Posts Tagged ‘Worlds’

Make My Bed? But You Say the World’s Ending

Make My Bed? But You Say the World’s Ending
The Haddad children of Middletown, Md., have a lot on their minds: school projects, SATs, weekend parties. And parents who believe the earth will begin to self-destruct on Saturday.

Read more on Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Holidays – World’s Best Villa Destinations

If your idea of a holidays is the up most of luxury and seclusion then a villa holiday is likely to appeal. There are hundreds of thousands of villas across the globe, each with their own appeal from relaxing on private beaches to exploring the depths of the outback on your own personal safari.

The following outlines some of the worlds most popular destinations and what villas in these areas have to offer.

Africa

World renowned for its magnificent contrasting scenery, Africa is a majestic mixture of lush jungles, endless deserts and bustling cities filled with diverse races and religions each with their own way of life. One of the major pulls of African holidays is the opportunity visitors have to get close to the some of the world’s most wild animals in their natural habitat.

Indian Ocean

Boasting some of the worlds most beautiful coast lines, the islands situated within the Indian Ocean are often cited as the “picture perfect island castaway”. If the clear warm water that peacefully laps on the talcum powder soft white sands isn’t enough, many of the islands resorts are renowned for providing world class pampering.

Caribbean

Once reserved for the rich and famous, the 7,000 islands that make up the Caribbean have become a popular resort from travellers from all walks of life. From the laid back beauty of Anguilla to the busting island of Bermuda and Jamaica the Caribbean has something for everyone. Water sports and on-land sports such as Golf and Tennis are particularly popular on some of the islands.

Australasia

The term Australasia is used to describe New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea and the surrounding islands. Australia is a huge country, and its sheer size can be quite daunting, for this reason it is recommended that you choose to fly instead of driving if you wish to cover long distances. Either way, the country manages to combine the ultimate in luxury within its bustling cosmopolitan cities with nail biting adventures when you take to the outback.

Since the Lord of the Rings, interest in New Zealand has sawed, and it’s no surprise. The country is home to some of the worlds most outstanding natural wonders, from snowy peaks to golden beaches. The contrast in culture and environment between the north and south island also makes for a very interesting holiday.

Villa holidays are becoming considerably popular and finding villa rentals in the above resorts as well as anywhere else around globe is very easy. The amount you will pay will vary considerably depending on what kind of villa holidays you are looking for.

Rocky among world`s most popular

Rocky among world`s most popular
Rocky Mountain National Park is in elite company in a recently released list of the most popular outdoor and adventure destinations in the world. The travel website Trip Advisor ranked Rocky as the second most popular destination, trailing only Queenstown, New Zealand, in its top 10 list.

Read more on Estes Park Trail Gazette

The World’s First Airline Dedicated To Golfers

 Golf clubs really benefits to golfers and persons who love golf. It not only provide a lot of products with good quality about golf but also offer latest news timely in order to make people know more about golf. Take the following news as an example.

The world’s first airline dedicated to golfers, takes off on April 4 from Prestwick Airport in Scotland offering fares to destinations including Lough Erne and Machrihanish Dunes from £79.

Golf Links Express, an offshoot of the award-winning Loch Lomond Seaplanes, will ferry up to nine golfers at a time and their clubs in amphibious Cessna 208 aircraft close to destinations which also include Kintyre, Loch Lomond and the Island of Islay.

   “We’ve already had bookings from golfers from Ireland and as far a field as the US and Scandinavia, “says David West, founder of Golf Links Express. “Prestwick International already welcomes tens of thousands of golfers every year but many rarely venture further than Ayrshire because of the travel time by road. Now they can access some of the best links courses in the world within minutes.

   “For example, we can carry golfers and their clubs from Prestwick to Islay in around 25 minutes, on to Machrihanish in 15 minutes then to Loch Lomond in another 25 minutes. That’s three fantastic locations across Scotland that would usually take a whole day’s travel to reach by car.”

    It’s estimated that golf tourism is worth at least £300 million a year to the Scottish economy as golfers spend, on average, more than other tourists. For every £1 spent on a green fee a further £5 is spent elsewhere in the economy.

   “This is a very exciting development connecting Irish and Scottish golf which will give players from around the world the chance to experience the best that both countries have to offer,” said Jim Treacy, owner of Lough Erne Golf Resort.

    The Golf Links Express is the only air service dedicated primarily to golfers, although the flights will be open to anyone. According to Brian Keating, founder of Machrihanish Dunes and The
Ayrshire, currently being built on links land near Irvine Bay, the airline opens up tremendous possibilities for changing golf tourism in Scotland.

   “Golf Links Express is just what Scotland needs. There are more than a quarter of a million golfers arriving in Ayrshire every year and this airline will enable them to experience more of what Scottish golf has to offer and spread the value of those visitors throughout the economy.

    “Now golfers can play somewhere like Machrihanhish in the morning and be on the
first tee at Lough Erne in Ireland within 25 minutes.”

 If you want to know more information about golf, don’t forget cheap golf clubs. You can also visit discount golf clubs.    

What is Worlds Better Than a Hotel Room?

Yep,they say that the hurricanes scared some folks away from Florida. Well, I just came up with a really good reason for you to revisit the state. Florida contains some of the finest Bed and Breakfast inns in the nation, and below I present some of the ones that stood out to me.

1. The Addison is a serene 14-room inn representing a unique blend of old-style elegance with modern amenities. Traditionally, the values may seem to clash but the builders and owners have merged them together in a beautiful blend. This Inn was selected as one of the ten Best Overall Inns of 2009-2010 by BedandBreakfast.com. It also consistently maintains a number one ranking on TripAdvisor.com. Located on Amelia Island in the historic district of Fernandina Beach, the rooms feature porches for relaxation and an enchanting fountain courtyard. The area is a nature-lover’s paradise with pristine beaches, four major State Parks and a National Park. One can bike, hike, play golf, horseback ride, shell, bird watch, or go backwater or deep sea fishing. Signature breakfast dishes include fresh fruit smoothies, breakfast in a boat (baked potato shell stuffed with scrambled eggs, cheese, and crumbled bacon), banana pancakes with pecan toffee syrup, spicy breakfast quesadillas, praline French toast, and perfect Peruvian coffee.

2. If you can look past the wild and funky website, the Cedar Key B & B is an inn well worth visiting! Located in the second oldest city in Florida, the historic inn was built in 1880. Originally, the town was known for its cedar, out of which Eagle and Eberhardt pencils were produced; today its claims to fame are clam farming and tourism. Besides boasting some of the cleanest and most comfortable lodgings imaginable, this inn’s draw is also the amazing array of activities in the area: boating, kayaking, air boats, fishing, bird watching, playing with dolphins, biking, hiking, scuba diving, plus a famous Arts festival and the October Seafood Festival. Or if you like football, attend a Florida Gators game in nearby Gainesville. A few nice added features of the inn is the pet friendly status, last minute specials, delicious breakfast, and an endless array of amenities such as teas, cookies, biscotti, hot chocolates, coffees, and a bottomless jar of the freshest homemade cookies you’ve ever placed in your mouth.

3. Casa Grandview is located in the vibrant, upscale city of West Palm Beach. This Bed & Breakfast combines some of the most desirable features of the secluded and quaint B & Bs with the services of a luxury resort. The Casa offers romantic cottages, quaint bungalows, art deco cabana suites, stylish tropical coastal villas, and classic city oasis retreats. What a fabulous array of choices, many with kitchens, elaborate baths, and spacious living areas. The owners stock each suite with only the best gourmet foods for your breakfast, and, if desired, for additional meals. Everything you need is available including complimentary Wi-Fi, HD TVs, premium satellite service, music and movie channels, iPod docking stations, and CD players. You can even check emails and surf the web while catching some rays poolside or dozing in a hammock. You will be waited on with 5-star service or left alone for some glorious privacy. Whatever you want is what you get at Casa Grandview.

4. Elizabeth Pointe Lodge is a Nantucket ‘shingle style’ inn that overlooks the rich blue Atlantic. What can I say? USA Today deemed this oceanfront inn as one of the 10 greatest places to sit on the porch. Travel and Leisure magazine recognized it as one of the fifty great beach resorts in our nation. The book, 1000 Places to See Before You Die, tagged this as a place where the emphasis is on pure relaxation. The Road Best Traveled distinguished the inn as one of the 12 Best Waterfront Inns in America. The honors go on and on. Besides offering full concierge service and 24 hour room service, there are also gourmet treats offered all day, a lavish wine and hors d’oeuvres reception each evening, and an oceanfront breakfast with scads of sumptuous offerings in the sunroom. In every way, Elizabeth Pointe is determined to go above and beyond your needs and expectations.

5. Florida Trend Magazine states that the Herlong Mansion of Micanopy, Florida is “easily Florida’s most elegant Bed & Breakfast.” In case you don’t know, this quiet little town is south of Gainesville, near Cross Creek, the village the author of The Yearling made famous. The ten fireplaces and high ceilings of the inn are perfectly accented with mission oak woodwork and mahogany inlaid floors. Photos can never do justice to the warm beauty of this place. Wide verandas between enormous pillars on the first and second floors contain cushioned swings that overlook an impeccably manicured lawn with ancient towering oaks. The breakfast isn’t wildly fancy but offers delicious traditional fare such as homemade biscuits and perfect omelettes, rich coffee, and apple bread. And, if you like, you can have a candlelit four-course dinner catered with roses, champagne, the works. Treat yourself to casual elegance for just one night, or more…

6. The Seven Sisters Inn is located in Ocala, Florida, region of rolling green hills and thoroughbred horse ranches. Built in 1888, the Queen Anne Victorian home was judged a “Best Restoration Project” and is listed prominently in the National Register of Historic Places. One startling uniqueness of this inn is the rooms, which feature décor from the four corners of the globe. One enters through elaborately carved Indonesian doors, then there is a Bengal Safari room, a Cape Cod Lighthouse room, an Egyptian Treasure room, an Oriental Zen-like room, and a room from Old Paris featuring imported French fabrics and décor. Visitors feel as if they are traveling the world as they lounge in front of their fireplaces or relax with spa showers, Jacuzzi, Victorian soaking tubs, and heated towel bars. And when you wake the next morning, get ready for an award winning breakfast on white china and crystal, including three-cheese French toast with Ginger Peaches, Eggs Pesto, Chicken Puffed Pastry, Raspberry-Oatmeal pancakes, or Tomato-Zucchini Quiche. The “Seven Sisters” will make you happy.

7. The Williams is a beautifully restored antebellum mansion located in the historic seaside village of Fernandina Beach. There are three separate buildings, each offering rooms for guests: the Williams House, the Hearthstone House, and the Carriage House. You will be captivated by intricate moldings, massive pocket doors, true wood floors, and hand-carved mantles created from heart pine, cherry, or mahogany. Sweeping verandas, original tiled fireplaces and crystal chandeliers make visitors feel as if they’ve slipped into a time warp. If you appreciate the days when great pride and craft were marks of the homes of the wealthy, you will love the William’s House. But it isn’t just a home to wander. The owners cater to your whims, including your desire to wake to a breakfast you’ll remember. Your first course will feature fresh fruit and muffins, scones, or pound cake. Your second course may include strawberry croissant French toast or blueberry strata. Enjoy this with fresh orange juice or rich Colombian coffee. No one will leave the William’s House either hungry or unhappy.

8. Can you keep a secret? There is a Bed & Breakfast inn in Key West called Atlantis House. This is one of those places you will not want to tell your friends about, lest the next time you want to book a night there, it will be booked two or three months ahead. It has only two exclusive rooms: that’s right, the Master suite and the Garden suite. The owners, Steve and Kayla Kessler designed, built, and maintain the property themselves. The inn is nestled in a lush tropical garden bordering the roiling Atlantic. Not long ago, this inn was awarded “The Best of the South” award from BedandBreakfast.com, and it was deserved. I just don’t know how they found the thing. If you want, you can kick back on your own sun deck or spend some romantic moments in the breezy, vine-covered gazebo. Or if you’re a little more adventurous, Steve happens to be a licensed Captain and with his boat, The Contender, he’ll be happy to take you fishing. Then Steve and Kayla will prepare you the perfect dinner with “the catch of the day,” or maybe a lobster Steve caught for your dining pleasure. Steve can also offer private, guided snorkeling tours of the most beautiful coral reef in the Continental United States. Then, after a hard day of sunning or fishing, Kayla, a massage therapist, can massage all your troubles away. Now remember, this is our little secret, cross your heart.

9. Palmer House is an inn nestled in a little town called Lithia, Florida. This is another B & B that was listed by BedandBreakfast.com as one of the “Best in the South” for 2009-2010. It’s a very tranquil place with grandfather oaks, butterfly gardens, hammocks, and bicycle trails. But, hang onto your hats, because nearby are almost all the tourist attractions Florida offers, including Orlando’s. In fact, Lithia is the perfect location from which you can go for day trips either to Busch Gardens or the Tampa Bay Bucs on the Gulf coast or Disney World and Universal Studios on the Atlantic coast. You’ll get home in time for some cookies and milk before bedtime and you’ll awaken the next morning to fresh coffee, quiche, a breakfast casserole, and their signature dish, almond-crusted French toast.

10. On charming Anna Maria Island, near Sarasota, Florida, you will find the Harrington House. It is actually comprised of the Main Inn, the Carriage House, the Huth House, and the Dodt House. You thus have the option of staying in a bungalow, a beach house, a villa or a condo. You can lounge on your balcony opening out onto the Gulf of Mexico, you can kayak with the dolphins, tour the island by bicycle, or swim in the Gulf or the heated pool. Nearby Sarasota and Bradenton offer the Ringling Museum of Art, Selby Botanical Gardens, the Bishop Planetarium, shopping at St. Armand’s Circle, or fine dining at Longboat Key. But, whatever you do, don’t miss the Harrington chef’s most popular breakfast dishes: Buttermilk Pancake Sundae or Jo’s Bacon and Crab Roll.

Yes, in a state chock full of Bed & Breakfast inns, these are a few of the ones I wanted to introduce you to. Maybe there are others to equal some of these. However, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with any of those described above. It’s time you discover the world of difference between a typical hotel and a Bed & Breakfast inn.

The World’s Top Places for Destination Weddings

Planning a wedding is hard enough in your own home town, but pulling off an event out of town is a true challenge. You barely know your own way around, and now you have dozens if not hundreds of people to account for. But the perks of a destination wedding (and planning one) truly outweigh the negative elements – you experience the romance and mystique of another location while having a wedding/honeymoon/getaway all at the same time.

Many couples choose certain locales because they cater specifically to destination weddings and hosting numerous guests; they are the places that everyone on your list wants to go to and may not have had a chance before, but now have an iron-clad reason to make the trek. Here are the most popular spots for destination weddings – as well as what you can do while you’re there! (Just remember to choose a locale that suits you both; if you love water, a beach wedding is best, but if you would rather have a more rustic affair, opt for the mountains!)

Five of the Best Destination Wedding Planning Picks

Italy: There’s nothing more romantic than Italian destination weddings. Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan – you name it; this is the ultimate getaway for many couples and their families. But going overseas also has a lot of challenges. As part of your destination wedding planning, you’ll have to ensure that all guests have or acquire a passport well in advance, and you’ll be responsible for finding suitable accommodations and transportation to and from the events. Your guests will want to do a little sightseeing while in town, so creating a list of places to visit and how to get there is a must. Fortunately, there are many destination wedding planning specialists who cater to foreign couples, so use their abilities fully. And the true perk of destination weddings: you can honeymoon right where you got married! Hawaii: This tropical island is a mecca for couples who want a relaxed beach wedding with little fuss. And hundreds of thousands of couples flock here to celebrate their nuptials Hawaiian-style. Many airports in the U.S. have direct flights to Honolulu, but if you decide to get married on another island, your guests can easily catch a flight the same or next day, giving them time to explore. And whether you choose to have an impromptu, informal affair or a giant, tropical bash, there are many knowledgeable destination wedding planning companies that can help you decide where to have your event, what to serve, where to spend your honeymoon, and much more. The Bahamas: One of the top destination wedding locations, the Bahamas truly evokes the Caribbean spirit in more ways than one. If all of your guests are U.S. citizens, then you’re in the clear (though, based on recent legislation, you are required to have a valid passport to enter). Citizens of other countries are advised to check entry requirements before booking tickets, and you can make it easier on your guests if they are flying from another country by verifying the requirements beforehand. Many couples choose to have their destination weddings take place among the centuries-old cathedrals or fortresses or at the famed city harbor in Nassau. And once the wedding is over, you and your guests can experience the best seafood, golfing, shopping, and casinos available! Napa Valley: For couples who love wine and/or the idea of getting married in a vineyard, Napa Valley is a great choice for destination weddings. Proximity to the big city – San Francisco and all of its unique sights – and the pastoral beauty of countless vineyards lure thousands of couples here each year to tie the knot with the help of a destination wedding planning specialist. From Spring to Winter, the change in seasons provides a new and different look to the Napa Valley countryside. Some wineries even host on site and have event planners at your disposal who specialize in destination weddings! And what would be more fun than touring the Wine Country on The Napa Valley Wine Train for your honeymoon? Lake Tahoe: For many years, the scenic charms of Lake Tahoe have routinely been voted one of the top spots for destination weddings. And it’s no wonder why this vibrant city appeals to so many different people. There’s biking, hiking, boating, camping, fishing, golfing, and skiing, all right there for you and your guests to enjoy. If you choose a wedding resort, which not only takes care of the accommodations for you and your guests, you’ll be provided with a dedicated destination wedding planning guide who will see to all of the details.

Destination Weddings: a Break from the Norm

Many couples think destination wedding planning is an outrageous expenditure. While this belief is true in some instances, you’re actually saving yourself from many hassles. Wherever you choose to have your ceremony and reception, you’ll be matched with event planners skilled at making sure that the tiniest aspects of destination weddings flow smoothly. And, you’ll also have your honeymoon built in to the cost. The best part you ask?…experiencing a brand new place with your family, friends, and loved ones.

Knowing, Exploring… Indonesia, The World’s Largest Archipelago State

Unity in Diversity, the national motto of Indonesia, is a term that strikes deep into the heart of this dynamic and attractive Southeast Asian nation. Few places offer such cultural variety and geographical complexity as Indonesia, and no two journeys here are ever alike. 

Indonesia is composed of seventeen thousand islands that stretch over five thousand miles along the equator. The Malay Peninsula and Indochina are situated to the north-west, and the continent of Australia lies due south. Northward lies the Philippines and Micronesia.

The most populous of the Indonesian islands by far is Java, home to the sprawling capital city of Jakarta. Other notable islands include the exotic, popular resort island of Bali, Lombok, Bintan, Catholic Flores, Sumatra and Komodo, home of dragons.

Bali, the Heavenâ?¦

Bali is an island where art and religion mingle in the daily lives of people in a way unlike anywhere else on earth. Its culture overflows from its temples and into the streets, where artisans of every kind continue traditional methods of handicraft that have been passed down for generations.

The most famous of the many Balinese cultural traditions are its poetic and ornate dances, which employ a graceful and highly-sophisticated gestural language to narrate traditional stories and legends.

Bali’s natural beauty is as startling as its cultural riches. The beaches of Bali are world famous. Many are ideal for surfing, and plenty of offshore reefs create good scuba diving environments. The famous one are: Kuta Beach, Legian Beach, and Seminyak Beach. 

Sumatra, the Naturalâ?¦

Indonesia’s largest and least developed province, Sumatra rests along the equator, heavily forested and rich in rare wildlife. The island’s slow development has made it ideal for eco-tourism, and numerous large reserves and preservation areas have been set aside. Its most famous park, Mount Leuser National Park, is one of the last refuges of the Sumatra Orang-Utan.

Another distinguished park is the Berbak Wildlife Reserve, which has one of Indonesia’s largest tiger populations. In the far north of the island is Lake Toba, an enormous and extraordinarily beautiful crater lake.

A particularly enthralling adventure experience in Sumatra takes place on the Alas River, which winds itself across North Sumatra through jungle, limestone gorges, and native villages. The voyage begins in the Karo Highlands and culminates with the Indian Ocean: a descent ten times that of the Grand Canyon’s Colorado River.

Lombok, the Adventure Paradiseâ?¦

Lombok is the most popular destination in Nusa Tenaggara â?? a province in South Central Indonesia.  Visitors head here for both underwater and on-land exploration.

Situated east of Bali, it can be accessed by plane or boat. The island consists of virginal sandy beaches and a hilly terrain, fringed by mesmerizing azure shores, making it a favorite destination for trekking, surfing and beach lounging.

Lombok is paradise mixed with a dash of adventure and a hint of exoticism, blessed with majestic waterfalls and a volcano â?? Mount Rijani. â??Unspoiled Baliâ??, would be an apt description. 

Ultimately, Lombok is a place to chill. Popular with honeymooners, it offers a subdued alternative to the more mainstream Bali, while not compromising on beauty or comfort, just cost â?? itâ??s decidedly cheaper. Complete with quiet bays, white and grey sand beaches, a tranquil village style and half a dozen small islands, it retains an undiscovered tropical charm. 

Bintan, the Dream� 

Bintan Island is like a dream. With its pristine beaches and unspoiled natural beauty, it has everything you could ever wish for in a picture-perfect tropical holiday destination â?? and more. Virtually undiscovered until just a few years ago, this idyllic retreat has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years, particularly amongst Singaporeans who, due to the islandâ??s close proximity, have made it their preferred spur-of-the-moment getaway.

With a population of less than quarter of a million, the island has an interesting, eclectic mix of different cultures and ethnicities, including Malay, Bugis, Chinese and a unique tribe called the Orang Laut (sea nomads).

A trip to Bintanâ??s two main towns, Tanjung Pinang and Tanjung Uban, is a great way to learn more about the islandâ??s people and local culture. The islandâ??s highest mountain, Bintan Besar, almost 400m in height, is also the highest peak in the archipelago. 

Java/Jakarta, the Capital city

Java is often referred to as the heart of Indonesia. It is the historical center of Buddhist and Hindu culture and home to the nation’s sprawling capital city, Jakarta.

Java’s three main regions are simply East, Central, and West Java, and the island’s many roads and public transports make it easy to navigate.

Though Jakarta is the most visited destination in the west, it is best described as a mixture of Bangkok and New Delhi. There are also major natural attractions, such as Mount Gede-Pangrango National Park. In Central Java, the seat of major dynasties throughout Indonesian history, are the cultural wonders of the Prambanan temple complex and the magnificent Borobudur Temple. Central Java is also the home of Indonesia’s famous shadow puppet dances, or Wayans Kulit, and the craftwork center of Yogyakarta.

Finally, there is East Java, where travelers encounter some of the Indonesia’s most extraordinary national parks, including the wildly spectacular Bromo-Tengger.

 Feel like been there?!!!