Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Namibia: A Bountiful Harvest Awaits the Adventure Traveler

Namibia is a largely arid country of stark rough-hewn beauty. The most vivid images are those of a haunting technicolor landscape of swirling orange dunes, shimmering mirages and treacherous dust devils. The apparent desolation is deceptive and plant and animal life and even man has adapted to this environment. The country is designed almost specially with the active and adventure seeker in min. . .

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China as some believed originated as a military fortification against intrusion by tribes on the borders during the earlier Zhou Dynasty. In 770-BC-476BC, the ducal states extended the defense work, and built large structures to prevent the attacks from other states. The Great Wall of China was eventually separated during the Qin Dynasty, which preceded the Zhou Dynasty. The Z. . .

Mossel Bay - a Small Harbour Town with a Lot of Muscle!

Named “Mossel Bay” by the famous Dutch navigator Paulus van Caerdon, whose crew consumed huge amounts of tasty molluscs after landing here in 1601. Today, this coastal town's famous muscles are prized by connoisseurs around the world, but Mossel Bay has other tasty treats just waiting to be discovered... Between the East Coast and the Eden DistrictThis area, known for good reason as the Eden Di. . .

A Stay At Old San Juan In Puerto Rico

One of the most used departure ports for cruise ships in the Caribbean is San Juan in Puerto Rico. We decided to arrive a day early to San Juan in order to see some sights before our cruise ship departure. San Juan, known as 'La Ciudad Amurallada' (the walled city), was founded in 1521 and is the oldest city under the US flag. During the 16th century, the Spanish used it as a point of depart. . .

Inns and Bed and Breakfasts – Are They For Everybody?

Inns are a delightful alternative to hotels and resorts. They can be just the right ticket for your vacation, providing you understand how they work and function. Are they for everybody?No, they're not. But here’s the answers to some basic questions to determine if it’s the type of accommodation that’ll work for you…WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INNS AND BED AND BREAKFASTS?Let's start by cleari. . .

Boston Vacations: Four Ways To Experience Beantown

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. Th. . .

Why Take A Mediterranean Cruise?

A Mediterranean cruise is without doubt the most varied type of cruise available. There are more than 120 seaports around the Mediterranean coastline, offering numerous combinations of cruise vacations over one-week, two-week or longer trips. A huge clash of cultures await all who opt for a Mediterranean cruise. You can visit no less than 17 different countries, including such nations as Spain,. . .

Places to Visit in Southeast Spain

Southeast Spain along the Costa de Almeria is an unspoilt paradise. A world away from the high-rise hotel blocks and apartments that are associated with some other coastal areas of Spain, this Costa is subdued and altogether much more inviting. Mile upon mile of sandy beach stretches out along the coastline, truncated ever so often by headlands that crash out into the sea. For discerning famili. . .

Secrets Of Cheap Travel

There are two ways to save money traveling. The first way is to get the best deals on the specific things you want. There is a limitation to this type of approach though. If , for example, you find the lowest price on the best hotel in Honolulu at the height of the season, you WILL save money, but still have a very expensive vacation. Trying to get exactly what you want, or what you think you w. . .

Travel Light: The How And Why

I learned how to travel light from lightweight backpacking, then found it was just as useful to keep it light on trips overseas or driving across the country. The last time my wife and I went to Ecuador, I had 10 pounds of luggage, all in one carry-on bag, and Ana had just 8 pounds in her carry-on bag. This wasn't a short trip. We spent six weeks in Ecuador, at times on glacier-covered mountai. . .

Climbing Mount Chimborazo

The climb up the glaciers to the summit of Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador isn't considered highly technical. Technically, it is mountaineering, but how hard could it be, considering that I went to 20,600 feet the first time I used crampons and an ice axe? Okay, I had used them once for practice, on a sledding hill near my house. I climbed almost forty feet while people walked by with their sleds, . . .

Celebrity Spotting in Great Exuma

What’s a guy to do?It seems that playing a pirate in the Caribbean just wasn’t enough for Johnny Depp. He had to go and buy a whole island in the Caribbean! And rumor has it that when he informed his wife Vanessa Paradis that he had bought her an island in the Exumas, Bahamas, her response was: What do we need an island for? Poor Johnny! I guess nobody really needs to own an island but if you w. . .

Glasgow Centre for Contemporary Arts

The Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow presents the very best in contemporary visual art, performance, film, music, spoken word, club nights and more.CCA is an environment where everyone can encounter experimental art or just enjoy the creative atmosphere. Whether you come to see a new work or have a cup of coffee, we want to provide the best experience possible. We have the confidence to . . .

Cheap International Plane Tickets

The best place to buy cheap international plane tickets is online. We've tried travel agencies and they can't compete with the discount ticket websites. You can search google ("cheap airfare South America", for example), or go straight to one of the well-known sites, like Expedia, Travelocity, Cheap Tickets, Hotwire or Priceline.I just did a quick search for the cheapest airfare from Tucson, Ar. . .

Route 66 – What’s All the Fuss About Anyway?

For many, Route 66 is in their blood – they grew up on the old highway, traveled the road with their parents when they were kids, or, perhaps, even pumped gas at one of those vintage filling stations that actually knew what the term “customer service” meant.For others, they are nostalgic like me – “old souls,” some might say. And, if it’s history, it’s interesting!!! What the Santa Fe Trail i. . .

A Trip To Vegas

A trip that will always be remembered is the one in Las Vegas, what is sometimes referred to as "Sin City" due to it's casino gambling places, though I prefer to remember it as a "sensational" city, LasVegas, Nevada. From LA to this gambler's city, It was a 4 hour drive during the summer months. The weather was exceptionally hot but such excitement filled the air. When my friends and I got to o. . .

A Teenager's Vegas Vacation

This, a true story about a Vegas vacation involving casino gambling and... a little more, that must be told now that I am an adult and making my own decisions in life - whether gambling, casinos or whatever - and with a need to share this story in hopes that it brings a smile to the reader of these words. I was 15 years old and took what was called a “turn-a-round” trip to Las Vegas, the city. . .

Las Vegas Entertainment and Business Meetings

When arriving in one of the most exciting cities on the planet, Las Vegas, Nevada, I could not help but think about how interesting my Company’s meetings would be. I knew it was a time for serious decisions and keeping a focused mind, the meetings were a great success and it was now time to relax and enjoy my environment of bright lights and all night Las Vegas entertainment.My first encounter. . .

Newport RI - In Class of Its Own With These Four Experien...

Whether you’re out to experience the vibrant harbor area, relive the Gilded Age in a Newport Mansion, soak up the stunning views on Ocean Drive, or trek the famous Cliff Walk, then Newport RI is in a class of its own and your gateway to all this… and much more. Newport RI is located at the eastern mouth of Narragansett Bay. Either Newport Bridge from the west on route 138, or Mt. Hope Bridge fr. . .

6 Keys to Help You Learn Spanish Online

Six Keys to Help You Learn Spanish Online This article consists of six tips to help you learn Spanish online. If you follow these six tips, you can be sure that you will learn to speak Spanish online much easier. Key Numero Uno to Learn Spanish Online: "Stay motivated" I think everyone that studies a foreign language will experience a time when they are becoming less and less motivated. You may. . .

New Website for Information on the State of Maine

There is a brand new website located at www.ourbangorme.us that gives you up to minute news and weather reports and a great feature that I especially enjoyed using was the restaurant and entertainment locator, as well as many other informative features that both locals and visitors are raving about.This time of year Maine is busting with motor homes and tents from all around the United States. . . .

Choose The Best Beach In Jamaica For You

People, obviously, have different needs and different styles. What constitutes a great beach for one person may not be all that enjoyable for another. What makes Jamaica a great travel destination is that, as an island nation, there are a variety of beaches to choose from. Knowing what you want and where to find it will help you to make the very most of that precious vacation time.There are the. . .

The Orange Show Monument: A Houston Original

The Orange Show Monument, located in the Heights neighborhood of Houston, uses castaway materials to entertain visitors and pay tribute to creator Jeff McCissack's favorite food, the orange. Postman Jeff McCissack started work on the monument in 1956 and completed it in 1979, just seven months before his death. Originally, he bought the land adjacent to his house to build a small business on, b. . .

Travelers Checks Versus Debit Cards

My first time overseas, I had to exchange cash in $200 of travelers checks to pay a mountaineering guide who hadn't heard of American Express. The bank charged me $8. During the same trip, I used my debit card at an ATM to get $200 from my checking account. Once home, I saw that the charge for this was one dollar, and that was the last time I used traveler's checks.Debit And Credit Cards When T. . .

Backpacking Food - What To Pack

Weight is always a concern with backpacking food you'll be carrying everything on your back. Some will tell you to find your weight savings in other areas, and argue for the necessity of healthy, meaning heavy, food. My experience, however, tells me that we can enjoy lighter loads and worry less about healthy food on short trips.In the Sierra Nevada I ate more than 60 granola bars in five days. . .

Enjoy Great Golf In Jamaica

A vacation destination for decades, Jamaica is home to a number of quality golf courses. The temperate climate is a welcome part of the golfing experience, as is the general atmosphere of the golf courses, with many being notable for their outstanding customer service focus and their beautifully kept grounds. It should be noted that while many of the golf courses are private, most of the more e. . .

Colorado Springs– American Spirit

Colorado Springs, located a little over an hour south of Denver, is well-known for such landmarks as the Broadmoor Hotel, the Garden of the Gods, and the campus of Focus on the Family. Several of its landmarks, though, are not so much Colorado landmarks as they are American places of interest. Three distinctly American locations stand out in particular. The United States Air Force Academy, loca. . .

Do Your Homework When Traveling

When planning a trip, it is advisable to spend some time doing research even if you are booking through a Travel Agent. This research could save you a significant amount of money and perhaps prevent a miserable stay in a sub-standard hotel.Many people have moved away from using Travel Agents. This is understandable due to the availability of cheap fares and hotel rooms through the internet. . . .

Mexico

Mexico is popular with travelers from all over the world. The visitors of Mexico go there for many reasons: sunshine, blue seas swarming with fish and coral, crystal-white beaches, mountains and volcanoes, jungles full of striking wildlife, collectible folk art and the wonderful remains of ancient cultures.Mexico is known for its tourist destinations. Its fantastic location and year-round mild . . .

Studying the International Travel Insurance Scene

Student international travel insurance is affordable. In fact, it's almost always the most affordable of any international travel insurance. In many cases, students aren't the only one who qualify, either. Some student international travel insurance carriers offer the student coverage and rates not only to full time and part time college students but also to their dependents and other family me. . .

Japanese Overseas Travel Insurance

If you are an expatriate planning on long-term residence in Japan you can, after a one-year stay, become a part of Japan's national health program. Until that time, however, you're going to need Japanese overseas travel insurance. Some of the Japanese overseas travel insurance options include not only trip or annual medical emergency coverage for travel but also disability insurance, personal l. . .

Is Purchasing Travel Insurance Smart?

To answer the question "is purchasing travel insurance smart?" let's look at what insurance is.When you purchase insurance - health insurance, homeowner's insurance, car insurance, life insurance, or travel insurance - you're not making an investment. It's not the same as going to the bank and depositing money and expecting to reap financial rewards at some point. No, any insurance including tr. . .

Hostels And Other Cheap Travel Accommodations

Hostels have been around in one form or another for a long time. They are oriented towards young travelers and anyone else seeking cheap accommodations. The United States version was originally more complicated, with guests helping with chores, etc. It is much simpler now: you rent a bed instead of a room, sharing the bathroom, living room and kitchen. You have less privacy, but cheaper accomod. . .

Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage - Does your HMO or ...

Travelers insurance may be the only way for most Americans to insure they are fully protected in case of emergency medical evacuation while traveling abroad, because for 70 percent of these U.S. resident HMO and PPO medical insurance plans do not cover such an event. Some travelers’ insurance plans offer transportation to a safe location during emergency medical evacuation but do not off. . .

Oldsters Overseas - What Seniors Pay for Travel Insurance

While travel medical insurance for senior citizens generally carries a higher premium and a lower maximum level of coverage it is still widely available. In fact, some carriers offer travel medical insurance for senior citizens no matter what their age. One carrier we found offered travel medical insurance for senior citizens over 80 years old, with no maximum age. The maximum coverage for thos. . .

Follow the Call of the Outdoors to Montana!

Montana: The Place to Be if You Love the Outdoors!Montana has much to offer those who love the greatoutdoors. There are snowy mountain peaks, and wild rideson the rivers. Hunting, fishing, and camping opportunitiesare plentiful. Here is a sampling of some of the morepopular attarctions.Montana rivers offer a variety of paddling experiencesfor novice kayakers and rafters to those that are veryex. . .

Business or Leisure – Make Sure You Get the Best Stay

“Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seat belt. We are about to land in a moment...” Well, you might think that you have reached your destination. But not necessarily the end of the journey. In fact, when you hop around places for business or leisure, there are plenty of reasons to worry about. Your stay being one of the main reasons. The moment you step out from an airport, the same reaso. . .

What Causes Jet Lag?

Jet lag is a common sleep disorder suffered by many millions of travelers every day, whether traveling on business or for pleasure. In one recent survey of international business travelers, seventy four percent of those questioned said that they suffered frequently from jet lag.Jet lag affects people of all ages, although its symptoms vary widely from person to person and tend to be more sever. . .

Your Guide to an Amazing Hawaiian Vacation

Hawaii: beautiful beaches, perfect weather, amazing surf, exquisite cuisine, and one of the world's favorite places to visit on a much-needed vacation. Here's a quick tour of Hawaii with some highlights, hotel information and the key to an amazing Hawaii vacation. Here's the secret: find an inexpensive package that will get you a ticket to the island, a hotel, and a beach tour or restaurant all. . .

Experience The ‘Real’ Jamaica

There are many who believe the glitz and glitter of the tourist industries and the accompanying commercialization of both the areas around the tourist centers and the culture of Jamaica overshadow the ‘real’ Jamaica, the people and culture that exist beyond the tourist centers, the true heart of Jamaica. This has led to the creation of a variety of opportunities to visit the other side of Jamai. . .

Lighthouses In The Bahamas

The Bahamas are made up of several small islands spread out through a wide expanse of ocean. In the early days of the European settlements, the lighthouses served an essential purpose, guiding ships to shore in the darkness. During night storms when the overcast sky was unable to be used as a navigation tool, the lighthouse was what brought the ships in, sometimes meaning the difference between. . .

An Ontario Vacation

The uniqueness of Canada’s provinces makes each one worth visiting. Whether you like to ski or swim, fish or golf, visit national monuments or museums, Canada has it all in one beautiful, thirteen-province country.One of the most popular travel destinations in Canada is Ontario, a metropolitan centre of industry and culture. With a population of more than 12 million, Ontario is home to about on. . .

Jamaica – The Perfect Destination For The Avid Tourist

Jamaica is the third largest of the Caribbean islands. The country has a richly diversified topography encompassing seas, mountains and coastlines. The tropical marine climate is tempered by high altitudes, north-east trade winds and land-sea breezes. Occasional floods, droughts and hurricanes are also known to occur. The highlands and lowlands are traversed by many rivers and waterfalls. The Y. . .

Cayman Islands – Pristine Sea Sides With Modern Amenities

Are you looking for a vacation by idyllic seashores? The Cayman Islands of the Caribbean should be the perfect choice. The combined magic of the Grand Cayman, the Little Cayman and the Cayman Brac are sure to work. Best of all, these havens of natural beauty are equipped with excellent facilities for a luxurious stay. You will certainly find an appropriate Cayman Island beach rental from the pl. . .

Canada Ontario – Paradise On Earth

Ontario, one of the most densely inhabited cities of Canada is situated on the east central part of Canada. It has a total population of over 12449502 and covers an area of 1076359 sq. km. Toronto is the capital city of Ontario and Ottawa the capital city of Canada is situated in Ontario too. As the name signifies the word Ontario means beautiful lake or beautiful aqua. Therefore, it is quite u. . .

Own A Slice of Paradise in Mexico Quintana Roo

Is your heart set on a getaway home in Mexico Quintana Roo? Real estate Mexico Quintana Roo brokers offer a plethora of rental and purchase options from ocean front villas and bungalows to condos and apartments to make your Quintana Roo real estate dream come true.Quintana Roo, the youngest state of the Mexican Republic stretches down the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula and has an area of. . .

Canada Quebec – A Lifetime Experience To Treasure Forever

After Ontario, Quebec is the second most populated and popular province in Canada with a total population of 7568640. Most of the inhabitants of Quebec have accepted French as their official language. It is however quite surprising that Quebec is the only Canadian province where English has never been able to exert their maximum influence. The capital of Quebec is Quebec City and the largest ci. . .

Make Prince Edward Island Your Next Vacation Halt!

Prince Edward Island, the smallest province of Canada (both in size and populace) is surrounded by water bodies – the Northumberland Strait on the south and west and the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the north and east. The marvelous scenic beauty of this crescent shaped marine province – the sandy beaches, in parts red (due to presence of iron oxide) and in parts white, the shifting dunes, the gent. . .

A Visit To Canada British Columbia Is Truly A Worthy Expe...

British Columbia is situated on the extreme west of Canada. On the northwest side, it is bounded by the US state of Alaska. The direct northern portion of Canada comprises Yukon and Northwest Territories. The eastern side of British Columbia is demarcated by Alberta and on the south, you will get to see the states of Washington, Idaho and Montana. Victoria situated at the southeast of Vancouver. . .

Choosing the Best Holiday Destination

Working 9 – 5, raising a family, worrying about the mortgage and trying to make time for all the people, pressures and demands in your life can take its toll. You need a break from time to time and because it is so essential that you use your holiday time for completely unwinding and de-stressing it is absolutely critical that you pick out the best holiday destination each time and avoid wasti. . .