Sandals' Red Lane Spa or Resort $250 Credit Offer!

Wednesday, August 30

An adventure travel with most popular Cruise Lines

Celebrity Cruises

With destinations such as Alaska and Mexico and onboard activities ranging from Acupuncture lo skeet-shooting to volleyball, this line otters "a decidedly up heat experience". Some vessels have a botanical conservatory, a casino, and a slew of designer shops. We loved the team members," of which there is one for every three passengers "They seem happy to be there." The line lately partnered with Cirque du Sofeil to open the Bar at the Edge of the Earth. Even in typical cabins, "The storage space was convenient, and there was enough closet and drawer space” As for food, "there's a good, broad selection" in June. Century will re-launch with 114 new verandas after a $55 million renovation.
800-437-3111; celebrity.com

Jamaica
Crystal Cruises

The Gold List's highest-scoring line has "ships that are so well designed." Sail to Africa, the South Pacific or the Riviera Maya. "Tasteful staterooms" have sitting areas with love seats and coffee tables Egyptian cotton sheets, a shower and bathtub, fresh fruit and flowers, and flattering bottled water "are luxuries you expect only in hotels. "At Silk Road, a Japanese restaurant with Nobu-traned chefs, "the black cod in miso is out of this world" In the Crystal dining room chefs never replicate a menu even during three and-a-half-month around-the-world cruises. Or opt for room service, where dinner is delivered to your cabin course by course. Speakers include "an amazing Italian wine expert”.
Pre-reserved shore excursions up to a year in advance-through a new online booking system.
888-799-4625; crystalcruises.com

Sandals Beaches


Disney Cruise Line

"It's obviously the best cruise line for children". The Oceaneer Club, designed like a pirate ship, provides craft projects for youngsters. The teens can play video games in the dorm room style Aloft. Parents retire to the adults-only pool or the Vista Spa. Expect "brief stops at overrun tourist spots" such as Key West or a daylong sojourn at Disney-owned Castaway Cay, where you can snorkel and kayak. Cabins are simply decorated with vivid fabrics and "are big enough to pile the whole family in. "Crew members, who include a rotating cast of Disney characters, "are basically forbidden to frown". At a number of themed restaurants, "we wished the cooks would pay more attention to the standard, theme-part: fare".
800-951-3532; disneycruise.com


Holland America Line

Full-day excursions at ports of call in Alaska, Europe and the Pacific "offer more than just shopping for I love Australia T-shirts". Cabins have new pillow-top mattresses, baskets of fresh fruit, massaging showerheads "and even chocolates on your pillow ".
"An honest variety of learning activities" includes tours of each ship that study the vessel's unique artwork, as well as guest lectures on regional history and culture. Newly expanded Greenhouse spas provide hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms, and massages in rooms overlooking the water. In the main dining rooms, five-course meals are served on tables dressed with white linens and china. "The service is what you'd expect at a fine restaurant".
800-426-0327; hollandamerica.com


Oceania Cruises

Expect "great value for the price" from this line that sails to destinations such as northern Europe, Libya and the Greek isles. New this year, the Accent on Italy is a 12 -day sailing from Rome to Venice with stops in Florence, Genoa, Naples and Umbria. "The Regatta's library is the most gorgeous thing you've ever seen" with books, newspapers, magazines and computers accessible to passengers. Dine wherever you like: The Grand Dining Room serves French cuisine, Toscana features Italian, and the Polo Grill dishes up steak and seafood. The entertainment in the Lounge include live music, magicians, and bingo, and "there are few onboard activities."
800-531-5658; oceaniacruises.com

Next time: The other Cruise Lines that you shouldn’t miss.
Resources: Conde Nast Traveler

Tuesday, August 29

Smile, you are in Spain

Port building-Barcelona One of the world's most interesting places just got even more accessible and inviting. The biggest news in European travel this year is the shiny, new $7.4-billion Terminal Four at Madrid's Barajas International Airport. The terminal, its satellite, and two new runways will double the airport's capacity, making Barajas the second largest airport in Europe and the world's 10th largest. The innovative, state-of-the-art terminal building features a rolling, wing-like roof and glass walls that bathe travelers in natural light. This artful new construction is an appropriate welcome to Spain, setting the stage for a collection of architectural wonders on view throughout the country.

Gaudi


Spain's renowned museums offer an evenly artful display. Through September 3rd,"Picasso:Tradition and Avant-garde" is on view at the Museo Nacional del Prado and the Museo Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. Timed to match with the 25th anniversary of the return of Guernica to Spain and the 125th anniversary of the artist's birth, the exhibits showcase more than fifty masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, many never before exhibited in Spain.

Through September 30th, Seville's spectacular Real Alcazar will host "Ibn Khaldun, the Mediterranean in the 14th Century: Rise and Fall of Empires." Almost 300 works gathered from throughout Europe and the Middle East will show the political, economic, and social relationships between Europe and the Arab-Maghreb world. As attractive as the exhibit itself is its location—the beautiful Mudejar palace of the Real Alcazar, Seville's main focal point, its most outstanding historic complex, and the oldest royal palace still used by a European monarch. For this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition, the Real Alcazar is offering special evening viewing hours so visitors can also walk among the gardens, fountains, pavilions and terraces of the royal residence by moonlight.

Two other Spanish cities - Malaga and Barcelona - are also commemorating Picasso with year-long programs of exhibitions, operas, ballets and activities for children and families running through February 2007. The Museo Picasso Malaga will present three shows in honor of that city's most famous native son and Barcelona will host three exhibitions, three ballets and several concerts to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the artist's return to that city.

Skylight


Spain is one of the best places for windsurfing in Europe. Every year, thousands of windsurfers from all over the world come to Spain’s beaches to follow their favorite sport and it is no surprise that Spain is the country to host the most world championship competitions. You will also find that the Spanish coast has many other advantages, including excellent hotel and services communications and the chance to enjoy a broad range of leisure facilities and cultural attractions. If the surfboard is a vital part of your holiday, then make sure Spain records in your travel plans.

Legendary locations
You can go windsurfing all year round in Spain. The pleasant year-round temperatures in the Canary Islands mean that you can sail whenever you want, while the beaches of mainland Spain are ideal from the beginning of April to the end of November, at the least. The best seasons are spring and autumn, however, on account of the favorable winds and less crowded beaches.

There are certain locations with international popularity, either for their windsurfing tradition or good access. This is the case of the Canary Islands, known as the Hawaii of Europe in windsurfing circles. Here you will find spots with perfect waves and almost year-round trade winds: in Gran Canaria, a destination that has created many windsurfing champions, you will find the mythical Pozo Izquierdo, in the municipal district of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, 37 kilometers from the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Also outstanding are the beaches of Jandía in the south of the island of Fuerteventura, especially Sotavento in Pájara. In Tenerife, a safe place for windsurfing is El Médano, in the south of the island.

Special talk about should be made of Tarifa, on the southern coast of mainland Spain, known as the “European wind capital”. This area of the province of Cadiz has all but untouched beaches, a remarkable atmosphere, and lives for windsurfing. The thermal winds of the Mediterranean coast make for more peaceful, leisurely sailing conditions, ideal to enjoy as a family. On the Costa Brava, the infrastructure of the Gulf of Roses area, in Girona, offers close to 12 kilometers of recreational beaches, although the prevailing north winds in autumn and winter also make it an ideal spot for windsurfing. On the Costa Cálida in Murcia, the Mar Menor area has ideal conditions to start learning how to windsurf. It has a complete Maritime Resort, with fifteen or so schools to perfect your style. These are just some of the most famous places to have fun with your board, but the list of spots apt for windsurfing in Spain is huge. El Ejido in Almería, la Lanzada in Pontevedra and Pollensa, on the island of Majorca are a few of them. Furthermore, in nearby towns and villages you will find numerous companies offering equipment hire and windsurfing schools.

Don’t get left behind: whether you are a beginner or a pro, Spain is an unbeatable travel destination for windsurfing. Spain is waiting for you.

Cheap online booking of hotels and car hire is available for polpular holiday spots such as Malaga and Alicante.

Monday, August 28

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Find your passion in Argentina

AconcaguaSince is encompasses multiple climate zones and a variety of terrain, Argentina enables visitors to experience a range of pleasant outdoor activities. Visitors will appreciate knowing they can top off many activities with stays in luxury accommodations, meals in gourmet restaurants and enjoy Argentina’s well - deserved reputation for hospitality.

Rhythm of Argentina
Sensual tango dancers are synonymous with Argentina. The most romantic style of movement a couple can do in public, tango began on the streets of Buenos Aires in the late nineteen century. Some say tango was inspired by Condombe, a unique musical style favoured by the city’s original black inhabitants. Others say tango is derived from the strumming of Andalusian guitars or the sweet rhythms of Cuban melodies.
Can you pick up a few steps on vacation?

Golf in ArgentinaBuenos Aires
There are 240 golf courses in Argentina, more than in any South American country. Greens and fairways are located within urban areas, beside mountains and woods. Some courses offer electric carts, but it is more common to hire caddies

Adventures in Argentina
Hiking to horseback riding, rafting to rock climbing, active vacationers can do it all in Argentina’s varied regions. Experienced climbers take on the challenge of the Tronator and Lanin volcanoes and the Torre and Fitz Roy Mountains. TorresdelpaineMount Aconcagua, at 22 841 feet the highest summit in the Western Hemisphere, issues a challenge from the central Andean mountain range. Those happiest as observers can go bird-watching and find glorious sights to photograph on tours of Iguazu Falls, or expeditions to watch penguin and whale populations near Rio Gallegos.

Fly Fishing in Argentina
More than 250 native species swim in the country’s rivers, lakes and maritime waters. The most dedicated fishermen cast lines in Patagonia’s waterways, which brim with wild Atlantic salmon, perch and trout. Pampa lakes in Buenos Aires province and south of Santa Fe and Cordoba are popular fishing spots as well. The most exciting fishing vacations often include the services of an experienced local guide to help arrange for a fishing license and a welcoming lodge to return to with the day’s catch.

Explore an expansive, diverse country full of passions, glamour, culture and natural wonders. Come, discover and enjoy.

Friday, August 25

Welcome to Discount Travel blog

There are so many places to visit and so little time.
I want to invite you at virtual journey around the world blog will be your guide to events and happenings around the world.

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