Ask any regular long-haul flyer about their experience of flying and you will soon discover that everyone has a different “magic” formula for overcoming or avoiding jet lag.

In reality of course no magic formula exists – and there is certainly no magic pill or tablet. There is, however, a great deal that you can do in preparation for your departure to help you overcome or eliminate jet lag and here are just a few tips:

1. Maintain a consistent sleep pattern.

If you are not following a consistent routine in the days and weeks before your journey (going to bed and getting up at the same time each day) your body’s internal clock will be disrupted even before you start your journey and your flight will simply magnify the effects of insomnia induced by jet lag.

2. Ensure you are getting a balanced and healthy diet.

Diet plays an important role in ensuring that you get a good night’s sleep and an appropriate balance of whole grains, proteins, fruits and vegetables in your diet is essential.

Alcohol and caffeine are two elements of your diet that are particularly important in relation to jet lag and these should be reduced, or eliminated, in the run-up to your journey if at all possible. If, however, asking you to give up your twelve cups of coffee each day is rather like asking you to cut off your right hand, then try to limit your intact to the afternoon between about 3 pm and 5 pm.

Caffeine when taken late in the day tends to speed up your body clock, while taking it in the morning has the opposite effect. Taken during the middle of the day, caffeine has little or no effect on your body’s circadian rhythms.

3. Take regular exercise.

Regular exercise can significantly improve the consistency, quality and duration of your normal sleep cycle. Some form of daily aerobic exercise, lasting at least twenty minutes, will go a long way to preparing your body for your forthcoming journey.

4. Start to slowly adjust your bedtime.

You should begin to “manage” your body clock by gradually and slowly adjusting your bedtime and wake up time in the days before your journey, to bring these into line with the local time at your destination.

If, for example, you normally go to bed at 10 pm and you are flying to a country that is four hours ahead, at your normal bedtime the time at your destination will be 2 am. So, in this case, you need to slowly bring your bedtime forward a little bit (say fifteen minutes) each night for a week or ten days before your departure. This might mean that immediately prior to leaving you are going to bed at say 7.30 pm. However, when you arrive at your destination this will mean that you are now going to bed at 11.30 pm and that you have narrowed the four hour time difference to just one and a half hours.

5. Reduce stress in the days before traveling.

One often overlooked factor in the jet lag equation is that of stress and much of this stress is a direct result of the journey itself. How many times have you found yourself running around at the last minute trying to do 1001 things at once?

Plan ahead and make sure that, as far as is possible, everything that you need to do both at home and at works is completed well in advance of your journey. In planning for your journey, clear as much as you can as early as you can and make specific time available in your pre-journey planning for plenty of relaxation in the days immediately prior to your departure.

These are just a few examples of things that you should pay attention to when planning any long-haul trip and, together with other specific measures taken both during your flight and following your arrival, will considerably reduce the effects of jet lag, or even lead to no jet lag at all!

Copyright 2005 Donald Saunders – http://help-me-to-sleep.com
About the Author

Donald Saunders is the author of a number of health-related publications looking in detail at curing insomnia and managing other common sleep disorders. Drop by for more information on jet lag and to pick up your free copy of “How To Get A Good Night’s Sleep”.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution — processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture. The park encompasses diverse environments that range from sea level to the summit of the earth’s most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, offers scientists insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and visitors views of dramatic volcanic landscapes. Over half of the park is designated wilderness and provides unusual hiking and camping opportunities. In recognition of its
outstanding natural values, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.

Visitor Center/Exhibits: Kilauea Visitor Center, located just inside the park entrance, offers visitor information and exhibits. Films and videos are shown in the auditorium throughout the day. Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, located about three miles from the park entrance, offers earth science displays and features murals depicting Hawaiian culture. An adjacent overlook offers a panoramic view of Kilauea Caldera and Mauna Loa.
Hawaii Natural History Association operates bookstores at both locations with an extensive selection of books, maps, videotapes, slides, and other educational items. Email “havo_hnha@nps.gov” to request a price list.

Trails: Hike the park trails to experience the park’s essence and to gain an understanding of the natural and cultural history of Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Day hikes as well as wilderness trips of several days duration are available.

Start your visit at the Kilauea Visitor Center located just beyond the park’s entrance station. The Park is open 24 hours a day year round. Kilauea Visitor Center is open daily from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Here, you will receive the latest information on trails, ranger-led activities, road conditions, and safety precautions. Because of the dynamic nature of the two active volcanoes in the park, conditions can change rapidly.

“Born of Fire, Born of the Sea” is the featured 25 minute film that is shown in the Kilauea Visitor Center on the hour throughout the day, starting at 9:00 a.m. with the last film shown at 4:00 p.m..

If you have only one to three hours, explore the summit of Kilauea Volcano via Crater Rim Drive, an 11-mile road that encircles the summit caldera, passes through desert, lush tropical rain forest, traverses the caldera floor, and provides access to well-marked scenic stops and short walks.

If you have three to four hours, you may also explore the East Rift and coastal area of the Park via Chain of Craters Road. This road descends 3,700 feet in 20 miles and ends where a 2003 lava flow crossed the road. Depending on changing volcanic activity, there may be opportunities for viewing active lava flows from the end of the road. No food, water, or fuel is available along the Chain of Craters Road.

(This information was obtained from the National Park Service.)

About the Author

Author is webmaster of a travel site that saves time and money by searching for many hotels in several locations at once using a customized Travelocity search engine already filled in with specific city and state information for each park. Save time and money at http://www.national-parks-hotels-lodging.com/

For many newlyweds, deciding on where to spend their honeymoon vacation is as important as the wedding itself. A Caribbean honeymoon is a popular choice, but which one of the islands will make your “dream come true”? Each one is different in what it has to offer. Much like contemplating between hiring a DJ or a band, you need to know exactly what it is you are looking for. Great Exuma Island in the Bahamas is able to appeal to many tastes. Whether you are looking for relaxation, culture or adventure, this island has it all. Moreover, Great Exuma is a Caribbean island famous for perfect weather, stunning scenery and above all-romance.

Great Exuma Island has a population of fewer than 4,000 people and offers peace and serenity. In comparison to other Caribbean islands, Great Exuma is not overrun by tourists and cruise ships. On the contrary, the island is relatively secluded and offers you the chance to hide away on a pristine white sand beach, or enjoy a picnic in a private cay.

If culture is what you are looking for, Great Exuma has it in abundance. Visit the remains of cotton growing and salt farming plantations at Williams Town. Or, take a trip to the fascinating ancient salt ponds. History comes alive at Elizabeth Harbor which was once a favorite haunt for pirates. The harbor is home to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the first land and sea park in the world to be declared a national park.

Adventure seekers will be enticed by the endless amount of activities available on Great Exuma Island. Sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing are popular. Experienced guides are available for hire and they are most happy to inject extra adrenaline into your Caribbean honeymoon. For the more daring types, rent a boat or a sea kayak and explore the island on your own. Whatever your taste, Great Exuma can certainly cater to it.

The time spent on your romantic Caribbean honeymoon should be memorable. Every couple should be able to look back on that vacation and wish that they could do it again. The island of Great Exuma in the Bahamas guarantees lasting memories and days and nights of sun, fun and romance!

About the Author

Fred Coolridge is the content manager and author for the website Great Exuma Island, Bahamas – www.exumabahamas.org.

Analyze to see if the bank who wants to give you a credit loan is just. You should be promising today to inspect if you have a great offer or if you don’t with the merchant bank that offers you a bank loan. 4.7 percent rate may come out so ok but will that be unalterable after you’re going to pay back your bank loan. At this present you can check over interest rates quickly at websites and forecast if there are possible traps you should be aware of. It makes no difference if you live in Carmel Indiana or in Bloomington Illinois a good online investigation will excuse you often lots of disorder.

Translated it means: Woon je in Den Helder of Wormerland en heb je BKR verleden. Lenen met een BKR notering is nergens zo eenvoudig. Haal snel een andere auto met negatieve bkr registratie met geld lenen, 142422 euro is altijd mogelijk om te financieren. Van Naarden tot Heemskerk, financieren met BKR is altijd mogelijk.

now you need to suss out and cipher if you can have a loan at a honest percent rate of interest. A moneylender in New Orleans Louisiana or so may have a total different actual interest rate for a 27500 dollar money loan then a merchant bank in Birmingham Alabama and that makes a large clear gap in your weekly costs. Lots of of the merchant banks wil show you a loan rate that looks proficient but feels naughtily or so after some time.

Good food is an essential ingredient in the making of a truly great vacation, and with the broad array of quality eateries for you to choose from on New Providence Island in the Bahamas, you’ll be sure to make your vacation a memorable culinary experience.

The Bahamian Kitchen, in Nassau, right next to the Trinity Church on Trinity Place, offers authentic Bahamian cuisine. It is the place to go if you’re interested in experiencing ‘real’ Bahamian food. Specialties include such dishes as stewed fish, curried chicken, fried red snapper, okra soup, corned beef and grits, pea soup with dumplings, all served with the traditional johnnycake. Food is also available for take-out. The restaurant is open daily from 11am to 10pm.

For luxury dining at its Bahama best, Chez Willie is the place to be. At these coveted tables – and reservations are definitely required – fine French and Bahamian cuisine are served. The seafood is divine, prepared careful and delicately seasoned with fresh herbs. Other superb dishes include lobster thermidor, beef Wellington, and grouper in puff pastry with crabmeat, served with a coconut cream sauce. This establishment strives for and easily achieves elegance. It is suggested that gentlemen dress for the occasion, jackets are considered a must at this West Bay Street restaurant. One of the best dining places in Nassau, the hours are from 6:30pm to 10pm daily.

Excellent North Indian cuisine is available at Gaylord’s on Dowdeswell Street at Bay Street, in Nassau. Offering a full array of traditional Indian favorites, including Punjabi dishes, tandoori dishes, kormas, and – of coursecurries, as well as fine vegetarian options, this restaurant will satisfy Indian food lovers and convert the uninitiated. Open Monday through Friday, from 12pm to 3pm and every day from 6:30pm to 11pm.

The Double Dragon Restaurant, located on Mackey Street in Nassau, presents Cantonese and Szechwan cuisines at reasonable prices. The best dishes are those of seafood, and the orange flavored shrimp are a local favorite. The hours are 12pm to 10pm on Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, the hours are from 4pm to 11pm and on Sundays, the hours are from 5pm to 10pm.

The Europe, located in the Ocean Spray Hotel on South Bay Street in Nassau, serves surprisingly good German food, and also has a variety of international selections. A host of traditional German foods, of excellent quality and reasonable price, are made available. Among these are pepper steak cognac, bratwurst, sauerbraten, and Wiener schnitzel. And, of course, the dessert menu includes a fabulous, classic German chocolate cake. Open Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 11pm, this is definitely a culinary experience to try.

Capriccio offers fine Italian and international cuisine, at West bay Street, in Nassau. They serve an excellent pesto sauce, fragrant and rich, over perfect pasta. Other entrees include a delicious chicken breast creation, served with a sage and wine sauce and an array of fresh seafood. Reservations are strongly suggested, the eatery is open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 10pm and Sundays from 5pm to 10pm.

New Providence Island is a place where you can experience the cuisines of the world under a big Bahamian sky. Dining on this island is a true culinary adventure.

About the Author

This article provided courtesy of http://www.aruba-vacation-guide.com

For centuries, the Nile River has been at the center of life in Egypt. The ancient Egyptian civilization relied on the flooding of the Nile to create fertile land for farming in an otherwise desert landscape. Excavations along the Nile have unearthed vast quantities of archeological remnants from ancient times and a leisurely cruise along the Nile takes you through this ancient populated area that is so steeped in history. And remember, you are following a royal route; the pharaohs and Queen Cleopatra cruised the Nile!

A cruise along Nile is an excellent way of visiting scattered archeological sights in a country with less than spectacular roads and airline service. In fact, some quality travel agents recommend cruising as the preferred method of transportation in Egypt. The best time of year to enjoy a Nile cruise is winter, from December to February, due to the hot desert climate.

Think of the romance of a leisurely cruise through such an ancient and historic land. The banks of the Nile are lined with ancient monuments and unusual sites, like banana plantations. Excursions to other famous locations, such as the Karnak Temple and the tomb of Nefertiti in the town of Luxor, are available on most cruises. Other towns that can be touring stops are Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo and Edfu. Knowledgeable local guides are available and are recommended to explain the finer points of each site.

A Nile cruise can be quite economical. For a three-star ship the cost can be as little as $70 per person per night while a deluxe cruise can cost a mere $130 per person per night, double occupancy. The length of the cruise can vary from 3, 4 or 7 nights. Rooms are well-appointed and meals are included. Of course, deluxe and luxury cruise boats also provide a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, bar and recreation facilities, and gift shops. Air-conditioning is a must for the American tourist who is unaccustomed to the possible one hundred degree heat. And remember, since you are cruising on a river than the ocean, the river cruise ship will be much smaller, with anywhere from 100 to 500 passengers.

Generally, meals on a Nile cruise are served at a specific time, with all passengers being served at a single seating. Expect a full range of cuisine from local to international. Some meals, such as lunch and dinner, may be served buffet style. And, of course, luxury cruise companies employ world-class chefs to pamper the palette.

A cruise is an excellent way for the American tourist to visit a unique and different culture since all services are provided. For example, there is no worry about where and what to eat. Also the cruise company arranges all the tours to the major ancient attractions and provides reputable guides who know Egyptian customs. Thus, you do not need local currency for admissions as these have been paid in advance. By taking a cruise, you are buying a measure of safety in a foreign land, provided that you select a reputable cruise company with a good reputation.

Egypt is an ancient land with fascinating monuments and temples that are adorned with mysterious hieroglyphics. What better way to immerse yourself into this unique culture than to experience it by cruising the Nile like the royal pharaohs.

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

Direct Answers – Column for the week of November 29, 2004

I have been married 25 years. We come from completely different backgrounds. I grew up in a large family in a small town, and we were poor. My husband is an only child, privileged, and he was given everything by his parents. This continued throughout all our married life.

The house we moved into, against my wishes, is theirs. It was “given” to us when they retired and built a home in a warmer climate. However, the deed remained in his parents’ name, and they came back every summer for a visit. For me it was a nightmare.

I work full-time but arranged time off to get everything in immaculate order for Abigail, my mother-in-law. It was never good enough. It was always a white glove inspection with her rubbing her hands across my kitchen counter and glancing at her fingertips. She even poked her head up inside the fireplace.

She would say, “Oh, honey, you need to clean your mirrors,” or “I rewaxed your floors because I didn’t think they were clean enough.” When she asked how I liked my house, I would say I didn’t really think it was mine. She would smile at me and say, “No, it’s not, is it?”

One year after they arrived and we were having dinner, I made a grammatical error. I said “me and Linda” instead of “Linda and I.” Abigail rapped her spoon on the tabletop screeching, “Honey, Honey, Honey! It is not me and Linda! It is Linda and I! Linda and I! Linda and I!” I was so stunned and embarrassed I excused myself from the table.

My husband and my father-in-law just dropped their heads. As usual, what Abigail did was “for my own good.” The following year she brought me a grammar book.

I adored my father-in-law. He made me feel special. He would put his arms around me and tell me how much he appreciated me putting up with them. My husband would say, “That’s just my mom.” So I quit trying to fight her for the sake of my father-in-law and husband and to keep the peace.

Three years ago when my father-in-law died, something happened inside me. I felt so much anger at Abigail I wanted to stay away from her. Last Christmas I didn’t want to go see her. Abigail went berserk saying, “How will this look to my friends?” So I went.

Within 24 hours she started in on me, as always, after my husband left the room. This time I called my husband back. It shocked my husband to see his sweet mom screaming, but when she saw she wasn’t going to get away with it, she switched like a light bulb. She hugged me and told me how much she loved me. The rest of our visit she was as nice as pie.

It is Christmas again, and we are scheduled to return to her house. I’ve asked my husband to go alone, which he thinks is a horrible idea. I am on antidepressants and scheduled for therapy after the first of the year. Am I being selfish?

Melanie

Melanie, the Greek playwright Aristophanes said, “The wise learn many things from their foes.” Last Christmas you learned two things from Abigail. You learned she would be embarrassed if you refuse to visit, and you learned she will not confront you in front of her son.

If you can stay home without doing serious damage to your marriage, that is one possible course of action. But there is another answer. Can you distance yourself from the situation? Can you decide in a perfectly calm, cool manner that you will go, but if your mother-in-law is not nice as pie, you will confront her in front of her son?

Abigail has shown you that you can alter her behavior by standing up to her. The power has shifted.

Wayne & Tamara

About The Author

Authors and columnists Wayne and Tamara Mitchell can be reached at www.WayneAndTamara.com.

Send letters to: Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield, MO 65801 or email: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com.

Boston is a great destination city for a vacation. There’s plenty on tap to see and do, and it’s an easy city to get around on foot. And you’ll find Boston vacations a refreshing mixture of old and new.

You can experience the start of the revolutionary war, take a bus on a river, and see a coral reef – and all before dinner.

The best way of getting around during Boston vacations is walking. That’s right the ole soft shoe shuffle. You’ll save time and see more by expending some shoe leather.

But for first time visitors I highly recommend an orientation tour first.

A SPLISH-SPLASH DUCK TOUR

One of the best, and most unique tours is the Duck Tour ride.

The tour is done in a renovated World War II amphibious vehicle. You get to not only experience Boston from the streets of the city, but also from the Charles River.

That’s right, during the tour, the bus you’re on will become a boat, and you’ll see the beautiful Boston skyline from the river that separates Boston from Cambridge.

You can pick-up and buy tickets for the tour at two places: The Museum of Science, and The Prudential Center in Boston’s Back Bay. During the summer the tours are usually sold out by lunchtime. The tour lasts about 80 minutes, and there’s no stops.

It’s a great tour and you’d have to be “quackers” not to do it! Sorry couldn’t resist it.

THE FREEDOM TRAIL

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile easy-to-follow red brick line that links 16 historical sites together around the streets of Boston. It’s a one-way route starting from Boston Common and ending up at the Bunker Hill monument in Charlestown.

If you do the whole thing, plan on at least 2-3 hours, or better still take the whole day. You’ll pass by many landmarks on your trip, such as: The Boston Common, Boston Massacre Site, Paul Revere’s House, and USS Constitution.

The route takes you through Boston’s famed North End, where you’ll be sure to return during your Boston vacations to sample the superb Italian restaurants.

THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM

As San Diego has its world famous zoo, then Boston has the New England Aquarium.

New England and its coastline have a history of fishing and whaling. But today instead of slaughtering whales, New Englanders spend most of their time saving them.

And the aquarium is a vital link in the area’s ocean preservation movement.

The centerpiece of the aquarium is the giant tank. The floors of the aquarium run around the tank and up four levels. At the top you get to peer down into a coral reef and listen as the staff explain about the tank and the fish that live in it.

You’ll get the answer to questions such as: “Why don’t the big shark fish eat the little tasty fish?” or “How old are those huge sea turtles swimming around down there?”

Your ticket will include a visit to the Discovery next to the main building, where you can see and learn about sea lions during an amazing show. A few years ago the Aquarium opened an IMAX theater that shows a mixture of sea-related and general science films.

A word of warning – this is a favorite Boston vacations attraction for families. But you’ll always get in, even when the ticket line seems to stretch for miles.

BEACON HILL

Sandwiched in a small area between Boston Common, and the Charles River, are alleys and narrow red brick cobbled streets, where time has stood still for the last century.

This is Beacon Hill, and one of the most popular walks for people on their Boston vacations.

Quiet and bewitching, it’s a delight to walk. You’ll find walled gardens and an authentic 19th century neighborhood feel. Even the original gas lights remain on streets lined with ancient elms.

A favorite haunt for taking pictures is Louisburg Square. A picturesque block of residences perfectly preserved.

After you ramble up Mount Vernon street, wind your way back across to the Massachusetts State House that sits atop Beacon Hill and get your camera out again.

AND THERE’S MORE…

Three other places to visit on your Boston vacations are Cambridge, just across the Charles River, and home to the universities of Harvard and MIT – THE J.F.K Library and Museum at Columbia Point in South Boston – and the Boston Harbor Islands, tours to the islands leave from Long Wharf and Rowes Wharf, both located near the aquarium.

Boston has tons of things to do and see, and I’ve really just started to scratch the surface for you. The rest is yours to discover and as close as your favorite search engine and booking on the Internet.

About the Author

Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of www.new-england-vacations-guide.com . You can read other vacation articles and get a free travel report at his New England vacations guide site.

Benidorm, which is located just 20 minutes north of the city of Alicante on the Costa Blanca coast Spain, is such as action-packed city. Even though it has a beautiful stretch of soft sandy beaches, we should leave this leisure activity for the end because there are so many kinds of tourist parks to visit around Benidorm.

The biggest Attraction around Benidorm: Terra Mitica

This park in English is called ‘Mythical Land’, because it is a theme park which takes us back to the ancient civilizations of Rome, Egypt and Greece, all of which were Mediterranean civilizations. As we all know, the heroes from those times were very brave, not letting anything or anyone frighten them. Do you think you will be like them after having ridden on the topsy turvy roller coaster? Or controlling your heartbeat after riding on many of the other attractions especially set up for you? Maybe you think you will recover a little after watching one of the gladiator shows? Your adrenalin will be pumping fast with all the professional actors making ancient life come so close to you. There is also a part of this park for adventurous kids too. Terra Mitica is open all year round; from November to April it is only open at the weekends and on Spanish holidays. The entrance fee is approximately 40 euros but if you go in groups consult prices. Terra Mitica is found just five minutes north of Benidorm, easily accessible by bus or car.

Aqualandia Water Amusement Park

So you want to cool down a little but the beach is not your cup of tea? Here at Aqualandia you can enjoy a days outing with the whole family. The children can slide down all the water slides as many times as they wish, always being well cared for by the lifeguards on duty. There are water shutes of every size, diving board areas, rapidly moving waters and even a black hole. For the sun beauties like mum and grandma, you can lay around on comfortable hammocks and enjoy a picnic lunch in the shaded areas. It is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is located on the north entrance hillside to Benidorm.

Another view on the Costa Blanca at the Terra Natura Park

This is not like any other wildlife park. Here, there are four theme areas and a water park. 1.500 animals of over 200 species, 50 of which are in danger of extinction. What a privilege to be the lucky ones to see these living specimens up close! And not only these animals but their natural habitats and fauna which makes their living quarters appropriate for them. As you enter the park, the first area to visit is the Pangea, taking you back in time to hen there were rivers petrified from hot burning lava, abundant vegetation hiding gigantic insects and many other surprises. To the left you are carried away to America, discovering an old mine converted into a tropical farm. The colorful macaws are found in the dove cove and later on the old joins the new in the colonial town of Copaltenango. In the center is Asia. As you stroll through the natural reserve of Kaziranga, you are able to see rhinoceros, buffalos and the temple of the wildcats. In this section there is a marvelous park for children to play in. And last, but of course not least, is Europe. In the town of Kalicameni, white-washed and full of comedians and natives singing their local songs. All this may sound tiring, but there are many a new food to be tried and a thirst-quenching drink to be had at any of the fabulous restaurants. And for those who need an extra thrill, in the Mare Nostrum waterway, you are fully equipped to have splash with live sharks! Terra Natura is open all year round, offering special passes for those who know how to appreciate a good opportunity and to take advantage of it as often as possible.

Benidorm and the Doliphins at the Mundomar Marine Animal Park

Do you enjoy the water and its interesting animal kingdom but prefer to be on land? Then Mundomar (Seaworld) Marine Animal park is your best bet. All of us have read adventure stories about dolphins and feel that they are our friends, well it’s time to visit them. Here we can see the silly antics of these adorable sea creatures close up. Or chat up a conversation with the colourful parrots. The elegance and grace is personified with the exhibition of flamingos, so pink! Who has not had a turtle in their home as a pet, but to see ones that you could probably ride is another surprise. But, are you still even more curious and want to see what the marine world is like under the water. Well, we can all become Ariel, or Sebastian as in the Little Mermaid book and go down into a ship and have a look around the sea bottom. Refreshments and resting places are abundant. It is open at 10:00 a.m., adults are 18 euros, children 3-12 years old 12 euros and under 3 are free. The entrance is near the cross roads of Avenue Mediterranean and Avenue Europe. Do not miss this amazing experience!

Between Pego and Oliva: The Vergel Park

If your travels have taken you along the coast heading towards Valencia, then it would be well worth making a stop off highway A-7 exit no. 61 which indicates the towns of Pego and Oliva and just follow the signs to this safari park, found near Ondara. There are all kinds of wild animals to be touched, fed and observed. For a little extra fun time activity, the kids can let their hair fly in the wind when riding a go kart, mini train or ponies. There are even some marine animals like dolphins and sea lions. It is a relaxing and educational day excursion for the whole family. It is only open in the summer from 10:00 in the morning til 7:00 in the evening.

Cactuslandia

Once again, you do not have to hire a camel and head into the dry desert to appreciate the wide selection of over 1000 cactus plants and similar shrubs. This is a private garden created by a German who was and is interested in the theme of cactii and tropical plants like banana trees, papaya, and mango. Also on this 3000m2 rugged hillside surface is an amazing museum which he put together and includes an extensive collection shells, different colored corals, unusual insects from all over the world and even some fossils.

Looking at this huge selection of theme parks and tourist attractions around Benidorm and the Costa Blanca, you certainly will find your favourite one on your next holidays around the spanish coast. Make your stay in Benidorm a complete one and visit each and every one, all unique.

About the author:

Living with his spanish family around Alicante, the author Robert Carlton runs a marketing agency. He can be reached at his internet site at http://www.

Colombia, the Republic of Columbia is a country in the north west of South America. The country of Colombia is bound to the north and north-west by the Caribbean Sea, to the east by Venezuela and Brazil, to the south by Ecuador and Peru, and to the west by Panama and the Pacific Ocean. The official language in Colombia is Spanish. The capital city of Colombia is Bogotai, with an estimated population of 44,000,000.

Colombia with a total area of 1,138,910 sq km is the fourth biggest country in South America. This rank of fourth comes after Brazil, Argentina and Peru. This area can be devided up into land, 1,038,700 sq km, and water, 100,210 sq km. Although it is in the Tropical area The Colombian climate, is made different by the influence of the Andes mountain range. Colombia is tropical in the coastlands and lowlands and can get very cool in the mountains.

The eastern half of Colombia, which is more than half its total physical size, is plain and composed by rainforest. Colombia is crossed by rivers which belong to both the Amazon and Orinoco basins. The northern part of Colombia is called “Los Llanos”, it is a savanna region. Colombian Pacific Plains at times of the year are among the most rainy parts in the world!

Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the following caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.

About the Author

Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Pixibot. Which is a great web directory and information center for information on all types of topics.