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Planning for a cruise can be a very overwhelming experience, especially if it is your first time. Whether booking directly with a cruise line, through a travel agent, or online, it pays to be in the know. Here are some simple tips to make your cruise trip an experience you will never forget.

First, determine exactly how many you will be going on the cruise with. A lot of cruise vacations are family friendly and perfectly comfortable for both toddlers to seniors. However, if you do not have any children or plan to leave them at home, there are also cruises designed specially for adults. These cruises usually have dress codes, age restrictions and even civil status restrictions like singles- or couples-only cruises.

Decide on a budget and stick with it. Normally, booking fees are inclusive of food and drinks. However, if you want add-ons like bottles of fine wine or luxury dining and entertainment, you would need to pay extra. You can save money on accommodations by booking more than two heads per cabin, by booking way in advance, or by taking a chance on last-minute booking. Alternatively, book a less expensive room to have more cash on hand for shopping and dining.

Like a lot of other things in travel and tourism, cruise prices vary according to season. For example, cruises are normally more affordable in spring and in autumn. This is so because during that time, the weather may be unpredictable and the kids are usually at school. If you plan to travel without your kids in the autumn, this is a good time look at Mediterranean cruise deals. Some cruises have limited seasons like those crossing the Baltic Sea. Meanwhile, cruises to tropical destinations are available all year round.

The next thing you have to consider is how long your vacation will be. Naturally, the farther your destination, the more time you’ll need. A South Pacific cruise departing from Calgary will take longer than a cruise along the Mexican Riviera. Consider this factor when booking cruise vacation packages.

Fabulous cruise destinations abound, so take your pick. You can immerse yourself in the Old World cultures aboard a European cruise, explore white sand beaches under the sun on a Bahamas cruise, or travel the mysterious Orient on an Asian cruise. You can also go on a fun safari adventure with an African cruise. The choices are practically limitless.

If you have questions, please visit us at http://www.cruiseholidayscalgary.com complete details and answers.

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With a long and interesting history in South Florida, Port Everglades, originally known as Lake Mabel or Bay Mabel Harbor (part of which now is also called Hollywood Harbor), was officially established as a deep-water harbor in 1927 by the Florida State Legislature and dedicated in 1928.

Since welcoming its first cruise ship in 1931, it has grown to become one of the busiest cruise ports in the world with 12 cruise lines, more than 45 cruise ships, some 2,000 different cruises, and over 3.6 million passengers expected this year.

Aside from the industrial scene there is the glamorous side to this popular port with movies shooting cruise shots and utilizing the location as an intriguing backdrop for many movies, commercials, fashion pages and other commercial film ventures.

A little history about this port includes:

- 2000s: continuously breaks its own world record for handling the most cruise passengers.

- In 2001, The port dedicated a new Operations Center and Harbormaster Tower constructed atop the Midport Parking Garage. Port Everglades also celebrated its 70th cruise season hosting the world’s largest collection of five star ships.

- In 2003, on February 28, port users and customers celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Port Everglades.

- In 2003, Port Everglades greeted the Queen. Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2, the world’s Grandest Luxury Liner, made its first visit to mainland U.S. from England, by arriving at Port Everglades, her U.S. winter home port. At the time, it was the largest, longest, widest, and most expensive ocean liner ever built.

- In 2009, Port Everglades opened the World’s Largest Cruise Terminal and home of Royal Caribbean’s 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world.

Additionally, Seatrade Insider named Port Everglades “Port of the Year” for 2010.

On November 26, 2011, of Thanksgiving weekend and on March 17, 2012, during the peak spring school vacation period, Port Everglades is anticipating a record 55,000 passengers to travel through the Port aboard eight cruise ships.

Port Everglades broke its own world record on March 20, 2010, with more than 53,365 guests passing through the Port in a single day. The previous record was set on January 3, 2009, with 49,234 passengers.

Currently the world’s two largest cruise ships at Port Everglades is the Allure of the Seas and the sister ship, Oasis of the Seas (just a mere 2 inches shorter).

The Allure of the Seas was launched in December at a cost of about $1.4 billion. This cruise ship is 1,187 feet long, 16 decks high with a capacity for 6,318 passengers and 2,384 crew members.

With Port Everglades being a Leader in Economic Development, ships are not their only business. Within a juridictional area of 2,190 acres, Port Everglades has office space, real estate, warehousing and a foreign-trade zone, in addition to more than 25,000 lineal feet of docks.

And while the Port attracts major cruise lines, cargo and petroleum companies to Broward County, FL, other key ancillary industries, including security companies, import/export companies, food suppliers and steamship agents also benefit from the Port’s success. These Port businesses reinforce Broward County and Fort Lauderdale as a first-class business destination and major international center of commerce.

With a look inside the economic impact, Port Everglades generates approximately $14 billion worth of business activity and approximately 143,000 jobs statewide, according to a study produced by nationally recognized maritime research company Martin Associates.

Ft Lauderdale is a major vacation destination not only for those who cruise out of but those who long to explore the some 23 miles of beautiful blue water beaches. The warm waters of the Atlantic offer relaxation and calm to an otherwise hectic life. The bonus is that most hotels and restaurants are just a short and easy walk from the pristine beaches.

Celebrating ten years of clean, safe, user-friendly Florida Beaches, Hollywood, Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and Fort Lauderdale, are proud to have been continuously certified as Blue Wave Beaches by the Clean Beaches Council of Washington DC.

Check out other articles relating to travel and hot spots to visit in south Florida. http://www.southfloridaeliteshuttle.com

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Port Location: Izmir is the third largest metropolis in Turkey and it can be found on the Western coast of the country bordering the Gulf of Izmir and the Aegean Sea.

Transport: The Port of Izmir has a good transportation system if you happen to be embarking on a cruise from this location or just stopping off. Taxis are readily available and are not very expensive. A local bus service is also in operation for those on a budget.

Description: The Port is an important trading location for the West of the country and handles over 12m tonnes of cargo every year and also finds countless numbers of people pass through its shores as well.

Sightseeing and Excursions: The city itself can date its history back to ancient times however it has now transformed itself into a modern and sleek location that is dominated by commerce.

That being said, it is still a fantastic place to go for historical tours. Given its vast history it is only natural that the city should have an important museum and the Archaeological Museum of Izmir displays and showcases many different relics and objects from the past that have been excavated in the surrounding area and has around 10 thousand exhibits shown at any given time. Aside from this and if you are more into people watching and just absorbing the daily life of the city then head to the Konak Square. This is the main location in the city and is home to the City Hall and main bus station however it is a great place to sit back with a drink and watch everything that is going on around you.

Beaches: Cruises from Izmir are recognized for having very hot and humid summers with a damper climate in the winter time however it is a well-known spot for beach goers and you will not be in short supply. The Cesmealti is around 30km from the centre of the city and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Shopping:The Port of Izmir and the city itself has a very curious mix of ancient and ultra-modern. You can find the modern shopping centres in the city much in the same was as you would any other 21st century metropolis however there also exists a thriving local market that sells good that have been sold for centuries and they both culminate to create a unique and special cruise destination.

Alicia writes for www.cruiseholidaysguide.com an online cruise resource with news, videos and articles including mediterranean cruises.

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So you’ve made the decision to take a cruise and now you can’t decide what to do when you get to your destinations? Just like your decision to take a cruise, doing the research ahead of time will help ease your anxiety and inform your decision. You basically have three choices:

1. Book a shore excursion through the cruise line

Pros:

Reduces decision-making for first time cruisers.
Generally very well organized and they stick to a schedule that is synchronized with the ship’s itinerary; no danger of ship sailing without you.
Excursions are included in your cruise fare or final bill so they are easier to budget for in advance.
Reviews of cruise line shore excursions are plentiful on cruise review websites.
Best option for exotic or higher risk areas where traveling alone is risky.
Some premium or luxury cruise lines include shore excursions in their fares.

Cons:

Usually more expensive than independently booked excursions or solo exploring.
Groups tend to be larger.
Popular excursions can fill up quickly and may not be available unless you book well in advance.
If you don’t like your shipmates you may not want to tour with them ashore.

2. Book a shore excursion through an independent operator

Pros:

Prices are generally cheaper than cruise line shore excursions.
Groups tend to be smaller.
When you want more personal attention or in-depth local information reputable independent tour operators are hard to beat.
They may go to areas that cruise line excursions don’t.

Cons:

Caveat emptor (buyer beware); always do your research when selecting independent tour operators. Cruise review sites offer many suggestions for local tour operators – use them.
Book ahead of time because popular local tour operators book up just as quickly as popular cruise line shore excursions.
No guarantee that the ship won’t sail if you are late returning.

3. Explore on your own

Pros:

Depending on your transportation mode (rental car, scooter, buses or on foot), solo exploring is generally the cheapest way to see a destination.
Great option when the port is close to the downtown or scenic areas.
Tremendous flexibility.
More time to shop on your own; group tours generally offer limited time in shopping areas.

Cons:

There is safety in numbers when touring with a group so touring on your own requires that you have your wits about it at all times.
Watch the clock because no one else is watching it for you; you can miss your ship if you are late returning.

Bottom Line – Do Your Homework

Regardless of what method you decide to use for exploring ashore – do your homework. There really is no excuse for poor decision making based on lack of information. The internet, in general, and cruise review web sites, in particular, have lots of information to help you make an informed decision about shore excursions. A good travel counselor is also a great asset because they can make suggestions based on your personal desires which adds the personal touch to your decision making process. Good luck and happy cruising!

Magnolia Cruises and Travel is a home-based travel agency in Fayetteville, NC. Al Lunt of Magnolia Cruises & Travel is a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and Caribbean Destination Specialist. The Certified Travel Associate and Destination Specialist designations are conferred by The Travel Institute upon travel professionals who complete a rigorous certification program, demonstrate essential industry knowledge and experience, and maintain high standards of professionalism. As a cruise vacation specialist Al also holds product certifications with numerous cruise lines: Celebrity Five Star Agent; Crystal Cruises Academy; Norwegian Cruise Line Freestyle Certified Agent; Oceania Cruises Expert; Princess Commodore; Regent Seven Seas Cruises University; and Royal Caribbean University of ‘WOW’ Cruise Expert Plus.

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When was the last time you took a vacation? Can you remember your last vacation? What is a vacation?

vacation (v-kshn, v-) n. 1. A period of time devoted to pleasure, rest or relaxation, especially one with pay granted to an employee. 2. a. A holiday.b. A fixed period of holidays, especially one during which a school, court, or business suspends activities. The key words in the definition are pleasure, rest and relaxation.

There aren’t many vacation experiences that can deliver all those things. If you have a cruise vacation on your list of things to do before you die, chances are you put it there because you heard that cruises can deliver a true vacation experience. The point of this blog is to help you move a cruise vacation up your bucket list. Helpful tips and links to answers to the most common questions are provided, so let’s get started.

Why Cruise?

So you have been thinking about a cruise vacation or you’ve had it on your “to-do” list for a long time but cannot commit. What are you waiting for? Cruising can be intimidating for first-timers because it seems so completely different than many other vacations. Roughly only 20% of Americans have ever taken a cruise vacation, but over 40% of cruise passengers are repeat cruisers. Here are the top ten reasons why many first time cruisers become cruise enthusiasts:

VALUE. One price buys your cabin, dining, entertainment and more.
ROMANCE. Secluded beaches, en suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two are just some of the romantic pursuits available.
CUISINE. Tantalize your taste buds with gourmet fare that showcases exotic ingredients, old standbys like pizza and ice cream or spa cuisine for a healthy alternative. Depending on your mood, dine in a traditional ballroom setting, a small bistro or a casual eatery.
VARIETY. With over 200 distinctive ships, 3000 ports-of-call and an unbelievable array of places to see and things to do, there is a perfect cruise for you. For even more choice, consider a pre- or post-land tour.
ACTIVITIES. Fill your days with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours led by naturalists and historians or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dance extravaganzas, musical revues, gaming or a quiet evening gazing at the stars.
SIMPLICITY. Don’t come back from your vacation needing a vacation. Planning a cruise is simple; your CLIA-affiliated travel agency can handle all of the details. Once you’re on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid… talk about hassle-free.
NEW HORIZONS. Fall asleep in one destination and awake to a new horizon… and you only have to pack and unpack once!
FAMILY. Families love cruising. Children’s programs, kid-friendly menus and tours of the ship will keep your children happy, while affording you some time alone.
PAMPERING. Regardless of your budget, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock.
SATISFACTION. It’s a fact that cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience.

Source: Cruise Line International Association (CLIA)

Where to Cruise? Cruise destinations are one of the top motivating factors for most cruisers. Virtually anywhere there is navigable water, from oceans to rivers, you can find a cruise to fit your desires. According to Marc Mancini, author of Cruising: A Guide to the Cruise Line Industry, geography plays a major role in the decision to take a cruise vacation because:

Cruise passengers often decide which cruise to take according to the destination(s), not the ship or the line. This is especially true of first-time cruisers.
Certain places are best experienced by ship because of access. For instance, to drive or fly from town to town in Alaska is difficult, expensive, or, in some cases, impossible. Cruise ships, however, get around Alaska’s coastal waters easily.
Cruises allow you to visit multiple destinations in one trip. Whether clusters of islands in the Aegean Sea (Greece), Indonesia, and the Caribbean or several European, Middle Eastern or North African destinations in the Mediterranean. Air connections within island groups are often awkward and multiple destinations are prohibitively expensive.
Travelers often prefer to visit underdeveloped countries via a cruise for safety and security reasons. The ship is secure, the food familiar, the transportation dependable, and the lodging reliable.
Individual destinations go up and down in popularity from year to year, but the Caribbean as a whole remains the most popular destination, year after year.

More experienced cruisers develop their brand loyalty based on the experience they had on a particular cruise line or lines early on. Just as there are cars that fit every personality, the same can be said of cruise lines. Cruise lines can be divided into several broad categories such as small, medium and large ships or mainstream, premium and luxury classes. Within each class of ship there are several categories or grades of stateroom so it is possible to have a luxury vacation even on a mainstream ship. Information abounds on cruise review and cruise line websites to help the first-time cruise decide which cruise line to book after deciding on the destination.

Mainstream

Carnival Cruise Lines – Carnival’s “Fun Ships” appeal to a wide cross section of passengers of various ages and backgrounds. Carnival’s many itineraries, numerous dining choices and extensive kid’s programs make it a popular family cruise.
Norwegian Cruise Line – Introduced Freestyle Cruising – a more relaxed resort-style experience that has been a very popular draw for NCL; no assigned meal times or tables and choices of 10 or more restaurants on most ships. Launched the Norwegian Epic in 2010 which includes live entertainment by the Blue Man Group, innovative stateroom design and gourmet cuisine.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line – State-of-the-art ships, exciting itineraries, great youth programs and unique on-board activities such as rock climbing wall, Flow Rider surfing and even ice skating. The Oasis of the Seas is one of the world’s largest cruise ships, a destination in and of itself.
Costa Cruises – Europe’s number one cruise line; if you want a European experience, Costa’s Italian crew and theme can deliver; Italian inspired ships.
MSC Cruises – Gracious Italian staff, personalized service, cuisine and unique itineraries make MSC another favorite European-style experience for cruisers.

Premium

Celebrity Cruises – Owned by Royal Caribbean, Celebrity provides a luxurious experience on its consistently high ranked ships. Gourmet cuisine on Celebrity wins frequent awards.
Holland America Line – A leader in worldwide premium cruising, HAL is known for its long (10+ days) cruises and its attention to detail onboard. Gracious attentive service, gourmet cuisine, wide range of itineraries, and great value for price paid make HAL a frequent winner of awards.
Oceania Cruises – One of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the industry, smaller-sized luxury ships (684 guests) and destination focused itineraries make this an excellent value in high end cruising. Very comprehensive lecture and enrichment program at sea.
Princess Cruises – Worldwide itineraries on the largest and newest ships. Princess’ Personal Choice Cruising provides passengers with a wide variety of options to customize their vacations.
Windstar Cruises – Its motto “180 from Ordinary” says it all. Windstar’s small luxury sailing ships accommodate 148 t0 312 pampered guests. These are highly advanced “sailing ships” that are fully stabilized to offer a comfortable experience.

Luxury

Crystal Cruises – Crystal ships consistently earn top awards. Crystal’s European hotel and dining staff provide a level of service that brings a loyal following of cruisers back year after year. From private verandas to elegantly appointed staterooms, Crystal is frequently recognized for its excellent value and competitive rates.
Cunard Line – Cunard Line has the distinction of its traditional British elegance, superb White Star Service, gourmet cuisine, and regular trans-Atlantic service that sets it apart from all other cruise lines. The name recognition and luxury of its Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 put Cunard in a class all its own.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Exclusive line with among the highest space-to-guest and crew-to-guest ratios; smaller ships (180 to 700 guests); includes the Paul Gauguin which provides an exclusive cruise experience throughout Tahiti and French Polynesia. A great value in luxury cruising that includes all gratuities, wine with dinner, in-stateroom bar, and soft drinks.
Silversea Cruises – With ships built to appeal to the ultra-luxury market, Silversea’s smaller, intimate vessels slip into more off the beaten path, exotic ports. Its ships are designed with an all-suite layout, no steerage class here.

Niche (Specialty) Cruise Lines

Disney Cruise Line – Disney has transferred their family vacation expertise from the Magic Kingdom to the High Seas. Their rotation dining, seamless land and sea vacations and age-specific programs for children, teens and adults deliver a whole Disney-style vacation package.
Orient Lines – Destination-intensive including Cruise-Tours that include first-class hotels throughout Europe. Top guest lecturers and distinguished experts for enrichment presentations on topics from politics and science to diplomacy and journalism.
Viking River Cruises – Viking is the world’s largest river cruise line touring Europe, including Russia, and China. Fares included guided shore excursions in each port of call. Its passengers are generally older (55+), well traveled and physically active.
Uniworld River Cruises – Uniworld provides a unique river cruise experience with 500 departures, sailing on 9 rivers in 16 countries throughout Europe, Egypt, and China. Its elegant, boutique hotel-style cruise ships accommodate an average capacity of 134 guests and provide an intimate experience that is frequently recognized by Zagat in the category of Top Cabins and Top Dining.

Cruise Reviews

By far, the most challenging aspect of choosing to move a cruise vacation up your bucket list is deciding which cruise to take for the first time. It can be a daunting experience with all the choices. Fortunately first-time cruisers have many tools to help them. The internet is a wonderful thing when it comes to research, especially when others do the research for you. There are numerous websites that review or provide previous cruiser reviews of cruise lines, destinations, and shore excursions. Beyond cruising in particular, these sites also provide valuable travel tips in general. Some of the popular ones are:

Cruise Critic – As the oldest online cruise review site launched in 1995, Cruise Critic has over 5 million visitors and is ranked the #1 cruise information website by Hitwise. Its site visitors outnumber the visitors on all its competitor sites combined. It rates 275 ships and 60 cruise lines. In addition to its own ratings, cruisers who join the site can provide ratings as well, not only for ships but also ports of call, shopping, tours and many more areas. Their website has message boards with threaded discussions by its members. Truly a collaborative site, Cruise Critic brings the power of customer experience to its cruise reviews.

Cruise Mates – Launched in 1999 by noted cruise authority Anne Campbell, co-founder and former editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic on America Online, Cruise Mates offers extensive professional reviews by its staff in addition to those by cruisers. Its focus is more on formal reviews by travel professionals with fewer customer reviews than Cruise Critic. Customer reviews stand alone as separate entries unlike the threaded reviews on Cruise Critic.

Cruise Reviews – Owned by Internet Brands, the same owner of Cruise Mates, Cruise Reviews is much more traveler-review focused than Cruise Mates, so it complements that site nicely.

Fodor’s Cruise Reviews – Long recognized for its printed travel guides, Fodor’s Cruise Reviews provide the same quality of entertaining travel editorials on cruise lines and their ships. Broken into linked sections, each review is easy to navigate and locate the exact information you are looking for.

Making Your Cruise Dream a Reality

Making your cruise dream a reality is less difficult than you may think. With the many choices and destinations available, it is natural to have some anxiety about the planning decisions involved in deciding which cruise to take. A good travel counselor can reduce the anxiety that comes with making decisions about a first cruise. They have a variety of resources, including literature and videos from the cruise lines that can help educate you about the cruise experience. Most importantly, a travel counselor can make cruise recommendations based on knowing your likes, desires and personality saving you frustration and money in the long run.

Passport and Travel Requirements

Unless you are planning to cruise only U.S. ports, you will need a passport. Passport requirements vary by destination. In our post-9/11 world a passport provides indisputable identity verification and is acceptable for all types travel. Showing up for a cruise without your passport will be a show-stopper because you will not be allowed on board. The easiest way to apply for a passport is to follow the guidelines found on the U.S. State Department website. Some countries require visas as well and these requirements sometimes change. Your cruise counselor or the cruise line can provide current information. The Cruise Critic website also has a very helpful travel page with information on the latest passport requirements. They also have a handy page with other travel rules and regulations, as well as tips that can answer many of your cruise travel questions.

Magnolia Cruises and Travel is a home-based travel agency in Fayetteville, NC. Al Lunt of Magnolia Cruises & Travel is a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and Caribbean Destination Specialist. The Certified Travel Associate and Destination Specialist designations are conferred by The Travel Institute upon travel professionals who complete a rigorous certification program, demonstrate essential industry knowledge and experience, and maintain high standards of professionalism. As a cruise vacation specialist Al also holds product certifications as a Princess Cruises Commodore, Celebrity Five Star Agent, Norwegian Cruise Line Freestyle Certified Agent, Regent Seven Seas Cruises University graduate, and Royal Caribbean University of ‘WOW’ Cruise Expert.

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In my youth I travelled to many far off edges around the world: The kind of places you need to jump on a bus full of chickens along with the local wild life to reach some village perched on what seems like the end of the earth. Despite that, I have only ventured to Wales once; as a child and that was with the school. It was a fairly mundane experience. Therefore when friends mentioned that they had discovered one of the best Welsh boutique hotels in Llandudno near the West Shore – I couldn’t help but be curious. Could this be true? Bona fide Boutique hotels in Llandudno? This nostalgic Victorian seaside resort being the last place I would expect to find anything outside the mainstream soiree of Brit hotels and B and B’s: A place where ice cream along with buckets and spades ruled. However now, after taking a trip to this old Victorian seaside resort I have a whole new perception – And I do indeed, stand corrected.

I decided to stay at the same boutique b and b hotel my friends recommended. I arrived late morning to a warm welcome which instantly made me feel at home. My room surpassed all expectations. Furnished practically, it had a very plush exotic style: It certainly lived up to its name Andaz; which means style and elegance in Hindu….I believe! A quick power shower to get the blood flowing and it was time to explore.

I walked from my hotel situated on the quieter west shore to the busier north shore promenade. It didn’t take long and the views of Anglesey and the Snowdonia mountain range were stunning. Plus, no better way to work up an appetite – Although it had been a while since breakfast! I settled down into a good old fashioned ale house with pie and chips on the menu: The low fat salads could wait until Monday!

Unquestionably a walk along the old Victorian pier on the north shore simply oozes nostalgia: In a good way. The blue flag beaches are remarkably well kept and offer up the perfect place to set up your picnic basket: Or indeed, get out your bucket and spade. There is a cable car that takes visitors up to the Great Orme country park. However, never one for heights I opted for the Great Orme Tramway: Still a great opportunity to take in the views WITH your feet remaining firmly on the ground. There is a small summit complex atop the Great Orme: A cafe and restaurant as well as a small gift shop.

After a great day occupying myself with all those classic pastimes which have defined the British seaside holiday for eons I arrived back at my hotel refreshed and relaxed. Mine was one of the only hotels in Llandudno with a restaurant serving authentic Indian food; which is my all-time favourite. The food was as excellent as was the service and the wine list was surprisingly rounded. I don’t know why I missed all the good things a British seaside holiday has to offer. Nowadays classic seaside resorts like Llandudno have become more cosmopolitan and yet the old nostalgia remains: No wonder so many people are coming back: And without doubt, I will be doing the same.

Space Boutique Bed and Breakfast Llandudno is one of the premier hotels llandudno. This boutique B and B stands out from the crowd with its unique and bespoke furniture, bathrobes and slippers to indulge each guest in luxury.

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Walking is the perfect activity for a healthy lifestyle with almost anyone being able to take part. Plus you can walk anywhere and anytime, it’s free and you don’t need special equipment.

It is a well-known fact strolling in the open air is a great remedy for many mental and physical problems that have become commonplace in our society today. Stress of work, home and life in general, especially for city dwellers is a common problem for millions of people in Britain today.

Many health advisor’s and doctors agree taking time out from everyday tasks and walking in the countryside will be a great benefit to anyone that takes the time to do so. In fact A 1999 study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine showed many university students who walked and did other easy to moderate exercise regularly had lower stress levels than those who did not walk often or those who exercised strenuously. But the subject of country walks should not only be aimed toward people with stress related illnesses; but towards all people in general.

Younger people who rarely see the countryside or the elderly who have lost the inclination to take walks for one reason or another are prime examples of those missing out on this healthy pass-time. This is a real shame, there are many beautiful areas in Britain, with public footpaths weaving through many beautiful country locations.

One such location is Eythrope in Buckinghamshire that boasts some of the finest country walks I have had the pleasure to venture down. Situated on the edge of the Rothschild estate, a mere half mile from Stone near Thame /Aylesbury and only one mile from the coveted Hotel and Spa at Hartwell House. This easily accessible but still very much countryside location has walks in abundance. These include ‘The Aylesbury Ring,’ ‘The Midshires Way,’ ‘The Oxfordshire Way’ and ‘Swans Way.’ Walking around the area is a treat to the senses with its many types of wild flowers, trees, butterflies and other wildlife. Furthermore there is a wonderful little stream with clear flowing water and A quaint little bridge where Eythrope’s private gated road crosses the River Thame then continues on through the wonderfully maintained Rothschild estate. These few examples are just a small percentage of the many must see locations waiting for anyone who is willing to take a stroll.

For those that live far away or would be holiday makers, I recommend staying in a hotel or bed and breakfast for a few nights to soak up the atmosphere and allow yourself the time to appreciate your surroundings. Luckily Eythrope has just the place to stay.

Situated right in the heart of the area is a delightful picture-book cottage bed and breakfast with a thatched roof, exposed beams, beautiful furniture, panoramic views, wild flower gardens, roses in abundance and ample off-road parking.

On a personal level I would love to see more walkers in the countryside, more children or elderly people reaping the rewards of this healthy outdoor pursuit, because as stated above – walking in the countryside is a great way to exercise and is not only good for physical health but also aids in mental well-being. It’s a great way of stepping back from the stresses of daily life with a feeling of freedom that is hard to find in modern life. So come on, LETS GO WALKING!

Badgers Cottage Luxury Bed and Breakfast is an idyllic Grade II listed cottage sat in open countryside on the edge of the Rothschild Estate, in the Hamlet of Eythrope.

http://www.badgerscottage.com Badgers Cottage Luxury Bed & Breakfast Eythrope, Stone, Buckinghamshire. HP17 8PH England, UK Tel. +44 (0) 1296 749085 Mob. +44 (0) 7957 611191

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It is very easy to fall in love with Devon, a county located at the south western portion of England.

This exquisite island is home to colourful festivals of arts and music, world-class pristine beaches, magnificent natural trails for biking and hiking, thrilling theme parks rides, olden villages, historical museums, medieval castles and great restaurants.

There are tons of ways to make your getaway extra special, but nothing beats a comfortable stay in of the luxurious Devon holiday cottages. As guests, you will be provided with self-catering cottages. Each holiday cottage features array of modern amenities that guests will be able to easily access. Within Devon holiday cottages are private parking spaces, laundry services and facilities like gaming and entertainment areas and fitness centres. If you are to tag your cute little pets along, you must place reservations for pet-friendly holiday cottages ahead of time. Plus, the Devon holiday cottages will bring you conveniently close to two of the most sought-after dining areas in town: The Britannia at Beesands and The Bearslake Inn and Restaurant.

The Britannia @ Beesands

Found along the National Trust Coast path, the Britannia @ Beesands is just a stone throw away from your Devon holiday cottages. Since this is a beachside café, expect that they serve the freshest seafood dishes in town. Here, you are guaranteed that the restaurant uses only the finest and freshest ingredients available. You can also sit outside the restaurant or stay on the beach and crack a freshly cooked Start Bay crab or lobster. Never miss out on the following chef recommendations when you happen to stop by Britannia @ Beesands: dived scallops, crevettes, pan fried with garlic butter, seafood platters, hand-picked crab, cockles, mussels, prawns, homemade coleslaw and potato salad with lovely granary rolls and sauces to go along with. The restaurant also sells delicious pastries, sausage rolls, Paninis, variety of freshly-made sandwiches, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, anchovies, rollmops and other flavoursome goodies. Go out of the comforts of your upscale cottages and try something good at the Britannia @ Beesands.

The Bearslake Inn and Restaurant

If you loved your fun-packed day-out with your little ones, dining at the Bearslake Inn and Restaurant will make your day even more fulfilling. If you are already tired to cook in your holiday cottage, this restaurant will do the job of delighting your loved ones for you. Located between Okehampton and Tavistock, Bearslake can be easily reached from your Devon holiday cottages. When in here you should try the following delectable dishes: smoked salmon with cream cheese, coronation chicken, Devon blue cheese with tomato, Apple brie and pie nut, club sandwich, ham and cheese with mayo and Dijon mustard.

Gives you loads of information on spending the best of your holiday cottages and accommodations at Cornawall, Dorset, Isle of Wight, Devon, Newquay and Brixham.

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Devon holidays are special vacation times that you can take your partner or your family to. Book one of the Devon holiday cottages and get the best accommodations in Devon. The holiday cottages in Devon are luxurious and comfortable plus they have self-catering facilities that allow you to cook. However, since you are on Devon holidays, you might want to try out the different dining options that are near the Devon holiday cottages. Whether you are planning a romantic dinner with your partner or a fun meal with your whole family, you will find many different restaurant options. Here are some of the recommended restaurants in Devon.

The Restaurant at Orestone Manor

The Restaurant at Orestone Manor is located in Orestone Manor which is accessible from the holiday cottages in Devon. This is one great place to have a private dinner with your loved one because of its romantic ambiance especially when you dine at the terrace. Some of the recommended dishes are the seared venison loin, braised red cabbage and cranberry pithiver. Their specialty is English dishes and you can choose from an extensive wine list to go with your chosen dishes. This restaurant is also a great venue for special occasions such as engagements, wedding anniversaries or other special romantic events. If you want to go to this restaurant and will be coming from your holiday cottages in Devon, travel on the A379 from Torquay. Don’t miss dining in this restaurant during your Devon holidays and enjoy the beauty of the Orestone Manor.

Marina Restaurant

The Marina Restaurant is a must-go when you are on your Devon holidays especially when you are staying at the Devon holiday cottages. This restaurant is popular because of the amazing view of the marina and the harbour that you can enjoy while you dine on their French and English specialties. These are some of the specialties that you must try out if you dine at the Marina: roasted duck breast with creamed spinach, cocotte potatoes, carrots and tarragon sauce or English fillet of beef with potatoes, roasted vegetables and red wine which are all delicious dishes. Start your meal with the confit de porc with cider jus and rocket. You can lunch on another popular dish that comes highly recommended: the fillet of Torbay cod baked with green beans, mashed potatoes and a white wine sauce. Schedule a brunch at the Marina which opens at 10 a.m. to 12 noon or otherwise plan out lunch which is served from 12 noon to 2:30 p.m. One of the best times to dine is dinner time from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. where you have a view of the harbour and marina lights. The restaurant has a seating capacity of 85 guests in its indoor dining area and 14 guests on the terrace where smoking is allowed. Make sure you include the Marina in your Devon holidays especially when you are staying at the holiday cottages in Devon.

Gives you loads of information on spending the best of your holiday cottages and accommodations at Cornawall, Dorset, Isle of Wight, Devon, Newquay and Brixham.

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If you’re planning a relaxing trip almost anywhere in the world and are looking to soak up some local culture, bed and breakfasts are a popular less-touristy tourist attraction, and come in a variety of flavors across many, many countries on six continents. No, Antarctica is not one of them, but who would holiday in Antarctica anyway? Generally, when you arrive at a bed and breakfast, you will be warmly greeted by the homeowner and proprietor. The owner of the bed and breakfast will often offer a tour and a brief sample of the usually rich history of the house, and, as is in the name, a hearty breakfast in the morning. Most guesthouses, as B & B’s are sometimes called, are located in coastal areas that have distinct seasons for tourism. In fact, most B & B’s are only open a few months out of the year, and originally served as supplemental income to the homeowners’ main income sources. Travelers would pay a modest fee in exchange for lodging for the night and a hot breakfast before setting off on the next leg of their journey. Each B& B can be drastically different from the next because of the emphasis on specific cultural heritages, especially European and Asian establishments.

Some popular Irish bed and breakfasts offer “farm stays,” where country folk and city slickers alike can get away from it all and dig into the Irish countryside. Guests spend the day helping around the farm by milking cows, collecting eggs, and tending to the animals. Other B & B’s in Ireland focus on fishing or Gaelic heritage and culture. Some offer nearby experiences in hurling, Ireland’s 3000+ year old national sport involving a ball and in which players hold a softball-sized paddle with a long handle.

Japanese bed and breakfasts often offer traditional Japanese meals, and teach Japanese traditions to anyone willing to learn. Shoes are removed upon entering the house; meals are taken seated on the floor, et cetera. One B & B offers tours of the Nagasaki Memorial Museum, centered on the atomic bomb and its aftermath. Many Japanese B & B’s will offer traditional robes and slippers to guests wanting to taste the Japanese way of life.

American guesthouses can be found in more than just coastal areas, and tend to be run more year-round as businesses. They will often be concentrated in areas which wineries are present; they seem to go hand in hand. American B & B’s on the Eastern side will generally have colonial heritage, and serve as mini-museums on the era in history.

I hope this has been informative, and for more, please visit http://bed-and-breakfast-branson.com

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