One very popular vacation city to travel to is Madrid, the capital of Spain. 

While Madrid is very modern in architecture, it has managed to maintain its neighborhoods looking and feeling historical. 

There are many landmarks in Madrid.  They include the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Royal Theatre and Opera House as well as archaeological museums along the Paseo del Prado. 

There are also many parks such as the Buen Retiro Park that has been around since 1631, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Sabatini Gardens and others.  Each of these parks or gardens has its style with fountains and sculptures, monuments, patterns and lakes, etc.

Speaking about art, not only have some of the greatest painters in the world come from Spain such as Dali, Goya and Picasso but Spanish churches are also a very impressive form of art and absolutely amazing to visit.

Madrid is a great city for shopping.  Boutiques, specialty shops, and malls are abundant.  In Madrid you can literally  shop till you drop.

Other things in Madrid include watching a bullfight at Plaza del Toros in La Ventas or a soccer game with Real Madrid.  Then there are any one of the many restaurants, bars, clubs and lounges where you can enjoy great Spanish dishes, tapas and coffees.   Many of these places host live music such as jazz, flamenco dancing and singer-songwriter artists. 

One last thing –> Wine tasting. 

Enjoy!

Montreal is the best place to travel to. Previously called Hochelaga, Montreal is an island and the largest city in the Province of Quebec, Canada. It is a very cosmopolitan city where both English and French are spoken.

This city does indeed offer something for everyone making it truly unique. With a variety of attractions and numerous things to do, residents of Montreal feel as if they are on a never-ending vacation.

For culture and history, Montreal’s museums, art galleries and exhibition centers exposes one to a wealth of information from Leonard Cohen’s art exhibit to Cirque du Soleil to the Botanical Gardens and Insecterium.

For very late nightlife, Montreal’s piano bars, lounges, dance clubs and adult clubs are very lively. Then there are festivals such as Montreal’s all-night Nuit Blanche festival and the Montreal Jazz festival, both very well known and attracting an ever-increasing number of tourists.

For dining experiences, the city has a culinary variety of restaurants that appeal to all palates and range from very high end, to exotic, to fast food joints that do not close until the wee hours of the night (or morning). There are restaurants such as Nuances at the top of the Montreal Casino and Au Pied du Cochon (The Pig’s Foot) where you eat until you explode. Montreal is also home to the famous Poutine (French fries swimming in a gravy sauce topped with cheese curds). The city has the best smoked meat, burgers, hot dogs and bagel places. Montreal restaurants are very affordable.

For great outdoors living, Montreal has, and is surrounded by an abundance of parks, rivers, lakes and other beautiful sites and scenery. Mount Royal is a mountain in the middle of the city. It has wide paths for walking, cycling and enjoying nature. At the top, Beaver Lake is perfect for ice-skating in winter. Throughout the year and especially during the Fall season, the trees display their rich, vivid colors turning the city into a gigantic splendid oil painting of sorts .
After heavy snowfalls, only white is visible everywhere and the landscape becomes a winter wonderland.  When ice forms on tree branches it gives off an appearance of crystal glass - absolutely spectacular! 

Montreal has numerous types of accommodations. From 5-star hotels such as Hotel Le St-James to 4-stars such as Hotel Place d’Armes to 3-stars such as the very affordable Best Western Montreal Downtown Hotel Europa. Then there are Bed and Breakfasts, Auberges, Manoirs, Apartments, Rooms for rent and others.

Sport activities in and around Montreal include tennis, golf, camping, hunting, fishing, skiing, snowboarding and others.

For interesting and possibly one-time experiences, Ice fishing in winter, renting a stay in an Ice Hotel and Camping in Yurts (Mongolian style tents) are becoming popular.

Montreal is a city with a European flair and definitely a great travel destination.  It is a best travel place for vacation and business.

Portugal is a beautiful country. The Portuguese shoreline is literally a seacoast of sunny beaches of all sizes facing the Atlantic Ocean. Sunbathers on these beaches come dressed for all tastes, from full one-piece bathing suits to bikinis. Real sun worshippers come topless to nudist.

Cascais and Sintra are just two cities north of the capital, Lisbon. Between these two cities alone, there are a variety of interesting beaches with the smallest being only 50 meters wide. All beaches are accessible by walking, car, tram, bus or train. They all have public toilets, showers, bars, snack bars, restaurants, bus stops, vehicle parking and access ramps for the disabled.

Due to strong winds and gigantic waves, Praia do Guincho which is also the largest beach in the area with a shoreline measuring 800 meters, is excellent for surf, windsurf, bodyboard and kitesurf. Over the years many competitions have been held there.

Other beaches in the area include Praia Albano, Praia da Ribeira, Praia da Rainha, Praia da Conceicao, Praia da Duqueza and Praia de Tamariz.

The larger beaches by Sintra with cliffs, coves and rocks where one can pick shellfish, octopus and a variety of other fish species to cook for supper include Praia de Magoito, Praia Grande, Praia de Adraga and others.

The sand color in all Portuguese beaches ranges from white to golden and the many colors of the sea are so spectacular that you just never want to look away, especially when watching from a cliff-top like at Praia de Magoito .

When looking for resorts, very good accommodations can be found in palaces, hotels, villas and rooming houses. There are also camping grounds by many beaches.

In Cascais and either within walking distance of the beaches or right on the oceanfront are Hotel Baia, Hotel Cascais Pestana and others. A hotel that is also very close to the Casino, is Inglaterra Hotel.

In Sintra and in close proximity to its main sites are Hotel Tivoli among others, while Quinta de S. Thiago is close to the beaches.

Sintra is an interesting city looking almost surreal due to its beauty. Back in 1809 Lord Byron called it the most beautiful city in the world.

This historical city has so many sites to explore and to do so properly involves spending anywhere from half a day to a full day in each place. Attractions include Quinta da Regaleira, Pena National Palace, Sintra National Palace, Monserrate Palace, Seteias Palace, Castle of the Moors and Serra de Sintra which is a national park, tourist attraction and a World Heritage site. A visit to Cabo da Roca and one stands at the most western point in all of Europe where land meets sea.

Among the sports mentioned further above, there is also horseback riding along the beach, golf and a host of others.

As for snack bars and restaurants, there is nothing like great Portuguese food, wine and pastries. Just a walk to the beach or down any street and the air is filled with the most mouth-watering, delicious aromas at any time of the day or night.

When I was young and still in school, I never tired of reading a poem that to this day still brings to mind sunny visions of pirates, hidden treasures, monkeys at play, peacocks and long-tailed colorful birds of all kinds. Today the mere word "exotic" sends those childhood memories back to mind together with memories of the Indonesian Island of Bali.

Bali is exotic for so many reasons. It has been inhabited since 2000 BC. It is a mixture of the Chinese, Indian and Hindu cultures. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to set foot on Bali back in 1585.

As well, its fauna is Asian in character. Unfortunately many mammals and birds are near extinction or are now extinct, such as the Bali tiger.

Bats are a tourist attraction and are worshipped by the locals. Site-seers very often encounter the Crab-Eating Macaque on the streets. These monkeys are not afraid of humans and will come right up to you to be fed. Bali is full of very impressive animals such as the Leopard Cat, the King Cobra, etc.

Bali aqua life not only includes sea snakes, barracudas, hammerhead sharks and the giant manta ray among others but also more loveable creatures such as dolphins, turtles, etc. Its coral reefs are spectacular and very popular with divers.

When it comes to vegetation, Bali has a great variety of species to offer such as lotus, jasmine and the oleander flowers as well as the banyan tree, jackfruit, coconuts, bananas, coffee, ferns, pine trees, oranges and rice to name just a few.

The Island of Bali has the largest tourist destination of all the islands of Indonesia. Its artisans are well known for their batik. They are also famous for their carvings of wood and stone as well as silverware and other handicraft.

When I think of exotic, I think of all of the above and of Balinese dancers, their costumes, performances and their music. I think of Bali temples, Buddhist monks, their incense, worshipping of gods, spirits, magic, sacred rituals and ceremonies. I think of the warmth and friendliness of the Balinese people and I want to go back there.

If you wish to experience a truly exotic vacation experience, the following are some of the best hotels to stay at:

Luxury hotel -> Ubud Hanging Gardens. This very beautiful tropical resort has 38 luxury villas, each with its own private heated pool overlooking the Ayung River and views of surrounding lush green gardens. This hotel offers hiking, biking, touring, spa, fine dining, programs for children, boating, beach activities and much more.

Other Luxury hotels include: Viceroy Bali with magnificent views of Petanu River gorge and tropical forests, Four Seasons Bali Jimbaran Bay, oceanfront villas with amazing ocean views and beach access, and W Retreat and Spa Bali Seminyak where you can relax and be at peace with yourself and the surroundings. 

Eleuthera! A part of Bahamas and an island with the most magnificent beaches you can ever expect to see.

For relaxation, water sports, beautiful white and pink sandy beaches and amazing views of land, sea and vegetation this is the place to go. The water is so perfectly clear and transparent that you have views of sealife and ocean floor without having to jump in. This Bahamian island is only 110 miles long and 2 miles wide and offers breath-taking scenery. Its coral reefs are spectacular.

People in Eleuthera are gentle, polite and friendly. Many celebrities live on Harbour Island in the north coast. Among them, Bill Gates.

Back in 2000, Hurricane Floyd hit the island and caused extensive damage to many hotels but the island and its hotels have been rebounding ever since.

Harbour Island was mentioned in Men’s Journal as one of 30 great escapes. It has also been featured in such magazines as Town and Country and Travel and Leisure. In 2006 Sports Illustrated had their swimsuit edition photographed there.

Although there are many good resorts and hotels, the Royal Palm Hotel on Harbour Island is probably the best. It is within walking distance of the beaches, restaurants and shops. Standard rooms go from $85 plus tax per night to Suites at $140 plus tax per night. Many amenities are available as well as Dive packages.

Visit Eleuthera in the Bahamas and Harbour Island for a true vacation experience.

Vacation time is here again! 

As we all know, vacation can be taken at any time of the year and when we think vacation we feel happy.  However, we also automatically think of our pocket books and whether or not we can afford to take holidays somewhere interesting.  

Well, with Flight Network we can.  Flight Network has great savings on cheap flights and packages.   It is an online travel agency that has been around since 1998 and it has been offering great discounts that range anywhere from 10% to 70% off helping to make travel very affordable.

Flight Network not only compares airline ticket prices but they also negotiate with big airlines in order find savings where they can.  In so doing they can provide us with the best discounts on economy, business-class and first-class flights.  They also offer savings on last-minute and mid-week travel. 

They find great deals with just about any carrier in the world such as U.S. Airlines United, WestJet, Porter, Air Canada as well as Iberia, British Airways and others.

Through Flight Network you can book not just flights but also vacation destinations, hotels, cars, cruises, tours, and find their top 20 deals.  

They guarantee the lowest fare.

Also, Profit 100 has named Flight Network the 90th fastest growing company in the Canada, it is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and a member of Travel Industry Council of Ontario.

So now you know!  To book through Flight Network is to book the cheapest travel to many of the cities in the United States, in Canada and around the world.  It is also means finding the biggest hotel and car discounts. 

Booking through Flight Network is not only easy but will actually save you money.  

Happy Holidays! 

If you are travelling to beautiful Italy to see the historical sites, do not forget to take time out to relax in the sun and enjoy the beach scene. 

Italy is a country of fishing towns, historical sites, archeological digs  and magnificent landscapes. Many of these attractions run along the coast, meaning that they are very close to the sea and therefore to the beaches.  You will often find Roman ruins and castles close by as well.

Italy has two large islands, Sardinia and Sicily.  To find the best beach in Italy where you can reminisce about your many travels as a child and about your experiences playing in the sand, you will have to leave the mainland of Italy and ferry across to Sardinia or take a flight to Olbia airport.  

Of all the beaches in Italy and especially from the many spectacular ones in Sardinia, the most beautiful of all is Cala Mariolu Beach.  It is located in Ogliastra, a town near the city of Nuoro in East Sardinia. 

Cala Mariolu Beach is a beach of pristine waters that take on various shades of turquoise depending on the time of day.  White sand and small pebbles make it the perfect place for children and adults alike who love to build sand castles on the shore.  When it comes to swimming, it is a swim-friendly beach for the whole family. All types of water sports can be practice there such as snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing and fishing.

For those that love mountains and caverns, there are many to discover along the coastline. As well, Cala Mariolu Beach has a natural platform where small boats can dock at any time of the day.  

When it comes to Sardinia’s climate, it is usually dry with about 320 days of sun, so except for autumn and winter, it is pretty safe to travel there and have a great holiday visiting the island and taking time out to visit the best beach in Italy.

Staying at a Bed and Breakfast is relaxing, comfortable, fun and cheaper then staying at a hotel.  Arizona, land of very hot desert-like conditions and home to the Grand Canyon, has many Bed and Breakfast places to choose from. 

A B&B is similar to a private home except that it is larger in that it can have up to 10 bedrooms each with its own private bathroom.  Some B&Bs have bathrooms that are shared with other guests.  

Breakfast is usually prepared by the owners and served in the dining room although guests can decide to have breakfast served in their bedrooms.  

There are many things to do in Arizona but keep in mind that although summertime weather is dry heat, because it is desert-like, winter nights do go way below freezing temperatures.     

Activities, for example, can consist of visiting ghost towns, Indian ruins and caverns, all of which are quite intriguing. Then, of course, there is the usual walking tours, hiking, golf courses, bird watching and other recreational treats such as massages and spas.  

For the romantic in you, staying at a bed and breakfast in Arizona makes for a great honeymoon vacation where you can enjoy gourmet meals or hot off-the-grill menus.  For the traveler who is tired of the hotel scene, a B&B is not only cheaper and just as comfortable but is a close relative to the feel of home-life. 

B&B hot deals and special packages are available in many of Arizona’s cities and surroundings.  They accept Gift cards and Corporate programs as well.  

If you have decided to stay at a Bed and Breakfast in Arizona, see below for big savings and hot deals:

-Casa Sedona Bed and Breakfast Inn where rooms start at $139.  This is a 4-star B&B that was featured on Travel Channel.

-Hacienda Bougainvillea where regular rates are $100 per bedroom but booking now in February and you can get them for $60, a 40% discount.  Another 4 star B&B. 

-Verde River Rock House regular rates are $245.00 with discount rates at $150.00, a saving of 39% for this 5-star B&B.  However, for mid-week stays a hot-deal discount of 60% is applicable.  

Stay at a Bed and Breakfast in Arizona and try your hand at living as they did in the times of the Wild West.  And enjoy!

Ever been to the Mont-Tremblant region in Quebec, Canada?

Mont-Tremblant is a National Park and a well-known vacation area and ski-resort for many Canadians, Americans and Europeans. It is a place to go to for long stays, weekend get-a-ways and school holidays.

Vacation in Mont-Tremblant in the wintertime and the recreational activities available are mountain skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, camping in Ingloos or Mongolian type Yurts.

Vacation in Mont-Tremblant in the summer and it offers you great swimming, camping, quiet picnics, golf courses, nature walks, hiking, canoeing and many more outdoor activities.

Walk around the picturesque Village de Mont-Tremblant and you will discover that it has a feel of European. Restaurant cuisine includes Italian, French and others. There is a casino as well as many gift, clothing, arts and craft and sports shops.

Mont-Tremblant is very accessible. There are direct flights from Toronto and New York. Taxis and limousines are available and so are shuttles and buses to take you to and from the airport and anywhere you want to go.

Accommodations include:

-Luxury 5-star accommodations such as Le Westin Resort and Spa Tremblant in the heart of the Village.

-4-star hotels such as Chateau Beauvallon in the Tremblant Resort.

-4-star condos such as L’Altitude – Rendez-Vous Mont-Tremblant from where the entire resort and Lake Tremblant are visible.

-4-star chalets such as Blueberry Lake Resort that offers luxurious 3, 4 and 5 room chalets for short and long-term rentals.

-Bed and Breakfasts such as Auberge Le Lupin located 1 km from the resort and close to the beach, golf course, bike trails and hiking.

-Campgrounds

Look for ready-made package deals ranging from as low as $42 per person for 1 night (2 adults and 2 children) for a 3-star condo with 1 bedroom.

You can also create A La Carte deals that include outdoor hot bath, dry sauna and other relaxation treatments at centers like Scandinave Spa Mont-Tremblant, Lakeside Spa and others.

In short, Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada has something for everyone.

You are taking a vacation in France and it starts to rain.  Don’t let yourself feel panicky because you no longer know what to do.  Here are a few suggestions to choose from. Whether you are travelling alone or with family and friends, they will keep you occupied and help you to feel that a rainy day is not a waste of your precious and maybe costly vacation time. 

Restaurants – You can always go out for lunch and dinner.  French cuisine is considered high gastronomy and well worth experiencing the many gastronomical delights that Paris restaurants have to offer.  The categories to consider choosing from are top gourmet restaurants, budget restaurants and the traditional Cafes and Brasseries. Two good restaurants are La Table de Babette and Chez Clovis. 

Chocolate Shops - If you have a sweet tooth, chocolate shops are for you.  

Bakery Shops - You will find some of the most mouth-watering, irresistible cakes, cheeses and breads such as the well-known French baguette.

Les Folies Bergere - well-known cabaret in Paris that has been around since 1869.  Back in their time the exotic and sensual American dancer Josephine Baker, and artist/comedian Charlie Chaplin performed here.  Drinks and snacks can be had at the bar or in the orchestra area.  For reservation: (+33) 08 92 68 16 50 

Le Moulin Rouge – another well-known cabaret with musical entertainment including dinner and dance.  Le Moulin Rouge is home of the courtisans’ dance of the can-can.  
For reservations: 01 53 09 82 82

Lido – famous cabaret located in avenue Champs Elysees, the heart of Paris. 
For reservations: 33 1 48 74 05 10

Fashion shows -  Paris runway fashion shows are always going on in Paris.  Take the time to go see your favorite fashion designs.  There is something for everyone, from bridal fashion to swim wear to lingerie to accessories and much more.  

Museums – If you like painting, sculptures, antiques, history and monuments, France has over 60 museums and monuments in the Paris area alone.  

Tours – Take a tour of Paris by motorcoach.  You can choose from full day to half day. There are also day tours and night tours.

Hotel – At the very least, if you do not feel like going out at all, eat at the hotel restaurant or order your food and eat in your room watching T.V. or a rental movie.

Two good hotels in Paris to stay at are Burgundy Hotel and Hotel de Vendome.  Then there are various Best Western Hotels such as Best Western Premier Louvre St-Honore.

Just in case, be sure to plan ahead because there are many things to see and do and places to go in France on a rainy day.