Sunday, December 31, 2006

Enjoying Nature In Denia


Denia is located just north of Javea. It is on the northern part of the Costa Blanca coast line, which runs from this city to Torrevieja in the southern part of the region. The weather in the area is similar to most of the Costa Blanca. The summers are hot and the winters are mild. There is little rain in the area. The city enjoys about 320 days of sunshine each year.

The city is located between two airports. Visitors can fly into either Alicante or Valencia airport. Each airport is about an hour and fifteen minute drive to the city. The best way to get around after arriving at the airport is with a car hire. This gives you the freedom to travel around the area. Car hire companies are available at both airports. Reserve your vehicle in advance, especially if you are travelling in the summer tourist season.

Things to do in Denia

Denia is a working town. While visiting here, you will be able to experience the authentic feeling of a Spanish town that you won’t get in the larger, more crowded tourist areas. If you want to spend some time enjoying the attractions in the larger cities, you can get around easily with a car hire.

Another benefit is the town doesn’t close down after the summer season. Many of the larger, tourist areas become like ghost towns at the end of the season. Stores, bars and restaurants close down. Here, you can enjoy shopping and restaurants all year long. This makes the city a good choice for off season vacations.

There is a lot to do for tourists as well in this city. There are two golf courses, Oliva Nova and La Sella for golf lovers. The weather in the area is nice enough for golf almost every day of the year. If you want a golf vacation, consider staying at the resort or close to it.

There are a few spas in the Denia area. A spa vacation is a great way to relax. You will leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Spas are located near the mountain and near to the beach areas.

Although the night life in this city isn’t as busy as the larger discos in Benidorm, there is some night life. There are bars, restaurants and entertainment available. Many places are located near the beach. The night life isn’t as wild as in larger tourist areas, but at least you won’t have to fight the crowds and will still be able to enjoy music and dancing.

The castle in Denia was built in the sixteenth century. The castle is a landmark in the area. Tours are available throughout the year. From inside the castle, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Enjoying Nature in Denia

The towns of Denia and Javea are separated by Montgo mountain. This mountain has many walking routes. You can explore them on your own or go with a group on a walking tour. This is a great place to experience nature while on vacation. There are many great views of the water and town from this mountain.

Denia has 20 kilometres of beaches on the coastline. The beaches here are sandy and clean. They have received the Blue Flag award for good water quality and sand quality. You will enjoy relaxing on the beach and soaking in the sun.

A variety of water sports, including diving, snorkelling and wind surfing are available as well. There are some great areas for diving and snorkelling in the southern beach areas. Once is Les Rotes, a rocky area that is known for great snorkelling and diving. You will be able to view life under the water here.

About The Author
Jerry Blackburn writes essentially for
http://www.alicante-spain.com , a web publication about Spain and Alicante. His writings on Denia are found on http://www.alicante-spain.com/denia.html and also other online publications.

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Fun things to do in Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia



Did you know that Kuala Lumpur is a mixture of old and new, from turn of the century colonial buildings to the soaring glass and steel Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest building in the world. It's a big city, but there are large parks and green space where kids can run around. :)

Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park – Start your day with a trip to the Petronas Twin Towers, 88 stories high, the second tallest building in the world (1, 483 feet). Take the elevators to the Skybridge that connects the two towers of this elegant glass and steel building. The Petronas Twin Towers are open Tues.- Sun., and the Skybridge is closed on Fri. from 1:00pm - 2:30pm.

Adjacent to the towers is a large public park, Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park. There is a two acre modern kid's playground, wading pools (bring your swim suits), a musical fountain, artificial lake, sculptures, plenty of grass and shade trees.

Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower) – Get the bird's eye view of Kuala Lumpur from the KL Tower, a big concrete communications tower with a space age look. Take elevator to observatory deck and grab a snack in the revolving restaurant.

Back on the ground, follow the walkway which links the KL Tower to Bukit Nanas Forest Recreational Park. Suddenly you'll find yourself in a green, shady forest, right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. Bring your picnic lunch (picnic tables provided). There are trails through the park and a playground.

Craft Museum (Craft Cultural Complex, Jalan Conlay) – The attraction of this museum is the dioramas, detailed scenes showing the traditional process of making pottery by hand, intricate wood carving, silversmithing, weaving songket cloth or pandan leaves, stamping batik patterns on cloth, boat making. In the Craft Cultural Complex, you can buy these traditional handicrafts.


Masjid Jame (Masjid Jamek) – The Masjid Jame ("Friday Mosque") is the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur, located on spit of land where the Klang River and Gombak River meet. It's also a nice spot to stroll along the river.


Central Market (Pasar Seni) – The Central Market, housed in a charming art deco style building, is a place to find out more about Malaysian culture, arts and crafts." Look for shadow puppet plays (wayang kulit), batik painting, art exhibitions, traditional music and dance performances.

While you're at Central Market, buy kites. Kite flying is a national pastime in Malaysia. Look for the distinctive "wan bulan" or moon kite, cat kites, bird kites. Ask at your hotel for the best place to fly your kite.


Sri Mahamariamman Temple – You'll want to stop into this 19th century Hindu temple so you can be overwhelmed by the ornate decorations on every square inch of the temple. The carvings of Hindus gods and goddesses are painted in brilliant colors, and decorated with gilt and precious stones.


Lake Gardens (Tama Tasik Perdana) – This peaceful 100 year old park is an oasis in the city. Run around the children's playground or rent boats to take out on the artificial lake.

If you want to see splashes of tropical color, head for the Hibiscus Garden, filled with hibiscus, the national flower of Malaysia, or the Orchid Garden.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park – This large bird park has birds from Southeast Asia, including the hornbill, the national bird of Malaysia. You can see the birds amidst tropical foliage, ponds and waterfalls. Bring your binoculars.

Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park – Prepare to be boggled by thousands of butterflies in the natural setting of a Malaysian rainforest. Don't miss the insect museum and butterfly nursery.

Deer Park – This park has world's smallest deer, the mouse deer. The mouse deer looks looks about the size of a large bunny. You can come up close enough to feed the deer.

National Planetarium – The attraction here is to take the elevator ride up to the roof for a great view of Kuala Lumpur. For star gazers, there's a 14 inch working telescope in the observatory.

National Museum (Muzium Negara) – This is the place to find out about the history and culture of Malaysia. Exhibits include cultural dioramas of a Malay wedding and circumcision. If you're planning to go to the natural parks in Malaysia, find out about animals of Malaysia in the natural history gallery. There are exhibits of Malaysian musical instruments, puppets and a sports gallery." Outside, don't miss the old locomotives, cars and reconstructed Malay palaces on the grounds.

Water Parks – Tired and hot, had too much of the city? Cool off and relax in a water park. These parks are designed for families, so whether you have toddler who wants to play with bubbles, or a big kid who wants an action packed ride, it's there.

Sunway Lagoon (Petaling Jaya) – Sunway Lagoon Theme Park features a wave pool, giant waterfall, little kids' pool, and giant waterslides. Just float away the afternoon on inner tubes in the Lazy River. The theme park also has (dry) amusement rides.

Desa Water Park (Taman Danau Desa) – This water park has a bubble pool, three wave pools and water slides. For the action-oriented, try out Thunderbolt, a thrilling uphill water coast ride, or Supertube, ride your inner tube through loops at fast speeds. At the Water Factory, turn wheels and push buttons to shoot water in all directions.

Romantic Destinations in Alaska

If you are looking for romance while experiencing the beauty of the great white north, Alaska is the place. Here are a few romantic destinations in Alaska worth your attention.

Romantic Destinations in Alaska

The United States' most northern state, Alaska, may not seem to be your first choice for a romantic hot spot. Well, anyone who thinks that Alaska is not romantic should think again – because where it's cold and snowy, there is also room for warm cuddles by the fire and spending some quality time together. If you enjoy the thought of curling up with your loved one with a cup of hot chocolate, then choosing one of the romantic destinations in Alaska is something that is meant for you.

Alaska has become a lovers' destination in recent years, with more and more couples choosing the state for their honeymoons, as well as a place to take that special occasion trip. There are five different regions to Alaska, each of which hold different charms and activities for your Alaskan trip. Whether you prefer to spend time on the water, or would rather be skiing or hiking through the woods, Alaska has a region that will suit your needs. One area that is particularly popular for romantic destinations in Alaska is the northern region, near Anchorage.

A perfect place for your romantic stay here is Alaska's North Country Castle Bed and Breakfast, in Anchorage. This B & B offers couples a spot where they can spend some quality time alone, all while being close to the attractions of the Anchorage area. The many activities and attractions in this region include the Alaska Botanical Gardens, the Anchorage Zoo, and the Chugach National Forest. Of course, when you are planning to spend some time at a bed and breakfast, some of the biggest attractions are the amenities at the property itself. On site, Alaska's North Country Castle B & B offers hiking, cross-country skiing trails, fishing, canoeing, bird watching and swimming (in their pools).

The rooms available here are also a perfect choice for romantic destinations in Alaska. This bed and breakfast offers just three rooms, so you know you will be attended to with care. The Turnagain View Suite is the Alaska's North Country Castle's version of a honeymoon suite, and it is filled with teak furnishings and matching décor that will make your stay complete. A queen size bed, along with a double Jacuzzi and a double shower, as well as a fireplace make this suite complete. The breakfasts are also exquisite, with several courses including a fruit compote, appetizers and a main course – all accompanied by plenty of coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice.

The north country of Alaska is a great place to head to for your next romantic weekend. Close to the city of Anchorage and all of its conveniences, but far enough away to feel like you are alone in the world, a trip to a bed and breakfast here truly is one of the most romantic destinations in Alaska.

About The Author
Richard Rspad is with
http://www.resortspadestinations.com/romantic-getaways - reviews and articles on romantic getaways.

Luxury Hotels In Spain

So you are traveling to Spain and planning to visit Barcelona while you are there, but the thought of staying in a noisy, busy, city centre hotel leaves you cold? Don’t worry, there are other options when it comes to Barcelona hotels, and the following couple of suggestions should make for a mush more relaxed trip.

The first suggestion is to try one of the superb four star hotels at the Port Aventura theme park, only a short distance outside the centre, rather than a hotel in Barcelona city itself. It is possible to get a dedicated transfer from Barcelona’s main airport, directly to the theme park, which will drop you right outside your hotel. Of course, you can always hire a car and drive yourself to the theme park, and if you do, remember that Europcar have special arrangements with the Port Aventura hotels to ensure you get the best deal.

The four hotels available each have their own particular character and are decorated and furnished to a very high level. Whichever you choose you will be guaranteed a luxurious visit. If you are looking for classic Mediterranean style you might try the Portaventura hotel, whilst for something a little different, the El Paso hotel has a Mexican theme. If you are after sheer indulgence and the chance to sunbath by the pool on pure white sand, The Hotel Caribe is for you.

As well as bed and breakfast, the very reasonable prices charged by the Port Aventura hotels also include entrance to the theme park and the Caribe Aquatic Centre. Even during the summer months, an expensive period for all hotels in Spain, a night in the hotel with two days in the theme park is just over two hundred euros for a single, and less than one hundred and fifty per person for a double. To reduce the cost even further, you can have a room for up to four people. Out of season, when it is still possible to enjoy good weather in this region, two people could pay less than one hundred euros.

If you want to be a little closer to Barcelona city centre, but are still looking for a luxurious option, away from the crowds of La Rambla, you should check into the Arts Hotle, which offers an incredible sea front location with views over the whole Marina and port area. This is a place to really be pampered, and any of the spacious rooms, suites or split-level apartments, offer an uneatable standard of accommodation. The real gem in this hotel is the Goyescas restaurant, were the extensive menu includes local specialties as well as international cuisine. If you are having trouble deciding between the mouthwatering dishes, a recommendation from the friendly staff may help you make up you mind. They will even tell you the perfect wine to accompany your meal.

So as you can see, it is perfectly possible to enjoy the cultural and historical sights of Barcelona, without having to stay right in the bustling city centre. After a hard day’s sightseeing you return to a calm relaxing oasis, just a short ride away.

About The Author
Jack Blacksmith frequently publishes publications on ideas dealing with holiday and travel. You can learn about his writings over at
http://www.barcelona-information.com/barcelona-hotels.html and different sources for Barcelona Hotels information.

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Christmas On Cape Cod


The vivid colors of autumn have now faded, the first big shopping day of the season is past, winter has already started to show her hand, and this year that we seemed to just ring in sees her days dwindling away. Yes, it's December on Cape Cod and it comes with a special feel in the air. Beginning with the weekend after Thanksgiving, there are many delightful activities all over the Cape that people of all ages can enjoy. You will see a different side of the Cape other than sunny beaches, whale watching and seafood, but it might just start a new Christmas tradition in your family for years to come.

Towns all over Cape Cod celebrate the coming of Christmas with various activities that have become traditions. Christmas strolls, caroling, festive harbor lights, and holiday fairs bring residents and visitors together to celebrate. Concerts and shows abound, helping build the excitement of the season. Many Bed & Breakfasts show off their warm and cozy accommodations with open houses, homemade refreshments and their best holiday finery.

You could start the festivities off by joining a holiday wreath making workshop on the Saturday after Thanksgiving at Pastiche of Cape Cod in West Barnstable. Or how about joining the Chatham-By-The-Sea celebration starting in mid-November and stretching through December. There are arts and crafts fairs, candy cane making, holiday plays, and a dinner dance at the Chatham Bars Inn. The Chatham celebration all culminates in a First Night Celebration on New Year's Eve.

In Sandwich, the Heritage Museum and Gardens are decked out with a million lights on over 100 acres of gardens from November 24th through the 31st. They also have indoor Victorian displays, a holiday boutique, holiday treats and free rides on an antique carousel, along with other special programs. The classic and timeless holiday tale, A Christmas Story, is being performed at the Harwich Junior Theater from December 8th to the 30th. Other performance treats include the Cape Cod Symphony, the Vienna Choir Boys, renditions of Vivaldi's Gloria and Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, as well as readings of Charles Dickens' favorite Christmas Carol.

Christmas strolls have become a popular Cape Cod tradition in many of the towns. Barnstable, Chatham, Dennis, Falmouth, Harwich, Hyannis, Osterville, Sandwich and Yarmouthport tie in these holiday strolls with other events such as caroling on town greens or at lighthouses, tree lighting, the arrival of Santa (sometimes even by boat!), festive shopping, open houses, holiday treats, special museum events and Christmas parades.

Only a few of the holiday activities awaiting you have been listed here, but if you have never experienced the Christmas season on Cape Cod, you might want to consider spending a few days exploring what the Cape has to offer. So break out your warm clothes, the hot chocolate and your Christmas spirit and start a new tradition for you and yours here on Cape Cod.

About The Author
Linda Behrle has spent many wonderful vacations on the Cape beginning in her childhood. It is still her favorite place on earth to be. You can find out more about things to do on Cape Cod and Christmas on Cape Cod at her website
http://www.everythingcapecod.net, as well as complete information for all of your vacation planning needs.