Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Orlando Vacation Home Ownership

So you have selected an area – Orlando – entertainment capital of the world and home to Mickey Mouse and all his friends. First thing is to contact some realtors to show you around some properties. You should look for communities which are centrally located with easy access to all that Orlando has to offer and which welcome homeowners renting out their properties on the short term to holidaymak. . .

Why Vacation in Mont-Tremblant?

Theme parks! Imitation mountains covered with imitation snow; places to eat serving food that just might taste almost like you’re eating in a quaint, foreign restaurant, picturesque little fake villages that are supposed to resemble picturesque little real villages; hotels built around man-made lakes. Sure they’re fun for the whole family but why settle for “fake” or “imitation” or “almost li. . .

Rating Horseback Riding Vacations At Dude Ranches

Dude ranches in general have a bad reputation among many of those who are truly interested in riding and horsemanship. This is true of many dude ranches which cater to a clientele knowing little about horses or riding and offer a pseudo western vacation where square dances, wranglers with big hats, hay rides and cookouts are the main attractions. Not all ranches are like that and they are as co. . .

The Copper River Delta Shorebirds Festival – Bird Watchin...

Held in Cordova, Alaska, the Copper River Delta Shorebirds Festival is a bird watcher’s dream come true. Hundreds of thousands birds migrate to the delta for your sighting pleasure. Copper River Delta Shorebirds FestivalHeld every May, the Copper River Delta Shorebirds Festival is the place to be if you want to view shorebirds. Literally millions of birds migrate to the delta on the way to bree. . .

How Discount Airlines Save Money

In the last twenty years, discount airlines have single-handedly changed the way the airline industry functions. With a focus on getting customers to their desired destinations without the frills of regular airline travel, discount airlines can charge lower prices and still meet strict safety codes. Airlines like JetBlue and Southwest offer customers extremely low rates and still service a wide. . .

Costa Rica - A Paradise In Central America

Costa Rica - A Modern Day Paradise Costa Rica, a small country filled with sun, beaches, vulcanos, buses, good food and party! No one will leave Costa Rica feeling they did not have a good time. Family Vacation in Costa Rica You will not have any problem visiting Costa Rica even with small children. Costa Rica is a country where most families have more then 1 child. The food is good and the num. . .

Benidorm And Alicante Are Like Child's Play

Everything seems to be ideal when planning your holidays in Benidorm and the its surrounding towns. The geographical location between two mountain ranges gives it its fantastic climate; over 356 days of sunshine and comfortable temperatures in winter and beach degrees in summer. Ever since it was taken over by a wise businessman who saw the unlimited possibilities, Benidorm has held the winning. . .

Lost and Found in the Great Outdoors

Camping and hiking are wonderful ways to get close to nature. Adventuring in the wilderness is uplifting and refreshing. However, there is something important that every camper should be aware of on a camping trip. If you're heading off into a remote area, there is always the possibility that someone, adult or child, will get lost. Prepare everyone in your party ahead of time with the do's and . . .

Adventure Travel - An Exciting Thrill !

Do you want to add a little adventure to your life? Do you want to be engaged in something you have never done before? The unique information here will help you to considering a vacation that will bring memories and expierences that will last a lifetime. Believe it, adventure travel is for every kind of people. Youngsters who want to get excited by travelling through Alaska with a dog sled or o. . .

Making Hotel Reservations Online

When you begin planning a vacation, one of the most important steps is to book a hotel room for your stay. After you have made your arrangements to take off work and get to your destination, you will have to figure out an affordable place to stay. There are many ways to approach hotel booking, the most tried and true being purchasing a vacation package through a travel agent. However, travel ag. . .

Ten Questions To Ask Your Villa Rental Agent

How do you select an effective Villa Rental Agent? As you would selecting any skilled, specialized consultant and using your own instincts for identifying a talented, committed and professional firm. Another important yardstick is the depth and breadth of the relevant knowledge they have and are willing to share, as well as the transparency of their presentation.An effective Villa Rental Agent . . .

Costa Rica – San Jose and Tamarindo

Over the last ten years, the reputation of Costa Rica as a travel destination has grown leaps and bounds. Good places to visit include San Jose and Tamarindo. Costa RicaLocated in Central America, Costa Rica is a country with a lot to offer. The country is unique because the costal areas present some of the nicest beaches in the world, while a few hours inland you can find towering mountains wi. . .

Golf Maui - Tee Off Where the Pros Play!

If you plan to golf Maui you're in for the treat of your links career! More top-flite choices await you than almost any other island destination. Whether you are a scratch golfer or the only way you get near par is with an eraser, there is a Maui golf experience waiting just for you!With near perfect year-round weather averaging 75-85 degrees, who wouldn't want to golf Maui? You've seen many o. . .

Playing Chess in Russia – The Agony of Victory

Russians have a thing for chess and, frankly, are very good at it. Being from San Diego, I thought chess was something you put photo albums in. Playing ChessPlaying chess requires thinking ten or twelve steps ahead. If I wanted to understand the Russian mind, I had to learn to play chess. If nothing else, it would be a good way to pass the time. This I was told by Robert, an American living in . . .

Taking A Honeymoon Cruise Can Be Magical!

Many couples are finding that an all-inclusive honeymoon cruise can make their special getaway after marriage even more special. When they climb on board, they cannot believe the joy and simplicity of their vacation, with no worries and no stress! Taking a honeymoon cruise can make for one of the most memorable vacations you will ever experience and it all occurs on a single cruise ship! In the. . .

Travel Tips: Preparing For A Vacation In Africa

There are many new and exciting things to see in Africa. There is no way anyone could possibly see everything there is to see in one trip. This is why travelers need to decide exactly what they want to see before taking their trip so they can book the appropriate safari. There are many animals to choose from, chimpanzees, gorillas, the “Big 5” (lions, rhino, buffalo, leopard, and elephant), cro. . .

Costa Rica – VW Vans and Crawling Things

For better or worse, man has tamed Mother Nature in many countries. My general impression is this isn’t the case in Costa Rica. San Jose to CarrilloRoughly ten of us had decided to head to Costa Rica for a week to stay at a friend’s place just outside the beach town of Carrillo on the west coast. We flew into San Jose and were supposed to be met by a rental company representative that had two n. . .

Time Traveler to New York’s Cobblestone Country

I sit in the plush dining area of the Cobblestone Restaurant in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, enjoying a fastidiously prepared meal. But, my mind wanders from the present. My gaze is fixed on the deep window well and recessed windows with wavy patterns in the glass. I’m not a 21st century woman. I’m a pioneer to the wilds of upstate New York.My husband and I traveled by ox cart ove. . .

How to Organize Your European Vacation?

Friends often ask me to plan their European vacations, and more specifically, their vacation in Paris. Why me? Being a native of Paris I have the inside scoop as to cheap hotels, how to get special hotel deals and other cheap vacation tips. I can also tell you about travel weather and other useful information. The first step consists of determining who exactly is coming on this trip, your dest. . .

Driskill Hotel - a Haunting Experience In Austin Texas

Driskill Hotel Austin TexasThis halloween I decided to fly to Austin Texas to hang out with some friends of mine. As a tribute to this mask clad holiday, we decided to stay at the Driskill Hotel, right off of 6th street. We had been told that it is one of the most haunted hotels in the United States,with at least 4 resident ghossts.When we arrived the staff was amazingly nice and helpful. We re. . .

Hurricane Season Travel: Considering the Odds

With large number of hurricanes sweeping the tropics in recent months worldwide attention has been drawn to the damage these massive storms can cause. However, many travelers choose to visit the Caribbean and surrounding areas during these months. While some travelers may find it surprising, there are many reasons why vacationers choose to travel during the Hurricane Season. Know the FactsMuch . . .

First Time Travel to Europe - Your Six-Month Planning Guide

So, you’ve decided that you want to travel to Europe within the next year. Fantastic! Your trip is sure to be an exciting learning experience. This article will discuss the key plans you’ll need to make before traveling to Europe, starting from six months outwards. Traveling to Europe - Six Months Before You GoIt goes without saying that at this stage of the game that you’ll need to pick where . . .

On Oregon's Coast: Lewis & Clark and the Holidays

Sometimes, the best holiday celebrations aren't the most famous or obvious ones. This is especially true on Oregon's coast, where one big secret is that this time of year doesn't just mean the area's notoriously stormy and wild weather, but that it has many days that are unusually dry and warm compared to the rest of the state. But the most delightful secrets lie in the realm of holiday celebra. . .

Andes Mountains Adventure

My Andes mountains adventure started with a graveyard.All the monuments near the first refuge weren't for climbers without skill. This graveyard is testament to the unpredictability of high places. Chimborazo is very high. It randomly drops large rocks or pieces of glacier on you, and has weather that changes by the minute. Hiking to the second refuge, we could hear the rocks and pieces of ice . . .

Six Great Places to Dine Out When You're in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Six Finest Places To Eat Amsterdam offers a hot time to visitors. It provides hot hotels, hot entertainment, and hot places to eat in plenty. The fine restaurant hot spots that serve good food and great atmosphere are everywhere. So, while in Amsterdam, take a look at six of the hottest places to taste the best cuisine. Beddingtons. This is a restaurant that exemplifies the leisurel. . .

Enjoy a Fun Vacation by Taking a Cruise

Take A Cruise For The Vacation Of Your Life! Vacations can be fun, however often times they can wear down your energy level and be less relaxing then you had anticipated. Many vacationers look forward to coming back home. The cost of attractions and eating out begin to outweigh the fun of the vacation. A great way to avoid vacation burnout is to take a cruise. Cruise vacations have become popul. . .

The Top Five Things To Do In Tuscany

Tuscany, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, with its architectural and artistic heritage, boasts dozens of museums, the most famous one being the Uffizi in Florence, medieval towns, and world-famous vineyards. Tuscany is pastoral Europe in its prime. Here are the top five Tuscan things to do. No. 1: Visit medieval SienaThis is Italy's greatest medieval town. Walk through the narrow maze. . .

Camping… a Way Of Life!

More and more people are traveling these days for different reasons. Some travel for adventure, some to be close to nature and some for just a rejuvenating weekend getaway. A definite upcoming trend is more and more people seeking untouched locales and wilderness. Camping is a great way to enjoy amazing outdoors and be close to nature. It is not just another holiday; it’s a way of life. While c. . .

Waterfalls of Western New York

Mention New York and people automatically think of New York City. It conjures up images of skyscrapers and more recently, terrorism. But, skip the city and head northwest in New York State to a region called the Finger Lakes where you’ll find natural beauty in lakes, hillsides covered in vineyards and hundreds of waterfalls.The abundance of waterfalls is due to the region’s geologic history of . . .

Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama: A Meaningful Experience

Huntsville, Alabama's Space Camp Every kid's most fervent dream is to experience what it is like to be an astronaut. The NASA sponsored Space camp in Huntsville, Alabama makes this dream a possibility. The week long programs help the kid experience what its like to be an astronaut. Some of these programs are offered along with other community programs like 4-H. Attending a Space Camp can be one. . .

Hilton Head Accommodation

The second largest barrier island on the east coast, Hilton Head Island, SC attracts more than 2 million people year round. In a courteous professional manner, we at Hilton Head Island accommodate cater to all of our guests. Located in the Lowcountry between Old South sister cities Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, Hilton Head Island is plush with untouched marshlands, palmetto. . .

A Short Guide To Having Fun In Italy

The best time to go to Italy could well be, well, anytime. In reality the best time is between April and June as the flood of school holidays hasnt yet hit the roads, the countryside is at its fullest bloom and the weather isnt uncomfortably hot yet.When deciding at which time of the year to go to Italy it may be worth scheduling around a couple of festivals as they are invariably spectacular o. . .

Mini-Guide to St. Louis, Missouri

Journey to the "Gateway to the West" and enjoy the history and charm St. Louis, Missouri has to offer. Whether driving the Mother Road down Old Route 66, or cruising the mighty Mississippi river on an old-fashioned riverboat, the city digs deep into its scenic past to give you an enjoyable voyage no matter how you travel. The originator of hot dogs, ice cream cones, and iced tea (courtesy of th. . .

Mini-Guide to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The "City of Brotherly Love," Philadelphia opens its arms to millions of visitors each year. And from cheesesteaks to history to works of art, there is more than enough to do once inside this famed city of Pennsylvania. The birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, Philadelphia proffers historical offerings second to none in authenticity. Independence Hall, the Liberty. . .

Mini-Guide to New Orleans, Louisiana

Famous for its French Quarter and notorious for its Mardi Gras celebration, New Orleans is a veritable carnival of sensory delights. From music to food to atmosphere, New Orleans has become a cultural staple of the United States. The historic French Quarter offers cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and hotels that redefine the word 'elegance.' A stay at the luxurious Astor Crowne Plaza. . .

Mini-Guide to Honolulu, Hawaii

Situated on the island of Oahu, Honolulu is the capital city of Hawaii. And Hawaii, for those of you who don't know, is America's answer to a daily paradise. Once you've visited breathtaking Waikiki Beach, you may decide you never want to leave. The good news for you is that there's plenty for you to do during your stay. For those of you who want to experience the beauty of the island firsthand. . .

Spain:

Spain is a country with a long proud history including settlement by the Ancient Romans and many centuries of domination by the Moors. It is a country of great diversity, with mountain ranges in the North East, beautiful beaches in the South and a luscious green coastline in the north. Spain is great for lovers of the outdoor, whether you enjoy hiking, biking or other outdoor pursuits. The cent. . .

Hello from Barcelona

This is my first ever blog and I´ll have to be very brief since I only have about 11 minutes left at the Internet cafe. I am sitting here at the Maremagnum shopping mall in the port of Barcelona.Theresa and I just came back from our tour on the blue Tourist Bus. (20 Euros for 2 days). What a fabulous city!Yesterday we had dinner in the Gothic Quarter and got serenaded by one musician / music gr. . .

Hello from Ibiza (4)

So we spent our last day here today, the last day of this truly amazing 2 week vacation. Yesterday, after our little beach experience at Cala Llonga we went to the town of Sant Miquel where they have a live performance of folkloric dancing every Thursday evening at 6:15 pm.The performance was inside the white-washed church's inner yard and we sat down with another 40 to 50 tourists to watch a g. . .

Hello from Javea

We just arrived in the little port town of Javea, about 75 km south of Valencia. Yesterday we drove down the coast from Barcelona, stopped in Tarragona for a lovely little lunch and had a quick peak at the remains of the Roman walls. We couldn´t find the supposedly well preserved amphitheatre though.... We made our way south along the N340 to a town called Peñiscola, a beautiful jewel on a peni. . .

Austria Off The Beaten Path – Zell Am See, Innsbruck and ...

Mention Austria and everyone thinks of Vienna and Salzburg. In addition to great names, Zell am See, Innsbruck and Bad Gastein are great locations off the beaten path.Zell am SeeZell…am…See. The name just rolls off the tongue, but it pails in comparison to the place. Often described as heaven on earth, Zell am See is a dream location in the mountains of Austria. With towering mountains on one s. . .

Unique Travel Gifts for Christmas

Coming up with unique Christmas gift ideas can be difficult. If you’re buying for a traveler, here are a few unique travel gifts you should consider. Travel GiftsFor some people, travel consists of hopping on a plane and moving around the country as part of a job. For others, it is an opportunity to get out and see exotic locations. Regardless of the type of travel, following are a list of uniq. . .

Mini-Guide to Boston, Massachusetts

Affectionately called the "Hub of the Universe", Boston is home to both the World Champion New England Patriots and the 2004 World Champion Boston Red Sox. Brimming with the history of how America was forged, Boston invites you to walk the Freedom Trail, where you can witness firsthand the actual areas where America's freedom was established and its liberty ensured. Also while you’re in the are. . .

Hello from Tarragona

My second blog entry. Sitting here in Calle Cos del Bou in Tarragona. We spent 2 very intense and interesting days in Barcelona. Barcelona is a great city with so many sights to see. The Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter) with the old cathedral, the newly renovated waterfront with the Statue of Columbus, La Sagrada Familia, the architecture by Antoni Gaudi (La Pedrera, Casa Battlo, Parc Guell, La S. . .

Hello from Sitges

Sitting here in the cafe, 2 minutes from the Hostal Bonaire (Euro 39 for a single room) where we are going to spend the night.We left Javea yesterday around 1 pm and drove up the A7. We were just curious about the toll and ended up paying Euro 6.20 and Euro 17.75 plus another Euro 1.20 to exit just around Tarragona.We decided to explore the mountain areas and ended up in a hostal in the small m. . .

Mini-Guide to Chicago, Illinois

The main city of Illinois offers plenty to do, whether you're looking to visit, or planning to make Chicago your new home. Come and watch the magic of the Chicago Bulls, enjoy a White Sox game, or try to beat the curse of the Chicago Cubs.Educate yourself in the Harold Washington Library Center, the world's larges public library which holds two million books, or visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Hom. . .

Hawaii (The Big Island) - A City Guide

IntroductionThere's no place on earth quite like this handful of sun-drenched, mid-Pacific islands. The Hawaii of South Seas literature and Hollywood films really does exist. Here one will find palm-fringed blue lagoons, lush rainforests, hidden gardens, cascading waterfalls, wild rivers running through rugged canyons, and soaring volcanoes. And those beaches -- gold, red, black, and even green. . .

Hello from Cuba (4) - Bureaucracy Galore - The University...

Yesterday I had to sign up for my Spanish course at the University of Havana. The Campus of the University is an astoundingly beautiful collection of classical buildings and a Cuban tank graces the entrance to the library.At 9 am all the foreign students, about 40 of them, met in the Edificio Varona and we were shepherded by various professors into a very antiquated lecture hall. (By the way, o. . .

Hello from Cuba (3) - Hiking Vinales and Exploring Nature

On Sunday it was gorgeous. The cold front had finally passed through, the rain was gone and we had a beautiful warm sunny day without any humidity.My hostess is also a guide for the National Park System and Vinales is a nationally protected natural habitat. She had a tour planned through a side valley of Vinales (Valle del Ancon) with 3 participants, an older couple from Germany and me.The tour. . .

Orlando Vacation Rentals - Close To The Action

Choosing to rent an Orlando vacation home means you will be right in the heart of all the action Orlando has to offer.From the point you arrive a short 20-30 minute drive from the airport will take you to your home from home for the duration of your stay. Hundreds of vacation rental villas are well within a 30-minute drive to all the main Walt Disney World attractions. Furthermore many of these. . .