Discovering the Real Alaska

With Alaska becoming such a popular vacation destination for travelers around the world, its history and society has become an increasingly interesting subject as well. There are many misconceptions about Alaska as far as its terrain, weather, and citizens are concerned. In reality, it is a somewhat untouched area of the world that is rich in beauty and culture.

Alaska is a country of extremes, of old and new, warm and cold, and ice and water. Only in somewhere like Alaska will ancient Eskimo and Indian cultures be mixed with modern practices of fishing and gold mining. The same skin boats are used from over a thousand years ago-except they are now fitted with the latest outboard motor. The beauty of Alaska has reached the ears of citizens across the globe. Because of this growing popularity, the upscale world cruise industry has began to include Alaska among its ports of call in the past couple of decades.

The vast area of Alaska equals about 20% of the size of the United States, or 586,000 square miles. One of the misconceptions about Alaska is that there is only one kind of climate: cold. In reality, there is almost every conceivable kind of climate and terrain imaginable.

Between southeastern Alaska and the most northern part of the Arctic slope there are breathtaking snow covered mountains, enchanting forests, and expansive, wide-open prairies. The Yukon River is the third largest on the North American continent, only after the Mississippi and the Mackenzie. Although there are no great lakes, there are a number of small ones.

A typical presumption about Alaska, as mentioned previously, is its extreme weather. The general public assumes there is no such thing as summer and that there is only ice covering the land. In actuality, 75% of Alaska is well below the Arctic Circle and, even the lowest recorded winter temperature is still above Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota's. In central Alaska, the highs in the summertime are comparable to those of New York City, which is actually quite hot. Passengers on five star world cruises are constantly shocked by the temperate climates in Alaska that they experience at Alaska's various ports and at sea.

The United States Weather Bureau has records of temperatures in Alaska reaching 100° F in the shade at Fort Yukon, 99° at Fairbanks, and equivalent highs for other areas. The highest recorded temperature in the beach areas of Florida does not currently surpass 96°. These statistics prove that Alaska is not the frigid, igloo-ridden part of the United States that many assume it is.

Ironically, many a traveler who has been to both tropical areas of the globe as well as the Arctic complain more about the heat in the Arctic than from the cold in the tropics. This may be due to the humidity found in hot areas of the Arctic-in the summer months the days grow so long that they reach a point where the sun never sets and there is no cooling-off time period. This is not the case in the tropics, where the sun sets for a long evening of temperate, cool weather.

The glaciers that adorn Alaska's coastline are also a source of misconception. Just because Alaska has a multitude of them does not automatically equal freezing cold weather. Glaciers are present in many parts of the world that are not associated with cold weather, such as Africa, Asia, and South America. With the correct amount of precipitation and a high altitude, a glacier can form just abut anywhere, even in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Alaska does have some of the most beautiful glaciers in the world, however. These glaciers are one of the main reasons Alaska has become a popular luxury world cruise destination.

There is some truth to Alaska having cold areas, particularly in the northern regions. The sub-soil in these regions is eternally frozen and hard as concrete. Over 50% of Canada also has frozen sub-soil, as well as huge areas in the Soviet Union. These areas of frozen soil result in countless puddles (both large and small) and lakes ideal for planes with pontoons to land on in the summer.

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Puerto Vallarta: The City of Festivals

After Puerto Vallarta found its way onto the international tourism map following the release of “The Night of the Iguana,” the city became a meeting place for artists, musicians and anyone seeking a cosmopolitan destination amongst incredible natural beauty. As a result, numerous festivals have developed in Puerto Vallarta, celebrating everything from independent film to haute cuisine. Throughout the year, these events welcome awestruck visitors from throughout the world and add to Puerto Vallarta’s standing as one of Mexico’s premier destinations.

Inspired by the legacy of director John Huston and his film, “The Night of the Iguana,” the Puerto Vallarta Film Festival of the Americas brings together the best independent films and documentaries from North and South America each year. Similar to the Cannes and Sundance festivals, the Puerto Vallarta Film Festival of the Americas features more than a week full of screenings supported by lectures, workshops and parties. The festival takes place each year during the first or second week of November, immediately before the beginning of peak tourism season. Families visiting Puerto Vallarta on a strict budget should consider traveling during this period as travel costs are lower, the weather is great and there is certainly plenty to experience.

Families visiting Puerto Vallarta in the weeks before the beginning of high tourism season can also participate in the city’s acclaimed Gourmet Festival. For 14 years, the Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival has brought together some of the world’s best chefs and the finest fare Mexico has to offer. Often, Michelin-star chefs collaborate with local restaurants to create unique menus inspired by the culture and scenery of Puerto Vallarta. Most of these dinners, along with the cooking classes and tasting events, are open to the public. The Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival usually takes place during the second and third weeks of November, occasionally overlapping with the Puerto Vallarta Film Festival of the Americas.

The May Cultural Festival has become a prestigious tradition in Mexico’s Jalisco state, reaching towns such as Zapopan, La Barca, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Though a number of the headline performances take place in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta puts on a number of exhibits and performances by international artists. Each year, the festival honors a foreign country by welcoming the visual artists and musical performers that represent the finest each nation has to offer. This year’s festival was dedicated to Germany and featured concerts by the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra and gallery exhibits by up-and-coming German artists. Though the schedule for next year’s festival has not been announced, visitors will have a chance to experience the cultural sites of Puerto Vallarta, accompanied by the finest music and art from another unique culture. The May Cultural Festival takes place each year during the entire month of May with most major events scheduled during the final two weeks.

Puerto Vallarta is also home to the world’s newest contemporary art festival. Known officially as Puerto Vallarta: Arte Contemporaneo, the festival is designed to bring together the work of Mexican and international artists. This year, the festival focused on artists from the United States and Mexico and featured panel discussions on issues as diverse as globalization, extended borders and the cultural identities of Mexican artists working in the United States. Many of the artists featured in this year’s festival exhibited work at prestigious venues such as the Whitney Biennial and the Tate Modern in London. Puerto Vallarta: Arte Contemporaneo plans to return next year during the final weekend of May with larger exhibits and more special events.

The local art scene is celebrated each year in November during the Festival de las Artes. During the final week of the month, nearly all of Puerto Vallarta’s art galleries stage elaborate openings and events that welcome art aficionados and curious travelers alike. As much of the work on display belongs to Mexican artists, including many Puerto Vallarta residents, many of the artists are on hand at the events to discuss the trade with art lovers. Now entering its 12th season, the Festival de las Artes is one of the best ways for tourists to experience the vibrant art scene of Puerto Vallarta. Best of all, most of the events during the festival are free of charge.

Though all the events mentioned here take place in either November or May, there is no shortage of similar events throughout the year in Puerto Vallarta. When accounting for Puerto Vallarta’s incredible scenery and cosmopolitan flair, it is no wonder that the world’s best flock to the city each year. When you come to Puerto Vallarta, plan on visiting some of these festivals where you can interact with remarkable artists, chefs and filmmakers while enjoying the lush backdrop of one of Mexico’s premier destinations.

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Thailand Holidays

In the last few years, more and more people have been heading for the Far East in order to enjoy a memorable holiday taking in the unique sights and sounds of the region. The difference between the culture of Europe and America and countries in the Far East such as China, Thailand, and Malaysia is profound, and the experience of visiting these destinations really can be life changing in many ways.

One of the most popular destinations in the region is Thailand, and people travel from all over thee world in order to enjoy the many different experiences on offer.

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand, and it is one of the most impressive cities in the world. It is a place that combines the traditions of the country with a modern twist, and blends ancient monuments with shopping malls and plenty of other attractions. Most visitors to Thailand will spend at least a few days exploring Bangkok as part of their time in the country, and this provides an excellent introduction to the pleasures of the country. Make sure you visit the Grand Palace with its breath taking sculptures and the various different temples that are located within the same complex.

Aside from the gilded temples and shopping malls, Bangkok is also well known for its nightlife. Patpong Road is the centre of the action in the city, and aside from the night market that operates throughout the week there are countless bars to explore during your stay.

Once the pace of life in Bangkok becomes too much for you and you are ready to relax on the beach, Thailand has a number of options available to you. Pattaya is on the Gulf of Thailand around two hours south of the city. It has a reputation for great nightlife, but the beaches are pleasant although a little crowded at the weekend. The town has plenty of attractions, but is not always seen as the best destination for families, as the nightlife can be a bit racy.

For a more refined and laid back holiday in Thailand, why not consider visiting Cha Am or Hua Hin on the other coast of the country. These quieter destinations offer plenty of space to relax and unwind, and are great for families. There are several spa retreat type hotels in the area, and these are ideal for anyone keen on relaxing and enjoying their time.

The islands of Thailand such as Koh Samui, Krabi, and Phuket have long attracted travellers from all over the world with their beauty. Phuket is probably the most developed destination in the country, and offers an extensive range of hotels to suit all budgets. The main town has some exciting nightclubs and a good range of shops and the white sand beaches are amongst the most attractive in the country.

Aside from beaches and cities, Thailand also offers a range of inland destinations including Chiang Mai that give visitors the chance to see the more traditional Thai way of life including the famous hill tribes, and also a number of elephant sanctuaries.

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Spring Break Trips - Best Packages For 2009

Spring break trips are synonymous with fun, however, searching through spring break packages to find the best one is not always a good time. If you keep some key elements in mind, it will make things much easier when trying to plan your vacation for spring break 2009.

First, lets talk price. I think most college students could agree that this is the number one factor in determining which spring break package to choose. Lets face it, most students are up to their eyeballs in debt. They can't afford to spend $1000 on spring break vacations. The good news is that everyone else feels the same way. Because of this, the high-priced trips are typically exclusive to older couples and families...not spring breakers. This is not the type of environment spring break students want to be in anyway. They want crowds of other students to party with. Try to eliminate packages above the $700 mark. There are plenty of great trips out there that fall below $500 per person, you just need to google harder to find them.

Second, we need to talk about what is included. Spring break students don't like extra fees and surprises. They want to pay one price and not worry about how much money they need to take with them on the trip to pay for extra things that pop up along the way. Try to find packages that include transportation(airfare or cruise). Don't try to purchase everything separate. Spring break vacations are the only segment of travel where it is typically always best to book everything together through one agency. Summer trips, New Years, and the family vacation is usually cheaper if you book everything separate...but not spring break trips. This is an important fact that most people overlook.

Third, everyone likes free stuff. Find packages that include free trips if you book before a certain date. Many agencies offer summer trips or New Years vacations to those students that book five or six months in advance. Don't wait until one or two months prior to book your spring break package. Agencies don't feel they need to offer big incentives when demand is at its peak. When the bookings start pouring in, the free trips and group discounts tend to disappear. Also, you will most likely not get a room at your favorite hotel if you wait two months prior. Most popular spring break packages book out four or five month prior to your departure date.

Last, see what destination is hot right now. Cancun was popular in the late 90's, but in 2007 everything shifted to the Bahamas. This was due to a massive hurricane that left many of the hotel lobbies with six feet of standing water and wind damage in the millions. This year, 2008 saw a record number of college spring break students in the Bahamas. Most of the hotels were sold out six months prior to March 2008.

Spring break 2009 will be wild, crazy, and non-stop fun for college students worldwide. Do your research and find the best option.

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Have The Best Camping Trip Ever With These Amazing Camping Tips

While we all know that camping is fun, great and so on, we also know that it entails careful planning to make it a memorable and fun experience. But the thing is, you don’t need to be a seasoned camper to enjoy camping. You don’t have to be a camper for 10 years or more to experience what an amazing camping trip is.

With these useful tips, you will know the secrets to having a wonderful camping trip.

Smart Packing

•Create a checklist and bring only the real essential things. Bringing a dozen suitcases filled with what you think are important will not only slow you down but might ruin your camping trip.

• Ration out supplies like medication, fuel, lotion, shampoo and the like in smaller containers filled with the amount that you’ll need for the duration of the camping. Add only a little extra for emergency.

Picking a Campsite

• Pick a spot with a clean and safe water source. Bringing too many bottles of water will slow you down and not having enough to drink will dehydrate you.

• Choose a shady spot. But don’t pitch your tent directly under the trees because it is dangerous in case of sudden thunderstorms.

Keeping Unwanted Guests Away

• Spray ammonia on garbage to remove the smell of leftover food and to keep animals away.

• After washing, use baking soda on your hands and clothes to remove the smell of food so bears and other wild creature will not go near you.

• Draw lines around your tent floor with chalk. This will keep ants and cockroaches away.

• To protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks, wear insect repellent lotion and tuck in your clothing like your shirt into your pants, pants into socks and so on.

Convenient Cooking Techniques

• Prepare and measure ingredients at home before you leave for the camping trip so that you need not bring your measuring spoons and cups. Place the pre-measured ingredient in small containers and be sure to label them so you don’t mistakenly put salt in your coffee.

•Half-cook food at home to save cooking time and fuel at the campsite.

• Always cover pots and pans while cooking so that food are cooked at a much faster time.

• Make your matches waterproof by dipping them in nail polish or melted paraffin.

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

• Try being naked when you sleep in your sleeping bag. The heat of your body will be reflected back to you.

• Don’t forget to bring a catalytic heater like the Coleman BlackCat™ Perfectemp™ Catalytic Heater that will provide you with safe and flameless warmth for a comfortable sleep.

Hiking Tips

• Don’t forget to bring the hiking essentials: snacks, water, watch, whistle, cell phone, compass, flashlight and knife in case of emergency.

• Opt for light running shoes and nylon socks if hiking boots cause blisters on your feet.

• Put a wet towel on top of your head if it’s hot. This will help keep you cool despite the scorching heat of the sun.

These tips will prepare you for your camping trip. And your camping trip will surely teach you more tips that you can add to these ones.

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Camping Tips To Help Make Your Camping Adventure Tons Of Fun

The best camping tip you can get is to abide by the Boy Scout motto and “be prepared.” There are all sorts of things that can happen on a camping trip so expect the unexpected. Make lists of items that you should bring and pack all the essential equipment. Take into consideration the area where you will be, any rules for the camping site, weather conditions, safety and fun.

The Campsite
Make sure you have the proper equipment for camping. Know what sleeping arrangements are and where you will be cooking. If you are using a camper or RV, much of this will be supplied in your facilities but you will need to know any rules for the particular campsite. If you are sleeping outdoors, make sure you have tents and sleeping bags as well as warm clothing. Bring waterproof matches for campfires and cooking. Set up tents according to instruction. Always leave your campsite the way you found it. The best rule of thumb is to make sure it looks like you were never there.

Food
Bring only the cooking utensils you will need to prepare meals and eat. You will not have a dishwasher and may not have trash bins available. So, make sure you can easily clean and dispose of food items and waste. Bring lightweight, non perishable and easy to cook and clean food items. Canned foods, trail mix, soups and stews are great nutritional meals that are easy to store and carry.

My favorite way to cook while camping is over the fire, using a tripod and aluminum foil. There are lots of delicious meals you can cook by putting a few ingredients in a piece of foil, sealing it, and cooking it. Cleanup is a breeze. There are no dishes to wash. You just need to properly dispose of the used aluminum foil. Do an Internet search for “campfire recipes” and you’ll get lots of delicious foil/pouch campfire meal ideas. While getting ready for camping, do not forget the water. Make sure you have plenty available to keep hydrated and to cook with.

Weather
Plan for the expected weather conditions in the area but do not be surprised if there is a sudden climate change. For summer bring hats for protection, sunscreen and insect repellant. For winter, make sure to dress in layers, wear sunscreen, and have waterproof footwear. Always bring extra clothing in case of a climate change. Even in hot weather it can get very chilly at night. Prepare for rain by ensuring you have shelter, tarps and waterproof attire.

Safety
A first aid kit is a required piece of camping equipment. These can be found pre made in pharmacies and outdoor sporting goods stores. Rope, a flashlight and waterproof matches are also important. Having a compass available will help in case you get lost and a whistle can help you call for help even if you are fatigued. If leaving the campsite, make sure you bring food and water supplies.

Fun
Bring games and toys, especially if you are traveling with children. A game of Frisbee or football is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Bring your fishing rods and canoes for fun on the water. Do not forget to bring binoculars and a camera for hikes and nature walks. You may want to bring art supplies and books in case of inclement weather. For nature walks, insect and plant guide books are usually lightweight and can help you identify wildlife and items in nature.

Camping can be great fun but you should always prepare for things that may come up. Sudden changes in weather can occur and accidents can happen. Make a list of the supplies you will need and carefully pack for your trip. Being prepared will help ensure you have a great time and stay as safe as possible in all conditions.

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Bodrum Yacht Cruises - Discover the Exotic Turkish Coastline

All the people who like to go on a vacation in the exotic country of Turkey always try their best to spend a few days or even a few hours aboard Bodrum Yacht Cruises because they never miss out the city of Bodrum. This city is known for its exotic nature and though not that famous around the world, it has a lot of be proud of. It is a very popular resort in the Mediterranean area and those who like to spend their holidays in the classic Mediterranean weather always want to visit Bodrum. Located in the Gulf of Gokova, some people feel that either they can visit the resort and spend their time here, or they will not get a chance to see the cruises and this is not a fact. The fact of the matter is that all the Bodrum Yacht Cruises actually leave their port from this enchanting city only and no where else and so people worry over something they do not need to worry about.

This island also known as the island of Gokova is a place which you will not want to leave once you start liking it. The clear translucent waters that keep lapping on the sandy beaches is a treat in themselves. It also allows one to see the rich marine life that lives beneath.

A day on Bodrum Yacht cruises will always be a day full of adventure. One can do just about anything from swimming or snorkeling, fishing or cooking, or if the weather does not permit, just sit out basking in the clear warm sun, a glass of your favorite drink in one hand. The climate is soothing and relaxing and one does not feel like doing anything, but simply wants to laze around doing nothing. This wonderful feeling will always catch you on this trip and will be the perfect way to break a way from the stress that you came to escape from here. The views that surround you are also very beautiful. They will range from exotic scenes of islands, to ancient treasures and ruins of a glorious civilization. Along with this, you will also see a really rare natural beauty of the planet that is perhaps not seen anywhere else. One of the popular stops on the trip will be at Sedir Island which has a unique history behind it. It has pieces of both, the Roman and the Egyptian civilizations and it said that beaches of this island are covered with a rare golden dust that were spread by Mark Antony as a gift to his beloved Egyptian queen, Cleopatra. There are even a few Roman buildings on the island which though lie in a state of gloom, speak volumes about the place and its history.

One can go on Bodrum yacht cruises by themselves or with family and friends or can go on a trip on a bigger one; the days vary from three to seven days. In any case, you will not come back disappointed because you are sure to have the time of your life.

Gordon Banks is a cruise liner enthusiast and has been writing many cruise ship related articles to help you find the best cruises and the best deals.

Learn about the Carnival Cruise Line Ship and discover all the fun you can have, exotic locations you can visit and the relaxing time which can be had aboard the Cruise Ship Infinity.

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Disney World Cruises

More people are going on cruises. If you think that this is just for couples, think again because Disney World cruises promises to make this a fun filled vacation for the entire family.

Disney world cruises set sail to the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico. Since these destinations are quite close to the mainland, most of these last for just a few days.

Most packages last 8 days and 7 nights with the first 3 days at the amusement park before you get to board the ship. Those who want to stay longer can avail either of the Mediterranean or transatlantic adventures as well.

Unlike other cruises liners, Disney World is quite new in the business and they only have 2 vessels. These are namely the Wonder and the Magic. Both of these have similar features and amenities on board that can hold 2400 guests each. There are plans to add two more ships to the fleet that can hold about 4,000 passengers by 2011 or 2012.

Each night on board one of these ships promise to be different because guests will experience a rotational dining system. This means you will get to eat in one of three dining rooms nightly while most only offer this in one large room.

Meals are already included in the package so the only thing you have to spend for will be drinks. You can avoid this by bringing some on board for the entire trip.

Despite the large number of passengers, you will notice that the state rooms and suites are not cramp making it possible to hold 5 passengers.

There are many things to do on board and to help you out, they have counselors that plan games and other activities. For those who want to spend some time away from the kids, you can ask the crew to assign someone to babysit them.

Given the popularity of Disney World cruises, customers are advised to book their trip at least 6 months in advance. On the day of your departure, make sure you are there at least 2 hours before because they make it a point to leave on time. If you miss your boat, they will try to make arrangements for you to meet up at the port where the ship will be docking. Should there be weather problems, the trip will be rescheduled at a later date.

One thing you should keep in mind when you go for a Disney World cruise or any other is to bring your passport. You are leaving US territory and you have to show this to the customs agent when you make a port call.

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