Fire lookout is the ultimate California getaway

If you’re the type of traveler who won’t go into withdrawal if you go a night without television, then consider a stay at the Morton Peak Fire Lookout for your next getaway. It’s about as far away from a luxury resort as you can get.

You could hardly find a more unique getaway than staying in a working fire lookout. During daytime, the lookout is staffed by volunteer lookout hosts who have attended classes to learn just how to spot forest fires. Read more »

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Peru Lodging

There is a wide variety of Peru lodging available in almost every part of the country. The most common types are the hospedajes and hosteles that offer cheap to inexpensive accommodation and are plentiful even in small Peruvian towns. Read more »

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The Oceanside Vacation Home Of Your Dreams…Finding The Perfect “Get Away From It All”

Vacation homes are easy to find, just do a simple search on the internet and you will have your choice of thousands to pick from.

It’s finding which vacation home is right for you that starts to become difficult. A surfside beach condo in Florida, a beach house on the North Carolina Outer banks, luxury beach villas in Mexico…these are all great choices but do they fit your need for the perfect “Get Away From It All” vacation home?

Luxury Beach Villas or Secluded Beach House…

In real estate you always hear location, location, location. But is location really the most important to you in your choice of vacation homes? Read more »

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Free Travel: How to Get “All Expenses Paid” Vacations

You can travel the world for free by becoming an “Outside Agent” or “Group Travel Organizer” for travel agencies.

Travel agencies usually have a wide range of domestic and international tour packages available. These tours typically last from ten to fourteen days, with groups of about ten to thirty people for each tour. Travel agencies constantly need people to sign up for their tours and most heartily welcome any help they can get in recruiting new tourists for their services. When you put a travel group together for the agency you can receive a free (all expenses paid!) vacation. Read more »

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Four Great Travel Destinations on a Budget
With the summer on the horizon, many of us are getting excited about a long, overdue vacation. Only one problem: travel is becoming ridiculously expensive. With oil prices way up and the dollar way down, where do you go without breaking the bank? Here are four great options for the traveler on a budget:

1) Eastern Europe-Prague, Budapest, Kiev, Bucharest. So much to choose from, and at a fraction of the cost of London or Paris. The eastern european capitals are both fascinating destinations and incredible values. They offer incredible histories, unbelievable architecture and wonderful people to the open minded traveler. In recent years, eastern Europe has become increasingly popular, and Prague has become a tremendous tourist destination. Read more »

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A Quick Tour Of Italy – Western Liguria

If you are in the mood to tour Europe, you should consider the Liguria region of northern Italy, commonly known as the Italian Riviera. This thin strip of land lies on the Ligurian Sea, not far from Monaco and the French Riviera. While Liguria is hardly undiscovered, its crowds are much smaller than those next door. There are many little towns or villages and one international port city almost smack dab in the center of the coast. This article explores Liguria west of Genoa, or as the locals call it, Riviera di Ponente (The Riviera of the Setting Sun.) Be sure to read the other articles in this series: eastern Liguria, Genoa, and Cinque Terre, five little seaside villages that just might steal your heart. Read more »

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A Quick Tour Of Italy – Eastern Liguria

If you are thinking about a tour of Europe, why don’t you consider the Liguria region of northern Italy, commonly known as the Italian Riviera? This thin strip of land lies on the Ligurian Sea, not far from Monaco and the French Riviera. While Liguria is by no means undiscovered, its crowds are much smaller than those next door. There are many little towns or villages, and one international port city almost smack dab in the center of the coast. This article explores Liguria east of Genoa, or as the locals call it, Riviera di Levante (The Riviera of the Rising Sun.) Make sure to read the other articles in this series: western Liguria, Genoa, and Cinque Terre, five little seaside villages that just might steal your heart.

Little Nervi near Genoa has been a resort for over one hundred years. In July it hosts the International Ballet Festival. Nervi’s highlight is the rock-hewn mile-long (1.5 kilometer) Anita Garibaldi Promenade named for the wife and comrade-in-arms of Giuseppe Garibaldi, founder of the modern Italian state. Don’t miss the Parco Villa Grimaldi with its magnificent rose collection.

Portofino, considered one the most beautiful Mediterranean ports, has been recreated after a fashion in Japan and in Orlando, Florida. Be sure to see the Saint George Castle already restored in the Sixteenth Century, with its lovely gardens, views, and exhibits of famous visitors including Marilyn Monroe and Prince Rainier. Don’t you dare miss the neighboring Regional Natural Park of Portofino and the Protected Marine Area of Portofino with their collection of flora and fauna.

Rapallo hosted the Russian-German Treaty in 1922. We all know how well that worked out. The Eleventh Century Cathedral of Santi Gervasio e Protasio boasts a great bell tower and interesting paintings. Visit the local castles that served to defend the city against pirates. For a different view of life visit its Bobbin Lace Museum. Read more »

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Colorado, USA – A Brief Narrative

Before Columbus, Colorado was inhabited by the Anasazi Indians.

The first Europeans to land in Colorado were the Spanish. In 1540-41 Coronado led an expedition to North America in search of the seven cities of Cibola, “where the streets were carved out of Gold” and years later the Spanish got to Colorado. Traders followed soon and started selling local goods eg. the beaver fur which was considered to be of excellent quality and thus expensive. Read more »

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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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