Holiday in Kerala - Top Destinations

Located alongside the Arabian Sea in South India, Kerala is perhaps the most popular destination for tourism and holiday in India. It has been emerged as a globally famous holiday destinations with its unique cultural and geographical features. It draws a large number of travelers and vacationers from all over the world and provide them a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the charm of lush greenery and superb nature beauty all soaked into a vibrant and rich culture. Also known as the "God's Own Country, Kerala is a dream destination and paradise for vacationers. Conspicuous nature beauty, lush greenery, picturesque landscapes, scenic spots, amiable ambiance, lovely lakes, diverse flora & fauna, verdant hill stations, beautiful beaches, serene & scenic backwaters, historical monuments, religious monuments, etc team up together make Kerala one of the most sought after tourism & holiday destinations in the world.

There are many picturesque destinations in this charming and captivating land of India. Some of important destination for fun-filled and mesmeric holiday in Kerala is following.

Trivandrum - It is the state capital and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the state. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Anantha Vishnu Temple, Napier Museum, Kowdiar Palace, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, Sri Chitra Art Gallery, etc are worth visit tourist attractions.

Kovalam - It is an internationally famous beach destination in God's Own Country. Located at the very short distance from Trivandrum, Kovalam Beach is one of the best beached in India and world as well. It is one of the most sought after destinations for holidays with great tourism opportunity, fun-filled activities and excellent tourist facilities.

Fort Kochi - It is the commercial capital of the state and an important tourist destination. Fort Kochi, Portuguese Buildings, St Francis Church, Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, Willington Islands, etc are featured attractions of Fort Kochi.

Kumarakom - It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in God's Own Country with enticing attractions like Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Ayurvedic Resorts, and beaches & backwaters.

Alleppey - Also popularly known as the "Venice of the East", Alleppey is a very popular backwater destination in the state. It is very popular among vacationers and honeymooners with its enticing attractions, superb nature beauty, houseboats and scenic backwaters. It is also famous for boat races, coir products and lovely lakes. Houseboat cruise over Alleppey backwaters is a unique experience of holiday in Kerala, God's Own Country.

Munnar - Fondly described as the "Kashmir of South", Munnar is one of the most popular and beautiful hill stations in Kerala and India as well. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, zigzag lanes, refreshing air, soothing climate, etc make Munnar a unique holiday experience on your Kerala tours in India.

Wayanad - Endowed with extraordinary nature beauty, Wayanad attracts vacationers from all over the world. It is perhaps the most visited and popular destinations for Kerala vacations in India. It is the home to diverse and rich flora and fauna.

India Beach Tour - An Everlasting Sweet Experience

India is one of the most popular tourist destinations in south Asia. It fulfills the wish of each type of tourists. It offer everything to tourists what a tourist can ask for? When you will be in India tours you will observe that India surprises you with its eye-catching locations, timeless monuments, blazing deserts, exhilarating wild life, exciting adventure & sports, snow caped mountain peaks and valleys, blooming valleys, magnificient forts & palaces, eternal rivers, enticing cultural tradition, lovely lakes and beaches, and warm & friendly hospitality of Indian people. Over all, India provides something new, something extra on your every step while you are traveling in India.

Among above mentioned attractions of India, beautiful beaches have their own unique significance. With its unique charm and fascination, beaches of India never fail to allure you. Beach tourism is the major factor of India's rapidly growing tourism industry. Every year thousands of tourists around the world come to India especially for India beach tour.

Endowed with sun, sand, sea and serenity beaches of Goa summon thousands of beach lover tourists for India beach tour because India has the most appealing varieties of lovely beaches which you can hardly find anywhere in the world. Easy going lagoons and backwaters, nautical estuaries swarming with fish, roaring waves, pure powdery golden sand or palm fringed sea-shores where the mind is appeased with the peaceful whisper of the sea - what a beach lover tourist ask for?

Among all lovely beaches of India, Goa beaches have their own unique charm and significance. Goa beaches are dotted with picturesque little beach huts that provide ice cold beer and spicy & delicious Goan cuisine. It is said that Goa beaches are like the curves of a young woman's body - warm, appealing and sensuous. Baga Beach, Bambolim Beach, Bambolim Beach, Benaulim Beach, Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach, Anjuna Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Sinquerim Beach and Cavelossim Beaches are some of predominant beaches of Goa.

In addition to Goa beaches and other beaches in India, south India is also famous among tourists for its spectacular beaches and stunning lagoons & backwaters. South India beaches create a soothing ambience for the tourists who came to Travel to India. South India beaches are the much loved picnic spot for the tourists. South India beaches have not only serene sea and soft sand but also the lovely garden nearby the beaches which enhance the beauty of beaches.

In south India, set amidst the blue of the Arabian Sea and the lush green state of Kerala, there is famous beach resort- Kovalam. Kovalam beach resort is regarded as the one of the most popular sea resorts in India. Apart from Kovalam beach, there are also many other spectacular beaches in south India, such as; Kanyakumari Beach, Marina Beach, Alappuzha Beach, Malpe Beach etc.

If you are planning for India beach tour, come to India and enjoy the fascination of Indian beaches which is endowed with spectacular views and create a soothing ambiance for the tourists.

By Michael Braganza

The Most Popular Toronto Travel Attractions

Toronto is one of the most exciting cities of the world, and millions of tourists visit this amazing city every year. The city is beautifully managed with many modern as well as historical travel destinations. Toronto travel destinations have something for everybody - from cultural marvels to modern commercial wonders. The best part is that all tourist attractions can be easily accessed through public transport systems. You can use Toronto mapquest to find more about Toronto news and local attractions and activities.

Popular Toronto Tourist Attractions

* CN Tower Toronto - CN Tower, located in downtown Toronto, is one of the tallest buildings in the world, with a height of 1,815 feet. It has a restaurant on the top floor. To get a bird's eye view of the magnificent city, you can travel into the glass elevator up to the special observation deck. * Eaton Centre - This is a bright shopping mall in downtown Toronto, with over 250 stores. Nobody comes out empty-handed from this mall, as there are various types of shops to suit all kinds of budgets. This is one of the most popular Toronto travel attractions along with CN tower. Apart from shopping bonanza for people, this architectural marvel has a glass dome and features a gigantic Canadian goose mobile, a Flight Stop designed by Michael Snow.

* ROM or Royal Ontario Museum - This museum is a fun place to be in, with more than 40 galleries of art, natural science, and archeology. It has one of the best collections of China's artifacts.

*Casa Loma - This is for history buffs or architecture lovers. This is one man's dream of creating an architectural wonder. Casa Loma is a great Toronto travel attraction that was built by a businessman Sir Henry Pellatt in the beginning of the 1900s. It gives panoramic views of the city. Though built quite early, this 'House on the Hill' has many modern utilities, including an elevator and central vacuum systems.

* Centre Island - This is one of a group of small islands that consists of the largest urban car-free population in North America - only several service vehicles are allowed here. Centre Island is also known as Toronto Island, and it is a fun place among the Toronto travel attractions for an entire family. It has an amusement park, beaches, great restaurants, and all kinds of relaxation as well as recreational features.

* Hockey Hall Of Fame - A great place to visit for a hockey lover. This place has all interactive exhibits that let the visitor feel like he is a part of the NHL action. It also features a replica of NHL dressing room and a trophy room.

A Rough Guide to the Romantic City of Venice

Think breathtaking historical settings tinged with a hint of romance and the city that comes to mind first is Venice. With its weaving waterways and unique gondolas, Venice is the city of dreams. Renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the world, a visit to Venice is a must, while most first time visitors find they are not satisfied with just one visit.

There are many places that are worth a visit in Venice, with a few of the most interesting places being mentioned in this article. So get yourself a gondola and enjoy all that Venice has on offer!

One of the world’s largest squares is St. Mark’s Square of the Piazza San Marco. Also bustling with people it is a lovely place to mingle and enjoy coffee or a soft drink while enjoying impromptu music sessions. From here you can also visit the Basilica San Marco or St. Mark’s Basilica, which includes St. Mark’s Treasure.

The famous Rialto Bridge is another must visit, as it was the heart of the city for over four hundred years. It now has many shops on either side selling good perfect for tourists

The Duke or Doge was the most important political figure in old Venice and the home, which is actually a castle, is now a landmark and popular attraction in modern day Venice. Visit the Palazzo Ducale to get an idea of what life was like in earlier times, as it was from here that matters of state were conducted.

The House of Gold or Ca’ d’Oro is a gothic building which offers one of the finest views of the Grand Canal. It has an impressive façade and was restored by Baron Franchetti in the early twentieth century and houses many works of art such as sculptures and paintings.

Another landmark location and place of interest is the Galleria Dell’Academia, which has a breathtaking collection of art work, any art connoisseurs’ dream location. It has among others Titan’s Pieta and Bellini’s Madonna Enthroned. It has four rooms housing all the art work and the number of visitors allowed to enter, at a time are limited.

For those who enjoy some old fashioned shopping visit the Rialto Markets and be exposed to an array of fruits, vegetables, clothes and knick knacks perfect as souvenirs. The Fish market has been around forever, so be sure to try out the famous seafood,

Of course no trip to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride. As all transportation within the city is done on water, hire yourself a gondola for a special sightseeing tour or travel on a water bus or Vaporati and take in all that this beautiful city has to offer.

While most of the above mentioned places allow free access some may charge a fee. A visitor to Venice may also travel to Verona which is not too far away especially by train. The city made famous by the star crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet has much to offer as well to a tourist, from awe inspiring architecture to Roman ruins to restaurants for a tasty meal.

Five Great European Travel Destinations

All over the world, people everywhere celebrate their Irish heritage on March 17th. Regardless of your heritage, you can't deny that spring is in full swing. The days are now officially longer, and while it takes a few days to get used to, it marks the arrival of spring. It doesn't hurt that the weather is acting accordingly either!

Travel during the spring season is something that everyone should try. Throughout Europe, there are many locations that offer warm sunny climates this time of year. On top of that, spring is also considered an "off" season by many people. I never really understood that. In my opinion, there are some locations that are actually better in the spring. For those of you who like spring time travel, here's a list of the top five European spring travel destinations.

1. Crete, Greece - This Greek island is surrounded by the Mediterranean waters, and is one location that will keep you hot all year round with its vibrant nightlife and culture.
2. Ibiza, Spain - This well known Spanish island is much more than crazy youngsters looking for a party. The island is actually quite beautiful, and will keep you entertained with things like scuba diving, fishing, and other outdoor adventures.
3. Naples, Italy - The entire Italian coast line could be a great spring destination. The cool ocean breezes are waiting to chill you out after a day exploring in the national parks located south of the city.
4. Palermo, Italy - Explore more of Sicily with a rental car in Palermo. The entire island is filled with small coastal villages that will keep you full on olives and local cheese. Sounds like fun!
5. Faro, Portugal - This Portuguese city located near the Spanish border is a very popular destination for many Europeans. You should check it out to see what you are missing before it's too busy. The good news is, April and May are full of all kinds of great deals for travelers, and the weather is perfect!

Best Indian Beach Destinations

Favorite Indian Beach Destinations

You basically have two best options of Goa and Kerala if you are looking for the best beach vacations spot in India. It is also depends completely on what type of person you are and what type of environment suits you.

Firstly if we talk about Goa beach vacations, tourists, who really want to have fun by playing and by enjoying good atmosphere, can go to Goa beaches. In Goa beaches, you can enjoy everything that you want in a perfect vacation. You can drink different types of cocktails and mock tails, you can swim anytime you want and also you can celebrate with your family and friends. We can say that Goa beaches are very similar to Miami Beach vacation and to a Caribbean trip. People who want to go to a peaceful place; they can hang out on Goa lonely beaches which are the famous beaches.

If we talk about Kerala beaches, these beaches have a higher class crowd of tourist and are also less crowded. There are many awesome and beautiful beaches at the west coast of Kerala with the white sand. The beaches in Kerala are very calming and relaxing, you can swim over there and the good part is that drinking is not allowed on the beaches. Ayurvedic massage treatments are also given by some of the beaches in Kerala. You would found silence and beauty on the beaches of Kerala moreover; food, arts and local culture can also be enjoyed.

We all know how quickly time flies, so start planning that vacation getaway right now. There's an ideal beach vacation where you can enjoy your time off to the fullest just waiting for you to arrive!

Sapporo in Japan

The Most Enchanting Mexico Beaches!

Mexico Beaches... Ole'!

I won't list all the wonder of Mexico, but I will tell you just one thing; Mexico is a land where the nature has dictated its laws of survival, where the landscapes change almost every mile and, as a consequence, the life style of its inhabitants.

The cultural and the natural patrimony are incomparable to other zones of the World.

One of the best reasons to travel Mexico is the endless stretch of gorgeous, white sand beach that hugs most of the coastline.

Mexico vacations are generally enjoyed on the coast, which offers a complete array of activities, including scuba diving, tours, fishing, cruises, surfing or of course simply laying back with a book and cooled beverage. Mexico travel can accommodate any budget. Every year thousands of tourists travel Mexico and find a good mix of youth hostels and inexpensive spots to stay, as well as luxurious beachfront resorts and hotels.

What's more, most Americans can make the trip to Mexico in little more than a two-hour flight.

And here's why... With 6,000 miles of its 9,000-mile coast as beaches, Mexico offers everything from bustling mega-resorts to tranquil ecological hideaways.
Mexico brags 440 beaches consistently ranked among the very best in the World.

With coasts along the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Gulf, Mexico is known as one of the world's top beach destinations. With that many beaches how can you possibly choose the perfect one?

Well, here some advice for choose the perfect beach holiday in Mexico.

The Riviera Maya and the Caribbean part of Mexico are one of the most wonderful tourist destinations of Mexico. Its beaches are legendary and great for all kind of activities.

• 130 km south of a massive resort of Cancun there is one of the most picturesque of all beaches of Mexico, Tulum.
• Tulum, the final part of the Riviera Maya, fascinates even the more sceptics!
  The Mayan ruins overlook the beach, endless stretch of white and soft sand with a few palm shades and the azure Caribbean Sea that bursts unique creatures. The landscape is decorated of small cabanas and ecological hotel, Tulum shines along the Mayan Riviera for its primordial simplicity.
• Playa del Carmen is exactly in the center of the Mayan Riviera, between Cancun and Tulum. The Playa del Carmen beaches offer a casual atmosphere with nearby accommodations. Along its beach will find beach bars, beach hotels, restaurants, dive shops and water sport vendors offering everything under the sun. It has also boats to Cozumel - for world class diving and a park for swimming with dolphins
• The romantic sunsets of the Pacific Ocean colors its gilded beaches of love and magic.
• The grandeur of the rocky formations and the green florid mountains to your shoulders makes this landscape indescribable!
• Between Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta are hundreds of miles of beaches and attractions. There are small resorts with beach hut, huge beach areas surrounded by motels and restaurants, or tiny out-of-the way spots that may be difficult to get to, but are worthwhile in the long run. The central Pacific Coast has several hundred miles of coastline with fine sandy beaches and excellent facilities. The choices are enormous from international resorts like Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco for monster all inclusive resorts packed densely, to smaller resorts with local color such as: Barra de Navidad and Zihuatanejo.
• One of the most beautiful seashore of the Pacific Ocean is the beach of Puerto Escondido in the State of Oaxaca. Puerto Escondido consists of several strips of shoreline. Puerto Escondido offers a beach for everyone - from world class surfing to hidden coves and miles of white sand beaches with majestic rock formations. Puerto Escondido has numerous stretches of wonderful sandy beach, with a laid-back ambience and plenty of inexpensive hotels and accommodations.
• o Acapulco's magic is more potent than ever. Acapulco is rated as one of the top tourist attractions in the World. It is also Mexico's largest beach resort. Once the most popular beach in Acapulco, Caleta beach is located in the "old" part of the city, and then, located in front of La Palapa Hotel, Playa Icacos witch is the favorite beach for vacationers and spring breakers.
• Puerto Vallarta is one of the friendliest and most diverse beach destinations in the World. From wide open soft white sand beaches to small rock surrounded coves. The most popular beach by far is Los Muertos, located just south of the Rio Cuale, in Old Town. The northern beaches, on the road to Punta de Mita are full of beach side restaurants featuring fresh seafood of all kinds.
• The Baja California peninsula extends 1,100 km from the U.S. border to the southern tip. Its widest point is approx. 230 km. Most of it is separated from mainland Mexico by the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California).
• This is a wildly beautiful place of unusual scenery and dramatic colour changes, of exquisitely azure bays and miles of fine white beaches, rocky cliffs and deserts. Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Baja California [península] Offering miles of marvelous beaches this is a major American tourist destination for fishing, golfing or young party animals.
• Some of the Baja California beaches are hidden coves or below sand dunes and not visible from the highway. To gain access to these beaches the Mexican government has placed signs that say "Accesso a Playa" (Beach Access).
• Playa Solmar, 1 km west of Cabo San Lucas is the place to go for watching whales. The best time is from January to April. The area is also suitable for scuba diving and other water sports. Nearby Playa Costa Azul is known especially for the fabulous surfing opportunities.
• Playa Cemeterio 4 km east, Playa Santa Maria 12 km from Cabo San Lucas for swimming, with easy access.
• The shore of Bahia Concepcion [Conception Bay], between 10 and 50 km south of Mulegé, has several scenic beaches including Playa Requesón, Playa Buenaventura, and Playa Coyote. The bay is on the coast of Sea of Cortez, which is a protected marine sanctuary. The facilities are fairly basic [some places have no fresh water], but there is wildness, natural beauty, and tranquility. Excellent for watersports and great for seafood, especialy clams. Playa Santispac has the best campsite, with a fine restaurant. If you are up to kayaking, try Playa Buenaventura.

Mexico beach hotels, besides comfort, services and suggestive landscapes, offer a wide range of activities and sports.

Don't miss the best! Book your vacations in the most beautiful beaches of Mexico and surely you won't be disappointed!

Along with its famed beaches, salsa and nightlife, Mexico is an excellent place to explore!

By Elena Piccini

How to Get to Sydney's Beaches

First of all there are over 37 beaches (yes that many!) in the Greater Sydney area. They are located along the entire coastal belt of the city on the Pacific Ocean. You'll also find beaches in the bays, rivers and harbours of the city. The warm climate all year round generally makes the beaches, with their white and golden sands, a popular place to hang out - whether its surfing, resting on the warm sand, or indulging in a spot of sea fishing from the rocky shore.

Actually wherever you are in Sydney, you're never more than a 30 minute drive from a beach. These 37 beaches can all be easily accessed either by hiring a car or by public transport.

The beaches can be divided into ones on the northern and southern sides of the city. On the northern shores the most popular beaches are Palm Beach, Whale Beach, Avalon, Vilgola, Mona Vale, Dee Why, North Curl Curl, Curl Curl, Queenscliff and Manly Beach. On the southern shores, the main beaches are Bondi Beach (one of the most famous beaches in the world!), Bronte, Coogee, and Cronulla.

How to get to the most popular beaches in Sydney...

Northern Beaches

Palm Beach - Is located 41km to the north of Sydney's Central Business District, in the Northern Beaches Region. Palm Beach is famous for filming of the popular Australian soap opera "Home and Away" and attractions here include the famous Barranjoey Lighthouse, with its spectacular views

Palm Beach is a very affluent area and home to many luxurious houses. To get there, take the peninsula road north of Sydney, from George Street, and get on the Pittwater Road. Once you reach the Barranjoey Road you are in the area. Note that it can take over an hour to reach Palm Beach, depending on traffic.

Whale Beach - Is located 40km north of Sydney. To get here head north on George Street and continue onto Military Road. The road you need to get on from here is the Pittwater Road. When you see the signs for Barranjoey Road, veer left onto Whale Beach Road.

Avalon Beach - Is located 35km north of Sydney city centre. The Avalon area is a vibrant community with plenty to do and see, and has a perfect beach for relaxing and waves for surfing!

To get to Avalon, take George Street to the north, and then onto the Manly Road, and north on the Pittwater Road. At the junction to Barranjoey Road, take a left and then onto Avalon Parade. Follow the road to the beach!

Manly Beach - Manly is a suburb in the north east of Sydney, located 17km from the city centre. Manly Bech has a long stretch of sand on the ocean side, which follows all the way from Queenscliff Beach to North Steyne Beach and down to Manly Beach. There are other rock pools and beaches in the area called Fairy Bower and Shelley Beach.

What to look out for! If you can take your mind off the scenic beauty and the sea you will notice that the beaches in the area have pine trees dotted around the landscape and as such are a popular symbol of the area.

To get here, again, take the route from George Street and travel north to get onto the Military Road and then Manly Road. Take a right when you come to Sydney Road, and then left at Central Avenue, and right at North Steyne and you'll be at the wonderful and enchanting Manly Beach!

Southern Beaches

Bondi Beach - Bondi Beach is a national Icon of Australia, and you're probably well aware of it, either from a photo image or a travel documentary on TV! It's the perfect place to be during the warm, summer days, with so much to see and explore, or just relax on the warm sands.

Bondi Beach is about 1km long, and is located around 7km from Sydney's Central Business area. To get here, drive along Oxford Street from the city, to Syd Einfeld Drive at the Bondi Junction Bypass. Go straight ahead along Bondi Road, which veers left just before Campbell Parade. Enjoy!

Bronte Beach - Located 8km to the east of Sydney, Bronte is about 2.5km south of Bondi Beach, and you take the same route from Sydney to get here. It's less populated here than at Bondi, and it is a popular surfing destination as well!

Coogee Beach - Is located 8km to the south east of Sydney Central Business District, and in the Randwick Area. It's a great beach for surfing, swimming and fishing, and boasts wonderful coastal views.

To get here, take the same route as to the Bondi Junction Bypass, and follow the signs for Coogee. You should take note of the signs for Randwich as Coogee is in the juradistiction of the area.

Cronulla Beach- Cronulla (known in Aborigine as the "Place of the Pink Seashells") is a beachside area located 26km south of Sydney city centre. It's situated on a peninsula surrounded to the north by Botany Bay, the south by Port Hacking, the west by Gunnamatta Bay, and to the east by Bate Bay.

The Cronulla area is home to many beaches and rock pools and it is a growing tourist destination, for swimming and surfing, especially at Shark Island.

To get to Cronulla from Sydney, drive south past Sydney International Airport along Botany Bay and follow the signposts to Cronlla.

Hope our guide helps get you to the picturesque beaches of Sydney

By Mairead Foley

House in Lake Toba

Wonderful Bandos Island Resort in Maldives

Bandos Island Resort is a beautiful coral island covered with numerous palm trees, surrounded by a pearl white beach and the crystal clear waters of an azure lagoon. One of the larger Maldivian islands, located about 7km from Male International Airport, this resort offers great facilities for all ages. The resort is equipment by the modern amenities, ensuring that your stay is comfortable. The Bandos’ rooms are spacious designed, offering a wide range of amenities. Facilities available on Bandos are numerous – everything from child-care to sports complex with gymnasium and swimming pool. Also the resort hosts world-class restaurants that will offer you great many varieties of culinary options from a la carte to Indian to local cuisine and continental delicacies.


The island owns one of the excellent house reefs, just meters away from the beach. There’s an excellent diving school providing a choice of dive excursions to explore this colorful marine life than to Scuba Dive or simply snorkel.

Carlisle Bay Antigua Vacation Spots

Carlisle Bay is quite a large Antigua Luxury resort and very stylish indeed. It has eighty superb suites, a full service spa, a large pool, and two restaurants.

There is a Children’s Club, and nine tennis courts plus a host of other facilities you would expect from a luxury hotel. It is a great place for a family vacation, and yet appeals to the top end of the market as well, and definitely suits wealthy travellers who like to stay at fashionable hotels. Carlisle Bay Hotel Antigua is definitely a place where you can relax in a magnificent tropical setting, once described as contemporary luxury on the beach.
The Carlisle Bay Hotel is on the southern coastline of Antigua, and is located in a broad bay with steep sides with a mangrove lagoon to one side and the turquoise blue sea on the other. When you arrive at the gates you notice that everything from the gravel to the windows and balconies is grey which contrasts quite beautifully wit the lush vegetation, grass, and the sea. It also contrasts with the staff who are dressed in lilac. There are two distinct locations for the bedrooms, and this helps make this Carlisle Bay Antigua Luxury resort such a good place for a family vacation, and yet still an excellent place to stay without children.
The Beach suites which are two bedroomed, and the Carlisle Suites which have three bedrooms line the beach on either side of the dining room and they are for families, whilst the one bedroomed Ocean Suites are set back somewhat by comparison. You’ll particularly enjoy the hugeness of the rooms, the bathroom and all the luxury extras a hotel of the quality of the Carlisle Bay should have but don’t have. There are two restaurants, and they are excellent.
Another sign of a Luxury hotel is the availability of sun loungers, and one of the great things here at Carlisle Bay is the fact that even when the hotel is full, you won’t have a problem either by the pool or on the beach. If you want to go snorkelling off the beach then go along to the rocks on the left of the bay. The probable reason for this is firstly the families have their own bedroom suites as previously indicated. There is an extremely well run children’s program as well, and perhaps it is the fact that many of the children are from well off British families which is why they are so well behaved!! Carlisle Bay has made a point of helping you to relax and do nothing, and it does this very well. There are however a good few complimentary facilities including water sports as well as nine tennis courts and a spa. To summarise Carlisle Bay is an ideal destination for a family vacation in the Caribbean, being not a typical Caribbean Hotel. It is a class act well deserving its claim to be the top Antigua Luxury Resort

GOA - A Carnival of Beaches

The state of Goa on the West coast of India, is located in the coastal belt known as Konkan. While this tourist magnet has much to offer: old churches, carnival atmosphere, Portuguese flavour, wildlife, nature and tantalizing cuisine, yet, mention Goa and the first, often only, image that flashes in one's mind is of the BEACHES.

For the 105 km long Konkan belt has generously bestowed Goa with some of the best beaches in India: a wide eclectic range guaranteed to suit every taste and fulfill every fantasy. Goa offers both, popular hotspots swarming with tourists where every inch of territory is claimed and contested to virgin stretches practically untouched by 'development'.

For the beach aficionado traveling to Goa, it entails choosing between being in the midst of the action where ultra modern facilities such as luxury hotels, malls, night clubs, restaurants, spas and massage centers abound or courting the solitude of a rustic shack that opens out to wide empty sand and sea.

Goa's beaches are roughly divided into two groups based on their location: Those lying in North Goa and others situated in South Goa.

Goa's capital Panaji in the North and Margao, a major city in the South, are two central points from where most of Goa's beaches can be accessed.

As one goes up north from the beach at Calangute or down south from Colva, the traffic on the beaches starts thinning so that soon there remain just the golden sands and tranquil waters under the beneficent beam of a glorious sky - Goa's beaches at their purest, most unadulterated!
Check out some of these options:

Vagator and Chapora

About 22 kms from Panaji, situated in Bardez Taluka, the crescent shaped beach of Vagator and nearby Chapora are isolated havens in North Goa. Tourists come for the sheer beauty of the white sand and black lava rocks sparkling against a verdant rural landscape. The rural atmosphere untouched by the scepter of commercialization that often plagues good beaches, the nearby 500-year-old Portuguese fort of Chapora is another attraction here.

Anjuna

One of the more spectacular of Goa's beaches, this five-mile stretch, nestled between the sea and a hill has some interesting black rock formations jutting into the sea. Former haunt of the hippies, the beach is just right for lazing on the sands all day. Night-long parties spice up the atmosphere on Anjuna, which is also famous for its Wednesday flea market where you can pick up anything from paper backs to pottery. The Mascarhenas Mansion, a classic piece of old Goan architecture with woodwork and floral stained glass etchings makes for an interesting visit.

Calangute

Undeniably one of North Goa's most popular beaches, one can expect a crowd here! This Queen of Beaches, with nearby saltpans and coconut groves adding to its charms, was the original mecca for the European hippies who came to Goa in droves in the 60s and 70s. Today, Calangute offers all modern facilities including spas, massage parlours, shopping centers and internet cafés. While the golden sands here still retain their magic, the Church of St. Alex and the Kerkar Art Complex are added attractions.

Baga

Quiet in comparison to Calangute, this small beach is for those seeking the idyllic Goa of the yesteryears. Its scenic beauty is enhanced by the hill with the retreat house and the Baga River flowing alongside - the sea explodes in dramatic sprays where the river flows into it. Offering water sport opportunities, this beach is popular with the western tourists in Goa.

Sinquerim

One of the best beaches in Goa for water sports including water-skiing, para- sailing, diving and surfing, facilities for these activities are of international standard here. The uninterrupted sandy stretch north from here till Baga beach makes this an excellent beach for walking too.

Miramar

Lying adjacent to the Mandovi River as it empties out into the sea, Miramar was earlier known as the Gasper Dias Beach." One can enjoy an excellent view of Fort Aguada from the beach, which is studded with luxury hotels and the homes of Goa's rich and famous. Demphe college of Arts and Science and the memorial to Goa's first chief minister Dayanand Bandodkar also stand here.

Aguada

This beach is well known for the Fort Aguada Hotel built around a 17th century fort that goes by the same name. While the hotel grounds are off-limits for the general public, one can still walk around the beach. The fort, originally built to protect Old Goa from foreign attack, today houses Goa's Central Fort. Aguada beach is full of cafes, stalls, massage parlors and facilities for water sports.

Agonda

A three-kilometer long stretch of sand and palm with a hill to the south, this beach is one of those offering a sense of solitude quite rare in Goa. In fact, Agonda is just the place for an overnight beach camping adventure! Nearby is Cabo de Rama, where according to Goan legend, Lord Rama stayed with his wife Sita for 12 years.

MAJORDA

A 5 km stretch of sand, Majorda is where the Jesuits harvested the best toddy palms to leaven their bread. As a result, Majorda was home to the original Goan bakers skilled in the art of European baking, a skill possessed by bakers here even today. Much earlier, so Goan legend states, Lord Rama as a child was kidnapped and brought up here.

Bogmalo

With a huge 5 star hotel right at the edge of the sea, this beach is somewhat separated from both, the North and South Goan beach circuits. And the sea around has some intriguing islands. The beach is lined with eateries, each claiming to be Osibisa's chosen favourite!

Colva

Most beloved beach of the Goans, Colva in South Goa is plush with modern tourist amenities. Colva is also famous for the Church of Our Lady of Mercy with its famous statue of Menini Jesus.

Benaulim

A tranquil beach, legend describes it as the place where the legendary arrow of Parashuram's arrow fell, from which Goa was created. This is where you can see the famous handicrafts of Goa, including fine rosewood furniture. A good beach for those seeking solitude. The church of St. John the Baptist, as well as the Feast of St. John are synonymous with this beach.

Dona Paula

Made famous by the legend of Dona Paula de Menezes, the daughter of a viceroy of colonial Goa, who threw herself off the cliff rather than relinquish her love for a local fisherman, Gaspar Dias, this is also how this famous Goan beach got its name. Famous for its water sports facilities, this beach is also a popular location for movie shoots. The National Oceanography Institute, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and the Reis Magos Church are the main attractions around here.

VARCA, CAVELOSSIM, MOBOR

Beautiful beaches from South Goa, these also display a cleaner, quieter visage than some of the more famous and therefore over-commercialized. Shacks offering authentic Goan dishes line the beach, as also some exclusive luxury resorts. Tourists here can also avail of boat trips to watch dolphins.

Palolem

One of the southernmost of Goa's beaches, this stretch of white sand and blue water is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. The beach is lined with shacks selling food, clothes, trinkets and other Goa souvenirs.

By Roozbegh Gazdar

Family Holidays in a Cuba Cabana Beach

Cuba isn’t all five star, all inclusives, with wristbands, although if you believed everything you read and hear that might be the impression you get. If you know where to look and go then Villa Las Brujas could be the perfect romantic destination for you both.
Lots of people don’t associate Cuba with a romantic destination, and whilst it is true that Cuba has a reputation for large five star ‘Gin Palaces’, which tend to be all inclusives, complete with wristbands. For some this is a nightmare, for others it provides a base for seeing the historic Cuba of Havana. You need relaxation time away from all of this, and the perfect romantic destination for you might be Villa Las Brujas on Cayo Las Brujas.
Be warned it is very inaccessible, but with its reputation as a peaceful paradise, you might expect that anyway. From the mainland it is an extraordinary road to Villa Las Brujas, crossing loads of bridges which connecting tiny coral islands, mangrove swamps, and after about an hour you will reach a larger island where there is a small airport and three hotel complexes. .
Villa Las Brujas will provide you with a real getaway from it all destination, and a great romantic destination for a two or three day stopover on your grand tour of Cuba.
The rooms in the cabanas have great views, and in fact the accommodation is so spacious it would be more accurate to call a room a suite, because of the size of the sitting area.
The beach overlooked by the cabanas is very attractive but quite small, although in fairness there are only 24 rooms, so there is plenty of room for all.
There are a variety of reports about the food in the restaurant, and it would appear that the local seafood, especially the lobster, is the star item on the menu, and the reports of the chicken not as good, but overall the food gets the thumbs up. This is just as well because it is a long way to the nearest restaurant, literally having to return from where one originally came! When judging food in Cuba it is also important to realise that standards are a lot lower than in Europe, and quite a bit lower than in other places in the Caribbean, so judged by theses standards the food at Villa Las Brujas stands up well to comparison.

Myrtle Beach Vacations - 60 Miles Of Family Fun

Myrtle Beach, also known as the grand strand has over 60 miles of beautiful sandy beaches stretching form the border of North Carolina south to historic Georgetown. If outstanding accommodations, friendly people, and fun in the sun are part of your vacation plans, the Myrtle Beach area is your vacation destination.

The Myrtle Beach area, commonly called The Grand Strand, consists of 12 separate communities, each with its own appeal. What they all have in common is the diverse entertainment whether you and your family enjoy the fun of amusement parks, water parks, race tracks, live entertainment theaters, nightclub activities, golfing, surfcasting, deep sea fishing, parasailing, surfing, ocean kayaking, nature walks, shopping, swimming or just lazing your day away in the sun on clean wide beaches, you are sure to find plenty to do in Myrtle Beach.

Dining Imagine, after your day in the sun, having your choice of 1700 restaurants to choose from, imagine the regional ingredients used to create authentic local flavors. If seafood is your pleasure you've come to the right place, how do you choose from shrimp, oysters, clams, scallops, crab, flounder, mahi-mahi, tuna, grouper, red snapper or the "catch of the day?" You may prefer a thick juicy steak grilled to your satisfaction, or the taste of Italy, the Caribbean, Mexico, China, or Japan. Take the whole family to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede or Medieval Times Tournament for dinner and a show. Enjoy Southern cuisine at the House of blues, or treat yourself to elegant dining at the Litchfield country Club. Whatever your dining pleasure you are sure to come away satisfied.

Grand Strand shopping 3 traditional malls, 5 factory-outlet centers, one, The Waccamaw Factory Shoppes on Rte 501 in Myrtle Beach is divided into 3 malls! Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach specializes in 100's of unique shops and boutiques and includes flea markets, beachwear and souvenir shops as well as art galleries and interior design. The faint of heart should go fishing!

Grand Strand Communities

Little River, Located just south of the North Carolina border along the Intracoastal Waterway, has a pop. of 7000. Known for it's charter boat business and commercial fishing, Little River is a favorite for the seagoing at heart. You can watch the boats unload their catches or rent a charter boat to go deep sea fishing. In May, come and experience the Blue Crab Festival which features a variety of delicious blue crab creations, as well as, crafts, entertainment and educational exhibits.

North Myrtle Beach, less populated than Myrtle Beach, famous for Shag Dancing clubs, home of the Barefoot landing with over 100 unique shops, 14 factory direct stores, 15 waterfront restaurants, the House of Blues for hot food and cool music, the Alabama theater for spectacular variety shows, Alligator Adventure for those who prefer the wild side of life. Golf courses include the Eagle Nest which boasts the 3 toughest finishing holes on the Strand.

Myrtle Beach, the best known town along the grand strand has a population of 23,000 and is the most developed area along the Grand Strand. Family Attractions include the Family Kingdom Amusement park and Water park on the ocean front, Myrtle Beach State Park, Broadway at the Beach, Family Mini Golf, South Beach Adventure, Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park, Myrtle Waves Water Park, Carousel Park, Ripley's Believe It or Not, Haunted Adventure and Moving Theater, as well as Ripley's Aquarium. The main center for theaters, shopping, nightclubs, and restaurants, Myrtle Beach also offers popular beaches for sunbathing, surfing or parasailing.

Surfside Beach, Known as "the family beach," is located 4 miles south of Myrtle Beach, offers the proximity to Myrtle Beach's attractions without the hustle and bustle of crowds. Sunbathe, swim, hunt for shells, fish off the Surfside Pier and enjoy the quieter pace of Surfside Beach. Eat at one of the local restaurants, visit Hudson's Surfside Flea Market, or see a show at Legends in concert. Attractions include Adventure Falls miniature golf, Tupelo Bay Golf Center, Wild Water and Wheels Theme Park, 5 local parks, or go parasailing at Shoreline Watersports, and don't forget to sample one of the seven local nightspots.

Garden City Beach, 8 miles south of Myrtle Beach, ends on the peninsula of Murrel's Inlet, Garden City Beach offers peaceful, sandy beaches. Enjoy great swimming April through October. Fish off The Pier at Garden City, go crabbing, rent water sports equipment, or rent a fishing charter from the Marlin Quay Marina.

Murrells Inlet, has dozens of seafood restaurants. Visit Huntington State Park, while there, see a 30 room Moorish style castle, walk along the pristine beach looking for shells, hike a nature trail, have a picnic, or go bird watching. Sports minded? See Captain Dick's or Express Watersports for parasailing, Banana boat rides, kayaking, scuba diving, Jet skis, or deep sea fishing. Go to Unusual Tours for land and water tours, they say no two are alike. Dive Myrtle Beach's wide variety of live reefs at Mermaid Diving. Visit Brookgreen Gardens, view 500 sculptures amidst formal gardens, take a creek boat cruise or see the wildlife exhibit and learn how wildlife influenced 19th century plantation life.

Litchfield Beach offers beautiful, uncrowded sandy beaches made for swimming, sunbathing, or watching the sunrise. Enjoy a round of golf at the Litchfield country Club, Willbrook Plantation or River Club. Play tennis, racquet ball or take a charter on a fishing boat. Dine at the Calypso Beach Bar and Grill for a taste of the Caribbean.

By Mary Song

Myrtle Beach Romantic Vacations

If you’re in Myrtle Beach for a romantic getaway, it is possible to get away from the crowd and spend some memorable times together.

a. Sunset Cruise: There are dinner and sunset cruises that specialize in romantic tours.

Check out Rover Tours and Extreme Fisherman . Rover Tours sails from Georgetown while Extreme Fisherman’s Romantic Cruises will take you to the Waccamaw Black Water River. (Contact info at the bottom of this page)

b. Romantic Restaurants: Wining and dining in romantic restaurants is almost always a given during a romantic vacation. And Myrtle Beach will not disappoint you.

The Gulf Stream Café in Garden City’s South Waccamaw Drive sets just the perfect ambiance for romance. With the ocean on one side and the Murrell Inlet on the other, early dinners here can be very special. Make sure you arrive early just in time to see the sun set.

c. Walk on the beach: Always a romantic activity wherever you go. It’s not only romantic, it also costs nothing.

Enjoy Holidays in SANTA BARBARA - California

Santa Barbara is a beachy town 130 kilometres north of Los Angeles that's often referred to as the "American Riviera" because of its warm climate.It has white sandy beaches perfect for sun-worshipping, and the beauty of this Spanish mission-style town is that you can choose from busy cosmopolitan beaches like East Beach near the famous Santa Barbara pier, through to Hendry's Beach where you have privacy and deserted stretches of white sand yet plenty of facilities.
Or for a long stretch of gorgeous white sand, try the easily-accessible City Beach which rolls into State Beach. This is the locals' favourite stretch of beach, and the beauty of State beach is that you can still set up camp on the beach without being told to move.
If you're after beach sunsets, try Butterfly beach which faces true west. This is almost like the Malibu of Santa Barbara, a private beach with plenty of expensive houses near the beach and plenty of interesting characters on Butterfly beach.
Americans love their piers, and the pier at Santa Barbara Beach is up there with the best of them. You’ll find a cluster of restaurants, shops and stalls all with great ocean views.

Strict planning in Santa Barbara has made this laid-back beach town an attractive spectacle. On arrival, you're greeted with the alluring sight of mostly whitewashed Spanish mission buildings and terracotta tile roofs. This and some of the best beaches in America have made Santa Barbara one of the most refreshing destinations on the US west coast.

The open air restaurants are wonderful in Santa Barbara’s balmy weather. Try Carlito's Cafe on State Street, the main street filled with restaurants.

Carlito's is Mexican-American food with a delightful alfresco area surrounded by those ubiquitous whitewashed walls with a lively Mexican band playing on Friday nights.
Try a fresh mango Margarita or a Mojito, Cuba's favourite drink with fresh lime juice.

As you may have guessed Carlito's is a local institution, so make sure you book or be prepared to line up and wait.

Photo Courtesy Carlito's Cafe Santa Barbara

The strict planning in Santa Barbara has made the drive through town an attractive one because billboards are banned, so much so that you won't even see them on the freeway 30 kilometres near Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara is a must-see beach town on any trip between LA and San Francisco.

Favorite Beach Holiday Destination in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Beach

Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India is hemmed by both Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. Both the seas provides a vast coastline and some exotic beaches. These beaches quite famous among the globetrotters for beach holidays. Apart from visiting the ancient temples and hill stations, vacationers also loves to spend some memorable moments on these vast expanses of golden sands.
Some of the ideal beach holiday destination in Tamil Nadu are

Marina Beach, Chennai:-Marina Beach is the pride possession of Chennai, the state capital. Heralded as the second longest beach in the world, Marina beach is located on the eastern side of Chennai, adjoining the Bay of Bengal. Everyday the 12 km long stretch of Marina beach attracts large number of tourists as well as local people for some fun moments. Watching sun rise and sun set from the beach is quite famous. In the evening, people engage themselves in various kinds of joy rides and loves to gorge on several snacks available on the beach.

It is an ideal site for water sports lover as it provides good surfing opportunities to them. This beach also has some fantastic sightseeing spots such as Senate-House, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College, P.W.D office and Ice House, a new lighthouse, sculpture of Victory of Labour and the Mahatma Gandhi etc.

Mahabalipauram Beach: Located just 60 km south of Chennai, Mahabalipuram beach is nestled on the shores of Bay of Bengal. Mahabalipuram beach was once a port of Pallavas. They have created many marvelous monuments with Sculptural Panels, Caves, Monolithic Rathas (chariots) and Temples at the vicinity of beach.
Rameshwaram Beach: It is an island situated off the mainland. This beach of Rameshwaram town is surrounded by Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. Rameeshwaram is also famous as one of the oious pilgrimage destination of south India. Apart from its religious significance, the serene ambiance of Rameshwaram beach with shallow water makes it an ideal destination for swimming and sun bathing.
Kanyakumari Beach: Kanyakumari, famous as the end point of India. The beautiful beach of this tranquil town is hemmed by azure water of three vast seas namely Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian sea. Thanks to the confluence of this three seas, it is also called as 'Triveni Sangamam'. From here on can enjoy breath taking view of sunrise and sunset. Kanyakumari beach is also popular for its marvelous assortment of multi-hued sand. While enjoying your beach holiday, you can also visit the Gandhi Mandapam, Kanyakumari Amman Temple, and the memorial of Swami Vivekananda.
Covelong Beach: Last but not the least, Covelong beach is another best destination for beach holiday in the state. Located away from the hustle and bustle of Chennai city, Covelong beach is a salubrious beach which is famous for a calm and relaxing beach holiday. It also offers numerous with fishing activities. Visit Tamil Nadu and explore the state as a beach holiday destination.

Best Summer Holiday Destinations - Puerto Banus, Marbella, Spain

Marbella, situated on the Southern coast of Spain on the Costa del Sol, is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations for us Brits, and for good reasons. The climate in Southern Spain is wonderful, with long sunny days and high temperatures of 30 degrees celsius and upwards. Coupled with this, wonderful food and drink, and great beaches make the Costa del Sol a very desirable location.

Puerto Banus Marina

If you're holidaying in Marbella or Malaga this summer, I would highly recommend a visit to Puerto Banus, although the town is certainly well worth a visit in its own right. It is known as a bit of a playground for the rich and famous, and often draws comparisons as the Spanish St. Tropez. The marina area is always full of huge yachts in the summer months, and flash Ferraris, Aston martins and Lambos line the seafront. Puerto Banus is the place to be seen, celebs will often be spotted dining in the fabulous restaurants or doing a spot of shopping in the areas many designer boutiques.
You can get to Puurto banus easily - it is around a five mile drive from Marbella so if you're planning on having a few drinks with the glitterati I recommend getting a taxi. After a wander around the marina, you're bound to be slightly peckish and luckily Puerto banus doesn't disappoint. When I visited we went to a restaurant called Antonio's which quite simply served up the finest Paella I have ever had. There are several other cuisines to choose from apart from Spanish and most restaurants have kids options so you shouldn't be stuck for choice. After dinner there are a good number of bars lining the marina - so order a nice cocktail, sit back, relax and watch the world go by in front of you.

Coastal Charm of Boracay Island

Boracay Beach

I was captivated by several respected travel magazines claiming that Boracay island resort in the Philippines has one of the best beaches in the world, I wasted no time in traveling to this island resort to experience what many claimed is a tropical island paradise.

Boracay is a lush tropical tourist resort island about 200 miles south of Philippine s capital Manila and is about slightly more than a mile off the northwest of Panay in the West Visayas province. Because of its acclaimed publicity of being home to some of the best beaches in the world, Boracay island resort is naturally one of the Philippine s most popular tourist attraction.

The island is made up by the barangays of Manoc Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak and is under the administration of the Philippine Tourism Authority. A barangay is also known by its former name, the barrio and is the smallest local government unit in Philippines. The word is a Tagalog term for a village or constituency.

Boracay island was originally the home of the Ati tribe before it became a major tourist attraction. Not surprisingly, the word Boracay is derived from words Bora which means bubble and Bukay means white sand . However, the sand on the main island is not as white as I have expected due to too many tourists and pollutions. Then again, if you visit some of the nearby islands and you will be fascinated by how white the sands on the beaches can be.

Boracay is part of Aklan Province and it was only in the 1970s that tourism industry started to develop. The main tourism beaches on the island are the White Beach and the Bulabog Beach both of which are located on diametrically opposite sides of the island s central area with the White Beach facing towards the west and Bulab og Beach facing east. Of course, Boracay also have several other beaches as well.

White Beach is well known for its white powdery sand and hence its name. The beach is slightly over 4 km long (2 miles) and is populated with numerous beach resorts, hotels, restaurants and shops catering to the needs of tourists staying in the area.

Incidentally, Borocay has more than 300 beach resorts with more than 2,000 rooms ranging from stylish five star hotels and resorts to budget a

ccommodations for backpackers. Golfers will be delighted to know that Boracay is home to a world class 18 hole par 72 golf course.

Bulabog Beach, across the island from White Beach is a secondary tourism beach. This beach is a favorite location for windsurfing and kiteboarding because of its seasonal strong winds for these activities.

When is the best time to visit Boracay? Well, you can visit Boracay anytime, however some visitors may wish to visit the island resort for different purposes.

Catch the spectacular world famous Kalibo Ati Atihan Festival in January. This festival is Philippine s version of the Mardi Gras which is celebrated on the third week of every January.

If you just want to enjoy the beaches and the sea , then visit Boracay during the Amihan season. This is during northeast monsoon season in the months of March to May when trade wind is at its strongest which is very suitable for activities like sailing, big game fishing, scuba diving, wind surfing and kite boarding.

The months of June to September are considered off peak season, however budget conscious tourists and backpackers consider this as the best time to visit Boracay as prices for everything are at its lowest and there are few competition for that precious white sand beach turf to plonk yourself on to enjoy the sun.