Travel Atlanta

Are the days of the super yacht coming to an end? Not likely, as there are many luxury yachts traversing the oceans and seas at any given time. Celebrities and other wealthy people love their time away from land in their personal yachts.

A new breed of luxury yacht is making an appearance on the horizon. This newly designed yacht is called the gigayacht. The gigayacht is an entirely new classification of yacht. WallyIsland is said to be the first of the gigayachts. Plans for WallyIsland include a 59 ft wide deck to accommodate the extensive garden area.

Luxury yachts, also known as super yachts, are expensive, privately owned yachts that are operated by a professional crew. Yachts are recreational boats used for leisure and relaxation. They generally start at 32-35 feet in length and increase from there. The term “mega yacht” usually refers to a yacht that is more than 100 ft in length. In order for a yacht to achieve “luxury” or “super” status, it must be at least 200 ft in length.

One of the most famous super yachts in the world is the super yacht owned by the Sheikh of Dubai. The Sheikh’s ‘Platinum’ is an impressive 525 feet long and powered by four 9000 horsepower diesel engines. The actual price tag of ‘Platinum’ has not been disclosed, but some estimate the price to be in excess of $300 million.

Another famous super yacht still under construction is that of Chelsea Football Club owner, Roman Abramovich. Upon completion, Abramovich’s yacht is rumoured to be 550 feet and an estimated 200 million sterling. The super yacht will have space for two helipads, a private cinema and a submarine. Abramovich currently owns a small fleet of luxury yachts widely known as ‘Abramovich’s Navy’.

Possibly the most famous of all super yachts is The Royal Yacht Britannia. Eighty-third in a royal line of yachts, Britannia proudly served the Royal family for 44 years. During its time, the yacht safely delivered The Queen and the Royal Family to 968 official destinations. The super yacht is now moored in the historic port of Leith in Scotland.

Now, the gigayacht isn’t the largest yacht ever made, but it is created to be the greenest. The main deck is designed with the comforts of your own floating estate in mind. The deck consists of a swimming pool, a beautifully landscaped garden and the foliage of your choice. The gardens will be kept healthy and green by an onboard irrigation system.

The extra-wide deck space gives the gigayacht a much larger feel than yachts nearly twice its length. A roomy 1,000 square meter deck space allows room for gardens, fountains and even outdoor sports. A comfortably large swimming pool also adorns the main deck.

The inside of the gigayacht will be just as impressive as the outside. The five accommodation decks include a saloon, dining room, library, cinema, and spa and fitness area. Sleeping quarters aboard WallyIsland include the owner’s suites and space for up to 40 crew members and 24 guests. As one would assume, the suites are rumoured to be spacious and comfortable.

The enormous fuel tanks hold 750,000 litres of fuel, giving the owner the opportunity to stay out of port for an amazing 15,000 nautical miles. This yacht comes fully equipped with everything one would need to maintain life on your own private floating island for five years.

The price tag associated with the gigayacht is expected to meet or exceed current luxury yacht prices. Don’t let the actual price disappoint or intimidate you. Although an official price has not been named to date, it is believed the gigayacht will remain under $200 million. This is a very competitive figure when compared to similar yachts.

read comments (0)

You will get the chance to meet the local forest workers, understand the environment and explore local plants you never knew existed in this unaltered environment. This unique tour enables you to dig deep into the interior of Phuket without the crowds. Small groups and complete instruction and helmet are provided in this package.

Phuket eco tours in Khao Sok & Khao Lak are also a viable option. Situated in the mainland province of Phang Nga just north of Phuket Island, Khao Lak has only recently been “uncovered.” The area, visited by only a few tourists, spreads across three national parks and offers nature lovers an unadulterated tropical landscape of beaches, hills, mountains, forested valleys, mangroves and estuaries. You can go for a trek on an elephant, float down the river on a bamboo raft, walk through the forest and get face to face with nature in this magical place.

Phuket tours also include visiting Phi Phi before the crowd – with the wind in your hair and the excitement of traveling by speedboat. You will get the chance to go island hopping. Get amazed by Ao Ling (Monkey Bay) on Koh Phi Phi Don, then can indulge in snorkelling at the famous Hin Klang and relax or swim in Koh Mai Pai (Bamboo Island) before reaching Koh Phi Phi Don for a great lunch. Enjoy the rest of day at Phi Phi Leh, visiting Maya Bay – site for the Hollywood film: The Beach – and snorkeling in some of the most pristine water on the planet.

There is an abundance of sports activities available for you in Phuket. The strange and compelling limestone scenery of Phang Nga has numerous tiny islands, many uninhabited, which is home to hidden caves, tunnels and interior lagoons – known locally as “hongs.” Looking into the interiors of the area by sea canoe/kayak is a safe and peaceful way to witness this fascinating world, with minimum damage to the natural habitat.

With a wealth of colorful marine life, warm waters and easy access, Phuket and its nearby islands are perfectly suited for snorkeling. Swim among parrotfish, clownfish, needlefish, damselfish and surgeonfish, and you may even watch an octopus or two peeking out from beneath a rock.

Surfing is another of those thrilling water sports available to you in Phuket. During Phuket’s monsoon season (May-October), the normally calm sea churns up enough to give surfers and boogie boarders a splendid ride. Golf is yet another widely accepted sports activities in Phuket. Phuket boasts of four fine golf courses, all of which have been designed to efficiently utilize the island’s tropical trees and abundant water.

The choices offered for making fun is in no way limited. Phuket offroad fun park and the various kinds of amusement parks are among those unlimited options. In summary, the diverse tours, sports and fun activities offered to you will make you feel aplenty.

read comments (0)

Backpacking Wondering what backpacking really is? The definition is varied but the bottom line is that Backpacking is low-budget, independent, round the world, off-the-beaten-track traveling. It is for those travelers who are averse to lots of luggage and conventional package holidays.

Backpacking is a term that has historically been used to denote a form of low-cost, independent international travel. Backpacking is slowly but surely turning into a subculture of generally youthful travelers exploring the planet on a limited budget. The name connotes travelers that travel with a rucksack (a large backpack) instead of the usual holiday suitcase. They may go hiking and camping, backpacking in the other sense, but they more often explore more urban settings.

This is an infectious sub-culture attracting enthusiastic and intrepid travelers everywhere. The determining factor is to see as much of the world as possible on slim wallets; a passion for exotic places at the least cost.

The adventure is all about low-cost options such as sharing lifts, last minute flights, relatively cheap round-the-world air ticket which permits numerous stops, youth hostels, free hospitality services and buying food at supermarkets abroad instead of going to restaurants. Some backpackers get free accommodation by teaching the local people in return for their services. Some simply volunteer their time and skills as they travel.

The most popular backpacking destination is undoubtedly Australia. The key advantage of backpacking in Australia is that, if you’re aged between 18-30, you qualify for a working holiday visa. Other attractive destinations include beautiful places with low costs of living such as Africa, South America, India, Morocco and even Thailand.

Destinations being exotic means travelers must change their lifestyle accordingly. You may have to live with the bare essentials. You may have to get accustomed to habits and facilities such as pit latrines, going without running water and even the luxury of three proper meals a day.

Before you go gather information to help you before you embark, from advice on passports and visas,airport parking and travel insurance through to what you need to pack. You can read up on specific gap year advice, find out about working abroad and get tips on transport too. Read through country guides to give you an introduction to the location itself and gain advice about working there. Browse hostel listings to help you find the right budget accommodation.

Remember whether you are Backpacking the conventional way, or tramping or trekking or bush-walking in other countries, you must read in advance, other people’s experiences. Such information is crucial in providing trail finders, hosteling information, gear guides, and other travelling tips In your preparatory list remember to put insurance right at the top. It is important to get the right cover for the type of trip you are undertaking.

Safety and your health are important while away from home, is the most important. Remember the risks posed by Hypothermia if you are going to places with extreme temperatures; ‘prevention is the best cure’ should be your mantra. The dangers of a sudden hostile weather change or equipment poorly conditioned for backpacking can, quite easily, ruin your globe-trotting adventure. We hesitate to recommend children joining you in your trail blaze.

It is recommended that you travel light. Buy Multi-purpose gear if available. Use tried and tested tools and gadgets. You not only need gadgets but experience of using them too. Items such as optics (binoculars, monoculars), electronics (cameras, picture-editing software, GPS, compasses, altimeters, watches) communications (phones, radio, ham radio) are all handy tools.

Backpacking can be a wonderfully spontaneous and thrilling experience but a traveler must afford a great deal of flexibility to enjoy it fully. If backpacking isn’t your preferred style just remember that there is more than one way to travel around the world.

read comments (0)

Everybody agrees on the fact that scuba diving is a relaxing sport that makes you feel special. While scuba diving you get to see the wonderful life underwater and to learn how to appreciate and protect it. There are many places where you have the chance to scuba dive each one more special in its own way. Some of them may be special because of the rare species that are living there, others because of the clarity of the water or they may be famous because of the high density of sea organisms.

An extraordinary place for scuba diving is Tenerife, the most famous site from the Canary Islands as it is the largest and the most visited by tourists. This is where you will find the sympathized Los Giants, known as the calmest place in Tenerife. These cliffs are perfect for family scuba diving or for any other diving group. There are many restaurants that can satisfy everyone’s tastes and a carnival takes place in the area. You will surely be impressed by the well equipped diving centre from Tenerife that has utilities such as diving shops and diving classroom.

As spectacular as the amazing cliffs are the luxuriant and diverse organisms that live in Tenerife’s waters. Also the air and the water temperature are more than perfect for scuba diving. No matter what season you would choose, you will be able to dive in the best conditions. Another thing that can determine you to go to Tenerife is the fact that you will be pleased by both aspects: the underwater world and the exotic beaches. Another great thing in Tenerife’s center is the peak of a popular volcano that is not active since 1909, named Mount Teide.

As mentioned above, Tenerife is full of amazing sea organisms such as turtles, trumpet fish and stingrays. This exotic island is also sheltering some weird creatures, like giant anemones, parrotfish and barracudas, which live in caves. While scuba diving around wrecks you can observe the mysterious habitats of moray eels of many sizes and shapes and get impressed by their charm.

An important thing is the fact that even if you are a beginner when it comes to practicing scuba diving you shouldn’t be afraid because Tenerife is a friendly and exciting place. For those who are experienced divers, Tenerife will bring them to another step of their passion. In other words, this place is really a curiosity of nature and it amazes everyone who’s going to scuba dive, whether it’s an experienced or a beginner diver. The Canary Islands are all extremely beautiful and Tenerife has the largest number of admirers when it comes to scuba diving trips. If you want to get to dive in each great location of the world then Tenerife is something that should not be ignored. Take your family with you and benefit from the most interesting moments while scuba diving the diversity of Tenerife’s waters.

read comments (0)

Driving a rental car across the border can be tricky. Whether or not a rental company will allow this really depend on a variety of factors, including the car rental company and which border you are trying to cross.

However, you may need additional insurance in order to drive in another country and you will need to find out if there are any differences in the road rules in the country you are heading to.

Canadian Border

You have a lot more leeway here than if you are wanting to cross the border into Mexico. The majority of car rentals in both Canada and the U.S. will allow you to take your rental car across the border, as long as you are planning to come back again. The exception to this rule is if you are a resident of the country that you are driving into. For example, if you are a Canadian citizen, you cannot take an American rental car into Canada unless it has Canadian license plates.

Also, if you are going to be taking a rental car across the border into Canada, you will need to show your rental documents to the border officials, so have them handy. In addition, you will probably need to purchase additional insurance, since the insurance that comes with the car rental won’t cover accidents or theft outside of the U.S. You will probably need to have a Canadian non-resident insurance card in this case.

Talk to your rental company before attempting to cross the border, since you don’t want to be crossing without permission or insurance!

Mexican Border

This is a bit trickier. You’ll be hard pressed to find a car rental company that will allow you to take a rental car into Mexico, due to the high crime and theft rate in this country. There are a few rental companies that may allow you to take the rental car across the border, but this is fairly unlikely. A better option would be to just park at the border and walk across. If you need to have a vehicle on the other side, rent from a Mexican car rental company as they are better equipped to deal with the risks.

You will definitely need to buy extra insurance if you do decide to cross the border into Mexico in a rental car and manage to get permission from your car rental company. Sometimes, you can get this extra insurance to cover you in Mexico from your rental company, but you may prefer to go with a third party insurance supplier if it is cheaper. Read the contract carefully and make sure that you are covered for everything from car theft to accidents. Mexico can get a bit wild, particularly in the border towns, so try to park the car in safe areas where you pay someone to keep an eye on it.

Taking a rental car across the border is possible in many cases, depending on which border, but do make sure to talk to your rental company first about your plans. They may require extra insurance or have some tips for you. You can also find out what is required in order to cross the border, whether or not you need a passport and what other paperwork is necessary.

As long as you do your research, you should be fine to take a rental car across the border. Just be sure to have everything in order, including the extra insurance, so you won’t be faced with unexpected delays.

read comments (0)

Skiing for the first time is both an exciting and challenging event, the thought of getting your adrenaline flowing by sliding down large mountains makes you feel like you are about to experience something that will give you lasting memories. One thing that people do need to be mindful of is where the best beginner ski holidays are, as not all ski resorts accommodate for inexperienced or beginner skiers.

Places like Meribel, Val d’Isere, Chamonix and Engelberg are extremely popular amongst professional and expert skiers, however, it would make for an unsuitable destination for beginners. Ski holidays in certain destinations will cater for those with very little or no knowledge of skiing, as they usually have smoother slopes that are not all filled with experienced skiers. One thing that will put off any first time skier is watching the number of pro skiers slide down the slopes at full speed.

Ski holidays in places like Chamonix attract many people and contain a lot of challenging mountainous slopes and jumps. The first place that would be top on the beginners ski resorts is Villars in Switzerland. During peak seasons, this can be extremely busy and difficult to begin skiing lessons at; therefore, it is better to go during a quiet period and avoiding weekends. Learner terrains are ideal with great mountainous views and virtually no distractions from the hustle and bustle of pro skiers.

The next resort to consider is Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy, whereby the ski slopes are free from other skiers and have clear and smooth runways. All of the mountainous areas have a reasonable and comfortable altitude, all of which are good for making progress on. This is a popular destination so it is worth going at its quietest period if you are keen on going just to learn. The summer period sees Cortina turn into a relaxing and breathtaking spot for hiking and impressive sightseeing activity.

The final place to consider is Beaver Creek of the USA. This is ideal for first-time snowboarders and beginner skiers as it offers a separate beginners centre where learners can gain an insight into their upcoming skiing experience. Their previews include a video instruction and lesson about skiing, loading and uploading on lifts, and then a final question and answer session before venturing out onto the snow. This allows the student to understand the basic procedures before joining in on the practical sessions.

You will also get a chance to ski down slopes and trails such as Red Buffalo and Booth Gardens, all designed for beginner trails. One ideal place for honing your skills is the Buckaroo Bowl that allows instructors to help learners use the edges of their skis and speeding up the learning process of various skiing techniques. Ski holidays here do tend to be on the expensive side and is a very classy place to spend your winter period.

When choosing a beginners ski holiday destination, you should always look into the facilities that they offer as well as looking into when is the best season to start learning. Find out how much the extra tuition is and always get a clear idea on the lesson itinerary. Most importantly always purchase travel insurance, just to be on the safe side.

read comments (0)

Usually when families take vacations to the Northeast, they will take in all the beautiful countryside and as many historical sites as they can. These are two of things that attract visitors the most to this area.

This is the region where our country was first settled and Philadelphia was a large part of that settlement. There are the usual attractions like The Liberty Bell, the home of Betsy Ross, and Independence Hall, but there are many more interesting places to see in and around Philadelphia that many will miss.

The Philadelphia zoo is a great place to spend a day with the kids if you have them. There are zoos all over the country, but each one is uniquely different so why miss this one? The Philadelphia Zoo was established in the 1800’s. It is the first like it in the country. They have rare animals such as white lions and pandas.

The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is the oldest structure on the Parkway and it was built in the mid 1800’s. It has beautiful architecture and is done in the Italian style. Whether you are of the Catholic faith or not, you might wish to attend one of the beautiful Mass services that they have here.

The Franklin Institute of Science Museum is also a very interesting place to visit. It has many hands on exhibits, high tech theatres, and demonstrations. You can even age yourself with a special computer to see what you will look like in the future. This museum is within walking distance of Rodin Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Academy of Natural Sciences.

If archaeology and anthropology is your thing, then you will want to add The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology to your list. This Museum is over 100 years old and is always adding new things to its collections.

If you have always wondered what The Masons were all about, you could visit the Masonic Temple. It will tell you all about the history and works of The Masons. The building that houses the Masonic treasures was dedicated in the 1870’s.

Admission to The United States Mint is free. You can witness the way that out currency is produced. There is a tour that lasts for about 45 minutes and you can purchase commemorative merchandise before you leave.

These are just a few of the many tourist attractions that are sometimes missed when people visit the Philadelphia area. You can find even more interesting places to see that might appeal to you by searching the websites that are dedicated to Philadelphia tourist attractions.

read comments (0)

As summer approaches, many ski resorts plan to suspend their winter sports for the season.

Colorado’s ski season is coming to a quick close. More than half of Colorado’s ski resorts have already closed for the summer. The remainder will be closed by the first week of June. Some of the more popular resorts like Aspen, Keystone and Vail have already closed. Summertime for Aspen, as well as other Colorado resorts, means camping, concerts and plenty of park activities.

In California, Lake Tahoe ski areas closed at the end of April. During the summer months, Lake Tahoe provides just as much fun for outdoor enthusiasts: golf, fishing, rafting, hiking, biking, sailing and lake cruises, just to name a few. Youth camps and extreme summer camps for kids are available during the summer. The resorts also offer gaming and other indoor activities.

Utah is also closed for skiing holidays. The Snowbird resort won’t be closing their ski season until May 26, but will be open only Friday through Sunday during May. Summertime activities in Snowbasin and other Colorado destinations include fly fishing, water skiing, windsurfing, backpacking and sightseeing. Of course camping is also an option in your favorite wintertime ski areas.

Recent weather conditions have caused some ski resorts to close early for the season.

Some North Carolina ski resorts expected to be open until mid-April, but closed earlier in March due to above normal temperatures and inconsistent weather patterns. Asheville’s Hawksnest in Seven Devils was set to close near the end of March. Seven Devils offers a lot to do during the summer months as well as the ski season. Golfing, hiking, fishing and area theme parks are among some of the attractions. Asheville, North Carolina is also home to the grand Biltmore estate, which is a very well-known tourist attraction during the summer months.

Several European ski resorts also closed early. Through the years, many resorts have remained open through June, but this year most are already closed or will do soon due to lack of snow. Of course this causes concern for resort owners for coming years. Some are concerned that global warming is causing shorter winters and less snowfall. Others simply believe it is due to a mild 2007-2008 winter.

Abondance, one of the smaller resort towns in the Alps, was the first to shut down permanently due to lack of snow. Abondance, though not a functioning ski resort for a year now, offers marked snowshoe paths with guided tours and 10 km of cross-country ski tracks. For cheese-lovers, this small town offers up its specialty cheeses made from cows raised locally. Family discovery holidays are very popular in Abondance.

Many other resorts in the Alps offer great summertime holiday packages. Some packages include camping, hiking and even language classes for those who wish to learn French. Some of the more popular summertime camps offer guided tours of museums and art galleries throughout the Alps. Hiking, biking, windsurfing, paragliding and ballooning are very popular summertime activities enjoyed by summertime visitors.

Additionally, you may choose to take an air-guided tour to experience a true birds-eye view of the Alps.

Ski resorts offer much more than skiing and snowboarding. Many people often don’t consider these resorts when planning summertime holiday destinations. Ski resorts world-wide welcome summertime visitors and offer many unique activities for individuals and families.

read comments (0)

Later in its history, the Romans invaded the Iberian Peninsula and they Romanized much of the area. They built aqueducts, bath houses, temples and many other structures and many of the remains of these buildings can still be found in Costa del Sol.

By the 4th century, Christianity had spread throughout much of Spain and Costa del Sol was no exception. From that time, control of Costa del Sol changed hands a number of times. It was ruled by the Moors from the 8th century up until the 15th century when the Christian monarchs overthrew the Moors and expelled much of their population.

In the 1950s celebrities began coming to Costa del Sol. They were attracted by its beautiful beaches and mild climate, as well as the natural beauty that comes with the combination of beaches and mountain terrain. In the 1960s, tourism really took off when Malaga was connected to other European cities by air transport. Since then, the roads and rail facilities have been built and improved as well. Now, Costa del Sol is a popular holiday destination and the property market is booming.

If you enjoy a bit of sight-seeing, there are a number of quaint Spanish villages near to Costa del Sol. Otherwise, you can find tiny white villages that look like they are attached to the sides of the mountains. Walking up to take a look at these villages will offer a stunning view back down to the sea. Costa del Sol is also a convenient base for visiting some of the major cities in Europe. If you are looking for some recreation time, Costa del Sol offers some of the best golf courses in the world. It is also home to some excellent water sports. It contains a number of luxury spas resorts which are great places to be pampered. In addition, Costa del Sol boasts many excellent restaurants, shops and a vibrant nightlife.

Hotels in Costa del Sol vary in quality from one to five stars, with five star hotels that may contain swimming pools and beautiful gardens. You can also find luxury golf resorts or boutique hotels for those who are after something a bit quainter. Bed and breakfasts are available around the city or you can choose an Andalusia-type rural getaway in the country.

Costa del Sol offers a large number of resort apartments which may suit families with children. They are located near the beach, but are close enough to the city to be able to conveniently go into town to see the sights. It is possible to find a beachside apartment that is within an exclusive private development. The advantage of these is that they may offer their own swimming pools or golf courses.

So, choose the area you’d like to be in and your budget and you will have no trouble finding an accommodation option to suit your needs.

read comments (0)

It is based at the very foot of the awe-inspiring Sierra Nevada Mountains, at the conflux of 3 rivers, Beiro, Genil, and Darro. It is set 738 meters above sea level and its nearest local airport is the Granada airport. The pomegranate (Granada) is Granada heraldic device.

Granada is well-known within Spain for its vibrant night life due to the prestigious University of Granada. It is in fact said that it is 1 of the 3 top cities for university students.

When looking around for hotel accommodation, pay special attention to the hotels that are supported by the city pass. When you stay with them for at least two nights, you will be entitled to a Free City Pass per double room holiday accommodation. Note that this special offer cannot be combined with the many other offers or discounts on holiday rentals and holiday apartments in this area.

Once your holiday accommodation has been booked, look at some of the fabulous attractions Valencia has to offer. There are many tourist attractions in Granada well worth a visit, and the Alhambra Palace is definitely one of the top choices. The Alhambra was a palace, that both served as a fortress and a home to the Nasrid Sultans and their high government officials. Servants of the court and elite soldiers of the Nasrid Dynasty also lived there, the Nasrid Dynasty being the last Islamic sultanate in the Iberian Peninsula. The Alhambra is one of the most famous Islamic works of art.

The Cartuja monastery is located in the Cartuja district. This is an ancient monastery that was built in a late Gothic fashion with exuberant Baroque interior decorations. In the Cartuja district, many buildings were also created when the University of Granada grounds were extended.

When you have booked your holiday accommodation in Granada, here is a list of top ten things you must do while visiting Granada should be:

1. Touring the tapas bars around Campo del Principe and Plaza Nueva.
2. Attending the International Granada Festival of Music and Dance.
3. Visiting the Royal Chapel and Cathedral where the ‘Reyes Catolicos’ are buried.
4. Enjoying the spectacular festivals during Holy Week (Semana Santa).
5. Getting the awesome view of the Alhambra palace from the Mirador de San Nicolas.
6. Taking a whole day excursion into the Alpujarras.
7. Wandering through the tiny Moorish Albacin streets.
8. Seeing a flamenco show staged in the Sacramonte caves.
9. Skiing in the Sierra Nevada in winter.
10. Visiting the Curtuja monastery to view the interior decoration.

Today, Bib-Rambla is a high point for gastronomy tourists, especially its restaurant terraces, which are open on beautiful days. The Alcaicer’a AlArab bazaar consists of several narrow streets, which starts at the Bib-Rambla and reaches as far as the cathedral.

Albacin is a hill situated on the Darro riverbank, which transports visitors to a extraordinary unique world: the ancient city of Elvira site, so-called before the Moors called it Granada.

read comments (0)