Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

St. Tropez - A "Must-See" Part Of The French Riviera

A visit to the French Riviera would not be complete without a stop in St. Tropez. Renowned for its miles of glistening white beaches, exotic food and as a playground for the rich and famous - it is THE place to see and be seen.A true jewel of the Riviera, St. Tropez is an animated seaside resort where the azure water and cerulean skies are backlit by brilliant sunsets of ripe apricot, ruby red . . .

The Ghan: A Great Australian Train Journey

The Ghan is a living legend in Australian history and offers the ultimate journey through the heart of the Australian continent. Named after Afghan cameleers who originally helped open up the desert interior of Australia in the late 19th and early 20th, the Ghan is at once a luxury railway train and a 3000 kilometre railway journey that meanders from the fertile Adelaide countryside through the. . .

Finding Cheap Airfare For Indian Travel

The land of myriad cultures, staunchly rooted in tradition, the habitat of millions of people belonging to varying religions and the country known for its distinguished history…India is a place worth visiting in the Asian continent. Though India covers a small area on the globe, the country earns a widespread popularity. Apart from producing some of the universally eminent personalities like Ma. . .

Gorilla Safaris: Trekking a Pinnacle of Uganda Tourism

Uganda “The Pearl of Africa” is small country in the Eastern and Central Africa bordering Kenya in the East Tanzania and Rwanda in the south, Congo (DRC) in the west and Sudan in the north. Uganda has a unique description which cannot be close to the truth….situated in the fertile heart of Africa, astride the Equator boasts of wide diverse of landscape, from rugged snow capped mountains, the . . .

Your Breckenridge Vacation

You'll be welcome with open arms in Breckenridge, Colorado. Breckenridge ski resort offer the world's finest powder and terrain anyone can manage. Half of all slopes at Breckenridge ski and snowboard resort are for beginners. The other half is for moderate to extreme skiing. Breckenridge is the only ski area to offer this much skiing for all types of ability levels. The town of Breckenridge . . .

London Calling – The Capital Fights Back

With the recent problems in London it is a depressing fact that the city will be portrayed in a negative light across the globe. As with all tragedies such as the London bombings people start to associate a particular place with the terrible events that went on. The tourism industry in London has undoubtedly been affected with many people cancelling trips and holidays to the capital. While t. . .

Spain. Facts and Figures

Spain is a country in southwestern Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, the Mediterranean Sea, the North Atlantic Ocean, and the Pyrenees Mountains, southwest of France. Spain consists of 19 autonomous communities including the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, and three small Spanish possessions off the coast of Morocco - Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la Go. . .

To Cruise Or Not To Cruise?

There is a saying: you haven't lived until you've cruised. Cruises today have become the hottest way to spend holidays. Researchers have found that one in four Americans dreams of cruising around the world. In recent years, discount cruises make cruising available to people of all ages and all levels of income.What makes a great cruise vacation? First-rate accommodations, exotic locations, sump. . .

All You Need To Know About Skydiving

The Basics For BeginnersFirst and foremost, you may want to find a truly and reliable skydiving school. It can be a good idea to ask for a good reputation one.This is a quite easy task to do. The best places to start seeking on them are local airports, internet and phone books. Since skydiving is one of the more expensive sports to learn, you must decide how you want to learn and then you to ch. . .

Beating the Summer Blues – Five great post summer activities

It may be the end of summer and dangerously close to the slippery slope that leads to dark nights and cold weather but that doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun between now and Christmas! This Autumn sees a tremendous range of events and shows across the UK that will keep even the most depressed of summer sun lovers happily occupied. 1. Little Britain Live in BrightonLittle Britain is the BBC. . .

Switzerland – Interlaken, Zurich, St. Moritz and Geneva

Switzerland is the land of skiing, chocolate and very private banking. Ah, but there is so much more to experience in the land of neutrality.InterlakenInterlaken gets its highly creative name from sitting on the split of land between two lakes. If you’re looking for a little extreme sporting, this is place. You can backpack, horseback ride, parasail and so on. To really take in the majesty of t. . .

Loincloths and Tenderizing at a Budapest Spa

The Gellert Hotel Spa is renowned as the ultimate spa destination in Hungary. Here’s a first hand account of the Gellert experience. Gellert Hotel SpaWhile in Budapest, everyone kept saying I hadn’t experience Hungary until I had a spa. According to my newfound friends, “a spa” meant the Gellert Hotel Spa. Being a macho American male, I had dragged an American girl I met on the train with me to. . .

The Ultimate Traveler’s Day Dream Come True

More than a few times, I’ve caught myself sitting at work day dreaming about dropping everything and just jumping on a plane. In October of 2003, I did just that. Life can grind you down when you get in a rut. In my case, I had a particularly bad case of the blues in October 2003. My girlfriend and I had apparently come to an agreement that there was no need for me to exist on the face of the e. . .

Lost in Lagos, Portugal

Lagos is a small town in Portugal built on a large hill overlooking the Mediterranean Ocean. While its old world charm is evident during the day, it can be a real pain at night. Upon arriving by train in Lagos, I quickly booked a bed in a private home with a local family. I was loaded in a car and driven to the home that was just over the crest of the hill on which Lagos is built. From the home. . .

Great Holidays and Vacations

If you’re asking yourself where to go for a vacation and holiday, you have to ask yourself what kind of holiday and vacation you’re looking for. No point visiting ancient cities if you’re not into digging bones and historical stuff! Also take into consideration whether you’re taking your family along or not, are the kids going to be coming along? Are you thinking of going on a holiday and vacat. . .

France – Paris and Nice

From beaches to the alps, France has a little of something for everyone. In this article, we take a look at Paris and the beach city of Nice. ParisIt is hard to know where to start when discussing Paris. Take a boat down the Seine River and you will pass Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and so many other notable spots it is easy to get overwhelmed. The city is simply that dramatic. Long considered . . .

Family Canoeing Vacation

Canoeing is a wonderful vacation idea. It can be a real family-type adventure that is challenging yet not too difficult. Besides being a distinctly fun activity, it is also a form of travel. With a canoe you have the means to safely access wilderness areas that otherwise might not be possible for a family. In more touristy places you have the means to slip off across the river or lake for more . . .

Travel and Tour Tip For The First Time Visitor To China

China is a large country at a size of 9,596,960 sq km. China was only partially open to the world from 1980 onwards and has been a communist country for many decades. Although there is much progress in the travel industry and infrastructure of China, there remain areas that need to be improved before it can match the level that most tourist would require.However, much of the fun remain that it . . .

Lagos, Portugal – Casa Rosa and Joe’s Garage

If you’re a budget traveler or backpacking Europe, Lagos is a cheap slice of paradise. Casa Rosa is the place for general sustenance, while Joe’s Garage is a place to let go. Casa RosaCasa Rosa claims to be the haven for backpackers in Lagos. The more you travel, the more you know such claims are rarely true. With Casa Rosa, however, I can confirm the claim is true. This hole in the wall served. . .

Halstatt, Austria – Scoffing at the Sound of Music

Set in Austria, the Sound of Music is an epic film spurring dreams of a heavenly land in every child that sees the movie. In truth, they should have filmed the movie in Halstatt, Austria.HalstattI had been in Salzburg for four days and was growing restless. The city was an eyeful with beautiful garden areas, architecture and plenty of sites to see. At the end of the day though, it was still a c. . .

10 Reasons To Spend Your Vacation In An Orlando Villa

Finding Florida vacation rentals that will spaciously accommodate groups and families is much easier than one might expect. In a place like orlando, one will find a number of options with regard to renting a villa or vacation home as opposed to a hotel or motel room. Due to the fact that hotel rooms can sometimes be a cramped setting, especially for families traveling with children, Florida v. . .

Austria – Vienna, Salzburg, Halstatt and Sound of Music

Austria simply can’t be beat when it comes to beauty. You’ve seen the country in the Sound of Music, but the cities of Vienna, Salzburg and the alpine town of Halstatt are just as nice.ViennaVienna is a city with a ridiculous amount of history. The home of the waltz, Habsburg Palaces and an unrivaled musical past. Walk for an evening through the cobblestone streets in the center city and you ca. . .

Portugal – Lisbon, Algarve and Lagos

On the southwestern tip of continental Europe, Portugal is an old school country. In this article, we take a look at Lisbon, Lagos and the Algarve.LisbonLisbon is the biggest city in Portugal and is located on the Atlantic coast in middle of the country. I’ve been to Lisbon three times, but only for a few days each time. Every time I come away with the impression of elegance. Arriving by train,. . .

France at 200 kph – of Grandmothers, Lyon and Rain

In my teens, I traveled to France with my mother, father and grandmother for a month of sightseeing with a rental car. Michael Schumacher and Formula 1 have nothing on my father and our Opel rental car. American fathers have an interesting if somewhat aggravating habit on trips. Yes, I am talking about the desire to see everything there is to see. This was particularly problematic in France, wh. . .

A Day at the Summer Palace of Peter the Great

For elegance and old world feel, St. Petersburg is by far the best Russian city. If you go, a visit to Peterhof, the summer palace of Peter the Great is a must. PeterhofAs Tanya and I left St. Petersburg for Peterhof, I was in a foul mood. A pickpocket had cut through the bottom of my backpack and swiped my camera. The ferry taking us was packed and the adorable child on my right had just spill. . .

Packing for Hawaii-How to Make the Most of What’s in Your...

Making vacation plans for Hawaii probably has you searching all your favorite stores for the best tropical inspired clothing of the season, however packing for a Hawaiian vacation requires more than simply picking out tropical themed clothing. In fact, to properly pack for Hawaii you need to consider not only the weather, but the activities you will be participating in while you are there. This. . .

Adventure Travel On Horseback

When you think of “adventure travel,” what crosses your mind? Hiking? White water rafting? Scuba diving? Something as sedentary as a cruise ship or land rover safari?Those ideas lose their “adventure” status when you compare them to galloping on a horse in Africa with a zebra and wildebeest racing along side you, or quietly observing the elephant and giraffe.How can a traveler visit the remote . . .

Great Activities And Adventures In Kauai

Hawaii is made up of several islands and Kauai is one of the most famous and certainly has many activities to occupy tourists on vacation. In fact, Kauai has so many things to do that you may not want to travel to any of the other islands because you are having so much fun! In fact, the Hawaiian island of Kauai is the oldest of all the Hawaiian islands and is known for its dense and beautiful f. . .

Sail Into The Americas Cup 2007 In Valencia Spain

The America’s Cup competition all started on August 22, 1851 when the British challenged the United States in a sailing event which the British thought they would easily win. The British have always been known for their naval supremacy and for having been more technologically advanced in its time than the rest of the world. But it was at that event, held around the Isle of Wight, that Queen Vic. . .

Russian Romance – I Love You

Romance and Russia, the two words just go together. Unless, of course, you are trying to speak in Russian.Russian LanguageThe Russian language is not one that is typically considered a romance language. Based on the Cyrillic alphabet, there are a lot of stops and starts not to mention the occasional harsh noise. Given the fact that I was from California and thus could barely speak proper Engli. . .

The Real Australia

Australian vacations are great for extended holidays and summer fun particularly if you like the warmer weather. In fact, since Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere a hot summer in the United States will be a nice winter in the land down under. You might even think about taking an Australia cruise during this time of year. Take your swim suit, your sun cream and your spending money a. . .

Visiting Dublin, Ireland

"In Dublin's fair city where the girls are so pretty I first laid my eyes on sweet Molly Malone. She wheeled her wheelbarrow through streets broad and narrow, singing cockles and mussels, alive a live O."Dublin on the East Coast of Ireland has come a long way since Molly Malone was immortalized in the famous song and has now become a statue close to the Main shopping area of Grafton Street. Ere. . .

The Ancient City of Segovia

Segovia, located near Madrid, is an antique city, very rich in past and traditions and full of interesting historic spots and amazing constructions. Segovia is one of the most interesting spots of the region to those who enjoy learning about culture, traditions, and history while visiting a city. This city is not only one of the most famous and interesting in Spain, but also in the entire Europ. . .

Attractions in Lanzarote

There is a great amount of different things to do and places to meet in the island of Lanzarote. Lanzarote is located towards the eastern area of the Canary Islands, and shows a size of about 13 miles in width and40 miles in length. One of the most appealing characteristics of Lanzarote is its climate. Lanzarote offers warm temperatures and scarce rains year around, turning it into a great plac. . .

Faces of Tarifa

Tarifa has long been known as a culturally-blended town, through all its incarnations: frontier fortress, fishing village, trendy tourist town. All the peoples who have settled in or near Tarifa have left a mark, from ancient Roman soldiers to Moorish settlers, Jewish merchants and Celto-Iberians. The Moorish style of architecture is the most common here, but everything else blends in with thes. . .

Spring Break

"Spring break!" The mere mention of the phrase would conjure distinct visions of fun for any particular age group in American history. For well-heeled college students at least as far back as the 19th Century, the spring holiday was a casual time to recuperate from academic stresses. For those who came of age in the late 1950s and early 60s, Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello defined and insp. . .

Travel Journals

Are you off to a vacation adventure this summer? Have you ever kept a travel journal? A travel journal is where you write about your personal, family and/or business travels. It can be a separate journal where you record your experiences, details, and even your feelings about your travels, creating a written record of each trip. You can also record your travels, if you already journal, in your . . .

Fall Foliage Scenic Drives in New England - Introduction

Fall foliage in New England really begins in August. The shortening daylight hours trigger the deciduous trees to begin the process of shedding their leaves. It happens all around North America, and all around the world.But in New England it’s special.Why is fall foliage in New England so different and special? It’s a factor of many things but mostly an abundance of different types of deciduous. . .

Rural Tourism in Mallorca: Where To Go

Rural tourism has become quite popular on the last years and Mallorca (Majorca) is a good destination for those looking to escape from massified areas and resorts. There are many rural hotels in Mallorca, some of them offering luxury accommodation with all the facilities for the modern and smart traveller, which is looking for a place to escape and relax, and others are somewhat more agricultur. . .

Aladdin Hotel Vegas

How would you like a place where you can rest comfortably, have real fun, win some money and be transported to a mystical and enchanted time space like the ones you have read in books about the magical Arabian nights?. Would not it be nice? Aladdin hotel Vegas allows guests to enter a modern-day Cave of Wonders filled with gourmet restaurants, world-class shopping at Desert Passage and dazzling. . .

Travel Tips For Your Next Myrtle Beach Vacation & Critica...

ClimateThe climate in South Carolina is generally mild and humid. Spring starts in March, and the beaches are busy by mid-April. Summer begins in May with pleasant balmy days that become quite hot before the season’s end. Autumn brings a relief from extreme temperatures with lots of sunshine, while mild winter temperatures bring out the best in colorful pansies and hardy camellias. Winter tempe. . .

Las Vegas Hotel Maps

So you are planning to visit Las Vegas but…. do you know where to start looking? Do you know where are the places you want to see? And, most important of all…. do you know where are you going to stay? Obviously you can not go anywhere if you do not know any of these things, right? Maybe it has happened to you that you have been to Las Vegas or any other place but you did not have a good experie. . .

Kauai Nightlife

The majestic island of Kauai is only a short flight from the USA, Japan and Australia. From the spectacular views at Waimea Canyon to the verdant vistas along the Napali Coast, more and more people are coming to Kauai because they are attracted to its natural beauty and laidback atmosphere. Visitors are also drawn to Kauai for its gorgeous tropical rainforests, some of which can only be accesse. . .

Costa Rica – Tales of the Guaro

Every country has a unique beverage it claims as its own. In Costa Rica, the beverage of choice is Guaro.BeveragesThere is a certain national pride associated with claiming an alcoholic beverage. Think of Mexico and tequila immediately comes to mind. Vodka, of course, goes with Russia. Visit Greece and an ouzo headache can’t be far behind. Aquavit in Sweden will definitely turn your head…and st. . .

Kauai on 2 Wheels or More?

There is no better place to relax and unwind. Although I had mixed feelings about visiting this place myself, I would surely dare to say that it was an amazing visit that I would never forget. Kauai promises fun filled activities for the entire family. Although the entire island is so huge and there are so many activities and places worth visiting, a drive around the island is a must.Roughly ci. . .

Planning For Road Trip Travel

Whether you are a seasoned pro or a novice newcomer to the world of interstate travel, planning a road trip can be more time-intensive than you think. If you are about to embark on a cross country adventure or a coastal tour of the Atlantic, there are a few important things to consider before you hit the road. With a little planning and forethought, your trip should go off without a hitch.Prepa. . .

Set Sail To The Azores Islands

Being excellent navegators and having a deep desire to expland its territories, The Azores Islands were founded by the Portuguese in 1317. This is a clump of nine islands in the rough Atlantic Ocean about 1,400 kilometers west of Lisbon, Portugal. As a curious traveller, I always make it a habit of finding out how a city, town or in this case an island got its name. The name Azores comes from t. . .

Las Vegas: The Best Magic Shows

Las Vegas is the premiere destination for those wanting to sit back and be entertained. If magic is what you want to see, then Las Vegas is the right place because it offers the very best magic shows in the world. The essence of magic is illusion. Things that are there one minute, but disappear the next. This is the magic that kids love best, so if you are visiting Las Vegas with the family, re. . .

The Evolution OF Map Printing

The first ever created maps were made not for economic reasons but more for religious purpose. The early maps of the world display religious icons similar to the icons that are found on the pages of the Book of Kells. During the 12th century the map of the world were created with the shaped of a T and O. And it portrays the world as circle and is divided by a T-shaped cross having Jerusalem as. . .

Getting Around On Your Kauai Vacation

Planning a vacation to Kauai probably has you pretty excited about seeing all of the amazing beaches and natural landmarks, however you are probably curious how you are going to get around, if you need to rent a car or taxi, or if there is some other option for you. Basically, if you are really interested in seeing Kauai, all of it, on your schedule and the way you want then you need to rent a . . .