Silversea Silver Spirit Cruise Documents Arrive!

Cruise document anticipation has become a bit like Christmas Eve in this house. We anxiously await the delivery of the package and then pour over the contents. We've had our Silversea cruise documents in hand for a few days now and I thought I'd share the contents with you.

I know a lot of people could care less about the packaging of their cruise documents, but I like to use some of the items later in our vacation scrapbook so I'm always especially happy to see docs that are packaged in a unique or beautiful way.

Silversea documents arrive in a lovely (and hefty) silver box with their logo embossed on the lid, along with the words "one aim, excellence." That certainly sets the right tone with me.

Silversea Cruise Document Elements
Zip-up leather cruise document carry case
Two leather luggage tags with the Silversea logo embroidered on them
Self-adhesive luggage tags pre-printed with our suite number
Cruise ticket
Air ticket
Bon voyage gifts order form
"Setting Sail" cruise information guide
Silver Shore Journal for the Eastern Mediterranean

We're still deciding which shore excursions we're going to book, but we hope to tie down all the details today. After all, we leave Friday for Venice! Visit this blog each day, starting Friday, June 4, for live coverage of our Venice, Italy to Athens, Greece voyage aboard Silver Spirit.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photos © Andrea M. Rotondo

Congratulations, Yachts of Seabourn! Seabourn Sojourn is Delivered

Congratulations to everyone at the Yachts of Seabourn! The cruise line has officially taken delivery of its newest yacht, the 450-passenger Seabourn Sojourn. (See new photos of the ship at Seabourn's blog.) This is the second ship in a trio that also includes Odyssey (launched last summer and one of my favorite luxury cruise ships of all time) and Quest (launching next summer).

Sojourn was built at the Mariotti shipyard in Genoa and is now on her way to London where media events, her naming ceremony, and inauguration will take place. British supermodel Twiggy is the ship's godmother and will be at the festivities. On June 5, the ship will host a benefit for nonprofit Breast Cancer Haven before welcoming guests for her maiden voyage on June 6.

I'm a fan of Seabourn Odyssey and expect to cotton to Sojourn as well. Here are some of the things I especially like about the larger Seabourn ships:

• Ship Exterior—Seabourn Odyssey is a gorgeous ship and the spa atrium certainly gives the vessel a unique and sleek line.

• Pool on Deck 8—I could spend an entire cruise lazying by the pool on Odyssey. There is plenty of shade, two whirlpools kept at the perfect temperature, and a large (by cruise ship standards) pool. Service by the pool is also excellent; the watermelon smoothies and ice cream sandwiches are especially refreshing. (There is also a pool and two whirlpools on Deck 5 aft. This is a lovely, quiet spot but a bit too sunny for my liking.)

• Retractable Marina—I am not a strong swimmer so Odyssey's retractable Marina is a dream come true for me. Within the safety of what I like to call the "swimming basket," I can enjoy swimming in the sea without the panic! My husband prefers to spend his time at the Marina by taking out a kayak or going windsurfing.

• The Crew—I always enjoy speaking with Seabourn's affable crew members and the level of service they routinely provide always impresses me.

While plenty of Seabourn loyalist still prefer the smaller triplets—Seabourn Legend, Pride, and Spirit—Odyssey, Sojourn, and Quest will appeal to cruisers who enjoy a midsize ship and a slightly larger crowd.

A few travel agents and travel writers will be reporting live from the new Seabourn Sojourn at the end of this week. I look forward to hearing these "first look" reports as I cruise the Adriatic with Silversea's new Silver Spirit. I'll be departing Venice this Saturday!

Cheers once again to Seabourn! Sojourn looks to be a gorgeous new mega-yacht and I look forward to sailing with her soon!

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Seabourn at 1-(800) 929-9391.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo © Andrea M. Rotondo

Deal Alert: Windstar in the Mediterranean for $1k pp at Jetsetter.com

Jetsetter.com—a travel auction site—is offering a seriously good deal on three Windstar Cruises itineraries in the Mediterranean this summer and fall.


Wind Surf
Venice, Italy (overnight); Rovinj, Opatija, Trogir, and Dubrovnik, Croatia; sea day; Venice

• Per night cruise fare for TWO people: $280 for Category B, $335 for Category A
  
  
• Per night cruise fare for ONE person: $220 for Category B, $250 for Category A
  
  
• Embarkation dates: September 12 and October 17
  
  

Wind Surf
Rome, Livorno (Florence), La Spezia, Portofino, Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco (overnight); St. Tropez, Nice, France

• Per night cruise fare for TWO people: $320 for Category B, $350 for Category A
  
  
• Per night cruise fare for ONE person: $220 for Category B, $250 for Category A
  
  
• Embarkation dates: July 4, August 8, and September 26
  

Wind Surf
Venice, Italy; Rovinj, Trogir, Dubrovnik, Croatia; at sea; Messina/Sicily, Sorrento, Rome, Italy

• Per night cruise fare for TWO people: $320 for Category B, $350 for Category A
  
  
• Per night cruise fare for ONE person: $220 for Category B, $250 for Category A
  
  
• Embarkation dates: August 1 and October 24
  

The best value is the Venice roundtrip itineraries embarking September 12 and October 17. The cruise fare for two people sharing a Category B stateroom is just $2,065 ($1,960 plus $105 taxes and fees).

No cancellations, refunds or modifications are allowed and payment is charged at the time of purchase. According to the terms of service on Jetsetter's website, these rates include a $100 onboard credit per cabin. A daily hotel service fee of $12 per passenger will be charged to your shipboard account.

You must book these voyages via Jetsetter.com no later than midnight on May 30, 2010.

We love Windstar Cruises and their fleet of motor-sail-yachts. Wind Surf is their largest ship and carries 312 passengers. While not quite a luxury line, Windstar is the perfect choice for couples of any age who are looking for a high-end cruise with a casual vibe. The cabins are very comfortable, service is excellent, and the food gets high marks in our book. This deal is definitely worth considering!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Linley Marquee Commissioned for Cunard's Forthcoming Queen Elizabeth

When you think of the grand ocean liners in Cunard's fleet, you no doubt conjure images of the gorgeous sweeping staircase that greets you upon arrival. The cruise line's forthcoming Queen Elizabeth will be no different and that sweeping staircase and central arched space challenged interior designers to find just the right piece of art to accent this important area of the ship.

"We needed to fill that space with a decorative screen which would not just be dramatic, a 'wow' factor in an area already full of 'wow', but which would also reflect our emphasis on traditional and sumptuous materials," noted Cunard's president and managing director, Peter Shanks.

"After much thought and exploratory work, it was decided to commission a 5.6-metre (18 ft 6 in) high marquetry panel depicting the original Queen Elizabeth, an Art Deco icon, using a variety of natural woods from around the world.

"Once we had decided on the theme and the medium, it didn't take us long to conclude that no-one was better qualified for this detailed but monumental work than the company of the exceptional craftsman David Linley, whose creative ability and mastery of wood is renowned."

To put this in perspective, the wood panel will span two-and-a-half decks and is being constructed of nine panels that include Madrona, Indian ebony, American walnut, grey ripple sycamore, burr ash, bird's eye maple, satin walnut, ash, burr walnut, and Macassar ebony.

David Lindley, chairman of Lindley's, was proud to take on this project and said, "Though we have made fittings for luxury yachts in the past, this is the first sea-going work we have done on this scale - it is certainly the largest screen we have ever made - but it was a commission I was delighted to accept. I recall my father saying the interior design on Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 made one proud to be British, so I am hoping our achievement on the new Queen Elizabeth will make him—and others—equally proud."

Queen Elizabeth's maiden voyage embarks on October 12,2010 from Southampton, England.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Cunard.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Artwork image courtesy of Cunard

The Best Laguna Beach Destination, California USA

Laguna Beach It’s located in Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego offers a golden sandy area and fresh water became an excellent vacation area. Laguna Beach consists of 30 beaches. Laguna Beach holds the distinction of having one of the greatest number of localized beaches of any city on the California coast. The list includes the northern beaches of Irvine Cove, Crescent Bay, Shaw’s Cove, Boat Canyon, Diver’s Cove, Picnic Beach and Rockpile.

Central Beaches include Main Beach, Sleepy Hollow, St. Ann’s Street, Thalia Street, Oak Street, Brook’s Street and Mountain Road Beach. Southern Laguna Beach (South Laguna Beach) beaches include Bluebird Canyon, Pearl Street, Wood’s Cove, Moss Point, Rockledge, Victoria Beach and Treasure Island. Guarded by a premier force of lifeguards, Laguna Beaches are operated under the City of Laguna Beach Lifeguard Services. You can prefer many activities here.

Scuba diving, sailing, bird watching, surfing, and beach volleyball are the most preferred.If you prefer outdoor activities, you have an access to hiking, cycling, golf, tours, and picnics. Laguna Beach is a popular weekend vacation in Southern California. It’s known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in southern California. The city has good hotels, unique shops and restaurants, world famous art galleries and art festivals. Many movies and TV shows have been filmed here.

Laguna Beach presents a variety shopping vacations. You can find clothes, hand-made jewelleries, and antique shops. Besides, there are art galleries in which the works of artists are exhibited. Festivals are also held in Laguna Beach, which is well known by people all around the world.

In Laguna Beach, you can find many places to spend your time. It especially offers a pleasing vacation for the families. While your children enjoy the beauties and activities of the sand, you can sunbathe and enjoy its wonderful nature.

Family Beach Holidays in Malta

I decided to visit the republic of Malta out of season in March to see what this archipelago of seven islands has to offer in the way of Hotels, beaches and what the scuba diving would be like on the island.

Cheap Flights to Malta

Because I was traveling out of season I found an excellent deal on my flight and hotel accommodation in Malta. At this time of year there are plenty of cheap flights to Malta and the hotels offer some pretty good deals as well. I booked my flight and 8 nights stay with bed and breakfast at the 4 star Paradise Bay hotel in Marfa, with an ocean view through lastminute.com in February and the total came to just £340! I think that is an excellent deal in anyone's book. I flew with Air Malta, but Air Alitalia, Ryan Air, Lufthansa, British Airways and a few no frills airlines also fly to Malta so plenty of options to choose from, helping to keep the prices nice and competitive.

Winter Sun Holidays in Malta

One of the main reasons for choosing Malta was it's location, it is 37 miles south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea, if you carry on further south you will reach North Africa giving the country a warm climate for most of the year, perfect as a winter sun holiday destination!

Diving in Malta

Although I have my PADI open water diving licence, I had not been scuba diving in quite a few years and though a little research found a few places on Malta that offer the chance for you to go diving and so thought that this trip would offer the perfect opportunity to brush up on my skills. Paradise Diving School is located within the premises of the Paradise Bay Resort Hotel in Marfa on the northern tip of the island.The school caters for all levels of diving and is a P.A.D.I registered school offering a whole range of courses including an introduction to diving and:

Open Water Diver
Advanced Open Water Diver
Rescue Diver
Dive Master

Malta has a huge selection of hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts to suite most peoples tastes and budgets. Most people who visit Malta probably go on a package deal where the hotel and flights are included.

Malta Weather

The climate and weather in Malta are largely influenced by the sea and is very similar to that of southern Italy or southern Greece. It has the characteristic Mediterranean flavour. Generally the winters in Malta are pretty mild, and only very rarely having cold weather carried by winds from northern and central Europe.

The summers in Malta are sunny, warm and dry and you can expect daytime temperatures in summer to be hot, but the cooling effect from sea breezes really help! In the spring and autumn there is a very hot wind that comes from Africa which can occasionally bring with it unpleasantly high temperatures.

Winters in Malta are mild with only rare occurrences of cold weather brought by north and northeast winds from central Europe. In fact, daytime winter temperatures almost never fall below 10ºC (50ºF) During winter, it sometimes it gets rather windy for a few days with strong gale force winds blowing either from the northwest (Malta's most common wind) or from the northeast bringing days of miserable stormy weather. Most of Malta's annual rainfall falls during autumn and winter, mostly from thunderstorms which make up most of the rainfall.

The weather usually shows signs of warming up in late March, early April, heralding in a long spell of hot, dry weather and the aproaching summer.

Malta - Top Attractions

Other than the beach and seemingly never ending summer, there are many other reasons to visit Malta. Malta has a rich history and culture and with this comes some impressive ancient ruins, museums, works of art and architecture. These include St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta and the St John's Co-Cathedral Museum which is right next to the church, Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples near the village Qrendi and the impressive National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.

Carlisle Bay Antigua Best of 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.

The East has an Asian theme, and is Carlisle Bay’s more formal restaurant, next to, but hidden from the Piano bar and the pool and Indigo on the Beach is particularly good just a few feet from the sea. There is a Friday evening BBQ on the beach which is very much a ‘must do’. It is also possible to dine in your suite, and there is 24 hour room service. The Carlisle Bay must be almost unique for a hotel, in having its own cinema, which is a great thing to be able to take in a movie, but beware the air conditioning is pretty fierce.

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

Anchorage, Alaska Travel Tips at FamilyVacationCritic.com

Mt. McKinley in Alaska's Denali National Park & Reserve

If you're traveling to Alaska this summer with your kids or grandchildren, don't miss my Anchorage, Alaska, destination profile at FamilyVacationCritic.com.

The extensive article gives an overview of one of my favorite cities in the West and offers tips on family-friendly lodging, activities, and restaurants. Check it out!

If you haven't yet booked your 2010 Alaska cruise, there's still time to do so.

My Favorite Cruise Lines Sailing Alaska in 2010

American Safari Cruises—The best small ship (yacht) experience in Alaska—hands down!

Silversea—Italian hospitality aboard Silver Shadow, a mid-size vessel accommodating 382 guests.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises—Excellent luxury service is the hallmark of the 490-passenger Navigator.

Celebrity Cruises—Summer 2010 finds three Celebrity ships in Alaska: Infinity, Mercury, and Millennium.

Holland America—HAL has been a leader in Alaska cruise/land tours for years. The line sails eight ships in Alaska this summer: Amsterdam, Oosterdam, Rotterdam VI, Ryndam, Statendam, Volendam, Zaandam, and Zuiderdam.

Which cruise line are you sailing in Alaska this summer? Let me know!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Madagh Best Beach Travel

Madagh Best Beach Travel

Not far from Les Andalouses in the Bousfer suburb, they visited the six beaches and were alarmed at the report.Despite regulations limiting the use of the beach to 30%, these 'rogue traders' occupied the whole beach.On the bright side of things, a warm congratualtions goes to Madagh Beach.

House in Lake Toba

Zegrahm Expeditions to Offer Circumnavigation of Sumatra

Have you ever heard of Zegrahm Expeditions? I hadn't either until today when I read about their 18-day circumnavigation of Sumatra aboard the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey. This itinerary kicks off Zegrahm's 2011 season on January 3, 2011.

Sumatra, one of the largest islands in the world, is located in western Indonesia and is ideal for the small ship cruising experience aboard Clipper Odyssey. Sailing in a counter-clockwise direction around the island, the ship will visit national parks, remote villages, and other historic sites.

Minangkabau King Palace in Central Sumatra, Indonesia

Highlights of a trip to Sumatra include hiking through the rainforests and visiting Sumatran orangutans at Bukit Lawang Orangutan Rehabilitation Station. Birds are also a draw, including 580 different species. You may catch a glimpse of the blue-masked leafbird, Sumatran drongo, and spot-necked bulbul. And, of course, this trip will introduce you to the Batak people that are indigenous to the area.

Mike Messick, cofounder of Zegrahm, will guide this unusual expedition in the company of naturalists, historians, and scientists. This includes two top wildlife experts: Dr. Jonathan Rossouw and Kevin Clement.

The complete itinerary includes...

January 3–4: depart USA / Singapore
January 5: Singapore / embark Clipper Odyssey
January 6: Malacca, Malaysia
January 7: Belawan, Sumatra / Brastagi
January 8: Gunung Leuser National Park
January 9: Expedition Stop
January 10: Banda Aceh
January 11: Gunung Leuser National Park
January 12: Nias Island / Cross the Equator
January 13: siberut Island, Mentawai Islands
January 14: Padang / Solok
January 15: Bengkulu
January 16: Krui
January 17: Ujung Kulon National Park, Java / Krakatoa Island
January 18: Way Kambas
January 19: At Sea
January 20: Singapore / Disembark Clipper Odyssey

This expedition is sure to be one of those "trips of a lifetime" that we all hope to take one day. For more information, contact Zegrahm and Eco Expeditions at 800-628-874.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Paul Gauguin Cruises Webinar on Tuesday Night, May 18

m/s Paul Gauguin anchored at Vaiare, Moorea, French Polynesia

If you're contemplating a French Polynesian cruise, consider signing up for Tuesday night's Paul Gauguin Cruises webinar. This event will be hosted by presenter Carol Parsons and Richard Bailey, President and CEO of Paul Gauguin Cruises.

Dick will talk about the line's inaugural cruise, which took place on January 6, 2010, and the multi-million dollar refurbishment that the m/s Paul Gauguin underwent last year. Carol plans to discuss her favorite itineraries and the special touches that make Paul Gauguin Cruises something a bit out of the ordinary.

I attended a similar webinar earlier this year and learned a lot about the cruise line and French Polynesia. I also received a booking incentive via e-mail a few weeks after the event.

Sign up for the May 18, 2010 Paul Gauguin Cruises webinar now. Then, mark your calendar for Tuesday at 5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 7pm Central, or 8pm Eastern time.

If you've never attended an event like this don't worry! It's like watching live TV. Once you sign up using the above link, you'll get a confirmation email and instructions for how to watch the webinar. Just follow those instructions on Tuesday at the appointed time, making sure that the volume is up on your computer, and you'll be good to go. See you there!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo © Leonard Hospidor

Paul Gauguin Cruises Dining Experience

For many travelers like my husband and I, the quality of the food and wine aboard a cruise ship is an integral aspect of the vacation. We look for cruise lines that offer a variety of dining experiences from multi-course chef's table menus to a strong main dining room to casual snack options and room service. We especially appreciate cruise lines—Seabourn, SeaDream, Celebrity, and Azamara to name a few—that aren't afraid to use spices and the salt shaker!

As we prepared for our French Polynesian vacation, we wondered about the food that would be served by Paul Gauguin Cruises. I have to admit that we were a bit apprehensive. This ship used to be managed by Regent Seven Seas and we'd been disappointed in the past with the food aboard a Regent ship (too bland and too many repeat menus during a 14-day voyage).

We knew that an entirely new company, Paul Gauguin Cruises (part of Pacific Beachcomber), now owned and managed the m/s Paul Gauguin. But we still were a tad worried that the provisions purveyors would be the same and, perhaps, disappointing. We were more than pleasantly surprised by what we found aboard the PG and were impressed with the overall culinary experience.

Download a pdf of m/s Paul Gauguin dinner menus here.

Executive Chef Mark Bishop held court over the kitchens during our cruise. His menus were varied and included mainstay favorites like chateaubriand and lasagna, mouth-watering low-sodium and vegetarian menus, and dishes that took advantage of regional foods (like moonfish and local pineapple).

He was accessible to guests and presented several cooking demonstrations during the voyage. Visiting Chef James Dean Max of Fort Lauderdale's 3030 Ocean was also aboard and we enjoyed his demos as well.

There are three restaurants aboard Paul Gauguin:

• L'Etoile—a la carte dinner only, no reservations necessary
  
  
• La Veranda—buffet and a la carte breakfast and lunch, a la carte dinner, reservations necessary
  
  
• Le Grill (called Pacific Grill in the evening)—buffet breakfast and lunch, grilled specialties at dinner, reservations necessary

There was only one night for which we couldn't get reservations at the restaurant of our choice (La Veranda).

My husband enjoyed the complimentary wines served throughout the cruise. Here's a short list of a few bottles that were on offer during our itinerary:

Whites
Cantaluna Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley, Chile
Pinot Grigio, Bollo Italy
Cycles Gladiator, Chardonnay, Central Coast, California
Mount Riley, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

Reds
Seven Deadly Zins, Zinfandel, California
Santa Alicia Reserva, Carmenere, Maipo Valley, Chile
Koonunga Hill Penfolds, Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia
Cycles Gladiator, Pinot Noir, California

All in all, we were very happy with the cuisine on board. Room service was quick and efficient (although the server did not set the table for us on two occasions). The breakfast buffet at Le Grill was extensive. Lunch was the weakest link with themed buffets featuring French, Pacific, German, Tex-Mex, and Italian specialties. Some lunches, like the German spread, were excellent and others lacked luster. Dinners were uniformly excellent in all dining venues. Portions were just right and the presentation was always impressive. I'm still yearning for more of L'Etoile's Tahitian Wok entree!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photos © Leonard Hospidor

Sapporo in Japan

Selena Burgas Beach Bulgaria

Selena Burgas Beach Bulgaria

Hotel "Selena Beach" is situated in the "Budjaka” area between the new part of Sozopol and “Raiski zaliv”,where it is separated from the other noisy restaurants.You will enjoy the cosy, calm and comfortable atmosphere in the hotel "Selena Beach" during your stay here.

Beach A Golden Sand Bulgaria

Beach A Golden Sand Bulgaria

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!

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.

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!

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.