The Benefits of Going on a Spiritual Retreat

Do you long for deeper meaning, greater simplicity and a greater connection to the divine? Currently there is a quiet explosion occurring. The numbers of people searching for and wanting a richer spiritual experience are flocking to retreats in record numbers. More people are going to spiritual retreats than ever before. Retreat facilities and spiritual tours are in full swing and are booked weeks, even months in advance. Spiritual retreats are more popular than ever.

People are looking for places to escape the pressures and anxieties of their busy everyday life. The retreat experience is seen as a temporary withdrawal from daily life, designed to empower the individual to fulfill his or her spiritual value within the circumstances of ordinary life.

As the need for spirituality increases, the need to re-energize and reflect at retreat locations also increases. Medical doctors are even beginning to see the value in retreats and are starting to prescribe their benefits to their patients. Doctors are recommending to their patients that they take a day every month to go to a retreat, a long weekend every three months and a longer sabbatical at least once or twice a year, simply to recharge themselves and survive the intensity of our societies high stress levels. Retreats are a chance to reorient oneself from the hectic life to a place of spiritual, mental and physical refreshment. This sacred time allows us to tap deeper into our inner silence and in this respect a brief retirement from the distraction of daily living. This alone is very beneficial. Retreats can give us the necessary balance with work and can serve as the function of play and rejuvenation in our lives. To approach retreats with the frolic of openness and play can be heavenly.

Typically we are too busy to hear the call, the beckoning of spirit, but when we remove ourselves from our daily lives and we quiet ourselves, we are allowing the sounds to be heard from that deep place. Retreats create this environment so that this conversation can be heard. A spiritual retreat is where seekers are seeking and it is where the divine is seeking the seekers. Choosing the journey towards a spiritually inspired life begins with a willingness to ‘heed the call’. When the student is ready, the journey will appear. We will then be standing at the threshold of spiritual seeking, we then must choose. That choice is to enter into a retreat so as to recollect our scattered lives, reconnect our fragmented parts of self and focus on the one who calls, seeks and invites us to communion.

Retreats renew us and provide us perspective that subtlety changes our relationship with the life we know. The solitude of a retreat will provide an interval of stillness and gentle concentration, a pause in the constant and unremitting demands of our daily lives. By listening, you have an opportunity to find your true self, if you listen, you can hear the quiet voice of the divine. The retreat environment creates a relationship with the divine where one cannot hide from one’s problems and distractions. This environment is contemplative; it opens up the channels of communication with the divine. Retreats become an accelerator of the spiritual journey, a booster if you will where you go a long way in a short amount of time. But this growth needs to be fostered and continued afterwards by some daily process, if not, its primary benefits will wear off and be missed.

Truly an opportunity for experiencing miracles can occur, because in this retreat environment we are provided a focused opportunity to learn and strengthen practices, which may lead us to a shift in perception, thereby changing our relationship with life and the world around us. This, say some, is the miracle of the spiritual journey in life, which a retreat can facilitate. We are in an environment to affirm our commitment to spiritual priorities. We break out of our ordinary patterns. This act of removing ourselves is very nourishing. We become more aware of our body, mind and spirit, and from this awareness we are re-energized on all levels.

It is precisely because the needs are so great and life so short, that we need to take the time for a personal retreat. Withdrawal is necessary to ultimately expand ones self. When nurtured in a safe space on a spiritual level, it rekindles our spiritual fervor, and renews a steadfast spirit within us, and act’s as a restorative template for realigning our vision and refining and reshaping our perceptions. With this template we are open and ready to receive the guidance that we are seeking. Spirit will reveal itself, when we remove ourselves from the adrenaline addicted, fast paced lives, and we are all attached too. We are all subject to our frenetic existences of intensity that zap our spiritual vitality and mask our spiritual laziness.

Let’s not wait until our engines cut out on us or we crash, let’s take the time to recharge, renew and refresh our spirits by removing ourselves from our ordinary existence and heed the call, to awaken ones self at a spiritual retreat.

The Life of a Travel and Tourism Pro

You want to go to travel and tourism college? Once you obtain the necessary travel and tourism degree, then what? Tracy Snelling, an account manager at Atlas Travel International, a travel agency in Milford, MA, never went the traditional route of going to travel and tourism college, but she can tell you a lot about the career in store for you. The award-winning innovative company in products and services, not only prides itself in their excellent company culture, but her ability to help her clients. So what does it take to be a travel and tourism pro?

How Snelling's Travel and Tourism Career Began

When Snelling was in college, she was drawn to work at a small agency in North Carolina part time. "I thought it would be nice to travel," she recalls. "Little did I know it really wasn't that much about traveling." But the job did have its benefits. In fact, Snelling's experience at Atlas Travel International landed her an accounting job. Sure, she was in the back of the Atlas office doing the books, but she soon realized her true calling on the job.

"When I realized that accounting would drive me crazy, I used my customer service skills and moved to the front office as a travel consultant," explains Snelling who also worked on leisure trips and corporate reservations. "As a travel agent, I loved working with people to provide them what they were truly looking for in travel," she says. Within a few years, Snelling found herself managing the travel and tourism agency, training agents, and more. Snelling's largest account hired her to start their client services department. She then moved to Massachusetts where her travel and tourism career flourished.

A Typical Day for a Travel and Tourism Pro

For Snelling, there's no such thing as a typical day in her travel and tourism career. "It's so fast-paced that change is the only typical expectation," she explains. "You can expect that what ever task list you start with will not be the one that you follow throughout the day." From internal customer service requests to numerous external requests, most of which are not planned on.

When it's all said and done, the daily stresses are outweighed by Snelling's satisfaction from assisting those in need of her travel and tourism expertise and assistance. "The industry has never been typical or predictable It keeps my juices flowing," says Snelling. "Learning about all the great destinations of the world also makes the job incredible."

Snelling's Advice: From Travel and Tourism College to Work

Of course, tourism education is paramount. You will need training at a travel and toursim college before you land an awesome job like Snelling. Combine what you learn at a travel and tourism college with experience, advises Snelling. "Get as much experience in customer service and business management as possible," she says. "If you can learn anything at all about the travel industry, that will definitely help you."

Snelling adds that travel and tourism careers are very unique, so do your research first. Once you've earned the necessary travel and tourism degree at a travel and tourism college, you can find placement with a good company. "Stay with that company and learn from them," Snelling explains. "Work hard, and enjoy the challenges you face."

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Ysolt Usigan is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school or career that's right for you!

Ferry Travel Equals Smart Travel

A bit of free time is hard to come by these days. In fact, with work, kids and countless other life pursuits to contend with, there's seemingly no time to relax and do "nothing"; let alone take time off for a holiday. Yet the need for such free time is always there and continues to grow with the stresses of everyday life. So what can you do to remedy this seemingly endless cycle?
If you feel the need for a holiday but don't have much time to spare, then why not consider taking a short break? This inevitably means that you won't have the time to travel very far; but then again, you don't really need to visit faraway lands in order to relax and enjoy a change of scenery.

If you live in the UK, a visit to Ireland is more than manageable in terms of both distance and cost. Many people are turning to ferry travel when it comes to travelling between the UK and Ireland - and why not? Ferries offer a comfortable and fast way to travel; in fact, with no hidden charges added to the fare, ferry travel often costs less than travelling by air. Another attraction of ferry travel is the fact that there are no restrictions on the amount of baggage that passengers travelling by car are allowed to bring on-board. Moreover, travellers can easily take their cars on holiday with them, enabling the simple transport of any special holiday equipment such as surf boards or golf-clubs.

Holidaymakers can discover the treasures of Dublin, the thrills of Belfast or the charms of Wexford by travelling to Ireland via ferry. With onboard shopping, dining and entertainment, you and the kids will never have a dull moment on your ferry crossing from the UK to Ireland. Moreover, travel takes only a few hours, so you won't lose any valuable time getting to your destination.

Pick from a number of exciting locales to travel to in Ireland: dozens of daily crossings within an extensive network of routes ensures that you'll find an itinerary and a destination which suits your travel plans. You can also be sure that there are many great value fares available on ferry transport; so it simply makes sense as an ideal mode of travel. Furthermore, the earlier you book, the lower your fare will be - it's that simple.

If you're considering travelling by ferry to Ireland from the UK, there are various ferry companies which can offer you a spectacular deal on your trip. Moreover, the start of a new year means that there are many promotional fares on offer. Stena Line, for example, offer deals on combined ferry & hotel trips and day excursions; so whether you plan to travel to Ireland from Fleetwood, Fishguard, Holyhead or Stranraer, rest assured that there's a remarkable deal in store for you.

So take advantage of ferry travel to Ireland today - with so many benefits, you'll see just why millions of people choose this fantastic mode of travel each year.

Traveling With Special Circumstances

In the National Lampoon Vacation movies anything that can go wrong to Chevy Chase does. The hotel isn't as described in the brochure, the car is too small and the amusement park is closed; the list could go on. With the introduction of the Internet into the average American home, planning vacations has become easier than ever. Incidentally, when vacationing we all have special circumstances, including children, pets, disabilities or medical requirements. And sometimes your destination makes all the difference.

These are the answers to a few frequently asked travel questions, and tips to remember when traveling with special circumstances.

Flying. Flying has become one of the most common forms of travel, but as airlines get bigger they need to accommodate a larger number of people and their demands.

Flying With Children. Always inform the airline you are traveling with children when you by your tickets. Reservations for infants and children under 2 cannot be made on most online travel sites. You must contact the airline directly.

• Newborns. Most airlines will not allow a child under seven-days old to travel on any plane. Often if the child is that young they will also require a doctor's permission slip.
• Small Children. There is usually two options when traveling with small children, lap or buy a seat. If the child is less than 2-years old they can sit in your lap for domestic flights. Most airlines do not charge for lap children. However, if you feel more comfortable, you can buy a seat and place the child in an FAA approved restraint. Buying a ticket for these children is usually discounted substantially and most car seats are approved. Double-check the airline for FAA requirements. All international flights require children to be in restraints.

Unaccompanied Minors. It's not uncommon for children to fly alone. Many are seasoned travelers bouncing between parents, friends or relatives. Most airlines will take responsibly of minors for a fee. The cost is usually between $50 and $100 depending on the airline. Additionally, the age requirements may differ. For most, children between the ages of 5 and 7 are only allowed on direct flights. Children between 8 and 14 can fly on connecting flights. The age when children are not required an escort depends on the airline. For example, Delta requires all children under the age of 14 to have an escort whereas with United, children over 12 it's optional.

Pets. Many airlines accommodate animals of different sizes. You can take them as carry-on, checked as baggage or shipped. Some states require a health certificate. It is suggested to have all veterinary paper work available including shots. Always call the airline or check their website before booking your ticket. Some are more restrictive than others.

Most animals must be 8 to 12-weeks old to fly. The American Veterinary Medical Association suggest not to sedate cats and dogs. This may effect their natural equilibrium and cause injury. Many of these tips and suggestions are for domestic flights in the 48 continental United States. International restrictions and fares may vary.

• Carry-on. Carry on pets must be small enough to fit into a kennel under the seat in front of you. There is usually a fee of about $50 to $100 per animal. Most airlines only accept cats and dogs. Delta will also accept, birds, ferrets, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs, whereas, SouthWest doesn't accept pets of any kind.
• Checked Baggage. Larger warm-blooded mammals and birds are usually checked as baggage. Animals must be in comfortable kennels and are taken at the check-in counter and retrieved in baggage claim. They are safely placed under the plane in a pressurized and heated compartment. There is usually a $100 charge for checking your animal. Sometimes it is more difficult for baggage handlers to get your pet to your connecting flight. When booking your flight remember to give yourself between a one and three hour layover.
• Air Cargo. Many airlines have cargo services. This is for those shipping pets to friends or family without their owner. Rates depend on size and destination of the animal. Check your carrier's website for further details. Always include identification tags with your address and phone number as well as the address and phone number of the person receiving the animal. Additionally, do not put a leash or muzzle on the animal, this may cause a choking hazard.

Disabilities. All airlines are dedicated to making everyone's travel comfortable. Most airlines are wheelchair accessible and willing to work with people with all kinds of disabilities. Always inform the airline if you or a loved one has special needs prior to departure. This allows the staff to prepare for your accommodations.

Many airlines can provide Braille safety cards, captioned safety videos, individual safety briefings, onboard wheelchairs and more. Guide dogs are usually accepted as checked baggage and don't require a fee. Many airlines will also accommodate those with food allergies or related illnesses like diabetes.

Hotels and Cars. Always contact your hotel or rental company to make special arrangement regarding lodging and transportation. Most hotels and car companies will try to accommodate you in all ways. When traveling with special circumstances like children, pets or disabilities, always take your hotel and on-ground travel arrangements into account.

If you plan to take the family dog on vacation with you, keep a few things in mind when booking your lodging. Although the hotel may accept pets, ask where they stay, in the room or in a hotel kennel. Furthermore, find out if the hotel offers walking services. If you are sightseeing all day, you don't want your poor pup stuck in the room needing to visit the grassy knoll across the street.

For small children, most hotels can provide a playpen or crib for them to sleep in. Many car rental companies can also provide car seats and additional child restraints.

Cruises. Pets are not aloud on most cruise liners; however, children are. Most cruises provide several forms of entertainment for children while at sea. If you decide to cruise with children always look into the liner's child services prior to booking a room.

• Children and Young Adults. There are usually several free, child-friendly activities previously planned by the cruise liner to keep kids and young adults busy. Activities include arts and crafts, movies, games and child friendly pools. Sometimes the cruise liner will have teen dances and teen specialized activities.
• Children under Two. Children under 2-years old are not usually eligible for activities. However, most liners offer babysitting services from about $6 to $10 an hour.
• Disabilities. Many cruise liners try to accommodate those with disabilities to the best of their ability. All floors have elevators and are wheelchair accessible. Those in wheelchairs, requiring oxygen tanks or health requirements usually board and disembark before the general public. Those with sight or hearing disabilities may need to make extra special arrangement with the liner prior to purchasing tickets.

Traveling in today's day and age can be a tricky business. There are so many circumstances to take into account. Always remember airlines, hotels, car rentals and cruises are ultimately in the hospitality business. They understand there are special circumstances and all are fully trained to accommodate you and your loved ones.

Erin Monaghan is a reviewer/writer for TopTenREVIEWS.com. TopTenREVIEWS features expert reviews for technology and entertainment products and services. The company has served over 60 million Internet visitors, has over 400,000 pages of original content and provides users with free access to in-depth product and services reviews, side-by-side feature comparisons, and industry-related news and articles.

Reducing Jet Lag By Breaking Up Your Journey

Modern air travel has certainly made the world a lot smaller and allows you to fit visits to many more countries into your busy schedule, whether you are traveling purely for pleasure or on business. However it is going to take the human body a little while yet to catch up and, in the meantime, you will have to continue to battle with the problem of jet lag and to find ways of coping with it.

In its simplest form jet lag occurs when you are traveling and the time recorded by your body's internal clock is out of balance with local time at your destination. For example, if you leave London at 9 pm and fly to Bangkok you will arrive approximately 13 hours later at 10 am London time the following morning. However, because you have flown across several time zones, local time at Bangkok airport is now 4 pm that same afternoon.

Having traveled to your hotel, checked in and taken a shower your body will now tell you that it is time to eat. Now, your body clock thinks that it is time for lunch and, although everybody else will be eating dinner, your internal clock doesn't mind what you call the meal, it only cares that you eat. So far so good, however, a couple of hours later when everyone else starts going to bed your problems will begin as your body clock still thinks it is only late afternoon.

A time difference of 6 hours, such as that shown here, is significant and even the best of us will be feeling the effects of jet lag. Indeed, while an hour or two will hardly be noticeable, anything over about 4 hours will produce the symptoms of jet lag in most of us.

There are of course various things that you can do before your journey, during your flight and at your destination to help to reduce jet lag but one problem which researchers have noted recently is that when your internal body clock experiences a large shift in time it often overcompensates when adjusting and thus leaves you suffering a double dose of jet lag before it eventually settles down. So, how do you compensate for this?

Well, it is possible to take this into account to a certain extent and reduce the effect by starting to adjust your internal clock in advance of travel, but circumstances may make this difficult. One alternative therefore is to simply break your journey whenever you are traveling across more than four or five time zones.

In the case of our journey to Bangkok this might mean breaking your journey half way and relaxing for a day before continuing on. Today's air travel may have made the world smaller but it is going to take the human body a little longer to catch up with technology.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Help-Me-To-Sleep.com provides extensive information and advice on a whole range of sleep disorders including jet lag. In addition, Help Me To Sleep looks at natural ways to provide an insomnia cure for millions of sufferers today.

Cheap Air Tickets: "The Dessert is Served"

Flying in an air plane, with seat belt around your belly and air hostesses taking your order is no more just a dream for most now. With the kind of competition emerging in the civil aviation industry, the air fares have dropped down to the lowest levels ever. Sometimes passengers even wonder whether the airline is earning something from them or not with such low priced cheap air tickets.

Crashing down of air ticket prices started when the private sector was let in to the civil aviation and the formalities related to the process were eased off. With this decision of the government many small sizes airlines have dwelled into the industry and have been making sound profits as low cost carriers. Since that very time there has been a radical change in the way people used to fly. Everybody knows how seriously these private firms take their business and how lethal is the sense of competition among them.

Once a small scale private players reduces its air fare prices, the leaders in the business have to follow them to gain back the customer support and obviously for their consistent profits. This has made available an enormous amount of opportunities and facilities to the customer and that’s what is important. The customers are being provided with the best in the industry on-board options at much cheaper air fares than ever before.

The term cheap air ticket is debatable in itself. What seems cheap to a person may not seem to the other person. You as a passenger have to set up a minimum budget which you feel is the maximum amount you can spend to commute to a particular destination. Once you have done so, go on a ride to search for a cheap air tickets website and find the one that matches your expectation.

There are other ways also to avail cheap air tickets. Some of the tickets are being reserved by every airline company for every flight as “discount air tickets”. You can avail those if you have prior information. And what could be better if you are ready to sacrifice a little of your luxury because this can get you “cheap economy class air tickets”.

With the help of technology you can now compare offers from different airlines for a particular flight and gain information on other on-board delicacies. You may also compare them by the time they take to reach a destination and number of breaks in the journey.

Most of the air carriers also release off-season offers. Off seasons are the patches in a year when the amount of boarding starts to decline in the calendar year. You can approach the airlines at such time to get cheap air tickets. There’s a lot more to getting cheap air tickets and you would like to have more of this delightful dessert but too much of dessert often causes diabetes, so we wish you enjoy your cheap air journey diabetes-free and by the time you’re back we’ll be ready with another reprise for you.

Jagbir Singh

Zoomtra - Cheap Air Tickets Indian Search Engine http://www.zoomtra.com

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Last Minute Travel - Getting the Most

Some people wait to plan for the last minute travel. Procrastinating in planning your travel does not work to your advantage. When planning a trip overseas, it pays off to be prepared because you are going into unfamiliar territory and there is so much you need to research unless you have been to that place before. Even that isn't a good idea. Booking a travel package beforehand helps to get a better travel deal and may not be the case if you wait until the last minute. Frantically searching for the last minute travel deals puts us in a position of desperation and we will possibly accept the first deal that comes to us.

However, since the travel industry has taken the Internet by storm, there seems to be many possibilities of getting good prices when you book a last minute deal. In fact, some online travel agencies offer last minute deals because they know that there will be some people who wait until the last minute to book their flights.

These deals have become very common and so there are always going to be people who wait until it is almost time to go on the trip. Offline travel agents do not cater too much for these travel deals. Instead, you have a better chance when you book online for the best travel packages and will get a good deal most of the time.

There has been a rise in online travel websites that offer various types and prices on travel deals that will suit your budget. You have the convenience in booking the travel package online and the travel agency will take care of the rest.

Be careful during the holidays or if it is a family travel because holidays are very competitive and the rates can be a little higher. Also when you are traveling you're your family; it requires more travel planning and preparation. When you book the last minute travel, you might go ahead and choose a hotel that may not turn out to be very welcoming, so be sure to ask your travel agent for suggestions.

It really is more convenient to book online so I think that is why most people wait until the ninth hour. Did you know that online travel package rates are more competitive than the prices that the local travel agents quote to you? The Internet is the solution to last minute air travelers. However, with that in mind air travel is something that needs time and attention, so give your flight booking at least a week ahead of the time of travel to reap better benefits from your vacation.

Online travel booking has made it easier for people to travel for sure and there are more people traveling than usual especially the baby boomers. The question to you is when will you be planning your next vacation? Make sure you are readily prepared even when there are last minute deals to snatch.

Cheryline Lawson is the owner of www.booklowertravel.com and writes articles and books on the subject. Ms. Lawson is also a referring travel agent and entrepreneur who works from home. Visit http://www.booklowertravel.com today to get more information on the topic of how to become a referring travel agent.

Information on Last Minute Travel Packages and discount air travel

Traveling to Hawaii? 5 Important Tips

Whether you are going on a family vacation, a spring break vacation with college friends, or even your honeymoon, Hawaii is a great place to visit at any time of year. While Hawaii is a great travel destination, you may want to know a bit about this place before you land. The following are some important tips that can help you have a great time while you are in Hawaii.

Tip #1 - No Touching a Nene - A Nene is the Hawaii state bird, and while they may look cute, they can be very defensive, especially if they have babies. These birds are also endangered species, so even if they look cute, touching or even approaching these birds are against the law. Be sure to keep this in mind when traveling to Hawaii or you may end up with a hefty fine.

Tip #2 - Get the Flower Lei Greeting - One of the most exciting experiences to enjoy in Hawaii is the flower lei greeting, but some vacation packages may not have this greeting included. Before you make your final arrangements for your trip, make sure that you will get the flower lei greeting when you land in Hawaii. It is a great experience and no trip to Hawaii is complete without it.

Tip #3 - Avoid Sunburn - When you are in Hawaii, chances are that you will be out in the sun a great deal. Many travelers forget to wear sunscreen and end up getting burned. It is best to wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn from occurring, but if you do end up with a burn, Aloe Vera gel and lidocaine are great for getting rid of the burn.

Tip #4 - Pack a Sweater or Jacket - While Hawaii is generally quite warm during the day time, at night it can get a bit cooler. You may want to pack a sweater or a light jacket when you go to Hawaii, just in case the night turns cool and you need something warmer to wear. If wearing a jacket is not your style, make sure you pack a few shirts that have longer sleeves and are a bit warmer than what you would usually wear during the day so you are comfortable during the evenings.

Tip #5 - Take an Umbrella - If you are visiting Hawaii between October and May, you will probably want to pack an umbrella. During this time of the year, Hawaii gets a great deal of rain, and although showers do not last long, more than likely you will get caught in one at some point. Unless you love walking or running in the rain, you will need to have an umbrella just in case.

Visiting Hawaii? Visit Kauai Fine Dining Restaurants and Macaw Parrot Bird Art first.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_J._Adams

The Amboseli National Park Guarantees Close Encounters With the Wild

Watching elephant herds and the spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro is the reason thousands of tourists visit the Amboseli National Park. The Amboseli National Park is 392 square kilometers in size of dramatically arid to semi arid sorroundings and is also the heartland of the Masai nomadic community. During the mostly dry seasons, the Amboseli National Park Vegetation is scarce and sometimes rare making spotting game easier than in the Masai Mara Game reserve.

Walking the Amboseli National Park guarantees close encounters with numerous species of birds, large herds of wildebeests and zebra, elephant families, buffalos, giraffes, antelopes and baboons. The park also also holds numerous waterbirds among them flamingos. You will definately see lions, leopards, and cheetahs in the dense natural patches of thick cover. you could also catch a glimpse of the rare black rhino every now and then.

The Amboseli National Park is not short of places to stay eat and while away your evenings, as you enjoy the sundowner and share your travel experiences with fellow travellers. There are numerous camp sites and lodges and you have a choice of either staying in budget or even luxurious accommondation. The choice is dependent on you and your pocket. One has a choice to stay at the Amboseli Lodge, set amidst lush tropical ponds, a cool oasis in these dramatically arid sorroundings. The Oltukai Lodge also offers wonderful sceneries of Mount Kilimanjaro on the southern end of the Amboseli National Park. For those really travelling on a budget one should consider the public campsite near the Tortilis camp.

Getting to the Amboseli National Park from Nairobi can be arranged with a tour company of your choice, its a four hour drive from Nairobi through Namanga to the Amboseli in a custom made 4 wheel drive tour van. The road to Namanga is well kept although when you enter the Amboseli National Park, the roads are dilapidated and is in much need of repair.

Before leaving the Amboseli National Park, it would be prudent for you to visit the numerous private wildlife sanctuaries scattered around the park, and starategically situated on higher grounds giving splendid views of Mount Kilimanjaro and watering holes where you can watch as wild animals drink water and enjoy the salt licks so close to you than you may have ever thought possible, providing an ideal ambience to reflect on the splendour of natures creation.

If you are looking for a romantic retreat, bringing the family on vacation, or traveling alone, Amboseli National Park adventure awaits you as one of kenya's many wildife parks and sanctuaries.

About the Author:

Lucy Maruhi is a tour operator and has been organizing and reporting on Vacation, Travel and Tours for years. For more information on Amboseli National Park, visit her site at Amboseli National Park

Cheap Ticket To Las Vegas - How To Get A Cheap Airfare To Las Vegas Even For Last Minute Travel

Thousands of Las Vegas travellers every year wonder how to get a cheap ticket to Las Vegas. Las Vegas isn't called the city of lost wages for nothing. This article will discuss how to get a cheap air ticket to Las Vegas. This is but one of a collection of articles I'm writing about cheap travel to Las Vegas. Be sure to look out for my other Las Vegas cheap travel tips. Keep reading to learn more tips about how to have a fun cheap trip to Las Vegas.

The more time you can spend planning your cheap Las Vegas vacation will mean a cheap ticket to Las Vegas for you. The best way to get a cheap ticket to Las Vegas involves spending just a few minutes researching a cheap airfare to Las Vegas.

If you are willing to spend just a few minutes scouring the web for a cheap ticket to Las Vegas then you will be rewarded with savings of hundreds of dollars on your Las Vegas vacation. Thankfully the Internet makes the task of find a cheap airfare to Las Vegas incredibly easy.

Of course, the easiest way to start planning a cheap ticket to Las Vegas is knowing the best times to visit Las Vegas for the cheapest Las Vegas deals.

The quietest times to visit Las Vegas (and therefore the cheapest) are November, December and January. Other times throughout the year when you are guaranteed a cheap fare to Las Vegas are weekdays, the two weeks before Christmas and in the middle of summer and December and August.

You will be further guaranteed a cheap ticket to Las Vegas if you ensure you travel to Las Vegas when it's not fully booked by convention visitors. Thousands of people attend Las Vegas conventions every year. To find out if it's booked out contact the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority on 702-892-0711. You can also visit their website at http://www.vegasrooms.com/convention.htm to learn what conventions are booked for the whole year.

In addition to following the advice above to get a cheap ticket to Las Vegas there are certain travel search engines that should be used before purchasing what you believe to be a cheap ticket to Las Vegas which in the end could have cost you $500.00 more than you had to pay because you didn't spend time researching the best cheap air ticket to Las Vegas available at that time.

If you are after a cheap ticket to Las Vegas - whether it's for a last minute trip to Las Vegas or a trip in the future - I strongly recommend you visit the website below where I guarantee you will find the cheapest ticket to Las Vegas available at any given time for any time of year or season. It's very easy to find a cheap ticket to Las Vegas. Let me help you book a cheap ticket to Las Vegas today!

Copyright 2007. Wait! Don't go to Las Vegas without visiting this website and claiming your very own FREE copy of 170 free things to do in Las Vegas. Plus I will show you have to save at least $544.00 planning your budget Las Vegas vacation. Find out how to have the time of your life in Vegas without breaking the bank...click here now http://www.cheap-discount-vegas-vacations.com to start planning your Las Vegas vacation now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karin_I_Manning

Can You Really Enjoy World Travel On A Mini Budget

Many people hold in their dreams to become a world traveler, or to at least go on at least one trip to a foreign locale. The reason most people do not act on their desire to travel abroad is of course financial. There are ways to enjoy world travel on a budget, but you have to know where to look and where to lay your concern when searching for the right vacation destination and flight.

Although in recent years there have been more students that request student loans and government grant so get through their college years, there is also a surge in the number of college aged students that take trips to foreign locations. These excursions occur partly because of a foreign studies program or missions trip that is offered by the school and often partially covered from the semester's tuition, but also because Americans, as a whole, are more apt to spend money that they do not have than they used to be.

In order to break down how students and adult travelers can travel abroad on a budget, we have to first separate the travel costs into categories. If you break down the trip into three categories and search for bargains in those three categories separately, you will be likely to find a good deal on each. The first category would be travel. The main portion of this category will likely be the trip to and from your destination, but you can also include transportation while on your vacation in this heading as well. For example, if you are traveling through Europe, you may be more likely to need several flights while on your vacation, whereas a trip to the Bahamas or Cancun would require only local travel.

Begin researching flight costs. You should do this at no less than three locations. Those three would be a travel agent, the internet (sites like Priceline and Travelocity), and the airlines themselves. At separate times, you may get the best price at any of these locations. If you think the first place you find a price for a flight is a great price, keep looking, you can always come back and get it in a few hours, after you have checked around. Also, if you are planning several smaller flights while on your vacation, there are great deals for short flights throughout Europe. These can also be researched on the internet or through your travel agent. If you are planning to rent a car, check with local companies in your home country to see if they can recommend a rental place in your destination, but also check with the locals once you have arrived and see where they recommend. Many times, the locals know better than anyone where to find a good deal.

Searching for a hotel can be done in much the same way as searching for your transportation needs. You should always check at least three separate places before committing. Know also that hotels in other countries are likely not the same as hotels in your own backyard. Many hotels may have community showers, while others will have private baths in each room or suite. Make a list of questions to be answered before booking any hotel. Once you have decided that the hotel you have selected is satisfactory in both appearance and price, then you should book the hotel to insure a room is available for you and your travel companion.

Finally, we come to entertainment money, or spending money as some would call it. You will inevitably want to spend money on your vacation, whether it be for meals or souvenirs for grandma. In all money spending situations, use your common sense. In foreign countries, it could be difficult to remember the exchange rate and know what you are spending on certain items, so an electronic exchange calculator is a great tool for your outings.

If you keep these suggestions in mind, you can enjoy world travel on a budget and still have a great time!

http://www.MyWorldTravelSite.com provides free information on world travel.

You can pick up tricks and tips for traveling the world no matter your budget!

Check out our latest page on antarctic travel.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_Arlington

Romance On The Orient Express

When it comes to luxury, romance and adventure there is no better holiday than a trip on the legendary Orient express. The train’s first journey was in 1883 and travelled from Paris to Romania. Now 114 years later the famous train is still going strong and vacations on the Orient Express are still as popular as ever.

The original journey is no longer available but that is not to say holidaymakers aren’t spoilt for choice.

The closest you can get to the trains maiden journey is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express route. Travellers board the train at London’s Victoria Station and cross the channel for an overnight journey through France and into Switzerland. The luxurious train travels through the Swiss Mountains and the Austrian Alps before arriving at the beautiful city of Venice.

However, you don’t have to leave the UK to experience the beauty of Orient Express. Holidaymakers can take the train to the magnificent home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire - Chatsworth House.

After brunch on the train on the outward journey, the journey continues to Chatsworth where a tour of the house is given. Travellers are then are free to explore the house before the return journey. On the way back to London a glass of chilled champagne is served followed by a five-course dinner accompanied by half a bottle of wine and a liqueur to round off your meal

But, the best things, as they say, come in small packagers and day-trippers can enjoy an afternoon aboard the Northern Belle train. Taking in the stunning British countryside the journey includes a four-course dinner with champagne and wine.

Russ Pooley writes for Drake & Cavendish who provide a luxury hotel research directory featuring over 5,000 luxury hotels in over 700 resort locations around the world. As a content provider we are committed to developing entertaining and informative travel related information. You can read further articles and details at http://www.drakeandcavendish.com

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Want a Unique Vacation? Array Explore a Cave!

Author: Shari Hearn

Cave exploring has become a favorite adventure activity for many Americans. Whether you're taking a short, self-guided or guided tour of a commercial cave, or engaging in advanced spelunking of non-commercial caves, there's just something magical about entering a cave. The feel of the cave air, the smells, the quite, the utter darkness when the lamps are turned off.

In caving you will discover the beauty of nature and marvel at rock formations and crystals that took thousands, and even millions, of years to shape and develop. Caves come in different shapes and sizes. There are caves that are horizontal, dry, hot, humid and sandy, while others are vertical, cold, flooded and muddy. There are even caves that are located under rivers and seas.

Another great thing about visiting a cave is that you are able to step back in time a bit, as many caves have served as dwellings for early humans, offering shelter from the outside elements. Another interesting thing about caves - when you've toured one, you're going to want to tour another. Luckily there are numerous caves to explore in America that can keep you busy year after year. Let's take a look at several which offer guided and self-guided tours perfect for the whole family:

Mammoth Cave National Park – Kentucky

Since 1816, visitors have toured Mammoth Cave, one of the world’s longest and most famous cave systems. The name Mammoth was coined not from the prehistoric wooly mammoth, but because the cave system is so huge - more than 365 miles of it has been explored so far.

Cave tour prices range from $4 to $45 and include tours for all levels of experience, from a 30-minute, self-guided discovery tour to a 6-1/2 hour "Wild Cave Tour" for more advanced cavers which involves free-climbing cave walls and crawling through areas as low as 9 inches high. Temperature inside the cave usually stays around 54° Fahrenheit year-round.

Jewel Cave National Monument - South Dakota

Located just east of the Wyoming border, Jewel Cave is considered one of the best caves in the National Park system, and number three on the list of longest caves in the world! Much of the cave remains unexplored today. But tours inside the cave offer breathtaking walks and intense caving adventure. Aside from stalactites and stalagmites, several varieties of bats reside inside the cave especially during winter.

Jewel Cave offers three different tour packages, each requiring a different level of experience. The easiest tour is the Basic Tour, which most people should be able to manage. Of course, you have to remember this is a cave, so there will be some steps to climb. On the Basic Tour there are 723 steps to manage, but you don't have to climb them all at once, they are interspersed throughout the 1/2 mile tour. The next tour in difficulty is the Historic Tour which enters and leaves the cave through an historic entrance and views the cave from an unpaved trail. You will carry lanterns on this tour, which is considered strenuous. Children under 6 are not allowed on the Historic Tour. For the experienced cavers, Jewel Caves offers a Spelunking Tour, a 4 to 5-hour tour which snakes through 2/3 of a mile of the Cave. You are provided a headlamp by the park service, but you must provide all your other equipment. In addition, you must be over 16 and pass a number of tests before being allowed on the Spelunking Tour, including proving the ability to wriggle through an 18" X 24" passageway. Needless to say, people with a fear of heights or claustrophobia definitely won't be comfortable on this tour. Reservations are required for the Spelunking tour.

Kartchner Caverns State Park - Benson, Arizona

Located in the southern part of Arizona, Kartchner Caverns was discovered in 1974 by cavers and purchased as an Arizona State Park in 1988. What's cool about Kartchner is that it's a "living cave," in that the formations inside are still growing. It also contains 13,000 feet of passages, boasts one of the world's longest soda straw stalactites - 21 feet 2 inches, and is in near-pristine condition. Typical of most caves, Kartchner Caverns has its share of bats. In fact, during the summer the Cave's Big Room becomes a nursery roost with over 1,000 female bats.

Meramec Caverns - Stanton, Missouri

Like your caves on the commercial side? Then you'll love Meramec Caverns, which has a gift shop inside the entrance of the cave. In fact, Meramec Caverns is the largest commercial cave in Missouri, which is known as the "Cave State" due to it containing over 6,000 surveyed caves. In addition to its natural history, Meramec Caverns has some interesting recent history, as legend has it that the cave was used as a part of the "Underground Railroad" to aid escaping slaves. Legend also has it that Jesse James and his gang hid out in the caves after committing train and bank robberies.

Meramec Caverns also has the distinction of having a ballroom inside the caves which hosts many private and public events, such as an Easter Sunrise Service. The ballroom is an interesting combination of chairs, sound system, lighting and, yes, limestone and stalagmites.

Other Missouri Caves and Caverns

As long as you're visiting Meramec Caverns, why not check out some of the other caves in Missouri? Some notable ones include:

Fantastic Caverns - Springfield, Missouri

Fantastic Caverns is considered "America's Ride-Through Cave" and is great for seniors, physically-challenged individuals and people with small children because you don't walk though the cave, but, rather you take a jeep-drawn tram through the cave.

Marvel Cave - Branson, Missouri

Again, if you like your caves on the commercial side, then Marvel Cave is for you. Marvel Cave is another "living cave" with formations that are still growing, and is now part of Silver Dollar City, an amusement park with over 30 rides and attractions, the cave being one of them.

Mark Twain Cave - Hannibal, Missouri

The Mark Twain Cave was discovered in 1819 and is Missouri's oldest show cave, providing tours to the public for over 114 years. The cave is named after "Mark Twain," the pen name of Samuel Clemens, who explored the cave quite frequently and wrote about its wonders. Again, legend has it that Jesse James and his gang hid out in the caves.

If you're looking for something interesting and unusual to do with your family on your next vacation, do consider visiting one of the many fascinating caves that America has to offer. You may discover a passion you never knew existed.