Vacationing with Children

Traveling with children will be a memorable event - the question is "What kind?" Your chances of a lifetime memory you will cherish increase significantly with some advance communication and preparation.
The book, Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever, outlines a five-step process you can apply to organizing any area of your life - including traveling with children of any age. Make the children a part of the trip by letting them help you plan. Your children will enjoy the trip more if they feel they have some say about the agenda. Get books from the library, or do an Internet search, on the area you plan to visit. Give them some options of what to do and actually use some of their suggestions. Who knows? You may enjoy their suggestions more than you think.
Here is a guide to vacationing with children, using the 5 steps:
1. Design your vision.
The first step to happy memories is good communication. Start scheduling family meetings to plan - the earlier the better. At the first meeting, ask each member of the family to describe what he or she would like to have in order to have a wildly successful vacation. It's a great idea to put some structure into this discussion. Use a flip chart and have family members take turns recording answers. Subsequent meetings can be used to work out each of the next steps.
2. Eliminate your obstacles.
Mark Twain is credited with saying "Progress starts with the truth." Certainly that applies in this situation. For example, some teens simply do not think it's "cool" to travel with mom and dad. If you want your teens to enjoy their travel experience, make sure you understand what they like and dislike. With young children, keep in mind "less is more." A swim in the hotel pool may be a much better choice than another two hours at the theme park.
3. Commit your time.
There could be several issues here. If your teens are working, they may resent having to miss work - or they may be delighted. In either case, find out their preferences, and see what you can do to accommodate them without jeopardizing your own needs. One of the issues likely to come up is the daily travel schedule itself. Young children need naps, teens may want to sleep late, while parents relish the idea of "getting an early start." Compromise is probably the best solution here.
4. Select your tools
Growing up on a farm in Nebraska, one of the things my daddy taught me was "Half of any job is having the right tool." While you may think it's ridiculous to think about "tools" for a vacation, it is really essential. For example, if it is impossible to reach a compromise about the music on the car CD player, headphones for individual players could be a godsend!
Tools can also include systems for the way you handle situations. One of the major keys to success in organizing any activity is focusing on individual strengths - if one child is particularly adept at photography, make them the official family photographer, while another might be a great navigator.
5. Maintain your success
At the end of each day, take a few minutes for a "Check-In" session. What was the best thing that happened that day? Why? How can we make sure we have more like it? What didn't work? Why? How can we eliminate the situation in the future? Make sure you use this process at the end of the vacation - make some notes and put them in your GO System File (LINK HERE to http://productiveenvironment.com/index.asp?name= GO%5FSEMINARS`"w=trued"ftnav=true&lid=66) for next year's planning.
Here are some general tips you can use to ensure a great vacation:
? Choose age appropriate destinations. This doesn't mean every trip has to involve a theme park or sports event; it simply means keep the trip's educational value at a level they can comprehend and appreciate. If your children's ages span a wide range, have at least one activity geared to each child. Picking a hotel with a pool can make a big difference!
? Lay the ground rules early. Before you even leave the house, make sure your children know what is and isn't acceptable behavior on the road. As elementary as this may seem, if you don't tell your children what you expect, how can they oblige?
? Let the children pack their own suitcases as much as possible. Make sure each child has a small carry-on bag for which they are responsible. Include things they can do on the road or in the air--a walkman and tapes, comic books, handheld video games, etc.
? Decide ahead of time about seating arrangements and make contingency plans in case requested seats are not available.
? Establish a meeting place at each stop. Nothing could be worse that having a child get lost in an unfamiliar environment. Whenever you visit a location, identify a spot where the family can meet if you happen to get separated, or carry cell phones or pagers.
? Carry current photos of your children. That way others can help you locate your lost child. If your child can tell time, make sure they take a watch!
? Pack a first aid kit. Face it. Kids will be kids. That means scraped knees, bug bites, and cuts and bruises. When traveling with children, always keep a first aid kit handy.
? Check for children travel specials. Pre-planning can save you lots of money. Many airlines, restaurants, and hotels offer discounts for children, whether it's a "kids stay or eat free" deal or a "half-off children's rate." Let Internet-savvy children put their mouse to work for a happier vacation.
The most important thing to remember - flexibility. Traveling with children of any age is always a challenge. Spend more time enjoying the precious memories you will be creating and less time fretting over what could go wrong. Keep your sense of humor in full swing and happy traveling.
By Barbara Hemphill

A Dream Vacation

What is the meaning of a "dream vacation"? What is so magic about the word "vacation"? The word itself is so exciting and is looked forward with kid like anticipation all over! Kids and children like to take time away from school for change! Adults eagerly wait for the annual vacation! Take time off the routine office work. While Americans use the word "vacation", rest use "holiday"! In the past, upper class families would move over to their summer houses for a small part of the year, while leaving the usual family home vacant at least for a while. In Toto, this precious time was used to refresh and replenish the spent energy; all for a change.

Understanding the objectives of a meaningful vacation or a holiday is the first step in having a "dream time". A vacation is not meant to be a stressful and painful ordeal! Vacations are time to rejoice. Travel and be together. Planning well ahead means a well earned and happy vacation. Packing a well planned itinerary would probably make a big difference. Vacation time is meant for leaving behind all disappointments, sadness and failures of the year! Return back with full vigor and charged up spirits. Looking forward for a brand new year. Vacations are for every one! For adults and kids. Teens and elders.

Before taking any vacations, just ponder over the action plan. Discussing with family members could make one's vacation worth remembering for many years. Just dot down what you would like to do during the vacation. What do the other family members want from this vacation? Do they need fun and relaxation? What about those kids? Arming them with constructive activities during vacation could make them more intelligent and enterprising. Try to consider the age and temperament of the children. As they tend to get tired easily, packing too many activities in a day can make them dull on the next day. Just give respect to your kid's interests and hobbies. A pet loving kid may like to be among wild animals in zoos! While a studious and art inclined one may like museum or an art gallery. A sport loving teen may like to visit a sports arena like Super Bowl! Or a quiet one may just keep himself aloof and play video games on his PS2 or X Box.

By Stein Ove Stien

Zambia... What an Amazing Country!

When you travel abroad, especially far away from home you want to have peace of mind. The same applies if you’re on an African safari. If your desire is to meet friendly, warm people then travel to Africa’s peace haven, Zambia. In Zambia you’ll find that which you most desire, the warm African welcome.

Peace, stability and friendliness describe Zambia. It is a country incredibly endowed with natural resources, the heritage of a natural safari country. Just imagine these amazing sites:

1 - The Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, is considered the world’s largest curtain of falling water. It measures 1701 metres wide and plunges down to 111 metres. The torrent of water plunging over a steep cliff creates a deafening roar and sends up billows of spray that can be seen 30km (19 mi) away. Thus the local people have called it Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “the smoke that thunders.” And the view from Zambia is awesome.

2. - The wild untamed Zambezi River. From its source at Kalene Hills to its mouth at the Indian Ocean the Zambezi measures a whopping 3,540 kilometres. And 2,572km is in Zambia.

The river passes through changing scenery. The wild and exciting Barotse Flood Plain the site of the colourful Kuomboka ceremony by the Lozi people, the violent torrent at the Victoria Falls and the 122m deep Batoka Gorge the river cuts, the serene Lake Kariba behind the hydroelectric dam. And this lake has a great history. Finally the wide Lower Zambezi surrounded by wild game.

3 - Add to your travel itinerary the Nchanga Open Pit one of the largest open cast mines in the world but the largest in Africa. Operations started in 1957 and today it measures 4,700m long, 2,400m wide and bottoms up at 335m. Zambia’s major economic activity has remained copper mining.

4 - Visit the 19 national parks and 34 game management areas. All these constitute 30 percent of the 752614sq km of Zambia. The management areas buffer the game parks and the parks are strategically located throughout the country.

5 - The unbelievable yet fascinating wildlife in pristine wilderness. The Zambian national parks are considered to have the largest concentration of game in the world. The variety of animal species is wide with over 202 mammals that include the Big Five: lion, giraffe, leopard, rhino and elephant.

Annually there is a wildebeest migration in the Liuwa Park. Take a look and see the endemic red and black lechwe antelopes in the Kafue Flats at Lochinvar, as well as the Busanga and Bangweulu Plains. Birding is popular in all game parks but Lochinvar is Zambia’s prime birds sanctuary. Meet the crested cranes, saddle-bill storks, egrets, wood ibis, vultures and the rare shoebill stork.

6 - Travel to Livingstone town near the majestic, awe-inspiring Victoria Falls now accepted as the southern African Adventure Centre. Here you may choose any adventure of your choice: White water river-rafting, bungi jumping, river boarding, skiing, fishing, abseiling, off high way 4x4 driving, elephant back safari, river safari, micro-light and helicopter flights over the Victoria Falls.

Livingstone is a town of three museums; one is Zambia’s prime museum, another is a railway museum and then there is the Victoria Falls field museum. Take a detour and visit a tribal village. Choose your accommodation from the many theme-designed hotels and lodges.

7 - The Zambian weather is mild and pleasant despite the country being in the tropics. The high altitude at between 1200m and 1500m above sea level ensures that. There are three distinct seasons; the cool and dry season between April and August, the dry and warm between September and November and the warmer and wet season between December and March. However, the most popular time to visit is during the cool and dry winter season between April and August. These are cool crisp days and cool nights!

Zambia is beckoning you! The pristine wilderness, the profusion of wildlife including birds, the exquisite sunsets, the changing landscapes and natural habitat and the warm Zambian welcome of its friendly people. All these make your travel to Zambia a pleasant destination in African travel. It’s a safari visit you’ll treasure forever.

…And you’ll never forget to exclaim” what indeed an amazing country”

--------------------------------------------------------

By Enestle Zimba

Costa Rica - A Paradise in Central America

Family Vacation in Costa Rica

You will not have any problem visiting Costa Rica even with small children. Costa Rica is a country where most families have more then 1 child. The food is good and the number of tropical diseases found in Costa Rica is quite low.

There are many beaches where the waves are smaller in size and the hotels and cabins have pools. Allowing even familys with small children to have a nice time on their Costa Rica Vacation.

Costa Rica Vacations for Couples

A couple can go anywhere in the country and enjoy tranquility, serenety as well as the party side of life.

Many hotels and hostels have special romantic deals, tours and packages to make your stay something even more special.

Costa Rica can offer rental houses starting with the smallest and simplest cabin, all the way up to 5star+ homes you have only seen in TV. Some of the most exclusive rental houses in Costa Rica can even be rented with maid, cook and other help. All to make your stay in Costa Rica something to remeber.

Honeymoon in Costa Rica

The same goes for a wedding and/or honeymoon. Religion is important in Costa Rica and you can most likely find a church and priest for a wedding in almost any bigger religion.

And the honeymoon?

Well, get a nice room in Manuel Antonio or playa tamarindo and enjoy!

Singles

As in all parts of the world can singles have a good time. Party all night long and let your feet do the talking to the rythm of salsa.

Many bars, nighclubs and places where there are fiestas almost everyday can be found under every rock!

So take a look at Costa Rica for your next vacation, as it will never let you down!

Moving around in Costa Rica

There are buses going to every place in Costa Rica most of the day (and night in many cases). But to really get the most out of your vacation trip, rent a car.

You will see that rent-a-car not only is the place where you rent a car in Costa Rica, but it is an expression used for most companies renting cars.

By Kenth Nasstrom

Is An All Inclusive Resort Right For You?

Destinations such as Aruba, Cancun, St. Thomas, and Bahamas have an infrastructure that is well suited to all-inclusive and not all inclusive resorts because there is a wide election of restaurants and amenities for tourism. Jamaica and the Dominican Republic on the other hand don't have the tourism infrastructure in place and are best suited for all inclusive vacations.

You'll want to consider carefully before choosing an all inclusive resort. Resorts do vary -- some are designed for couples, some for singles, some for gays and some for families. Some cater to a younger or older crowd. There are also some that offer clothing-optional activities. For obvious reasons, most of those don't allow children under 18.

The resorts come in all shapes and sizes. Some include airfare and hotel. Some include airfare, hotel, transfers, and some meals. Others include all meals and activities, but not airfare. Often, purchasing airfare as part of the package can be a better deal than doing so separately, unless you are using frequent flier miles.

Many all inclusives have, as part of their program, child-care facilities that are often a resort-within-the-resort for children, a "day camp" that is special and that kids look forward to attending. And many all-inclusive resorts give incredible price breaks to children (they don't drink liquor, after all,) while some even have no charge for children up to 17 sharing their parents' room.

What are the advantages of all-inclusive vacation resorts?

The security of knowing that one price covers everything, with none of those nasty surprises that can blast a hole in any family's travel budget. All meals, entertainment, activities and sports, as well as airfare and accommodations, are generally included in one price. You can forget your worries about carrying lots of extra cash for expenses, and just sit back and enjoy your vacation.

Who should check out an all inclusive?

Travelers who are: on a tight budget, traveling with the kids, receiving the trip as a wedding gifts or getting married on the honeymoon.

So, is an all inclusive resort right for you?

If you are the type of traveler that enjoys sampling all of the local fare, then spending all of your time at an all-inclusive resort is probably not for you. If you like to go somewhere just to relax and not worry about taking out your wallet every couple of hours to pay for food, drinks, or activities, then there's probably an all-inclusive resort that's just right for you.

If you like to stay up all night partying and drinking, if you want to take advantage of all the included watersports and activities, if you want to have food and snacks available all day and if you don't want to have to worry about the final bill when you check out, an all-inclusive is definitely a viable option. Some resorts even boast 24-hour room service.

All-inclusive resorts can be costly. On the other hand, they can also provide great value. If you are going to a destination where the cost of meals, snacks, liquor and activities are expensive, and your hotel or resort is high-quality with an expensive nightly rate, an all inclusive might end up saving you money.

If, on the other hand, you don't drink much, you enjoy lazing on the beach and getting an early nights sleep, you are dieting and choose simple salads for your meals, you would probably be overspending for an all-inclusive resort. Bear in mind the drinks are only the cheap local which are not very strong.

On the down side of all-inclusive vacations, some folks get a bit weary of dining in the same restaurant night after night. The resort rooms may be smaller than standard hotel rooms. Some, not all of the all-inclusive resorts provide shows. And some of them have different show every night.

Some resorts have kids clubs for the little ones. Kids clubs begin at any hotel at 4 years of age. Nannies or babysitters are extra costs not included in the all-inclusive package. Almost all the allinclusives have activities from beach volleyball to bingo and other games.

It's a good idea if you want a cashless vacation in a secured environment, if you are satisfied that the dining options offered will be suitable for your tastes, if you take advantage of the watersports, child-care and bars.

If you are adventurous and want to spend your days exploring the country you are visiting and your evenings trying in-town dining options, you would be better off choosing a resort that offers that kind of flexibility instead of an all inclusive.

What is usually included in all inclusive vacation package?

All meals and drinks, beer, wine, premium liquor and tipping, government taxes, gratuities, entertainment, activities and sports, as well as airfare and accommodations, are generally included in one price.

Airfare and hotel transfers are optional when buying all inclusive package. Tipping is not allowed. One benefit of the all-inclusive resort is that the single up-front price covers unlimited activities.

Phone calls and items purchased at the gift shop are included. The more expensive all-inclusive resorts is going to have the nice sit-down restaurants. The next step down will have all buffet dining.

Tennis and squash courts may be free and often night-lit courts at no charge, but bring your rackets, as you'll probably have to pay to rent them. Most packages do not include golfing fees. In most cases you have to rent a golf cart, but compared to the price of play on most courses, that cost is negligible. Sailing craft are free as often as not. Snorkels, masks and fins are usually free, but may have a time limit (note: bring masks from home if you can, keeping in mind that the one-size-fits-all variety is often useless on little faces, leaving kids to snorkel miserably with a face-full of salt water). On-property snorkeling is free, but the most interesting underwater sights are usually somewhere else. The latter will cost you, if not for the snorkeling itself, then for the transportation to get there and back. With motorized sports costs can climb upwards of $60 an hour. Parasailing is another costly venture. Divers, too, might find an all-inclusive cost-effective. Tanks have to be paid for separately, but diving excursions are included in some of these resorts. If you are not certified, most resorts offer a "resort certification" which will allow you to go on closely supervised guided dives. A resort certification is a great introduction to the sport. If, however, you are already a certified diver, some resorts, such as Sandals, Beaches, and Gala Resorts, offer one or two tank dives a day in their all-inclusive packages.

Many all inclusive resorts offer spa treatments as part of their packages, with the option of paying for more intensive therapies.

Do not forget to budget extra cash for some excursions that weren't included in all inclusive package. A swim with the dolphins, for example, runs about $100 per person -- more than small change if you're traveling with a family of four.

Consider carefully these additional factors before purchasing an all inclusive vacation package.

Price is often relative to quality. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. However, sometimes it's possible to get an amazing and legitimate deal, as long as you're looking in the right places - Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations, TNT Vacations and numerous smaller wholesalers.

Look for deals. Check websites for details. Check to see what's included in the price, so you don't incur any additional costs that you're not prepared to pay for.

Organize any visas and travel insurance policies well in advance. Your tour operator and travel agent should advise you on all of these but you should also contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting for information about visas.

It is important that you speak with your doctor about the necessary immunizations for the areas you are traveling to. When you're traveling in Mexico, you must take extra care when it comes to drinking water, or fresh beverages that may have tap water added to them. Check ice also - ask if it was made with tap water - it is unlikely that your ice will have been made with tap water; but its worth asking in more rustic establishments and rural areas. Salads can also be dangerous if they have been rinsed with tap water. The rule is - if in doubt, ask first! All main hotels and good restaurants use purified water throughout

In order to be eligible for special honeymoon offers and discounts, it's wise to take a copy of your marriage certificate with you as proof that you are on honeymoon.

If you are a single parent, or if your partner will not be traveling with you and your children for whatever reason, you must get a notarized letter from the absent parent, giving consent for the child or children to be traveling with one parent absent.

If you are estranged from your partner, and you are the legal guardian of your child/children, you can take a copy of the court order (note: original only - no copies!) with you and this will suffice to get your child or children with you.

If you are a widow or widower, you will need to write a letter to explain this and get it, and a copy of the death certificate, notarized and carry both of these documents with you when you travel.

If you are under 18 and want to travel without your parents, you will need to carry with you a notarized letter of consent signed by both parents.

If you are a lone parent or will be traveling with your children but without your partner, or under 18 traveling alone, get the required paperwork together before you leave. Airlines are now refusing to board lone parents and children and children traveling unaccompanied without this notarized letter of consent.

Many hotels in Mexico set age restrictions during spring break. Here's an example of many hotel Spring Break policy:

Hotel will accept individual and student group bookings.

A refundable deposit of $200 per person and credit card are required at time of check in.

Any credit cards used must be issued in guest's name.

Guests may be required to sign an agreement/list of rules at check in.

At least one person per room must satisfy the minimum age requirement for check in for individual student bookings.

At least one adult for every 20 students is required for student group bookings.

If you or someone in your party is confined to a wheelchair, you'll want to explore accessibility issues very carefully. Ask your travel agent specific questions that may concern you.

Always have a way out. Ask about cancellation policies, and look into travel insurance, especially if you are booking through an online agency. Choose wisely and make sure the resort's amenities and programs fit your lifestyle and character, and you'll have the time of your life!

Here's some examples of deals:

Apple Vacations "Sizzlin Specials" - http://www.applevacations.com/servlet/SiteController/specials/specials1.jsp and

Funjet Vacations "Hot Deals" - http://www.funjet.com/hotdeals

TNT Vacations "Special Deals" - http://ww2.tntvacations.com/SpecialDeals

More detailed information about over 400 all inclusive hotels in the Caribbean and Mexico could be found at http://www.sunvacations.org and http://www.iberostar.info.

This all inclusive vacations directory, which consists of 36 main sections arranged alphabetically by destination for quick and easy access, consolidates all inclusive resort information not previously available from any other single source. Researched and compiled by a group of travel agents with experience in the Mexico and Caribbean resorts, the directory offers a quick shortcut to travel-related information on the Internet. Each listing contains resort's web address, reviews, and pictures, slide show, virtual tour, virtual map and resort rating. For both seasoned and inexperienced Internet all-inclusive vacation seekers, SunVacations.org will eliminate hours of search time. Instead of conducting key word searches, users can simply reference destination descriptions in the directory, and then go directly to the all inclusive resort they want without having to sift through information that is unrelated or unwanted.

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is a branch of the Iberostar Group specializing in top quality holiday hotels

Iberostar.Info is the world's most comprehensive Mexico and Caribbean Iberostar resorts photo source on the web, containing over 1000 images. This unique Iberostar photo collection features 11 resorts and consolidates information not previously available from any other single source. The same Iberostar hotels photo collection could be also found at http://www.sunvacations.org

By G. Allen

Dare to Dream: The Vacation of a Lifetime In A Timeshare

What are your chances of getting the vacation of a lifetime without having to save for a lifetime?

Renting a timeshare may be the answer to your dream vacation without having to make a long-term commitment. Many individuals are willing to rent their allotted timeshare week to you. Because of an inconvenient date or some other personal reasons, many times owners are unable to use their timeshare and are willing to sell their time period to you. With a little research either on the Internet, local newspapers or even visiting with realtors, you may be able to step into a dream vacation. Exotic places wait for you and your loved ones.

Timeshare companies and timeshare owners offer an alternative to the overpriced hotel and motel rooms. Virtually every year the costs of hotels go up. You can usually control the price tag of your vacations by utilizing timeshare resort rentals. Timeshare owners normally charge a set price for their rentals, and they do not need to increase prices to pay for labor and other usual expenses incurred by hotels. This keeps the price of a vacation rental on a more consistent level each time it is rented.

Timeshare resorts are located in incredible destinations around the world. Where have you always longed to go, but thought, "Wow, it would be too expensive to stay in a place like that!"? Mexico? Hawaii? How about Europe? Sure, those destinations can be expensive, but with a timeshare rental, you can get into incredible resorts for a fraction of the costs of a hotel vacation.

In most cases, hotel and motel rooms are undersized, have few amenities, and cost more than a timeshare rental. Typically when you rent a timeshare unit, prices are for seven nights, not per person. The units can sleep anywhere from 2 to 10 people. You choose the type of room and amenities you want! Studio, 1, or 2 Bedroom with kitchen, dining and living area units are all available.

No matter how nice the Hotel or Bed & Breakfast..... it still is just one small room! Why spend one or more weeks on vacation in a cramped hotel room and have the extra expense of eating out for every meal. Enjoy the spaciousness and freedom of a completely furnished resort condominium and save money all at the same time! And you will not be required to attend a timeshare sales presentation.

Put your vacation plans into motion and start your search for the ultimate spot you've been dreaming about. Whether you have dreamed about walking barefoot on an island or skiing down a mountain in another country, there is a timeshare available to you at a more than reasonable price. It takes only a little time to put the details together and make your dream vacation become a reality.

Timeshares are a proven concept for vacationers in many countries, and holiday planning is one of the top growing segments of the leisure time industry all over the world today. Why not begin your search today by perusing newspapers and travel magazines, or logging onto the Internet and searching for "timeshare rentals?" Dare to dream!

by Dana Sanders

All Inclusive Resorts - Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana

Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana is located on the north east coast of the Dominican Republic & 50 minutes from Punta Cana airport. With one of the finest oceanfront location on the Caribbean island and protected by a coral reef, the all-inclusive Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana provides the perfect escape to turquoise blue water, white sand, and a forest of palm trees. For friends, families, and couples - the place for outstanding scenery, tranquility and hospitality is right here.

This amazing new all inclusive has everything on site for your perfect holiday, from a 24hr room service with selected menu to movies shown on a full-sized screen right on the beach! A Lazy River swimming pool meanders through the whole property - perfect for an inner-tube ride and is divided from the free-form pool by a waterfall. The spa & Fitness Center at Sunscape Beach will pamper, relax and renew providing a wonderful retreat, large sun terraces and gardens, towel-service for the pool and beach, daily entertainment with a variety of both land and water activities; fully supervised children activities at the Explorer's Kids Club with game room, television, kitchenette, live stage and nap area, children's pool; outdoor theatre with nightly entertainment including live shows and theme parties on the beach; disco, weekly Managers' cocktail party; four soft surface lighted tennis courts, tennis clinics, water sports center on the beach, diving center on the beach and Jacuzzi; bank/exchange office, tour desk and concierge service. Shuttle to casino at Secrets Excellence with drinks included. The Beach Punta Cana all inclusive resort is non-stop fun for everyone!

The resort offers a wide selection of 616 luxurious air-conditioned guest rooms in 9 connecting 3-storey buildings. A majority of the rooms provide full views of the Caribbean Sea and the most magnificent scenery in the Dominican Republic. A number of magnificent Deluxe and Honeymoon guest rooms and suites offer private Jacuzzis or swim-out pool access. All suites and guest rooms offer superior amenities including 2 queens or 1 king size bed, and fully equipped bathroom with hairdryer. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, 25" satellite TV with remote control, direct telephone, in room safety deposit box (free of charge), mini-bar, and coffee makers.

This all-inclusive resort offers wide choice of dining options for the most discerning palate which include the following restaurants: Continental, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Seafood, Tex-Mex as well as 3 buffet restaurants and 7 bars including Swim-up bar and Pool bar. All restaurants feature smoking and non-smoking sections.

More detailed information about over 400 all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico could be found at SunVacations.org and Iberostar.info websites.

Sunvacations.org directory is truly one-stop information source for Caribbean and Mexican all inclusive vacations. SunVacations.org offers discount travel packages for all-inclusive vacations.

Iberostar.info is the world's most comprehensive Mexico and Caribbean Iberostar resorts photo source on the web, containing over 1000 images.



By G. Allen

Vacation Home Exchange V Renting - Trade and Save, or Do You ?

Vacation Home Exchange V Renting Trade and save, or do you ?

Ever thought of trading your home with another family for a few weeks instead of renting a Vacation Home?. Lets look at the differences and see if it's an option you might consider.

Renting a vacation property is easy enough, pay a rent for as many weeks as you need. Rent direct with the owner or via the thousands of rental agents, or via a travel agent.

The choice is pretty vast and often you can select properties from a book or brochure, there are sizes and prices to suit everyone. Many allow pets and come fully fitted out.

Bigger properties housing 7-12 or more offer a low cost break as you pay for the property, rather than per person, as you would in a hotel. Downside is you get to do all the work, although some rentals can come with housekeeping or maid duties.

The attraction of renting is usually one of cost and choice, and works best in your own country. Renting abroad involves a high travel cost (per person) and unlike a package tour you are often down to organising and paying for travel from airport to the property. There is usually someone on hand to see you in, the owner or their agent, and most properties provide a good break.

Risky sometimes to book direct with foreign owners, large agencies vet both the properties and the owners and although perhaps more costly give better piece of mind. Paying $1,000 and arriving at a run down hut may not be the sort of vacation you seek.

Home swapping offers 2 choices, first to trade a few weeks or longer with another persons normal home. Or trade a period in a second vacation home or time share they, or you own.

The attraction is obvious in that no rental monies change hands and this gets better the longer the stay is. Older, retired folk often look for 3-6 month trades which clearly would be too costly on a rental basis, but a workable option for 2 retired families to trade homes for a long period.

Again a DIY vacation, unless maids are on hand. Number of choices are less, so to succeed you need to be open minded rather than have fixed dates, locations and types of properties in mind. Most experienced swappers seek good clean accommodation in the area they wish to visit. You get to know the owners before agreeing the swap before you go. You rarely build friendships with rental owners you usually do with home swappers.

A home trade often comes with an auto thrown in, so this is a big plus if you can arrange pick up at the airport and makes a big difference in local travel during your stay. Do check insurance cover though and make sure you agree miles and damage costs.

With the advent of the electronic age many home swap offers are viewable on Internet web sites so you can review property (and owners) details, get to know the area through web site links and then open up discussions with potential trade partners. using E-mail the world is just a few seconds away.

More complex to organise than a rental, it can be both an exciting family interest or a drudge, which can put you off the concept. Worries and concerns about having someone else in your home and loads of "what if" questions can again excite you or deter you.

One of the best routes is a Tutorial on the subject which is freely available at the Homes Seekers web site with advice from some of the leading home exchange experts .

In summary - renting is easy, choose your property, book, pay and go - there is a big choice. Home swapping is a way of life, you get more involved and the money saving is not in practice the reason for most people trading homes. The desire to make new friends and contacts, see new places, new countries, learn the language and so on takes over. Home swapping does not suit everyone but it does offer an alterative and to many an ideal way of taking vacations - for many the only way they would go.

If you want to save a few hundred if not thousands of dollars on a Vacation break take a serious look at vacation home exchanging as a useful alternative to traditional house rental breaks.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

By Maurice S Clarke

Ten Reasons to Move to the Costa Brava

After France, Spain is Europe's most popular holiday destination, and the apparent dominance of France is to a large extent due to visitors in transit elsewhere. In 1996 between 1.2 and 1.3 million European tourists visited Spain. It is therefore not surprising that many of them become interested in buying a home there. Spain's property market generally has enjoyed strong growth, with the Costa Brava enjoying a particularly large rise in values. About 20% of foreign owners are more or less permanent residents of Spain, while the remaining 80% bought their property for either holidays or investment purposes.

The Costa Brava is particularly attractive because · Summer heat is less intense than further south, · Scenery is spectacular, · There are beautiful well-preserved mediaeval towns like Pals and Peratallada everywhere, · Catalonia is well run with good roads and railways · The A7 motorway is never more than a few minutes drive and connects to the French network · Barcelona is easily accessible · Golf courses are numerous and of the highest standard all year round · In winter, there is good skiing in the nearby Pyrenees · There are cheap flights to Girona/Costa Brave airport and to Barcelona and Perpignan. · Eating out is inexpensive and a real pleasure · The cost of living generally is reasonable. That is an impressive catalogue of benefits. Add that attractive property is still fairly freely available and competitively priced and you will quickly understand the popularity of the region. Many different nationalities settle here, but unlike further south they are all intermingled, with no "English" estates or "German" estates. The whole atmosphere is much more cosmopolitan. That does not suit everybody. Before buying anything, do visit the area in and out of season. Resorts that are a buzz in summer often die completely in the winter. To most Catalonians, the Costa Brava is where they go for their summer holidays; they don't live there, and they don't even visit at week-ends out of season. If you are buying just for summer rentals and/or your own summer holidays, that does not matter, but if you are thinking of permanent residence, it is a critical factor. Never assume that you may be able to rent your property in winter. It is most unlikely.

If you are thinking of semi-permanent or even permanent residence, you may be concerned that you will find it hard to make friends here, and therefore be somewhat isolated. This is generally not so. Most residents are retired or semi-retired and it is fairly easy to meet new people, particularly of course if you play golf. Incomers tend to be of a similar age and background, even if from different countries. They too want to make new friends.

This may be an advantage or a disadvantage! You will also suddenly find that you have many friends in England wanting to visit you. Some of them may be friends that you thought of only as acquaintances. It can also be difficult for visitors to understand that you are not there just to entertain them, but have your own life to lead as well.

All in all though, the Costa Brava is a terrific place to holiday or live as long as you have thought through your purchase correctly. Our experience comes as part of the package, and our job is to make sure that you make the right decision for you. This is not the Costa del Sol either in terms of weather or life style, but it is culturally rich, welcoming, and offers a great life to those that respond to what it offers.

This article and more can be found at: Costa Brava Homes

© Costa Brava Homes 2004

Christopher B. Longmore - Costa Brava Homes Sales Director

Sussex County Delaware Beach Area Towns and Villages Are Unique and Historic

I love Sussex County Delaware. I am native born, multigenerational and proud to be one of those who, as they say; "are from here". In fact the earliest records of our family show we were here well before the Mayflower arrived; some our ancestors were here in the mid 1500's or before. They settled as farmers and missionaries in the areas of what are now Lewes, Milton, Angola, Long Neck, Broadkill and Red Mill Pond.

I was raised at what is now Eagle Crest Aerodrome, near Milton and started school at Milton school then went to Lewes School and graduated from Lewes School. Since then I've lived in several areas of what we locals sometimes call "Saltwater Sussex" and what I used to call The Henlopen Quadrant; that is the locations within 25 miles of Cape Henlopen.

Cape Henlopen is the anchor point of Salt Water Sussex County, where the Delaware Bay meets and flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Lewes. When you stand at Cape Henlopen Point, you can see the razor line of color change where the dark waters of the Bay meet the blue waters of the ocean in a diagonal line extending from the beach out into the sea.

The waters of the Delaware Bay are tributary and watershed runoff from the Great Marsh and all the little streams, creeks, rivers and wetlands of eastern Delaware and New Jersey as well as the effluent of the Delaware River flowing down from Pennsylvania and New York. Thus the darker waters of the Delaware Bay are that way as a result the particles and filtered organic matter from the Great Marsh and wetland areas. These darker waters then flow generally south along the Rehoboth, Dewey, area beaches until the clear waters of the Indian River and Bay pushing out the Indian River Inlet force the darker waters away from the coast and out to sea. Thus the ocean water on the beaches south of Indian River Inlet tends to be far clearer than that north of the inlet.

Lewes is known as the First Town in the First State. Lewes was the first town settled in Delaware and Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution of The United States - hence the title we proudly proclaim. Lewes was first settled by the Dutch and Swedes. There are numerous books on the history of Lewes in the local book stores, perhaps as many as two dozen different historical and entertaining books on this fair town.

Lewes has become one of the most historically sensitive towns in the area. Some people still call Lewes by its old name Lewes Towne. Some of our visitors have nicknamed it Williamsburg North with a bit of a wink and a smile. We have a wonderful little downtown along Second Street, Pilottown road, Market Street, Savannah Road and King's Highway. There are numerous specialty shops, restaurants and even the famous King's Ice Cream shop on 2nd St. to entice our numerous walkers. Lewes is, more than any other town in our region, a great place to walk all over town as you discover the little nooks, shops, businesses and trades that are usually in historically attractive buildings. In is not unusual to see hundreds of people walking the streets in Lewes, even in the off season. In the summer season, spring and fall, it is customary to see thousands of people and families slowly walking and looking at our old homes, businesses, museums and scenic views.

The Lewes Harbor is a wonderfully scenic deep water port, the only one in eastern Sussex County. There are sailboats and larger boats moored along the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal from the Roosevelt Inlet at the north end of Lewes down to the Canal Bridge where Kings Highway and Savannah Road combine to cross the drawbridge and connect historic Lewes to Lewes Beach.

Lewes Beach is more recently developed than the town of Lewes. The homes of Lewes Beach have seldom been there longer than 50 years and many of the older, smaller fixer-upper homes are being removed and larger modern homes built on the lots there. The lands of Lewes Beach, all of the lots, are owned by the town of Lewes. Residents, property owners and businesses get a 99 year lease which is renewable. The modest lease fee is paid to the town of Lewes annually. The lots in Lewes "sell" actually the leases are transferred to the new land tenants at the same price as land would be deeded.

Cape Henlopen State Park includes most of the bay front and ocean front land and beaches around Lewes. There are some communities; Pilot Point, Cape Shores, Port Lewes, and the Delaware River and Bay Pilots Association along the Bay. The Cape Henlopen State Park was once Fort Miles the Army base. Fort Miles was set up between World War I and World War II to protect the Delaware Bay shipping traffic from the German submarines. Now the thousands of acres of beach, dunes, wetlands and woods that stretch between Lewes and Rehoboth are all part of the park and the military buildings have other beachy uses.

Rehoboth is the next historic town south of Lewes. Rehoboth Beach is known as the Nation's Summer Capital; because so many of the power elite of Washington D.C. vacation and visit here. Rehoboth Beach; The Nation's Summer Capital has another name as well - Weekend Washington, a name popular in particular with the college crowd from George Washington University in downtown D.C. The traffic flow from Washington D.C. is so heavy that it is not unusual for people to spend 4 to 8 hours each Friday or Saturday driving the 100 miles from the city to our beach.

The universities of Washington D.C. are noted for being the power training bases for the world's social and ruling elite. The Georgetown University Department of Government, in cooperation with the School for Summer and Continuing Education, offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity to spend an exciting semester as an intern in the nation's capital, while living and studying on the campus of one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States. Students gain valuable practical work experience necessary to be competitive in today's job market, while enriching their academic resume with undergraduate credits from Georgetown University. G.U. is known for its tough standards, especially at the Law school and the Medical school. This pressure is continued for the summer sessions as well. These students will become some of the finest and most famous Doctors and Lawyers in America. Almost 100% of these G.U. students exit the downtown campus on Friday after lunch and drive straight to Rehoboth and Dewey Beach. The party starts when they start the car, or in most cases the Jeep or SUV.

George Washington University sprawls throughout downtown D.C. along Pennsylvania Avenue and over toward the Watergate. G.W. or G.W.U. either one is correct, is noted as the place where the future leaders of our country are educated and interned. The school is running over with students whose parents rule and work on "The Hill", Capital Hill in D.C. G.W. students are often some of the first to escape the city and speed toward the Beach, especially Dewey Beach.

As the student guide for prestigious American University in DC says: there are many resort areas along the coast, such as Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Rehoboth Beach, known locally as the "nation's summer capital" because of its popularity among Washington, D.C. residents. The summers are hot and humid in Delaware and the beach is the major recreation area. American University is famed for educating the future leaders of the world. Many of the students are expected to help rule their particular countries after graduation. For this reason among others the sitting President of The United States gives the Commencement address at A.U. each June - no other school in the world can make that claim.

A.U. is a huge sprawling campus that meanders all over the D.C. area. These thousands of well connected students From G.W.U., G.U., A.U., and other DC area schools, are particularly expected to lead their individual countries or if they are not quite that well connected they are expected to intern and then work as executives in one of the Embassies, the European Union, the International Chamber of Commerce, World Court, International Monetary Fund, Organization of American States, Peace Corps, World Bank, World Health Organization, World Intellectual Property Organization, World Trade Organization, or the United Nations. So when you see some "kid" at the beach in Rehoboth or Dewey - pay attention, it is just possible that these "kids" may be ruling and running countries and making international headlines in a few years.

Dewey Beach is noted for it's motto's "It's A Dewey Thing", "Just Dewey It", "Live IS a Beach", "Dewey - A Way of Life" and more. Dewey Beach is the primary party spot for well financed singles with fit bodies. Dewey is the Happy Hunting Ground for the high pressured professionals of the DC area. Many have pseudonyms that are used in Dewey to protect their other place identities. Some of these Dewey People start living the summers in a Dewey House in college and never stop. There are Group Houses now where most of the participants, the partiers are in their 40s and 50s and act like they are still in their 20s - and always will. There are over two dozen party houses in Dewey on the Web alone. This represents several hundred singles that spend most of their disposable income in Dewey - and that can be substantial.

Dewey Beach is known around the world for the famous Rusty Rudder Restaurant and Ruddertowne. There is also the famous or more properly infamous Starboard, the rowdy Bottle and Cork, The Waterfront, and The Lighthouse. The customary Dewey lifestyle is to party all night, get up and run early then go to the beach and sleep off the night before while tanning. Then perhaps a little volley ball, some more running and then checking out the other "hard bodies" for someone to hook-up with for the nights partying and on it goes. The "Professionals" are able to keep this up for the Hundred Days during college and then after employment, usually in DC, they try to keep up the same average action on just the weekends and recuperate during the week. There is a famous quote, no longer legal to put in rental ads for beach houses, "4 bedrooms - sleeps 50" and the tenants try to stretch even that occupancy. Beds are often used for sleeping anyway, except by accident. Do you have an idea of what "A Dewey Way of Life" might be?

Bethany Beach is just a few miles down The Ocean Highway or The Coastal Highway or Route One or Delaware Sea Shore Highway or whatever name they change it to next week. The ride from Dewey Beach is a pleasant and beautiful one of only a few miles but the two towns are universes apart in difference. Bethany Beach is "The Quiet Place", "The Family Resort", and "The Quiet Resort" and is a town with little going on, outside of the homes. There is very little commercialism and lots of just staying at home or in some cases going to the beach or the boardwalk. Bethany Beach and South Bethany, Delaware are nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the inland bays. Bethany Beach and South Bethany Beach are situated on the Atlantic Ocean just south of Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach, Delaware, and north of Fenwick Island, Delaware and Ocean City, Maryland. Each of these little beach towns is a world different from each other one.

Fenwick Island is the southern-most town in the state of Delaware and is nestled between the ocean and the bay. Fenwick Island was incorporated in 1953 and is also locally referred to as "The Quiet Resort." This little town has maintained its own unique quality, charm and small-town atmosphere. The pristine beaches and bays offer a myriad of recreational opportunities to please even the most discerning vacationer. Activities can range from boating, sailing, water skiing, fishing to biking. The ocean water is the clearest and cleanest in the state. The Fenwick beaches are the most spacious and least used and the primary activity outside of staying home is just lying on the beach for that perfect tan. Come see how relaxing Fenwick Island can be for you and your family. Outdoor activities are backed up with friendly home-town services. Family operated motels and restaurants provide the ultimate in comfort.

Let's NOT forget some of the lesser known beaches of Southern Delaware - those hidden little places that not even the locals know much about. These are all along the Delaware Bay, north of Lewes. They are in order: Broadkill Beach and some call it the old name Broadkiln Beach; next to the north are Prime Hook Beach, Slaughter Beach and then Bowers Beach. These little beaches, each one with a unique personality of its own have no commercial establishments to amount to anything, no boardwalks and very little rental property market. The homes are mostly very modest older homes but that is changing fast.

Broadkill Beach, where I had an office for several years, was originally just squatters who did not own the land but had little "cottages" there, usually made of spare pieces of lumber and stuff picked up in the personal junk piles of the farmers who spent time there. Broadkill Beach still has some incredibly unique and sometimes ugly homes scattered among the beautiful modern showcases. Gradually the older homes are being removed by the new owners and larger and usually spectacular homes put in their place. Prices in Broadkill are less than half of those in Lewes, sometimes far less than half! There are no lifeguards, no beach cleaning, no town hall, no police, no mayor or government of any kind and few restrictions. This is a great fishing community. There are thousands of prehistoric Horse Shoe Crabs that mate and die on the beaches each summer but the locals consider that keeps the citified
people away and they like that.

Prime Hook Beach or Primehook beach depending on which map you use is far less expensive than Broadkill. There are far fewer modern homes there but the trend has started. Little by little the older, sometimes rough homes at Primehook are being refurbished. The waterfront homes at Primehook were always far larger and nicer than those at Broadkill. Many of them are not being removed, but are one by one, being restored.

Broadkill and Primehook as well as Slaughter Beach are all surrounded by huge barriers of wetlands behind them and between them. Fishermen can surf fish in the bay but mostly it is just the view from these beaches that the residents enjoy and the lost in time lack of modern restrictions and commercialism. Slaughter Beach does have its own volunteer fire department which serves as the social focus of the town. But mostly there are just good neighbors and a laid back life available at these old beaches. If you want something else, you'll have to drive a half hour or so to one of the small towns inland to find it.

Bowers Beach is a strange and wonderful world out of place. For one thing you can't get from south Bowers to north Bowers by car or foot - only by boat, unless you go many miles inland and back. The channel is only a hundred feet wide that divides the town but the two sides of town are remote from each other - except for the residents who just hop on a dingy and slip across. Bowers, on a busy day, in the height of the summer season
might see six or seven tourists in a day - but not usually that many.

Each beach as you travel north up the bay has lower prices, less swimming enjoyment, less fishing as a rule and less government and restrictions. Each has its lovers and most people will have a love or hate response to any given one of the beaches. I love them all, each in a different way and will gladly help you find your utopian dream location. Just let us know when you are ready to choose!