Archive for June, 2010

Eco Travel - An Introduction

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

The terms green travel, eco travel, and green tourism are basically interchangeable. The concepts don’t refer necessarily to vacations with a concentration on nature or wilderness. In fact, green travel can take you anywhere from the Australian Outback to the bustling cities of the United States and Europe.

To be a green traveller, you simply need to incorporate the basic ideals of green living into your travelling experience. For instance, if you are mindful of recycling at home, you will want to carry that habit over into your traveling and be careful to recycle wherever it is you might journey. Perhaps take a bike tour instead of a bus tour, and leave a lighter carbon footprint on the place you are visiting. Don’t litter when visiting someone else’s country, city, or community.

There is also a social context to green travel. You don’t want to do anything that would negatively impact on the eco-structure of the place you are visiting, and neither do you want to do anything that has a negative cultural impact, as well. Be respectful and mindful of tradition and cultural practices. Many societies outside of our own have time honored methods of doing things that differ greatly from ours. Before you visit a foreign place, try and learn a little about the traditions and heritage of that region. Green travel extends to socially aware travel. It’s a natural crossroads.

Green travel aims to turn the negative effects of tourism into something more positive. Travel and touring can be beneficial to a region’s economy and disastrous to its eco-system at the same time. This is particularly important to remember when visiting natural sites. An eco- traveler does anything he or she can to enhance their positive impact and minimize the negative impact of their visit. Like taking a hiking tour instead of a driving tour, being sure to leave the location as clean or cleaner than when you arrived, purchasing souvenirs from native artisans instead of purchasing factory-made items from fancy gift shops.

If your idea of eco travel, however, is to experience nature or wilderness, then you may want to visit some of the world’s most exotic green travel destinations, which include:

  • Loango National Park, Gabon - A mostly unspoiled area of Africa, and home to free roaming large mammals like elephants, gorillas, hippopotamus and forest buffalo.
  • Dubai - The ecotourism industry in Dubai helps to protect the desert habitat and the species that live in it, like the exotic Arabian oryx, a large white antelope that was once close to extinction.
  • The Galapagos Islands - Visitors to the Galapagos are accompanied at all times by an accredited park ranger to ensure that you enjoy the natural beauty of the islands and the threatened wildlife that inhabits these without causing damage to their environment.
  • New Zealand - One of the most beautiful places on earth, this isolated island country draws ecotourists in droves and engages in environmentally and culturally sensitive tourism strategies and practices at local community, private business and government levels.
  • Kenya - Kenya is not only home to some of the world’s most sought after safari destinations, it is also full of virgin rainforests, mountains, lakes and pristine white sand beaches.
  • Daintree Rainforest, Australia - The oldest continually surviving rainforest in the world, with an intricate ecosystem that supports species found nowhere else on the planet.
  • Madidi National Park In Bolivia - Bolivia’s diverse landscape offers a variety of different ecosystems to explore, from the Altiplano – a high mountain plateau where Andean civilization first flourished – to dense Amazonian rainforests like the jungles of Madidi National Park.

Enough planning can ensure a fantastic green travel experience. In this day and age, all kinds of eco-friendly options are available to visitors who are willing to take the time to plan ahead. You can begin your green travel by planning to offset your carbon emissions from air travel. Some airlines, like British Airways, offer you the opportunity to offset the carbon footprint of your trip by making a donation based upon your flight plan. These donations are then passed on to eco-friendly technologies like hydroelectric production or solar production. Such an offset will normally cost you anywhere from $10 to $50 depending on your flight.

The next thing you might want to consider doing while making your green travel plans is to book lodgings at an environmentally friendly hotel or hostel. There are more and more places to stay that will give you green travel options and they can easily be found on the Internet while planning your trip.

Finally, try to book activities that are earth friendly rather than not.

These are just a few easy ways that you can make your next holiday a green travel experience.

To learn more about ways to go green, save money and help the planet, go to www.FreeTipsForGoingGreen.com and subscribe to receive a FREE email daily containing great green living tips for making your home, office and life greener and more eco friendly. For more details, visit FreeTipsForGoingGreen.com

Green Travel - Starting Your Green Journey

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

Traveling green (that is, eco friendly traveling) has different facets and can mean different things to different people. You can make your own travelling experience eco friendly, however, by doing or using the following:

1. Green Transportation

Your green travel starts with how you decide to get to your destination. Carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases responsible for causing undesirable climate change on the earth due to human activities. As a lot of carbon dioxide is released into the air by the burning of fuel through the normal transport methods we use, we would therefore need to reduce our level of fuel consumption to reduce the level of these gases in the atmosphere. You can play your own part too when you travel by using green transportation.

Some of the options you may have is to simply go walking. If you are only going on a short break within your city or your destination is not that far, you may just walk to it. Alternatively you can use a bike or even row a boat (that is if your final destination is reachable by water), to get to where you are going. These are some of the best eco friendly ways of moving around, at least for short distances.

Another option is to travel via public transportation instead of driving your own automobile. This has the advantage of reducing the number of vehicles on the road, thereby reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

2. Eco Tourism

Eco tourism allows you to understand the impact of human activities on the environment and to appreciate the need to preserve natural settings while exploring nature. Through eco friendly tourism you will experience travel with the intention of contributing and participating in the local communities of your destination, conserving and sustaining their environment, learning/appreciating their culture and getting hands-on experience on ways of being green. Eco tourism is not just nature tourism, it is responsible tourism that involves leaving/preserving the environmental settings/resources of your destination as they are, for others to use too. To get a true eco tourism experience you will need to pick the right travel company and ask plenty of question to ensure you get a true eco tourism excursion. You may want to explore eco tourism as another type of green travel.

Some of the world’s greatest eco travel destinations include:

  • Fjords Of Norway - Norway is a leader in environmental policy and takes extreme care to protect and preserve its unique and pristine coastline and towering fjords.
  • Kerala, India - Known as ‘God’s Own Country’ and one of the most sought-after destinations in Asia, boasting some of the richest biodiversity on the planet.
  • Dubai - The ecotourism industry in Dubai helps to protect the desert habitat and the species that live in it, like the exotic Arabian oryx, a large white antelope that was once close to extinction.
  • New Zealand - One of the most beautiful places on earth, this isolated island country draws ecotourists in droves and engages in environmentally and culturally sensitive tourism strategies and practices at local community, private business and government levels.
  • The Galapagos Islands - Visitors to the Galapagos are accompanied at all times by an accredited park ranger to ensure that you enjoy the natural beauty of the islands and the threatened wildlife that inhabits these without causing damage to their environment.

3. Eco Retreats

Where you will stay while traveling can be green too. In an effort to encourage others to be eco friendly, you may want to patronize eco retreats; these are lodging establishments employing eco friendly practices. There are plenty of green/eco retreats you can choose to stay at, yet, there are varying degrees of being green amongst them, however. Some of the kinds of things you should expect to see or get from these establishments are organic foods, use of renewable electricity like solar power, chemical-free pools, innovative eco flooring and furniture, green waste disposal like composting etc. Some of them may even provide you with bicycles to move around or low-energy car pools saving on energy and lowering carbon emissions.

All of these are possible ways you can go green on your travels not have to spend more on your travels to use them.

If you are interested in learning more about ways to go green, save money and help the planet, go to www.FreeTipsForGoingGreen.com and subscribe to receive a FREE email daily containing great green living tips for making your home, office and life greener and more eco friendly. For more details, visit Green Living Tips

Buy Hello Kitty Backpacks

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

Nowadays, the cloth-made backpacks with two straps to go over the shoulders are commonly used by many people. Various kinds of backpacks are available among which the Hello Kitty Backpacks have grabbed a lot of attention of people from all generations and are designed based on the Hello Kitty cartoon character that was created in 1974. Hello Kitty was initially created as a cartoon character in the year 1974; it is white kitty without a mouth that has her own world of dreams and fantasies. Be Yourself is the famous slogan associated with this cartoon. Although, Sanrio became the first ever company to create these Hello Kitty backpacks in mid-1970, it was only during the late 1980s when these products gained worldwide popularity.

The Hello Kitty Backpacks come in various designs and colors. Below we have listed a few Hello Kitty backpack types that are most commonly found in the market.

Hello Kitty Cute Large 16″ Pink Backpack

Cute Large 16″ Hello Kitty Backpack - with bottle space

Hello Kitty rolling backpack for carrying luggage

Hello Kitty Backpack - school bag of full size

Hello Kitty Backpack - pink purple colored

Hello Kitty Jean Plush Figure Backpack

The above given are few of the types of backpacks featured in the Hello Kitty range. Pre-school children or kids new to schools can use the Large 16″ pink backpack that has two different storage space: one for notebooks and the other to keep compass or even color box. One of the types of backpacks also comes with storage compartments on both sides where children can keep their water bottles. The large luggage backpack is only meant for travelling since it has wheels on it and a handle to pull it along.

The full-sized Hello Kitty backpack is commonly carried by girls: this type of backpack comes with four separate storage areas. Small kids find the Hello Kitty backpack with a Jean Plush figure very interesting to use since these backpacks have the shape of the Hello Kitty cartoon. These Plush Figure Backpacks have two large compartments, a small compartment, and a good space for water bottles.

Visit this website for more information on Hello Kitty backpack and Hello Kitty Handbags

Visit The Frigid Expanse

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

If you are tired of the usual vacation destinations like Canada and Mexico, come see Antarctica. Many people have been visiting Antarctica recently. It’s sometimes referred to as the cold, dark continent down under. The frozen continent of Antarctica is not a place that many of us ever think of, and young children know only as much about it as they have learned about in textbooks.

Tourists from New York can fly into the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. They can also fly into Buenos Aires. After spending two days touring and being trained about the adventure to come, tourists then set out for the Drake Passage. The Drake Passage, which is the 600 mile stretch of water between South America and Antarctica, is quite a rigorous challenge.If you want more comprehensive info on travel to Antarctica that site will help you.

A successful passage through these waters earned early seamen the right to put one foot on the table after dinner was over. Travel through the Antarctic Circle gave the seaman the right to put both feet on the table. Its a little-known fact that, even today, this tradition still continues.

Anyone who has the courage to travel the entire distance to Antarctica has the ability to do more than just feed the penguins or leave his initials carved into icebergs. You’ll also see several USand Argentine science centers. You’ll see current experiments involving meteorology, glacial and marine biology and earth movement, among others. Not only are the folks who call these research stations home very smart, but they are also very friendly.

You’ll have the chance to help with a scientific exploration of your choosing. For example, visitors can see that one cubic foot of water from the Antarctic actually contains more life than any other space After spending the night on the ship, tourists are taken to their excursion sites the next morning. The season of winter in the US and Antarctica, so, if you are traveling in the U.S.’s summer, it will be winter in Antarctica. Though the Antarctic summer temperatures can reach a high of thirty degrees above zero, it is still very cold because of the polar winds. Despite the cold temperatures, tourists will find that they stay warm in the gear that is provided for them; including long pants, mittens and parkas. Go to this site for further information on Antarctica trip.

Included in the tour are a couple “get acquainted” gatherings with penguins as well as sea leopards and even elephant seals…who live up to their name by weighing in at around 2.5 tons each. Another unusual offering is trips to whale graveyards as well. The overweight charges on baggage for the return flights leaving Buenos Aires can be steep. So the group is strongly encouraged not to take home any giant whale vertebrae as a souvenir of their time in Antarctica.

Rhodes Holidays Charms For Youngsters

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Families, friends, lovers, elders, youngsters and even kids can have lots of fun because of equal entertainment opportunities offered by Rhodes . There are a variety of fun places for the entertainment of kids, where your kids are provided with healthy atmosphere, sightseeing and numerous other amazing opportunities. Some of the entertainment and lucrative activities for kids are mentioned below.

The Rodini Park:

In Rodini Park, kids can enjoy visiting zoo, rose garden and many other attractive things . The zoo is open for all age groups yet it is a highly recommended place for kids because they enjoy watching and playing with many of the available animals here. There are many animals in this zoo but the most popular are peacocks, deer, turtles, swans ducks and terrapins. There are some beautiful peacocks that wander around in the Rodini Park.

When it comes to the natural beauty, it is an obvious thing that flowers are the one that come into our minds. The Rose Garden of the Rodini Park provides a diversity of beautiful flowers that welcomes the tourists including kids with their mesmerizing fragrance. Not only kids but the peace and romance seekers can also enjoy this site . Moreover, this place guarantees full enjoyment of your kids.

Passagio Park:

Rhodes Island owns a selection of delightful activities to keep your kids busy and entertained. Passagio Park is one among them. The place was decorated entirely in 2008 so that more and more people visit it. In the park, kids will find a big pirate ship that carries rubber terrain.

You can access this park at a distance of 1 km from the town of Rhodes. It is a best place for the kids looking to have some thrilling adventures.

The Beautiful Aquarium:

There is a beautiful Aquarium for the children in the Rhodes Island . It is housed at the basement of Hydro Biological Station of Rhodes. The aquarium contains a variety of marine species from Mediterranean region which spread joys on the faces of everyone.

Water Park:

The popular water park of Faliraki is the children’s favorite park in Rhodes. Kids of all age groups enjoy Wet Bubble, Tipping Bucket, Pirate’s Ship, Funny Bridge, Tarzan Pool, and Children’s Water Slides here.

Aktaion Park:

In Rhodes Old Town, you can visit the beautiful Aktaion Park situated opposite to Mandraki port and being refurbished in year 2007 . This park offers lots of kids attractions like play areas, rubber terrain and a huge pirate’s ship. There is also a cafeteria that provides refreshments.

Other Rhodes Attractions for Kids:

Kids can enjoy indoor and outdoor sports in the play centers of Rhodes Island. All these attractions provide with the peace of mind because you need not to worry about your kids while being here.

To make your trip unforgettable and full of entertainment, you must avail the nearest accommodation to visit all the places easily . This way you can have a quality time on Rhodes Island.

Faliraki Hotels offers quality accommodation solutions for your stay in Island of Rhodes and makes you enjoy your Rodos Holidays to the best.

Problems In The Last Frontier Of Earth

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Similar to the symbolism of the age of innocence of Antarctica on its last breath, the badly gashed hull of a cruise ship with an orange hue, rose out of the icy blue waves. Penguins have absolutely no idea that the glistening sheet of oil upon the waters around them mean disaster. It has been revealed that a lot more of the diesel fuel are gradually spilling out even as it can be remembered that most of it already evaporated.

At the last frontier of Earth, time is truly changing. Countries eager to stake or reinforce their claims to a slice of the Frozen Continent are dispatching ships and aircraft, bulldozers and amphibious trucks. Nationalistic fanfare make them launch research efforts and even new bases.During the austral summer, well heeled tourists arrive by the hundreds each week on cruise ships, supply vessels or military transport planes contracted by specialized travel agencies. You’ll get further resources on Antarctica Tours by visiting there.

The last frontier of Earth does not require any passports and so even people aboard private yachts and polar skiing expeditions come in without much hassle. Accidents occur as what had happened to the cruise ship that sank , making the poor animals around Antarctica pay a high price with growing political, legal and environmental questions being thrown the way hazardous icebergs sprout throughout the uncharted seas of this frozen continent. According to the terms of the Antarctic Treaty, no laws apply to the Earth’s final frontier since no one owns it.

Twelve nations, back in 1961 went into this treaty that enabled peaceful research to come into Antarctica as all these countries in the treaty waived their territorial claims for at least 30 years. Eighteen countries only under observer status have nonetheless consented to abiding by all its laws while 8 nations since then, have joined the treaty and have been awarded full right to vote. Every two years call for a meeting among the treaty nations. Exploration and exploitation of Antarctica’s mineral reserves has been drafted by the organization, but on a strictly regulated manner. Grappling with issues like indemnification, air travel safety, medical and rescue operations as well as proliferation of work bases is what they have to do now.

Come the austral summer season, over 30 ships scheduled to head to Palmer usher in about a hundred tourists. Being uncontrolled, many perceive tourism to be beyond control. An attempt to ban tourists from visiting last year by the Science Foundation as they disrupted the research operations last year was short lived. But the ban was lifted when influential Americans complained, claiming a right to see how their tax dollars are being spent. If you need more details on Antarctica Holiday visit there.

To care for people’s health, the station staff also includes a medical corpsman in charge of a small venue that accommodates up to four dozen people whenever they need medical attention. It is not built for the task of handling maritime catastrophes. And station workers said only fair weather prevented a disaster. They reveal that the sunken ship’s lifeboats were mostly open, inflatable rafts sans motors or oars.The day was extremely calm, making them easily able to be towed ashore using work boats. But let us just be thankful that this did not overturn or drifted far out to sea thanks to the merciless Antarctic weather for things would get harder, opine the workers.

As a response to the poisonous tragedy, the National Science Foundation released civilian pollution control experts along with navies hauling in specialized equipment heavy at 52 tons. The mission cost more than $2 million. The navies of Chile and Argentina come in to undergo clean up missions that are costly. Even as the cleaning mission concluded at the middle of March, the sunken vessel still has up to 63,000 gallons that is impossible to be reached and pumped out without any health risks and it could spill out in a more massive manner once the ship gets torn while a winter storm rages or just go through the natural course of seeping out while the wreck disintegrates through time. Hauling the ruins away would prove to be too costly, states the experts.

The area where the spill is home to birds like penguins, skuas, Arctic terns, cormorants and many other kinds. At the bay, whales and seals swim through. Scientists say there already exists indirect evidence that many penguins and other birds were poisoned by the spill, but they have been unable to determine the extent of the damage. The environmental impact of the spill is now being studied by 15 researchers, a special team composed of experts in research from Argentina, America and Chile. They are left in the dark when it comes to any claim for damages as they wait for years and years of its completion.

No rights on the property at or around Palmer Station belong to the United States, which means that they do not possess any legal grounds to fight for any form of compensation on the venue where the accident struck and the countries that have the claim to it would be the Antarctic Peninsula, Argentina, Chile along with Great Britain. Recently, plans were announced by Chile that they will propose that each country will be financially responsible for environmental damages among others, and this will be done at the next Antarctic Treaty. Pushing for a cost sharing agreement for the clean up missions on spills and disasters is something being undertaken by the Science Foundation while their hands are full in forming an international coordinating office for emergencies and disasters.

Enjoying Bird Watching on Rhodes Island

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

You can enjoy the abounding biodiversity along with flora and fauna of Greece. Because of its climate, natural features and location one can find a great diversity of fauna and flora here ranging from unique and rare to common and endangered ones.

Rhodes Island with its multiple ecosystems offers an exclusively astounding stay at this place. Many of the people do not know that Rhodes Island is the habitat of more than three hundred species of birds. Rhodes being a nomadic place gets enriched with a variety of birds during spring and summer seasons.

Bird Watching in Rhodes Island:

You can enjoy sightseeing a wide range of birds during your holidays in Rhodes Island. All this makes bird watching on Rhodes Island interesting because you can see lots of the most impressive and rare birds worldwide. Trip without bird watching in Rhodes Island is incomplete.

Places on Rhodes Island for Bird watching:

The Bird Watching activity includes watching a wide range of birds in Rhodes Island. However a large number is found in wetlands, lake areas and dams. To avail bird watching activity, you are advised to visit Apolakkia Dam.

Other great spots for enjoying Bird Watching in Rhodes Island is Ialyssos, Kalithea, Gadoura river mouth, Ixia, Kremasti Bridge, Koskinou and different spots along the coastline of Rhodes.

There are certain other mountainous regions in Rhodes such as Attavyros and Profitis Ilias but they lack birds’ variety. At Attavyros and Profitis Ilias you can only find some common birds like vultures, hawks, Peregrine falcons, eagles and owls.

Birds Species on Rhodes Island:

As we have mentioned earlier, you can see a number of bird’s species on Rhodes Island. Some of the widespread species of birds in Rhodes include Collared Dove, Blue Tit, Crested Lark, Sardinian Warbler and House Sparrow.

The bird watchers also testify some of the rare bird species in this place. These rare species of birds include Baillon’s Crakes, Short-toed Larks, White-tailed Lapwing, Trumpeter Finch, Black-headed Bunting and many more.

The impressive breeding birds that are found here include Golden Oriole, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Golden Eagle, Calandra lark, White-winged Black Tern, Long-Legged Buzzard, Lanner Falcon, Audouin’s Gull and many of the Mediterranean birds. You can see on Rhodes Island the very rare Bonelli’s Eagles which are a endangered species.

Where to Enjoy Bird Watching?

You can see most of the birds’ species in morning especially at Ialysos, its beach and residential area where you can find a number of Spanish birds.

At the river near Kremasti town and the Kremastis Bridge, you can enjoy watching attractive birds like Squacco Heron, Glossy Ibis, Great Snipe, Yellow Wagtails, Great Reed Warblers, White-tailed Lapwing and Baillon’s Crakes.

If you are an avid bird watcher then Rhodes Island has some of the best places for you to enjoy bird watching. All the bird watching sites are in their natural condition where you can enjoy watching attractive birds staying in their natural habitats.

You can avail bird watching activities in the appealing Rhodes Island and you can also experience some of the rare & endangered species of birds in Rhodes .

Egypt: Where Enigma, Royalty, And Grand Architecture Meet

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

As the home to one of the oldest civilizations on Earth, Egypt has been a popular vacation destination for ages. Five thousand years of history makes exploring Egypt a continually exciting sort of experience. Egypt, in its long history, has witnessed the birth of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, the reign of the Roman empire, the first written records, and innumerable discoveries in science, philosophy, and math. Simply wandering the streets of Egypt holds an atmosphere of discovery. So much cultural heritage is right at your fingertips in Egypt, and a passport to travel can get the whole experience started.

Many of Egypt’s most popular monuments lies along the Nile River, meaning a cruise down the Nile is an excellent way to experience them for yourself. Other experiences like riding in a glass-bottomed boat provide a much drier alternative to seeing the Nile up close and personal. The cruises that navigate the Nile are known for their beautiful and comfy cabins, delicious food and wine, helpful service, and plenteous amenities. So onboard one of these cruises, you get to see some of the most famous historical sites in the world, all while enjoying the opulence of a luxurious cruise.

The aquatic life in Egypt provides for some of the best snorkeling or diving experiences anywhere. The Red Sea is famous for its clarity, making underwater exploring an unforgettable experience. Powdery white beaches and clean, crystal-clear water provide the perfect setting for an undersea adventure. Old, crumbling walls and ancient shipwrecks provide an underwater environment that begs to be explored and discovered. Giant fish, turtles, rays, and colorful corals inhabit the warm waters of the Red Sea, ensuring that you will experience an unforgettable diving adventure.

Of course the Pyramids of Giza are a must-see when visiting Egypt. The Pyramid of Khufu, one of the three pyramids, is officially the only remainder of the seven ancient wonders of the world. While the exact use of these pyramids remains a mystery, it’s generally thought that they served as grand tombs for pharaohs so they can pass luxuriously into the afterlife. Two million two ton blocks of limestone were used to build these pyramids, and it remains a secret how such huge blocks could be moved. Visiting these pyramids means you get to personally explore the tombs of pharaohs and experience the mystery first hand.

The pyramids aren’t the only sights that make Egypt famous. The Abu Simbel temples are a famous landmark. Located in the Nile River Valley, they were created almost three thousand years ago. These two temples were erected for honoring Ramses II and his beloved wife, Nefertiti. Nefertiti’s temple is also a tribute to the sun god, providing a glimpse into the mythology that so many are familiar with. Four monstrous statues stand guard in front of Ramses’ temple, which definitely results in a spectacular sight. The Temple of Karnak, Saladin Citadel, and the West Bank are other famous sites that combine beauty with history in order to provide a unique adventure.

If you’re looking to satisfy your history itch, Egypt is a prime location to do it. With thousands of years of history behind it, this country promises to continually provide new discoveries at every turn. So contact your local American passport agent and obtain your passports for travel, because an exciting journey back in time awaits you in Egypt.

Beautiful Places to Visit in the Holy Land

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

Most Christian people only dream of taking a vacation to the Holy Land. The Holy Land of Israel is where many of the stories of the Bible took place. There are so many interesting places for a Christian to visit because so many of the landmarks remind them of important passages and people in the Bible.

One place that Christians will want to visit when taking Christian tours to Israel is the city of Nazareth. This is most well-known as the place where Jesus grew up and also the place where his mother, Mary, received the news that she would give birth. We also know that Jesus began his ministry in Nazareth, although he was not well received by the people. Downtown Nazareth is where the Church of the Annunciation is located. The church is the largest in the Middle East and contains artwork of Jesus and Mary from around the world.

Israel travel will also take you to the Sea of Galilee. It was here that Jesus first began calling his disciples, as they fished in this beautiful sea. Near this place, Jesus took a few small loaves and fishes from a boy’s lunch and fed over 5,000 people as he taught. Peter’s greatest catch of fish was on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus found him and called him once again after the crucifixion. You will also find beautiful mountains here, the valley of Hazor, the city of Dan, and Caesarea Philippi.

Jewish tours to Israel would not be complete without a visit to the city of Galilee and its surrounding areas. Galilee is the place where Jesus taught about the Beatitudes from the Bible through the Sermon on the Mount. There is a beautiful garden here and an ancient Franciscan church that shows the eight beatitudes in glass that is artistically stained. Near here is a baptismal site along the Jordan River. Here is where John the Baptist baptized his cousin, Jesus. Many Christians come to this area to be baptized in the Jordan River.

Masada is a fortress that was built by King Herod in 30 BC and is full of history and interesting exhibits. He built it as a refuge for himself and it was conquered by Jewish zealots in 68 BC who made it their own stronghold. The remains of Masada have been well preserved and reconstructed, including King Herod’s northern palace. Mosaic floors and decorated walls cover a Roman style bath house near the palace. Murals and embellishments cover the walls of the buildings in Masada and Italian experts restored and preserved them. The fortress is very high and must be reached by a very long flight of stairs or a cable car that runs from the tourist center at the base of Masada to the top.

Every person who visits Israel must see the Dead Sea, famous for its surprising health benefits. The unique climate in the region has claimed to have aided in various types of sicknesses. Because of the pressure from the higher atmosphere, people who have respiratory dysfunctions, such as cystic fibrosis, find relief at the Dead Sea. Unlike other beaches, people can sunbathe here and not be exposed to the harmful rays of the sun. Even people with psoriasis and other skin disorders have found relief from the waters of this unique and well known sea.

There are, of course, many other interesting and biblical places to visit such as the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and the Via Dolorosa. These sites take us to a time and place long ago, the times we read about in the Bible. There is nothing quite like knowing that you are walking the same streets and sailing on the same waters as many of the patriarchs that we have learned to love and respect. A journey into Israel will leave you with memories that will encourage and strengthen your Christian faith.

Searching For The Top Ten Travel Destinations

Monday, June 21st, 2010

Naming top ten travel destinations could prove easy, but how relevant such a list is, that is debatable. This article refers to the most popular locations based on the statistics made with international travel agencies, and on the basis of travelers’ reviews posted on a number of web pages.

To many tourists, Latin America is the perfect place to go on holiday: there is the beauty of cities like Rio de Janeiro and the mystical attraction of Peru and the ancient Maya and Inca cultural remnants. The cultural charge, the the entertainment diversity combined with some great weather conditions, make this part of the world a focal attraction point for millions of tourists during the peak holiday season.

Western Europe with the charm of the Romantic setting of Paris, the historic attraction of Rome and Venice, the fascination of Spain’s former Arab cities and the mystical lands of Scotland and Ireland can be included in the list of top ten travel destinations any time of the year. Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza require a special mention here, as they are some of the most exotic resorts in the European part of the world.

The Egyptian Pyramids and Morocco are absolutely magnificent, and travel agencies put up thousands of touristic packages for holidays on the dark continent. One of the features of African resorts consists in the constant touristic push and an unforgettable adventure in the multitude of cultures that mingle so thoroughly in the crowded North-African cities. No matter if you visit retreats in oases or famous resorts, this part of Africa will always remain in the top ten travel destinations.

Moving further on to the distant countries of the Far East it is impossible not to notice the fascination with Nepal and the ancient Buddhist temples on the roof of the world. It is the Nepalese capital city, Kathmandu, with millennia of history that swallows most of the tourist crowds. As for the climbing of the Everest, very few courageous people dare to challenge their limits on the crests of Himalaya.

Finally, an impressive number of sunny islands can enter a top ten travel destinations list: Bali, Jamaica, Crete, Hawaii and many others, which is why the list proves virtually limitless, as so are the beauties man and God created. It goes without saying that the places that you take most to the heart are those you’d also like to visit, and therefore, anyone can create a list of top ten travel destinations.