family cruise vacation ideas

Village Cycles, The Seasonal Cycle, The Thai Villagers Life

Filed under: travel — Tags: cycle, cycles, life, seasonal, thai, village, villagers — libertees @ 1:04 am January 11, 2012

The Thai villagers life follows three distinct cycles – a daily cycle, a seasonal cycle of farming and festivals which follow the same annual pattern, and a personal life cycle of infancy and early childhood, childhood, adolescence, maturity and old age.

A day begins before dawn when the wife awakens and quietly goes downstairs. In semi-darkness, roosters’ cries disturbing the early morning tranquillity, she lights a charcoal fire and prepares rice for the family breakfast and for the local Buddhist monks who make daily morning food collections. As the food cooks she will probably go to bathe.

Thais have high standards of personal hygiene and cleanliness. Villagers bathe at least twice daily in canals, streams or ponds, or they may fetch water from the village well and pour it over themselves with handbasins. In rural areas hair is kept relatively short, each family boasting its own ‘barber’, normally the mother.

Everyday village dress is simple. Men generally wear shorts, a simple shirt and their versatile pakaoma – a checkered strip of cotton cloth loosely worn around the waist which, at a moment’s notice, can serve as a turban for sun protection, a loincloth to preserve modesty during public bathing, a sweat-absorbing towel or a hammock.

Women wear the pasin (the Thai sarong) and a simple blouse or bodice. For several years, young children play naked in the family compound. From about the age of four, young girls begin wearing skirts. Except when they’re dressed in their school uniforms and on normal occasions, children generally go ‘topless’ until about the age of ten.

Bathed -and neatly dressed, the wife gives food to the monks, placing her offerings in their food bowls. Around this time the rest of the family will begin getting up. Older children will immediately feed family livestock tethered under the house and the ducks and chickens freely roaming in the yard. Afterwards, the children will lead the livestock into adjoining fields to graze before they, too, bathe. After bathing, the father of the household may inspect his nearby fields or prepare farming tools for the day’s work.

The entire family eats together on the verandah floor, sitting in a circle around a large rice bowl and whatever dishes the wife has prepared.

By eight, the wife has rolled up the sleeping mats, washed dishes and seen her children off to school and her husband to work in the fields. On certain days she may go to the nearest market where she will ex-change or sell surplus vegetables, eggs, fruit, chickens, ducks, perhaps homemade sweets, textiles or other handicrafts in return for items the household needs but does not produce itself – kerosene, sugar, charcoal and the like. Invariably, she will leave some-one, perhaps a grandparent, at home to wash, iron, look after younger children, mill rice, tend the family plot and guard the house.

If their school is nearby, children return home to eat a midday meal with adults not working the fields or at the market. After-wards, the children return to school and, unless there is important work to be done, the remainder of the family enjoys an after-noon nap.

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Amazing Cruise Holidays onboard Ocean Village

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: amazing, cruise, holidays, ocean, onboard, village — libertees @ 1:03 am November 24, 2011

True to its name, I felt that the ambience and charm of Ocean Village cruises is indeed simple and plain but really worth every penny we spend. It is indeed very memorable to be on Ocean Village’s Caribbean cruise. At the outset, the staff’s good etiquette caught my attention. I suggest you will not find a parallel like this on any other cruises you travelled so far. Second, I like the food onboard, with all its great varieties, and the dining service being superb for the fact that they saw to it, everything was ok and all requirements were met.

After my summer cruise holidays onboard Ocean Village, I felt so personal; really I will love to on this cruise again. Anywhere on the cruise the staff, greeted me in a sweet and sensible tone “hello sir” Even my colleagues onboard shared similar feelings about the gentle and soft spoken personnel, and of how they felt more secure and pleased. The cabin we were allotted was cosy and comfortable. It was well furnished to make us have a sound sleep the first night Susan and I had spent.

Most remarkable was the immeasurable happiness evident in the smiles of our son, once onboard Ocean Village. Oh! He shouted with joy, so many things to see, and activities to participate, so few days on this cruise…too difficult. Kids found that there is something different every half-an-hour. To accommodate kids and families alike, the restaurants onboard the cruise were kept open till 11pm. When we heard that there is a ready night nursery for younger kids, we felt more relaxed, as Susan and I could give more time to each other.

The adult entertainment was always my preference, though my friends had little taste for it. Kids really enjoyed the comedy, tribute bands, gymnastics including trapeze acts and shows on top deck. Visiting Caribbean onboard Ocean Village was different, for there are no formalities, anyway fixed to be followed. We really enjoyed by whiling away the time, relaxing in a friendly, and complete holiday environment.

Most specially, I liked the time I spent around the pool enjoying a cocktail. Susan developed a strong sense for work-out sessions in the gym, as she is very physique conscious. She also loved to be at the spa, and when she went missing, I cared not for I knew that I could locate her at the Spa. Well, I felt women are much focused to do what they love most. I loved to listen to bingo and when I found time in the evening went to watch my favourite movie.

I and my family were well taken care by the cruise staff. This is not just onboard, but equally on organized trips and visits. I remember still, when at ports-on-call, how our trip guide mentored us of places to visit, shops to visit and bargain, and deals to close. Extra care was taken by the cruise staff about our food and drinks, with due concern for health and hygiene on and off the ship. Any where we go, there was ready help available onboard to take care of our toddler, though the other one is a bit grown up and he can take care of himself and find his way through.

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Harbour Village Beach Club Named A Fodor’s Choice 2006

Filed under: Blog — Tags: beach, choice, Club, Fodor's, harbour, Named, village — @ 10:37 pm September 29, 2011

Miami, FL (PRWEB) February 15, 2007

The Harbour Village Beach Club on the spectacular island of Bonaire was recently named a Fodor’s Choice for 2006. This honor comes on top of many other awards and commendations recognizing the resort as a premier Caribbean vacation destination.

In an excerpt from the review, Fodor’s states “Each year, our writers around the world select an exclusive list of restaurants, hotels and attractions in their area to represent the best places to visit when traveling to the region. Harbour Village has been chosen as one of these top establishments and so given the Fodor’s choice distinction.”

“We’re thrilled to be given the distinction of a Fodor’s Choice for 2006,” comments Oscar Haack, General Manager of Harbour Village Beach Club. “We really do strive to be the best resort in the Caribbean and are pleased when our efforts are recognized. We train our staff to make our guests feel special and to meet their every need. We want all our guests leaving the resort feeling rested and rejuvenated and anxious to return,” Haack concludes.

Travel specialists like Fodor’s recognize Harbour Village Beach Club as a top Caribbean vacation destination for several reasons, such as their luxurious accommodations, world class resort amenities, sumptuous dining and personalized customer service.

To celebrate this achievement and to give guests further incentive to visit the resort, Harbour Village just announced a new package offering a free night plus $ 100 resort credit when staying eight nights in a suite.

This special offer is valid from April 12 through December 21, 2007, which should entice vacationers to book their Spring Break at this notable Caribbean vacation destination. In addition to offering special packages, the resort aims to keep past guests and potential future guests informed as to special events and developments at the resort. As part of this mandate, Harbour Village just released an e-newsletter as well as a blog where past guests can post comments about their experiences.

To learn more about this amazing destination, by accssing the Harbour Village Caribbean vacation newsletter.

About Harbour Village Beach Club:

Harbour Village Beach Club is a luxurious residential resort community and club on the Caribbean island of Bonaire located just off the northeast coast of South America and named the Top Caribbean Dive Destination for four consecutive years (2003 to 2006) by Scuba Diving Magazine’s readers. Harbour Village offers luxurious amenities in a private retreat setting as well as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and reef ecology programs for families, couples, and individual travelers. Harbour Village provides more than the typical Caribbean vacation experience – it will give you a lifetime of memories.

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Spend Family Holidays In The Uk At Richardson?S Holiday Village

Filed under: Blog — Tags: family, holiday, holidays, spend, village — @ 8:36 am September 15, 2011

Spend Family Holidays In The Uk At Richardson?S Holiday Village

Spend Family Holidays in the UK at Richardson’s Holiday Village

Family holidays are always exciting – whether you’re flying somewhere or packing up the car and going on the road, there’s always a buzz at the beginning of the trip. The kids are awake and eager to see new places, and you’re ready to get away from it all for a bit and relax. There are many different ways to spend family holidays in the UK, but one of the most relaxing and easiest is to head out to a holiday village such as those offered by Richardson’s Holiday Village.

What exactly is a holiday village? It’s much more than just a hotel. These small villages are literally just that – collections of different accommodations. Some are homes, some are more like apartments, and some are chalets. All are very luxurious and sure to provide a great setting for your family holiday. The accommodations surround various bars, swimming pools, restaurants, clubs, and other amenities and facilities that provide activities for the entire family. Of course, many are located near beaches and other attractions, too. Basically, holiday villages are designed to offer everything you want in a family holiday. You don’t have to go anywhere once you arrive – you’ve got it all right there.

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Arriving at a holiday village, you’ll find your accommodations more than what you might expect. Even the most basic of apartments will feature a kitchen, a nice lounging area, television, and more. These rooms are great for the entire family, and many feature one room for mom and dad with a large bed and another with twin beds for the kids. Sofa beds are also available. Some even have balconies that provide a great view of the area. The villages are self-catering, but you can always grab a quick bite at one of the restaurants or have a drink at the bar.

While you may be content to kick back and relax in your room or spend the afternoon reading on the beach, your kids are going to want to be out having fun. That’s why all of Richardson’s holiday villages that are aimed at families feature several different facilities for the kids. These include things like an arcade, bowling alley, swimming pool, and indoor play areas. There are also a number of different activities organized for kids of all ages. Have teenagers? No problem. They may enjoy some of the local musical talent and live shows, or they might want to go out and explore the local surroundings. Either way, there’s plenty for everyone in the family.

You may think that taking a family holiday to one of these villages is going to be expensive, but you’d be wrong. They are actually quite affordable, and they’re available for short holidays or for longer getaways. If you’re looking for a great place to rest and relax, you can’t go wrong with one of Richardson’s Holiday Villages. They have all the comforts of home but without all the stress of your day to day world.

Barry Devon is a seasoned travel writer for family holiday companies around the UK and abroad.

The Phuket Hotels and Resorts Guide Provides a Brief Summary

The Phuket Hotels And Resorts Guide Provides A Brief Summary

By Suwat Muenpan

This Phuket hotel is located at Patong Beach and is surrounded by landscaped gardens and is close to the beach and entertainment areas. This hotel in Phuket is ideal for working on your tan and getting some well deserved rest. Our phuket hotel fast and secure reservation service provided. The hotel is family run, private and provides for a relaxed stay at Phuket’s marine hub. And whatever your budget, you can find a suitably priced Phuket hotel for you and your family. Renowned for its warm island hospitality and rustic serenity, the Chedi Hotel Phuket provides spa services, dining venues, meeting facilities and recreational activities. Select a Phuket hotel below to find usefull hotel information, check hotel rates and room availability.

You may see below comprehensive listing of Phuket hotels sorted by price. The Hotel Channel website presents a quick guide to top hotel choices in the Phuket area that can be booked online. The Phuket hotels and resorts guide provides a brief summary, customer ratings and reviews for hotels or resorts. For a quick summary see the list of hotels and resorts in Phuket. Secure your premier Phuket hotel bargain now by booking your stay at the Hotel below. If you’re looking at other areas of Phuket follow the links at the bottom of this page for hotel booking web sites.

It is one of the best-valued vacation of Phuket hotels. Our hotel is one of the best-valued vacation resorts in Phuket. Read Phuket hotels descriptions, reviews by former hotel guests or place your own Phuket hotels review. Even from the window of your hotel Phuket will boast some fabulous views and beautiful scenes. Season hotel mgm grand las

vegas hotel philadelphia omni hotel phuket hotel casino los angeles hotel hotel key west hotel. Popular with tourists there are many bungalows, resorts and hotels in Phuket so you will never be short on accommodation. We felt that by doing some solid groundwork on phuket hotels we would eventually source a fine phuket hotels provider … We know that many people have an interest in hotel in phuket so that is the community we wish to serve.

This website is designed to make easy and safe instant hotel and tour reservations direct with the best of Phuket’s establishments. The hotel is easily accessible from Phuket airport and other tourist destinations. Agents rates for on-line bookings at international class hotels in Phuket. Aside from Phuket’s many attractions guests have a choice of activities within the hotel itself. Set in its own tropical gardens, the phuket hotel boasts three magnificent pools and sundecks for soaking up the glorious sunshine over Phuket. Book your Phuket hotel stay safely, securely and without worries. A comfortable Phuket hotel for groups, families and company meetings or large conferences. The group also plans to open another hotel in Phuket. phuket hotels resorts sawasdee village hotel resort thailandphuket hotel resort hotels in phuket thailand.

For others types of rooms, please use the search box and check rates for Phuket hotels. You may also view Phuket lodgings and hotels alphabetically or Phuket hotels and rooms sorted by price. With Phukets many thousands hotel, guesthouse, bungalow and service apartment rooms it can be hard to pick out the right one. To search all available hotels in Phuket, please use the hotel search box. In addition, the island also boasts many man-made attractions, such as Phuket hotels, restaurants, sports facilities and places of entertainment. And wherever you stay, you can rest assured that your hotel in Phuket won’t be far from some awe-inspiring sights and colourful entertainment.

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The Phuket Hotels And Resorts Guide Provides A Brief Summary

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Beautiful Barcelona – Easy Travel Guide

Filed under: travel — Tags: accessories, Accident, action, advice, Afford, agra, air, airport, airports, allow, amazing, american, amp, ana, ancient, annual, apartment, architecture, around, art, aspects, attractions, Auto, Avoid, away, back, barcelona, bars, beach, beaches, beautiful, become, before, best, bog, Border, born, budget, Build, Building, built, bus, buses, but, call, camp, car, Cars, center, Century, Charge, cheap, Cheaper, chic, choice, choices, choose, christmas, cities, city, colorful, come, comfort, complete, Cost, costa, creation, cruise, cruises, cultural, culture, da, day, days, deal, Design, destination, die, dining, direct, discount, dive, does, drive, Drop, during, early, easy, Eating, eco, Egypt, end, europe, european, eve, event, Every, everyone, Everything, exciting, exclusive, Exotic, Extra, extraordinary, families, family, famous, fare, farm, features, february, festival, festivals, fill, final, find, fish, flight, Flow, fly, food, forms, fort, four, free, Freedom, friendly, friends, fun, galleries, gaudi, going, good, Grand, great, group, guide, Hall, harbour, has, head, here, high, historic, historical, history, home, hopping, hot, hotel, hotels, house, household, ice, idea, ideas, important, inc, Include, increase, information, inn, install, international, jewel, journey, Just, la, land, largest, las, last, le, lead, Leading, leads, Leisure, Less, life, light, line, lines, list, live, local, long, look, looking, lose, lottery, low, mad, magnificent, Major, mane, many, maps, markets, master, may, Mediterranean, men, million, mini, minute, modern, monument, mount, mountain, much, museum, museums, name, nation, new, night, not, ny, offer, offers, old, only, Option, Order, pa, pack, packed, palace, park, part, pass, passion, perfect, PERFORMER, person, plan, plane, popular, Port, ports, Price, progress, quality, quick, rain, rains, range, rate, red, rent, rental, rentals, resort, resorts, rica, ride, right, river, roman, rose, rover, safe, sale, san, sand, sea, seas, seaside, season, see, Sell, Selling, ship, Shop, shopping, Shore, sight, sights, sightseeing, site, sites, Size, sky, small, Source, south, Southwest, Souvenir, spa, space, Spain, spanish, special, spectacular, spring, Star, Start, Still, story, street, Streets, style, Stylish, success, summer, sun, sure, System, taking, target, Taxis, temple, ten, thai, than, thing, things, three, through, Ticket, tickets, time, tip, tips, top, tour, tourist, tours, town, Tradition, traditional, traditions, train, trains, transport, travel, traveling, travellers, trip, two, Under, unique, up, usa, Used, using, vacation, valid, villa, village, visit, visitor, visitors, waiting, war, way, ways, weather, weekend, weekends, welcome, Well, Western, where, will, win, winter, Wish, wonderland, Works, world, year, Years — libertees @ 5:00 pm June 17, 2010

.Beautiful city of Barcelona, capital of Catalonia (a Spain’s province), is situated on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea and bordered at either end by 2 river deltas. Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain after its capital city Madrid. Barcelona has a population of 1.5 million, over 4 million including suburbs. The varied, eventful history of the city dates back 4,000 years to the first settlements by ancient farmers. Later it became a Roman colony, the Visigoth’s capital city, and then it came under Moorish rule. It went through sieges, destructions and occupations, finally to become an autonomous democracy 1975. The city has always played an important role in political and cultural life of Spain and it is well reflected in the variety and quality of historical buildings, museums, many other tourist attractions. Today Barcelona is one of the most diverse European cities with unique culture and rich traditions. You can find here a formidable balance of the traditional things and the avant-garde. A cosmopolitan metropolis, Barcelona affords visitors a warm and sincere welcome, being acknowledged worldwide as one of the best tourist-friendly cities in Europe. Barcelona’s organization of the 1992 Olympics provided regeneration of this dynamic city, gave a fresh start to its infrastructure development. WHAT TO SEE AND WHERE: POINTS OF INTEREST – La Ramble is a tree-lined pedestrian boulevard packed with buckers, living statues, mimes and itinerant salespeople selling everything from lottery tickets to jeweler. Pavement cafes and stands selling craftwork, street performers surrounded by curious onlookers, a noisy bird market, Palau de la Virreina, a grand 18th-century rococo mansion, the Gran Teeter del Liceu, the famous 19th-century opera house- these are all colorful parts of La Rambla’s mosaic. La Rambla ends at the lofty Monument a Colom (Monument to Columbus) and the harbour. Barri Gotic – also known as Gothic Quarter, it is the old part of the city. Picasso lived and worked in Barri Gotic from 1895 to 1904 and Joan Miro was born and lived here during his youth. Gothic Quarter is situated on the right hand side of the La Rambla, it contains a concentration of medieval tall Gothic buildings (14-15th century) on narrow cobbled streets and now is home to much of the city’s nightlife. La Sagrada Familia – La Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous and magnificent among Barcelona’s landmarks. The life’s work of Barcelona’s famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, the magnificent spires of the unfinished cathedral imprint themselves boldly against the sky with swelling outlines inspired by the holy mountain Montserrat. Above each facade there are four towers, 12 in total, which are dedicated to the Apostles. The tower in the center, the tallest of all at 170 m., is dedicated to Jesus Christ. Around these there are the towers of the four Evangelists, and the tower over the apse is dedicated to the Virgin. They are encrusted with a tangle of sculptures that seem to breathe life into the stone. Gaudi died in 1926 before his masterwork was completed, and since then, controversy has continually dogged the building program. Nevertheless, the southwestern (Passion) facade, is almost done, and the nave, begun in 1978, is progressing. La Pedrera – Casa Mila (Mila House) is an apartment building, the last example of Gaudi’s civil architecture.It is one of his finest and most ambitious creations, extraordinarily innovative in its functional, constructive, and ornamental aspects. Visitors can tour the building and go up to the roof, where they can see spectacular views of Barcelona. One floor below the roof is a modest museum dedicated to Gaudi’s work. Montjuic – the largest open space in the city, its main attractions are the Olympic installations, the Spanish Village and the hilltop fortress. Montjuic, the hill overlooking the city centre from the southwest, is home to some fine art galleries, leisure attractions, soothing parks and the main group of 1992 Olympic sites. Montjuic is covered in ornamental gardens with water features and is the most popular destination in Barcelona on Sundays. Tibidabo – is the highest hill in the wooded range that forms the backdrop to Barcelona. It has amazing views of the whole of Barcelona, a stunning cathedral, and a family fun park Parc d’Atraccions with old-style rides offering breathtaking views. A glass lift at the park goes 115m (383 ft) up to a visitors’ observation area at Torre de Collserola telecommunications tower. Modernisme – spectacular modernista architectural creations dotted around the city by famous Antoni Gaudi and his contemporaries. Camp Nou – home of F.C. Barcelona, one of Europe’s leading soccer teams, with capacity of almost 100,000 spectators. The Seu Cathedral – Built in medieval times on the site of a Roman temple, La Seu is one of the great Gothic buildings in Spain. Parc de la Ciutadella – Barcelona’s favorite park and a Sunday afternoon rendezvous for families, friends and ducks The Sardana – traditional Catalan dance, performed outside the cathedral and at national festivals, with everyone encouraged to join in.


MUSEUMS – The Barbier-Mueller Museum of Pre-Columbian Art -the only museum in Europe devoted exclusively to Pre-Columbian cultures. Housed in a gothic palace, its collection is one of the finest of its kind and gives visitors an insight into the rich world of the earliest cultures on the American continent. This tiny museum contains one hundred pieces, including wood and stone sculptures, ceramics, tapestries, jade, often found in international exhibitions and prestige publications. The exhibits represented the Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Chavin, Mochica and Inca civilisations. Palau de la Musica Catalana – one of the world’s most extraordinary music halls, it is a Barcelona landmark. From its polychrome ceramic ticket windows on the Carrer de Sant Pere Mes Alt side to its overhead busts of Palestrina, Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner, the Palau is the flagship of Barcelona’s Moderniste architecture. Museu Picasso – is Barcelona’s most visited museum. 3,500 exhibits make up the permanent collection. Picasso spent several years (1901-06) in Barcelona, and this collection, is particularly strong on his early work. Displays include childhood sketches, pictures from the beautiful Rose and Blue periods, and the famous 1950s Cubist variations on Velazquez’s Las Meninas (Ladies-in-Waiting). Gaudi Casa-Museu – Gaudi lived in this pink, Alice-in-Wonderland house from 1906 to 1926, which now houses a museum of Gaudi-designed furniture, decorations, drawings, and portraits and busts of the architect. Fundacio Miro – it was a gift from the famous artist Joan Miro to his native city. The museum opened in 1975, and now it is one of Barcelona’s most exciting showcases of contemporary art.


BEACHES – One of Barcelona’s greatest draws is undeniably its beautiful beaches. Beside world-famous Costa Brava and Costa Dorada which are within 1-hr drive time from Barcelona, there are also several nice beaches over 4 km long within the city boundaries, we will list just several of them here: Nova Icaria- Closest to the Olympic marina, always crowded, this wide swathe of rough golden sand is great for food goers. There are three perfect beach bars and two very popular restaurants on the promenade (Mango and Chiringuito de Moncho) and countless bars and restaurants are just a short stroll away. Bogatell- This beach is twice the length of adjoining Nova Icaria and fringed by a stretch of stone walkway perfect for jogging, roller blading and cycling. Three large informal restaurants on the promenade. Mar Bella (Metro Ciutadella Vila Olimpica, plus 20-minute walk)- Barcelona’s only naturist beach close to a peaceful park – good for a picnic or siesta under the trees. Barceloneta- wide and long, a traditional and popular stretch with locals, crowded, noisy and very jolly.


WHEN TO GO, WEATHER: The best times to visit Barcelona are late spring and early autumn, when the weather is still comfortably warm, around 21-25°C. Summers are usually hot and humid, with temperatures averaging +30 (+ 86 Fahrenheit). Especially avoid the “dead” month of August, when many shops, bars and restaurants close for the month as many local inhabitants head out of the city. Winters are cool with average daytime temperatures around +12 C (+59 Fahrenheit), occasionally rainy.


GETTING THERE AND AROUND: By a direct flight to Barcelona, or through Madrid or via another large European city from almost any major airports in the world. The highest fares are from May to September, the lowest in March-April, October-November and December to February (excluding Christmas and New Year when prices are hiked up). Note also that flying on weekends may increase your ticket cost. If traveling to Barcelona from within Europe you can also chose train, bus or car, though these take much longer than a plane and often work out no cheaper. Many Mediterranean cruises include Barcelona as a port of call.


ACCOMODATIONS: We can offer you a range of choices. You can choose vacation rentals in Barcelona starting from $ 125 USD for a double room in a 4-star apartment hotel. Or you can opt for hotels from $ 65 USD for a double room in a 3-star hotel. Accomodation prices do not change much throughout the year due to the steady all-season flow of visitors to this extremely popular tourist city and surrounding resorts.


DINING: Besides restaurants you can eat at bars where you would have a succession of tapas (small snacks- three or four chunks of fish, meat or vegetables, or salad, which traditionally used to be served up free with a drink) or raciones (larger ones). The bar option can be a lot more interesting, allowing you to do the rounds and sample local specialities. Generally, the average cost for a meal consisting of two dishes and dessert would come to about 25 Euros. Travellers on an extremely limited budget can do well for themselves by using the excellent markets, bakeries and delis and filling up on sandwiches and snacks. Decent restaurants and cafes are easily found all over the city, though you’ll probably do most of your eating where you do most of your sightseeing, in the old town, particularly around La Rambla and in the Barri Gotic. Look for the best and most authentic seafood restaurants in Barceloneta, a seaside neighbourhood. Gothic Quarter neighbourhood is home to some of the oldest and most traditional restaurants in the city. Gracia is a very popular area among young people during the weekend, it leads the way in terms of exotic restaurants (Lebanese, Egyptian, Thai etc.).


TRANSPORT: Barcelona has excellent transport system comprising the metro (subway), buses, trains and a network of funiculars and cable cars. You can find a link to transport maps at the end of our guide. On all the city’s public transport you can buy a single ticket every time you ride, but even over only a couple of days it’s cheaper to buy a targeta – a discount ticket strip. The T-10 targeta is valid for ten separate journeys on the metro, buses and trains. These tickets can be used by more than one person at a time. The metro is the quickest way of getting around Barcelona. For black-and-yellow taxis there is a minimum charge of $ 2 euro. You’ll obviously have a great deal more freedom if you rent a car . Major roads throughout the city are generally good, and traffic is generally well behaved, though Spain does have one of the highest incidences of traffic accidents in Europe. It also has some of the lowest fuel prices on the continent.


SHOPPING: Barcelona, one of the most stylish cities in Europe offers great shopping, from designer clothes and accessories to household items. You will find the city to be quite cheap for a lot of items, especially if you coincide with the annual sales ( rebaixes in Spanish) lasting from mid-January until the end of February, and throughout July and August. The best shopping areas in Barcelona are the old streets off the upper part of the Ramblas. Souvenirs include ceramics, which are widely sold in the streets around the cathedral; leather goods; city’s delicatessens, particularly cooked Catalan meats and sausages; a porron (the long-spouted glass drinking jar); CDs and tapes of Catalan rock and pop, sardana music, Spanish rock or flamenco. If you’re looking for original gift ideas, some of the best hunting can be found in the shops of any of the city’s museums, where you’ll find reasonably priced and unique examples of Catalan disseny (graphic), and other original items ranging from postcards to replica works of art. We wish you a nice and safe trip!


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So Many Exciting Choices of Caribbean Cruises

Every year, there are about two million people boarding Caribbean cruises. Why? Simply  because Caribbean cruises offers unlimited benefits of luxury travel, spectacular destinations, preserved islands, harbors, historic places, local cultures and so much more. With no doubt, more and more people are looking for cruising nowadays and definitely will not left out Caribbean cruises in their main options.

When you search for Caribbean Cruises on the net, you will end up with hundreds of exciting choices. You can choose based on the destinations, prices, family or couples, the length of the stay or the type of cruises. For Caribbean cruises, the options are such as the Princess, Cunard, Ocean Village, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, P&O and Costa Cruises. The most common cruise that most people choose are either Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean cruises. Both offer seven days cruising. The Eastern Caribbean leave from Florida and you will spend more time on the land. This is suitable to those like shopping. There are also ports to be visited like the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. John, St. Thomas and St. Martin. Whereas the Western Caribbean leave either from Florida, Texas or New Orleans and you will spend more time at sea. This is suitable to those like natural beauty, beaches or water activities. Ports of call are such as Mexico, Costa Rico, Dominican Republic, Belize and Jamaica.

The Caribbean areas covers so many beautiful islands and each island is unique in so many ways. Furthermore, each port of calls offers unique culture and hospitality of the locals. Therefore you’ll have hard time to came out with the shortlisted Caribbean cruises list and of course, there are so many routes too to chose from. How long can you spend time with a Caribbean cruise? You can choose from one to two days to over two weeks.

Each specific cruise tailor to a particular needs. For example, if you are taking children along, you might consider Disney Caribbean, as the cruise package comes with so many entertainment activities on the board. If you go with couple, you might want to consider Princess Caribbean, as the cruise offers nice, quite, romantic cruise package and itinerary. If you are looking for luxurious vacation on cruise, you should list high class cruises like Silversea, Crystal or the new Queen Mary II.

The bottom line is, whatever Caribbean cruises that you want to choose, you are advised to do advance booking, as discounted tickets are sold early and do not forget to choose the trusted and authorized cruise agent. For more convenience, you can do your bookings online. If you are concern about the budget, you may want to consider last minutes deals where you might get a discount. Spending time searching the best cruise deals online may save you a few bucks. So good luck in looking the best Caribbean cruises for your holidays!

View amazing Caribbean photos slide show, caribbean cruising tips, and caribbean commercials at my Carribbean Cruises Blog

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