Good Family Fun at Kid Friendly Resorts

Good Family Fun at Kid Friendly Resorts
By Steve Miers

If you are looking for a fun, family friendly vacation then you should vacation at kid friendly resorts. By staying at a kid friendly resort, you are going to experience an all inclusive vacation with everything that you need at your fingertips including food and games. Although you will still have fun exploring the local towns, you will also know that you can come back to the resort and relax or be active.

When traveling with kids it is important that you stay at a resort that is family friendly and kid friendly. Many resorts are geared towards couples or honeymooners. If you go to one of these resorts with your children you will find that there are not a lot of activities geared towards young children and that many of the activities and events are more for adults or couples.

So, what can you expect from a kid friendly resort? First of all, they know what kids want and families need. Most have been around for many years and have spent a lot of time and money investing in making their resort kid friendly. Some have even done research and worked with the younger crowd to ask them what they would like in a vacation.

Amenities, games, activities and even the food is kid friendly. These resorts typically have games appropriate for children of all ages from toddlers to teenagers. You will find anything from hopscotch games and three legged races to teen dance nights that you can attend but are also chaperoned by the staff at the resorts. Menus at these resorts also recognize that children can be picky eaters. They have added such things to their menus as macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers and build-your-own pizzas.

There have been more and more kid friendly resorts popping up around the world. Even other resorts may offer kid friendly weekends so that families can travel to that resort and have a kid friendly atmosphere and those wishing to travel sans kids can choose a different weekend to vacation. Before you plan your next family vacation, consider booking it at a kid friendly resort.

If you are looking for more information on beach resorts or perhaps discount cruises come visit us at http://www.vacationshowcase.org/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=SteveMiers
http://EzineArticles.com/?Good-Family-Fun-at-Kid-Friendly-Resorts&id=265806

Lodging in and Around Sheffield

Lodging in and Around Sheffield
By Susan Ashby

Sheffield has taken many steps over the past few decades to attract tourism from the UK and around the world. Many of the citys most popular attractions have been built or refurbished in the last 20 years following the decline of the steel market. The number of dining and lodging places in the city has had to grow at about the same rate as tourist attractions to keep pace in housing the citys guests.

People coming to see the various attractions, take in a sporting event, or doing business in town have a range of accommodation options, particularly in the city centre. Several four star hotels in the area, like the Macdonald St. Pauls hotel or the Sheffield Park Hotel contain everything you would need in luxury lodging. Multiple restaurants with fine cuisine, bars, spa and workout facilities, business centers and in room Jacuzzis are the norm. The Holiday Inn is also a four star hotel with 100 rooms in a grade II listed building constructed in 1862.

Three star hotels are more common in the city. Most have similar amenities to the four star hotels, but are slightly less luxurious, with restaurants not quite as renowned. Still, they are very comfortable places to relax or work from, and if youre in town to see the sites, you wont want to eat in the hotel anyway. Plenty of the trendiest pubs and restaurants are within a few minutes of these hotels so you may want to stay at the Novotel Sheffield for example. In the heart of the city centre, and close to the train station, shops, nightclubs, and theatres, these hotels will save you a little money that can be better spent eating and drinking. The Hotel Bristol or Grosvenor House Hotel are other good three star hotels in the area. The Cutlers Hotel is a two star hotel in the commercial center of the city. Theatres and shops are located nearby, and the bar and restaurant are quite comfortable.

The Leopold Hotel will be providing four star stays with a target opening date of May 1, 2007. The 50,000 square foot former boys school is undergoing the transformation to a boutique hotel in a Grade I listed building. The Leopold will not be accepting stag, hen, or same sex groups without prior arrangement. They do however claim to be gay friendly like many of the other hotels in the area. Other four star hotels around Sheffield are Hellaby Hall Hotel, Tankersley Manor, and the Sheffield Marriott.

If you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary, Houseboat Hotels has two floating apartments where you can stay for not much more than a hotel. The forty foot long Ruby, and the fifty foot long Lily-May are available for holiday or business travel. The owners have worked out a deal with the Hilton Hotel so their guests can use the health club and swimming pool. Special Occasion Stays cost a little more, but include Chilled Spanish Champagne, Hand Made Chocolates, fresh flowers, Port Aperitif and breakfast. The Houseboat Hotels Web site is flooded with rave reviews from people who were just thrilled to stay somewhere different.

If youre looking for something away from the city centre, The Aston Hall Hotel sits in 55 acres a minute from the M1 motorway, but has the look and feel of being in the country. The hotel is quite popular for weddings and conferences and banqueting facilities are available for between 10 and 320 people. They also do parties and corporate events. The Fountain Inn & Rooms near Penistone are also a back to nature destination. It is close to the Peak District National Park, and is outfitted luxuriously with four poster beds in the deluxe rooms. Two of the rooms are suites with the largest appointed with newly weds in mind. The staff likes to interact with the guests and the quiz night at 9pm on Sunday offers a first prize of a free nights stay. Other prizes include free drink vouchers. Other events are mystery nights, race nights, casino nights, and tribute nights.

If you want to really get back to nature, areas of the Peak District National Park have holiday cottages and bed and breakfasts. They will soon have their own unusual lodging as a barn conversion called Hall Farm Mews will be set to open in December 2006. The owners have converted a barn into luxury lodging for up to 10 guests in the three bed and three bath accommodation. Other Bunk Barns are available, without as much luxury, such as Bushey Heath in Derbyshire. Here you can choose your comfort level and price, from the bunk house to a campsite. The farm sells fresh free range eggs, and a few other products for your convenience.

The area in and around Sheffield is full of places to see and things to do if you do your homework you will be able to find exactly what you are looking for in lodging, food, drink, and entertainment venues.

Article by Susan Ashby of Sheffield Singles. To read more articles like this or for dating in Sheffield visit http://www.sheffield-singles.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=SusanAshby
http://EzineArticles.com/?Lodging-in-and-Around-Sheffield&id=384437

A Great Shore Excursion Swimming With the Stingrays!

A Great Shore Excursion - Swimming With the Stingrays!
By Sherry Otto

The next time you go on a cruise to the Caribbean, a great shore excursion to take is one where you swim with the stingrays! Our boat took us out into the ocean about 45 minutes off the coast of Grand Cayman Island. Right out in the middle of the ocean is a shallow spot where the stingrays gather. We pulled into a spot among the ring of boats that already circled the stingrays playground, got into our snorkeling gear, got off the boat and away we went to swim with the stingrays.

When my friend Tom first told me he wanted to swim with the stingrays I was a little apprehensive because I didnt know what to expect. I imagined the floor of the ocean carpeted with them and I didnt know where I was going to step. My apprehension only increased when we were briefed on the boat about what our behavior should be like toward the stingrays, and were told not to step on their tails or we would get stung! I got off the boat a nervous wreck!

Once we were in the water my nervousness turned to delight as we watched the graceful creatures glide through the water! There were plenty of stingrays to see, but I didnt have to worry at all about where I was going to step since they didnt blanket the entire ocean floor in reality like they did in my imagination. They swam right past us; close enough so that we could reach out and touch them as they glided by.

The stingrays felt like wet mushrooms! It was such fun to gently chase them through the water to see how close to them you could get! Our guide caught a stingray and brought it up out of the water for us to see while he gave us some information about it. Then he let us take a picture with the stingray before he let it go in the water.

If you are looking for a fun experience while you are in the Caribbean, I highly recommend swimming with the stingrays!

Sherry Otto
http://www.great-caribbean-vacations.comSpecializing in fun Caribbean vacations and Caribbean travel! Also offering travel tips, hot spots, and information about romantic vacations, beach vacations, sailing vacations, golf vacations, shopping vacations, and Caribbean cruises.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=SherryOtto
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Great-Shore-Excursion---Swimming-With-the-Stingrays!&id=164868

The Island of Beautiful Waters

The Island of Beautiful Waters
By Linda Thompkins

Guadeloupe, known as the island of beautiful waters, has the most unique shape of any island in the Caribbean chain. The butterfly shape evolved from the geographical movement of two separate islands, which pushed them together, with only a narrow river dividing them. Instead of one island, they could be considered as two since there are quite different.

Located in the French West Indies, Guadeloupe has three sets of offshore islands, which offers visitors an opportunity to island hop. Aside from the opportunity to visit several islands for the price on one, Guadeloupe offers first class beach resorts, some of the Caribbean's best outdoor markets, French and Creole cuisine, rain forests, volcanos, numerous waterfalls, a variety of beaches, and a variety of exotic flowers and plants.

That's more than enough for one vacation, but more the adventurous can easily continue their travel by catamaran or ferry to the neighboring islands of French Martinique, Dominica and St. Lucia.

The culture of the island is definitely French, however most locals speak Creole and French. Overall the culture of France, Africa, West Indian and Hindu makes a fascinating mix.

The people of Guadeloupe believe strongly in their form of culture, and many would like to be independent from France. However, financial support from France provides the island with a high standard of living, so the push for independence remains more talk than action.

Basse Terre is the larger of the two, with a rugged coastline, mountainous terrain and an active volcano. The west coast rich highlands offer a panoramic view of lush rainforests, banana plantations, and a waterfall at every turn. As you enter the rainforest, your visual senses are overwhelmed by the fusion of colors, the shapes of orchids, flowering trees with baskets of exotic flowers, and the ever present dwarf palms. Odd clanking sounds ring out through the forest, and I was surprised to find the strange noise was being made by the huge Hercules beetles. I never saw them, nor did I have any desire to after hearing their metal like sound.

After leaving the rainforest I traveled to La Soufriere, an active volcano which hovers 4,800 feet, and has steam constantly spurting from its top. As I looked at my map, it appeared that the Transcoastal Highway was the best route to the volcano, however one of the locals directed me on a southern route.

As I drove around endless fields of banana, coffee and cocoa plantations, I wished I had paid the local for his advice. The guide books state that the views of the volcano are often clouded, but on this day the sky was crystal clear. Its times like this that I wished I had brought along a traveling companion to take the wheel, so I could fully take in the beauty of La Soufriere. Upon arrival I was not prepared for the rumble from this huge volcano, or the taste of sulphur in the air, or the heat from the ground. I was so uncomfortable I could not stay longer, and hurriedly took my photographs of this magnificent landmark, and then headed out for my favorite spot, the beach.

After arriving at the beach, I was not pleased with the course brown sand on this side of the island - I prefer my beach sand to be soft, and white or pink in color. After meeting several visitors on the beach, I was told that my preferred beach sand was farther east. Before leaving I took the opportunity to take a dip in the blue Caribbean water to get the sulphur smell off my body, and have some of the best Creole stuffed crabs I've ever had in my life at a small beach bar. Now, I was fully ready for my trek east.

Grande Terre, the smaller of the two island masses is on the eastern coast and considered the low lands. I was delighted to see beautiful white sand beaches, along with clear water, and pristine coral reefs. This side of the island is an oasis for tropical birds such as pelicans, egrets, doves and sandpipers. While the western coast is home to lush rainforests, the eastern coast has countless rows of sugar cane fields and mangroves.

As I drive towards Pointe-a-Pitre, the metropolitan area, I was a little taken back by the lack of Caribbean charm of the city. Aside from the French architecture, this area is more like suburban America with high rises, shopping centers and freeways.

I'd heard about the open air markets in travel literature, so I had to make a visit. Oh, such a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits to rival the best of American produce. The women vendors have brightly colored head wraps, they love to wrangle over prices, and they give the liveliest descriptions you've ever heard about their wares.

One hour later, I left loaded down with fresh French bread, butter and lots of vegetables and fruits. Whenever I get back to Guadeloupe, I will definitely visit the market, but overall the city is too commercial, very noisy and the traffic reminded me too much of the U.S., so after loading up the car, I headed out in search of the perfect white sand beach.

Heading east from Pointe-a-Pitre, there are 20 miles of the most exquisite beaches any soft, white sand beach lover could hope to find. The farther you drive from the capital city, the beaches become less crowded.

I finally settled on the small town of Gosier which has the perfect soft, white sand beaches, lots of little bars, shops and cafes, bread and breakfast inns, along with big hotels.

Gosier is on the coast, and the rises into the hills where you can view the out islands of Marie-Galante and Les Saintes. While the thought occurred to visit these islands, I instinctively knew that my short time on Guadeloupe would be spent right there in Gosier on the beach. After three wonderful days, I headed back to the beautiful island of St Lucia, where my island hopping trip had started.

Too many islands, too little time.

Linda Thompkins is a Caribbean Travel Consultant, and owner of Travel 2 the Caribbean online agency. The agencies motto is Know Before You Go

Visit Travel 2 the Caribbean's site at:http://www.travel2thecaribbean.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=LindaThompkins
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Island-of-Beautiful-Waters&id=286368

You Don't Need to Be Crazy But It Helps

You Don't Need to Be Crazy But It Helps
By Raymond Strachan

Life throws up some challenges, but often it is only when you are in a situation where you have no other choice, do you rise to meet the challenge. And so, it is only when yo are thrown headlong into driving on European roads do you throw away anything that resembles sanity and go with the flow. If you are not up to it, stay at home in your bedroom slippers and stay safe and sane.

I chose to meet this particular challenge and now I have almost graduated from the European school of driving? I almost have all the requirements:

• I sit in the seat that passengers sit in in Australia
• I overtake on double lines
• I almost always ignore stop signs
• I always drive over the speed limit
• I park across car parking spaces but never in them
• I almost never indicate when changing lanes in traffic
• I push into traffic when I don't have right of way
• When passing just about anything, I always just miss them, especially babies in prams and little old ladies with walking sticks.
• I drive down one way streets
• I drive down a street just on the speed limit, the street being wide enough to take a Fiat Panda with the side mirrors folded in and I am in a Renault Megane and manage to stop in the case of an unsuspecting householder who happens to leave the house via the front door
• I cross busy intersections and as I go just miss, in order
  • A little old lady with a walking stick crossing 5 meters away from a pedestrian crossing
  • A Fiat panda stopped in the middle of the intersection while the driver, out of the passenger side window, talks to a man who has a barking dog on an extendable leash
  • Another motorist taking a short cut across the intersection on the wrong side of the road
  • A police car parked 2 meters away from the kerb
  • A 17th century arch which was built to ensure easy movement of two way traffic - on donkeys.
  • (did not see the baby in a pram.)

Now whilst this may seem impressive, I have still some of the most crucial skills yet to master. They are skills adopted from the days of gladiatorial contests in the Colosseum and refined over time to suit modern day Europe, the time of European unification. The passing of these skills are akin to initiation ceremonies where young inexperienced tyros are put through the mill, sometimes to the point of death, just to prove they can cut it in the real world.

The skills I have yet to master are:

• Overtaking on bends
• Overtaking on bends on mountainous roads
• Overtaking on bends on mountainous roads with cars coming in the other direction
• Overtaking on bends on mountainous roads with trucks coming in the other direction
• Overtaking on bends on mountainous roads with trucks coming in the other direction whilst the trucks are passing other trucks.
• Doing all of the above (including the first list) whilst talking on a mobile phone and lighting a cigarette simultaneously
• Oh yes, just in case you did not realise - the one way street the wrong way - of course.
• Doing all of the above without attracting the attention of the Cabinieri or the undertakers.

At least in Old Europe you do all of this in a nearly new car, with climate control air con and an over riding traffic update service which will cut in on your easy listening greatest hits of the seventies, eighties and nineties or your favourite cd by Jack Johnson or Cold Play. Cruise control is absolutely obsolete because you are overtaking and braking every 30 seconds or so. I am sure they are working on an I want to overtake NOW! mode to make it usable again..

In Turkey or some of the old eastern bloc countries you are more likely to be doing exactly the same in some rust bucket with brakes that barely work, a cracked windscreen and a couple of springs coming out of the seating. The one saving grace is that some enterprising mechanic will have got twice the performance out of the car than what it originally had. Especially if it's a taxi. But then they will have disconnected the meter to make sure that performance is not impeded.

Now, having reached a reasonable level of expertise, I have only five or six days to get the necessary skills and I think I can do it . There is just one problem area which I have not mentioned so far which I, like most Australians, will struggle with. It is the ability to be able to let other drivers do all the things that I have been talking about, to you, as often as you do it to them and do it most of the time with grace and humour, or at least tolerance. It's going to be tough.

See you on the roads in Australia!

Raymond Strachan loves life and tries to give it 110% at least 91% of the time. A quick look at the calculator will comfirm a 100% total. He has an off centre view on just about anything as can be seen in his travel blog, http://www.booknblog.com.

View the original blog plus pics of his experience here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=RaymondStrachan
http://EzineArticles.com/?You-Dont-Need-to-Be-Crazy-But-It-Helps&id=235367