A vacation on the Gulf of Mexico has a certain quality of removal and relief that's not found just anywhere. Places like Sanibel Island, Fort Myers, Captiva and others all shine with a special brand of radiance perfectly suited for obliterating the aura of stress and tension that tends to surround the daily life of so many of us - a trip to this region guarantees a return to what's important.
Focusing on Fort Myers Beach, once a quaint settlement only accessible by boat, it might very well be possible to craft the ideal getaway. White sands, stunning sunsets, a little bit of eco-friendliness, tons of enthralling beach and recreational activities...all the ingredients are here. Cross the bridge to this refuge of a town and prepare to feel the weight of the world lift from your shoulders.
Fort Myers Beach is known for being a well-equipped yet laid-back spot; offering all that tourists need without the overwhelming crowds and hassles of visiting a busy, buzzing magnet for travelers. Orlando and Miami aren't too far away so a quick dip into chaos is possible if you desire, but this is the place to be if a little rest and breathing room are in order.
Diversions to look forward to include some of the best beachcombing in Florida, jet skiing, bird watching, scuba diving, outlet mall shopping and deep-sea fishing. This is just a surface level sampling, of course, as the tropical climate, fun-loving atmosphere and physical beauty of land and sea all have the power to provide so much more. Each person in a given traveling group likely has their own goals for what to see and do (or not do, if this is indeed all about forgetting and relaxing); Fort Myers Beach is ready to take on any and all expectations.
Follow Estero Boulevard to discover various points of public beach access. Just down the way is Lynn Hall Memorial Park, the place to go for families in search of bonuses like a playground. Farther north is Bowditch Point Regional Park, another gem worth taking a look it. Its rough natural beauty as well as amenities that include restrooms and picnic areas makes it a must-visit. Finally, Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier is not only a fun gathering spot and lookout point, but a top-notch place to cast a line.
In addition to enjoying the typical activities along the coastline, check out the unique corners of interest, too. It might be hard to tear yourselves away from a prime spot on the warm sand, but it'll be worth it. Plus, the beach will be there when you get back. Try the Ostego Bay Marine Science Center for a little family fun and education or Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve to receive an up close and personal view of the natural habitat and nearby ocean dwellers. The surrounding towns have plenty of museums and eco-tours as well, so explore the possibilities of this rich land.
Bargain shopping, nightlife and plenty of restaurants, not to mention various festivals and special events, round out Fort Myers Beach's reputation as a solid vacation destination. Enjoy fresh seafood for breakfast, lunch and dinner (if you so desire), pick up the perfect souvenirs, enjoy a night on the dance floor...in between dolphin watching, manatee scoping, sea shelling and napping in a lounge chair there's no shortage of "civilized" activities to engage in.
On that note, be sure to reserve a place to stay that will not only keep you housed in comfort, but in class and convenience as well. Fort Myers Vacation Rentals make an excellent choice, and often cost no more than standard hotel accommodations. Considering that condos, villas and beach houses tend to strike a different chord (with their full kitchens, Jacuzzi tubs, entertainment centers, etc...) this is good news for travelers who may not be acquainted with this particular choice. Picking a property from the extensive offerings online usually ends up being the foundation for a successful trip, no matter where it is you've set your sights on.
Any time of year is a good time to visit Fort Myers Beach, so clear a spot on the calendar and go for it. When properly planned and entered into with abandon, this could be just the trip to bring back the peace of mind that has lately taken a vacation itself.
About the Author
Smith Chen is an author and internet marketing consultant.
Find more about Directory Wizard and review page Society
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Friday, June 08, 2007
Mediterranean Decor: Warmth and Clutter
Spain, Italy and Greece are countries that have given the Mediterranean style of home decorating to the rest of the world. Clutter, sturdiness and graceful age are the hallmarks of the style.
What do people mean when they talk about decorating in the "Mediterranean style?"
The name comes from the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, which is almost completely enclosed by three continents!
The sea is bordered to its north by Europe: Spain, France and Italy, Albania and Greece. On the east it's bordered by Asia: Turkey, Syria and Israel. And to its south it borders the African countries of Egypt, Libya, Algeria, and Morocco. (To get from the Mediterranean Sea out into the Atlantic Ocean, mariners have to go through the nine-mile-wide Straits of Gibraltar.)
However, the term "Mediterranean style" does not deal with the eastern or southern countries - they each have their own distinctive styles of interior decorating. Rather, it refers to the countries north of the Mediterranean Sea - Spain, Greece and Italy. It's also called Spanish modern.
What are the defining elements of the Mediterranean style?
As far as furniture is concerned, they are usually low to the ground, with ornately turned legs and feet; the hardware is heavy and usually burnished. Burnished metal simply means that it has "a smooth glossy finish or appearance."
The walls are the most distinctive part of the Mediterranean style - rather than simply unadorned walls painted in dull and boring, light colors, they are textured, or covered with faux designs of crumbling wood, or murals of views of a beach through an ornate window, for example.
The floors are also distinctive - the use of mosaic tile designs is quite popular.
There are no bare bones in Mediterranean design - throw rugs, pillows, and different kinds of fabric are everywhere. Pottery, statue, and baskets full of fruit and vegetables cover almost every inch of horizontal space.
Mediterranean design is all about warmth, about feeling cozy and comfortable.
When designing in the Mediterranean style, however, it's important to remember the cardinal rules that govern the use of any style.
The home must be livable. If you've got lots of kids around you might want to keep the use of fragile pottery and statuary to a minimum, to protect against breakages.
Although much of the Mediterranean style emphasizes simplicity, it can sometimes cost a lot of money to achieve that simple look. Wall murals take skill to create or apply, and care must be taken with them.
Remember also that it's not necessary to do your entire home in the Mediterranean style - many people have theme rooms, with those themes ranging from the Mediterranean style for one room to an Egyptian style for another to a classic Art Deco design for yet another. It's all as the spirit moves you.
About the Author
Adam Peters is the editor of different articles with reference to plaster moldings for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . For additional information on mosaic tiles or mediterranean style decorating subjects have a look at his web.
What do people mean when they talk about decorating in the "Mediterranean style?"
The name comes from the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, which is almost completely enclosed by three continents!
The sea is bordered to its north by Europe: Spain, France and Italy, Albania and Greece. On the east it's bordered by Asia: Turkey, Syria and Israel. And to its south it borders the African countries of Egypt, Libya, Algeria, and Morocco. (To get from the Mediterranean Sea out into the Atlantic Ocean, mariners have to go through the nine-mile-wide Straits of Gibraltar.)
However, the term "Mediterranean style" does not deal with the eastern or southern countries - they each have their own distinctive styles of interior decorating. Rather, it refers to the countries north of the Mediterranean Sea - Spain, Greece and Italy. It's also called Spanish modern.
What are the defining elements of the Mediterranean style?
As far as furniture is concerned, they are usually low to the ground, with ornately turned legs and feet; the hardware is heavy and usually burnished. Burnished metal simply means that it has "a smooth glossy finish or appearance."
The walls are the most distinctive part of the Mediterranean style - rather than simply unadorned walls painted in dull and boring, light colors, they are textured, or covered with faux designs of crumbling wood, or murals of views of a beach through an ornate window, for example.
The floors are also distinctive - the use of mosaic tile designs is quite popular.
There are no bare bones in Mediterranean design - throw rugs, pillows, and different kinds of fabric are everywhere. Pottery, statue, and baskets full of fruit and vegetables cover almost every inch of horizontal space.
Mediterranean design is all about warmth, about feeling cozy and comfortable.
When designing in the Mediterranean style, however, it's important to remember the cardinal rules that govern the use of any style.
The home must be livable. If you've got lots of kids around you might want to keep the use of fragile pottery and statuary to a minimum, to protect against breakages.
Although much of the Mediterranean style emphasizes simplicity, it can sometimes cost a lot of money to achieve that simple look. Wall murals take skill to create or apply, and care must be taken with them.
Remember also that it's not necessary to do your entire home in the Mediterranean style - many people have theme rooms, with those themes ranging from the Mediterranean style for one room to an Egyptian style for another to a classic Art Deco design for yet another. It's all as the spirit moves you.
About the Author
Adam Peters is the editor of different articles with reference to plaster moldings for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . For additional information on mosaic tiles or mediterranean style decorating subjects have a look at his web.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Great Tourist Attractions In New York
When you are looking into planning your next vacation New York is definitely a destination that you should be considering. There are many wonderful sites to see while visiting New York and the following will give you a few suggestions for places to visit during your vacation.
If you would like to get a world-class view of New York then you must visit the top of the Empire State Building. A couple of tips that can make your visit even more enjoyable: First of all keep track of what the weather will be like when you plan to visit as the best views from the top of this famous building is on a clear day. If you would like to save some time, you should purchase your tickets online. Just select the day that you are going to visit and as soon as you are able to get though security, you can bypass the ticket line and head straight for the lines to get on one of the elevators. The observatory opens at 8am and closes at midnight with the last elevator descending at around 11:15pm so the Empire State Building is a good attraction to fit in either at the beginning or ending of your site seeing day.
The Statue of Liberty is another must see attraction while sight seeing in New York. This ever-enduring symbol of freedom is a fun way to learn more about the history of the United States. Plan to arrive early when you visit the Statue of Liberty, this way you will have a much better chance of avoiding long lines. You should pack your own lunch, as there are plenty of spaces available to have a picnic. In addition, if you will be spending a bit of time outdoors so make sure that you dress appropriately. If you are vacationing and on a bit of a budget then you will definitely want to take the Staten Island Ferry when you visit that Statue of Liberty, it's free.
Central Park is another great stop on a trip through New York. You could enjoy a picnic or a boat ride or simply just talk a stroll through the beautiful park. A few notable spots in this famous park include Central Park Zoo which is a great alternative for families that do not want make the journey to the equally popular Bronx Zoo. Strawberry Fields Pictures is a gorgeous living tribute to John Lennon. You can see beautiful Imagine Mosaic and over one hundred different species of plants here. Shakespeare in the Park holds performances at the Delacorte theater in Central park all throughout the summer. You will not be disappointed taking in a show.
These are just three of the great attractions that New York has to offer its visitors each and every day. The internet is an excellent place to locate even more great attractions and events going on through out the year that would make your vacation to New York even more memorable. No matter what you decide to do or what time of the year you choose to visit you are bound to have a fun and exciting vacation.n
If you would like to get a world-class view of New York then you must visit the top of the Empire State Building. A couple of tips that can make your visit even more enjoyable: First of all keep track of what the weather will be like when you plan to visit as the best views from the top of this famous building is on a clear day. If you would like to save some time, you should purchase your tickets online. Just select the day that you are going to visit and as soon as you are able to get though security, you can bypass the ticket line and head straight for the lines to get on one of the elevators. The observatory opens at 8am and closes at midnight with the last elevator descending at around 11:15pm so the Empire State Building is a good attraction to fit in either at the beginning or ending of your site seeing day.
The Statue of Liberty is another must see attraction while sight seeing in New York. This ever-enduring symbol of freedom is a fun way to learn more about the history of the United States. Plan to arrive early when you visit the Statue of Liberty, this way you will have a much better chance of avoiding long lines. You should pack your own lunch, as there are plenty of spaces available to have a picnic. In addition, if you will be spending a bit of time outdoors so make sure that you dress appropriately. If you are vacationing and on a bit of a budget then you will definitely want to take the Staten Island Ferry when you visit that Statue of Liberty, it's free.
Central Park is another great stop on a trip through New York. You could enjoy a picnic or a boat ride or simply just talk a stroll through the beautiful park. A few notable spots in this famous park include Central Park Zoo which is a great alternative for families that do not want make the journey to the equally popular Bronx Zoo. Strawberry Fields Pictures is a gorgeous living tribute to John Lennon. You can see beautiful Imagine Mosaic and over one hundred different species of plants here. Shakespeare in the Park holds performances at the Delacorte theater in Central park all throughout the summer. You will not be disappointed taking in a show.
These are just three of the great attractions that New York has to offer its visitors each and every day. The internet is an excellent place to locate even more great attractions and events going on through out the year that would make your vacation to New York even more memorable. No matter what you decide to do or what time of the year you choose to visit you are bound to have a fun and exciting vacation.n
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Surfing in Costa Rica!
The surfing in Costa Rica is topnotch with a wide variety of breaks and swells to ride. And with year round consistent surf, this Central American country is considered by many as one of the top surfing destinations in the world. Here the waters are warm all year long and with over 700 miles of coastline and literally hundreds of breaks, surfing in Costa Rica is truly something special!
Home to quite a few international surfing tournaments and some of the friendliest people in the world, surfing in Costa Rica can be a memorable experience for many. Affordable prices and easy access to most breaks adds to the appeal of surfing in Costa Rica. If you don't know how to surf, don't worry there are plenty of great surf camps here that can show you the ropes and make you an expert in no time at all.
Best Surfing in Costa Rica The best place to go surfing in Costa Rica has to be Witches Rock or Ollie's Point located near Playa Naranjo inside the Parque Nacional Santa Rosa. A legendary place to come surfing; the waves here are rated as the finest in the country. Another goof destination for surfers is Playa Hermosa in Puntarenas province. Situated near the beach town of Jaco, another popular surf spot, Playa Hermosa has consistent waves and a strong break, making it an expert surfer zone.
To catch one of the longest left breaks on the Pacific side of Central America head to Pavones in the Golfo Dulce area. The Salsa Brava in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is the biggest break in Costa Rica and is meant for expert surfers only. Sharp and fast, the waves here are very dangerous and should not be attempted unless you are a pro.
Popular Costa Rica Surf Spots Mal Pais and Santa Theresa are two very popular surf spots on the Nicoya Peninsula. Home to a number of surf camps as well, the waves here are excellent with plenty of affordable accommodations. The Malpais Surf Camp and Resort, Frank's Place and the Hotel Flor Blanca are a few of the well-known places to stay in this area.
In Guanacaste province and on the Nicoya Peninsula as well, both Playa Grande and Playa Negra offer some superb surfing. Playa Grande is a more quiet surf zone, while Playa Negra has some exciting waves. Made famous when the movie Endless Summer II was filmed here, the breaks at Playa Negra are fast and hollow.
Both Dominical and Matapalo are quiet surf zones and are ideal for the more serious surfer who wants nothing more than to just surf. Dominical lies along the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, while Matapalo sits on the Osa Peninsula close to the Corcovado National Park.
Author
To get further comprehensive information on Costa Rica Sufing, visit www.govisitcostarica.com/category/outdoorRecreation/surfing.asp and http://www.govisitcostarica.com/travelinfo/mapLg.asp?mapID=56 for Costa Rica surfing maps. Over the last few years, www.GoVisitCostaRica.com has been a leader in providing tourists with important travel data
Home to quite a few international surfing tournaments and some of the friendliest people in the world, surfing in Costa Rica can be a memorable experience for many. Affordable prices and easy access to most breaks adds to the appeal of surfing in Costa Rica. If you don't know how to surf, don't worry there are plenty of great surf camps here that can show you the ropes and make you an expert in no time at all.
Best Surfing in Costa Rica The best place to go surfing in Costa Rica has to be Witches Rock or Ollie's Point located near Playa Naranjo inside the Parque Nacional Santa Rosa. A legendary place to come surfing; the waves here are rated as the finest in the country. Another goof destination for surfers is Playa Hermosa in Puntarenas province. Situated near the beach town of Jaco, another popular surf spot, Playa Hermosa has consistent waves and a strong break, making it an expert surfer zone.
To catch one of the longest left breaks on the Pacific side of Central America head to Pavones in the Golfo Dulce area. The Salsa Brava in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is the biggest break in Costa Rica and is meant for expert surfers only. Sharp and fast, the waves here are very dangerous and should not be attempted unless you are a pro.
Popular Costa Rica Surf Spots Mal Pais and Santa Theresa are two very popular surf spots on the Nicoya Peninsula. Home to a number of surf camps as well, the waves here are excellent with plenty of affordable accommodations. The Malpais Surf Camp and Resort, Frank's Place and the Hotel Flor Blanca are a few of the well-known places to stay in this area.
In Guanacaste province and on the Nicoya Peninsula as well, both Playa Grande and Playa Negra offer some superb surfing. Playa Grande is a more quiet surf zone, while Playa Negra has some exciting waves. Made famous when the movie Endless Summer II was filmed here, the breaks at Playa Negra are fast and hollow.
Both Dominical and Matapalo are quiet surf zones and are ideal for the more serious surfer who wants nothing more than to just surf. Dominical lies along the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, while Matapalo sits on the Osa Peninsula close to the Corcovado National Park.
Author
To get further comprehensive information on Costa Rica Sufing, visit www.govisitcostarica.com/category/outdoorRecreation/surfing.asp and http://www.govisitcostarica.com/travelinfo/mapLg.asp?mapID=56 for Costa Rica surfing maps. Over the last few years, www.GoVisitCostaRica.com has been a leader in providing tourists with important travel data
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Land Tours in the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are known world wide by their nature wealth and for the singular presence of unique animal species in the world.
The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean in front of the coasts of Ecuador.To reach this destination, you should arrive first to the continental Ecuador and then take a local flight to arrive to the islands. Direct international flights don't exist to the Galapagos Islands.
Once in the islands, there are several alternatives to get to know this natural paradise. The cruises will let you visit the parts far from the cities like Puerto Ayora and San Cristobal, since only the islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal receive flights from the continental Ecuador.
All the cruises offer land tours in the islands. This activity you let you experience also main attractiveness of each island. Most of the land tours are focused in the knowledge of the spectacular fauna of the islands. Places where the birds establish their nests, feeding and mating places. Ecological paths demarcate all the destinations inside the islands.
In the big iIslands such as Isabela and Santa Cruz, it is possible to carry out journeys in horse or in bicycle. Visits to volcanoes of Isabela are obligatory activities to carry out. If you have luck, it is possible to appreciate the volcanic activity. In Santa Cruz, several kilometers of lava tunnels under the earth, out boilers, extinct craters full with the typical vegetation of the islands are some of the places you must visit when you travel to Galapagos.
The scientific station Charles Darwin offers 2 interpretation centers, investigation and sample of fauna of the islands inside Santa Cruz and Isabela. These places offer you a clear vision of the conservation project and environmental education that are carried out in the islands. Here, you will have the chance to observe some of the 13 species of turtles.
Other alternatives are to travel around the islands without necessity of taking a cruise. From the port, it is possible to take daily tour with small ships. They will take you to the near places around the port where several activities outdoors can be carried out. Surface diving, surf, kayak, bird watching and hidden beaches inside the islands are the main attractions. Tortuga Bay is the most famous beach of the archipelago. Covered with white sand, is the best place for surfing in the islands.
All these activities can be hired directly in the Galapagos Islands without previous reservation.
Useful Galapagos Islands Cruise & Diving tours Resources
- Galapagos diving
- Galapagos diving cruise
- Galapagos diving tour
- Galapagos Islands Cruises
- Galapagos Islands Cruise
- Galapagos Cruises Isabela & Santa Cruz
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
For The Love Of Golf In Costablanca Spain
If golf is a passion of yours, perhaps Golf property Costa Blanca style is exactly what you need to scratch that itch. Maybe the wife would rather relax in the sun or by the pool however, well there are numerous places in Costablanca, Spain where you can both have what you desire from your vacations. This area of Spain puts you within minutes of several picturesque courses, and the closeness lets you enjoy some time on the course as well as by the pool or beach.
There are some top four-star golf courses along the Costa Blanca. With each you will find lavish accommodations, perfectly kept greens and often, superior golf instruction.
A taste of some of the best properties within 50 km of the Alicante and Murcia airports include:
Campoamor Golf, Alicante Golf, Don Cayo Golf, Alenda Golf, and El Plantio Golf,. These courses are not only considered first class, but also offer bargain greens fees for guests staying at the close by resorts, such as the Campoamor Golf Hotel.
If a golf vacation isn't enough, you can buy a golf property that will give you the option of popping in and finishing a round anytime the urge to travel to Costablanca hits you. You can buy a penthouse and high-end apartment property that is merely steps from the golf courses. On the off-season, not that there's much of one in Costa Blanca, you'll find the perfect opportunity to rent out your property for a little investment income. You can also buy yourself a time-share and choose the dates you want to vacation.
There are new projects from some of Spain's top developers close to the Puerto Banus, Atalaya, San Pedro, and Alcantara golf courses. These new developments and others like them have what is known as a golf share. The site of the development along the golf course and near others in the area takes into account residency and offers membership shares in the courses themselves.
A good golf vacation obviously includes many hours of golf. But, there are other activities both on and off the course that are fun for the visitor looking for both serious golf and some serious relaxation.
After a lengthy, yet enjoyable day on the course, you can anticipate spa treatments of the plushest kind. Massages, manicures, facials, etc. are conveniently housed on the grounds and appointments run into the evening hours.
There's a nightlife aspect to a golf property Costa Blanca vacation too. Bars and restaurants and can start the day off perfectly, followed by a quiet stroll along the waterfront or dancing. Shops will usually stay open late in the evenings during high tourist times to capitalize on your vacation experience.Wednesday, February 21, 2007
How to Find Cheap International Airfares
How to Find the Best International Fares
Traveling internationally has never been easier, nut you've probably found that international airfares are not cheap. You may have also spent some time going through the search engines for discount international airfares only to become totally overwhelmed. So to start you off on your search here are some of the hottest deals on the web to help you quickly and easily find the best deal.
Travelling to Europe
You may be surprised to hear that there are search engines that deal specifically with people who offer discount international airfares. They are worth looking into as everyone uses different sources for their deals so that they have different discounts on international airfares. There are three search engines that deal with companies offering flights to Europe:
- Goo Flight (http://www.gooflight.com/). This search engine covers 35 countries which serve over 230 cities including the most popular destinations to England, Ireland, France, Italy and Spain. They currently have offerings from 16 airlines. - Sky Scanner (http://www.skyscanner.net/). This search engine operates on a slightly different premise. You first enter specific dates, trips or locations and it will undertake a complete search of it's databaseto match your criteria. Most of the other sites just list the availabilities . - Apple Fares (http://www.applefares.com/). This search engine was recently bought out by CheapFlights.com. Their main focus is on cheap airfares across Europe so if you plan on travelling around Europe once you arrive there, this is an excellent site to help you find cheap airfares as you travel around Europe.
Travelling Intercontinental or Within the USA
The following sites are great resources for intercontinental airfares or for travel within the US:
- Fare Chase (http://farechase.yahoo.com/). This site is simple, easy to navigate and use. It's so good that Yahoo just bought them out! - Qixo (http://www.qixo.com/). This site clains to be the biggest cheap airfare search engine of them all. It may well be true as it has a staggering amount of airfares and options available. - Opodo (http://www.opodo.co.uk/). Although it's a UK site it allows you to search its database with a combination of factors, such as airlines, different fares,traveling partners and ages.
Need a List of Cheap International Airfares?
There are alternatives to the pure search engine style cheap airline sites. There are also websites that list the best and cheapest airfares currently available. Take a look at some of the best:
- LowCostAirlines.org (http://etntelephone.com/lcostair.htm). This site carries a lot of information including lists of the budget and discount airlines, cheap airfare deals, a search engine and also a forum for you to search and discuss where to get the cheapest airfare. You can find out where the discount airlines are based so that you can get the best deals for travelling to a particular destination. - Attitude Travel (http://www.attitudetravel.com/lowcostairlines.html). This is an extensive site that includes details of the cheap international airlines that fly to and from Europe.
Why not try Being an Air Courier
One of the most effective ways to get cheap, or often free, airfares is to travel as an air courier. My sister used this method to fly for free to attend my wedding. While it's not suitable for everyone as you give up some of your luggage space to courier the goods, you don't really have to do anything with the goods themselves. It may not be ideal but for really deep discounts it's well worth considering. To find out more try these sites:
- The Air Courier Association (http://www.aircourier.org/) - The International Association of Air Couriers (http://www.courier.org/) - Air Hitch (http://www.air-hitch.org/) - http://www.budgettravel.about.com/cs/aircouriers/
Wherever you're going have a safe and enjoyable trip!
About the Author
Steve Dolan loves to travel. Finding the best airfare has become second nature. Click Cheap AirFare|Airline Tickets to start your cheap airfare searches. Then find exotic locations at Exotic Vacations.
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