Poipu Beach in Kauai, Hawaii

The dreary cold rain that has been drenching our area for weeks has me dreaming of warmer climes, and what better place to turn one's attention during this gloomy time of year than sun-drenched, bright, and tropical Hawaii ... the exact opposite of what we're experiencing here!


We decided to do a little virtual travel for your benefit and ours, and ended up on the resort beach of Poipu in Kauai, Hawaii. One of the reasons we were drawn to this location in our surfing is the variety of beaches available on the island. Poipu Beach was recently listed as the #1 beach in the United States, but it actually includes a number of beaches. Secluded coves offer protection from the wildest surf and give beginners (that would be me!) a perfect place to learn to surf, or to learn to snorkel. Speaking of snorkeling, or diving in general, Nukumoi Point is the reef home of an entrancing collection of tropical fish. Snorkelers and divers can visit face-to-face with angelfish, striped damselfish, butterfly fish, tangs, Moorish idols, and more as well as sea turtles.


You can find even more nature adventure in Poipu. Shipwreck Beach is set apart from the rest of the island by a rocky coastline that is criss-crossed with nature trails. Walking along the cliffs at dawn is the experience of a lifetime. Past Shipwreck Beach you can find Mahaulepu Beach, a pristine beach perfect for enjoying nature as you explore tidepools and their inhabitants amid the wild and windswept beauty. Mahaulepu IS wild, and not generally safe for swimming with its crashing surf, but a perfect place to enjoy nature, secluded and seemingly forgotten.




Another great feature of the island is Spouting Horn, a lava tube that spews salt water up to 50 feet into the sky. Be sure to visit at sunset, when the setting rays reflect off the water to create an iridescent rainbow of wonder. This is a fantastic opportunity for photographers.





I always like to check on the realities of travel to an area, and often I am pleasantly surprised at the costs for accommodations, attraction tickets, and other necessities. Sometimes I discover dream hotels, amazing rental homes, or even castles that are as much fun to read about as the destination. This time, I found both when I searched for Poipu vacation rentals.


When I looked for Poipu Condos, I was pleasantly surprised to find units available from only $105 per night at the Waikomo Stream Villas. Not expecting much for that price, I followed the link and was surprised to find that the unit mentioned had over 1,000 square feet of tastefully decorated, sun-lit and clean interior space with a fully equipped kitchen and even a nice outdoor area furnished for outdoor relaxing and entertaining. The TV is not huge but hey, you're in Hawaii, so why are you worried about television?


Curious, I decided to check the other end of the spectrum. Where could I stay if money was no object? My choice wasn't the most expensive place available, but rather only about 1/3 the cost of the highest-priced Poipu home rentals listed. I would chose the Sunset Makai Hale for its amazingly-textured and detailed interior, including lava-rock columns and luxuriously crafted wood. Many of the walls are floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, so you can open them and BE in a tropical oasis just off the beach, listening to the waves rolling in. I even loved the driveway! A shaded pool runs the length of the lanai, and lush, tropical plants encompass the estate, adding to the feel of being tucked away in a tropical oasis. THIS must be Hawaii living at its very finest.

Now I'm ready to pack my bags and go!

UK Ticket Exchange

We found a great source for all kinds of tickets in the UK (and events outside the UK as well). If you are interested in either buying or selling tickets for concerts, sporting events, theatre tickets, or highly exclusive tickets, be sure to check this site. They are a go-between service for buyers and sellers, offering a sense of trust and security to what has traditionally been a somewhat risky avenue of exchange.

Buyers can search the various categories for the tickets that interest them. For example, if you are interested in attending a concert, check that heading. Concert tickets UK lists a variety of music types, including rock & pop, hard rock/metal, alternative & indie, r&b/urban soul, country & folk, rap/hip-hop/reggae, jazz & blues, club & dance, world music, and more. You can also find a "hot list" on each page.

When buyers find the ticket they want to buy, they can purchase with confidence, because the service guarantees that the buyers will receive their tickets in time before the concert or other event. In fact, if buyers don't receive their tickets in time, they will provide the buyer with equivalent or better tickets, or refund the purchase price. Sellers also enjoy protection by knowing the money is safely kept so that they can go ahead and send tickets immediately, ensuring that the tickets will arrive on time, and the sellers can relax in knowing that they will be paid for their tickets. This is really a win-win situation for everyone.



A wide variety of tickets are offered on the site. If you are interested in Neil Young Tickets, for example, you can choose from a concert at the Playhouse Theatre in Edinburgh, from among six dates at the Apollo Hammersmith in London, or from two dates at the Manchester Apollo.



We were interested to see that even exclusive tickets are sometimes offered here. There are exclusive football tickets listed, and there is a category for exclusive fashion show tickets as well, although none are available at the moment. However, there is a newsletter service that visitors can sign up for in order to receive notices when exclusive tickets become available. This service really is very interesting and has a lot to offer both buyers and sellers who use it!

Careers in travel

Those interested in a career relating to the travel industry have a lot of options to choose from. One of the most widely available hospitality industry programs is that of Hotel and Restaurant Management, such as the program offered by Gibbs NY. Programs such as this combine aspects of tourism as part of that degree, while other programs may offer separate concentrations in tourism.

Tourism as an industry is focusing more and more on eco-tourism and sustainable tourism. The World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as having the aim of balancing the environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects of tourism as it relates to the local culture in a way that continues to benefit the local community.

Environmental resources can provide key elements that make an area attractive to tourists, and should be respected and preserved so as to continue the industry. The health of the local environment is equally important to members of the surrounding communities, as well as to flora and fauna and for the general goal of maintaining bio-diversity.

Maintaining the socio-cultural aspects of the local community is another important goal, as this is another key feature drawing tourists to an area. It is also to the culture's own advantage to remain distinctive and retain their heritage and traditional values.

Economic factors are often aimed at providing employment for local community members through the tourism service industries and promoting growth of local businesses through tourism. In many cases, local crafters and artisans also benefit greatly from an economic standpoint from tourism.

All of these are key goals for the local community, and efforts should be made to balance each of these factors with the industries, activities, etc. that provide entertainment, lodging, and other services to tourists.

Cruise Vacation Values

Cruise vacations can provide an excellent value for your vacation dollar. Instead of spending time in airports or driving from one destination to another, re-packing all of your luggage and moving to a new hotel room, cruises can provide the convenience of a luxury hotel room that travels with you to new destinations to be explored, as well as offering a variety of ways to relax and enjoy your time on the cruise ship itself.


Some destinations virtually BEG to be visited by cruise ship. Alaska Cruises are this sort of vacation. Cruise ships allow you to see the natural splendor of the Alaskan wilderness spread out before you -- majestic mountains, icy glaciers, windswept tundra, and ancient forests -- all perfectly framed between sea and sky. Even more exciting, cruise vessels bring you closer to the whales and other sea life Alaska is famous for, allowing you to watch their antics close-up. A cruise ship can take you to ports that are unreachable by plane and so uniquely available to cruise passengers. And even though you are exploring a wild and untamed land, the ambiance of your cruise ship will surround you in relaxing luxury when you return to the vessel and offer a dining experience that is unsurpassed.


European cruises are another wonderful opportunity for travelers to experience the best of vacations. European vacations often involve traveling from one city to the next, with large blocks of time devoted to travel, waiting in lines, and repacking. Cruise vacations to Europe redeem all that wasted time, allowing you the convenience of remaining in a luxurious room, taking all the amenities along with you, as you visit your ports of call. It's almost like bringing fantastic destinations to your hotel, instead of having to travel to them! Rome, with its architectural masterpieces such as the Cathedral of St. Peter, the National Museum offering some of the world's foremost archaeological treasures, and of course the Roman Colosseum is a popular destination, as are Amsterdam, Cork, Dublin, Belfast, Flaam, Edinburgh, Brussels, Tangier, Lisbon, Copenhagen, and many others. Depending upon the itinerary you select, you may visit The Netherlands, Ireland, Norway, Scotland, England, Spain, Belguim, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, or others. The ability to customize your choice of vacation destinations is a wonderful advantage of having many cruise lines to choose from.


Mediterranean cruises are another exceptional option for travelers seeking a variety of experiences amid an atmosphere of relaxation. The sunny Greek Isles offer an opportunity to enjoy beaches and local cuisine famous the world over, as well as visit some of the most outstanding architecture the world has ever seen. Rome is again on many Mediterranean itineraries, as are other ports in Italy. Exotic Turkey with its ancient culture, site of the first known human habitation, beckons you to experience historic sites, many especially important in religion. Malta's megaliths, medieval dungeons, and mythical Calypso's Cave invite anyone with a taste for mythology or medieval history to stand in the midst of the stories. A wide variety of other ports may include Morocco, Spain, France, England, Croatia, and others. An especially favorite Mediterranean destination is often Egypt, home to the Great Pyramid and the mysterious Sphinx, as well as a great number of shops featuring exotic and glittering goods.

This is just an overview ... your cruise vacation is almost unlimited in its possibilities. Check into the options available and choose a vacation that meets your wildest dreams, and do it in style aboard a cruise ship!

Domegos.com Vacation Rentals 2.0

A free service for owners of vacation properties provides unexpected benefits for travelers. A press release in December of 2007 announced a service by Domegos.com that offers owners of vacation properties to list those properties for free, in the hopes of building the largest vacation rentals directory on the internet. Property owners will not have to pay a listing fee, an annual fee, or pay commission on properties booked. This new generation service also lets property owners take advantage of more features, such as a photo gallery, interactive map, showing dates for availability, and much more. The directory allows the owner of a vacation home to provide a wealth of detailed information to potential vacationers, increasing the desirability of the rental property and the likelihood of rental.

Travelers of course benefit greatly from this service as well. In fact, Domegos.com focuses on helping holiday travelers to find the perfect vacation rental to suit their needs. The additional information available for each vacation home is invaluable in helping travelers to decide where they would prefer to stay. Free services for the property owner should translate into savings for the traveler as well.

As a matter of fact, when we checked out the service, we did find an amazing deal. Our family has often traveled to Orlando to visit Disneyworld, so we checked for Orlando vacation home rentals. There is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath luxury townhouse just a few miles from Disney in a gated community that offers heated indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzi, steam sauna, cable, wireless broadband internet, PS2 with games, DVD library, well-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities, deck, patio, fitness room, playground, and tennis court as well as being located on a pond area. This home sleeps up to 8 guests and is available for prices ranging from $95 to $125, which is a fantastic price for this location, never mind all of the extras.

Altogether there were more than a dozen rentals available near Disneyworld, many just as outstanding in the value they offer as the one we detailed above. I know where I'm going to book my next Orlando vacation!

This seems to be a fairly new service, and so available locations are somewhat limited at the present. However, we would really like to encourage anyone seeking a free vacation rentals directory for their vacation home to look into this service, which will help the listings to grow. And if you are planning a trip, be sure to check here for accommodations. You may find an amazing deal like the ones we discovered in Orlando!

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Located at the tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, Cabo San Lucas beckons visitors with its gentle clime and spectacular scenery. Two towns offer restaurants, shopping, and Cabo San Lucas accommodations to fit any budget. Despite the excellent services and vacation potential, Cabo is not overcrowded and travelers can enjoy a serene seaside vacation.




Anglers are especially drawn to Cabo, seeking the big catch. El Arco, a spectacular natural rock formation, can be visited at the aptly named Land's End. Golfers can enjoy staying in a Cabo San Lucas vacation rental at Jack Nicklaus' Ocean Course in Puerta del Sol. The adventurous can enjoy all sorts of water sports, while families play on the beaches and build sand castles.


Nearby, San Jose del Cabo is worth visiting during your stay. Picturesque San Jose was originally founded as a mission in 1730, and today retains its flavor as an Old Mexico town. Be sure to eat a meal at one of its charming courtyard restaurants, browse the local shoppes, and enjoy the quiet atmosphere that is perfect for families. Nature lovers will enjoy bird watching in the estuary, a sea turtle nursery, and exploring nearby La Laguna mountains.


For those who enjoy a more active vacation, there is plenty to do both on and off the beach. Travelers can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving in the warm waters, or the excitement of parasailing or surfing. Rock climbing is another popular local sport.

If you are looking for a quiet vacation, perhaps with some privacy for a honeymoon or anniversary vacation, look into some of the Cabo San Lucas villas. Located on the beach, they are the perfect place to enjoy romance and privacy.

Whatever you're looking for, Cabo san Lucas has something to offer. And this is the perfect time to start planning a vacation to visit there, as the end of winter approaches and the weather is at its peak. Enjoy!

Unique (and Romantic) France vacations!

We wanted to feature something a little different this time for our romantic Valentine's Day series. For a new twist on romance, we are heading to the Aquitaine area of France.



Our first suggestion is to rent an apartment and relax in medieval Agen. Just as you'd expect from a medieval region in France, couples can explore castles from the Renaissance or visit secluded monasteries as well as enjoy the breathtaking historic architecture, such as the Cathedral de St. Caprais or tour art galleries and museums.

However, we would like to spotlight the Fontirou Caves, found in the Lot Valley. Dramatic stalactites and stalagmites glitter in this maze of subterranean grottoes and caverns, punctuated by draperies, curtains, and columns of limestone throughout the seven chambers that make up the cave system. This surreal underground landscape has yielded various prehistoric articles, including the fang of a sabre-toothed tiger. After strolling through the dreamlike (and if you want to hold your beloved close to you, spooky!) caverns, couples can emerge into the sunlight to visit a charming mini-golf course in a woodland setting.

If you want to add extra spice to your Agen visit, go during September for the Foire d’Agen. You'll have to deal with crowds, but the fair includes many thrilling rides, interesting exhibits, animal shows, concerts, and other entertainment.


Another unique option for intrepid couples is the opportunity to hike the French Pyrenees from a gite in Pyrénées-Atlantique. Inexpensive cottages and farmhouses are available to serve as your lodging while you and your loved one experience the closeness that comes from sharing such an adventure. Share a breakfast in dawn's first rays, set out amid a pastoral setting of grazing flocks, walk together through idyllic forest groves, to find yourselves in the wild and unspoiled majesty of the French Pyrenees. Scramble together over granite boulders to find yourself on the shore of a secluded mountain lake, and take a dip together, then enjoy a picnic amid the wildflowers in the meadow. Continue through the wilderness, spotting curious wildlife. End your day in the cozy warmth of your lodgings, reliving the day's adventures and surprises.

We want to encourage travelers to seek out a vacation that is out of the ordinary, find new places to explore and exciting things to do ... you'll add spark to your romance at the same time!

Magical getaway on the Emerald Isle

We also want to mention the romantic Emerald Isle, a jewel veiled among the mists of the Atlantic. Because of Valentine's Day this month we are featuring dreamy destinations for honeymoons, anniversaries, romantic holidays and more, so for this post we are focusing on Ireland's misty and magical shores, picturesque countryside, and historical charm.



The fairytale land of Ireland has been the location of many medieval movies, partly because of its many historic castles. Not just vacant and cordoned-off visitor's sites, many of Ireland's castles have been restored to luxury and offer accommodations that will make visitors feel like kings and queens, with sumptuously appointed rooms befitting royalty, rambling estate grounds, and attentive staff. Imagine lady fair being swept off her feet by her dashing prince in the elegantly restored ballroom of a grand castle. Or together exploring spacious grounds and surrounding deep forests astride fine mounts. All of this and more help to make the Emerald Isle the perfect spot for couples seeking a relaxed, romantic holiday. The best way to experience Ireland is to take time to delight in local charms rather than rushing about and standing in lines.


Many couples prefer to concentrate on western Ireland, which is often called "the real Ireland." Destinations such as Kerry, Mayo, Clare, and Galway are favorites. If you do want to visit larger cities while there, you may want to consider Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Waterford, and Derry. Cork is especially convenient, being in the southern part of "the real Ireland" but still offering some big-city appeal.





Whatever part of the lovely Emerald Isle you choose to visit, we hope you will enjoy your travels and find lots of secluded romantic spots to bring you closer together.