A Quick Tour of Spain

With over fifty million tourists visiting Spain each year, this popular West European country must have something special which attracts the visitor. What exactly is it ...?

The main beauty of this lovely land can be summed up in just one word - variety - and, as you all well know, variety is the spice of life!

Whether you are referring to its climate, geography, history, culture or cuisine ... there is something to appeal to all tastes, ages and pockets.

The tourist explosion which took place in the 60s was originally due to its marvellous beaches. And, with good reason, for the Foundation for Environmental Education states that "Spanish beaches are the most environmentally healthy in Europe" and has awarded the much-coveted Blue Flag to 450 of the country´s beaches - more than any other participating country.

But maybe lolling about on the beach all day is not your thing and you prefer more action ... a touch of sophistication?

Should this be the case then Spain´s major cities are ideal for you ... jam-packed full of history, and an art-lover´s dream. Yet, with their abundance of parks and wide open spaces, good shops and pulsating night-life, they are a joy for everyone - children included.

So ... mooch around the truly marvellous museums and monuments of Madrid. Enjoy the bustle of stylish Barcelona bursting with vibrant Gaudí influence. Savor the delights of romantic Mediterranean cities such as Valencia and Alicante. Or journey further south to the exotic cities of Granada, Seville and Málaga. Immerse yourself in their haunting Islamic palaces, the brilliant colors and sounds of flamenco, and in the birth-place and works of Picasso.

Maybe you hunger for the peace and quiet of a hideaway hotel in an unspoiled village? Then rural Spain is for you: full of forgotten villages, bursting at the seams with medieval castles, and offering prolific flora and fauna, it is ideal for walking holidays, painting, photography or just plain "get away from it all" holidays. Not to mention ski-ing opportunities for the more active amongst Spain´s snow-capped peaks.

Should you fancy a mix of all three - beach, city and rural - then that is also easy to arrange. Although Spain is the largest country in Western Europe after France, it is certainly no problem to get around. Littered with airports - both national and international - it also offers a good train service, though the cheapest and most convenient method of internal travel is by using the national bus/coach system.

For those who are a little tired of the stereo-typed hotel chains, Spain has a unique alternative on offer in its state-established "paradores". In these, you will find accommodation in converted castles, palaces, fortresses, monasteries, convents ...

The aim of the "paradores" is to offer high standards at reasonable prices in a noteworthy building or location and to help preserve the traditions of regional cooking by serving the best of local cuisine in the "parador" restaurants.

Which brings us on to yet another delight that Spain has to offer - its rich and varied cuisine. Whichever region of Spain you decide to visit, you will surely encounter scrumptious Spanish food!

What´s more, the traditional Spanish diet, with the liquid gold of its olive oil, its rich supply of wine (in moderation!), its wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, plus an abundance of seafood, all mean that it is extremely good for the heart. On top of that, it is affordable!

Even their "caviar" of cured hams - "jamón Ibérico" - has fat unusually high in oleic acid which is known to lower cholesterol levels! Now I ask you, where else can you get something pleasurable, that is cheap, and also good for you?!

Even if you fancy picking between meals you can opt for their tempting "tapas" - much healthier for you than a packet of crisps or a donut!

Tapas originate from the large, southerly region of Andalucia and it is this region that we also have to thank for flamenco and the Spanish guitar. Which holiday would be complete without visiting an authentic flamenco show or dancing the night away to the beat of romantic Spanish music?

So ... come visit this land where the warmth of its climate is only surpassed by the warmth of its people. You are bound to have a great time!

After living in Spain for 20 years, Linda Plummer compiled http://www.top-tour-of-spain.com containing information on Spain for the traveler and expatriate.

Traveling with Your Pet: A Quick Checklist for Pet Owners

In the rush and excitement before leaving for a trip, it's so easy to forget something. And when you're a pet owner, it's even more of a challenge -- not only are you packing for yourself, but you're packing for your pet, too!

[It doesn't help when Fido runs around wildly with excitement, poking his nose into piles of clothing... while Fluffy daintily picks her way through each and every suitcase!]

Here's a quick list of things to prepare for your pet before you leave:

* Medications. Before you leave, consult with your vet. Pick up refills of any medications your pet will need while you are away ... and find out whether or not there are any health concerns about the area to which you are traveling -- for example, fleas and ticks are common concerns which can be alleviated with certain medications. Talk to your vet.

* Kennel or carrier. Some places ask that you kennel your pet if you are going out and leaving him in the room. The kennel is also a safe way for your pet to travel; please don't let your dog ride loose in the back of a pickup truck; he could fall out and suffer serious injuries. If your pet is prone to jumping out of the car unexpectedly (ie. while at a rest stop, or when the doors are opened), the kennel will keep him safe.

* Food and water bowls.

* Food (and maybe even water)! Keeping your pet on the same diet that he's accustomed to will help to prevent an upset stomach. If your pet has a sensitive stomach, you may also want to bring water. Don't forget to bring along a few treats!

* Stain remover/cleaning supplies... just in case! Please be courteous and clean up as much pet hair, etc. as you can. Vacation rentals do not have to allow pets; a few minutes spent cleaning can help to ensure that our four-legged friends continue to be welcomed.

* Plastic bags for picking up after your pooch. If you're traveling with your kitty, bring his or her litter box and litter.

* Grooming tools - including a comb and/or brush, nail clippers, pet shampoo, and anything else your pet needs. Your active pet may end up needing a bit of a 'touch-up' after a happy day hard at play!

* Extra towels - for wiping those muddy paws and wet or dirty bodies!

* Collar and leash(es). If you are travelling to a remote area, consider bringing an extra leash - just in case one of them breaks.

* Bedding. Many vacation rentals ask that pets stay off the beds or furniture, so your pet will appreciate a comfortable pet bed or blanket.

* Identification. Be sure to record the license numbers, tattoo numbers, and microchip numbers of your pets and bring this list with you.

* Vaccination records and other documents. If you are travelling from another one country to another, be sure to check what types of vaccinations your pet will need. Bring an up-to-date record with you. Also check whether or not there are any special requirements for either traveling into the country, or returning to your own.

* Recent photo. Unfortunately, . If your pet is lost while you are traveling, the photo will prove to be a handy tool when describing him to others.

* First aid kit. Accidents happen. You can purchase an animal first aid kit from the Humane Society of Canada at http://www.humanesociety.com/ .

This pet travel checklist was developed by PetFriendly.ca, Canada's Internet guide to pet-friendly travel! Visit us for cottages, cabins, B&Bs, hotels, and other vacation rentals that the *whole* family can enjoy! http://petfriendly.ca/

Reminiscing In Raleigh's Rich And Historical Past (Raleigh)

Raleigh, North Carolina’s capital and political seat is just as modern as any urban city in the United States. It is a city that encourages the emergence of talent in music and arts, as evidenced by various entertainment hotspots and art exhibits all around.

As modern it is now, it is also as old; it has seen the days of the pre-Civil War era in the 1700s and 1800s, and the mounting progress of the times that followed. Raleigh was born in 1792 as a resting area for travelers who would find themselves at this crossroad on their way from the north or from the south. Eventually, plans for a city were mapped out and local landowner Joel Lane sold off some of his plot to make way for the expansion. You’ll find the layout of modern day Raleigh to be well thought out because of ambitious planning; at the time of its city conception, its streets and zoning were patterned after Philadelphia, the country’s capital in those days. Raleigh was named after Sir Walter Raleigh of England, colonizer, traveler and explorer.

With a past that runs so deep, exploring old-world Raleigh in a new-world setting is an exciting adventure. There are many places of interest that have historic value and are worth visiting.

First stop recommended is an official city landmark, the North Carolina Capitol Building, right at the heart of Raleigh. Its construction finished in 1840 and this building stands as one of the most beautifully preserved buildings anywhere in the country today, and only fitting that it was archived a National Historic Landmark! Designed in Greek-Revival style architecture, it is a majestic monument that beckons to the public as if to make them aware that it has stood strong through the many trials time has thrown.

Another point of historic interest is a two hundred year old residence of the Haywood family. Haywood Hall was built in 1799 and although it has been continuously lived in by family until 1997, it stands as strong and beautifully preserved, marking it the oldest standing house in Raleigh, right up to its original address. No longer used for dwelling, its lush sprawling gardens are sought after locations for all sorts of parties and occasions.

The Moore Area is another place of historic interest and one park that is located in the area was included in the original city plan for Raleigh in 1792. It is a place for picnics and fun gatherings. Today, the Moore Square can stir up quite a gathering come Artsplosure Festival time. However, it is best known for its giant copper acorn sculpture designed by artist David Benson. It is an art piece beloved to the residents of Raleigh for what better to represent the City of Oaks than their acorn sculpture? If you find yourself there, rub it for good luck!

As previously pointed out, Raleigh embraces the arts. In the early 1900s, City Market was built as a trading ground amongst farmers for tobacco and cotton, amongst others. Still used for trading now, City Market has transformed into a popular shopping district for shops, dining and entertainment. True to its historic beginnings, a trip into City Market will find you walking along the original cobblestones that were first laid.

And before leaving Raleigh, don’t go without a quick visit to the Oakwood district. Many Victorian-inspired homes still stand with little refurbishments and improvements for modernization. Oakwood is, in fact, the first designated historic area of Raleigh and is listed accordingly in national documents. Aside from the old homes, the nearby cemetery commemorating Confederate heroes is worth the peek for their ornate and old-style headstones that bring you right back to the past.

There are still many more sights of old Raleigh to discover and delight in, but these landmarks are already worth the city tour.


About the Author: Please visit The Allure of Clayton NC Real Estate and Exclusive Buyer's Agents in Higher Demand Than Ever In Light of Recent Housing Slump.

Tips For Last Minute Air Travelers

Have you recently decided that you would like to take a last minute trip? Whether you are interested in visiting Hawaii, California’s wine country, or another popular vacation destination in the United States, you will want to get started with your planning right away. With last minute trips, you have the same number of travel arrangements to make, but in a much shorter period of time.

Speaking of making your travel arrangements, you will want to go with an airline that is known for its affordable rates. You may also want to choose an airline that you have traveled with before, as this often results in less surprises. If this is your first time traveling by air, you may want to quickly ask your friends or family members for airline recommendations or even warnings.

In keeping with reservations, if you don’t have time to examine all of the airlines individually and their rates, you may want to turn to online travel websites. When doing so, go to the bigger name sites, as they are typically more reliable. Online travel websites allow you to search for flights with flexible timeframe windows. You should also receive quotes from a number of different airlines. For last minute travelers, online travel websites are one of the best ways to get the best deals in the quickest amount of time.

It is also important to remember not to overpay. Unfortunately, this is something that many last minute travelers end up doing. If you are flying out for an emergency, like to see a sick loved one, you may want to make your travel arrangement right away and at any cost. However, if you are simply just looking to take a last minute vacation or a quick weekend trip, be sure to price compare. As previously stated, online travel websites are an easy way to do so. They can allow you to compare the rates and flight times of multiple airlines, all in a few minutes worth of time. For that reason, you should never have to pay more than you need to, even at the last minute.

Once you have your travel arrangements made, you will want to quickly create a checklist for yourself. This is important, as many last minute travel plans are rushed, including packing. As soon as you have five or ten minutes free, sit down and create a checklist for yourself. Do you need to bring your digital camera or laptop computer? How many changes of clothes do you need? Be sure to check each item off of your checklist as you later pack it. This will help to prevent errors and confusion.

It is also important to take the time to familiarize yourself with airport security rules and restrictions. When rushing to plan a last minute trip and pack, you are more likely to make mistakes. You can visit the TSA’s online website to get a quick summary of air travel rules and restrictions. You can also use your best judgment as well. For example, you know your shoes will be removed, so wear comfortable and easy to remove shoes. Also, leave all sharp objects at home or at least pack them in your checked luggage, as opposed to in a carry-on bag.

As for arriving for your flight, all last minute travelers are urged to think like everyday travelers. Just because you made your travel plans at the last minute, it doesn’t mean that you should arrive at the airport at the last minute. Generally speaking, you will want to arrive about an hour and half before your flight is scheduled to leave; however, it all depend on your departing airport. Larger airports sometimes recommend arriving three hours in advance.

The above mentioned tips may be able to assist you when looking to plan a last minute vacation or a last minute weekend trip. By taking the time to at least know what you are doing, your trip can go off without a hitch; in fact, it can appear as if it is a trip that you have been planning for months!

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India Travel Destination Tips

Are you in search of a vacation spot where you can find a lot of tourist places? Well, if you are, perhaps it's time you visit India. Tourists from different countries flood India and the main reason is because it offers fascinating and attractive tourist places that is so rich in history, culture, heritage, peoples, and sightseeing. You will surely need some travel destination tips when you visit India in order to have the best vacation ever.

Some of the most popular travel destinations in India are here in this article. Make use of these travel destination tips to get the most out of your India travel.

The very first place that you need to visit is Rajasthan. This is India's largest state in the west. You can find stunning palaces, forts, and monuments. If you love deserts, this is the best place. Royal stays are welcomed in the converted resorts and hotels which were before havelis and palaces. Some of the spots you can visit are Amber fort, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Jaisalmer fort, camel fairs, and camel safari.

Next stop are pilgrimage tours. Many pilgrims take place in India as it is rich in cutlture and religions. Some of the pilgrim sites inlucde varanasi, haridwar, rishikesh, and amritsar golden temple. You can find architecture marvels that serve as a place for worship. If you like pilgrims, join one while you're in India.

The third is wildlife tours. You can find around eighty national parks and more than five hundred animal sanctuaries. Those individuals who like wildlife can visir Kanha and Bandhavgarh sanctuaries located in Madhya Pradesh, Ranthambore and Sariska found in Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh's Dudhwa and Corbett parks. You can enjoy the safari tours and trekking in the different wildlife destinations.

Yoga and Ayurvedic tours are also quite popular in India. You can have recreational holidays in India's ayurvedic hospitals, helath resorts, and colleges. In Kerala, you can find South India's ayurveda centers where you can spend some time to refresh your body.

For those individuals who love foods, festivals, religion, and culture, you can go to South India. Aside from that, you can also go sightseeing of India's temples. The most popular is Taj Mahal, and then there's also Jantar Mantar. Taj Mahal is also called the 'monument of love' and it can be found in Agra city. This temple was built by Emperor Shahjahan for Mumtaz Mahal, his wife. You can also visit carved temples, majestic forts, and other architectural wonders.

So there you have it, the greatest travel destinations that you can go while you're in India. You can surely create lasting memories there especially if you travel with your family or friends. Prepare for a grand vacation in India so that you too can visit the different tourist places there. It's one-time life experience that you shouldn’t miss. Try saving some money now so that you can make your dream India trip come true.

These India travel destinations tips are very useful especially for first-time India visitors. You should prepare yourself before you actually go there so that you won't get lost and you know the right places to visit. Focus on the places that catch your interest so that you can make the most out of your time in India. Enjoy and relax because this is the time to savor the pleasures offered by such a very interesting place like India.


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