Discover the Luxury of Private Villa Rentals

21. March 2009 Helen Palmer

When most of us travel, our minds normally squander into the typical process of selecting a destination, time, and arrangements. You get an idea or a vision of where you would like to relax or escape. Once it is decided where and when, we go through the process of selecting a hotel or resort property. For a select few, they already know that the most luxurious locales in the world are best appreciated in the solitude and exclusivity of a luxury villa.

Perhaps many don’t realize that those places you’ve seen on TV and in movies - the ones where many say “It must be nice to have a place like that” - perched up on some exotic hillside can be had for a while by even the most frugal travelers. Remember the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” What if I told you that you and your spouse, family, or group could have your own Italian villa overlooking the Mediterranean Sea for not much more than you’d pay for a 3 star hotel? Well it is true. Those images you’ve had in your head can be your reality, even if only for a few days. You’ve seen the images; an elegant chalet with twenty foot pillars garnishing the front entrance. The driveway is paved in beautifully aged cobblestones. The house looks like a miniature palace - as white as any marble could ever be - adorns the emerald green hillside on which it is perched. No other building in site. The rear facade looks over the hill to the sea which is as blue as the depths of Fred Astaireâ??s eyes. There is a large pool here, which at just the right angles seemingly runs directly into that sea. But it is only optical illusion.

Aside from satisfying the need to escape, staying in a villa for your vacation offers several other advantages to a conventional hotel stay.

Expense

If you’re traveling in a small group of 4 to 20 people, the charges associated with your stay may be shared amongst all the travelers, versus getting multiple hotel rooms to accommodate everyone.

Exclusivity

Almost 70% of all the villa rental properties are somewhat isolated from other properties. Enjoy yourselves at your leisure without having to be concerned with hotel management sending someone to knock on your door requesting that you to quiet down.

Room

You will be staying in anything from a cabin up to a small mansion, affording the traveler a vast amount of space to frolic - a feature which most hotels cannot match.

Accommodations

Many of the villas offered feature private pools exclusively for you and your guests only. Guests may have individual rooms and shared living quarters in they all may congregate -kitchens, entertainment, and dining rooms.

So when planning your next vacation, consider the advantages of a villa rental. Your travel agent may be of great assistance to you in locating a property which will fit your needs and desires. Take time to carefully consider those you will be traveling with, as you will be stuck in the same quarters for some time. Many villas will be large enough to provide room to escape from bothersome co-travelers, but you want to make sure that your relationships are stable enough to stand being shacked up together for a few days. There should be transportation for everyone to escape without hindering the ability of others to trek around as well.

Copyright Howard White. This article may be reprinted online as long as it reprinted in its entirety including the authorsâ?? information.

Howard White
http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/discover-the-luxury-of-private-villa-rentals-124579.html

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Travel California: Certainly The Golden State

19. March 2009 Helen Palmer

California is a giant-sized wonderland of preserved wilderness, world-class cities, famous beaches, tantalizing cuisine and unparalleled wines. Be close to the action from any destination in California, whether it is Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego or Bakersfield! Travel within California is fantastically scenic and simple; with the largest network of state highways that bring all of the Golden State’s wonders to your car door, you can surf, ski and enjoy fine dining all in one day… but you might want to make it two or ten!

A California for Every Kind

California is the third largest state in the United States, as well as the most populous state in the country. Consequently, California attracts visitors for all kinds of reasons. National Parks such as Joshua Tree in the expansive Mojave Desert, Pinnacles National Monument in the Central Coast, and Ansel Adam’s famously photographed Yosemite are rocky havens for rock climbers and hikers alike. The Sierra Nevada mountain range to the east boasts California’s premier ski resorts, including Mammoth Mountain and Lake Tahoe.

North of the easy-going Sacramento capital lies California’s world-class wine region. Enjoy a trip through Napa Valley for some of the most exquisite restaurants and wine tastings the country has to offer. Lose yourself in quaint luxury at a Bed & Breakfast along the Carmel coast after spending a day at the Hearst Castle. Get star struck during a visit to Hollywood or wonder-struck at Southern California’s Disneyland Resort and California Adventure theme parks, across the street from each other. Don’t forget to explore California’s coastline with a trip to the historic Channel Islands or a whale watching expedition off of San Francisco’s Pacific shores.

The Platinum State

When you book your airfare to California, you will soon discover why this massive and diverse region along the Pacific Ocean is more precious than gold. The 48 state’s tallest peak resides in the Sierra Nevada region of California. Mt. Whitney welcomes thousands of climbers and hikers each year to its 14,505 feet of serene wilderness. Giant Sequoias, the largest living organism in the world, reside in Sequoia National Park and the tallest organisms on Earth, the California Redwood trees, grace the shores of California’s rugged northern coastline. California’s Death Valley is the largest National Park in the country as well as the hottest place on earth (in the summer) and the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. Treat yourself to Death Valley’s spectacular wildflower bloom in March and April.

California also offers one of the most superb collections of luxury resorts, celebrity chefs and nightlife. It is not surprising, considering the state is home to America’s entertainment, music and tech industries as well as one of the largest economies and ports in the world. Don’t wait another minute to book your airfare to California; you could be tanning on the beach or summiting a mountain tomorrow!

Elyse Morgan
http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/travel-california-certainly-the-golden-state-98814.html

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Travel South America: Rio De Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires

17. March 2009 Helen Palmer

Visiting South America is an exciting prospect with itâ??s vibrant, passionate culture, the music, dancing and fabulous beaches. The continent has some of the worlds most exciting cities, rainforests, jungles and mountains.

Rio de Janeiro

Every day feels like a carnival in Rio de Janeiro, you are never far from the pulse of the samba. Situated between glorious beaches and lush mountains itâ??s a perfect place for a lively holiday.

Weather

The weather never gets cold in Rio, the rainy season is from October to January and temperatures can drop to 23C. The humid climate reaches 28C in the summer.

Transport: how to get there and around

The airport in Rio serves flights from all of Latin America, Brazil, and beyond. Long distance buses depart from Novo Rio Rodoviaria.

Getting around the city can be a little uncomfortable on the often crowded buses. For a cooler option try the air-conditioned subway which covers part of the city.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Rio de Janeiro.

Attractions & Events

*Unforgettable Costumes, dancing and body painting are paraded through the streets for the famous 5 day Carnaval. This event starts on the Friday before Ash Wednesday.

* Throughout June is the Fiestas Junina, which takes place in public squares in the city.

*Festa de NS da Gloria do Outeiro is celebrated with street parades and stalls on 15 August.

*Each Sunday in October the religious festival Festa da Penha takes place.

São Paulo

São Paulo is Brazils largest and most cosmopolitan city. There are many attractions for the visitor to enjoy including the art and culture, fine restaurants and pulsating nightlife.

Transport: how to get there and around

There are three airports in São Paulo. Congonhas for domestic and Sao Paulo/ Guarulhos both for domestic and international flights.

To avoid the congested streets the subway is a great option. There is a bus service but this can be crowded and uncomfortable.

Weather

The city receives most rain during the summer months, although generally the weather is sunny and warm all year.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Sao Paulo.

Attractions & Events

*In June the hot fashions are on show during São Pauloâ??s Fashion Week, the same month brings the huge gay celebration Gay Pride.

*In October sports fan can enjoy the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has an old style European feel with its boulevards, caféâ??s and architecture. But you’ll quickly find it also has a trendy chic side and a population that makes flair into an art form. And as home of the tango, the city has an irresistible allure.

Transport: how to get there and around

The cityâ??s two airports known as Ezeiza & Aeroparque serve as an important hub for the southern region of South America. There is a bus service which connects the city with both airports.

The efficient underground called Subte makes traveling around the city easy. You can also use the bus service 24 hours a day. Most of the tourist attractions are situated close to one another so walking is also an option.

Weather

The best time to visit is during Spring and Autumn as the summer can be scorching up to 40C and the winters are cold. You will see some rain although its not generally heavy.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Buenos Aires.

Attractions & Events

*Dancing is a popular celebration, the Buenos Aires Tango festival is held during February and March.

* To celebrate Latin American literature the book fair The Feria del Libro takes place every April.

*Campeonato Abierto Argentino de Polo takes place in December.

Alistair White
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/travel-south-america-rio-de-janeiro-sao-paulo-and-buenos-aires-219554.html

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Private Jets for Convenience and Luxury

15. March 2009 Helen Palmer

Private jets are becoming ever more popular and itâ??s easy to understand why as hiring one has never been so easy. They can be browsed and booked online with a few clicks of your mouse!

Large commercial airports have become difficult to enjoy in recent times. Queues are long and wind confusingly across concourses. Passengers are treated to vigorous safety and security measures, causing delays and discomfort for passengers.

To avoid all this, consider hiring a private jet flight.

In many cases of hiring a private jet you can use a small airport, hopefully located conveniently for you, to avoid these frustrating crowds. The convenience of using smaller landing sites, not burdened by commercial flights is giving private jet hire a great advantage. You wonâ??t have to fight through the traffic that blights main roads. Small airports get you away from the congestion and chaos of a large commercial airport, enabling you to arrive for your private jet flight just half an hour before the plane takes off. Even better, when you have landed you wonâ??t have a frustrating wait for your bags to appear on the carousel; they are right behind you in the plane!

Private jets can provide you with luxury travel and a happy flying experience that you wonâ??t get on a commercial flight. Your journey is planned for your convenience; you go straight to your seat in your own time, alongside friends or colleagues; with professional staff in attendance.

More and more companies and individuals are beginning to understand the benefits of travelling by private jet. Real benefits outweigh the costs as airports become overcrowded, wasting more precious time. Using a private jet can means you can visit three countries in a day and still be home in time for the evening news on TV.

Private jets provide ease of use. All you have to do is to turn up. If you are looking for luxury travel want safety and quality of service without the hassle that accompanies commercial flights, then a private jet is for you.

Kevin P Smith
http://www.articlesbase.com/flights-articles/private-jets-for-convenience-and-luxury-617966.html

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Can You Really Afford That Luxury Cruise?

14. March 2009 Helen Palmer

These days we are all global travellers heading off in pursuit of even more exotic destinations to explore.

One of the biggest growth sectors in holiday travel is that of luxury cruising. Up until a few years ago, most of us would have believed that cruising was an activity simply for the very rich but cruise companies have gone to great lengths to ensure that the experience is within reach of everybody these days with trips ranging from a 3 day long weekender to a 3 month cruise spanning multiple destinations.

Cruises can virtually be as short or as long as you want them to be and the only limitations as to where you can cruise to these days is simply limited by whether or not the destination is accessible by water so you’ll find people heading off in the depths of winter to places like Alaska whilst, at the same time, others will be soaking up the sun in the likes of the Seychelles, Maldives or the Caribbean.

Cheap loans are a popular method of funding a cruise ‘experience of a lifetime and you can be assured that it’s a unique way to spend a holiday. You don’t need to worry that you’ll be the ‘poor man’s son’ on a cruise trip. These days, cruises cater for people of all backgrounds and can be as formal or as informal as you want to make it. There’s no separation of ‘classes’ on board. Just one class and that’s top class!

Some people worry that they’ll get bored or claustrophobic simply sailing the seas but unless you’ve been on board a luxury cruise liner, you’ll have no idea of what’s on offer. Some of these magnificent vessels are like floating cities and it can often take you several days to discover all the different areas of the cruiser and the multitude of activities that are on offer, from sports to dancing and live entertainment, nightclubs, casinos, shopping malls, yes - shopping malls not just the odd gift shop.

The atmosphere is very relaxed and cordial and it’s really easy to make friends as cruises are popular with young and old alike, singles and couples, honeymooners and families too. Living quarters can also often be more luxurious than even the best 5 star hotel you may have experienced so there really is something for everybody on board a cruise liner.

Depending on the type of cruise you choose, all food, drinks and entertainment is often ‘on the house’ so you barely have to put your hand in your pocket.

And, contrary to popular belief, many cruisers today are so vast in size and have such stable mechanisms that seasickness is rarely a problem.

A luxury cruise is an experience that you will never forget. Even if you take out a cheap loan to fund it, it will be well worthwhile - a magnificent holiday where not only do you get the 5 star experience and treatment but where each port you stop at seems to come to you, making it an even more enriching adventure.

Chris Hake
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/can-you-really-afford-that-luxury-cruise-126772.html

Luxury Travel | 25 Comments »

What the Largest Travel Sites Don’t Want you to Know

12. March 2009 Helen Palmer

So you tried all the usual suspects in an online travel site, cheap airfare bargain hunting expedition and now you want to add to your savings by booking a hotel as well. Not so fast, says Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com.

â??The main problem with booking a hotel as part of a package with airfare is that you are limiting your choices without any substantial savings. Many of the largest travel sites canâ??t give you better rates no matter what you book along with them, and often limit your choices to hotels they have exclusive arrangements with.â?

But what about hotels found on travel mega-sites marked as â??best dealsâ??

â??The best way to go about booking a hotel is to first find the properties that suit your needs and then find the best price for each of them,â? continues Collins. â??Weigh your options after doing your homework and then make a decision.â?

Indeed, a â??special dealâ? isnâ??t really special if it doesnâ??t allow you to stay in the area you want, offer you the amenities you desire or is out of your price range despite the discounts. Saving $10 to $50 dollars a night is great, but not if you are at an unsuitably located hotel and will have to travel extensively to get to the areas you want to see and experience.

Still, doesnâ??t booking with the larger travel sites give you the highest number of options?

â??Many individually owned and â??boutiqueâ?? hotels arenâ??t listed with the largest online travel sites,â? says Collins. â??In order to find those types of properties and experience the best savings, go to travel sites that specialize in a particular city or region. Sites such as these usually have all the properties that the largest online agencies have and then some. Not only will you have the best selection, youâ??ll have a better choice of discounted activities to choose from as well.â?

And why are activities so important?

â??Many people lose sight of the fact that experiencing a new place is what vacationing is really about,â? offers Collins. â??Whether you are on a relaxing, sightseeing, educational, adventurous or luxury vacation, the place you stay shouldnâ??t be the entire focal point. As important as it is to plan well for the place you stay, itâ??s just as important to plan for what you will do once you get there.â?

Random Writers
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/what-the-largest-travel-sites-dont-want-you-to-know-84239.html

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Honeymoon Travel Destinations You Will Love

10. March 2009 Helen Palmer

There are places suitable for vacation. There are places suitable for rest. There are places suitable for leisure. There are places suitable for luxury. There are places suitable for romance. And there are places suitable for everything that is mentioned. These are the places where you can set your honeymoon travel. Here are some of the honeymoon travel destinations where you can get a relaxing vacation, well-deserved rest, leisure, luxury, and romance.

Caribbean.
Located between North and South America, the Caribbean is the most sought place when it comes to relaxation, exquisite dining, luxury hotels, and of course world-class beaches and diving spots. The Caribbean is composed of several small countries including Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, and Aruba that showcase only the best place for honeymoon. Newlyweds can enjoy water sports and other water activities, pampering services, great accommodation, and great foods and colorful people.

Hawaii.
Another famous honeymoon travel destination is the islands of Hawaii. The isolated American State has 132 islands but tourists are restricted to just 6 islands. A total of 7 islands are inhabited. They are: O’ahu (The Gathering Place), Moloka’i (The Friendly Isle), Hawaii (The Big Island), Kaua’i (The Garden Isle), Maui (The Valley Isle),and Ni’ihau (The Distant Isle), Lana’i (The Secluded Island). For tourists and honeymooners, Hawaii islands offer world-class hotels, and beaches, exquisite foods, and a close to paradise experience.

Europe.
Traveling to Europe for a honeymoon would present you with lots of things to do and lots of places to visit. Italy for one has several ancient and cities with great historic sites, architecture and arts. France has great tasting foods and sites. The United Kingdom also has lots in store.

Las Vegas.
The gambling capital of the world is also one of the best local places to set your honeymoon. There are world-class hotels and resorts that offer honeymoon package whether you want to set your wedding at Las Vegas or simply would life to spend some romantic time there. Lots of entertainments await every honeymooner in Las Vegas including food, lights and sound attractions, nightlife, and more.

Africa.
Getting the feel of nature and seeing the wild at large is at its best in Africa. There are countries like Tanzania that offer a unique feel of nature and a vibrant touch of luxury in one. Exotic hotels are available in Africa for honeymoon that is something unique and wild.

Low Jeremy
http://www.articlesbase.com/marriage-articles/honeymoon-travel-destinations-you-will-love-94109.html

Luxury Travel | 14 Comments »

The Challenge Of Safari Travel

8. March 2009 Helen Palmer

Before stepping on that plane for a marvelous safari adventure, plan like there’s no tomorrow. You will thank your self for being precautious when faced with untoward incidents.

Here are the important things you should consider when going on a safari travel:

1. Remember that it is one challenging endeavor.

Planning a safari can be one of the most exciting feats one can ever manage to make happen. It is not one of the generic travels, usual jetsetters indulge in. Though you are provided with a tour brochure and a tourist guide, it still is better to research on your own regarding the various itineraries.

2. Best spots for safari should be spotted.

The most suggested parts of Africa to enjoy safari include East and Central Africa, Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Islands.

3. Prepare for the climate.

It is a must to know the seasonal trends and how they will affect your travel. But also remember that the weather is fickle-minded so you can never really accurately predict the outcome of your travel if you will base it one the weather alone.

If you are going to visit East and Central Africa, long rains start early in April to early June. Short rains abound during late November to December.

Southern Africa has its rainy season from late November through mid-April for the safari areas. However, during that time, it will be summer in Southern Cape.

When one prefers Indian and Ocean Islands he or she can expect the seasonal trend to be more like of that of Southern Africa. In these islands, summer rains last from November through April. Cyclones can also be experienced during those seasons. From May to October, the dry season occurs.

4. Choose your activities.

Among others, safari traveling offers these fun-filled activities:

a. gorilla trekking b. sailing c. birdwatching d. participatory camping e. self driving

5. Know what you can afford.

When choosing a trip, budget constraints should never be overlooked. Decide on a price range that you can work on. To make your budgeting more effective consider the level of luxury of your safari travel, length of your trip, activities, accommodations preferences, meals and season.

6. Determine your travel style.

Do you prefer your safari to be more luxurious, moderate or rustic? Will you let kids tag along? Are you traveling with a group or will you be one bold, independent traveler? Will you travel by air or road? What about your guide and your vehicle?

Answering those questions will more or less improve your overview of your dream safari travel.

Have fun!

James Yee
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-challenge-of-safari-travel-138893.html

Luxury Travel | 0 Comments »

The Best Safari Travel Tips

6. March 2009 Helen Palmer

The information about travel,safari,travel tips presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about travel,safari,travel tips or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.

Before stepping on that plane for a marvelous safari adventure, plan like there’s no tomorrow. You will thank your self for being precautious when faced with untoward incidents. Here are the important things you should consider when going on a safari travel:

1. Remember that it is one challenging endeavor.
Planning a safari can be one of the most exciting feats one can ever manage to make happen. It is not one of the generic travels, usual jetsetters indulge in. Though you are provided with a tour brochure and a tourist guide, it still is better to research on your own regarding the various itineraries.

2. Best spots for safari should be spotted. The most suggested parts of Africa to enjoy safari include East and Central Africa, Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Islands.

3. Prepare for the climate. It is a must to know the seasonal trends and how they will affect your travel. But also remember that the weather is fickle-minded so you can never really accurately predict the outcome of your travel if you will base it one the weather alone. If you are going to visit East and Central Africa, long rains start early in April to early June. Short rains abound during late November to December. Southern Africa has its rainy season from late November through mid-April for the safari areas. However, during that time, it will be summer in Southern Cape. When one prefers Indian and Ocean Islands he or she can expect the seasonal trend to be more like of that of Southern Africa. In these islands, summer rains last from November through April. Cyclones can also be experienced during those seasons. From May to October, the dry season occurs.

4. Choose your activities. Among others, safari traveling offers these fun-filled activities: a. gorilla trekking b. sailing c. birdwatching d. participatory camping e. self driving

5. Know what you can afford. When choosing a trip, budget constraints should never be overlooked. Decide on a price range that you can work on. To make your budgeting more effective consider the level of luxury of your safari travel, length of your trip, activities, accommodations preferences, meals and season. 6. Determine your travel style. Do you prefer your safari to be more luxurious, moderate or rustic? Will you let kids tag along? Are you traveling with a group or will you be one bold, independent traveler? Will you travel by air or road? What about your guide and your vehicle? Answering those questions will more or less improve your overview of your dream safari travel. Have fun!

This article’s coverage of the information is as complete as it can be today. But you should always leave open the possibility that future research could uncover new facts.

Michael Hehn
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-best-safari-travel-tips-81328.html

Luxury Travel | 3 Comments »

Luxury Cruise Vacations

4. March 2009 Helen Palmer

Get up, go to work, go home, and go to bed. Repeat. Your lifestyle is a recipe for disaster. All work and no play make Johnny, and Jane, perfectly miserable.

When you’ve had enough of the rat race and just need to get away, a luxury cruise vacation is just the ticket. Luxury cruise vacations offer pure paradise for a week, a month or even six months. Nothing to do but lie back, relax and let the ocean carry you away.

Choosing to take a luxury cruise vacation is one of the easiest decisions you’ll ever make. The tricky part is deciding when to leave, and when to come back. Chances are, you’ll want to leave tomorrow and never return. Unfortunately we all have to return to reality at some point, but even a few days on a luxury cruise vacation is better than none at all.

Work with your travel agent in planning your departure and return dates. You’ll be surprised at the difference a week can make in rates and availability. If cost is a factor, take advantage of off-season discounts and you can save a bundle. Booking well in advance can help you to save a few bucks. Adventurous types who are in a position to drop everything can sometimes catch a break with last-minute bookings.

Think about where you’d like to go for your dream getaway. There are countless options available, depending on where you’d like to travel and what you’d like to see. Check the itineraries of different cruise packages to determine which ports of call you’d like to explore. Of course, you may decide the perfect vacation activity for you is simply basking away on the ship’s pool deck. If that’s the case, you can just book the cruise without worrying about day trips along the way. The time you have available plays a big role in deciding when and where you will travel. Even the shortest luxury cruise vacation can be packed with fun and excitement.

The fun part is actually booking and preparing for your vacation. Once you’ve made the arrangements, you can get up and go to work with smile on your face, as you count down the days till your luxury cruise vacation. Bon Voyage!

Charles Jackson
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/luxury-cruise-vacations-86179.html

Luxury Travel | 25 Comments »