Author: Manjari Singh

Kerela Backwaters

Kerala is the most picturesque and protean tourist destination of India. Its innumerable lagoons, lakes, estuaries, beaches, hill stations and above of all its serene and calm backwaters sums up to the beauty of the region. The backwaters of Kerela is a unique product of Kerala and is found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian sea. The backwaters of Kerela are a self supporting eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The tranquil backwaters of Kerala are the most popular tourist attractions of Kerala. The serene and calm backwaters passing through lush green vegetation make a splendid setting for tourists to relax and explore natural beauty of Kerala.

The most exciting thing for the tourist going on backwater tours of Kerala is Ketuvallom, the traditional giant houseboats. While traveling on a houseboat, you pass through green lush countryside, swaying palm and coconut trees and emerald fields. You feel as if you are traveling in a paradise. Exploring scenic backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat would surely provide you a momentous and unforgettable tour. An experience worth cherishing for life time.

Kerala is abundant in backwaters and almost every district of Kerala is gifted with scenic backwaters stretches. Kerala offers backwater tours to many destinations. Some of the famous and exciting backwater destinations in Kerala are: Alapuzzha, Cochin, Kasaragod, Kollam, Kottayam, Kozhicode, Kumarakom, Trivandrum and Thiruvallam.

Kerala backwater tour is an affiliation of land and water throbbing with its own unique culture. Many beautiful sights greet you along the way, such as the Chinese fishing nets. On-cruise scenery flashes up vivid contrasts of lush greens and deep blues. As the boat glides along the gorgeous green of the fringed palms the ripples in the blue water blend into little wavelets. It is in the months of August and September that the moist, rain-drenched earth and the glorious ever flowing backwaters burst into song together, as over hundred thousand men and women gather on the banks to witness a spectacular water regatta the Snake Boat Races.

Take your pick for the best backwater tour for family and friends. The cruises and the overnight stays in the houseboats are the best way to an unforgettable holiday. The water-bus ferry and the cruise boats are the most relaxed. Your backwater holidays need not be meticulously planned. The entire maritime journey is a merry time experience in true sense. The entire experience of the green and serene backwaters of Kerala is incomparable and incredible. The vivacious and vibrant village life cannot be left in a better way on a smooth sail in the houseboat. It is the backwater cruises that complete the tour to southern India, taking you through the winding waterways revealing the colorful culture and customs of the rural life. The magic of the mystical backwaters works on one and all alike.

About the Author:

Manjari Singh is an eminent travel writer, she have authored websites like :

www.travellinginindia.com

Author: Junjeera

Upon arrival, have your first meal on the island at the Koh Chang Grand Orchid Restaurant in Klong Son village. It is under the resort of the same name and offers Thai, international, and seafood cuisine.

Ton Sai Restaurant is set on top of a banyan tree, thus the name. It is located at White Sand Beachand serves fusion food.

Relax after dinner by sitting back at the nearby Sabay Bar. The bar is lively with the music from a Filipino band and fire-twirling shows by skillful performers.

Blues Cha Cha bar set along the main road at Kae Bae just across The Chill is a place to
wine and unwind. Live bands plays nightly and firehouses play to the tune that fire up the atmosphere of a lively evening.

If you are looking for a 5-star environment Breezes bar at the Amari Resort would be your best pick.

Featuring a trendy decor the cozy bar plays live music 6 days a week and offers a wide selection of cocktails, beers and wines as you would expect from a 5-star hotel.

If you are a bit tired there is the sofa bed for you to stretch out. Patrons can also choose to relax at the outdoor quiet lounge facing the sea.

The White Sand Beach Restaurant is located right on the beach where guests can bask in the gentle sunshine or relax under the starry sky while dining.

The restaurant serves Thai and European menus, as well as dishes individually prepared by the chef.

Alina Restaurant, Ban Thai Restaurant and Banpu Koh Chang Restaurant are in-house restaurants for resorts of the same names on White Sand Beach.

It is an added advantage for the guests of the said resorts since these restaurants which serve seafood, Thai and international favorites are only a step away from their accommodations.

If dining under the starry sky is your current leisure pursuit, then Cookies Restaurant is the place to visit. For those seeking a Swedish dining experience, Heli’s Kitchen is definitely the right choice.

Pizza lovers should be delighted to know that there are at least three pizza places on the island. If you prefer a fine dining ambience with candle-lit tables, try Invito Italian Restaurant. Pizza Ban Nuna is, meanwhile, down to earth.

Sassi, at the Amari Emerald Cove Resort, is famous for its traditional Italian cuisine. Its bright and vibrant atmosphere is cosy yet lively. The restaurant’s air conditioned indoor ambience complements the fine tastes of Italy.Outdoor servings are available if you prefer the natural air supply.

Just one level below is the Just Thai restaurant stylishly designed with contemporary Thai
decor. Expect the more innovative Thai delicacies and fresh seafood. The restaurant turns a bit Japanese with an additional 5-course dinner menu every Mondays and Thursdays. Outdoor seatings are available here too.

The Cove Terrace boasts of an all-day a la carte menu in a bright, airy setting. Check out the special theme buffet available on some evenings. Exclusive romantic sunset dining right on the beach can be arranged.

Buffalo Bill Steak House on White Sand Beach serves one of the best steaks on the island . The wild west steak house has a very relaxed ambience and a friendly staff Here, the portions are American size but not the prices.

The Milky Bar on White Sand Beach is an ideal place for those who want to spend the night singing to the tune of music.

The Terrace Restaurant in the premise of the Chang Buri Resort and Spa on White Sand Beach is on a hillside terrace where diners can enjoy food in a natural environment. The restaurant prepares both Thai and European cuisines.

The resort’s Beach Bar Restaurant is perfect if you prefer to dine by the beach, where the menu is similar to that of the Terrace Restaurant.

For fine dining experience amongst the vegetation of a rainforest overlooking the sea go to Saffron On The Sea. This boutique restaurant offers Thai & Western delicacies in the open space with a good view of the mountain and the sunset.

For a change in scenery, schedule a breakfast or lunch date at The Cinnamon Restaurant, at the Aana Resort on Klong Prao Beach. The restaurant is located along the river, and now provides free Wi-Fi connection for its patrons.

If a light meal is all you need at the moment, then visit The Hill Bar at the same resort. Before heading down to dinner, drop by at the same bar for a sunset aperitif.

For a more relaxed dining experience, get down to Aana’s The Beach Bar for street food, drinks and cocktails.

Imagine dining in a tropical garden setting with the sound of the lapping waves of the nearby sea. Remark Cottage Restaurant at the Klong Prao Beach makes that experience possible, plus letting you enjoy a wide variety of seafood.

A health-conscious vacation is now possible at the Boutique Restaurant where they serve health and vegetarian foods.

Just inside the Chai Chet Resort is the Chai Chet Seafood which serves the best in seafood cuisine to its in-resort patrons. However, they will also be happy to welcome anyone who’ll come visit them.

Enjoy a homey, cozy atmosphere while dining at the K.B. Restaurant that serves local favorites, fresh seafood, and international food.

Let Siam Beach Restaurant’s chef prepare for you only the best Thai food a la carte and discover what it is like to experience the so-called dinner in paradise.

The Bay Restaurant at the Dusit Princess Koh Chang has a delightful selections of seafood and international cuisine. Modern decor in bright colours with a view of the Bai Lan Bay will further enhance your appetite.

The fishermen’s village in Bang Bao is the place to go to for the best seafood. Here you can expect the freshest catch of

the day, at famous restaurants. One of the most reputable seafood restaurant here is the Ruan Thai Restaurant. Set above the sea the restaurant is famed for its fresh seafood prepared the local way at reasonable prices.

For a romantic culinary adventure try the Tantra Restaurant at the Nirvana Resort in Bang Bao where contemporary European and Thai cuisine are prepared by their renowned chef. An innovative promotion called the Nirvana Twilight Nights include a breathtaking view of the sunset amid soothing beats and refreshing cocktails, an illuminated jungle walk and a 3-course dinner at the restaurant set on stilts overlooking the fishing village and the calm sea. Fine wines and an extensive drinks menu add to the delight.

On the eastern coast, a vegetarian outlet–Spa Koh Chang Restaurant–is fast becoming popular among travelers. Its “Food for Health” slogan makes it a distinct choice for health-conscious diners.

Salakphet Seafood Restaurant is built above the waters, giving the place a relaxing ambience and a feel of being part of the fishing community.

Watering holes, or beer bars, can be easily found on every beach on the island.

Other than Koh Chang, most resorts on other islands include meals in their packages. Nevertheless, some restaurants such as the Makathanee Restaurant on Koh Maak also serve a la carte menus. The place which is under the resort of the same name serves seafood, local and international favorites.

Get a feeling of the island by dining at the Shantaa Restaurant on Shantaa Koh Kood. It is where local favorites are enhanced with the cooking secrets of local chefs.

But just before heading down to the restaurant, take a detour to the resort’s Shantaa Beach Bar for your favorite drinks and snacks.

You can find more information in Koh Chang at http://www.koh-chang.com.

About the Author:

I’m Web Master and Web Marketing of , Koh-chang.com and Kohchangholiday.com - Online reservation services for hotels and resorts in Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Koh Mak, Trat - Thailand.

Palm Springs Clothing Optional Resort Owner’s Top Ten Nude Sunbathing Beauty Secrets

In these stressful times, couples are looking for new and fun ways to put a romantic kick back into their love lives during vacations. Staying at nudist resorts is the best way to spark the romance and to remind yourselves as to why you initially fell in love with each other.

Palm Springs, CA, October 07, 2008  Vacationing at clothing optional resorts is the fastest growing trend in the travel industry. No longer the rustic nudist colonies of old. Today’s American nudist resorts rival some of the best boutique hotels around in terms of amenities, customer service, and value for your vacation dollar.

One popular topless and nude sunbathing hotel is The Terra Cotta Inn clothing optional resort and spa http://sunnyfun.com located in Palm Springs, California, the sunniest city in the United States. Called the most mainstream nudist resort in America, they are perfect for couples trying topless or nude sunbathing for the first time.

With one of the highest repeat guest rates in the travel industry at over 75%, loyal guests from around the world flock to this popular desert nudist resort.

And the press loves them too. In July, Tripadvisor.com picked them as one of the 10 best clothing optional resorts in the world. Only two nudist resorts in America were honored. Last year AOL.com reported they were one of the 10 best.

Mary Clare Mulhall owner of Terra Cotta Inn along with her husband Tom, realizes that many women are nervous about their first clothes free experience. She says, “Women tend to be judged more on their looks than men in our society. When they come to our resort, they see that almost no one looks like a model. They look just like everyone else and this makes for a joyful, fun first nude sunbathing experience.”

Many women still enjoy a glamorous feeling while on vacation, even while sunbathing naked, so Mary Clare decided to share her top 10 beauty secrets with first time clothing optional vacationers.

10) If you worry about existing tan lines - use a self tanner to blend color into your tanned skin.

9) If you use Retin- A, wear a floppy hat while in the sun.

Don’t wear heavy foundation or make up by the pool. Try a tinted moisturizer with at least a SPF 15 for a flattering glow.

7) Bikini wax at least one week in advance, so your newly exposed skin is not irritated by the sun.

6) Stay at a resort like ours with a salt water pool and whirlpool tub. This way your skin won’t dry out and you don’t have to worry about your lightened or highlighted hair turning green from chlorine.

5) Apply at least an SPF 15 sunscreen multiple times during the day. That includes on the sides and underside of your breasts, underarms, etc. You don’t want to ruin your romantic vacation with a sunburn.

4) No need to diet before going. You don’t have to worry how you look in a bikini or swimsuit, since your not wearing one.

3) Get a mani/pedi before going. Ask for a topcoat with UV filters to keep the color bright.

2) Fashionistas who still need their fashion moment in the sun, can wear slinky cover ups to match their sandals and hats or visors. If you like bling, wear flirty ankle chains or toe rings. Jeweled hair clips can complete your birthday suit ensemble.

1) Finally, to make the best use of your romantic time together, leave the cell phone in the room. Remember, you can’t hide a blackberry in your bikini if your not wearing one.

For more information about vacationing at The Terra Cotta Inn give them a call at 1-800-786-6938.

###

Contact Information
The Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa
Tom Mulhall
1-800-786-6938
tom@sunnyfun.com
http://sunnyfun.com

By JOE SHARKEY

Published: October 7, 2008

The travel industry has been hit hard by the economic slowdown, particularly in the last few weeks.

[full article]

There was a time when scoring last minute cruise deals meant relying on cruise companies and travel agents.

Don’t get me wrong, travel agents are still very much an integral part of finding those last minute cruise deals however, with the internet now well and truly entrenched as a part of our every day landscape, cruise bargain hunters have never had it so good.

Scoring last minute deals is all about planning, patience, being flexible and being kept informed and it’s the latter which we’ll concentrate on in this article.

Being Kept Up-To-Date

Travel agents in general provide a great service; just get on the phone and ask them to find you a great deal on a vacation somewhere at a specific price and more often than not, they’ll find it for you.

Online services let you act as self-serving travel agents in a sense with specialist sites allowing you to enter specific information such as time, date and place of travel and with the click of your mouse, you are presented with any number of choices for your chosen time of travel.

It couldn’t get any easier! But how effective is this in locating last minute cruise deals?

Planning And Flexibility

Good question and this is where planning and flexibility come in. Yes, you can plan for last minute deals and if you have the flexibility in your work schedule to take off at a minute’s notice then finding your cruise online is a great way to go.

Remember, these sites specialize in finding and sourcing specials and one of the best ways to stay informed is by joining their newsletter lists.

This is an extremely effective method of not only knowing what’s on offer but also what’s coming up over the horizon. It’s all part of the planning stage and means you don’t have to “play Russian roulette” and hope there will be a cruise to suit you available when you want it.

Many websites also offer alert services which involves entering some details about the time, place and length of the cruise you’re interested in and when a match is found you are simply alerted. Finding last minute cruise deals has never been easier!

About the author

Want to know how to score some great last minute cruise deals? You’ll want to read this informative guide! Plus, read the latest cruise news and reviews on how to score a great bargain

This Tanzania Safari was the perfect surprise. I arrived at Dar es Salaam Domestic Airport thinking I was about to meet some important visitors for a breakfast meeting. I had been grumbling all the way to the airport. Who organises a breakfast meeting anyway? As I was telling the taxi to wait my wife pulled some bags out of the boot and told me not to bother. It had recently been my birthday, now we were getting on a plane.

Soon we were in the air and heading towards the Selous Game Reserve. The city gave way to a patchwork of sandbanks and meandering streams dotted with hippo. The purple Beho Beho hills loomed ahead and the wilderness stretched further than we could see in all directions. The Selous is the largest conservation area in the world with the exception of the Polar regions.

After a comfortable flight of around 45 minutes we touched down on a bush strip near the Mtemere Gate of the Selous. Here we were met by a safari-converted Landrover and transferred to Rufiji River Camp. After a short welcome and briefing we went for a cold drink in the bar. The view was simply stunning. The bar area is located on a bend in the river and as we arrived we could see a mother and baby hippo out of the water and several large pods wallowing. There were also several large crocodiles basking, mouths open on the white sand.

Once we had settled into our comfortable room we enjoyed a light lunch before splashing around in the pool until it was time for our afternoon boat safari. It is amazing to think that in just 45 minutes of travelling you can escape the hectic urban melee of Dar es Salaam and be in the heart of one of the world’s great wildernesses. The clamour of horns and dala dala engines is replaced by the grunting of hippo, the chitter of playful vervet monkeys and the shrill keening of eagles.

We were welcomed by our guide Bernard and led down to the boats. The boat was a sturdy aluminium flat-bottomed craft propelled by a powerful outboard. We relaxed in comfortable chairs as we glided into the Rufiji River. We headed upstream, the light breeze of our smooth motion kept us cool despite the high temperatures. This really is one of the most comfortable, relaxing ways of enjoying a safari.

The first thing that struck me was the sheer abundance of birdlife. The bushes on the banks literally shimmered with glorious avian opulence. The golden weavers, glossy starlings and brightly-coloured white-fronted bee eaters took my breath away. The sand-spits were traversed by elegant saddle-billed storks, yellow-billed storks and goliath herons. Even the air above the water was filled with hovering giant, malachite, pied and pygmy kingfishers, every so often plunging into the swirling water to emerge with fish. The majestic fish eagles perched high in the borassus palms, surveying their domain. We were informed by our guide that these great birds pair for life.

One of the steeper banks was home to a colony of several hundred white-fronted bee eaters. These spectacular birds swooped about us entering and emerging from their deep burrows. ‘Only eggs inside now’ the guide explained, otherwise you would hear the chicks.

We continued upstream, winding our way between crocodile-covered sand banks and pods of hippo. We saw a monitor lizard climbing into a bush on the bank after eggs. Other animals we spotted on our cruise up the river included waterbuck, impala and a spectacular dazzle of zebra coming timidly to drink.

We also saw a one of the most dangerous animals, a lone old male buffalo. As a herd animal that can no longer keep up with its peers they become cantankerous and need to be given a wide berth.

Our guide produced some cold sodas from a cool box as we stopped briefly on a sand bar whilst watching a herd of around twenty elephants with young babies drink and splash at the edge of the river. For a while it looked like they might cross but the lead cow thought better of it. The leadership of the matriarch is so important that she lives well past breeding age, leading the herd.

We returned as the sun set, a huge glowing red orb that turned the river into a mass of sparkling azure and magenta. I was still reeling from this totally unexpected and wonderfully different safari. We arrived back at camp in time for a sunset beer and wash before an excellent dinner.

After relaxing by the log fire for a while, enjoying a nightcap we were escorted back to our tent by a Maasai askari. We slept well, drifting off to the honking of hippo, the cackling off hyena and the hoot of owls.

The next day we awoke to the dawn chorus and enjoyed some bird-watching from our porch before breakfasting. We then went on a more traditional, vehicle-based safari. This was excellent and we were fortunate enough to see a leopard, two groups of lion (one with a wildebeest kill) and many other large mammals. We enjoyed a tasty picnic lunch under a spreading acacia and returned mid afternoon in time for a swim and another great sunset over the Rufiji River. I could write more about the game drive but it is enough to say that it was excellent. This area of Selous has a wide variety of safari activities to choose from: driving, walking and boat safaris are all available here. This makes it a superb location for groups with varied tastes in safari

The next morning I requested another boat safari; this is something that is particularly special in Selous. The only comparable locations for birding on a boat safari are the Kilombero and the Wami Rivers. These however do not compare to Selous for the diversity and abundance of wildlife.

As we pulled away from the bank a large number of Ptychadena anchietae (ridged ‘rocket ‘ grass frogs with very powerful back legs) leapt spectacular distances, looking for shelter as our bow pulled back and exposed them. This was a nice cheerful start to another memorable boat safari.

‘Look! Crocodiles have a baby hippo!’ our guide exclaimed slowing the boat and pointing. Sure enough we could see a lone baby that had become separated from its mother. As we watched it was rolled and snapped at by a huge crocodile. The sharp teeth scored beep lines in the rubbery hide and the baby hippo’s ears flicked in panic. Crocodile usually drown their prey rolling them in the water until their strength gives out (before hiding the body underwater to soften up). I couldn’t help but think it must be pretty difficult to drown an animal so well adapted to an aquatic existence that it can suckle under water. It struggled desperately towards the safety of the sand spit but was rolled again and again. Its strength was fast failing and we left the uneven struggle to its inevitable conclusion. When we returned a few hours later there was no sign of the hippo.

As we continued we saw several journeys of giraffe coming to drink with their legs splaying into giant arches. The giraffe were great to watch but it was the elephants that stole the day, completely upstaging them. First we came across an old bull wallowing in the mud at the edge of the river. His skin glistened, slick with brown Rufiji mud and he flicked huge clods from his tusks, rumbling his satisfaction deep in his throat. Next we encountered the large herd of females and babies, this time on the other side of the river.

We enjoyed cold sodas whilst watching a herd of around fifty impala coming down to drink. We sat in silence watching for a crocodile strike, this time the Impala were lucky. They had chosen their drinking spot well, with shallow water for a good distance allowing them to see the approach of any deadly living dinosaur.

Bird Island is so named because it is how to breeding colonies of spoonbills, open billed storks and ibis. It a small island literally covered in birds. The scrub was festooned with nests and the cries of hungry fledglings filled the air. We were also rewarded with a good view of the timid black crake. Crocodiles lurked below nests that overhung the water, waiting for any unwary youngster to fall.

As the sun rose and the temperature started to rise we began our journey back to Rufiji River Camp. Storks stood on the sand banks, arrow-straight with wings spread, allowing the wind to cool the blood in their capillaries (acting as a radiator like elephants’ ears).

We happened upon a final magical moment as two young bull elephants entered the river and swam using their trunks as snorkels. Then they began to play-fight and wrestle sending up huge plumes of spray. The clack of ivory on ivory, the splashing and trumpeting contrasted to the gently gurgling of the water. Eventually they tired of their teenage boisterousness and stood to dry, glistening in the sunlight. This was a splendid finale to a memorable weekend in Selous.

Boat safaris are very comfortable and by far the most relaxing way of exploring the Selous. I enjoyed every minute of it and will definitely return for more. For birdwatchers especially a boat safari in the Selous is one not to miss. Whilst we waited at the airstrip a herd of about twenty elephants came onto the runway and had to be chased away! As I boarded the plane for my flight back to Dar it was with regret to be leaving so soon.

Visit Wild Things Tanzania Safaris for more information on visiting the Selous.

About the author

Roy J Hinde is a former biodiversity researcher who now operates http://www.wildthingsafaris.com

Taveuni Palms, Fiji

Whether you are on your honeymoon, celebrating a 50th anniversary or just looking for a resort that is romantic. This is the place to travel,relax and enjoy.

The Taveuni Palms in Fiji is an intimate retreat offering two private guest houses, a secluded sandy beach, and even a freshwater swimming pool. The island has many spectacular things to offer, such as scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and many other vacation activities.

The Taveuni Island has always been known for its unique and colorful sea life, tropical fish, and amazing varieties of soft and hard coral. The Rainbow Reef, Great White Wall, Purple Wall, and Zoo dive sites are all within easy reach of the Taveuni resort.

The Great White Wall reef offers a tunnel with two exits, one at 33 feet and another at 88 feet. When you swim through it, you’ll notice a white glow that is given off by the soft corals that seem to surround you.

You’ll also find two dive centers that are minutes from Taveuni Palms, which offer you dive equipment and certified diving instructors. From beginners to expert divers, you can have a lot of fun scuba diving on your beach vacation.

Rooms and suites The two seperate beachfront villas at Taveuni Palms in Fiji come with their own staff to help make your vacation a bit more relaxing. The staff will make your dreams come true, as they offer full room support.

Each seperate villa offers a pool, two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, and a very unique indoor/outdoor bathroom. The outdoor deck is equipped with chairs so that you can spend time outside as well, taking in the surrounding views of the ocean. The spectacular sunsets will turn into tropical nights - with stunning starlit skies.

Your personal maid at the villa will provide you with daily cleaning service, laundry service, fresh flowers, and evening turn down. The maids here are very professional, making your stay at the Taveuni Palms in Fiji one you’ll remember for years to come.

The resort will also provide you with your own private chef, kitchen, and bar staff who will provide your daily meals, which are included in the cost of your stay. This way, you don’t have to eat out - your food will be prepared for you at the resort.

Traveling and Getting to Taveuni. To get to Taveuni Palms, fly to Nadi International airport in Fiji. From there, catch a connecting flight to Taveuni Island where the Taveuni Palms staff will meet you at the airport, five minutes from the hotel.

Of course, wherever you travel, it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before embarking on any vacation. Unfortunately, without insurance, you have little recourse if you have to suddenly cancel your trip due to illness or other unforeseeable circumstances. Realize that resorts like this will expect to be paid no matter what. However, with travel insurance, you can recoup some or all of your costs if travel and vacation plans change. Travel insurance is very affordably priced, so please check out your options.

About the author

Robert Barner is a writer for the past 11 years. Frustrated by the lack of vision shown by the travel and vacation industry as a whole a free newsletter was started, travelvacationandgrowrich.com. This connects thousands of travelers to high quality resorts worldwide. The newsletter shows people how to travel at travel agent pricing with the ammenities. For more info: http://www.travelvacationandgrowrich.com

Barcelona, Spain, June 25, 2007 –(PR.com)– AboutSpainTravel.com, a travel website about Spain, has been redone with a new focus – being a fun way to learn ‘about Spain travel’. Taking a balanced, detached look at Spain travel, AboutSpainTravel.com makes a worthy visit for travelers interested in one of the world’s most visited countries.

“AboutSpainTravel.com emerged after several vacations in Spain and wanting to create a better resource for fellow travelers. Many websites about Spain are too encyclopedic and leave visitors yawning,” says D.H. Wall, MBA, About Spain Travel’s founder, a travel enthusiast and marketing professional. “AboutSpainTravel.com tries to be more entertaining.”

AboutSpainTravel.com provides travelers researching Spain a look at such destinations as Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, Seville, and Ronda.

Originally launched in 2005, the new version of AboutSpainTravel.com offers additional features. Website visitors the ability to participate through comment forms. Visitors are also encouraged to submit idea and Spain travel experiences. Other interactive features are planned.

Visit the Spain travel website at: http://www.AboutSpainTravel.com

Colonia, NJ, June 28, 2007 –(PR.com)– www.travelgoindia.com launches new advanced search facility that helps customers search for hotels from 9 popular Travel sites all at once. It is an advanced and more powerful hotel booking engine that not only helps one search for hotels in India but “use new analyzer to narrow search results on the basis of price range, star ratings and amenities.”

Currency conversions of hotel rates in Euro, USD/Dollars, Pound, and INR/Indian Rupees are also possible for quick reference and accessibility. It allows guests to select and compare all their chosen list of hotels and search them further by their respective hotel names. Instant booking is another highly useful feature that helps travelers book at any time and whenever they decide to travel. Instant confirmations are also given. Real time booking facility is driven by the concept of last minute booking that always has room for more and more accommodation requests from eager travelers. This is a huge guarantee that the search engine offers which makes it a must visit for all those last minute travel planners.

Getting best price deals are even easier since not only can one search for Hotels and make instant hotel reservations through the best known India travel guide, www.travelgoindia.com, but also book cheap hotels and discount hotels through online hotel reservation facilities. Vacation packages along with hotel information are the best features of the advanced search engine.

Note to Editors

www.TravelGoIndia.com offers cutting-edge online real time booking facility, constant update on room availability and a comprehensive travel catalogue. Last minute booking is painless and always welcome. The essential travel information it shares with travel lovers with additional provision for car rental assistance, make this mini encyclopedia, an integral travel guide, offering king-size packages to anything smart, austere or purposeful. Visitors can also buy air tickets as and when required. Managed by a team of skilled and committed professionals, TravelGoIndia.com is a watershed in the history of Indian travel sector.

The Parador of Jarandilla De La Vera is a place distinct in the history of Spain. Holy Roman Emperor Charles V - the most powerful man in the world during his reign - lived here in the Parador building for a few months before retiring to live out his remaining time in the Monastery at Yuste.

He chose this spot for it’s tranquility and natural beauty. The area, on the southern slope of the Gredos mountains, is abundant with streams, waterfalls, and oak woods - producing a scenery of rare beauty. The soil is rich and fertile. There are gardens, apple and pear orchards everywhere. It has been called a paradise, and “The best place for repose, and for the pleasures of mind and body.”

The 4-star Parador of Jarandilla de la Vera is a fortified palace built in the 15th century. It was constructed over the ruins of a fortress that had been built and inhabited by the Knights Templar. It has all that a castle should have; a draw-bridge, machicolations, embrasures, and robust corner towers. Parador Jarandilla is in an Italian Renaissance style however, with an interior sweetness and graciousness missing in the earlier true fortress style castles.

There is a fine dining room with views out to the open cloister (you can dine al fresco during the warmer months). Wooden ceilings and a baronial fireplace in the reception area give this place an altogether ‘noble’ feel. Interesting excursions from Parador Jarandilla into the city:

- See the 15th century Church on the main plaza.

- The area immediately surrounding the town is very good for hiking - several different marked trails lead along rushing streams to waterfalls and miniature gorges.

Interesting day trips include:

- Explore over to the Jerte valley - there are a couple of scenic (if not harrowing!) roads that cross over, or you can drive around through Placensia. If you are here in spring, the valley is blanketed in white - with thousands of cherry trees in bloom.

- Placensia is a typical Extremaduran town with a wonderful main plaza. Sit down at one of the many outdoor tables and wait and watch the giant elf (?) in the main clock tower strike the bell to mark each half hour. A “cuckoo clock” on the grandest of scales! There is a lively Tuesday market held here in the plaza - as it has been continuously since the 12th century!

Visiting the Parador of Jarandilla De La Vera is an experience long cherished by those who have gone out of their way to get to this nearly forgotten backwater of Spain.

About the author

Gary Bumpas has traveled extensively across Spain. He lived in Spain and has pursued a love affair with that country over the span of 34 years. He studied flamenco guitar with various gypsy masters in the 70’s, and explored villages rarely seen by tourists.

A professional travel consultant and acknowledged expert on the Paradors of Spain - he helps travelers plan vacation experiences that will create memories to last for a lifetime.