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Thursday, October 27, 2005

Honeymoon Cabins in Gatlinburg

Surrounded by the romantic and beautiful Smoky Mountains, a Gatlinburg cabin is the perfect spot for a honeymoon vacation. Each year hundreds of newlyweds enjoy their memorable first days alone in Gatlinburg. So many people have recognized Gatlinburg as an ideal honeymoon location that the town has been nicknamed a "Garden of Eden" for lovers.
Gatlinburg is a honeymoon paradise every season of the year. Spring is an especially beautiful time of year to honeymoon in Gatlinburg, as wildflowers bloom throughout the town. The classic honeymoon season is summer, when newlyweds enjoy all the outdoor fun that Gatlinburg has to offer. Fall in the Smokey Mountains offers a fantastic display of color, as well as fresh weather perfect for vigorous outdoor activities. Winter is a great choice for those who enjoy winter sports and who might desire some privacy away from larger crowds, as well as all of the benefits a private cabin has to offer. Honeymooners in Gatlinburg cabins can expect many luxuries, including a "bed of roses," a romantic picnic, and a candlelight dinner for two. Gatlinburg honeymoon cabins are outfitted with all of the necessary amenities designed for an unforgettable honeymoon, including hot tubs, balconies, and fireplaces.
Gatlinburg honeymoon cabins packages often include at least two nights, with others extending up to a full week. The price of such packages tend to range from $400 to $1,000, and often include dinner, candles, and discounted admission to local attractions, such as Dollywood, Ober Gatlinburg, and Ripley's Aquarium.
A Gatlinburg honeymoon cabin also makes a wonderful wedding location. Each year couples say their vows in a traditional Gatlinburg wedding chapel, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or in their own romantic Gatlinburg cabin rental before beginning their honeymoon. In addition, combined wedding and honeymoon packages are available, starting from approximately $700 and up. Such packages typically include a photographer, minister, wedding cake, and at least two nights in a Gatlinburg cabin.
Many Gatlinburg honeymoon cabin packages can be researched and purchased online.

by Jason Gluckman
About the Author
Gatlinburg Cabins Info provides information on Gatlinburg cabins, Gatlinburg cabin rentals, properties for sale, weddings and related topics. Gatlinburg Cabins Info is the sister site of Pigeon Forge Cabins Web.

Sunday, October 23, 2005

Kissimmee, Florida the ultimate family vacation destination

Kissimmee, Florida is a place where magic is waiting to happen around every corner and tucked away into every nook and cranny. Here magic is seen in your children's eyes as they tour some of the most popular family attractions in the world. In fact, Kissimmee is regarded as one of the top family vacation destinations world wide and for good reason.
Located in the heart of attractions such as Disney World, the Arabian Nights dinner show, Central Florida Zoo, Discovery Cove, Green Meadows Petting Farm, Kennedy Space Center Visitors' Complex, the Titanic Exhibition, and Sea World, just to name a few, Kissimmee Florida is also at the heart of every child's dream vacation. Here children and adults can find enough activities to keep them occupied for months and still never see all that the Kissimmee area has to offer.
Take for instance what just one of these attractions has to offer. Sea World is famous for world-class shows, rides and up close and personal marine animal encounters. At Sea World you can watch amazing shows and come up close to magnificent creatures such as killer whales and dolphins. You can also visit habitats which are home to some of the world's most unique marine life including those of the tidal pools and lagoons of Key West and the Caribbean to the icebergs of the Artic.
Or how would your family enjoy a night at the Arabian Nights dinner theater? This show has been voted the number one dinner show in Orlando, Florida and features more than 60 magnificent horses from around the world. Complete with state-of-the-art lighting and special effects, this romantic tale of a Prince and Princess is sure to be a favorite of your family.
And how would your children like to stay at resorts which feature some of their favorite Disney characters and amenities that are just as magical as the places you'll be visiting during the day. Many resorts feature themes, activities and playgrounds that will allow the magic to continue late into the night.
Just imagine swimming in an over-sized guitar-shaped swimming pool as your family listens to live music. The truth is that there is just as much to do at Kissimmee's resorts as there is in the surrounding Florida community.
The bottom line is that when you choose Kissimmee as your next family vacation destination, you choose to experience the time of your life. With so many activities to be found and great attractions that will be enjoyed by all members of the family, Kissimmee has rightfully earned its designation as a top vacation spot in Florida. When visiting, be prepared to make memories of a lifetime and to face a lot of disappointed faces when it is time to finally go home from this magical dream vacation.

by Jasmine Maher
About the Author
Jasmine Maher loves Florida and it shows
in her tips and articles found at her website
Floridas Great

Saturday, October 15, 2005

The Best of Walt Disney World

So you're headed to Walt Disney World ... but where to start? Disney offers such a wealth of fantastic resorts, restaurants, and top-drawer entertainment experiences it can be difficult to choose which fantasy you wish to indulge. How best can you plan a visit in which each day comes with the finest Disney has to offer? Here are a few tips that can make the difference between a mediocre trip and a fantastic one:

Best Time of Year for a Disney Vacation If at all possible plan a trip to Disney during the slower seasons of the year when you'll find half-filled parks, little waiting in line, and lower hotel rates. If you can stand the guilt and your children are good students, take them out of school, whatever, to avoid the busiest times of the year. If not, the summer months or holidays are certainly better than nothing and, with a bit of planning and a lot of energy, can be more than enjoyable. These are the least busy times of the year: the second week of January through the first week of February (avoiding the Martin Luther King holiday weekend in January); the third week of August until the beginning of October; the month of November excluding Thanksgiving weekend; the week after Thanksgiving until the week of Christmas, a special time when the parks and resorts are festively decorated for the holidays.

Best Deluxe Resort Disney's flagship resort, The Grand Floridian, with its red-gabled roofs and Victorian elegance, draws inspiration from the grand Florida seaside "palace hotels" of 19th-century America's Gilded Age. Just a short monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom, it spreads along the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon, offering spectacular views of Cinderella's Castle and the Wishes fireworks display.

Best Home Away From Home Property Disney's Home Away From Home Resorts are a great choice for those who want a vacation with all the amenities including a full kitchen, living room, and a bath for each bedroom. For outstanding atmosphere choose the Villas at Wilderness Lodge with its Bay Lake location and national park character or the new Beach Club Villas conveniently located next-door to Epcot's International Gateway.

Best Resort For Access to the Parks Disney's Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian Resorts offer monorail access to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and the Ticket & Transportation Center.

Best Resort For Nature Lovers Wilderness Lodge is Disney's dramatic depiction of an early 1900s national park resort. In its awesome eight-story lobby are walls of ponderosa pine logs, a massive 82-foot tall fireplace, and two authentic 55-foot Pacific Northwest totem poles. Outside is a breathtaking scene of sparkling waterfalls, rushing creeks, towering pines, and Disney's very own geyser. And it's all only a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom.

Best Resort Pool Stormalong Bay, the eye-popping free form, mini-water park complex at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club, is simply divine. Three acres of winding, watery delight, it offers sandy bottom pools, a giant "shipwreck" water slide, a tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide next to the beach, and enough waterway to float lazily in inner tubes to your heart's content.

Best Resort Lounge California Grill Lounge on the 15th floor at Disney's Contemporary Resort offers unrivaled views of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon along with cocktails, sushi, and a view of the Wishes fireworks display.

Best Disney Attractions For Thrill Seekers For a shot of adrenaline head to Disney-MGM Studios, where thrill junkies beeline it to the Tower of Terror for a 13-story bungee-style plummet. Next-door is the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster that rockets from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds then loops and corkscrews in the dark through a Hollywood night. It's a scream come true!

Best Way to Spend an Evening Without the Kids If you're a registered guest of a Disney resort, drop off the kids at one of their child care centers for around $10 an hour per child where they are given dinner along with classic Disney movies, arts and crafts, and video games. If your child is under 4 or not potty trained, call Kid's Nite Out at 407-827-5444 for in-room childcare. Then head to one of Disney's world-class restaurants. For fine dining in a stunning setting combined with virtually flawless service choose Victoria and Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. Here you'll dine on white linen covered tables set with Royal Doulton china and crystal wine glasses to the strains of enchanting harp music.

Best Way to Spend an Evening Away From the Parks The addition of the West Side and Pleasure Island to Disney Marketplace created what is now known as the wildly successful Downtown Disney, a combination of over 70 scene-setting restaurants, shops, and nightclubs. During the day it's a perfect getaway from the parks, but at night after the parks close, Downtown Disney comes alive. At Disney Marketplace you'll find A-plus shopping, the largest Disney Store in the world, and the volcano-smoking Rainforest Cafe. Pleasure Island is a nighttime mecca with 8 clubs and a nightly New Year's Eve celebration. And then there's the West Side, loaded with dining and entertainment venues including Wolfgang Puck Cafe, House of Blues, Gloria Estefan's Bongos, Cirque du Soleil, and Disney Quest.

Best Restaurant For Kids Dine among crashing waterfalls, lush tropical foliage, and dripping vines while being bombarded with thunderstorms and noisy Audio-Animatronic wildlife at the Rainforest Cafe. Or head to the Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney's Wilderness Lodge for an all-you-care-to-eat blow-out of rib-stickin' barbecue served piping hot in iron skillets accompanied by plenty of hootin' and hollerin'. Kids love the crazy show put on by the hobby horse-racing waiters outfitted in western attire who can't resist making a huge production out of serving food, birthday celebrations, and those unfortunate enough to leave for the restroom.

Best Disney Resort Restaurant The California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort is a definite highlight for any connoisseur of cutting-edge cuisine. The immense windows present an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon and on many nights picture-perfect views of the Wishes fireworks show. From pristinely fresh sushi to the exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and the outstanding California wine list, this place has it all.

Best Theme Park Restaurant In Epcot's France Pavilion is Bistro de Paris, a charming Belle Époque dining room with an air of exclusivity. Filled with gilded mirrors and crimson banquettes, its billowy white drapes frame windows that overlook the World Showcase Lagoon. Servers with delicious French accents roll out sensational dishes prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Afterward order a dessert of crepes prepared and flamed at your table while lingering over cordials and coffee in anticipation of the nightly Illuminations spectacle. Best Way to View the Epcot Fireworks Presentation Each evening boatloads of visitors depart from the docks of Disney's Boardwalk Inn and Disney's Yacht Club headed for Epcot where, from a prime position under the bridge between the United Kingdom and France, is a view of the Illuminations fireworks spectacular that can't be beat. Cruises are offered nightly with your choice of either a pontoon boat seating 10 or a beautiful reproduction of a 1930s Chris Craft accommodating 6-7 people. Although reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance, they sometimes sell out on the first day. Call 407-WDW-PLAY.

Best Way to Spend a Lazy Afternoon When your muscles are aching and your body is screaming for rest after days at the parks, sooth your jangled nerves at Disney's Grand Floridian Spa. Immerse yourself in luxury with one or two feel-good treatments guaranteed to rejuvenate and swiftly get you back on your feet and ready for another long day of walking. For the ultimate in romance consider the Grand Romantic Evening where, in a candle-lit couple's room, each person receives an aromatherapy massage.

Most importantly slow down and enjoy the magic. Resist the urge to see everything at breakneck speed. You can't possibly cover it all, so think of this as your first trip to Disney, not your last. There will be time to pick up all the things you missed on the next go-round. Be spontaneous. If something catches your eye, even if it's not on your daily list of things to do, stop and explore or else you may miss something wonderful.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, www.luxurydisneyguide.com, Amazon.com, or your local bookstore. Visit her at www.luxurydisneyguide.com.

by Cara Goldsbury
About the Author
Cara Goldsbury is the author of "The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer". A former travel agent and agency owner, she has traveled extensively throughout the world.

Friday, October 14, 2005

Marital Bliss - Honeymoon Cruise

Marital Bliss - Honeymoon Cruise Honeymoon Cruise - A Cruise to Paradise by Colin Hartness - http://www.whatcruises.com

A Honeymoon Cruise as the name suggests offers a gateway to paradise for honeymooners away from the pressures of daily life and enjoy the bliss of togetherness. This provides an opportunity for you to start your married life in a state of togetherness by exploring the unknown and enjoying nature and life.

The Honeymoon cruise offers the comforts of a five star luxury and provides a period of unending excitement, adventure, the opportunity to get to know each other and enjoying life as nature had wanted it to be.

This is an ideal way to start a life of togetherness for fulfillment of one's desires and daresay this is a golden getaway. The excitement of togetherness under the moonlit sky with the stars twinkling and the rustle of the water and the gentle breeze flowing from the sea is an experience, which will be etched in your memory for life.

The honeymoon cruise package usually includes:

1. Champagne and Strawberries in the Stateroom on embarkment 2. Canapés delivered to your cabin on the evening of your choice. 3. A special Honeymooner's party 4. Honeymoon Photographs. 5. Champagne breakfast in bed

The following Honeymoon cruises satisfy the forever romantics and provide luxury unheard of:-

1. A Silver Sea Cruise is a love nest and provides Bed-breakfast, pre-dinner cocktails, a private verandah with canapés, complimentary Champagne and wine, a mini-bar stocked with the choicest of drinks to enhance your mood, delicious cuisine are the attractions of this Honeymoon Cruise.

2. Crystal Cruises are midsize luxury liners which provides all the above . Penthouses with personal butlers are also available at a nominal extra cost at this Honeymoon Cruise.

3. Wind Star Cruises offers everything you would have dreamt. This Honeymoon Cruise offers boats with which you sail away from ports at sunset and feel the exhilaration of cruising under white billowing sails. The spirited can go for scuba diving, kayaking, Windsailing, snorkeling etc.

4. Norwegian Cruise Line - The Norwegian Star is a specialty for romantic couples. Resort casual dining offers an alternative following a formal wedding at this Honeymoon Cruise. The destination is Hawaii (world's most romantic destination) departing every Sunday and has a Wedding Chapel for intimate ceremonies and vow renewals.

The destination shall be of your choice depending upon your taste - be it the romantic hills, historical monuments, beaches, tropical rain forests etc. All the cruise ships offering a Honeymoon Cruise have exquisitely done suites, gyms, swimming pools, beauty parlors and casinos to pamper the cruiser and energize the mind, body and spirit.

by Colin Hartness
About the Author
Looking for information about cruises? Go to: http://www.whatcruises.com 'What Cruises' is published by Colin Hartness - An excellent resource for Cruises! Check out more cruise articles at: http://www.whatcruises.com/archive

Saturday, October 08, 2005

Hawaii Vacations: 10 Great Adventures

Here's some Hawaiian vacation activities that are sure to create great memories for a life time.
What: Hawaii Snorkeling Where: Ohahu - Waikiki Beach Who: Paradise Cruises Description: If you'd love to get up close and personal with beautiful tropical fish, then a snorkeling cruise is something you can't miss. You'll climb onboard The Starlet and head out to the Kewalo Reef, with the famous Diamond Head as your backdrop. The fish have been hand fed, so they're plenty friendly. This is a very nice excursion if you are a snorkeling novice. Other activities include windsurfing, kayaking, a floating trampoline, and a water slide. Relax on deck while sunbathing. A BBQ lunch is included.
What: Hawaii Luau Where: Ohahu Who: Germaines Luau Description: Imagine being a guest at a grand Hawaiian luau. As you sit comfortably amongst new friends and old, you watch the royal procession enter with fanfare, and witness the imu ceremony--see a roasted pig raised up from the ground. Then you dine on traditional Hawaiian dishes like poi and haupia, as well as, Mainland favorites like fried chicken and tossed salad. After your scrumptious meal you sit back and enjoy the wonderful Polynesian entertainers featuring dancers from Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji and Samoa. Many consider this the best luau in all of Hawaii.
What: Swim with the Dolphins Where: Ohahu Who: Dolphin Excursions Description: You've fantasized about it. Now it's time to do it. You'll be taken out on a boat with about twenty or so other dolphin lovers off of Ohahu's western shore. There you'll see plenty of spinner dolphins frolicking in the early morning seas. You'll be given expert snorkeling instruction so that even beginners can slip into the water and swim amongst the sea's friendliest inhabitants. As a bonus, you may get to see whales, sea turtles and other exotic sea life.
What: Experience Polynesian Culture Where: Ohahu Who: Polynesian Cultural Center Description: Learn about the rich history of Polynesian cultural traditions at this popular Hawaiian attraction. See live demonstrations of carving tiki statues, dancing with fire knives, barefoot tree climbing, and the IMAX™ presentation of: "Coral Reef Adventure". In the afternoon enjoy the spectacular Pageant of the Long Canoes, a live reenactment of Polynesian cultural history on floating platforms. Top it all off with a Polynesian review show featuring dancers and native drummers.
What: Horseback and ATV Tours Where: Ohahu Who: Kualoa Ranch Description: Tour the beautiful island of Ohahu on horseback. They have three types of horseback tours: 1) One Hour Ride: Explore the southern half of the ranch surrounded by an 800 year-old fishpond; 2) Two hour ride: Explore the northern part of the ranch and see WWII bunkers, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean; 3) Cowboy Experience: A crash course on how to herd cattle. ATV Tours: Explore the countryside on an ATV.
What: Hawaii Submarine Tour Where: Ohahu, Maui, Kona Who: Atlantis Submarines Description: Explore the ocean depths and learn about the Pacific's beautiful and exotic sea creatures on a U.S. Coast Guard approved submarine tour. See tropical fish, sharks, sea turtles, eels, shipwrecks and more up close. A unique and educational experience the whole family can enjoy. The subs are spacious and air conditioned, and go down to a maximum depth of about 125 ft.
What: Hawaii Military History Tour Where: Pearl Harbor and Other Sites Who: Home of the Brave Description: Honor the brave service of U.S. military members in Hawaii. This tour begins at historic Pearl Harbor. Other stops include: Wheeler Army Airfield, Schofield Army Barracks, Fort Shafter, Punchbowl National Memorial, Downtown Honolulu, Home of the Brave Museum and Gift Shop.
What: Hawaii Day Hike Where: Honolulu Who: Department of Land and Natural Resources Description: Put on your walking shoes, grab some water and head on over to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Here you can find free hiking trail maps. Decide on what trails you'd like to see and spend the day exploring some of Hawaii's most beautiful places. Some popular destinations are: Manoa Falls Trail, Waikiki Historic Trail, Koko Crater, Makapuu Lighthouse, and Kaena Point.
What: Learn How to Surf Where: Ohahu Who: Hans Hedemann Surf School Description: Learn to Hang 10 on Hawaii's most scenic beaches. Discover the techniques of surfing in a safe environment from trained professionals. They offer private, semi-private, or group lessons. In a couple of hours, you'll be standing up on a surfboard and riding your first wave!
What: Volcano Hiking Excursion Where: Honolulu - Diamond Head Description: Diamond Head is a dormant volcanic crater that is very popular with tourists. Hiking up Diamond Head will take you about 45-60 minutes and will lead you along a changing and challenging terrain that ends in a long, steep set of stairs. Once you get to the top, the view is magnificent. Keep in mind that you must be in shape to attempt the full hike up. There are places to rest, but no facilities. The trail can be hot, so go very early in the morning--and bring water.

by Donna Monday
About the Author
© Donna Monday Cruise the beautiful Hawaiian Islands - even if you're on a budget http://www.last-minute-hawaii-cruise.com

Thursday, October 06, 2005

Finding the Best Vacation Packages

In order to find the best vacation, you'll need to, first, decide on the kind of vacation you want and who will be going with you. The people you go on vacation with and the activities during the vacation will definitely affect the way you make a decision. Vacation packages usually come with food, lodging, and air tickets required for the trip. Many have the misconception of vacation packages offer lousy hotels and unsafe flights and cheap food - this is not true. It depends on the integrity of your travel agent and how they package the vacation for you. So, here are some tips on how to find the best vacation packages.

Look at the travel company If you've never used a travel company to book vacation packages before this, or is unfamiliar with the services of offered by the travel company that you're planning to buy the vacation package off this time round, it pays to check the company out first before you buy the vacation package from them. Reputable and dignified travel companies don't try to bring the price down on their vacation packages by compromising the quality of the hotels, food, car rental, etc. There have been instances of travel companies appearing to provide 4-star hotels in their vacation packages and when the holiday goers reach the hotel, it's only a no-star hotel! The best thing to do is to look at the stuff they are providing with the vacation package and check each of them out.

If the travel company has been in business for quite a number of years, chances are, they won't compromise their position in the market just to make a quick buck. So, go with the popular and well-known ones, even if the vacation packages they offer are a little bit pricier than the ones from the average travel company.

Checking the hotels out We're talking about a place to stay and live in for the duration of your holiday, so, that is why the hotels that are in the vacation packages is an important factor in determining whether the vacation package is a good one or not. Although you should not expect too many 5-star hotels being bundled into the vacation packages, the hotels should at least be clean, well-maintained and habitable. If you've never been to the holiday destination before, ask someone who has and find out from them about the condition of the hotel. If they have a website, visit the website and find out the number of rooms they have in the hotel, the facilities in the hotel and the number of staff in the hotel.

Shop around Even if it's your cousin who is running the travel company, it pays to shop around. if you can find a cheaper and better vacation packages, perhaps you might want to urge your cousin to bring his or her price for the vacation package down too! The competition is extremely stiff, so, don't jump onto the first vacation package you can find on the Internet, shop around first.

by Dakota Caudilla
About the Author
Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.fantastic-vacations.info on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Monday, October 03, 2005

Family Cruise and Family Cruises

Family cruises are a special time for families to connect and spend time together. With the busyness of work and sports programs, dance lessons, dentist visits, and youth group, it's hard for families to spend quality time together. All the more reason to get away from the hustle and bustle and go on a family cruise.

There are family cruise agencies out there, ready to help you plan the perfect getaway for you and your loved ones. A trip that will be both fun and exciting yet won't break your budget. If you are looking for a variety of activities, ones that will allow your family some good interaction or individual activities that are of interest to everyone, it's all just a click away. There are family cruise specialists that dedicate themselves to bring you the best rates and superior service.

Family cruises are available for numerous destinations. Depending on where you want to go, you can explore the islands of Hawaii or sail to Florida, Canada, or Alaska. If you are interested in branching out farther, consider a Disney Cruise or a trip around the Cayman Islands. Whatever you choose, it will be an educational and memorable time for you and your loved ones.

We realize the importance of planning a family cruise is budget. You can save money if you travel during times that school vacations aren't planned. It is also important to discuss your airfare options with your travel agent. The reason for this is so you don't get stuck with inconvenient flight times or connections. If you are concerned about traveling with larger families, there are specifications designed to meet your needs on family cruises.

Youth counselors are also available on family cruises. If your children are three and older, you are bound to find a cruise line that has youth programs suitable for your family. If you are concerned about your teenagers having fun, family cruises are equipped with dance and karoake contests, pool parties, rock climbing walls, etc. Though programs are created to allow your children to be safe and have fun, the point of family cruises is to promote unity and togetherness within your family.

There are plenty of things to take into consideration when planning a family cruise. Will everyone have fun? Is it within the budget? What's an affordable and practical length of time to go on a family cruise? Family cruises are meant to be fun-sit down and talk with your family about where they would like to go, what kinds of activities your kids are interested in, and activities you can do together. Make it a point to write down what you hope to gain from your time together and set out to accomplish those goals. Bon Voyage!

by Christian
For more information about family cruise and family cruises, visit:
http://travel.christianet.com
http://travel.christianet.com/articles.htm
http://www.christianet.com
About the Author
Christian N,
http://www.ChristiaNet.com
http://blogs.christianet.com
Featuring numerous life application articles and tips.