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Relaxing Wine & Dine Weekend Getaways in the U.S.

Before Winter’s cold sets in, enjoy the last of the Fall Colors by grabbing your Road Trip Planner and create a wonderful Wine & Dine Weekend Getaway for two. A 3-Day Weekend of wining and dining, walking through vineyards or sun-dappled trails and getting a breath of fresh Fall air will breathe romance into your life and relaxation into your veins.

The TOP WINE PRODUCING STATES in the U.S. are: California, Washington, New York, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Idaho, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina. But WINE IS PRODUCED IN EVERY STATE so you can easily build a road trip within driving distance of your home or via a short flight.

Below are some Wine & Dine Weekend Getaways to help with your road trip planning, including some of the top-rated vineyards in the country as well as those wineries offering visitors a beautiful setting and a fun experience.

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA: Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo County produces excellent Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. The Cottage Inn by the Sea at Pismo Beach overlooks the Pacific Ocean. You can venture to the region?s wineries on your own or take their Coastal Wine Tour, which includes the popular Edna Valley Vineyard. TOP RESTAURANT in the area: F. McLintocks Saloon & Dining House.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: A verdant valley, and a lovely place for a road trip, includes Napa, Sonoma, and Healdsburg. Here you can find the Monte Rosso Vineyard, one of California’s oldest vineyards. Known for its firm Cabernet Sauvignons as well as intense, old-vine Zinfandels. TOP WINES from this area: 2002 Ravenswood Monte Rosso Zinfandel; 2003 Rochioli Estate Grown Pinot Noir from the The Rochioli vineyard in Healdsburg.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: Add Santa Barbara to your road trip planner because it offers you the Pacific Ocean on one front, the Santa Ynez Mountains at your back, and in between, prime wine country. The Hotel Mar Monte is a historic hotel built in the tradition of Spanish Colonial architecture. They offer a package tour to three wineries if you’d rather not explore on your own. Or choose staying at the Estero Beach Hotel Resort in San Ysidro, nearly at the Mexican border. Nearly two dozen wineries can be found in the Mexico Guadalupe Valley. BONUS ACTIVITY: Try a bike tour to a winery or a horseback-riding adventure to the Adobe Guadalupe Vineyard.

TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN: In the nation’s fourth-largest grape-growing state, the Chateau Grand Traverse winery overlooks the Grand Traverse Bay. You can sample their award-winning varietals, including their Rieslings. BONUS DESTINATION: Nearby, you?ll find the Old Mission Peninsula, which leads you into 7 wineries like the Chateau Chantal, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery and Peninsula Cellars.

LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK: For some hands-on fun, sign up for Wine Camp at Long Island’s renowned wine-producing North Fork region. Wine Camp’s packages vary as do the participating vineyards but you?ll enjoy activities like winemaking, tasting techniques, food pairings, and wine blending. The price includes lodging, some lunches & dinners… and a case of wine! But weight loss pills are not included.

WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON: To see a 6-generation family-owned establishment, enjoy a trip to Willamette Farms in Newberg. For a more drama-infused history, check out what used to be called Seven Springs Vineyard. The grapes from this vineyard were sought after by many top wine producers in the world. Then it was cut in half after a legal settlement in 2001, only to be reunited six years later with an exclusive, fifteen-year lease to the Evening Land partnership. FINAL VINTAGE: The St. Innocent Seven Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006.

TEXAS: What often springs to mind when people think of Texas are those BIG 10-gallon hats. And yes, Texas is getting BIGGER… in wine production. This Lone Star State boasts more than 110 bonded wineries and wine aficionados are noticing their award winning wines. The following three vineyards rise above the rest because they go the extra mile for their guests: Bella Vista Cellars, in Wimberly; Delaney Vineyards in Grapevine; Flat Creek Estate, west of Austin. Any of the 3 would make an excellent anchor in your road trip planning, whether you create 3 individual weekend getaways or a wine-themed week’s vacation. FUN FACT: A ten-gallon hat actually only holds ¾ gallon. Its name was derived from the Spanish galón word meaning braid.

OAK GROVE, VIRGINIA: One place I’d recommend adding to your road trip planner is Ingleside Winery, one of the oldest and largest wineries in Virginia. This winery was built in 1834 and the vineyards cover about 70 acres. Their wines have consistently earned top honors in state, national, and international wine competitions. BONUS LODGING: Ingleside Vineyards has two 2-bedroom rental cottages set within the vineyards and also a stunning four-bedroom Leeds Cove retreat, which overlooks the Rappahannock River.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: You can secure a great wine package when you add the Hotel Vintage Park to your road trip planner. Enjoy wine tasting at Pike Place Market’s tasting room, and an evening wine hour in the hotel’s lobby. Or check out Seven Hills Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley. Seven Hills Vineyard is now one of Washington’s best known vineyards.

Getting away for an extended weekend, indulging in respected wines and eclectic dishes, enjoying the view from your hotel window…yes, these are the things that await the Road Trip Planner who heads for wine country.

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Tripwiser is a fun place to visit! Our free social trip planning service leverages the collective wisdom of travelers worldwide and makes trip planning interactive and enjoyable.
http://www.TripWiser.com

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The Magic of Cyprus

How many people could point accurately  to the location of Cyprus on a map of the world? Well, the third largest island in the Mediterranean lies at its eastern end,  just a few miles off the coast of Southern Turkey.

Turquoise seas washing upon white crystalline beaches fringed with palm trees makes Cyprus a truly stunning holiday vacation destination. The island for all seasons, Cyprus enjoys year-round sun, great nightlife and a wonderful atmosphere. According to Greek mythology, Cyprus is said to have been the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, and once you have spent just a few days there, it’s easy to see why holidaymakers fall in love with it.

Although a small country, Cyprus has a distinguished cultural heritage. The island bears witness to its millenia of cultural history. Cyprus has been occupied and inhabited by countless peoples over many years all of whom have a lasting and indelible imprint on this charming and beautiful island. Because of the islands clost proximity to the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe, Cyprus exudes an atmosphere of very varied and diverse cultural influences and with 9000 years of history this island is truly a most magical and special holiday island.

Although the island is divided between the Turkish North (The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus or TRNC as it is locally known)and the Greek South, in practical terms it is now entirely possible to travel between the 2 sides of the island with the minimum of fuss and formalities.

Whether you are in the North or the South of the island, you would struggle to spot the differences in the two peoples of this island. Apart from the language, there are far more similarities than there are differences. Although this is a politically divided island the warmth of both the Turkish and Greek Cypriot people is the overriding memory and impression which you will take away with you back to your own home.

As much as enjoying a few days rest and relaxation in the wonderful climate, you will also find it impossinble not to become involved and mixing with the most wonderful and hospitable Cypriot people who make this place more than just a holiday island. Indeed you will feel that Cyprus has become a home from home such is the charm and attraction of this place.

Indeed I challenge you to go to any restaurant or taverna on this island and to come away at the end of the evening without having met and been introduced to the owner of the establishment and to have shared “a drink on the house!”

The most popular coastal and beach resorts are those of Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Protaras. Nicosia, the island’s divided capital is well worth a visit but the intense heat of the summer months is made worse by the fact that Nicosia lies almost at the centre of the island and not by the coast where the sea breezes provide welcome relief in the months of June to September when average daily temperatures will rise well into the high 30’s to 40’s and stay there even into the evening and night-time hours.

The Troodos mountains provide a welcome change for those seeking some relief from the summer sun- indeed it is actually possible to ski up in Troodos in Winter and yet still be on the beach in Limassol or Larnaca within a short 90 minute car ride - such is the amazing variety of this island which, once visited, is never forgotten.

As with many holiday resorts, Cyprus has become a very popular destination for people to buy investment and holiday properties. In addition to luxurious 5 star hotels, Cyprus has a huge choice and selection of holiday rental properties. Large holiday homes with several bedrooms, huge swimming pools and beautifully manicured gardnes to modern spacious townhouses and apartments with all modern facilities and creature comforts.

As far the quality of hotels, Cyprus has some of the very best to be found anywhere in the world. For many years the only thing which Cyprus lacked as a holiday destination was, in my opinion, high quality golf courses, but of late there has been a spate of fantastic golf resorts springing up on both sides of the island. The climate in Cyprus is so mild and temperate in winter that it has become in recent years, a superb winter holiday resort. Moreover, due to the construction of some world class golfing resorts at Aphrodite Hills and Tsada Hills in the South and the brand new resort at Esentepe in the Turkish North, this is a great place to visit for a fantastic winter golfing holiday.

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Paul Mitchell is a free lance travel writer and is a co-founder of letsbookaholiday.com - a leading holiday property rental website. For a great choice of Cyprus holiday property rentals or to advertise your holiday property, please visit the website.

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Hua Hin is located 200km from the South of Bangkok on the East Side of the Malay Peninsula. The drive from Bangkok to Hua Hin is an easy journey, taking about 2 hours to 3 hours, tops in heavy traffic. This is one of the many reasons why many foreigners and locals alike invest in Hua Hin Property due to its proximity to Bangkok city. The new highway is almost 100% completed or one can also take a flight from Bangkok, arriving in Hua Hin in only 40 minutes.

Hua Hin is much bigger than one would think. Regular Travel books do not include all the surrounding villages that are considered part of Hua Hin by most foreigners living here. Here is a breakdown of the areas:

Bor Fai : North of Hua Hin City; and known for its scenic mountain views and amazing sunsets.

Hua Hin Center: This area is rapidly changing with a major facelift so to speak. New shops, restaurants and services are opening on a monthly basis. If one enjoys city living in a country style environment, this is it.

Hua Hin West: This area is well known for its calm mountainous living surroundings and Sea Views.

Khao Takiab: This Quaint Fishing Village is 5km south of Hua Hin’s town center. This area offers many new condominium choices, restaurants, and boutique resorts on a long stretch of white sandy beach.

Khao Tao: This area is 10km from the center of Hua Hin and is quickly becoming a major area for foreigners when it comes to exciting new developments. I especially like that it has both lakes and the sea.

In the last few months, we have seen an increase of foreigners moving to Hua Hin, Thailand as the financial crisis escalates back home for many in the West. The substantially lower cost of living in Thailand, and the housing offers in Hua Hin are the main attraction. For a fraction of what it costs in the West, one is still able to enjoy a comfortable and even luxurious lifestyle in this beach town.

Many are turning to renting a home as a temporary option until the dust settles and this has caused a recent surge in the residential leasing market. In response to this demand, developments with unsold finished homes are furnishing and making them available as rentals. This is good news as it offers clients more choices; and newly furnished homes at reasonable prices.

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Make sure that you obtain a travel insurance quote before leaving home.
Maddy Barber co-owns Hua Hin Finder, a professional residential leasing and real estate agency that has been selling and renting homes in this beautiful sea side town for over 5 years now. Search properties for sale and rent in Hua Hin at huahinfinder.com

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Why Rent An Apartment or Villa For Your Next Holiday?

The Benefits of Apartment & Villa Rental Holidays.

With the children now back at school and the cool chill of shorter autumn days now upon us, your thoughts may already be turning to next summers holiday or perhaps you are looking to get away from the damp and dreary British winter for a few days in sunnier climes.

So once you have drawn up your shortlist of suitable countries where the amount of sunshine and average daily temperature is significantly warmer than Margate or Skegness in January or July, the next most important decision is where to stay. What type of holiday accommodation will be most suitable for you and the family?

Thankfully, the days of the all inclusive package holiday with its rigid 7 or 14 day options, with flights only from Manchester or Luton airport on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays in the month, are for many of us no more than a distant memory which should now be consigned to the 1970’s… With the advent of cheap flights from an increasing number of UK airports to dozens of resorts around Europe, there has never been more choice and flexibility in terms of when and where to go!

From apartments to rent in sunny Spain,villas in France, Cyprus, Turkey,Portugal or Italy, vacation rental properties in Florida, beautiful holiday cottages in Ireland,Scotland,Wales or England or even ski chalets in the French Alps, the Austrian Tyrol or Italian Dolomites, today the world really is one’s oyster!

However despite all of these wonderful choices of destinations, the wrong choice of holiday accommodation can put a real dampener on what should be a time of carefree relaxation under foreign skies, a time to relax and distress from the daily grind in the UK.

For families of more than the typical two parents and two children, and for those who may consider extended winter breaks for example, the typical hotel offering can be very restrictive not to mention the expense!

More and more people are now aware of the many real benefits in renting a holiday home, apartment or villa directly from the owner.

With the advent of holiday home ownership, many owners are looking to create a regular stream of rental income from their investment in the sun and or the ski slopes and so the choice of property available to rent is undoubtedly greater than ever before.

Renting your own holiday apartment in Tenerife or Lanzarote, a holiday villa in Majorca or Menorica or a holiday cottage in Scotland or Wales, gives you so much more flexibility in terms of privacy, sleeping arrangements, and quite simply, being able to do what you want when you want! No more rushing down 6 flights of hotel stairs each morning to make sure you don’t miss breakfast!

It has never been easier to locate holiday apartments and holiday villas to rent and all manner of self catering holiday accommodation anywhere in the world!

The advent of the Internet has given rise to many holiday property rental websites where you can choose in the comfort of your own home, the resort, the time and the type of accommodation which suits you best.
Read more »

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Have you ever considered how amazing it would be to be able to explore other parts of the world exactly on your own terms and in your own time, but without having to forfeit all your home comforts?

Does that sound like a tall order? Well, a motorhome gives you the flexibility and freedom to do exactly this. You take to the open road precisely when the fancy takes you, without having to adhere to someone else’s schedule and to be in a certain place at a certain time. There’s no waiting around at an airport, anxiously wondering if your luggage will actually make it safely to your destination. Read more »

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A Quick Tour Of Italy - Small Town Piedmont

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area might be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. There are even some parts of Piedmont that haven’t yet been discovered by tourists. This short article presents “the rest of Piedmont”, Piedmont outside Turin, the region’s capital and largest city. A companion article presents Turin.

Piedmont means foot of the mountains, and that describes the area perfectly. A large part of the region is surrounded by hills and by mountains such as the Alps. While the setting is beautiful, don’t expect a Mediterranean climate such as found in most of Italy. The Piedmont climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters, especially in the plains. Read more »

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La Residencia is an ideal Majorcan weekend retreat built from mellow local stone, located on the edge of the Sierra Tramuntana hills, but less than an hour’s drive from Palma airport. This truly traditional hotel is part of the renowned Orient Express group, with all the luxury touches you would expect. They sit elegantly with the slightly rustic style of the building and its antiques furniture and local art on display. You can relax totally in your own plunge pool when you book into a suite at this ideal couples’ weekend break. There are dozens of spa therapy treatments on offer, plus three outdoor pools. For dining, there is a poolside cafe as well as the hotel’s own award-winning restaurant set in a 16th century olive press. Make sure you book one of the recently built Tramantuna suites, with spectacular views over the hills.

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The Abama Golf Spa Hotel is situated on the west coast of the island and benefits from Tenerife’s year-round sunny weather making it the perfect winter break destination. The addition of its own private man-made sandy beach below this Moorish influenced hotel makes it the prefect weekend break destination. A coach or taxi from Tenerife South airport takes less than half an hour to deliver you to the extensive tropical gardens surrounding this hotel and 18 hole golf course. There are nine swimming pools, one reserved for adults only and one with dedicated children’s facilities plus childminding service. Rooms are in the main hotel or you can book a villa with its own gardens and terrace. Indulge yourself at the health spa with hydrotherapy treatments and a special dry flotation tank to finish.

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A Quick Tour Of Italy - Palermo, Sicily

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the island of Sicily, a region of southern Italy. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area can be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. And parts of Sicily haven’t yet been discovered by tourists. This article presents Sicily’s capital, Palermo. Companion articles present western Sicily and eastern Sicily. Read more »

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Canary islands Holidays - slice of a great Spanish holiday

This Spanish Archipelago is a combination of seven main islands along with several tiny islets and a small island. With two cities, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas, as its capital, Canary Islands are result of volcanic activities.

These are some of the major islands that form the Canary Islands group and can be your base while you are visiting the region: Read more »

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