Archive for March, 2010

Pattaya is synonymous with a fantastic nightlife scene. After resting up at the hotel, it’s a quick jaunt to reach central Pattaya for socializing and sightseeing. The Mantra Restaurant and Bar is a good place to start meeting people, or maybe even Reeves Belgian Beer Bar for billiards and brew. After getting warmed up there, travelers can explore at their leisure, as the walking distances are not very far between many hotspots. Walking Street, Pattayaland, and Soi Diamond have popular venues for entertainment. There are also Muay Thai Kickboxing events hosted in many of the bars. The hotel will be able to inform guests about the times and locations regarding these and other current exhibitions. Pattaya also has two cinemas and three bowling alleys, which are great places to go out on a date or make friends. There is also a Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum open at night, for extra bizarre entertainment.

North and South Pattaya Offers Endless Exploration

Siam Pura Resort is a hotel with classy accommodation. Kasalong Resort, The Sez Hotel, and Z Through by the Zign Villas are some newer places for a central location in Pattaya Beach.  Those who are Muay Thai fanatics can go to Fairtex Sports Club & Hotel, which offers Thai-style boxing and full fitness facilities near the beach. White House Resort is located on Jomtien Beach, which is on the northern end of Pattaya. Other bargain type hotels include Sabai Lodge Hotel, and Baboona Beach Front Living located very close to the beach. Leisure travelers as well as business travelers on a quick stopover for some R&R will appreciate Pattaya’s multi-faceted choice of activities. Water sports of all varieties are offered here, from jet skiing to wake boarding. There are many surrounding areas not far from the hotel to explore as well. To the north is the island of Koh Sichang, which is an interesting place to visit The Old Palace Grounds of King Rama V. another great place to visit is Nong Nooch, which is a Tropical Botanical Center and has an elephant show.

Diamond Beach Hotel is on Walking Street, which is where all the action is. Other hotels around this area are the Sunbeam Hotel Pattaya, Century Pattaya Hotel, and Golden Beach Hotel Pattaya. Citin Garden Resort offers a posh setting close to all the nightlife, while Penthouse Hotel is a newer boutique hotel for the trendy traveler. Budget hotels include Areca Lodge, Pinocchio Guest House and Bar, and Two guys Guesthouse. Unique hotels with a bit more intimacy include the family run Canterbury Tales Café and the Seven Oaks Inn. One of the smallest resorts in this area is the Welkom Inn, which is only 200 meters from the beach. Remember, during mid-April is the national Songkran week-long festival. Make sure to book your room ahead of time to ensure that you can enjoy Thailand’s largest beach resort town. Average temperatures range from 24°C to 31°C. Pattaya also has two cinemas and three bowling alleys, which are great places to go out on a date or make friends. There is also a Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum open at night, for extra bizarre entertainment

Some people say that you can’t have it all, good, fast and cheap, but that may not hold true for a cheap Bahamas vacation.  With Grand Bahamas Island just a short 50 miles off the coast of Florida you can get there very fast by air.  Most major airlines fly directly to the Grand Bahamas Airport; or fly to Fort Lauderdale or Miami for a connecting flight to the Island.  Now if you want to forgo the fast part, then you can take the Discovery Cruise Line and spend your day at the pool, bar or casino as you cruise to your Island destination.  Fast or slow you can get to the Bahamas Islands within a day from anywhere in the continental United States.

As for cheap, well cheap is a relative term, but for a Bahamas vacation that can mean anything.  There are plenty of hotels, resorts or inns to choose from.  Whether you make reservations at the Pelican Bay at Lucaya, the Viva Wyndham, Our Lucaya, maybe the Ocean Reef Yacht, or the Xanadu Beach Resort whichever place you choose, prices will vary from expensive all- inclusive resorts to cheap sleeps and eats.  And if you are traveling with children, you will need to consider what activities are available for them.  Both the Viva Wyndham and Our Lucaya Resort offer daily programs for children up to 12 years old, but you will need to check if there is an additional cost for this amenity. Fast or slow, cheap or costly you can take a dream like a vacation in the Bahamas.

Good can be replaced with great when it comes to describing the beaches and the water of the Bahamas Islands; great is an understatement to describe the fishing, snorkeling and diving.  Tranquil stretches of white sandy beaches, and water so clear you can see straight to the bottom;  whether you have come to the Bahamas for action or relaxation you are at the right place. When you come to the Bahamas, no matter how you get there and no matter how much your accommodations cost, you are here to play, relax, and enjoy.

Cheap is said to be relative, fast  can be described as a state of mind and good is the way in which you view things;  to the more developed islands of the Grand Bahama and Nassau to the more remote Andros and Cat Islands, the Bahamas is a paradise to be enjoyed.

A seaside Newport Beach Home in Corona del Mar known as Dolphin Rock was put up for sale last week, generating considerable buzz with its asking price of $10.5 million—more than twice the average in ritzy Newport Beach Realty.

Occupying four lots in CdM’s famous China Cove, Dolphin Rock sits right on the coast of Corona del Mar State Beach. This Newport home for sale boasts a 270-degree view of the waterfront and glass-walled viewing rooms designed to take advantage of its coastal location.

The 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom Newport House for Sale is one of the largest in Corona del Mar, with a lot size of over 8,700 square feet. The land value alone is estimated at more than $12 million. Included in the offer are a 4-car garage, spacious gardens, and a large pool area.

This Newport Beach Home was designed by architect Gordon Harvin Glass and features a sleek contemporary design. Heavy-duty glass walls make up most of the ocean-facing side, allowing the owner to enjoy the view from every room.

Natural rock formations surround this Newport Beach House, giving it a sense of privacy despite being on a popular beach. The smooth, clear glass and rough rock create a unique contrast that adds to its contemporary feel.

Dolphin Rock was built in 2000 and has only been on the market once before. Its name comes from the dolphin playground it faces, and the natural stone making up the Newport Beach Home interior. The beams are made of top-quality fur imported from British Columbia, Canada.

For more information on Newport Beach Real Estate, Newport Realtors, Newport House for Sale, Newport Beach Homes visit – http://www.newportoc.com

Are you in the process of making your Oahu travel plans? If so, you may be looking for that perfect island destination or you may be looking for unique attractions to visit. If so, Lanikai Beach is a must examine.

Did you know that Lanikai beach is rated as one of the best beaches in Hawaii? It is. Not only does it come highly rated and recommended by locals and other tourists, but a number of well-known travel magazines and television programs have rated this beautiful beach a must visit.

Another reason why Lanikai Beach is a must visit is because it is off the beaten path. Although it is increasing in popularity, it is still relatively private and overcrowding typically isn’t a problem, especially on the weekdays. If loud, overcrowded beaches are a turn off of yours, this beach is definitely a must visit.

What makes Lanikai Beach a hidden treasure is that it is located in a residential area. Unfortunately, many tourists make the mistake of believing this means the beach is off limits to them, but it isn’t. Don’t make this mistake, as you will miss out on an amazing opportunity. Although surrounded by residential homes, you can use numerous public access paths to gain access.

As previously stated, Lanikai Beach is surrounded by residential homes. While this does mean no Oahu vacation resorts, it does mean Oahu vacation rentals. If you have yet to make reservations for your overnight accommodations, you may want to examine private Oahu vacation rentals near Lanikai Beach. Booking a reservation gives you easy access to the beach and if you are like most travelers, you won’t want to spend your vacation anywhere else.

If the above mentioned reasons weren’t enough, there are even more reasons why Lanikai Beach is a must visit for those on Oahu vacations. One of those reasons is the pictures that you can take home and show off to friends and family. Lanikai Beach is, literally, picture perfect. The clear water, white sandy beaches, and the twin islands of Mokumanu and Mokulua, which are not far from the shore, make any picture breathtaking. That is one reason why beachside weddings are increasing in popularity in the area.

The beauty of Lanikai Beach is perfect anytime of the year and all day long, but one activity that you must do is make it in time to see the sunrise. It is one of the biggest recommendations made by travelers, just like you. Many state that you will never experience something so amazing or wonderful in your life. If you arrive to watch the sunrise in the week, you may be surprised just how quite and peaceful the beach is. Not having to travel far to watch the sunrise is another benefit to booking a stay at a nearby Oahu vacation rental.

Another reason why Lanikai Beach is considered a must visit attraction is because of the fun activities that you gain access to. Before focusing on these activities, a word of caution is needed. Due to being relatively secluded and off the beaten path, there are no onsite facilities. This means no restrooms and no on-duty lifeguard. This doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy Lanikai Beach, but it means that you need to display caution and use your best judgment.

As for the activities that you can enjoy, a few great beach and water activities include kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing. In fact, when kayaking, you are encouraged to visit the above mentioned twin islands. They are beautiful bird sanctuaries. Rental stations for kayaks and snorkeling gear are located not onsite, but nearby.

As it was previously stated, it is important to display caution when entering the waters of Lanikai Beach, due to no lifeguards; however, you may be surprised how inviting the water is. The beach is protected by a coral reef. This helps to reduce the surf and make the water calm most of the time.

So, doesn’t Lanikai Beach sound like a great place to visit? If in the area, stop by and see for yourself, as you will be glad that you did. If you have yet to make reservations for your overnight stays, examine Lanikai Beach vacation rentals. They are well-worth the already affordable rental rates!

A long shoreline accompanied by waves that slowly hits the gritty tan sand – walking on the sandy beach while waiting for the sun to set on the horizon… Deep down inside you, is there a voice trying to tell you that you are yearning for a beach vacation? After long exhausting working hours, and redundant routines day after day, you are feeling worn out? Pick up the phone and make reservations for beach house vacation rentals to give yourself a break!

Bring along a few friends to spend a weekend or even a long vacation by the beach. Do not fret as beach house vacation rentals costs less than beach hotels. They are affordable and houses can accommodate more people compared to hotel rooms. In a nutshell, you are paying less for a larger space that feels like home. The houses are practically fully furnished with a complete kitchen, bedroom sets and dining tables. There are private vacation houses with private beaches but they do cost more.

Ask around your friends or relatives for recommendations on beach house vacation rentals and decide on where you want to have your vacation, as well as the number of people going with you. Most of the vacation beach houses require a minimum stay of 3 nights and advance booking. Browse the net to look for available beach houses. Consider the price and amenities provided for each listing and research well before you do your reservations. Otherwise, you can seek professional help from travel agents if you are looking for special deals like free and easy packages.

List down the shortlisted beach houses and call them up one by one to see which one fits the bill for your perfect vacation accommodation. It is important to confirm with the owner or agent to see if the owner allows you to bring along children or pets. You will be required to pay a certain amount for deposit to secure your reservation for beach house vacation rentals.

Are you looking for an escape to a warm paradise? Have you always wanted to travel to an exotic location like the Caribbean?

You always hear of others having so much fun soaking up the sun on the white sandy beaches and enjoying all those umbrella drinks in the balmy ocean breeze, dining in excellent restaurants, and snorkeling in the clear blue water. Why not you? You’ve always dreamed of such a vacation so go for it!

But which island? You definitely want a great place to swim and snorkel, excellent restaurants, and lots of fun things to do.

The Bahamas are the most often talked about since many cruise lines stop by there, and you will surely find plenty to do if you choose a trip to these lovely islands. Grand Bahama is a very popular destination and offers something for everyone. It is home to the resort areas of Freeport and Lucaya, the Port Lucaya Marketplace, and many eclectic eateries. Activities such as golf, tennis, and water sports are popular.

The two-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago is located at the southern end of the Eastern Caribbean chain just off the tip of Venezuela. Because of is close proximity to the equator, you will find very warm weather even in the middle of winter. To get the most of your trip, sampling the local fare is an absolute must. You will find Indian cuisine to be quite prevalent in the islands. Getting around Trinidad and Tobago couldn’t be easier. Choose a taxi, a rental car, bus, or bike to do your exploring.

St Maarten/St Martin is another great choice. This island is the smallest land mass in the world to be shared by two different nations. Only 37 square miles are owned by France and the Netherlands Antilles. It is known as the biggest small island in the world and there is a huge variety of cultures and entertainment to be found at this lovely destination. St Martin has over 30 different beaches. From tiny secluded beaches to expansive white sand going on for miles, you will find your favorite beachside locale. Activities abound, from day trips to sporting activities to everything in between. There is truly something for all. It is also a plus that this island is known to be very safe for wandering around exploring.

A favorite of many is St John of the US Virgin Islands. The beautiful St John is the smallest of the USVI put also the most pristine. Enjoy hiking, relaxing by the water, or just enjoy the magnificent sunrise and unspoiled beauty here.

Inishmor is the largest and most accessible of the Aran Islands. You can reach Inishmor by plane from Connemara regional airport at Minna, near Inverin, about 35km west of Galway or by ferry from Rossaveal about 40km west of Galway. Inishmor, teetering on the very edge of Europe, is an island rich in culture and tradition, a place of timelessness and mysticism. When you land on the island, you will be greeted by a welcoming party of tour operators offering their services to whisk you around the island on a day trip. Speak nicely and they will escort you first to your accommodation before milling you around the island, usually the standard of guide is quite high, full of anecdotes of island life and well versed in it’s history. One of the highlights of the trip is the spectacular Dun Aengus fort almost toppling into the mighty, pounding Atlantic, the views from the top are unforgettable. There are two other forts along the road between Kilronan and Dun Aengus well worth stopping for, namely Dun Eochal and Dun Duchathai. The ruins of monastic settlements dot the island, the highlights being Tempall Chiarain, Teampall Bheanain, Clochan na Carraige and the Seven Churches. Return to Kilronan for a fine evening meal in the Aran Islands Hotel Restaurant recommended for it’s excellent seafood, unwind later with a few Irish coffees and some marvellous live Irish traditional music.

The next day hire a bicycle or better still a horse and tramp around the island, popping in to visit the Old Light House, Man of Aran Cottage and The Worm hole. When you get back to Kilronan make sure to take in the Aran Heritage Centre. Whittle away your evening on a wee pub crawl having a jar or two in Tigh Fitz, Joe Watty’s, Ti Joe Mac’s and the famous American bar.