Central Business District The Embodiment Of A Booming Economy

CBD Central Business District is the hub of Beijings commercial financial and media operations extending over an area of nearly 4 sq km towards the east of the city center between 3rd and 4th Ring roads. As Beijing is the capital of China the CBD was set aside as a commercial hub in 1993 and since then is undergoing a substantial development adding more and more skyscrapers and futuristic outlines to its skyline becoming the epitome of Chinas booming economy.

CBD nestles government offices business and media firms as well as posh residential and shopping areas within its locality claiming to some of the prominent landmarks such as Fortune Plaza Beijing Yintai Centre Beijing TV Centre CCTV Headquarters Jing Guang Centre and China World Trade Centre Tower 3.

Its major developments boasts of CCTV China Central Television headquarters with its most unique faade rising up to 234m with 51 floors which was completed in 2008 in addition to the Fortune Plaza reaching 260m with 63 floors serving as a complex for business offices and upscale residential apartments which is currently under construction.

Statistically the Central Business District of Beijing houses 3000 business firms encompassing 500 multinational companies 600 foreign branches as well as 150 financial companies. Whats more CBD now claims to have 117 Fortune 500 business firms spanning across industries such as financial IT and media among others. There are also a number of foreign embassies located in CBD and its surrounding areas.

Among the many skyscrapers adorning its skyline the China World Trade Centre Tower 3 is the most prominent claiming to be the tallest building of Beijing with a height of 330m housing 74 floors 4 underground floors as well as 30 elevators. It was completed in early 2009 as per the 3rd phase development of China World Trade Centre complex. This imposing high rise will house an extensive office complex a 5star hotel with 270 rooms and a grand ballroom that can accommodate 1600 people.

If you choose one of the strategically located luxury hotels in Beijing such as the Grand Millennium Beijing you will have the privilege of capturing the enthralling panoramic scene of CBD skyline silhouetted against the warm hues of the setting sun. You can also savor the succulent cuisines served at these luxury hotels of Beijing in the Central Business District while relishing your stay at this dynamic and prosperous city of Beijing in China.

About the writer:  Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Celebrity-spotting: A Holiday Not A Hobby

The evolving face of travel in the 21st century has seen the traditional package holiday take a backseat in the hearts and minds of holidaygoers. Instead it has given way to the concept of the “themed vacation” from Aztec tours in Central America to Lord of the Rings themed trips to New Zealand. But in today’s celebrityobsessed world one themed break is rising quickly through the ranks: the idea of the “celebrityspotting” getaway.

Indulging in a bit of celebrityspotting on your holiday is a great way to inject some excitement into your lifestyle. And don’t think that Los Angeles is the only city in which you’ll be able to rub shoulders with the rich and famous many world hotels and resorts that are frequented by high profile celebrities or sportspeople are now instantly recognisable.

For instance Barbados is arguably one of the world’s best locations for sighting celebs. Legendary musicians like Mick Jagger and Sting are regular visitors to the island while Tiger Woods decided he liked Barbados so much he chose it as the location for his wedding. Moreover with stunning white sands palm trees and crystal clear blue waters Barbados gives any holidaymaker the opportunity to feel like a star.

Dubai has also gained popularity as a new tourist destination amongst both celebrities and their erstwhile fans. With yearround sunshine unparalleled opportunities for shopping and a stunning architectural landscape Dubai has played host in the recent past to a range of stars from Hollywood Alisters to European football clubs. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel one of Dubai’s premier destinations has seen the likes of Ben Stiller Jessica Alba and the Liverpool Football Club walk through its doors. What’s more the city strives to cultivate a very highclass lifestyle for all its residents and visitors; so finding a 5star hotel in Dubai in which to indulge in starryeyed sightings is unlikely to be difficult.

Though seen by many as past its heyday the French Riviera still holds some weight in the celebrity holiday stakes. Seen as the playground of the Jet Set in the 1950s and 1960s France’s celebrated Cote d’Azur was popular with the likes of Brigitte Bardot and JeanPaul Sartre before being populated by the playboys of Monte Carlo and the nouveauriche. But take a trip to the French Riviera in the summertime and you’ll still be able to revel in some celebritysightings. Head towards St Tropez’s booming nightclubs or visit Cannes during its infamous film festival and the rewards are sure to be huge.

So whether you’re planning to scour the streets of Las Vegas in the hope of a fleeting glance of George Clooney or you’re hoping to devour all the delights of Madrid with the intention of setting eyes on the England football teams’ dedicated WAGs it’s clear that celebrityspotting need no longer be just a hobby. In fact it’s a fantastic idea for a holiday one that’s sure to add endless glamour and sophistication to your travels.

About the writer:  Howard G. Charing is an accomplished international workshop leader on shamanism. He has worked some of the most respected and extraordinary shamans healers in the Andes the Amazon Rainforest and the Philippines. He organises specialist retreats to the Amazon Rainforest He is the author of the best selling book Plant Spirit Shamanism Destiny Books USA and has published numerous articles about plant medicines. Website http://www.shamanism.co.uk

Celebrate Fall In New Orleans

* Art for Arts Sake: This free citywide “gallery hop” on Oct. 1 marks the opening of the city’s fabulous arts season. More than 50 upscale art galleries will be open in the Warehouse Arts District and on Magazine Street. Sip a glass of wine along the way and be inspired by the visual feast.

* New Orleans Film Festival: October lights up with this festival which takes place from Oct. 6 through Oct. 13. Along with a full lineup of films the festival will feature workshops and seminars for cinema aficionados.

* The Fresh Art Festival: This nationally recognized festival spices up the Arts District with a fine arts and crafts show demonstrations music and food. Bring home a beautiful piece of original art from this event which takes place on Oct. 15 and Oct. 16.

* Voodoo Fest: On Oct. 29 and Oct. 30 City Park will rock with a full roster of great jazz blues and funk bands. Videogame tents and traveling museums will offer sneak previews of new game technologies.

* Halloween: Nightly ghost and vampire tours are offered throughout the year but they take on new meaning during Halloween in New Orleans dubbed “The Most Haunted City in America.” “Boo at the Zoo” at Audubon Zoo and “Ghosts in the Oaks” at City Park are perfect kidfriendly celebrations for your tykes.

* Swamp Fest: This event is great family entertainment with Louisiana Zydeco Cajun and Creole foods and games. Swamp Fest takes place at Audubon Zoo on two weekends in November: Nov. 5 and Nov. 6 and again on Nov. 12 and Nov. 13.

* Christmas New Orleans Style: Bring the entire family to ring in the holidays New Orleansstyle. From Dec. 1 through Dec. 31 visitors can enjoy free nightly jazz concerts in St. Louis Cathedral free cooking demonstrations fabulous reveillon dinners and 2 million dazzling lights dotting the oak trees of City Park at Celebration in the Oaks.

About the writer:  For More Health Article Visit :: http://www.webhealthclinic.com/

Catch Some Rays Closer To Home This Autumn In North Africa

Many Brits who counted on this summer to be a repeat of last year are now regretting not planning their summer holidays abroad in warmer environs but it is not too late to plan a trip for this autumn. Although many sun seekers may head to the Caribbean in the upcoming months for their essential dose of vitamin D the countries of the Middle East provide just as much sunshine are much closer and there are no hurricane threats. As well as practically nonstop sunshine the Middle East also offers visitors a rich and varied history and culture to discover.

Sun drenched beaches world class diving superb snorkelling and all inclusive resorts may not come to mind when thinking about holidays in the Middle East and North Africa but it should. Many parts of these countries are taking advantage of their hot climate clear blue seas and their rich histories offering holidaymakers a variety of sports activities and relaxation.

Visitors can take day trips to ancient cities such as Luxor in Egypt or Fes in Morocco shop in the modern metropolises of Dubai and Abu Dhabi or even take a luxurious Egyptian cruise down the Nile. Britons that feel cheated by the wash out UK summer can take their strong pound and plan a relaxing holiday in the region while having the option of seeing some of the greatest sights in the world.

Fes is the spiritual and cultural centre of Morocco and a great place to go if you have been enchanted by the Moorish style that Morocco exudes. Here you can visit the oldest medina in the country visit mosques dye pits and tanneries and also dine at fantastic restaurants shop in the open air markets and people watch at the cafes. Mint tea is the beverage of choice a refreshing drink after strolling through the ancient city where you can explore the narrow streets and be glad you escaped the rain and lacklustre weather back home.

The great pyramids are emblematic of Egypt and are probably what first comes to mind when people think of a holiday there. The majority of visitors travelling to Egypt will most likely go and see this great wonder of the world but there are other things in Egypt that should not be missed. Egypt has some of the highest class hotels and resorts in the world offering renowned dive centres and water sports as well which employ experienced teachers to take on first timers or help the advanced improve.

If you are planning your autumn holiday in North Africa or the Middle East it may seem hard to choose but at least it is easy to find a place that has everything you require for your vacation.

The Caribbean may conjure up images of white sands and palm trees but the sunshine of North Africa clearly rivals even the sunniest spots of these islands while having no threat of hurricane season. If the rainy wet miserable weather of the British summer is giving you itchy feet to get out and catch some rays dont pass up the hot sun closer to home in the ancient cities or warm beaches of North Africa and the Middle East.

About the writer:  Elisha Burberry is an online freelance journalist and keen moviegoer from Scotland. Her interests include travelling cooking and photography.

Carpathians Is A True Rural Green Tourism Area – Mountain Villages Offer You A Different Vacation

Village Homestays in the Carpathians Ukraine.
This type of tourism combines two positive features low price and the comfort of feeling home instead of living at a hotel.
The rural green tourism Association of IvanoFrankivsk offers this type of opportunity. Offering stays as low as 3 USD/night and updwards really makes this an attractive offer. In addition the hosts offering their homes for you as visitor really wants your visit because they want visitors and not necessarily your money.
The setting is perfect with deep green spruce forests mountain top meadows filled with aromatic grasses and flowers serene Alpine lakes of the rocky Chornohora high peak range sparkling streams and waterfalls fed by melting snow gentle hills rolling off into the horizon all these are elements of the Carpathian natural world. The landscape is characterized by mountains with broad rounded tops that are often covered with meadows. Valleys up to 1200 m deep intersect mountain ridges and provide shelter for villages. The highest peak in Ukraine Hoverla 2061 m 6762 ft is found in the Chornohora ridge.
Fifteen homes in the six villages named Vorokhta Kryvopole Krasnyk Verkhovyna Kryvorivna and Yavorivare currently featured on their list of homes to use during your stay in this region.
Vorokhta is a nice center for winter sports in Ukraine as itt has a high ski jump complex used for Olympic athletes training. It is a popular place for Crosscountry and downhill skiing and several chair lifts the longest 2km long in operation during the winter makes it easy accessible for alpine skiing.
Easy access to Vorokhta with the train station in center of city.
Fir trees are in majority to broadleaf trees here since the elevations are moderately higher 800900 m. The wilder parts of the Carpathian National Park are located to the south of the village which provide interesting hiking opportunities. There is a large lumber mill on the edge of town which gives the town a rundown look.
There are some interesting sights: one of the oldest standing wooden Hutsul churches built in 1615 a newer wooden church with a unique style and colored ornamentation and a large stone arch railroad bridge one of the largest of its kind in Europe built in 1894 back when Austria controlled the area.

The town of Verkhovyna is located in a valley along the Cheremosh River. It was one of the largest and most important Hutsul settlements. The writer Ivan Franko called it the Hutsul capital. Verkhovyna is not along the road to anywhere and it feels more remote. The road that leads to Verkhovyna which is 150 km from IvanoFrankivsk is very picturesque either through Kosiv or Vorokhta. Since the road must wind through mountain passes makes it an exiting trip in itself. The valley lies at an 575 m height and is surrounded by mountains excellent for day hikes: Mt Pushkar 812 m Mt Mahurka 1025 m Mt Synytsia 1186 m and Mt Bila Kobyla 1473 m. Mushrooms can be found along Pushkar and Mahurka while wild berries can be found on Synytsia and Bila Kobyla. Along Mt Synystia one can find the “Dovbush Cliffs”.
The Gorgany region of the Carpathians has a rugged topography. The region which is located approximately between Yaremche and Mizhiria is characterized by deep valleys steep mountainsides and mountaintops that are covered with boulder and rock fields. This territory was difficult to settle and to this day parts of it remain a wilderness. The extensive forest consiting of fir and spruce is a valuable natural resource. At the turn of the century an extensive network of narrow gage rails was constructed to facilitate extraction of timber. Today these lay abandoned.
To the south characteristic features of the mountains are the mountaintop meadows or “polonynas”. The fragrances of sedges rushes grasses and wildflowers combine to produce the cool aromatic breezes of the polonynas. Over the past several hundred years the Hutsuls utilized these high altitude meadows as pastures for grazing herds of sheep.
The highest elevations of the Carpathians are found in the Chornohora mountain massif. This massive ridge extends for 40 km and consists of a series of peaks that rise above the treeline: Mt Petros 2020 m Mt Hoverla 2061 m Mt Turkul 1933 m Mt Munchel 1998 m and Mt Pip Ivan 2020 m. Two picturesque alpine lakes Marichejka and Nesamovyta are also found here. Beech forests are found on northern facing slopes up to 1300 m elevation while on southern slopes they grow at somewhat higher elevations. Above this a forest belt consisting of spruce is found up to 1800 m. Above the forest limit lies a zone of dwarf pine juniper brush rhododendron and other bushes. The mountain tops consist of the polonyna meadows or boulder and rock fields. For centuries this frontier land formed the border between the states that occupied Galicia and Transcarpathia. At the southeast end of Chornohora on the mountain Pip Ivan a large astronomical observatory was built by a Polish and French partnership. This large structure has long been abandoned and has the appearance of a mountaintop castle ruin. Today most of the Chornohora region is protected by the state. The northern part is territory of the Carpathian National Park while the southern part is territory of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve.
The Hutsul Alps also called the Marmarosky massif are more extreme in appearance than the typical gentle contours of the Ukrainian Carpathians. These mountains have pointed peaks steep slopes deep valleys and sharp edged glacial features that distinguish themselves as the only part of the Ukrainian Carpathians with an Alplike appearance. The major peaks are Mt Pip Ivan 1937 m Mt Farcau 1958 m and Mt. Mykhailyk 1918 m. There is a different Mt Pip Ivan located in Chornohora. Because of the extreme conditions here this region is sparsely settled and rich spruce forests cover the mountains slopes below the rocky tops. The village Bohdan is the closest settlement to these mountains and only 10 km to the south is the Romanian border. The Chyvchyn mountains to the east are lower in elevation but also distinct from the rest of the Ukrainian Carpathians since like the Marmarosky massif they are made of hard crystalline schists.

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;StigArne Kristoffersen
A Globetrotter
www.lulu.com/stig
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Carpathian Cities Holidays And Festivals Are Special Events Full Of Color And Life

Visiting the old town called Kolomyya in August and September is well worth time spent. During this time theres an international folk festival called Kolomyika where you will be involved in a whirlpool of folk songs and dances. In September you can taste the national dishes made of brynza during the festival Hutsulska brynza and of course youll never be able to forget a Christmas in Lviv. In the theatres and in the streets of the city the festival of vertep theatres is in full swing. In the middle of January the Red wine festival starts in Mukachevo and it is no wonder since top quality wine is produced in Zakarpattya. According to a story in 1376 Elizabeth the Queen of Hungary and Poland conferred the right of medieval European selfgovernment on the city for selling wine. During the festival you can appreciate the taste of home made wines and factory beverages in the central square of the town and if you like you can buy a bottle or even a tub of wine. On an Easter Day its better to visit Lviv where you can hear the chime of cathedral bells and the sounds of the organ. Whats more only at this time and only in Lviv can you purchase genuine Ukrainian pysanka each a true work of art. Another festival that will take your breath away capitalized on the Carpathians being a unique European center for highland milk sheep breeding. The festival is called the Polonyna March and its roots go back to the times of paganism. The festival presupposes cattle coming out to the highland pastures and the festivities it is accompanied with are nothing but striking. Among them is a special ceremony the play of the most extraordinary musical instruments and theatric actions. Even the cattle are dressed up for the event.

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;StigArne Kristoffersen
A Globetrotter
www.lulu.com/stig

Caribbean Vacation Spots That Will Blow Your Mind

There are 28 islands in the Caribbean and all of them will provide you with a memorable vacation. Your choice in islands depends mainly on what you are looking for in Caribbean vacation spots. If you want to enjoy some of the best shopping experience sin the world outside of Paris then you should look to the island of Martinique. This is a French colony and the goods here come from France. The climate is the same throughout much of the year. This is a land of fire and water ringed with metallic sandy beaches. It is a volcanic island with the fragrance of flowers in the air.

Experience the best of Caribbean food when you visit the island of Jamaica such as rice and peas cooked with coconut milk Ackee and saltfish bammy which is a floured cassava and jerk chicken. There are six cities on this island all of which have resorts that you can choose for your accommodations. Montego Bay is the most popular but for the lessinhibited Negril is the best location on the island where wearing clothing is optional on the beaches.

The Cayman Islands are an overseas territory of Britain so it is here that you will really feel as if you in Europe. The year round temperatures average about 75?and all three islands of this nation boast coral reefs and some of the best diving and snorkeling locations in the Caribbean. The natural beauty of the islands is a must see for nature buffs and rock climbing enthusiasts claim that the bluff of Cayman Brac is one of the best sites in the world. Take advantage of the great fishing opportunities or just spend the day lounging on one of the sandy beaches.

Anguilla is a tiny island but it has a huge reputation as a vacation destination in the Caribbean. With accommodations designed to suit all visitors this is a retreat for couples singles and families with small children. Visit art galleries tour historic sites dance to the island music or take a horseback ride into the mountains. Explore the world under the sea to see the wealth of marine life or if you want something a little quieter spend your day on the beach.

The Bahamas consist of over 700 islands that extend through 500 miles of some of the clearest water in the world. The islands are also home to the third longest barrier reef in the world. With so many islands to choose from there are many vacation destinations in this region but there are 14 main islands that are the center of the tourist industry. If you want to take in some of the best sailing and boating then the Abacos are the ones you should choose. Grand Bahama Island is Mecca of ecological wonders with something for everyone. In Nassau on Pardis Island you have the freedom to do as you please with the wealth of attractions and activities available.

The Caribbean is one of the most popular tourist destinations and is easy to reach from any international airport especially those in the US.

About the writer:  For more information on Caribbean vacation spotsthe best island vacations and exotic getaways visit http://www.TropicalIslandVacation.net

Caribbean Honeymoons: Top 10 Destinations

Planning your Caribbean honeymoon shouldn’t be as complex as planning your wedding… Right! But with so many enticing options where do you start? Well start here of course and let me help you discover the best of the best honeymoon destinations.

Certainly you’re looking for a romantic adventure where you’ll experience many “first time” events together and every couple wants something a little different. I had a fabulous Caribbean honeymoon and have taken some great trips in my lifetime. Check out these top picks and what makes them special. One of them is perfect for that memorable trip you’ve been dreaming of!

Barbados

This island is absolutely gorgeous and you will definitely leave feeling spoiled. Stay at the secluded 110yearold Crane Hotel for nostalgic romance or at the Peach Quiet for a budget honeymoon. It’s the adventurous couples dream with clear blue waters for scuba divers windsurfers and sightseeing from the air in a helicopter or underwater in a minisub. You’ll find decent beaches here but not the best of the bunch.

Turks Caicos

If you like small secluded luxury hotels with worldclass spas and great restaurants then you’ll love it here on any of the eight inhabited islands. The uncrowded beaches are absolutely fabulous. You may even end up sunbathing next to a movie star as many vacation in the Turks Caicos. Go horseback riding sail to one of the many deserted islands and play “Lost” for the day see flocks of flamingos or thousands of iguanas on Little Water Cay. The scuba diving and snorkeling are phenomenal as is the deepsea fishing and bone fishing. Kiteboarding windsurfing and other water sports are also popular. A definite favorite for a perfect beach honeymoon vacation!

St. Lucia

This island is straight out of a fairytale with lush tropical scenery and twin mountain peaks covered in rain forest serenity. The locals are very friendly and seeing the St. Lucia Soufriere volcano from the inside will leave you in awe. Taking a day to tour the island on horseback is one of the major reasons this is in the top ten places to take a Caribbean honeymoon. Also many hotels really cater to honeymooners with allinclusive packages. Go in May and you’ll catch the Jazz Festival which is way fun!

Dominican Republic

A great choice for a budget honeymoon that still had beautiful beaches and lots to offer. Taking a catamaran ride to the enchanting Saona Island is just one of the ways to enjoy this romantic getaway. Add a visit to the 600acre Ecological Park enjoying a dozen blue lagoons is nothing short then a romantic getaway in heaven.

Martinique

A great romantic getaway yet for some reason it’s still underrated compared to the rest here. Inhale the French culture along with the tantalizing scents of the beautiful flowers that consume the entire island. Take a canopy tour and go hiking in the rain forest canyons before getting a taste of superb Creole cuisine going shopping and sampling the fairly lively nightlife.

Anguilla

When people choose a Caribbean honeymoon this island is overlooked more times than not. I have no idea why because its built for couples to enjoy. You won’t find much commercialization here the nightlife is pretty lowkey and water sports are not a big draw. But you’ll have dozens of fantastic beaches to explore and the fine dining is possibly the best in all the Caribbean.

British Virgin Islands BVI

You have several islands to choose from with many hotel options for a secluded romantic retreat. Ride a yacht to the famous Baths of Virgin Gorda or find a hidden beach for you and your loved to enjoy all alone. The beach bars on Jost Van Dyke are a fun hangout popular with sailors.

US Virgin Islands USVI

All beautiful areas here the fact that they’re all considered part of the United States makes things more convenient. St. John has the best beaches and diving while St. Thomas is known for excellent dining and shopping. Of course St. Croix is cheaper and also has casinos so you pick or hop around. The variety of USVI makes it one of the best honeymoon destinations.

Jamaica

I absolutely love Ocho Rios. The Dunn’s River Falls has got to be the coolest adventure climb on any island. Climb the waterfall and jump back down into the water… amazing! Horseback riding on the beach a little reggae music and rum at sunset and you’ve got yourself a nice romantic getaway plus it’s great for a budget honeymoon.

Cayman Islands

Saving this for last simply because if you want to take a romantic Caribbean honeymoon and still feel like your back home this is the closest thing you’ll come across. With many American themes you won’t feel too far away but taking in some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the Caribbean will be breathtaking. Also if you are into shopping and eating well then the Caymans have got to be a top pick for you Caribbean honeymoon.

Now that you’ve got some good ideas you just have to decide which is the best honeymoon destination for you. Hopefully this list has got you excited and also helped narrow down your choices too. Good luck and have fun. Whichever one you decide on I hope you two have a wonderful wedding and a romantic honeymoon!

About the writer:  Author Ryan Burden loves the beach. Ryan is a selfprofessed expert beach bum traveler and publisher of Turks and Caicos Beach Vacation.com an insider’s guide for planning all your Turks Caicos adventures. Like Ryan maybe YOU would like to turn your passion into online profits. Learn how easy it can be with Websites that Work.

Caribbean Bike Tours – Exploring Barbuda

A fifteen minute flight from Antigua island trekkers can be cruising on Barbuda’s Pink Sand Beach.

Barbuda Bike Tours offers bicycle tent canopy rentals on the gorgeous beaches of Barbuda. They also offer guided mountain bike tours.
Twentyeight miles north of Antigua lies Barbuda an island of sixtytwo square miles of unexplored beaches and wilderness.
The terrain is completely flat and the elevation is close to or at sea level. This makes for easy yet exciting beach exploring and bird watching throughout the island. Barbuda is host to one of the largest frigate bird sanctuaries in the world. Barbuda is known for it’s lobster its number one export. Visitors to Barbuda can enjoy the biggest freshest lobster in the Caribbean.

Barbuda is a very dry island and presents an entirely opposite image of Antigua. You will find a more level landscape and shrubby vegetation. The population adds up to less than a couple thousand people and Barbuda’s main attraction are the wonderful sand beaches and the colorful underwater world. Around Barbuda you will find over 150 ship wrecks under water!

The island is best known for its seemingly endless beaches. Pink Sand Beach so named for the powdery pink sand found on the beaches is seventeen miles of still undeveloped beach front with crystal clear water. In one of Conde Nast Traveler issues Pink Sand Beach was named one of the ten best beaches in the Caribbean.

There is plenty to explore on a bike excursion; from the caves of Two Foot Bay which provide shelter while wrapping around the north side of the island to exploring the interior finding the Coco Point Well to fill water bottles during a break.

Visitors can rent a Trek bike with or without suspension. There are also guided tours that can take you anywhere on the island. When you arrive at your secluded beach destination sleep under the stars in a large or small Eastern Mountain tent. If camping is not your style make a reservation with one of the hotels or villas on the island.

Tents and bikes can be rented at Barbuda Bike Tours between December 1st and March 1st. All prices include campsites and tent set up. For more general information on Barbuda Bike Tours drop in on them at http://www.barbudabiketours.com.

About the writer:  Randy Besosa manages Caribbean luxury vacation website where you can find information on Antigua and Barbuda hotels and resorts most popular beaches activities and much more.

Car Hire: Queensland Coast Drive

Many associate Australia with the arid desertscapes familiar from much Australian iconography: Ayres Rock outback and endless dusty cattle ranches. Queensland is different: the northeastern reaches of Australia fall within the tropical zone.

A coastal drive from Cairns to Port Douglas is a good way of experiencing the best of what the region has to offer. From the UK it is possible to fly directly to Brisbane. From there it is easy to take a connecting flight to Cairns the main hub in northern Queensland.

Car hire in Australia need not be expensive and although there is a train connection up to the Kuranda Nature Reserve the car affords greater freedom to explore. Cairns itself is a likeable place and there is enough here to justify at least an overnight stop. The lively Esplanade is packed with restaurants and bars and is thronged with revellers in the evenings. Otherwise there is a regional gallery exhibiting Australian art and more unusually there is a museum on the history of the flying doctors the medical service not the daytime soap. Cairns is also something of a Mecca for bungee jumpers. Those who enjoy the sensation of falling secured only by a piece of elastic are well served here: there are several operators peddling these thrills from purpose built platforms.

Once the car hire has been sorted out it is only an hours drive 60 miles up the coast to Port Douglas. On the way the Kuranda Reserve protects swathes of rain forest. There are campsites here with basic amenities. Rangers offer guided tours through the forest with good chances of seeing fresh water crocodilesfreshies and turtles.

Port Douglas is an idyllic small community framed between forested slopes endless beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. The four mile beach is a real draw of course but many come here to check out the reef either on a day cruise or through a supervised scuba dive. Most of the reef is a designated marine reserve unique in the scale of its coral growths and richness of its sea life innumerable species of fish numerous sea snakes. So called wonky holes feed these reefs with nutrient rich fresh water which fosters the growth of the coral although pollution from agricultural runoff is a constant and growing threat.

Cheap car hire in Australia allows a certain flexibility in terms of shaping an itinerary. If time allowed it would be quite possible to deposit a vehicle hired in Cairns back in Brisbane for those ready for a 1400 mile stretch. Spread over a few days this would convey the real vastness of Australia.

20.3.2008

About the writer:  Mark Lauterwein is a UK based writer. He is currently writing articles on a variety of subjects.