Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Cayman Islands – A Diver’s Paradise

For a lot of tourists, the Cayman Islands could mean a lot of things. They love the sun, the beaches, the stingrays, and the food. For the divers, however, the Cayman Islands are just short of paradise.

There is never a shortage of scuba diving sites in the islands, a beach and diver’s haven in the Caribbean. Each of these scuba diving site has unique features all its own.

There are fascinating steep walls, marine creatures in fantastic colors and shapes, coral formations, sunken wrecks lying on the ocean floor – all these are present in all of the three islands. Here are some of the top diving sites.

Stingray City

Stingray City in Grand Cayman is the most photographed dive site in probably all of the Caribbean. The famous friendly stingrays have been featured in many ads, documentaries and travel articles since its discovery in 1986.

Today, there are many visitors from all over the world who came and visit Stingray City to pet and feed the rays. The scuba diving site is very shallow, 12 to 20 feet, making them ideal for divers and snorkelers.

Trinity Caves

This has a maze of canyon trails, 60 to 100 feet deep, located at the north end of Seven Mile beach. The reef is filled with sea fans, black corals, barrel sponges, and many others.

It is named after the three caves that look like cathedrals which are home to large turtles, groupers, squirrel fish, lobsters and other reef fish.

The Wreck of the Balboa

The Balboa is a 375-feet freighter that sank 30 feet below George Town Harbor. It is most beautiful at night for photography or video.

Visibility is very good, although it is best for only small groups to explore it because the silt around might be disturbed.

The Hobbit

The site is located at the southeast tip of Cayman Brac and divers usually feel they are hobbits in that place. It is inhabited by giant barrel sponges, corals, turtles and chubs.

There are also the queen triggerfish, grunts, octopi, and queen angels. The site is best for intermediate to advanced scuba divers.

Radar Reef

This site has a series of canyons and coral pinnacles which houses a wide variety of sea whips, feather dusters, barrel and tube sponges, sea fans corals, and starfishes.

These are joined in by octopi, turtles, and stingrays, among others. It has a calm surface and can be reached by boat or swam from the beach.

Bloody Bay Wall

This site at Little Cayman starts with a depth of 15 feet and then drops into a very deep bottom. This is one of the best sites in the Cayman Islands.

You will see soft corals, pastel gorgonians and lavender (or bright orange) tube sponges.
There are also large parrot fishes and turtles exploring the area.

Little Cayman Wall

This site starts out shallow and then drops to unknown depths. Snorkelers can enjoy the area with the presence of yellow, orange and blue sponges along with the soft corals. It is accessible by boats.

There are still diving sites around the islands that are yet to be “discovered” and named. But even with this list of diving sites, you will already have your hands full exploring these fantastic marine sites. Remember, they can only be found here in the Cayman Islands.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

The Real America

Perhaps one of the most diverse areas of the United States is the region containing Idaho, South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming.

This surely have to offer the widest range of parks, rodeos, adventure holidays, skiing holidays and river rafting adventures, etc. There is more to see, do and get involved in, than possibly any other part of the United States.

Mount Rushmore is situated here – imagine how many men and women must have seen this monument – along with the famous Little Big Horn battle ground.

Its not all camping trips and trekking here though. Five star resorts with gourmet meals and fine wine abound and cater for the discerning palates amongst us. Did you know that there is a falls higher than the more famous Niagara Falls? Or a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon? Surprisingly both are able to be found here.

There is a lot for children to do too. Imagine teaching them how to light and cook over open camp-fires. Teaching them to fish for their supper! Hiking up trails instead of sitting in front of the Television – a somewhat ‘old-fashioned’ way of reconnecting as a family.

There is much on offer here and it would seem to give the traveler something a little different. The chance to be at one with nature and see the natural wonders of the world.

So if it is wide open spaces with big skies that you are looking for – this is the place. But be warned, once you have experienced this magnificent place, you may not want to leave!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Greek Vacation With A Twist!

Greek Island Vacation

What is a Greek Island Vacation? It’s an experience that combines the finest European adventures. Culture, history, food blended with a heat scorching, sand grazing beach vacation.

Optimistic POVs

Throughout the years, the Greek Islands have kept their village feel, slow, and charming pace of life. Most of the islands have complete, well-suited atmosphere that tourists find relaxing while absorbing themselves in the passionate history and character of Greece.

Planning a vacation in Greece is not tight on the budget because it is one of the cheapest countries to travel in Europe. Reasonable food and accommodation costs can be found at almost any place you stay in.

The Best Time to Take a Trip to the Greek Islands

Summer heat in Greece invite people from different parts of the globe and it can be intense! The crowds can be extreme this time of the year. On the other hand, winter may be met with few travelers because restaurants and hotels close this time of the year. However, vacation packages still cater visitors with winter sports activities. April, May (spring) and September (autumn) can be regarded as the best time to spend your holidays at Greece and the Greek Islands.

The Top 4 popular Greek Island vacation destinations include:

Splendid Santorini

The best place in Athens is Santorini. Check out the black volcanic sand at Kamari Beach and Perissa Beach. Enjoy the historical villages of Akroti and Pyrgos. Indulge and unwind in the volcanic hot springs that is just one boat away!

Santorini is one of the best places to spend a romantic evening. Decide on one of the dozens of
restaurant available at a near distance. Watch the sun set on the Aegean Sea while enjoying your drink and meal together. Hotels offer great views of the ocean all to set a romantic ambience for you and your special someone. It feels like you’ve just been part of a wonderful fairytale!

Truly, Santorini will be one of those places in your travels that you will never forget. No other word can best describe it - it is just stunningly beautiful.

Infamous Mykonos

Party fanatics will surely enjoy Mykonos. The best time to visit Mykonos will be in May or September. Dubbed as the “party-central” of Greek Islands, numerous restaurants, bars and even cruise ships fill the locale most especially during high seasons of tourism. It is not surprising to feel that you are almost sharing the area with half of the citizens of Europe!

Historic Crete

Captivating history, memorable villages and towns, and fine beaches - that’s Crete.

Base yourself in Chania and spend time in charming Old Town. Dining and accommodation options are available with incredible character to add to that memorable Greek Island Vacation.

Pleasant Paros

Paros is worth a couple of days stay. A few minutes isn’t enough as you experience its relaxed pace and its great beaches. Strolling along the hills and coastline after visiting the picturesque village of Naoussa is a great way to unwind. Greek Island Vacation Tips

Greek Time is Chill Out Time. Relax, give yourself time to mingle and get around. Loose yourself to the carefree lifestyle of the Greeks.

Protect yourself and pack sunscreen. You’re in for a heat-scorching summer (and even spring) in Greece.

Eating late. Greeks are known for 10pm dinners. Choose whether you dine late or early. Greek cuisine is to die for!

Greek Ferries. Sailing through the Greek Islands is more economical with Greek Ferries. Service is good and fares are reasonable. All you have to do is pick an island!

Pack your suitcases! Jumpstart your summer and spend your vacation in Greece!

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

A Norway Holiday, Enjoying Cultural Events and Festivities

Traveling to a country is amazing enough but finding the right time to enjoy the rich cultural heritage and various festivities that the country has to offer can make your vacation nearest to perfection. Enjoying cultural events and festivities in a Norway holiday should be the target of all tourists who are planning to visit the country. The land of the midnight sun has a rich history and culture to offer especially to those who are itching to experience the country’s flavor and to adventure seekers alike.

Getting to Norway is an easy enough feat. Wherever you might be coming from, chances are there will be commercial airplanes plying the route to the country either directly or through series of connecting flights. When you’re coming from Europe, there are more options available for the traveler. Trains and buses for example can take you to Norway. However, it would be best to adjust your schedules if you’re taking the latter since planes are obviously faster. Another option is going to the country via sea transport. The picturesque voyage over the vast ocean is a holiday in itself.

Arranging your travel schedule once you entered the country can be made easy by a lot of commercial tour agencies/guides. These guys can help you organize your trip depending on what kind of destination activities you want. You can drive in a rented car around the country or try exploring Norway via a train ride and enjoy the rolling hills, challenging mountain ranges and other picturesque views.

There are a lot of interesting destinations in Norway. But nothing is more interesting than to participate in local festivities. For example, the Oslo Jazz festival which happens in August is a good way place to enjoy what the country has to offer. Another local and interesting festival is the Rain Fest in Bergen. The event actually starts during the wet season and ends at the start of autumn. Another event is the Oslo Pride Festival which is also known as the Skeive dager held in June. This is a gay and lesbian event and celebrates their freedom from prejudice and of being ostracized years ago. A little warning though, the Pride Festival is not for the weak at heart and definitely not for people who are highly religious and very conservative. However, if you’re going to travel in other countries you might as well keep an open mind to cultural differences that fall beyond your own comfort zone.

If you are the artsy-fartsy kind of tourists, then the Bergen Art Festival is the place to go. The festivities are held every October and are quite a crowd drawer. Art here is combined with a burst of Norweigan culture. Many tourists and even locals alike eagerly await the October event to exhibit their art works. Nothing can get closer with immersing yourself to the country’s popular culture than this event. This is definitely a place to be during a Norway holiday and enjoying cultural events and festivities.
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