Del Mar California is a fashionable beach-side town just north of San Diego. We who live here like to think that San Diego is paradise, but the beach towns along the coast – what we call North County – is even better – definitely a heavenly type of paradise.
Our North County “paradise” is a community of small, quaint beach towns: Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Cardiff, Leucadia and Carlsbad all blessed with cooling ocean breezes. Our towns have charming hotels, resorts and inns, unbelievable restaurants and absolutely gorgeous beaches.
Del Mar has a long history of celebrities, in a large part because of its world-class horse racing track built in the 1930’s under the direction and patronage of Bing Crosby and Jimmy Durante. Their celebrity status made the Del Mar Race Track Thoroughbred Club one of the most beautiful and prestigious organizations in the racing world. The race track brought a steady steam of celebrities to the hotels in Del Mar and many Del Mar inns and resorts were established during this time.
Del Mar Ca hotels, inns and lodging accommodations are breathtaking, but pricey. One of the most exquisite Del Mar hotels is along the shores of the ocean – it’s the ageless L’Auberge Del Mar, a San Diego resort that, as they say, “Celebrates the extraordinary connection we all have with the stillness, comfort and relaxation of the ocean.”
L’Auberge Del Mar hotel is ranked among the finest and most elegant resorts in the world by Cond Nast Traveler. L’Auberge Del Mar hotel brings together phenomenal coastal views, marvelous sophistication and tailored service to produce a one-of-a-kind romantic vacation at a Del Mar resort.
The San Diego Fair is held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds every summer. We locals call it the fair the “Del Mar Fair” – in fact, I have never heard a local call it the San Diego Fair. The Del Mar location is just right – only a few blocks from the refreshing breezes off the ocean on those blistering summer days. If you plan to visit the fair from out of town, be sure to obtain reservations at one of the Del Mar Inns or Del Mar Ca Hotels.
Of all the Del Mar hotels and Del Mar bed and breakfasts, there is one that is at once intimate and romantic for under $175 a night. It’s just 5 minutes up the coast highway from downtown Del Mar, a little boutique inn called the Del Mar Bed and Breakfast.
Del Mar San Diego Ca is one of two locations in the world where the endangered Torrey Pine grows. As you may know, the Torrey Pine tree is the one of the rarest pines in the world. Torrey pine trees grow along the sea cliffs beneath Del Mar hotels and resorts and endure constant drought. Torrey Pines grow in hard packed sandstone and are constantly battered by storms and baked in the sun.
Mr. Hunefeld relocated to San Diego 15 years ago. Hunefeld travels extensively around the United States. Terry owns a lovely and romantic Inn in Del Mar across the street from the Pacific Ocean. For more info, click Del Mar Bed and Breakfasts or Bed and Breakfasts in Del Mar.
Posted on 7 September '10, under Hotels. No Comments.
If you are interested in some new places to go where you can enjoy boating, skiing or mountain climbing, you might want to consider going to Canada. Here you will find an assortment of breath taking terrain, fascinating wildlife, and plenty of water ways for your boating recreation. There are some new boating laws concerning pleasure craft that you might need to know.
Okanagan Valley is almost a desert because it is so dry, but there is plenty of water available to put a boat in and enjoy your leisure. This area is adored by thousands of people, both local and guest, with unequaled variety of climate and landscape, it is the perfect place for boating and sailing. But sure you have an operators card if your boat is motor powered.
Adams River is famous for the millions of sockeye salmon who return every four years to spawn. This world famous event can be viewed from many locations around the river, and there are plenty of resorts and lodges to provide indoor comforts to travelers who need to soak up something other than water.
In the event you do not have your own boat with you, there are rental places at Big Rideau Lake which is a paradise for boaters. This body of water is actually several rivers and lakes connected by many canals. By whatever means you travel into the area, boats are for rent, and you will have to have a craft operator card, if the boat is motorized.
IF you want to feel like a sport, try landing a Walleye salmon that weighs over 18 pounds, Saskatchewan offers a fantastic array of 100,000 lakes. Some of them are therapeutic. The Province offers many ways to have a great holiday, and the variety of lakes makes it a fisherman’s dream. Saskatchewan is one of the best places to travel for entertainment and relaxation.
On a clear day, Ontario beaches seem more like the Caribbean than Canada, with rafts and boats enjoying the same waters. Lake Erie is fed from the west by the Huron river and from the east by St. Clair. This a mecca of boating activity and a battleground of the War of 1812, if you are in Canadian waters you will need to comply with their boating laws and regulations.
The fresh water system formed by the Great Lakes and their connecting channels is the largest on earth. Clearly seen from the moon, their interesting shapes look erie, one of them even looks like the head of a wolf. Fed by many rivers, should their combined water be spread evenly, they would cover the entire United States under 9.5 feet of water.
The Canadian Rockies offer much for water enthusiasts with a boat license, and Alberta has over 600 lakes from with to choose, for jet boating and scuba diving. Surfing the rapids on a waterboard is a great sport to the addition, and enjoyed in Alberta as a favored pastime of old and young. A nice change of scenery might be to take a ride on the famous Rocky Mountaineer train, which can take you to Vancouver.
Taking the boat on Lake Ontario this weekend? Don’t get caught without an Ontario boating license. Take time today to sit a boat exam. You can take the boat test online and have a PCOC License today.
Posted on 5 September '10, under Hotels. No Comments.
Traveling can be a great time to relax and unwind, but it can also be a very stressful time before arriving at the destination. To help them out a person though they should know about the positive aspects of staying in Homewood Suites Indianapolis. When an individual knows about those positive aspects they can see the stress just melt away because the choice is so easy as to where to stay.
One benefit of staying in this wonderful location is that it is located close to the attractions in the area. So rather than missing anything at all a person is close enough to see them without paying high taxi fees or over mileage fees on the rental car they are using.
Another benefit of staying here if a person can really avoid the cost of a taxi by using the shuttle service from the airport. Not only is this service available from the airport, but it travels within a three mile radius which can allow business people to make any meetings without having to wait for a taxi service or fight for parking in the crowded parking lots.
Something else that can be discovered is that an individual can unwind easily in the indoor heated pool and whirlpool. So rather than having to suffer because of muscle aches from the long flight or drive into town a person can use these to unwind. Then they will be more relaxed than what they were before going into the pool.
In the fast paced business world and even personal world that people live staying connected is key. At some hotels though this is not going to be possible because of the lack of internet access. By staying here though an individual can find they can utilize the wireless internet that is available in the rooms for free. Then they can update friends on what they seen that day, but also be able to process any orders that they get while on the sales call.
Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, but also one that is often skipped while traveling. However, here if a person skips the meal normally because of lack of time that may not be an issue anymore. Staying here can allow a person the chance to start the day off right with a hot breakfast that is complimentary.
Being able to travel is a wonderful thing to do. However, some people may not realize just how much of a challenge it can be at times. When a person knows about the Homewood Suites Indianapolis it is possible for someone to decide that this is the best hotel for them to stay in.
We’ve got the exclusive inside scoop on great reasons to stay in Homewood Suites Indianapolis in our complete Whiskey Trail guide.
Posted on 1 September '10, under Hotels. No Comments.
If riding a wave that curls over your head, at which point is known as “tubular”, is your idea of a fun time, then a beach vacation at Daytona Beach, one of the USA’s premier surfing spots, is a good choice. Located on Florida’s central Atlantic Coast and only 90 minutes from the theme park capitol of the world, Orlando, Daytona is home to golden beaches with world class surf, motor sports and a lively nightlife.
Whether you are here to visit Ron Jon’s and other surf shops, attending an event at the Daytona International Speedway, participating in Biketoberfest or just lying on the beach sipping exotic drinks, beach rental accommodations are so much better in a great accommodation. You will be happy to know that there are many beach rental deals available in Daytona Beach these days. Some beach rentals offer discounts of over 80% during the off season. If you are planning on attending a speedway event while on your beach vacation, you may find some package deals that will enable you to save on both lodgings and speedway admissions.
Heart of Florida’s Fun Coast area, the city of Daytona Beach itself is less than 70,000 people except when guests arrive for a choice of events during the year. Because of the firmly packed sand, Daytona Beach attracted motoring buffs early on. Motor sports date back to 1902, and the first of stock car races that would in the end evolve into NASCAR race and the Daytona 500 was held in 1936.
Since the 1920s, Daytona Beach has had a reputation as the “World’s Most Famous Beach,” and it is no small wonder. The offshore environment with its sandy bottom and regular swells make it the idyllic surfing spot, predominantly at Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna. You can visit the Volusia County Website for frequent updates on surf conditions.
For the kids, there is a plethora of fun activities that include miniature golf, go-karts and even a ghost tour. Haunts of the World’s Most Famous Beach Ghost Tours will appeal to history buffs, budding scientists and folks who like a good ghost story. It’s not all about the water, however. In nearby DeLand, you can charter a balloon for a bird’s eye look at the area. Another way to see the area from the air is to go parasailing at Ponce Inlet.
After a day with the kids, Mom and Dad will appreciate an opportunity to get away by themselves for a little bed breakfasts, and might consider treating themselves to a romantic evening dinner cruise out of Caribbean Jack’s in Daytona Beach. The soft, sub-tropical climate lends itself to this and other activities throughout the year, but the springtime is especially enjoyable with balmy days and cool nights. And by the way, if you are worried about running into rowdy college kids on spring break, don’t be. The city council has taken action to discourage such behavior and with other alternatives available, the college crowd has dwindled making Daytona Beach a family-friendly vacation spot any time of the year.
James Harden is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on beach vacation rentals and things to do.
Posted on 12 August '10, under Hotels. No Comments.
Legend has it that the first settlement in the area that became Larnaca (then known as Kition) was founded by Noah’s great-grandson Kittim. At one time Kition was the principal colony in Cyprus, of the ancient civilisation of Phoenicia until becoming part of the Greek Hellenistic world.
The ancient site is at the north end of modern day Larnaca, with the earliest remains believed to go back to the Mycenean age (circa 1400-1100 BC). It was during this period that The Kition City Kingdom was established by the Greeks, and it enjoyed the dual position of being both a rich port and a major centre of the copper trade. It is also alluded to, in a list of allies of King Assurbanipal of Assyria, that Kition was still a recent settlement in the 7th century BC. The discovery of an official monument of King Sargon II also suggests that Kition was the administrative centre during this time.
During the Ionian Greek revolts of the 4th century BC, Kition led the side that was loyal to Persia and was besieged by an Athenian force in 449 BC. Relics from this siege can still be seen at Larnaca’s ancient site.
The Byzantine period of Larnaca was of great importance. This period left many great monuments, including the 9th century AD Basilica of Saint Lazarus – a stunning reminder of Larnaca’s rich history. The town regained its former standing during the time it was under Ottoman rule, when it became the diplomatic and commercial centre of Cyprus, and it was into Larnaca that the British landed in 1878; thus beginning their rule of the island – a rule that lasted until 1960.
The more recent development of the city follows the fast development of the entire country. Larnaca’s population in 1973 was just 22,000 but after the Turkish invasion of 1974 when 200,000 people were forcibly displaced by the Turkish army, Larnaca welcomed over 40,000 refugees, tripling its population practically overnight, adding another chapter to its history and helping to reinforce its growing reputation as a prime tourist destination, with car hire in Larnaca [http://www.easycar.com/car-hire/location/Larnaca.aspx] helping visitors discover the ancient site and monuments for themselves.
Being in existence from the early dawn of history, Larnaca has had its fair share of visitors over the years with the Greeks, the Persians, the Egyptians, the Romans, the Venetians, the Turks and the British having occupied the land at one point. The visitors continue to come to the city to this day, with three million tourists entering Cyprus annually from Larnaca’s airport, Port and the Marina, eager to take a step back into ancient times.
Read my latest articles on Cheap Flights to Larnaca and do check out my website for my other travel tips .
Posted on 10 August '10, under Hotels. No Comments.
Despite your best efforts, the day to day demands of life can have a real effect on your relationship with your partner. Work, kids and family commitments can all take time away from the two of you, and it’s important to make sure you reconnect every now and then in order to keep your relationship strong.
It may not be the first place you think of, but Chicago is the ideal destination for a break away from all your normal activities – and there’s plenty to do to reignite all the feelings you had for each other when you first got together.
Whatever you enjoy doing together, you’ll soon find that Chicago is packed with activities, sights and sounds to pack into a day trip, a weekend away or even a whole week away from the hassles of work if you can manage it.
Taking a tour is a fantastic way to see all that the windy city has to offer. If you both like the idea of combining your trip with a burst of much needed exercise, you could try seeing the city from the saddle of a bicycle. Tours like this usually last a couple of hours, and you can enjoy the lakefront, the architecture, the open spaces and the wining and dining atmosphere that all combine to make this city a top choice for some time away together.
Although doing something different like this can be a great way to enjoy your time out, don’t forget the more traditional ways to enjoy a romantic time together. Make sure you book a top hotel in Chicago to relax in after a busy day exploring the city. Chicago also has a wealth of top restaurants that you can enjoy a candlelit dinner in; for example, eating out in the world famous Sears Tower can be combined with taking the elevator right to the top to see the city from a whole new angle.
If you really want to push the boat out, why not try the ultimate in romantic meals – enjoyed on board a boat or even a cruise liner? This kind of extravagance isn’t for those on a tight budget, but if you can afford to splash out you’ll get to enjoy a luxurious meal while taking in the sights from the water.
Whatever your interests are, you and your partner will find plenty to do while on a break in Chicago. You can even recreate your first ever date together – think back to what you did and where you went, and plan an itinerary that will surprise your partner when you get there. If you try this, make sure you book any popular tours or locations before you go, as they could be sold out if you leave it until the day of your departure.
Read my latest articles on Enjoy City Break in Chicago and do check out my website for my other travel articles .
Posted on 10 August '10, under Hotels. No Comments.
Part 2 in a series of 4 articles.
In our last commentary we talked about the coastal yucatan area south of Playa del Carmen and in the area of Tulum. In this column we can focus on Playa plus the recreational activities around this flourishing beachfront Caribbean town. What began as a quiet and small Mexican fishing community, has promptly evolved into one of the best travel destinations in the yucatan. Back in the early 90’s we visited that sleepy little village and I can say first hand it is a far cry from what it is today. Popularity brings growth and change, but if you are desiring for a wonderful get-away and tons of fun, Playa is the spot.
Playa nowadays represents a Caribbean destination that has it all. From world class shopping on the renowned 5th Avenue to a number of adventure parks, first class Playa del Carmen hotels and all-inclusive resorts to night clubs and dining options to fulfil even the most critical palettes. Whether by daylight or nighttime, you should notice no lack of stuff to do in this beautiful city!
Playa is a lot more than just kilometers away from the modest Tulum hotels and eco-chic cabana resorts you will find further down the coast, but it still remains a beautiful, active and culturally rich location to visit. By daytime, the area gives you some of the best people viewing that exists in Mexico, whether or not on the broad caribbean beaches or on the 5th Avenue walking mall you can see a extensive range of company from all over the world. There is so much to do and see in this conveniently placed modest city, being a quick boat ride to Cozumel for a terrific day trip for snorkeling or scuba or heading up the coastline 30 minutes to the city of cancun for even more options.
Playa del Carmen during the day means beach runs, snorkel and SCUBA tours, day trip jungle safaris, adventure theme parks, golf and great shopping. The night time brings out the untamed side in nearly all who start out out beneath the light of the moon. In addition to the world class dining options there are at a minimum a dozen dance-clubs that cater to the late night dancing and adventurous crowds. Commonly accepted as a fun family vacation choice, it is rapidly establishing itself as a competitor for Cancun with the dance party entertainment options. A handfull of places you may get the urge to visit for the nightlife include; CoCo Bongo for entertaining stage shows with gifted music cover bands, The Blue Parrot for the fire shows on Friday and Saturday nights, OM Playa for a drink in comfort and La Santanera for a hip dance club.
Whether by day or nightlife, with family, a twosome or single traveler, Playa del Carmen really offers something for everybody that is looking for a little or a lot of the caribbean in their holiday. In our next article we will head inland and observe the wonders of the mayan world and culture of Merida and the surrounding areas. There is zero shortage of fun and exhilaration when it comes to travel on the Yucatan!
Ron Williams is an experienced excursion author staying year round within Tulum, Mexico focusing in details about akumal hotels as well as life on the Yucatan Peninsula. Feel free to make contact with Ron directly if you would like area suggestions as well as information for experiencing a tremendous excursion inside Yucatan.
Posted on 2 August '10, under Hotels. No Comments.
Vacations in Rhodes Greece can easily be summed as extraordinary to say the least. This tropical Mediterranean region has so much history and culture living side by side the amazing night life that most visitors tend to visit again and again. There’s so much gong for it as best Greek holiday destination if you have not been here before this amazing place could be yours this holidays by enjoying the awesome vacation rentals that is found in abundance here.
Holiday Rentals Greece sights and sound of Rhodes will be part of your life for long time if you decide to come and enjoy and celebrate this beautiful region.
It’s not just the warm people but the whole place seems to welcome the people, you might as well put the luggage in the rooms and go straight to the shops. The local shops are full of all your favourite brands and the good part is that prices of many things are much cheaper then back home.
Contrary to thinking this region has a thriving tourist industry. Rhodes Vacation Rentals that you can rent in here are armed with all the modern facilities. The roads, and transport in here is excellent, even if you don’t hire a vehicle, most attractions are easy access.
The locals are very welcoming and the English signs are every where, so not much chance to miss the great experience. Rhodes city is the capital of this island, there is great fun to be had at the night clubs, and late restaurants.
The cinemas are alive here, as well as the theatre, the local theatre and festivals are also a great way to interact. The farmers market that happens every fortnight is a must visit to enjoy your share of fresh produce. Rhodes is very close to Turkey, if you wish to go there for a quick visit its quite possible.
Many of the old parts of Island are rich with history like 16th century BC, Neolithic period remains are a great attraction. Byzantine towns and castles can still be found with their prolific presence.
The beaches in here are famous for windsurfing, and scuba diving. Elli beach has casino and aquarium with many dolphins and even some rare species of large turtles. The new developments of Lindos and Pefkos have array of fashionable boutiques and restaurants that offer a cosy night out option.
Read my latest articles on Vacation Rentals in Rhodes Islands and do check out my website for my other Travel GUides .
Posted on 1 August '10, under Hotels. No Comments.
If you’re thinking about taking a trip to Colorado Springs, take a tip from a local I can tell you where the best locations to go and some the best place to stay. I highly suggest that you flying into the Colorado Springs Airport rather than flying within the Denver like most people do. I know it’s a lot cheaper to fly in the Denver but the Colorado Springs Airport is just much easier to deal with when you’ve a family and luggage. So if you’re considering visiting us let me tell you about the but greatest locations to go and points to complete.
If you are arriving within the summertime in Colorado Springs a great place to go would be to go to the pikes peak mountain. Pike’s Peak is only accessible within the summertime so if you want to go to this 14,000 foot mountain you’ll need to go to throughout July or August. It has been recognized to snow up there even in July and August so to bring your coat and your oxygen if you come from a low elevation location. The good thing about Pike’s Peak as you are able to see all of the region from just one location and also the view is just incredible.
The other great place to go visit is garden of the gods. The garden of the gods is located within the northwest part of town and is a definite place to visit anytime of the year. My preference is to go during off-season when all the tourist are there which is usually the spring winter and fall. The garden from the Gods so popular because it’s well-known for its red rock formations and the kissing camels rock formation.
Finally, if visiting the Colorado Springs area you’ll need to discover a great location to stay. The nicest Hotels in Colorado Springs by far as the Broadmoor Hotel. Broadmoor Hotel has its own golf course and resort grounds so there’s plenty to do their at the hotel. If the Broadmoor Hotel is not in your budget then I highly suggest staying at the antlers Hotel downtown. It’s a very nice hotel and centrally located to everything in town.
So, take it from a local, these are the greatest locations to go and points to do in and around the Pikes Peak area. Of course Colorado is also known for its skiing destination but you’ll need to visit during the winter months in order to complete so. I definitely hope you appreciate your stay and please go to us at our blogs for more information.
To find the best hotels in Colorado Springs go to our blog to find lots of free information from a local. Colorado Springs Hotels are some of the best if you know where to stay.
Posted on 27 July '10, under Hotels. No Comments.
If you choose to visit the French cities, you can not ignore the special attraction that Paris and the regions near it offer you, amongst witch we can count The Eiffel tower that is over 320 meters tall, The grave of Napoleon, and lots of other famous churches. Being opened at the Universal Exposition back in 1899, The Eiffel Tower still attracts tourists.
Because France is a country full of mystery and excitement, it is all worth visiting. The type of hotel accommodations found in the country side usually depend on how known is the specific location. If you wish to visit the French country-side, you might want to orientate yourself towards inns and motels, that do offer the luxury of clean and nice designed rooms, large and comfy beds and can also satisfy your culinary curiosities. The whole world knows that culinary refinement originates in France. To fully experience the benefits of French cooking, you will need to leave a few days from you journey aside, and take a room in the country, where you will satisfy your culinary curiosity.
Regions that often get visited by tourists have developed hotel accommodations that offer special experiences.One of these tourist regions is the Cote d’Azur, or the French Mediterranean seaside. Here you can find hotels in balneal – maritime resorts known for carnivals, festivals and museums Such a resort is the one where an annual film festival is held, called Cannes, I’m sure you’ve heard of it. If you plan on spending a lot, you can choose the city Nice and book into their expensive and luxurious hotel, Negresco. An annual jazz festival is also held on Mediterranean shores, in July, so here’s an extra reason to visiting the Cote D’Azur.
Modern regions or camping sites perfect for a Black Diamond I tent alternate with historical regions in Paris, and comfortable hotel accommodations can be found in both, situated sometimes right in the middle of well known squares or near museums that are worth to visit like the Luvre.
Hotels from major cities have expensive rooms, but you if you want to visit historical regions you might want to spend a day or two there. If you want to have a nice vacation but at low costs, then going on a tour of the country side is the best choice. You cam camp out in woods of near the sea, in special locations. Be sure that you can experience the full flavor of France even if you chose a less famous city where the costs are much lower.
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Posted on 17 July '10, under Hotels. No Comments.