The rugged beauty of Canada

Lauded as one of the most beautiful highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway consists of 230 kilometres of exquisite Canadian landscape. Known as Alberta Highway 93, this route runs parallel to the Continental Divide and offers a chance to hike on the Columbia Icefield, see the Athabasca Glacier, and drink pure, icy cold water right from the source at Athabasca Falls.

While the Icefields Parkway can be driven in its entirety in less than four hours, there is too much to do and see along the way. Canada vacations are not complete without a camping experience along this route. The route is only a short trip from both Calgary and Edmonton in Alberta province.

Visitors to Alberta should make plans to camp and hike in the Banff National Forest and then to visit the Aquatics Entertainment Stage & Sea Life Caverns. The national park encompasses much of the Icefields Parkway and features the Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola, where visitors can ride high above the landscape in glass gondolas for unparalleled views. Located in Edmonton, the Aquatics Entertainment Stage & Sea Life Caverns offer the chance to see a vast array of species of colourful fish, sharks, penguins, reptiles and even a Pacific octopus. There is also a touch pool for visitors to get a closer look at the aquatic life.

Enjoying a slice of Americana

No other route in the United States is better known than the legendary Route 66 . Officially a US highway from 1926 to 1985, this 3,940-kilometre journey back through US history winds from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California, on a trip that leads through eight different states. So famous was the route that it has been memorialised both in song (one once recorded by the Rolling Stones) and a television show. A direct route from Chicago to Los Angeles, the ‘Mother Road’, as it was called, became the ultimate road trip America had to offer.

Although the country’s inter-state system reduced the significance of the route in the 1980s, many parts of Route 66 live on, now known as the ‘Historic Route 66’. Today’s travellers can still trace most of the highway’s path, giving them a great opportunity to experience a broad variety of American life and nature on the route also known as ‘The Main Street of America’. For travellers who start in Chicago, a great attraction to visit on the first day is Lincoln’s tomb. Located in Springfield, Illinois, the stunning monument recognises the famous 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.

On the western end of Route 66, visitors to Tucumcari, New Mexico, can go back in time by visiting the Mesalands Community College’s Dinosaur Museum. Situated approximately half way between Amarillo, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, the museum has 10,000 square feet of exhibits dedicated to an impressive fossil collection. It also houses the world’s largest collection of bronze skeletons, fossils, and replicas of pre-historic creatures. Located along the old Route 66, this is a great chance to see one of America’s great contributions to pre-historic archaeology.

Experiencing North America by car

For those who want to know Canada or the US better, these journeys represent the perfect opportunity. Whether exploring a glacier along the Icefields Parkway or trying to ‘get your kicks on Route 66’, as the old song says, travellers can use either of these adventures to savour a sublime journey from the comfort of their cars or sally forth for an adventure on foot.

Sharm El Sheikh is a marine reserve that was created in 1983. Filled with over 1,200 species of fish, turtles, those scary but awesome sharks, and other sea creatures. The Red Sea also has 2,000kms.

If you can’t dive yet there are loads of places to achieve your open-water PADI certificate. The PADI certification allows you to dive anywhere in the world, rent scuba gear, and a hole of host of other benefits. The course takes you through the basics of safe scuba-diving and how to maximise the fun you can get out of it. There is also lessons on how to care for the environment you are swimming in. Coral reefs are quite fragile, so never touch them. Keep your distance and you will protect for the next generation.

Tropical waters are an incredible place to learn to dive. The water temperatures rarely reach below 20°C, and tropical fish are incredibly colourful. Its just amazing.

Even if you don’t fancy diving, cheap holidays in Sharm El Sheikh offers plenty for the visitor. Remember Sharm El Sheikh is in a desert and thus represents a wealth of touristic activities. There is the stunning 6th Century monastery, St. Catherines, where it is rumoured that God laid forth his Ten Commandments to Moses.

After the USSR disintegration in the early 90-ies it has become possible to visit all the former Soviet Republics, like Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and other. At the same time a new layer in the political life has been set for all the people living there as well as for those who dreamt of visiting these countries. It has become possible though not as easy as, for instance, visiting Mexico to an American. You must get a special visa and Russia visa requirements are really tough. At the same time there are a lot of travel agencies that can help you out and you do not have to trouble about this. The mysterious and at the same time the most glorious country on the European continent Russia has always welcomed visitors from all over the world. During the Soviet time a lot of students from other countries came to Russia to study there as it had the most sophisticated and profound level of higher education. Nowadays the country is a titbit for the travelers. The majority of those who want to visit Russia because of its infinite monuments of architecture, nature and special atmosphere always chose Russia river cruises as this is the best way to enjoy the view and to have an experience of coasting. So what are you waiting for? Just order tickets to Russia and be ready for an unforgettable journey!

The winter this year is severe and practically the whole country is covered with snow. For sure, this is the time when the majority of people prefer cars to their bikes or even the public transport. Unfortunately, this is the end of the cycling season and those who can’t imagine their life without their cruiser bike are now in a deep depression. But the great thing is that soon there will be the opening of a new season and new models of bikes will be introduced to the public. Another great thing is that the price for older models will definitely go down. More opportunities will be opened to those who are called newbies, those who have just realised that bikes are really better than cars: they do not need gas, they do not need any serious maintenance and there are no problems with parking.

Bikes are really great and no one would ever deny it but the majority of us have already got used to the comfort modern cars are able to provide. But if you care about your health and about your money - you will definitely choose a lowrider bike.

Of all the luxury hotels in Paris, the Hôtel de Crillon is the richest in history and culture and the most intimate. Legendary and enchanting, the hotel whose design was commissioned by Louis XV, shares its incomparable history with the glorious Place de la Concorde. Its prestigious suites boast 180 degrees view over historical Paris. Offering a unique proximity to fashionable rue du Faubourg St Honoré, the palace hotel is within walking distance to the Champs-Elysées, the Louvre Museum, the Madeleine area and the Opéra.

Dining In

“Les Ambassadeurs”, awarded fine dining restaurant, invites you to discover its unique atmosphere run by Jean-François Piège, one of the best interpreter of French gastronomy. “L’Obélisque”, offers a traditional regional cuisine, also under Piège’s supervision. “Le Jardin d’Hiver”, a lounge opening onto a magnificent patio, serves afternoon tea, drinks, light lunch and snacks all day. “Le Bar Crillon” designed by the sculptor César and decorated by Sonia Rykiel opens from lunch time to late evening, serving drinks and light lunch. In-Room dining available 24 hours a day.

Recreation and Health

The Fitness Center features modern equipment such as treadmills, virtual stair climbers, and rowing machines. A personal trainer is available for classes. Our Guest Relations Department offers a special welcome to kids and also to women traveling alone.

The Hotel Martinez is known for stylish living, where comfort and technology have aesthetic overtones, and from its eminent position on the sea front, on the famous boulevard de La Croisette in Cannes, the Hotel Martinez has established itself over the decades as the flagship hotel on the Riviera. From the outside, its architectural beauty makes it timeless and establishes its elegance and eternal youth.As spacious as it is extravagant, the hotel has an extraordinary infrastructure, both in terms of guest accommodation comprising 412 rooms and suites, and in the services the hotel has to offer. On the 7th floor, The “Penthouse Suite” of 10,000 sq feet is a haven of luxury.

Dining In

The Martinez has three restaurants. “La Palme d’Or”, a 2 stars Michelin gourmet restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Bay of Cannes and the decor is dedicated to the 7th Art. In this magical atmosphere, you will enjoy the creative flavors of Christian Sinicropi, the Executive Chef.”Le Relais Martinez”, a friendly place with a terrace extending to the edge of the swimming pool, serves a varied bistro-style cuisine featuring fresh seafood and local produce.”Zplage Beach Restaurant” is a delightful open-air restaurant serving light and healthy dishes and freshly squeezed juices.For a snack or an evening drink, the piano bar “L’Amiral” and its friendly team is today an institution.

Recreation and Health

“Zplage Beach Club” proposes 400 sun mattresses spread out over the sand and the large pontoon and for the sportier guests: water skiing, huge water rings, parascending, boat trips… On the top floor of the Hotel, “The Spa Givenchy” of 9,700 sq feet is entirely dedicated to beauty and well-being: 8 treatments cabins, a fitness center, saunas, hairdresser… Not forgetting the heated outdoor swimming pool (30 degrees Celsius all the year) with solarium and the children’s program is offered in July and August.

A stately 19-the century palace, fully restored to its original glory and classified as a National Monument, the Pestana Palace is ideally located in the heart of Lisbon, just a short drive from the Estoril Coast and its beaches. With magnificent views of a private subtropical park, as well as the Tagus River, the luxurious Pestana Palace seamlessly blends the natural beauty of its surroundings with the excitement and culture of Lisbon.

Dining In

The acclaimed Valle-Flor serves all meals daily, featuring outstanding Portuguese specialties. Casa do Lago for seasonal dining in a 19th-century pavilion. Allegro offers a light menu, cocktails and live music in the evening.

Recreation and Health

Fitness center with heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish bath. Outdoor pool in hotel’s gardens. 18-hole golf course nearby.

Miami is one of the world’s hottest beach destinations.   Ranked as the United State’s number one Healthiest City by Natural Health Magazine in 2002, Miami is the place where you can experience the serenity of the sunset and the excitement of extreme water sports.   If you are looking for a romantic place, the beaches of Miami are definitely the places to go.  Nothing can be romantic than a candlelit dinner by the shore - the sea breeze caressing you, and the sound of the waves serenading you.   Then after dinner, you and your partner can walk along the powdery sand of the beach that leads to the Atlantic Ocean.

Located on the sun drenched Hawaiian Island of Oahu, Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the entire world, with luxurious hotels and beach clubs set right on the beach. The famous Kalakaua Avenue, which runs parallel to the beach, offers you a shoppers paradise with fine restaurants and nightly entertainment.

Waikiki Beach is also known for its gentle waves which are ideal for beginning surfers. You can rent surfboards and gear on the beach, and even take lessons if you have never surfed before.

Catamaran rides to and from Diamond Head are also offered by several different companies as well, with departure times varying. Other activities on your vacation include kayaking, swimming, and outrigger canoeing.

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The development has wonderful gardens which frame inviting swimming pools, and the views out to sea are absolutely stunning.

The blocks are sympathetically spaced and no higher than four floors, lending a feeling of relaxed calm to the whole environment. They vary in size from a decent 55 sq metres up to a very spacious 130 sq metres. The bathrooms have a steam room as well as a shower, contributing to the feeling of luxury. While built to the best of modern standards, these properties are also charming, and boast generous terracing from which to enjoy the warm days and evenings.

The development is in a privileged position, being only 200 metres from the marina and right at the entry to the Golden Mile. A theme park and water park are only five minutes away. Southern Spain is only half an hour away via the ferry at Ceuta, and Tangier airport is less than two hours’ drive. Continued investment means that the amenities and facilities of this up-and-coming tourist area are improving all the time.