A fascinating mixture of natural beauty, local hospitality and an excellent tourist infrastructure make Bali holidays an increasingly popular choice for many tourists. Part of the appeal is the sheer diversity of experiences on offer. Whether you want a relaxing holiday by the beach, an adventurous time in the jungle, or just to party until dawn every night, a holiday in Bali has something to offer you.

These are just a few of the things you can get up to:

Go Shopping for Traditional Balinese Goods

Bali is well known for its traditional arts and crafts which make for the perfect souvenirs to take home from your holiday. Those interested in arts and crafts have the opportunity to visit the Handicraft Villages of Bali, small villages dedicated to a particular art form. These are Celuk (for jewellery), Batubalan (stone carving), Pengosekan (painting) and Mas (wood carving.)

Alternatively, if you’d like some more mainstream shops, Legian Street in Kuta does a nice line in boutiques and Ubud has become the art centre of Bali.

Note that, with the exception of the western style shops in the major cities, haggling will be the normal way of doing business. So come prepared to bargain hard to get your souvenirs at the very best prices and bear in mind that many of the vendors will only accept cash.

Have a Jungle Adventure

It may be better known as a beach and clubbing destination, but those after something a little more adventurous on their Bali holidays will have plenty of options, most of which can be found inland in the jungles and mountains.

White water rafting, jungle trekking, mountain biking and paragliding are just a few of the activities on offer. The most popular are the elephant treks, where you spend the day exploring the rich jungles of Bali on the back of an elephant!

Live it up at Night

Those who like to party the night away will find plenty to keep them entertained on a holiday in Bali – the island’s nightlife is famous the world over! There are many different parts of Bali that offer late night entertainment, each one with its own unique character.

The area of Kuta is for the hard partying crowd, with dozens of pubs and clubs open until the small hours (though be aware that nothing really gets going here until midnight). Seminyak is regarded as having a slightly more sophisticated and chic kind of nightlife, while those who want to see some traditional Balinese dancing should head over to Ubud and Sanur.

Relax in a Luxury Spa

Sometimes the best activity is one that involves doing hardly anything at all! With its outstanding natural beauty and the high quality of the spa hotels in Bali, a spa holiday here can offer perfect relaxation. There are plenty of accommodation options that have excellent spa facilities, but amongst the very best are the Oberoi Bali in Seminyak, the Four Seasons Resort in Ubud, and the Legian Bali.

For those inspired to visit Bali, more information can be had from the travel consultants at www.key2holidays.co.uk/bali/.

Claire Bryant

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/great-activity-ideas-for-bali-holidays-1585886.html

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Holidays In Majorca

Majorca holidays, in the Balearic islands off the Spanish coast, offer something for all tastes from non-stop partying to country walks, an abundance of sights to visit, a splendid selection of places to eat and glorious beaches. Find out more in this Majorca holiday video!

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After much deliberation, we have chosen the holiday destination, sorted out the flights and packed our bags, and already we are picturing ourselves languishing on warm sands with the inviting blue sea stretching before us. We just have the minor formality of the holiday travel insurance and then all the arrangements will be complete.

Did I say MINOR? Well, yes, holiday insurance was once just a minor formality, but now for retired folk or senior citizens it has become a MAJOR, MAJOR problem…

The problem is not just about how health affects the cost of insurance but it’s about how age affects the cost of insurance. Isn’t it amazing how an insurance company can take your annual holiday insurance payments for years, you have never made a claim, and suddenly because you have just passed a certain birthday you are too risky to consider!?

Your medical history may be fine, in fact you may be fitter than the 30 year old couch potato on the end of the telephone, but that doesn’t count – the only thing that counts is the date on your birth certificate. And when you do find an insurance company who will cover you, you find that the premiums cost more than the holiday.

However, one thing is certain, WE MUST HAVE HOLIDAY TRAVEL INSURANCE. You realize how essential it is when you consider that an air ambulance from the USA will set you back approx £35,000. And another important point is to be honest when declaring your medical history, because Insurance Companies are not charities and will possibly look into your medical history hoping to find some information (however slight you may have considered it) to avoid paying, for example, that air ambulance cost from the USA.

A timely reminder that the E111 was replaced by the EHIC (the European Health Insurance Card), which you can obtain from the Post Office or www.dh.gov.uk. It is useful to take this, but it is definitely not a substitute for personal holiday insurance.

And while on the subject of European holidays; a couple of years back we met a group of Spanish pensioners having a great time on the Costa del Sol. We found out why it was such a joyous occasion, it came courtesy of the Spanish Government – the Government treats senior citizens to a week’s free holiday.

On reflection, it could possibly work out cheaper for the National Health if our senior citizens were sent to warmer climes during the winter when bronchitis and respiratory problems abound. Mr Brown, it’s food for thought. After all, he informs us that in 2008 we shall be receiving free bus travel throughout the country, so perhaps we can but dream that the boundaries be extended somewhat. However, there is still the problem of the necessary holiday travel insurance.

A recent survey found that 9 out of 10 annual travel policies impose an upper age limit. It is slightly easier to obtain single trip policies: but this can work out expensive if you plan to take more than a couple of holidays a year. Here are a few companies worth contacting, but do shop around as prices vary enormously.

All Clear of Brentwood – www.allcleartravel.co.uk
Citybond – www.citybond.co.uk
Churchill – www.churchill.com
Age Concern – will insure the over 80s
Help the Aged – will insure the over 80s
Saga – will insure the over 80s
Norwich & Peterborough – www.npbs.co.uk
Flexicover – www.flexicover.co.uk

Jo Godden

http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/travel-insurance-tips-advice-resources-for-seniors-222504.html

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If you’re looking for some fun beach holidays, take the family to a beach that’s relaxing and entertaining for adults and keeps the trip fun and exciting for the kids! To help you pick a spot, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 family holiday beaches in the world. So, let’s start the countdown from number five and work our way to the very best beach…

5. Trunk Bay, St. John in the Virgin Islands

Trunk Bay is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, and probably the least known beach in our list. But, it is one of the best kept secrets of the Caribbean. With the offshore coral reefs, Trunk Bay beach is considered the best on the island of St. John.

Visitors can lounge in the sun, or explore the coral reefs in the pristine waters off the coast. You can even try your hand at underwater photography with the snorkeling equipment rentals available. For more adventure you can take the family hiking into the park to see old sugar plantations and the historic sites of St. John.

4. Cancun, Mexico

Holidays in Cancun are among the most popular choices with everyone, and it’s home to some of the best beaches in the world. The best time of the year to visit this Mexican paradise is around November or December. You’ll avoid the spring breakers and the tropical storm season that usually hits in September or October. It’s also the best time to get a deal, and when traveling as a family, good rates are important.

Since you’ll want to find accommodations close to or on the beach, you’ll find your best bets in the famous Hotel Zone, which is a 14 mile peninsula into the Caribbean Sea. Our pick for the best hotel in Cancun is the Barcelo Costa situated on the Playa Linda Beach in Cancun. This resort is close to the golf course, shopping and of course, the beach.

3. San Tropez, France

Most people think of Hollywood stars and clothing optional beaches when they hear San Tropez. However, there are several family friendly beaches in San Tropez that feature beach playgrounds, and places to find snacks for the kids. Stay away in the summer months as there are hordes of people on the beaches and in the shops. June and September are the best months to take the family to the beach so you can still enjoy the warm climate, but avoid the masses.

The Amarante Golf Plaza Hotel sits on the Bay of San Tropez and features luxury amenities like a swimming pool, fitness room, golf and tennis, and serves gourmet food in their on-site restaurant.

2. Paradise Island, Bahamas

Paradise Island is small at only 5 square miles, but it is heaven for beach goers. Besides the sandy beaches there are lots of fun things to do with the family including shopping along the quaint streets, eating local cuisine, or venturing through the 100-foot underwater tunnel to see sharks, barracudas, and stingrays.

The Atlantis is the premier location to stay in Paradise Island, with water activities for the kids and a full 18-hole golf course. On their Cabbage Beach you can parasail, jetski, and snorkel.

1. Surfers Paradise Beach, Australia

Surfers Paradise Beach in Australia is our top pick on this list of beach holidays because of the selection of activities for people young and old. The beaches are gorgeous, the water clear and inviting, and you’ll find a ton of fun attractions at the Gold Coast. There are plenty of theme parks like Sea World and Movie World. Activities run the range from shopping, laying on the beach, snorkeling, surfing, fishing, and even bungee jumping. At night they have hopping clubs and a casino.

The Gold Coast International Hotel is far and away the best pick for luxury accommodations in Surfers Paradise. Featuring spacious rooms, top rate service, clean swimming pool, world class restaurant and bar, the beaches should be the first destination when traveling to Surfers Paradise, on Australia’s Gold Coast.

E Cho

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-5-best-beaches-in-the-world-132280.html

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Situated to the east of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean, Barbados is an independent island nation and a tropical getaway with considerable historical sites to boot. With a long British history and settlements dating as early as 300 CE, Barbados holidays offers travelers a tantalizing resort rendezvous and a taste of colonial legacy.

Book your airfare to Barbados before the high season ends and enjoy the tranquility of one of the most remote islands in the Caribbean…

Major airlines service the island’s fairly large international airport from most regions including Canada, Mexico, Europe, and the United States. If you choose to island hop through the West Indies, air travel to Barbados is easily accessible from Trinidad and Tobago to the south, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the west, and Grenada to the southwest.

Travel to Barbados for the Sweet Life

After cotton crops failed on Barbados, the British introduced sugar cane to the island, which grew very well and also led to the development of rum drinks and molasses production. The plantation economy allegedly gave birth to the first appearance of the spiced island drink and visitors today can take a tour of the Mount Gay Rum factory, which is Barbados’ domestic rum producer.

Barbados is not all sugar and spice; the island is also a haven of white sandy beaches, surfing, fine dining and deep sea fishing. On the southern shore of Barbados you will find privately owned vacation rentals and time shares as well as the middle and lower range accommodations along the water, broken up by small seaside towns like Hastings, Maxwell, Rockley and Oistins.

In the capital of Bridgetown, you will find duty free shopping, delectable restaurants and a mix of colonial and modern government buildings. Bridgetown is also the hub for docking cruise ships and mooring private boats. Travel to Oistins on a Friday night for the famous ‘fish fry.’ Dance, drink and eat with the locals until the wee hours of the morning.

Beyond the Beach of Barbados

Barbados has many activities for the active and adventurous if relaxing by the beach is just not enough. Get in with the iguanas at the extensive Barbados Wildlife Reserve and enjoy a pleasant walk through the exotic bird sanctuary or along the many footpaths surrounded by forests of monkeys.

Harrison’s Cave, in St. Thomas province, is a very popular subterranean attraction and likely to be a bit crowded during the high season. If you’re still not tired, take a trip to Welchman Hall Gully where stretches of walking path are surrounded by thick wooded forest and hundreds of wild exotic species.

Remember that Barbados was a long time British colony and therefore English speakers will have no problem communicating. Additionally, the island nation has one of the highest rates of literacy in the Western Hemisphere, making this tropical tryst hardly third world. Travel to any destination on the island is cheap and efficient by taxi or bus. The equator awaits, what are you waiting for?

Elyse Morgan

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/bring-yourself-back-to-life-in-barbados-barbados-travel-information-96691.html

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Technorati Tags: Air Travel, airlines, barbados, bridgetown, Caribbean, destination, getaway, grenada, grenadines, harrison's cave, Holiday, lesser antilles, rentals, resort, saint lucia, saint vincent, st. thomas, tobago, travel, trinidad, Tropical, vacation, west indies, wildlife reserve

Far from the maddening crowds, Dude Ranch holidays offer a great escape from your office and work. The vast outdoors, cool air of the mountains, horses which offer you a stable mount all go towards making a Dude Ranch vacation one of the best times that you have had along with your family. You must however consider some things while getting ready for this vacation…

Dude Ranches were born to cater to the Eastern tourists who wanted to experience the life of the Wild West. The ranch owners soon realized that in addition to the scenic beauty, the tourists wanted something more from their ranch vacations. This led the owners to build lodges, and customize guest programs so that more tourists would come.

In planning your ranch holiday, you must first identify the location of the Dude Ranch that you want to visit. The activities offered by the Dude Ranch depend to an extent on its location. So keep this in mind. Also consider the financial aspect and choose according to your budget from the wide range of accommodations that Dude Ranches offer.

Most of the activities offered on Dude Ranch holidays are fairly standard. However there are some activities that are particular to each. For instance, some of the ranches are near fly fishing rivers and in such places fishing is a very popular activity. Hiking is another well liked but not anticipated Dude Ranch activity that is enjoyed by tourists.

Taking this outdoor vacation on a Dude Ranch also gives you an opportunity to learn about nature and land formations. You may even find some great relics like arrow heads and bones while out there.

Last but not the least; you can revel in four star comfort of the Dude Ranch. Good accommodations with hot tubs and pools are to be found on most Ranches. Kids can play in the pool while you just lounge about reading and relaxing.

Peter J. Mason

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/fantastic-farm-holidays-140016.html

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Magical Kenya holidays offer the traveler an unparalleled range of options

“The incredible diversity of landscapes, cultures, wildlife and activities mean endless opportunities. With so many choices at hand, some people find the prospect of planning a trip to Kenya quite daunting. It doesn’t have to be that way. In Kenya it is very easy to plan and prepare for a safari that is as individual as you are…”

Technorati Tags: africa, Holiday, Kenya, planning a trip, prepare, safari, travel

“Celebrity Cruises was voted one of the World’s Best cruise ship lines by Condé Nast Traveler. They have set the worldwide standard for what first made cruise travel famous – high quality, superior design and outstanding service. They offer an array of holiday cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Panama Canal, Australia, South Pacific and New Zealand.”

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Whatever type of accommodations you need for business or leisure travel to Malaga, Spain, there is a Malaga hotel that can take care of all your needs. Accommodations can be categorized by hotel, resort, apartment or condominium, hostel, bed & breakfast, or conference centre. While the hotels are most plentiful, there are the other types of arrangements to give you more options…

Hotels in Malaga

There are dozens of hotels in Malaga ranging in size and price. The average hotel will cost about $100 US or less, so even the four and five star rated hotels are quite reasonable. For a nicer, high rise hotel in the centre of the city, you could choose from the AC Malaga Palacio Hotel or Los Naranjos Hotel, each with all the amenities and services of any large chain. Other hotels rated highly by visitors include the Novetel Malaga or the Hotel Adriano.

Luxury Spas and Resorts

You can enjoy the beautiful weather, golf or just a relaxing holiday at any number of spas and resorts in and Malaga. Some favourites of tourists include the Parador Malaga Golf and the Sunset Beach Club. The Gran Hotel Benahavis in Malaga features swimming and a fitness centre and costs between $100-$250 US per night. If you prefer an International chain, there is the Radisson Sas El Marques resort and spa.

Apartment Living

Apartments in Malaga offer affordable housing for extended vacations or just the convenience of having a kitchen and other comforts of home. An option with apartments or condominiums is that you could just lease for your vacation or buy timeshares so that you can return year after year. Apartments generally do not rent by the night, unless you are willing to pay a short-stay surcharge. Usually owners like to book the apartment for at least one week as a minimum stay.

Money-Saving Hostels

Hostels are not just for starving students on break. They offer an entirely different way to spend your holiday. At a hostel you will get to know travelers from around the world, even if you do give up a bit of luxury in the process. Some options in Malaga hostels include the Residencia Universitaria Santa Paula or the Picasso’s Corner Backpackers Hostel. These will cost you under $30 per night.

At the hostels, you will generally have access to a shared kitchen and common room, but a private sleeping area. Linens may or may not be included, but there is usually a place to do laundry and lock up valuables if need be. Some require advance reservations of at least 24 hours, while others allow for drop in. Be sure to check if yours has a curfew or you may find yourself locked out after returning from dancing or the bar!

Romantic Bed and Breakfasts

Bed and Breakfasts are a little different in Malaga and the surrounding areas than you might find in the U.S. This description could be applied to hotels having as many as 150 rooms, but because a continental breakfast is included it earns that name. These hotels are more like hotels than the quaint inns furnished with antiques. However, they still have plenty of European charm and personal service.

Full-Service Conference Centres

Conference centres provide all of the business services needed to run a successful business meeting along with comfortable rooms and amenities. These tend to be higher on the price range scale but no expense is spared in service or upgrades.

For example, the Avda Rio de Guadalmedina in Malaga is a four-star hotel with rooms ranging in the $220-$300 US per night range. It is new and modern and is close to all of the good restaurants and sights. You can just as the concierge for directions or to make your dinner reservations for you.

As you can easily see, choosing Malaga accommodation offers many different options at various prices. To decide which is right for your holiday, the only real question may be do you want to be closer to the golf course or the shopping plaza?

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Accommodation In Costa del Sol, Spain

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Costa del Sol literally translates as “Sunny Coast.” With a name like that, it’s naturally one of Europe’s most popular tourist attractions because of its gorgeous beaches.

Costa del Sol is located in the south of Spain along the Mediterranean coastline. It was once made up of several small fishing towns. Toward the end of the 20th century it was discovered as a prime vacationing spot and is now an urban area of high rises and resorts. It has a reputation for drawing the attentions of the rich and famous.

Recently, Costa del Sol has become renowned for its fifty or more high-quality golf courses. In fact, golf enthusiasts have dubbed it “Costa del Golf.” It attracts golfers from all over the world…

Costa del Sol is not a city itself. It is made up of several cities, such as Malaga, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Almeria, and Marbella. Malaga is well known for having a large airport, so it is often the place tourists see first.

Although Costa del Sol has a number of resorts, there are also less expensive holiday accommodation options for tourists, including hotels, and apartments.

Costa del Sol Hotels

Hotel Enfrente Arte: This hotel faces the mountains, so the views are spectacular. It has a unique, relaxed atmosphere. The first floor of the building contains a bar and dining room, and the second holds a recreation room with a pool table, library, and free Internet access. Also on the hotel grounds are a subtropical garden, many romantic courtyards and terraces.

Guests who wish to get away from the beach for a bit can swim in an outdoor swimming pool or relax in the sauna. Included in the price of the rooms are a breakfast-brunch buffet and all drinks throughout the day and night.

La Villa Marbella Charming Hotel: Located in romantic Marbella, this hotel is a 150 year old house refurbished into four suites with an Asian style. Each room includes air conditioning, satellite television, stereo, mini bar, safety box, and a telephone with private voice mail. The hotel terrace offers a beautiful view of the Sierra Blanca, Old Town, and the Castle Walls. It’s just three minutes walk to Orange Square and its many restaurants and bars.

Los Castanos Hotel, Cartajima: This hotel offers stylish, comfortable accommodations 17 km from the activity, shops, and restaurants of Ronda.

Costa del Sol Holiday Apartments

Villa-Tejon: This spacious apartment sleeps up to 10 people in its four bedrooms. It’s air conditioned and has a heated pool, mini golf course, pool table, table tennis, satellite television, and a BBQ area next to the pool with seating for up to 12 people. It’s located in an area of Costa del Sol that has a large water park, zoo, and, of course, great beaches.

Casa Margarita: This four bedroom villa has a rustic style and sleeps up to seven people. It has a living room with a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace on the roof with views of the Atlas Mountains, Gibralter, and the sea. It’s located near Porto Banus, a popular area for rich, famous tourists.

Casa del Limonar: This is a house located in the hills above Lake Vinuela. It’s quiet and relaxing, yet close to the excitement of Malaga. Many restaurants, bars, and shops are within a 25 minute drive. The closest beach is also just 25 minutes away. The Casa del Limonar is also near two golf courses and skiing in the Sierra Nevada. If you plan to stay here, you’ll need to rent a car to get around.

Costa del Sol is the perfect place for a warm beach vacation. However, because it is extremely popular, you can expect to pay a bit more for your accommodations. That said, if you begin your search early, you may find accommodations at discounted rates in certain areas or at some times of the year.

Gaizka Pujana

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/vacation-accommodations-in-costa-del-sol-139175.html

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