Cultural holidays

While we are enjoying the break between home schooling semesters, we want to feature some interesting cultural destinations around the world. For both those travelers fortunate enough to be able to visit their destinations as well as for those who travel the world through vacation sites and photos, we would like to suggest some interesting holidays that can bring rich cultural diversity and learning to your family.

Goa holidays are one of the first places we would like to suggest. Travelers can still expect to see women dressed in saris, following age-old traditions. The Wednesday Flea Market at Ajuna is a good place to peruse a huge variety of unique handcrafted goods and jewelry. The wildlife of India is spectacular, and highly diverse. And while the expected fish, curry, and rice do make up staples of the Goan cuisine, there are many more exotic tastes and spices to enjoy. This "Pearl of the Orient" -- also known as the "Rome of the East" is a great place to explore culture and geography.

Located between Europe and Asia, and distinct from both, holidays in Turkey promise an exotic locale with a flavor completely its own. The metropolis of Istanbul, named the 2010 Capital of Culture for Europe, actually occupies two different continents. The Agean is home to two of the seven wonders of the Ancient World, while the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean coast offer the Aspendos Theatre. The East and Southeast regions include some outstanding examples of Turkish architecture, as well as Mount Ararat, the supposed resting place of Noah's Ark. The Black Sea region has majestic mountain peaks surrounded by forest. Overall, Turkey is one of the most culturally diverse places we have featured.

Finally, a little closer to home (at least for us!) is the holiday in Florida, which offers more cultural diversity than originally meets the eye, and is the perfect destination for a family vacation. Beaches of course are available throughout most of Florida, and the native population of alligators could prove interesting. There are many tourist attrations in Orlando, especially. But for cultural study, it is worth it to make a quick trip to the Holy Land Experience, and then look into Epcot at Walt Disney World. The back portion of Epcot is divided into eleven "countries." In each area, the architecture is patterned after the traditional architecture from the featured country, the plants in that section are native to that country, as are the people who staff the area. (Many are international students.) There are also shops that offer wares from and associated with the country, and foods in the area are usually representative of those from that country as well. Often entertainment from that country is featured as well. So with an afternoon trip to Epcot, it is possible to visit Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the United States, Japan, Morroco, France, the UK, and Canada.

Tenerife Holidays

Tenerife Island, the largest of the Canary Islands, has an interesting story behind its unique geography. It is believed that the island was once three separate islands that were melded together into a single large island by a prehistoric volcanic eruption. However the island was formed, it is divided into two very distinct sections: a drier southern section that is the perfect sunny location for beachside resorts, and a very verdant northern section that offers beautiful and wild mountain scenery populated with exotic animals and plant life. The sharp contrast of the two parts of the island is one feature that makes Tenerife holidays so popular with such a variety of travelers.

The southern section enjoys the most tourism, with its generally very mild and sunny climate. The beaches are served by a number of very fine hotels with outstanding services. In fact, the island passed a law stating that no hotels shall be built unless they are 5-star quality and offer special services such as golf courses, etc. This legislation ensures that the high standard of hotel quality is kept, and also prevents over-development of the island, protecting the quality of the environment at the same time.

Tenerife remains a standard of excellence in vacation accommodations and services, while at the same time offering an outstanding variety of scenery within a small area, making it an exceptional vacation destination.

Winter Hawaii Vacations

Hawaii is a dream vacation any month of the year, but winter is the perfect time for many travelers to dream of Hawaii vacations. While the weather on the mainland fluctuates and can include ice and slush along with freezing temperatures, or just generally drab surroundings, Hawaii features generally mild temperatures and gentle trade winds with little variation. Because of the seasonal lag in the temperature of the ocean, the coldest months in Hawaii are not December or January, as in most of the US, but rather February and March, leaving the winter months of December and January to enjoy average temperatures ranging from the low 70's to balmy mid 70's . Winter vacations in Hawaii also avoid the hurricane season, which ended November 30th. The island paradise is equally lovely in winter with the blooming of the Wili Wili Haole, which is a tree whose bright red colors contribute the making of Hawaiian leis.

Check online travel companies offering great discounts on Hawaii vacations in order to get great rates. Select a company that is familiar with tour operators and will search for the best rates for your vacation. Depending on your need, you can usually purchase packages that include airfare and hotel, and often other add-ons are included, such as vehicle rental, local discount booklets, extra nights in premium rooms, tours, entertainment, etc. Or, if you prefer, you can use the service to book hotel only packages. Whichever better suits your needs, an online travel agent can secure a better deal than you would be offered if you contacted the hotel directly.

Travel in New Zealand

New Zealand, chosen for the shooting location of the Lord of the Rings series for its majestic and unspoiled natural landscapes, is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Miles of beaches visited by dolphins, rivers for fishing, breathtaking scenery, hiking, skiing, horseback riding ... New Zealand is a dream vacation for adventurous travelers!


Driving conditions in New Zealand are quite satisfactory, and the roads are all marked. Touring the country by car allows visitors to enjoy the scenery in a number of cities at an unhurried pace. Driving is on the left side of the road. A licensed driver from any country (or a person carrying an IDP - International Driving Permit) can drive in New Zealand (with the same restrictions and vehicle types allowed in their home country). The license must be carried, and is valid for up to 12 months. (Any person staying for longer than 12 months must convert to a New Zealand license.)


CheaperThanHotels NZ offers discount prices on accommodations on hotels in New Zealand ... be sure to check for last-minute discounts to save even more! When traveling to different cities, be sure to book your hotel in advance, and use the web to preview various accommodations and select your hotel at discount prices. Hotels in Auckland, hotels in Wellington, and hotels in Christchurch are all offered at prices lower than those direct from the hotels, and last-minute deals often offer even better value!

Cheap Flights - Travel.com.au

Travel.com.au offers cheap flights on hundreds of worldwide destinations via a number of domestic and international airlines. You can also plan your cruise vacation from your choice of almost 100 cruise lines, with nearly 1000 destinations. All other aspects of vacation needs are covered on a single website, including hotels, automobile rentals, and travel insurance, as well as planners for particular types of vacations, such as holidays or ski vacations.

One of the greatest advantages to booking through travel.com is access to such a wide variety of airlines, both domestic and international. Not only Qantas, but everything from Singapore Airlines, to Jetstar, to United Airlines, and more than sixty others. With so many airlines to choose from, you can select virtually any destination worldwide that you are interested in visiting, and compare rates across a number of carriers in order to secure the best deal. Having a choice among airlines also gives you more flexibility in planning departure times, allowing you to choose travel arrangements that are most convenient for your own schedule.

Online travel experts are also available to assist you with more complex travel plans, whether you need to route through a number of destinations and airlines, or wish to mix classes in your travel package, or plan layovers to suit your schedule and allow you to explore local areas of interest, or for any other special needs you may have regarding your travel planning. Be sure to take advantage of the services and discounts offered by travel.com.au!

Vacation Auctions

We've just discovered a new option in booking travel accommodations ... through a vacation rentals auction site!

This is a new concept to us, but it looks very intriguing. SkyAuction is a leading site offering fantastic deals on travel auctions to almost 4000 destinations worldwide. Besides vacation rentals, you can also search for cruises, luxury travel, entertainment, dining, and air travel.

We checked a number of listings, and it seems that the auctions often begin with a $1 bid, and no reserve price. So if you like the excitement of competing for an auction and getting a great deal at the same time, SkyAuction is for you.

There are also buy-it-now offers listed, if you prefer to select and lock in a price without having to compete through bidding, and book your vacation right away for instant gratification instead.

If you want to look for great deals closing soon, that's an option on this site also. When we checked, there was a vacation closing in less than 30 minutes for just $1 per person at the Parador del Sol in Acapulco, Mexico, just waiting for someone to come along and steal a great travel deal!

Check out vacation rentals through auction ... we think you'll be glad you did!

Whistler BC ski vacation!

Winter is upon us and skiing vacations are at the top of many travelers' lists. Whister, BC is one of the top destinations, having been rated highest in North America for the past eight years. Home to Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, the area can accommodate many skiers, offers hundreds of marked trails, and dozens of lifts.



If you are searching for a Whistler accommodation, we really like the look of Holiday Whistler. A wide variety of high-quality lodgings are available. If you have a large party, you can choose to stay in a spacious and well-appointed home with up to ten bedrooms, assuring enough space for everyone and keeping your party together. Another option could be to rent two properties next to one another, especially if some of your party prefer to retire early while others like to stay up and enjoy the evening. If you have a smaller party or are more interested in privacy, you may also wish to consider a Whistler condo rental.

For family reunions, business gatherings, and other large parties, one of of our favorite properties is the Cay Heights Chalet. This spacious ten-bedroom home also offers 11 bathrooms, assuring convenience. The spectacular view from one of the two living rooms can be viewed through the windows that nearly cover the end wall, and enjoyed in front of the large stone fireplace. The dining room is furnished with a long table, allowing a large group to share mealtimes and fellowship. In addition to skiing, the home offers a relaxing sauna, a billiards room, and a private outdoor hot tub.

Lake Tahoe!

Now is the ideal time to start planning a ski vacation in Lake Tahoe! Lake Tahoe is an ideal skiing destination within the US, averaging about 350" of snowfall per year. Snowboarding is another popular local sport. Trails allow guests to experience the majestic beauty of the Sierras while cross country skiing or snowshoeing. And if ice-skating is your sport, enjoy Northstar's rink in the midst of fashionable shoppes and a variety of restaurants for your dining pleasure.

Many other fun activities await travelers embarking on a Lake Tahoe family vacation. Kids' areas staffed by safety patrols offer ski terrain made just for kids and featuring fun jumps and secret hideaways. Snow-tubing is another great family sport, and snowtoys are allowed in designated areas.

How about treating your family to a real Christmas sleigh ride? Or letting them experience the unique thrill of dog sledding? Or just good-old-fashioned snow sledding? These and other traditional winter pastimes are a great way to spend time with your family at Lake Tahoe. Then shake things up with a snowmobile tour!

Looking for a great atmosphere in your accommodations? North Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals offers several styles, from the Catamount Lodge featuring natural stone fireplaces, the Old Greenwood Villas and Cabins surrounded by 18 holes, Big Horn Lodge's ski-in ski-out accommodations, the conveniently located Iron Horse Lodge surrounded by boutiques and restaurants, and the luxurious and private Great Bear Lodge with its striking vistas.