Some of my fondest childhood memories are of Dad piling us into the back of the old Ford and heading north on a road trip from Brisbane via Gladstone, Mackay,Townsville and eventually tropical Cairns. The enjoyment was not just in the destination, but the sights, smells and adventures along the way. Combine this eternal route with the freedom of a campervan and you have the ideal framework for a memorable road trip. You could allow just over a week through to one long, sunny month (or more) enjoying the diversity of each region up and down our famous coastline.
The beauty of the Queensland coast is that every town has a story, plus a landmark that often becomes personal. Aswe navigated the coastal roads annually, each town we passed became more familiar. Even the toilet stops warmed my heart. Heading away from the grips of Brisbane, the sunshine coast beaches were a prelude to what lay ahead. Caloundra through to Noosa are havens in themselves, each area worth a few days to explore the inland river systems and brilliant beaches.
Keep driving and you reach Hervey Bay, gateway to the famous Fraser Island National Park and Queensland’s whale watching capital. There are a number of day trips across the barge, showcasing one of our greatest national treasures. Less than an hour afield, beautiful Bundaberg is an ideal base to visit Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands, each uniquely distinctive offering popular day trips.
Head further north to Gladstone and maybe stay a while. Now marked as a premier tourist destination, Gladstone offers a plethora of attractions. Beautiful Heron Island can’t be missed, and a wealth of national parks, including Cania National Park, offer excellent caravan parks and gorgeous bush walks. Decades before on our quick road trips, we bypassed Gladstone playing eye spy, unaware we were missing out on such beautiful reefs, islands and scenery.
Rockhampton has plenty to offer, with fun Great Keppel Island perfect for a day trip, or fabulous national parks inland, and is close enough to half way to deserve some attention before the final stretch to Cairns. Coastal Yeppoon and Emu Park are worth a visit, or maybe jump on a charter boat for some serious fishing action.
Close to three hours later, just before you reach Mackay you will find a hidden jewel, the Serenity Coast, merging from the small town of Sarina. This coastal road will take you along some fantastic scenery with plenty of spots to stop for a while to enjoy the views.
Mackay is not only surrounded by sugar cane plantations, but is also home to the beautiful Brampton Island, Eungella National Park and Finch Hatton Gorge, each with amazing lookouts and incredible walks. Further north are the amazing Whitsunday Islands located just off Airlie Beach. This entire area deserves slow exploration. Whitehaven Beach stands out as a ‘must see’, with sand so white it’s dazzling. There are plenty of day trips that will take you island hopping as well as to this natural wonder.
The next stretch to Townsville always had me wide eyed. There are mango trees everywhere, and the coastal views of the Whitsunday Islands are fantastic. Townville has grown into a thriving tropical metropolis, and there is plenty to do in every direction. Visit majestic Magnetic Island, or take the family to Reef HQ, the largest living reef aquarium in the world. It’s all palms and reef from here to Cairns. You are in the heart of tropical paradise, with beaches right outside the steps of your campervan.
You have a choice of Dunk Island, Mission Beach or the Kuranda Railway once you finally arrive in Australia’s tropical city. Green Island is always a favourite, visible from the city and so easily accessible. Cairns was always a favourite destination of mine, more than likely because we would anticipate our arrival for so long on our journey north. It was always worth every kilometre to arrive in paradise, right on the doorstep of the famous Great Barrier Reef.
The beauty of a campervan is you can take your time to head home and turn your itinerary head to toe if you choose, or bask in the sunshine one of the hundreds of beaches and national parks anywhere on the Queensland Coast.
Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After spending her leisure time writing time writing childrens stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For more of her articles visit Campervans Australia

Business travel is on the rebound. As the economy continues to grow, companies are unleashing their employees to travel to seek opportunities and work with clients and customers all over the world. Increased numbers of business travelers bring problems as well. Travel delays and other obstacles simply increase with volume, and the more you travel, the more you suffer from them.

But preparation can at least equip every business traveler with the tools to master the business travel environment and reduce or eliminate the obstacles to a successful business trip.

Here Are My Top 5 Business Travel Nightmares — And How To Prevent Or Deal With Them:

1. You’re in danger of missing your flight: you’re stuck in the security line because you didn’t know about some recent rule changes. Today, 3-1-1 is the mantra of the business traveler. If you want to carry on – remember containers of liquid holding no more than 3 ounces, all in 1 (and only 1) quart size zip lock bag. But these rules change all the time. Keep up to date on the government carry-on restrictions. It takes a few minutes at home on your computer before you head to the airport. The best resource to use is www.tsa.gov. Another alternative would be your airline’s website – if you check in on-line, then it’s just an additional click of the mouse.

2. Your flight’s been cancelled, you’re in danger of missing that critical client meeting and you’re 30th in line at the customer service desk. As a standard practice, your travel agent’s, preferred airline’s or website’s customer service number should be in your cell phone speed dial. At the first hint of a delay, contact one of them directly and ask for the flight status. They have access to information that you don’t and can start working on alternatives for you. If your flight is cancelled, there are only going to be so many seats available on alternative flights, and your objective is to get one of those coveted seats before anyone else does. One early phone call can get you there.

3. You are receiving the cold shoulder because you used the 6 words that every ticket or gate agent despises. “Do you know who I am” are the six most lethal words any passenger can use. A gate or ticket agent, unlike your colleagues or your clients or customers, doesn’t care who or how important you are. What’s important to them is your name and flight information, which they have in front of them. So leave your “status” at home. Kindness, deference, respect and a little empathy go much farther as a business traveler than self-importance when dealing with airline personnel. They are the gatekeepers with a lot of discretion, and treating them properly can make them much more interested in helping you when one of the inevitable flight problems arises.

4. You just realized you can’t rent a car (or possibly even get home) because you’ve dropped your only form of identification in the airport that’s 2000 miles away. Remember that you can’t rent a car without a driver’s license and can’t board a plane without your ID. Thus, you must keep your ticket and your ID in a secure place with easy access at all times on the road. Get something to put around your neck or, if that’s not stylish enough, try a separate case, such as the A-Way Ticket Tote. A little expenditure for something that will keep your ID in the same place all the time will be a big help in preventing a disaster or at least keep you from worrying about it.

5. You and your colleagues have been discussing a confidential strategy the entire flight only to find that your competition has been listening from the row behind you. Business colleagues typically discuss their business when they travel together, and if they are going on a trip for a specific purpose, their discussion will probably center on that purpose. But on an airplane you have no idea who is listening nearby. Just be sure that you are guarded enough that you would not be embarrassed or your business harmed if your words were published in the newspaper. Be discrete; you really never do know who is listening to you.

Kenya is a country that has long held an important place in the British imagination. A country of great geographical diversity, the land ranges from the icy glaciers and snowy mountains of the Kenyan highlands, to tropical rainforest and attractive coastline, with beautiful beaches and reefs offering some superb diving spots.

It was perhaps Kenya’s part in British colonial history that explains why it has become the subject and setting of so many renowned films and books; Born Free by Joy Adamson, a book which was later made into a movie in 1966 and then a 13 episode TV series, detailed the story of Adamson’s life in Kenya, focusing around the raising of an orphaned lioness cub, which Adamson and her husband (who was a game warden) brought up together.

Another very popular book set in the country is Out of Africa, a memoir by Isak Dinesen (the pen name of Karen von Blixen-Finecke) which was first published in 1937 and focused on the lives of European settlers and local tribesman in Kenya during 1914 to 1931. The story is largely based in and around Dinesen’s farm, during the twilight years of European colonialism and she draws an alluring landscape of Kenya that focuses on a utopian ideal where she lives in unity with the natives, many of the animals and other white settlers.

These two books refer to a romantic, colonial period of Kenya’s history that has long since passed, but Kenya remains one of the most popular African destinations for safari holidays, a status that is strengthened by the numerous wildlife documentary teams that visit the country to study the habits of creatures the make Kenya’s game reserves their home.

The BBC’s recent documentary series, Big Cat Diary, which follows some of Kenya’s most magnificent felines such as lions, leopards and cheetahs around the Masai Mara serves as an ongoing inspiration for wildlife lovers. The show closely follows the daily habits of animals, such as the Marsh Pride, where we learn of the intricacies of lion life, both the joys, for example the birth of new cubs, and the harsh realties, for example territoriality, the murder of rival cubs and the hardships of trying to find enough food to survive.

With such a rich history that is closely tied with Britain and particularly rich wildlife, it’s perhaps not surprising that Kenya remains the most popular country for an African safari. With sun backed plains, lush forested mountains and idyllic soft white sands which disappear into the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, Kenya is the perfect place to combine an incredible wildlife trip with a relaxing beach break and offers an ideal combination of luxury and adventure. Paul McIndoe is an online, freelance journalist and keen hillwalker. He lives in Edinburgh with his two dogs.

Barnsley is South Yorkshire town with a population of just over 70,000
people. Despite a reputation as a run-down area, Barnsley’s town centre
is home to an impressive array of boutiques and quality restaurants.
The shopping facilities are unusually good for a town of this size, and
the large town centre market is busy and popular and has been standing
since the thirteenth-century. The town centre is said to have more bars
and pubs per square mile than almost any other region in the UK, so it
goes without saying that Barnsley has plenty to offer in terms of
nightlife!

Barnsley might not be first choice for a relaxing break in the
countryside, but historical parkland and ancient villages surround the
town, and there is a wealth of historical monuments and buildings, some
dating back to the twelfth-century.

The town interchange is relatively small, but Barnsley is well
connected by transport links and there are major redevelopments planned
for the interchange later this year.

History

Barnsley’s history is documented back to 1249, when a Royal Charter was
granted to allow a weekly market to be held in the area. Over the next
five hundred years, Barnsley developed into a manufacturing centre,
producing vast quantities of linen and glass, and attracting thousands
of visitors. The area’s economic importance declined with the collapse
of the mining industry – an important employer in the area – in the mid
80s. Since then, Barnsley has begun rebranding itself as a sporting and
leisure town, and funding has flooded in to aid this development.

Important and exciting historical monuments and buildings are plentiful
in Barnsley; and these include the pinnacle tower of St Mary’s church
and the Monk Bretton Priory, both built in the twelfth-century and free
to visit. Cannon Hall was once an eighteenth-century family home but
has now been converted into a museum and gallery, exploring local
history up to the Victorian period. The Elsecar Heritage Centre is
housed within a former ironworks and colliery workshop, and comprises
exhibitions of historical artefacts and craft works.

Art Galleries

There is only one permanent art gallery in Barnsley, and that is The Cooper Gallery on Church Street, opposite the town hall. The gallery features exhibitions of
paintings, drawings and watercolours dating from the seventeenth- to
the twentieth-century. The gallery is frequently home to temporary
exhibitions of art and craft works by local and national artists.
Admission to the gallery is free.

The Cannon Hall Museum has a small, permanent display of historical art
works, including paintings and crafts.

For other temporary exhibitions around Barnsley, J+K Wood is a framing
shop with a small space dedicated to exhibiting works of art, and the
Barnsley College of Creative Arts host an annual Celebration of
Excellence, showcasing the work of its students.

Theatres

The Barnsley Lamproom Theatre complex is located in an old Methodist
Chapel on Westgate, and comprises three theatre groups: the Lamproom
Theatre Company, the Lamproom Musical Theatre Company, and the youth
theatre. The Lamproom showcases a range of large-scale productions,
including amateur performances, musical theatre, one-man shows and the
ever-popular Christmas pantomime.

Barnsley is also home to a number of independent theatre companies,
specialising in non-mainstream drama and performance. These include
Mark Mark Productions, with slapstick comedies and magic tricks, The
Faceless Co and The Theatre.

Restaurants

Barnsley town centre has much to offer for eating-out. Alongside a
large selection of takeaways and fast food restaurants, Barnsley boasts
a number of the contemporary restaurants and live music venues that are
springing up around the country and combining the dining experience
with a more lively night out.

The Citrus Rooms is one example. This complex comprises a bar, cafe and
music venue, with an extensive menu and in-house chef. The Lucorum is
another popular choice, comprising a café, bar, Mediterranean
restaurant, beauty salon and hairdressers.

Barnsley is an idea destination for fans of Chinese cuisine. China Moon
and New Jade Palace are popular Chinese restaurants and takeaways, and
the China Court Restaurant serves high quality Chinese food, with warm
service and a stylish ambience.

Pubs/Bars

Local legend has it that Barnsley is home to more pubs per square mile than
almost any other region in the UK. Whether this is literally the case or not, there
are certainly more than 120 bars in the town centre, catering to a wide
range of tastes and wallets.

There are stylish and up-market venues, such as The Citrus Rooms
complex comprising a bar, cafe and live music venue, as well as popular
workingmen’s clubs, such as The Farm Road Social Club, that are
building new followings amongst a younger generation raised on bar
franchises and chain pubs. Tempo is a pre-club bar, open until 4am on
Saturdays and presenting house music DJs, and the Arches is rock pub.
There are a dozen real ale pubs in the town recommended by the local
branch of CAMRA.

Nightclubs

Barnsley’s vast selection of pubs and bars generate a vibrant nightlife
in the town, but there are only three dedicated nightclubs in Barnsley.

Club Hedonism has a large, out-of-town following and presents R’n'b,
chart, club classics and rock music four nights a week. Drinks are
cheap and the club is located above the Chicago Rock Café.

Heaven and Hell has branches in other towns and cities around the UK,
and presents a variety of electro house, hardstyle, hard trance, funky
and electro techno in its large, town centre venue.

Livingstones Club opens three nights each week and presents party
anthems, hip-hop and r’n'b in its two rooms.

Other venues playing host to club nights include The Citrus Rooms, with
alternative, indie and rock, and The Lucorum, recently voted Best Club
Night in the North by Galaxy 105.

Shopping

Barnsley town centre market is ideal for bargain-hunters. The Market
Hall comprises more than three hundred stalls and opens five days a
week. There are also Meat and Fish Markets, Antiques and Collectors
Markets and a car boot sale.

Major redevelopments of the shopping facilities are planned, but
currently, the main shopping streets in Barnsley town centre are Queen
Street, Cheapside, May Day Green and the Arcade. The Arcade is the
place to find designer boutiques and independent retailers.

The Alhambra shopping centre is based a short drive from the town
centre and houses around thirty stores, including most of the major
retailers. The Alhambra is open seven days a week.

Sports

As a result of a governmental objective to encourage sports and
athletics, Barnsley (and many other regions) are now home to a wealth
of sporting facilities.

There are numerous leisure centres in Barnsley. The Barnsley Metrodome
is a huge leisure complex, comprising four swimming pools, squash
courts, bowls facilities, a gym, dance studio and health suite.
Athersley Leisure Centre offers gymnastics and athletics facilities, as
well as football coaching on astro-turf pitches. The Dorothy Hyman
Stadium boasts state of the art athletics facilities and coaching.
Other leisure centres include Hoyland Leisure Centre, Royston Leisure
Centre and Penistone Leisure Centre.

There are a number of golf courses to be found in the rolling
countryside that surrounds Barnsley. Wombwell Hillies is one example of
a nine-hole course, open to the public.

If you are searching through Branson Missouri vacation packages for your next trip to the inspiring landscape in the Ozark Mountains, you’ve probably realized something: there is a LOT to do in this little town! With so many opportunities to appreciate the outdoors, see live concert performances and experience this beautiful town, a Branson vacation is never long enough. However, there are some must see Branson attractions that every visitor should enjoy.
Silver Dollar City – This replica of 19th century life gives visitors a taste of the history of Southwest Missouri. Opportunities to see candy making, blacksmith work and other traditional crafts of yesteryear make Silver Dollar City an attraction that the whole family will love. Situated at Marvel Cave, a National Natural Landmark discovered by the Osage Indians in the 1500s, this “city” features dozens of amusement park rides including The Giant Barn Swing and the Grand Exposition Coaster. You may recognize it from the popular television show, “The Beverly Hillbillies.” The park is open from March through December, and discount Branson tickets are often available to lessen entry fees.
Branson Landing – With a gigantic water fountain display synchronized with lights, music and fire, kids love spending time on Branson Landing. This tourist Mecca gives shoppers plenty of reasons to cheer. With hundreds of retail stores, this is one of many Branson attractions that lets visitors go home with souvenirs and mementos from their time in Missouri. Be sure to browse through Branson Missouri vacation packages to check availability of hotels on the waterfront at Branson Landing. Shopping can be right outside the front door!
Stockstill Park – While there are obviously many chances to see the sights and hear the sounds of Branson, Stockstill Park requires no discount Branson tickets because there is no admission cost! These 62 peaceful acres are on this list of Branson attractions because sometimes quiet is a must-have on any vacation.
Music – Listing one venue and one show is impossible for this list, but almost any of the Branson Missouri vacation packages will offer tickets to one of the hundreds of performances in town. Wayne Newton, Kenny Rogers and a lengthy list of musical personalities have founded theaters in Branson. While you are here, seeing at least one of these shows is a must.
Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede – Another of the most popular Branson attractions is this country music superstar’s Dixie Stampede, which includes a home-style dinner and a Wild West horse competition. This is one of only three locations in the world for Parton’s Dixie Stampede so be sure to pick up discount Branson tickets for this event.
Perhaps the only downside to Branson is that the list of “Can’t Miss Attractions” could go on forever. While you may not have enough time to see them all, a vacation in Branson gives you and your family the chance to enjoy a town with a character and charm all of its own.
About the Author: Dave Wertz is a current resident of Branson, Missouri has extensive knowledge of tourism industry, thanks to his experience in marketing Branson hotels. He is a marketing director for Thousand Hills Golf Resort, offering Branson vacation packages and tickets to Branson shows. If you want to learn about Branson, Missouri real estate or just find a great restaurant in town, contact Dave Wertz.

London – 31st October, 2005 – You probably know the feeling – stuck in a hotel bedroom that looks exactly like the room you stayed in last week, and the week before that. The chair’s hard and uncomfortable so you end up sprawled on the bed. After a hectic day the thought of a table for one in a crowded restaurant is so unappealing that you opt for room service and blow a small fortune on a glorified sandwich. If this seems all too familiar then next time you travel on business why not try a serviced apartment? Serviced apartments are fast becoming the preferred accommodation choice for many business travellers. The concept of serviced apartments has developed in the UK in recent years following the lead of countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the United States. These apartments, often confused with suites, are generally found in prime city centre locations.
Guests enjoy the space and freedom serviced apartments offer. Typically, in addition to your bedroom you will have your own private lounge, fully-fitted kitchen and of course bathroom. There’s space to relax on your own, entertain colleagues or even get some work done. There are advantages of staying in a serviced apartment too when it comes to dining – fully-fitted kitchens offer an alternative to eating alone in restaurants and are ideal where a guest has special dietary needs. There’s more flexibility too – as breakfast can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own private lounge with no need to rush to meet the deadline for breakfast! Serviced apartments are also ideal as a venue for small meetings and conferences and can offer executives and conference organisers an alternative for small meetings or debriefing sessions – look out for high speed Internet access which is available in the best serviced apartments now.

Serviced apartments generally offer the same flexibility in booking terms as a hotel – you can book direct via telephone or email and can book online. There is usually no minimum stay period and they are cost-effective too when compared to hotel rates, particularly when you take into account the possible savings on expensive extras, such as roomservice, bar and laundry bills. Sharing a two-bedroom apartment with colleagues is the most cost-effective option of all. Ensuite bathrooms ensure no loss of privacy but the total price per apartment will be substantially less than two or even three standard hotel rooms. Maid service is included as you would expect in a hotel and the best serviced apartments have on-site reception facilities to provide you with any additional assistance you may require. The serviced apartment market has emerged as a most cost-effective alternative to hotel accommodation and, at times the only option to consider. High in comfort, low in cost with complete consistency. Three C’s that provide a good benchmark for anyone needing to stay, for whatever length of time, away from home. For further press information, please contact Natalie Wakefield, Marketing Executive at Executive Roomspace, 01934 519 518 or e-mail: nataliew@apartment.co.uk
EXECUTIVE ROOMSPACE 5-6 FRANCIS GROVE WIMBLEDON SW19 4DT
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Notes to Editors: About Executive Roomspace: Founded in 1997, Executive Roomspace was the first UK-based branded apartment product. Aimed at the middle market with a minimum stay of a month, the ease and flexibility of booking has pushed apartment accommodation as the favoured spacious alternative to the standard hotel.
www.roomspace.com

About Apartment Service: The Apartment Service was founded in 1981 as the first UK company to offer a global apartment reservations network for serviced accommodation. Now the largest serviced apartment booking company in Europe , with over seven hundred locations worldwide. For business or leisure.

For stays of a day, a week, a month or a year, serviced apartments offer a spacious, flexible and cost effective alternative to restrictive hotel rooms. With an average saving of 15 – 30% on an equivalent standard hotel, stays in an apartment can be tailored to suit your location, budget and departure requirements. You will receive an extremely professional service, and The Apartment Service endeavours to meet all personal requirements.
www.apartmentservice.com

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Fancy holidaying somewhere unusual? How about a 7 day tornado chasing safari? Care for a camping safari across the desert? How about a night in an Igloo? Or perhaps you may want to attend a winter driving school and receive your reindeer license!

Chloe Lim goes in search of holiday spots with a difference. You will reach areas that are totally remote, stunningly beautiful, rich in history and heritage, away from mainstream tourism and not in any guide book.

For those seeking an energetic adventure, complete relaxation, a romantic interlude, or a holiday that combines all of these elements, the following holiday packages are particularly appealing. Offering inspiration for travellers, each itinerary is a complete package. The accommodations may not have satellite TV or air-conditioning – but they offer an unforgettable experience.

By way of a taster, here are just a few of the unusual holiday packages on offer…

6 Day Ayers Rock Adventure

Duration: 6 days / 5 nights

Commences: Perth, Western Australia and concludes Alice Springs, Northern Territory

For those adventurous travellers who wish to travel overland through Central Australia, this is the 6 day camping safari for you. This is a classic outback adventure that passes through some of the most isolated and beautiful parts of Australia. Journey by 4WD vehicle from Perth to Alice Springs, along the Gunbarrel Highway and across the Great Victoria Desert. Camp under the desert stars as you travel to one of Australia’s most famous outback destinations – Ayers Rock.

This tour is designed for those who are looking for adventure and who want to experience the beauty of Central Australia whilst enjoying the reward of camping and meeting new friends.

For more information and booking details visit http://www.hotelclub.net/extra/attractions/AyersRockAdventure.htm

7 Day Tornado Chasing Tour

Duration: 7 Days / 8 Nights

Commences: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

F5! Tornado Chasing Safaris are chasing tornadoes with clients on-board. Their approach to chasing storms is extremely personal and focused on comfort and safety. With no more than FOUR clients in each GMC Suburban, every seat is considered first class!

For more information and booking details visit http://www.hotelclub.net/extra/attractions/TornadoChasingTour.htm

A Night in an Igloo

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

Commences: Ivalo, and concludes in Ivalo

A night in an igloo – what more could you ask for!

Step inside, come into the heart of snow, the warmth of its blue lap. Come alone, with someone special or with a group, there will be a soft and comfortable bed for you in one of the 15 Igloos in Saariselkä, the Heart of Lapland. A reindeer hide and a woolen rug will provide you excellent insulation against the snow and keep you warm. The padded sleeping sacks will keep you warm. Although surprisingly comfortable inside the igloos, the temperature does hover between -3 and -6 degrees Celsius!

After your night in igloo you’ll feel so exhilarated you will want to take on the world!

For more information and booking details visit http://www.hotelclub.net/extra/attractions/NightInAnIgloo.htm

Lycksele to Ekorrsele

Duration: 2 days / 1 night

Commences: Ekorrsele, Sweden

Be pulled along by a team of 10-14 dogs on a dogsled. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the vast expanses of this gorgeous landscape that will unfold before you. Because you are travelling so quietly, there’s some great opportunities to spot elks/moose, reindeers or other Swedish wild animals. The tour takes you over lakes, through forests and frozen wetlands. The light, the colors, the fresh air and the silent are something you have to experience in person. It can’t be explained in words.

All warm clothes and boots are provided and at the end of the day you can reminisce about the adventures in a hot tub before feasting on a delicious dinner – pure indulgence!

For more information and booking details visit http://www.hotelclub.net/extra/attractions/LyckseleToEkorrsele.htm

Winter Driving School in Lapland

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

Commences: Rovaniemi, and concludes in Rovaniemi, Lapland

For travellers looking for something different – how about this tour?

Welcome to Rovaniemi – the capital of Finnish Lapland! Enjoy spending some time in the Arctic Circle! Learn how to drive a snowmobile on ice; braking and fending off a sudden obstacle; driving and steering; using hand brakes and how to handle the snowmobile in everyday traffic. Then, visit a reindeer farm and learn how to harness a reindeer and ride a reindeer sledge, and if you pass these tasks, you will receive your reindeer license!

For more information and booking details visit http://www.hotelclub.net/extra/attractions/WinterDrivingSchool.htm

You’re just a few clicks away from finding your perfect holiday.

Do you know what the Brazilian celebration called carnival is? Carnival is a party that lasts 4 days and 4 nights where people are dancing, drinking and watching carnival parades.
As many people know, the Brazilian carnaval is fast approaching. The dates of the next carnaval will be February 25th through March 1st. The dates are different each year, but they are always 40 days before LENT. Lent is a Catholic belief of the resuscitation of Jesus Christ after he died to save human kind. Many Catholic people will choose to give something up for 40 days. It is common to give up something of pleasure such as chocolate, meat, pop, etc.
This year’s carnaval will be spectacular with pounding drums, exotic dances, and extravagant parades. The Brazilian samba schools have been practicing and designing their costumes all year in preparation for the big event. It is common to see them practicing their performance on the streets throughout Rio de Janeiro. Some of the most popular locations for their performances are Copacabana Beach, Ipanema Beach, and Barra da Tijuca. They choose these locations because they are usually very crowded with people enjoying the sunshine.

The Carnaval celebration can be enjoyed either on the streets, in the clubs, at the bar, and at the Sambodromo. During these times, almost anywhere you go, there are celebrations happening. If you plan on attending this year’s carnival, prepare yourself to see some scantily dressed females, and some physically fit males!
It is really important to book accommodations and flights in advance because during the carnaval, it is extremely hard to find. The Brazilian carnaval attracts people from all over the world; it’s a great chance for everyone to learn more about the Brazilian culture. Don’t miss out on the chance of a lifetime!
Visit my site to learn more about Brazil Carnaval 2006!
<A href=”http://http://www.cities-in-brazil.com”><A href=”http://www.cities-in-brazil.com/”>http://www.cities-in-brazil.com/
To see Pictures of Previous Carnaval celebrations visit
Carnaval Pictures
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Biography: Daniela Porter was born and raised in Brazil and came to North America to get her degree. She received a degree in tourism management and has vast knowledge that she would like to share about the amazing culture and travel destinations in Brazil. Visit her site at <A href=”http://http://www.cities-in-brazil.com”><A href=”http://www.cities-in-brazil.com/”>http://www.cities-in-brazil.com/ to learn more.

On Saturday morning Celeste and I departed on the SA Airlink direct flight to Mala Mala Game Reserve. The aircraft used is a Jetstream 41 which holds 24 passengers and the flight time is 1 hour. Mala Mala have their own asphalt runway which is superbly organised and within minutes we were on the landie off to camp. On the drive to camp and going through the main gates I was reminded of my previous visits and how not much has changed. What a feeling I had to be back in the Garden of Eden. This is Africa! and I immeadiatly started to chill out and take in the atmosphere that nothing on earth can give but Africa. Upon arrival at reception I was welcomed by Nills (GM) and personally taken care of and within seconds we were in our luxury riverside suite overlooking the Sand River. After settling in we then headed up for a delicious lunch on the deck overlooking the river. It truly felt good to be back in the bush.
The main focus at Mala Mala is game viewing and I was especially impressed with their winter schedule which works so well and is a pleasure. Wake up call is 06h30, although both Celeste and I were up each morning at 05h30, and then breakfast is at 07h00. After breakfast you head out on your game drive and this lasts the entire morning only returning to camp just before lunch, if you want lunch that is as you can stay out if you wish. I particularly enjoyed this as there was no rush to get back to the lodge for that 10h00 breakfast or 11h30 brunch which allowed us to spend the maximum amount of time out on game drive. After all this is what we come to Mala Mala for. The afternoon game drive generally starts around 15h00 and once again there is no rush to get back for dinner so if you are at an amazing sighting then dinner can wait.
We were fortunate enough to have our own private vehicle and I can highly reccommend this for repeat guests as it gives one flexibility and most important you can do what suits you. We did not rush around looking for the Big Five, but concentrated on the lions and leopards. We saw the Eyrefield Pride and cubs with the Rollercoaster Male and the Styx Pride with their 6 little cubs of which I filmed and have posted it on the website. You can find the link to the video below. Our ranger was Allan who worked for Mala Mala for 3 years but now practises law but regularly comes to Mala Mala to help out when the lodge is full. He is a fantastic person and we had a great time with him.
Overall we had a most enjoyable weekend and Mala Mala is still one of the top private game reserves in South Africa and certainly one of my favourite places. One of the highlights of our trip was sitting in the Buffalo bar with Mr Mike Rattray (owner) and listening to his stories about Mala Mala. Taga Safaris is a South African Safari Operator who specialize in African Safaris for the discerning Traveller.

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