resort there is a land train which runs from just below the complex and into Calahonda itself. The children will love itand the adults can drink and get the train back! There you will find a plentiful supply of busy bars and restaurants to suit all pockets and taste.

Situated near to Las Palmeras de Calahonda on Calle Don Jose de Orbaneja are a handy supermarket, bars and a couple of good restaurants and children’s playground. At the bottom of the hill you will find a street of many bars and restaurants, which are truly international, ranging from English Fish and Chips to Chinese and typical Spanish dishes.

If you are an avid or holiday golfer or just fancy having a quick game, only 2 minutes away is Club Siesta Golfand its facilities. A really nice 9 hole par 3 course, which was designed by Enrique Canales. The course is located on gentle hills and has sweeping views to the sea. It has a really nice club house for that relaxing meal and a drink.

Also on Calle Don Jose de Orbaneja is the Club Del Sol. The Club Del Sol has 12 excellent tennis courts comprising 9 brand new clay courts and 3 plexi-cushion courts. The club offers all standards of tennis classes from absolute beginners to tournament level such as:

Minitennis: Learn strokes and basic skills on reduced size courts

MidiTennis: Play on 3/4 size courts, develop advanced strokes and tacticsfor the improvers.

Advanced: High standards of technical and physical programmes for developing tournament level players.

Five minutes along the coast road towards Gibraltar we reach the lovely petite Puerto Cabopino, which has a small number of excellent bars and restaurantson offer. Try Albert’s restaurant for that very special occasion! The beach next to the harbour is fabulous and has plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas. Walk along towards Gibraltar to see the historical Salt Tower.

The beach as Cabopino has a gentle slope into the sea and that combined with Lifeguards on duty throughout the summer months makes it a safe and friendly place for the whole family.

Getaway In Arizona And See The Out Of Africa Safari Wildlife Park

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If you are traveling on vacation in Arizona (visiting the Grand Canyon and Sedona), be sure to spend a day at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park, just south of the Flagstaff area. The park is a great way for you to see the most beautiful tigers, lions, and giraffes in a totally native environment – where they have access to to freely roam large areas of this spectacular wildlife preserve. As part of the admission, you can ride a jeep-type vehicle and go on a 45-minute “Serengeti Safari” with expert park guides narrating the tour. There is also an hour-long tram or trolley tour of the park where you will have access to unobstructed photo platforms that provide excellent photo opportunities of lions, tigers, wolves, hyena and other predators that roam in their large natural habitats.

What I love about the preserve is the overall cleanliness of the park and the meticulous and humane care that is provided to the animals – and that is all due to the passionate (and compassionate) owners, Dean & Prayeri Harrison. Park visitors can come up and touch the snakes! The park has two primary tours, which are a wildlife photographer’s dream come true:

The Wildlife Preserve is an educational hour-long tram or trolley tour, which circles the large-habitat homes of lions, tigers, wolves, hyena, bears, mountain lions and other predators. Unobstructed photo decks are the perfect staging for an unforgettable photograph of the park’s majestic animals. Highlighting the best of Arizona tourism – the VIP tour also includes lunch and hands-on animal encounters.

Experience A Down Under Vacation In Australia

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All over the world are opportunities to enjoy varied vacation experiences, but in Australia there are wonderful beaches perfect for scuba diving or snorkeling, incredibly nice and welcoming locals, and the land is also a safe and wonderful place to visit.

Overview of the Nation

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, making it twice as large as Europe, except not nearly as crowded. That means you have plenty of activities without being the intense tourist magnet that Europe experiences.

There are over 7000 beaches to play around on, and the most amazing fauna you could ever see in your life. Australia’s culture has so much to offer as well.

English is spoken in Australia but with a little twist. People there often insert words that are only known to the natives, so it may be a bit difficult to understand everything they are saying.

For example, instead of calling someone “buddy,” they call that person a cobber; and rather than suggesting that a person dress warmly, they tell you to”rag up.” So, the English language it is, but you still may want to consider studying up on their native slang.

Climate and Environment

The climate is opposite the United States. It is the months of December to February that are the warmest, as those are their summer months, so if you are traveling there during those months it is best to dress lightly.

The air is very humid as well; plan to bring a little bug repellant and some sunscreen. The nights tend to get chilly, though; bringing a light jacket will help with the cool air, especially if you are traveling to the Southern region.

There is no question that if you are headed for the bushes, you will need a comfortable and durable pair of boots for the hikes.

Additional Considerations

Other tips that are important include knowing drivers travel on the left side of the road, so take note before you get on the road, and pay attention once you do.

Finally, Australians are the opposite of Americans when it comes to tipping as well. They tend to consider it bad taste unless a special occasion.

Australia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and with its immense diversity. There is something to see for everyone. From the bush area to the Great Barrier Reef and everything in between, Australia is simply a vacation of a lifetime.

Whitewater Rafting In Costa Rica!

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Costa Rica – Caribbean Vacation Without The Expense!

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica stretches 212 km from its border north with Nicaragua south to Panama, and is home to some of the most beautiful and unique national parks in the country. Cahuita National Park is located between Cahuita and Puerto Vargas, Tortuguero National Park in the Northern Caribbean, and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is located between the towns of Manzanillo and Gandoca. The area offers something for everyone – be it nature, adventure, hiking or just the laid-back living of the Caribbean towns and the beaches.

Puerto Viejo , located just south of Cahuita, boasts a rich, Afro-Caribbean influence. The vibrant town is home to people from all over the globe, and has an excellent choice of both local and international cuisine, nightclubs, gift shops and art galleries. The majority of people opt for bicycles as their main form of transportation. As the sun sets, the sound of reggae, calypso and reggeaton can be heard as the locals gather in small groups to enjoy a drink, conversation or even a game of dominoes outside of one of the liquor stores or bars.

The beaches to the south of Puerto Viejo are some of the best in the country, with Playa Cocles offering the only lifeguard tower on the coast – marking the safe areas to swim with green flags. The beach is also known as Beach Break, and has a good, consistent surf – perfect for surf lessons. A few kilometers down from Cocles is Playa Chiquita, which has many natural pools on secluded beaches protecting you from the currents. It is ideal for families and is home to a sizable expat community. Punta Uva is arguably the most gorgeous beach on the coast, if not the country, and has become very popular with the scuba diving world and with snorkelers exploring the various species of coral and fish found on the reef. The town at the end of the road is Manzanillo – a small Caribbean fishing village which lies at the entrance of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.

Whitewater Rafting on the Río Pacuare is an adventure lover’s dream, with its class II-IV rapids and picturesque setting, surrounded by the thick, primary forest. The Río Pacuare is located half way between San Jose and Puerto Viejo in a town called Siquirres, and makes a great stop on your way to the Caribbean coast. The raft company offers transportation to and from the South Caribbean, San Jose and La Fortuna (Arenal).

The Canopy Tour is located just outside of Puerto Viejo in Bribri, stretching over 2560 meters of cable and is made up of 9 aerial platforms and 14 land platforms – with the most spectacular cable stretching 285 mts at a 80 mts altitude.

For sightseeing, you can enjoy a quad tour through the forested mountains of Talamanca as you maneuver over the natural terrain of the area towards the Río Carbón, where you can take it easy in the natural pools before making our way to the indigenous reserve.

Rio la Estrella Kayaking and Sloth Sanctuary is a combination of adventure and learning as you kayak through the class I rapids, surrounded by rain forest before visiting the Aviarios del Caribe Sloth Sanctuary to learn about the recovery project and interact with the sloths.

The mountains of Talamanca, the lagoons of Tortuguero, mangroves of Gandoca, waterfalls and the hundreds of species of marine and wildlife make this area of Cost Rica a paradise for nature lovers.

Overnight trips to Tortuguero leave daily from San Jose, La Fortuna and the South Caribbean and is the best area in Costa Rica to encounter wildlife due to its remote location the rain forest has been left untouched.
white faced capuchin

It is necessary to use a guide to snorkel in the Cahuita National Park. The law was enforced to stop people from damaging the reef and to protect the fragile coral. The reef is the largest on the Caribbean coast and marine life is plentiful. The park is full of wildlife along the well manicured trails. Some of the most visible are the white faced capuchins and the howler monkeys. A great way to see both sections of the park is to take the Snorkel and Hike Tour which involves a twenty minute boat ride to the reef, one hour of snorkeling and a hike from the point of Cahuita to the town of Cahuita.

The hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is a little more strenuous. The trail has been well kept and flows up and down the terrain between the lookout points, then down to secluded beaches and then into the deep jungle as the trail follows the coast down towards Gandoca. The Bushmaster, our local Bronze Badge guide, leads a guided hike daily, explaining the flora and fauna you pass along the trail, and educating you on the various forms of wildlife and their habitat.

To get to the lagoon and the only mangrove on the coast, you can take a boat down to the Gandoca Lagoon from Manzanillo, where we take out the kayaks and paddle through the lagoon and its estuaries, observing nature and its most wild eco-system.

Explore Morocco Holiday

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If you’re looking for a holiday experience like no other then jetting off to an Essaouria holiday in North Africa is just the ticket for you. Sunny beaches, waters so blue you could swear they were freshly colored by crayon and scenery to make your jaw drop. Something so spectacular you will almost forget to take pictures – but of course you won’t forget.

You may have forgotten though that Essaouria was once called Mogador and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Listed city. Who would want to miss seeing something with that much history behind it? Of course you will revel in the old 18th century town and take long, leisurely strolls through ancient Medina. Just think, this old town still showcases the ramparts and fortifications that once protected the city from invaders.

If architecture if your abiding passion, you will have died and gone to heaven in Essaouira where you will be surrounded by amazing carved wooden archways, stunning, yet simple homes featuring deep blue shuttered windows – the ambience is alluring and the scents in the air totally intoxicating.

The other things you will no doubt be unable to resist is a beach visit, and why not, the sun shines for 300 days of the year in Morocco. And if you’re into water sports, the waters near Essaouria are excellent for windsurfing. Imagine surfing the sparkling blue waters while admiring the stunning mountains in the distance.

Shopping is second nature on an Essaouria holiday and will take on a real air of adventure as you scope out the market place for carpets, jewelry and other unique items to take home as personal treasures of your vacation. Don’t forget to check out some of the more popular museums such as the Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaire. And, if you love music, this Essaouria holiday will introduce you to some superb examples of African gnaoua music. Now, sit back, relax, and close your eyes and dream of your Essaouria holiday.

There are so many beautiful wonders to explore in a place like this. Whether it is simply a chance for you to get away from the family and find some peace or alternatively take the family with you, there is always something to suite you and the kids fancy. Enjoy!!

Ten Advantages Of Having An Intimate Destination Wedding

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Here are ten advantages of a small destination wedding that you may not have thought of.

1. You get to celebrate one of the biggest days of your life surrounded by people who really love you. Lots of couples say that almost everyone said this was one of the best things about having a small wedding.

2. You can feel more relaxed on your wedding day. You will be surrounded by your friends and family. You will feel more at home with your guests.

3. You can save money because you do not have a guest list into the hundreds of guests. The two headed cousins who you have not seen for 20 years are likely not to have the money or the willingness to spend it on going to your wedding. You can save thousands of dollars by having an intimate wedding, which means you won’t have to go over your wedding budget. You can probably stretch to a fairytale wedding castle in France.

4. You can splurge. Some couples choose a small guest list not necessarily because their budgets are small, but because they can pull out all the stops and have a truly lavish wedding. A destination wedding will make your dollar go further even at this difficult credit crunch time.

5. You have more options when choosing a venue. Since you won’t need a large space to accommodate your guests, many small wedding venues will be open to you. If you have a small destination wedding you can chose to getmarried in the middle of the week allowing you to negotiate an even better deal with wedding providers.

6. Have more freedom to customize your wedding to your own tastes. A small wedding gives you the opportunity to get your creative juices flowing and make your unique wedding a reflection of the two of you.

7. You get to spend time with your guests. When the guest list is small, the bride and groom can spend time with each of their guests, making them feel welcome. If you have rented a private castle with your friends and family for a few days you can kick back and chill and appreciate their company and why you wanted to spend your special day with them.

8. You can make your guests feel at home. Because you will be able to spend at least some time with your guests, they will feel more at home at your wedding. Also, when the guest list is small, guests will have a better opportunity to mingle with most of the others. Chances are that many of your guests will know one another.

9. You can get your guests involved. A small wedding will give you the opportunity to get your loved ones involved in your special day.

10. You can have a destination wedding that people will remember. Because your wedding won’t be typical – the kind your guests have been to over and over again – your wedding is more likely to be memorable and remembered. You will probably be one of the first of your friends to have a destination wedding in that Country. You can be a trend setter among your crowd.

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