Lanzarote - Island Of Fire

Lanzarote lies just 62 miles off the coast of Saharan Africa and this speck of Spain is the most easterly of the Canary Islands. This location – on the same line of latitude as parts of Florida and Mexico - creates an enviable year round climate that is characterised by extremely low rainfall (on average of just six days per year) and temperatures that rarely fall below 20c – even in the winter months.

As a result, the island is a popular holiday destination all year round, attracting over one million visitors from the UK and Ireland in 2007. Drawn to Lanzarote´s ninety plus beaches – the vast majority of which boast fine golden sand.

Philosophers once speculated that the island was a remnant of the lost continent of Atlantis. In pre-Spanish times Phoenician Traders dubbed it the Purple Island – as a lichen called Orchilla that was used to make purple dye was once grown here in abundance. And during the Middle Ages Lanzarote was often referred to as one of the Fortunate Islands – due to this clement climate.

Today, Lanzarote is best known as the Island of Fire, as a result of the worlds longest ever volcanic eruption - lasting six years from 1730. Which covered around one third of the island in a layer of lava that today gives parts of Lanzarote the almost primeval appearance of a land that has just been formed – and is often likened to the surface of the moon.

For such a small island Lanzarote is big on attractions. Offering visitors much more than just beautiful beaches and volcanic vistas alone. Thanks in no small part to the efforts of the island born artist and architect Cesar Manrique. Who not only fought to save Lanzarote from the sort of over development that has blighted other sunspots. But who also created some of the most unique tourist attractions imaginable – such as the Jameos Del Agua and the Mirador Del Rio.

As a result Lanzarote was declared a UNESCO protected biosphere in 1994. The first island in the world to enjoy such status.

Lanzarote also boasts enormous natural beauty and great contrasts in scenery. From the arid lava fields of the Timanfaya National Park in the South, through to the green and verdant Valley of 1,000 Palms in the North. And as the island is so manageably small it is easy to hire a car and discover Lanzarote´s many delights.

For more in-depth information about Lanzarote and a free 112 page Guidebook just visit www.lanzaroteguidebook.com

Your travel website!

We found a great free online tool to create a website for anything you might be interested in, and others can contribute and help you as well. Using a free wiki, select your topic and set up your website.

Travel is a great category for a wiki website, because people from everywhere can add their comments, photos, information, or anything else to enhance your website while you sit back and enjoy their efforts. By letting others help you build your website, you can have valuable travel information from places you aren't able to visit yourself. Take advantage of all your friends' vacations (and their friends as well!) by creating a network that will grow your website much faster than you could ever do on your own.

Even better, many people live in areas that are considered vacation spots or travel destinations by someone else. Locals can provide good insights about restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and lots of other local flavor that is off the beaten path, and will help your website develop an authentic flavor that no one person could possibly create on their own.

You can have a particular focus ... some people have wikis about travel to a specific country, traveling with kids, or traveling and food. One of the most interesting features we noticed on some travel wikis are "Top 10 lists." You can create a particular category, or allow visitors to make up their own. Things like "Top 10 strange foods" or "Top 10 weird local customs" or "Top 10 travel disasters" are a lot of fun. More practical lists might include "Top 10 things you don't think to pack but probably should" or "Top 10 ways to amuse the kids on the road."

It's fun and easy, and you can customize your wiki in any way that you like. Go ahead and try it out, and create a site that you will enjoy being webmaster for as well as one that can be useful to fellow travelers!

Nature in New Zealand

New Zealand is the perfect destination for adventurous, nature-loving travelers. While Aukland is a huge cosmopolitan city offering cultural museums, diverse shopping, pampering spas, and much more, it also holds treasures for those who are inspired by nature. The Brick Bay Sculpture trail is the perfect marrying of culture in natural surroundings, Butterfly Creek houses 700 free-flying butterflies and walk-through aviary and aquaria exhibits, the Aukland Zoo offers up-close experiences with a wide variety of animals, and some of the world's best gardens are open to the public. Within minutes of most Aukland hotels are breathtaking beaches, serene islands, and majestic natural scenery.



The capital city of Wellington offers balloon rides over the picturesque countryside, canoing or kayaking along local streams, or rock climbing and other extreme outdoor activities at the Makahika Outdoor Pursuit Centre. Many park trails, walkways, public gardens, and shoreline walks are accessible to Wellington hotels. Enjoy mountain biking or hiking in the nearby mountains and wild areas.





And Christchurch is THE garden city! Don't miss the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. You'll also want to visit Orana Park, which is the largest wildlife reserve in New Zealand. If you love the kiwi (and who doesn't?!), you'll want to visit them at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve where there is a large daytime kiwi viewing area. Bottle Lake Forest Park offers more active travelers the opportunity to hike, mountain bike, or trail ride in a production forest. Other parks and gardens include Victoria Park, Ports Hills, Hagley Park, Travis Wetland, Horseshoe Lake, Halswell Quarry Park, Bexley Wetland, the Groynes, Styx Mill Conservation Reserve, Spencer Park, and Riccarton Bush, with a wide variety of outdoor sights and adventures to be enjoyed. When seeking Christchurch hotels, look for one near one of these refreshing destinations and enjoy your vacation!

Spring at Bellingrath Gardens

One of my favorite travel destinations is located in South Alabama, just outside Mobile. Bellingrath Gardens is close enough for my family to visit on a fairly regular basis, and the spring is normally our favorite time of year there. The 905 acre estate boasts over 250,000 azaleas, hydrangeas, fuschias, Easter lilies, and much more.

Begun as a fishing camp by Mr. Bellingrath, the available acres appealed to Mrs. Bellingrath and she began planting azaleas, camellias, and other southern favorites on the property in the early 1900's. It was in the spring of 1932 that the couple opened the grounds to the public for an afternoon, and they were overwhelmed by the response. In 1934 they opened the lovely grounds to ongoing public visitation.


Changing with the seasons, Bellingrath has been likened to "a beautiful woman with a different dress for every week of the year." Summer roses draw crowds, fall color is led by chrysanthemums, the holidays feature loads of poinsettias, winter is the time of camellia blossoms. But the spring stars are the azaleas that form walls of lovely pink flowers bordering the long winding paths that work along the lovely estate, the perfect backdrop for photos and breathtaking up close or from a distance. Shown here are the Azalea Trail Maids, southern belles in traditional gowns that stroll the estate among the lush azalea plantings. Another wonderful spring feature is the Japanese garden with its graceful wisteria.


Unfortunately, this year is not ideal for azaleas. The flowers are lovely, but will not be lasting as long as they normally do, so the window of opportunity is very limited. However, Bellingrath is still worth visiting at any time of year, and even if you miss the azaleas this year, you should place Bellingrath on your calendar for next spring, and consider visiting the see the many thousands of other lovely flowers in bloom. Generally, the azaleas start to bloom in late February and are at their peak during March.

Admission prices range from $5.50 to $26, depending upon the age of the visitor and whether you wish to view the gardens only or to also tour the home and/or ride the riverboat cruise.





So lovely, the Gardens have been the subject of many works of art. You can visit a collection by Richard Earl Thompson featuring Bellingrath Gardens listed at secondnatured.com (which by the way, supports nonprofit environmental organizations and helps to preserve natural beauty with the income from purchases made from downloaded art). Canvas prints are also readily available from other sources. (Please note: we are not affiliated with these or other art sites and cannot vouch for them but found them through an online search.)

Fairhope Alabama Arts Festival

Spring in the South is one of the most beautiful times of year, with blooming azaleas and grasses greening far earlier than in northern climes. For more than half a century, the folks in Fairhope, Alabama have enjoyed the beautiful weather at their own arts and crafts event every year, the Annual Arts and Crafts Festival.

This year's 56th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival will feature almost 250 exhibitors from all over the US at the juried show. Live entertainment is on the bill, and all the usual festival foods are available to enjoy as you stroll along the wide aisles and enjoy oooooo-ing and ahhhh-ing over stunning and unique works of art. Among the many awards given to the annual event are the inclusion in top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.

Because the event attracts so many visitors, it can be difficult to park nearby. But free parking is available in many locations, and there is a shuttle service provided to the grounds for only $1.

If you're planning to visit from outside the area, you might want to enjoy the local beaches during your stay. There are also a number of nice State Parks as well.

Family Broadway Shows

Some of the longest-running Broadway shows of all times have been wonderful family events. Enjoying live shows as they grow up helps children develop a wider appreciation of the arts, and is an important aspect of the cultural education of youngsters whenever it is possible to include such events. While tickets can be expensive as a family affair, consider purchasing Broadway Tickets online, which can result in substantial savings.

Some of the best shows for families include Mary Poppins, Wicked, and The Little Mermaid, and Lion King.


Mary Poppins is Disney's classic rendition including all of the songs you remember and love, and your children will be singing for weeks: "Chim-chim-cheree," "Just a Spoonful of Sugar," and the tongue-twisting mouthful "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." The cast is starred by the uncanny nanny that is practically perfect in every way, and supported by the loveable chimney sweep that "does what I likes and likes what I do."




Wicked is the story of how two girls meet in the Land of Oz, long before Dorothy arrives there. The smart, green-skinned, and generally misunderstood girl ends up being called "The Wicked Witch of the West while the pretty and ambitious Glinda trades on her popularity. Children and adults alike will enjoy this twist on the Wizard of Oz, but it is recommended for children over 8 (and children under 4 will not be admitted).





The Little Mermaid will transport you to a magical kingdom under the sea, where a young mermaid yearns for a different life but must defy her father and escape the machinations of an evil sea witch to try to win the prince of her dreams. The music featured is some of Disney's most popular, including "Kiss the Girl," "Part of Your World" and the Academy-award-winning "Under the Sea."






Lion King is a brilliant masterpiece in its own right, with extraordinary sets and costuming that will instantly draw you into the pageantry of a royal Lion family in the African plains and have you on the edge of your seat during the dramatic moments. This captivating production has been described by many as "Broadway's most spectacular show."


Visit online ticket brokers for these and other family events. You can see their current broadway show tickets here. It is often even possible to secure tickets for events that have already been sold out as well. Go here to view their sold-out seating for broadway tickets. Take advantage of money-saving offers on tickets and treat your family to a cultural masterpiece they won't soon forget, and use the money saved to buy a treat at one of the local restaurants afterwards.

Australia Hotels

The Gold Coast is Queensland's most popular tourist destination. With world-famous surf beaches, Fleays Wildlife Park, Currumbin Sanctuary, the Australian Outback Spectacular and Paradise Country, the Gold Coast has much to offer those who enjoy the great outdoors. Themed attractions include Sea World, Warner Brothers Movie World, Dreamworld, White Water World, and Wet 'n Wild Water World. Travelers looking for Gold Coast Hotels should consider the Conrad Jupiters Casino Hotel.

The Conrad Jupiters Casino Hotel has an idyllic location on one of the Gold Coast's pristine beaches and is nestled among the hinterland ranges. This 5-star hotel has a variety of prime accommodations, including guest rooms, 29 suites, and two luxurious penthouses which offer either a sun terrace or balcony from which to enjoy the surrounding beauty. Featuring seven world-class restaurants onsite, guests can enjoy a variety of cuisines suited to every taste and mood. The Conrad Jupiters offers all of the amenities one might expect from a luxury hotel, including swimming pool, fully equipped exercise gym, professional massage services, steam room and sauna, and a private outdoor track with lush tropical landscaping.

The popular Darling Harbour destination in Australia is home to Sydney Wildlife World and Sydney Aquarium -- one of the world's largest aquariums. Local museums include the Powerhouse Museum and the Australian National Maritime Museum. The Chinese Garden of Friendship is another favorite attraction. Star City Casino hosts the Lyric Theatre and the Star City Theatre. Annual events include the Hoopla street theatre/acrobatic festival. If you are looking for quality Darling Harbour Hotels to enjoy any of these attractions or one of many others, the perfect choice is the Star City Hotel.

The Star City Hotel is a 5-star hotel located within the casino complex, just a few minute's walk from Darling Harbour. Guests enjoy easy access to everything Star City and Darling Harbour have to offer. The Turbines Health Club has an indoor/outdoor pool, sauna, spa, and fitness equipment. A variety of dining choices are available with a number of restaurants within walking distance, offering everything from Astral Restaurant's fine dining atmosphere to a casual noodle bar.

Budget-conscious travelers to Sydney can also find excellent accommodations in cheap Sydney hotels as well. One of the best values is the 3-star Y Hotel Sydney offered from a low rate of only AUD$35.00. They Y Hotel offers 120 comfortably appointed rooms, conference facilities, an on-site cafe, and a convenient location in Hyde Park. Guests can walk to a number of nearby restaurants, shops, and local attractions.