Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Find What You Need To Compare Caribbean Cruises

So finally you can take a breath and rest from your job for a couple of weeks or so, but now there is a decision to make: what to do? Well maybe it is not as hard as you thought but your next decision certainly will be hard. Let’s say that you decided to take a cruise as you use to, but now you will be wondering…..which one can I choose? If you are wondering this it is because you don’t have en. . .

10 Places To Get That Holiday Trip Tan

Are you tired of watching your friends, family members and coworkers go on vacation and return a week later with a beautiful tan? Well it could be you with that stunning tan if you plan your next vacation in the right place. By selecting one of our top ten places to get a tan as your next travel destination, you will be sure to come back with an eye-catching tan.1. Located in Rio de Janeiro, Br. . .

Miami is the Hub of Florida’s Culture and Nightlife

When one thinks about Miami, Florida, the image that comes to mind is usually filled with hot night spots, sophisticated urban hospitality and warm, sandy beaches. It is all of these things and much more that make Miami one of the hottest vacation spots both in Florida and in the Eastern United States. While Miami has been a hot vacation destination for decades, the city has seen some major dev. . .

10 Travel Tips

Going away on vacation should be an enjoyable experience but everyone has a horror story to tell. Perhaps your hotel room was robbed, or perhaps a careless spouse accidentally gambled away more money than they realized, or perhaps you simply lost your wallets somewhere between the airport and hotel. Here are 10 ways to make sure that your trip is a success in spite of those obstacles.1. Use a h. . .

Florida Vacations In Jacksonville

Situated in the northeastern portion of Florida, lies one of the gems of the state and a popular vacation destination: Jacksonville. Far from being just an urban destination, Jacksonville offers a unique vacationing experience complete with beaches, natural attraction, museums, wildlife exhibits and other tourist attractions. Shimmering beaches, golf courses to die for, breathtaking state parks. . .

Fall Foliage Scenic Drive – Kancamagus Highway New Hampshire

You can drive the 34 miles between Lincoln and Conway on Route 112 in just about an hour. But you’d miss experiencing one of the most colorful scenic drives in the entire northeast – and some would say the U.S. for fall foliage.Route 112, or as its better known the Kancamagus Highway, is the only road that runs directly east and west through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. This. . .

Lightweight Backpacking Techniques

These lightweight backpacking tips and techniques are options or ideas, not recommendations. I tend towards the extreme side of ultralight backpacking, and if you don't know yourself or your skills, some of these techniques will get you into trouble.A good example of this is the "natural mattress" that allows you to leave your sleeping bag behind. With this technique, I've slept with no pad, an. . .

Peter the Great’s Summer Palace – St. Petersburg, Russia

During the communist reign in Russia, architectural styles could best be described as bland. Fortunately, the summer palace of Peter the Great wasn’t affected. PeterhofKnown as Peterhof, the summer palace of Peter the Great is a very impressive area. The palace is arranged with a central rectangle format over roughly two or three acres. This area is then surrounded by areas of wood and “nature”. . .

Going On Vacation?

Your deserve a vacation! You've probably worked hard all year and have been saving up and waiting patiently for a chance to get away for a few days (or a few weeks). Maybe you're just planning for a quick weekend getaway with your spouse to a bed-and-breakfast, or maybe you are looking to splurge and go to a resort somewhere warm and tropical.But what about your pets? What are you going to do a. . .

Survival Clothing For Outdoor Emergencies

Maybe you don't need to learn about survival clothing. Maybe you always hike with a spare jacket. Perhaps you never go out into the wilderness overnight, but just for day hikes. Or you bring lots of warm clothing when you do go backpacking.Nonetheless, hundreds of people die or come close to dying every year from exposure. They thought they were prepared. They didn't expect their clothes to get. . .

Ya Mule! Backpacking in Siena, Italy

Ah, the glamour of backpacking through Europe. Of course, the glamour comes with a price as I found in Siena, Italy. SienaSiena is located an hour or so outside of Florence, Italy. My handy dandy guidebook suggested it was a side trip that just had to be made. A medieval structure located behind protective walls on the top of a hill. The central area was generally closed off to cars and it was . . .

Travel to Italy – Rome and Venice

Where does one begin to start when discussing Italy. Well, if you intend to travel there, Rome and Venice are good places to start. RomePerhaps you’ve heard of it? It goes without saying that Rome has a rather prominent past. Lets see, in Rome you will find…[deep breath]…the Vatican, Coliseum, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Church of Saint Agnese, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and a guy name Allassan. . .

Romantic Weekend Getaways

Romantic weekend getaways can be a second honeymoon or your first vacation together. When you don't have the time or money for a long trip, try one of the following.Luxuriate TogetherSpending time at a nice hotel is the most obvious and common romantic weekend getaway, and with good reason. It is wonderful to be waited on and relax in a hot tub together. The best hotels for this will have a poo. . .

The Best Romantic Vacations - Five Ideas

The best romantic vacations are those that bring a couple together. This can mean spending time alone, without friends or family around. It can also mean an opportunity to do things together. Here are five of the best romantic vacations.Beach VacationsBeaches are romantic. The sun, sand, and the sound of the waves relax you and take away the stress and worry of "everyday life." Relaxation and e. . .

7 Things To Do And Learn On Your Palm Springs Vacation

1 Hike the canyons of Palm SpringsPalm Springs is a hiker's paradise, which is evident by the many hiking trails mapped out in and around its numerous scenic canyons and gorges. Here the diversity of wildlife is as contrasting as the breathtaking landscape. From catching a glimpse of the rare and endangered Bighorn Sheep to watching the clever antics of the smallest desert creatures, the canyon. . .

Fall Foliage Scenic Drive – Rhode Island Coast

This Rhode Island scenic drive is delightful any season of the year, but with fall foliage the added splash of color deepens the experience and appreciation of the Rhode Island coastline and surrounding villages.This is a one-way 61-mile scenic drive on Route 1A along Block Island Sound until turning North to follow the western shore of Narragansett Bay. The drive eventually hooks up with Route. . .

Three Towns of Mijas

Mijas is more like three towns than one: Mijas Pueblo has the character of one of the Andalucian Pueblos Blancos, high in the mountains and whitewashed. Las Lagunas is the modern and commercial section of the town. And Mijas Costa is really a twelve-kilometer long stretch of villages down the coast. All three areas are governed from the town hall of Mijas.Also throughout the winter and spring m. . .

Airlines: One of the Great Innovations

Up, up, and away. Do you suppose Orville Wright had any idea of the enormity of his invention? That the world would be forever changed, by the single possible opportunity of flight? Airlines, cell phones, and automobiles have made possible the most mobile society in the history of the world. Airlines have made possible the movement of man from one side of the continent to the other in just a. . .

Travel and Vacations: Orlando, Florida Sightseeing

Orlando, Florida is a mystical land where everything is blown out of proportion. Leave everyday world behind when you visit Orlando, Florida because this is where the magical Seaworld is, Skull Kingdom, Wonder Works, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and many other parks and entertainment centers to fill your vacation with unbridled fun and excitement. Orlando is a place of sunny beaches, family park. . .

Airfare for the Wayfarer

Have you checked the price of airfare lately? Are you like myself, and quite afraid to contemplate that you’re going to spend that inheritance from Aunt Tilley on a flight to LA? For the general public, air travel is still an occasional event, and airfare is still comparable to a surprise attack of influenza. We all will agree that air travel is much nicer than the open road (and faster), wh. . .

Fall Foliage Scenic Drive – Mohawk Trail Massachusetts

This is my favorite Massachusetts scenic drive, but especially during the fall foliage season.Stretching for 63 miles from the Massachusetts-New York border to Millers Falls on the Connecticut River is a stretch of road known as The Mohawk Trail. It offers one of Massachusetts most beloved and popular fall foliage scenic drives area.Attractions in the region of the Mohawk Trail are Mount Greylo. . .

Serious Romance at Oregon Coastal B&B

On Oregon's northern coast, the tiny town of Wheeler sits at the edge of a pristine bay that cloisters all sorts of wonders, which stay even more secret because they often get passed over by the major tourist publications. A mere few blocks long, if you blink you may miss this diminutive gem, where antique shops seem to be the number one industry (there are four such shops, yet only two lodging. . .

Spain's Gateway to Morocco: Algeciras

Stretching nearly to Gibraltar, Algeciras has long been an important port in Spain. It's a popular crossroads for Moroccan workers on the way to and from France, Holland, and Belgium. Partly for this reason, there's a strong Arab flavor to the city; many signs are in Arabic, and you'll find excellent tea shops specializing in Moroccan mint teas. It's not a pretty city, but it's an almost fierce. . .

Ghost Hunting on Oregon's Coast

The winds cut deeper and make progressively louder noises as the days shorten. Fog creeps in from the sea more often. And then Halloween shows up, as if to really remind us about things otherworldly. It's no wonder Oregon's northern coast has a load of ghostly tales swirling about. It's no wonder the remake of "The Fog" currently in release is set in a fictional North Oregon Coast town. From fl. . .

La Gomera Island

La Gomera, belonging to the Canary Islands, is a very peculiar and interesting spot. This island has a central massif of a height of about 1490 meters which can easily be seen from the distance and is, without any doubt, a unique peculiarity. This massif shows a dramatic drop which turns it to be a very impressive place as well as it provides an amazing sight.Besides its geographical and geolog. . .

Fall Foliage Scenic Drive – Lakes and Leaves Maine

Maine is one of the most heavily forested states in the nation, containing over 17 million acres of natural beauty, hikes, and magnificent summer and fall foliage scenic drives.This scenic drive is through Maine backcountry. A rugged environment of thick forests and impressive mountain terrain.The drive is magnificent in summer but not-to-be-missed in fall foliage season.The route follows a 218. . .

A Castle on Oregon's Coast

Oregon's coastline is full of secrets: veiled pleasures and surprises, clandestine, deserted beaches and hidden gems peppering the towns in the form of lodgings or eateries.But perhaps the most stunning secret on all of Oregon's coast lies just outside of the art and culture mecca of Cannon Beach, on the north coast. There's a castle a bit south of town, hidden behind the walls of trees just no. . .

Fall Foliage Scenic Drive – Central Vermont Area

This fall foliage scenic drive in Central Vermont offers some of the best views in the Green Mountain National Forest. This scenic drive is a loop tour of about 150 miles. It follows mostly Route 12 south from Montpelier to Woodstock, before heading north on Route 100 and 100B back to Montpelier. There’s a whole bunch of surprises on the way, but it’s no surprise you’ll experience some magnific. . .

New York City Sightseeing

You name it, New York’s got it. Let’s see, a trip to New York would naturally take weeks, if not months to complete and if you don’t go to the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, American Museum of Natural History, The Guggenheim and Madame Tussard’s Wax Museum, you’ve not even been to New York even if your plane landed into New York! And there’s really a lot more to see in . . .

Madrid and its Gran Via

The Gran Via in Madrid is one of the major roads of the city and which contains some of the most interesting and attractive tourist attractions and recreational spots of the area. This road or street marks one of the main and central spots of Madrid in which there is always people, traffic and movement, no matter the time of the day or night.One of the main characteristics and attractions of La. . .

Meeting Les Sables d'Olonne

Les Sables d'Olone is located within the region of Charentes, on the Atlantic Ocean coast side of France, towards the western side of the country. This town is a sous prefecture of the French department of Vendee, and is one of the most attractive ones of the region due to its sea related activities, its port, and many antique constructions.The town of Les Sables is an ideal spot for those who . . .

Let's Go Camping!

Looking for a fun and cheap vacation? Camping maybe the solution for you. Camping is a great way for the whole family to chip in and participate, even in the daily activities. The kids can go catch fish for dinner, or help set up a tent. Camping only costs about $400. If you need camping gear, then plan on spending at least $600 dollars more. Even still you can have a lot of fun for a family of. . .

Lightweight Tents - How Light?

Why use lightweight and ultralight tents? Because a heavy tent is one of the biggest obstacles to lightweight backpacking. You have to cut the weight of the "big three" (shelter, backpack and sleeping bag) to really go light. How do you choose one, though? Start by asking yourself the following questions:1. Are you claustrophobic? Some ultralight tent designs are really just fancy bivy sacks. F. . .

Carved Hiking Sticks - Make Your Own

What do you need to make your own hand carved hiking sticks? A pocket knife and a walk in the woods. Be sure your knife is solidly built. You don't need more than a three-inch blade, but it needs to be strong enough that it won't snap on you when you hit a knot in the wood. A locking blade is a good idea too, if you value your fingers.What type of wood should you use? Any type you want, but be . . .

Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES a metropolis, which spans across a thousand square miles of the great desert basin, mixed together with congested freeways that run between the ocean and the mountains. LA is still considered a young city. In the mid-nineteenth century, it was a community of white American immigrants, poor Chinese laborers, and wealthy Mexican ranchers, with a population of less than fifty thousand. . .

The Climate And Weather Of Spain

Due to the important extension of land Spain comprehends and the different geographical areas it has, this country shows some different climates at some spots than at in others, although there are some general guidelines which can be applied to it as a whole. In general, all the different areas of Spain show some similarities at each season, although many times they show important differences a. . .

Tarp Shelters For Lightweight Backpackers

Why use tarp shelters? The biggest reason ultralight backpackers use them is to reduce pack weight. The lightest tent you can find will be close to three pounds. Some of the newest ultralight tarps weigh just seven ounces.Weight isn't the only advantage of tarp shelters, though. They also give you room to move, and you can easily look around. You can quickly take them down when you're ready to . . .

Visit Rome - a Historical City

Do you bear a passion for history? Are you interested in ancient architecture and temples? Do age-long and legendary activities beckon you? If so, then you must definitely explore the ancient lands of Rome, at least once in your lifetime.With an area of about 150 square kilometers, and a population of 3.8 million, Rome still stands tall in the vast field of world history. Whenever we come a. . .

Montpelier - The Capital of Languedoc Roussillon

Montpellier is the capital city of the French region of Languedoc Roussillon and the administrative capital of the department of Herault. This city has a population of about 245,000 inhabitants and shows a population growth of about 1.7% per year, and is constantly receiving visitors and students who approach for studying at its famous medicine university.Montpellier shows the peculiarity of be. . .

Maui Vacations

Maui has an incredible vacation landscape. People love coming to Maui because of the resort areas of Kapalua and Wailea for golf and beaches. They also like to take a drive down the Hana Highway for a romantic stay at Hotel Hana Maui.There are three airports on Maui, Kahului Airport, Kapalua Airport, and Hana Airport, so getting there is not a problem. HotelsHotel Hana-Maui does everything ri. . .

Spanish Beaches - A Perfect Place For Relaxing

Spain has important extensions of coast lines along the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. These coast lines offer a great variety of different spots and beautiful beaches, some of them visited year around by people from many different spots of the world.One of the most visited coast line areas in Spain is the Costa del Sol, meaning the sun coast. Costa del Sol contains a group of amazin. . .

Castres - An Industrial Town

Castres is recognized by being an industrial town located in a rural region. The town of Castres is situated towards the south western area of France, within the region of Languedoc Roussillon, and has a population of about 62,000 inhabitants, being among the largest industrial spots of the surroundings.The town of Castres is the capital of a region in the department of Tarn, within the Midi Py. . .

The Town Of Cognac

Cognac is located in the region of Poitou Charentes, towards the western area of France. This town is bordered by the River Charentes which provides it with very fertile and rich lands from which most of the city's prosperity is born. This area is among the most productive and fertile ones of France, and is very appealing for tourists who wish to meet spots offering a variety of different thing. . .

The Elegant Chaillot Quarter

Chaillot Quarter originally was a village which was not counted as a Paris neighborhood until the 1800's. From that time on, Chaillot Quarter became a very important part of Paris and one of the most visited ones. This neighborhood is one of the most elegant of the entire city and one which contains some of the most luxurious and biggest mansions as well. While being in the area of Chaillot Qua. . .

The Champs Elysées

The Champs Elysées is one of the most famous areas of not only France but Europe and the entire world as well. This area can be visited through the Champs Elysées Avenue, which goes from the Arc of Triumph to the Place de la Concorde. This is one of the main spots which tourists who visit Paris could not miss, due not only to its beauty but also to its historic past.The Champs Elysées Avenue co. . .

Tips for Italy Travel

Located in Southern Europe, Italy is a peninsula extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia. When traveling to Italy it is important to remember that you are not at home, so always be respectful and conservative. WEATHER AND CLOTHINGIn general the weather is very hot and steaming in the dead of the summer. We recommend that you wear light clothing. Be sure to have sungla. . .

Preparing To Travel

The world has changed a lot in the past century. Thanks to the invention of airplanes and high-speed trains, today's world is wide open to travel. In a day's time, we can travel to the other side of the world without using our entire life's savings. We also have a number of options open to us to help us plan our travels, and choosing wisely can help save time and money.1. Travel Agents. Many pe. . .

Cheap Airfares – Ways To Secure It

Frequent travelers and executives are among the masses that get a lot of discount in the airfare. It is easy to get discount airfare for them since they travel very frequently. Cheap air tickets for CorporateSome of the corporate also get cheap air tickets because they tie up with some of the airlines for a certain period based on the discount and services they get from the airlines. Corporat. . .

The Colorful Cahors

The town of Cahors is probably the most colorful spot in the region of Perigord, due to the amazing amount and incredible beauty of flowers and green areas it has. This town has inspired many artists and photographers and still, to the date, is found to be a great source of beautiful images and pictures.Cahors is located in the south western area of France, on the Lot River. Although its amazin. . .

Finding a Great Orlando Hotel

Orlando Florida is one of the best vacation spots for a family to visit. Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios Orlando. With the popularity of these theme parks it is a good idea to find an Orlando hotel conveniently located nearby. You will also want an Orlando hotel that caters to children.A great Orlando hotel you might consider is the Hilton Walt Disney W. . .