Escorted Tours of the Old Wild West

25 January 2012

Visitors to Arizona enjoy many exciting travel experiences. Ancient geological wonders, modern museums of art, cowboy saloons and cemeteries are just some of the attractions that can be visited by escorted tours through the American south-west.

Tours of the Old Wild West

Time spent in the affluent community of Scottsdale, Arizona is the urban sightseer‘s delight. There are hundreds of shops and restaurants to explore. Over eighty art galleries display works that range from modern sculpture to photography of the old west. At night, Old Scottsdale has popular clubs and bars. During the day it is a delightful neighbourhood of cowboy era streets and architecture.

Scottsdale is known among the town folk as “The West’s Most Western Town”. That name symbolizes Scottsdale’s history of being surrounded by cattle ranches. Traditional cowboys continued to work at ranches and rodeos around Scottsdale until well into the 1950s. Today, festivals and parades occur through the year to pay homage to the town’s history.

Travelling from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon is a short trip by American standards. It is such a breathtaking sight that most North American’s consider it a requirement that they see the Grand Canyon at some time during their life. The Colorado River and its tributaries have carved through six thousand feet of canyon to show off colourful layers of sedimentary rocks. The eighteen mile width of the canyon is studded with beautiful rock formations so that every viewpoint offers multiple unique photo opportunities.

For those with natural science interests, the Grand Canyon offers even greater joy. The age of the exposed rock increases as one travels down the canyon. At the canyon’s lowest point, the rocks are over two billion years old. Nature lovers will also admire the diversity of life zones within the canyon. It is said that one would have to drive from Mexico to Canada to experience the same range of ecological diversity that is found within the Grand Canyon.

Tucson, Arizona is a few hours south of the Grand Canyon and one of the oldest continually inhabited sites in the world. Hohokam Indians settled and farmed the area for four thousand years before Spanish missionaries arrived in the late 1600s and established missions. The best known of these is “The Old Pueblo”, an adobe walled structure which is still standing today.

Like Scottsdale, Tucson has many museums and restaurants, as well as spas and golf courses to serve the multitudes of people who retire to Tucson.

A trip to Tombstone rounds out the south-west experience. Tombstone is famous for the “Gunfight at the OK Corral”, an event that defines the American west. The gun fight was a battle of Wyatt Earp, his brothers and Doc Holliday against a band of outlaws. Tourists can visit their graves at Boot Hill Cemetery, so named for the many cowboys who “died with their boots on”.

Another popular site in Tombstone is the Birdcage theatre. An old drinking hole that is famous for whiskey, gun fights and saloon girls. The theatre’s history is evident in the dozens of bullet holes that mark the walls.

With its natural splendour and cowboy history, escorted tours through Arizona can provide a uniquely American adventure.

A Quick Guide to Cheap Holidays in Hurghada

25 January 2012

Hurghada is the second largest city in Egypt and a popular beach resort and tourist destination. Located on the coast of Egypt’s famous Red Sea, it has a year round temperate climate and is surrounded by beautiful long stretches of beaches. Cheap holidays in Hurghada are perfect for those wanting to experience a relaxing getaway in a great climate in one of Egypt’s most popular tourist destinations.

Holidays in Hurghada

There is a full range of hotels to stay in for all tourists, from 5 star world class hotels to hostels. For those on a budget, there are plenty of 1 – 2 star hotels to choose from which are great value for money. For as little as 5 dollars per night, you can stay in modest facilities right in the heart of Hurghada. If you would like to treat yourself to something a little more upmarket, 3 – 4 star hotels are also plentiful. Here you will find all the basic facilities needed, and most will have a pool and perhaps a gym as well. For those who are treating themselves to a luxury holiday, high class five star hotels, such as the Hilton Hotel, are also available and equipped with a full range of facilities.

Many of these hotels are located right on the shore line of the Red Sea, known for its spectacular world class diving and snorkeling sites. At Hurghada’s international aquatic centre, fans of water sports can experience a wide range of swimming, deep sea fishing, diving, snorkeling, boating, windsurfing and sailing activities. Particularly popular are glass bottom boats, where tourists can see the wide variety of beautiful native fish and corals in the clear waters. For tourists interested in the marine life in the Red Sea, the Marine Biology Museum is a great place for in depth information on the underwater life and history in the Red Sea.

Other popular activities include camel riding, safaris and even quad biking in the Sahara desert. With such a wide range of activities, cheap holidays in Hurghada are ideal both for tourists who enjoy experiencing new adventures, as well as for those who would simply like to enjoy a relaxing stress free break sunbathing on beautiful warm beaches.

Additionally, Hurghada boasts a thriving shopping district and an active nightlife full of trendy bars, clubs and restaurants, with a wide variety of food and drink to experience.

Hurghada is also home to several festivals throughout the year. The Hurghada International Festival, for example, is an annual sporting event held every year in February, usually around the 4th to the 15th, in which participants can compete in running, swimming and cycling competitions. Other festivals which celebrate Egyptian culture and traditions include the Abu Simbel Festival in February, which celebrates Egyptian King Abu Simbel; the Shem al Nessim (Coptic Easter) in April, celebrating Easter and the first day of spring; and the South Sinai Camel Festival in May, which celebrates Egypt’s national animal and offers people the chance to participate in camel racing.

Eating Goulash – One of my Favourite Things to do in Budapest

24 January 2012

Hungary? Try some goulash! One of the best things to do in Budapest!

One of the best things to do in Budapest, is typically the most Hungarian is eat Goulash, you can’t miss out on an opportunity to try possibly the most famous national dish Goulash. A really hearty dish a lovely spicy and flavoursome stew made with meat (often beef) but you can have it with lamb, pork or veal. This dish originates from Hungarian cattle herders as a stew they would make in a big vat out on the land. The thicker the dish is the more it is referred to as goulash rather than a soup.

 Eating Goulash

Goulash is really thick and yummy, the meat is cut into thick chunks and stewed over a fire for a number of hours until the meat begins to breakdown and the collagen from the meat thickens the broth to a stew. Throw in some potatoes, paprika and other herbs and spices and you have Hungary in a bowl.

Whilst in Budapest try and take yourself to a nice little local restaurant off the main streets and select a local dish off the menu, this is one of the least touristy and best things to do in Budapest. But you will feel so content with a bowl of goulash and some crusty bread. There are many different varieties of goulash, you maybe surprised at what is advertised as goulash and what you thought goulash was. This kind of food is very reasonably priced in Budapest.

Generally when you are seeking a recommendation for a cheap and cheerful place to eat goulash in Budapest the places that get reviewed are not the everyday places, they are slightly upmarket and more expensive. So do you sight seeing and if you feel peckish for goulash take a little look where you are and see if you can sniff down a bowl of the good stuff. Expect to pay around 500-1000 HUF a bowl.

Vacation Rentals Home in Florida – Best In Summer for Family and Honeymooners

23 January 2012

Those who are looking to spend some time in one of the most sought after holiday destinations might want to search for a vacation rentals home in Florida on-line. Best in summer for family and honeymooners, Florida remains an attractive vacation venue. And then there is Disney World which is also a big draw for visitors to the area.
Some of the best times to visit may include late February till the first week in March. This is when the Strawberry festival is in Plant City, east of Tampa. Other times are late December, when the Indian Arts Festival is on in the Indian village in the Everglades or perhaps during the Hemingway Days in July in Key West.
Rental Homes are available in various areas throughout Florida. As the coastal area lies between the Gulf shores and the Atlantic Coast, there are twice as many rentals to choose from close to the charming sea-side. Many visitors return year after year as this is such a wonderful holiday destination.
The Orlando area caters perfectly for Disney World guests. Some guests come to see the Disney Magic Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom, Epcot and the MGM studios. These are all very rewarding places of interest and definitely a must see if it should be a first family vacation visit to Florida.
Florida is also known for its world class golf courses. There are 12 cities with golf courses, of which ten has been named in the top ten golfing destinations for this state on golf-related web-pages. There are even featured courses that is said to be some of the world’s most difficult and rewarding courses.
Some other things to do include relaxing at world class spas to relax and energize the mind, body and soul. This is a very popular choice after a year filled with lots of demands and stress. More exciting is visiting the alligator farms which have proven to be a big attraction. Young people and old experience the same thrill at these exhilarating farms.
Antique shopping is another adventure that is waiting to start. Various antique shops can be found in this popular destination and is a must see for beginners and avid collectors all the same. Rare gems may be found for those who enjoy the fun of searching and who have a bit of background what these artifacts are concerned. Special pieces are waiting to be found and become part of a special collection.
This is not the only shopping available, as the other type that is most widely talked about are the Indian crafts. Indian crafts may vary a lot depending on where you buy it. Visiting some of the reservations in the Everglades proved most rewarding.
Add a little bit of boutique shopping, and between that, the outdoor activities and a visit to Disney World, a visitor to this beautiful and culturally rich area should not want to leave at the end of the vacation season. Lots of web-pages found on the internet contain more details about this wonderful area. Bookings for vacation houses may also be made on-line well in advance of an upcoming holiday.

The Top Five Family Attractions in Auckland

18 January 2012

New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, is a popular destination with travellers from all over the world – but it’s a particularly exciting place for family holidays. The city boasts a huge variety of things to see and do for visitors of all ages. There are so many options that to list them all would fill a book, and a thick book at that, but here are five of the best of Auckland’s family attractions.

Family Attractions in Auckland

Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World

This remarkable sea life centre, the brainchild of the renowned Kiwi explorer whose name it bears, is a perfect option when the weather isn’t ideal for going to the beach. The main viewing area will allow you to get the closest possible look at giant stingrays, while elsewhere you can experience awe-inspiring encounters with sharks, turtles and piranhas. Alternatively, ride the snowcat to the Antarctic Encounter section, where the large colony of playful penguins is always a real hit with kids.

The Sky Tower

Auckland’s tallest free-standing structure, the Sky Tower, is a lot more than just a 328-metre-high spike on the city skyline. It has the inevitable observation deck, but for such a slim building, there’s a surprising amount packed inside – and even outside – the tower itself. There are three eating places, including a landmark revolving restaurant, and children over 10 years old can even leap off a platform 192 metres above the ground – safely attached to a wire, of course!

Rainbow’s End Theme Park

There’s nothing many kids – and some adults – like better than a bit of white-knuckle excitement, and for those with a taste for thrills and spills, the Rainbow’s End theme park is ideal. Situated in a 23-acre park at Manukau, on the southern outskirts of Auckland, Rainbow’s End boasts the most impressive range of rides in New Zealand. Whether it’s the fearsome Corkscrew Coaster, or the wet and wild Enchanted Forest Log Flume, a visit to Rainbow’s End is sure to be a trip you’ll never forget.

Auckland Zoo

More than 130 species of animal can be seen at the award-winning Auckland Zoo, the largest and most diverse selection to be found anywhere in New Zealand. There are frequent Animal Encounters events, allowing you to get up close and personal with the zoo’s residents – not to mention their keepers! Book an exclusive Zoom Tour, and you can even go behind the scenes, giving you the chance to see just how the zoo cares for its animals.

Auckland Ghost Tours

If there’s one thing children love, it’s a good, spooky ghost story – and Auckland Ghost Tours can offer an almost unlimited supply of those. Not for the faint-hearted, these guided tours by lamplight bring the old city streets alive, with terrifying tales of hauntings, fires and plagues. Lasting for a little over two hours, the tour isn’t really suitable for very young children, but older ones are likely to lap it up – even if their parents may be somewhat less keen!

This list merely scratches the surface of what Auckland has to offer, but it makes a pretty good starting point. Wherever you choose to go, Auckland is a city that’s brimming with ideas for family holidays, and time spent here will leave you with memories, and smiles, that will last a lifetime.