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   by John Keyin Travel / Travel Tips    (submitted 2011-03-13)

The weather around the world is getting pretty wild with all sorts of freak weather conditions in Asia, Australia and America, not to mention the arctic conditions in the UK of late. So if your looking to escape these nasty weather conditions then try visiting the islands of Greece.

In Greece they have around 200 days of sun a year and the temperatures rarely fall below 15 degrees centigrade and at the height of the summer you can expect temperatures to soar into the late 30s. The amount of sunshine in Greece is one very good reason to visit and of course returning home with a golden tan to make your friends green with envy is always another.

The history of every island in Greece is unique and you can expect to see something different depending on where you go. For example on the island of rete you have Knossos Palace the seat of King Minos and the Minoan civilization. You have the island of Spinalonga with its haunting past as a leper colony and before that a stronghold that kept pirates at bay for years.

In Rhodes you have Rodini park which is believed to be the first ever nature reserve in the world. Not only that but you have the remains of the Lindos Acropolis which sits proudly overlooking Lindos bay. You have the archaeological sites in Rhodes town which include yet another Acropolis and of course the castle from the crusades.

In Athens itself you have the Acropolis and Parthenon which dominate the skyline and are some of the most visited and photographed sights in the world. There is the temple of Poseidon which is a favourite spot to watch the sunset for locals and tourists alike.A must for most tourists from all over the world is Delphi in Greece and its oracle which was one of the most sacred place in Ancient Greece.

For beaches in Greece you are spoilt for choice with the stunning Smugglers cove in Zante or Zakynthos which is one of the most photographed beaches in the entire world and appears on calendars and postcards all over the island. Crete has some amazing beaches from the pink sands of Elafonisi to the palm covered beaches of Vai on the eastern side of the island.

Visit Rhodes and you will want to visit the remote but beautiful bay of Tsambika where many a cruise ship will stop to lets its guests enjoy the warm seas and lush sandy beach of Tsambika.

The scenery of the Greek islands is something unique to Greece, with rolling rugged hills with patchworks of vineyards, olive groves and citrus groves. The mountainous regions of Greece and the Greek islands are some of the best places to hike and cycle in Europe.

If swimming is more your sort of thing then the underwater life of Greece is amazing especially off the island of Crete with many a shipwreck and downed fighter plane from the WWII Battle of Crete to swim around with some colourful fish species. You also have the Carretta Carretta turtles of Zante to swim with if your lucky as they live and nest around the island during the summer months.

The food of the Greek islands and Greece as a whole is again something you must experience and the dishes remain unique from island to island. Some of our favourites are Lamb Kleftiko, Moussaka, Gyros pita and Cheese Saganaki. Most foods are fresh from the field or the sea and always cooked in healthy fresh olive oils with vegetables grown locally and sourced fresh that day.

There are many other reasons to visit Greece and its wonderful islands but I hope this serves as a small inspiration to get you booking those holidays for the summer.

About the Author

John Key is a travel writer for the Greek islands, articles tend to be from his most popular islands of Crete, Rhodes and Zante.

John Key

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Have you recently booked your reservations to Hawaii? If so, do you plan on visiting Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, or Maui? Regardless of which Hawaiian Island you plan on visiting, have you thought about what you should do to prepare for your trip? Even if your trip isn’t for a few months, it is advised that you start preparing for your Hawaiian vacation in advance. Although Hawaii trips are fun filled adventures, they do require some preparation; preparation that will likely help make your vacation easier to enjoy.

When it comes to preparing for a trip, including Hawaii trips, many vacationers place a focus on packing their bags. While it is important that you plan out what you intend to bring on your trip, it is also important to place a focus on additional preparations that may be needed; preparations that you may want to make in advance. One thing that you may want to do, in the months leading up to your Hawaiian vacation, is determine what you will need to bring with you to the airport, such as identification. Depending on where you are departing from, a passport may be needed. If so, it is important that you obtain the needed documents, at least two weeks before your trip is set to begin.

In addition to the documents needed at the airport, you are also advised to bring along additional documents or forms of identification. Hawaii trips sometimes require the renting of a vehicle. If you need to rent a vehicle, you will likely need to show a valid drivers license, as well as proof of auto insurance. It may also be a good idea to bring along additional insurance cards, such as your health insurance cards. Should you need to see a physician or go to the emergency room, your health insurance cards will come in handy.

Depending on your age and your physical condition, it may also be a good idea to speak with your primary care physician before you head off to Hawaii. Hawaii trips are fun, but they often require a fairly decent amount of travel. It is usually advised that all elderly travelers or those with medical conditions receive clearance from their physician before embarking on a fight to Hawaii. A simple checkup and your physician should be able to give you the clearance that you were hoping for. You may also be able to receive valuable travel safety tips, pertaining to your health, from your physician.

No matter what your age or your health status, if you take medications, you may also want to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. When taking a trip, even Hawaii trips, it is extremely important that you have the adequate amount of medication, especially if you are required to take that medication on a set schedule. Your physician may wish to give you additional prescriptions, just in case. Despite the fact that there is a good chance that you will not lose your medication, it is best to be prepared for the unexpected.

Once you have gathered the documents needed to travel to Hawaii, as well as the ones that you may want to bring as an extra precaution, you can begin to start focusing on the packing of your bags. Hawaii trips almost always entail beautiful weather, but there are no guarantees. That is why it is advised that you examine Hawaii’s projected weather forecast. Packing your luggage, based on the weather, is the best way to ensure that you are not left out in the rain without a rain coat. Hawaii trips are so amazing that you may want to remember them with souvenirs. That is why it is also advised that you leave a little bit of room in your luggage. That additional space can be used to transport your Hawaiian treasures home.

As stated above, Hawaii trips are almost always enjoyable, but, as with any other vacation, there are things that can go wrong. That is why it is best that you start planning and preparing for your trip in advance. Early preparation is the best way to ensure that your trip goes off exactly as planned.

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Have you recently made the decision to vacation in Hawaii? If so, you are definitely not alone. Each year, an unlimited number of individuals, families, and couples, from all around the world, make the decision to take a Hawaii trip. Although Hawaii trips are fun, there are a number of important travel tips that you urged to keep in mind, as you should regardless of where you travel to. By keeping these travel tips in mind, you are sure to enjoy your next Hawaiian vacation, no matter how long or short it is.

Perhaps, the most important thing to focus on is preparing for your trip to Hawaii. Whether you are departing from the United States or another country, it is important that you take the time to understand air travel rules. If you are arriving in Hawaii from the United States, you will not be required to obtain a passport; however, you may need one if you are departing from another country. Before you leave for the airport, it may be a good idea to familiarize yourself with what forms of identification are needed, as well as other air travel rules. Hawaii trips are only memorable if you get to experience them. That is why it is extremely important that you follow all air travel rules.

In addition to air travel rules, it is also important that you pack for your trip wisely. One mistake that many Hawaii trip takers make is assuming that they know what the weather will be like. While the weather in Hawaii is consistently sunny and warm, there are no guarantees. That is why it is advised that you examine the projected weather forecast before you begin packing for your trip. Hawaii trips are almost always pleasant, but it is possible to have an unpleasant experience if you aren’t properly prepared, especially when it comes to the weather.

While it is important to focus on the preparation needed for Hawaii trips, it is also important to place a focus on your vacation, while in Hawaii. The Hawaiian Islands are often referred to as popular vacation destinations because of everything that they have to offer. Whether you are looking for fun adventures, quiet activities, or something romantic, you are sure to find it on one of the many Hawaiian Islands; however, it is also important to keep safety in mind. Whether you are snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, or mountain climbing, it may be a good idea to go on a guided tour, especially if this is your first time visiting Hawaii. Hawaii trips are always filled with excitement, but it is also important to keep safety in mind.

Aside from action packed adventures, many Hawaii trips are filled with sightseeing and shopping. Before you leave, it may be a good idea to leave additional room in your luggage. This additional room may allow you to bring home extra souvenirs or other Hawaii treasures that you just had to have. Whichever Hawaii Island you choose to visit, there is a good chance that you will walk away with a handful of goods to take home with you. If you forgot to leave enough room in your luggage or if one of your purchases is fragile, you may prefer to have your items shipped directly to your home. While shipping may be a little bit costly, in most cases, you will find that it is more than worth the cost.

As much as vacationers wish that their Hawaii trips would never end, all vacations must come to a close. That is why it is also important to place a focus on your return home. Unlike many inbound flights to Hawaii, the outbound flights are subject to additional screening; screening that includes agriculture checks. You will find that it is against the rules to bring numerous items, including fruit and certain food and plants, back to the mainland. To prevent yourself from being held up at the airport, it is advised that when it doubt, leave it in Hawaii.

The above mentioned Hawaii trip travel tips are just a few of the many that exist. In reality, the best tip to keep in mind is to use your common sense. You will find that thinking before you act is the best way to enjoy and safely make the most out of your trip to Hawaii.

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When it comes to planning a vacation, whether that vacation is a family trip or a romantic getaway, it is sometimes difficult to choose a vacation destination. There are, literally, an unlimited number of destinations, all around the world, that would make great vacation destinations, so many that it may be difficult for you to make a final decision. Before making your decision, it is important that you examine each of your vacation destination options and what they can do for you. Regardless of what you are looking for, there is a good chance that Hawaii will come up on your list of possible vacation destinations. If so, it may be time to examine if a Hawaii vacation is right for you.

The best way to decide whether or not a Hawaii vacation is right for you is to examine Hawaii vacations, as a whole, and what they can do for you. For instance, you will likely find that Hawaii vacations are fun filled. They are fun filled because, no matter which Hawaiian Island you choose to visit, you are sure to be greeted with an unlimited number of activities. These activities may include shopping, elegant dining, boat tours, mountain hikes, as well as beachside activities. So, if you are looking for a fun way to spend your next vacation, a Hawaiian vacation may be just what you need.

As previously mentioned, Hawaii is made up of numerous islands. When it comes to tourism, a large number of tourists enjoy visiting Hawaii’s Big Island, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai. While it may be a good idea to focus on one particular island, you don’t necessarily have to. With the recent spike in tourism, a number of travel companies have started making it easier and more affordable to travel from island to island. Essentially, this means that you may not want to focus just on one Hawaii Island. Hawaii vacations are great, even if you just visit one island, but they may be even better if you choose to visit more than one island. In fact, doing so may make it appear as if you are on a whole other vacation!

In addition to the particular island or islands that you would like to visit, you will also have a number of other choices to make. One of those choices is where you would like to stay. In Hawaii, on all of the different islands, you will find that you can choose to stay in a traditional hotel, at a resort, or at a vacation rental. If you are looking for easy access, to a number of different activities and attractions, you may prefer to stay at a Hawaii hotel or resort. If peace, quite, and privacy is more your style, it may be a good idea to stay at Hawaii vacation rental, particularly one that is somewhat secluded. Essentially, this means that whether you are looking for easy access to the attractions that you want to visit or if you are looking for seclusion, Hawaii has exactly what you are looking for.

The weather is also a factor, when it comes to choosing a vacation destination. If you are looking for beautiful weather, as well as warm temperatures, you will find exactly what you are looking for in Hawaii. In fact, the weather is one of the reasons why Hawaii vacations come so highly recommended. Whether you plan a Hawaii vacation in the winter months or in the summer, you are sure to be greeted with warm, but not too warm temperatures. The temperatures during the summertime are regularly in the eighties, with temperatures consistently in the seventies during the winter months. So, if you are looking for beautiful, but comfortable weather, a Hawaii vacation can give you just want you want, as well as what you need.

Whether you are looking for beautiful weather, the option to make an unlimited number of choices, or a vacation inside a vacation, you are urged to give Hawaii a chance. Hawaii vacations are rapidly increasing in popularity and there is a reason for that. In fact, there are a number of reasons for that. No matter what the reasons, one thing is for sure, Hawaii is the place to be.

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My husband and I try to go skiing for a week at least once a year and so far we’ve been to about 15 different ski resorts on the east coast, anywhere from Ontario to Quebec, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. But we had never been out west in the Rockies. Well, it was time to change that…..

So we planned a trip to the Canadian Rockies, and for both of us it was the first time for us to see this majestic mountain range. Just after we landed on March 4, 2006 we started off with a whirlwind four-hour tour of Calgary to get a sneak peak at Canada’s Heart of the New West. Our extremely knowledgeable tour guide took us to the Calgary Tower, Fort Calgary and past the Stampede Grounds and Calgary’s Saddledome. Of course Canada Olympic Park was one of the main attractions on this tour.

The same evening we enjoyed a wonderful Italian feast at Il Giardino on 4th Street and we had a chance to get to know one of Calgary’s most successful entrepreneurs. We enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of Deirdre and Henry Brost at the historic Twin Gables Bed & Breakfast and got a huge surprise at breakfast when we realized we were enjoying our morning meal with two big celebrities (you’ll have to read the article to find out which famous people shared the B&B with us….).

After breakfast we walked all the way from the Twin Gables to downtown from where I took the C-Train to get to the Kensington area, one of Calgary’s main restaurant and shopping areas. I had a brief lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant called Indochine Bistro where I found out that the young owner had originally come to Canada as a refugee from Vietnam. What an amazing success story: from Vietnamese boat person to successful Calgary restauranteur….

Then it was time to head west on the Transcanada Highway to our destination for the next week: Banff, a picturesque town nestled inside the famous Banff National Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of course we went skiing and we had a chance to check out 3 major ski resorts: perfectly groomed Norquay, high altitude Sunshine Village – located on the Continental Divide, and the unbelievably huge and scenic ski area of Lake Louise. Well, there is definitely something to be said for West Coast skiing…..

Two outstanding attractions are the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and I had an opportunity to explore both these magnificent structures in detail. Canada’s history is inextricably intertwined with the history of the railroads. The Canadian Pacific Railroad played a key role in opening up the west and these castle-like railway hotels figured prominently in Canada’s development of the West Coast.

Last Friday a wonderful adventure provided the highlight of my trip: I went dogsledding with Snowy Owl Adventures on a crisp crystal-blue winter day, high in the mountains above the town of Canmore.

Our adventure was almost over, but I had one more chance for exploration: on Saturday I took the gondola up to Sulphur Mountain from where I got a perfect 360 degree panoramic view of Banff and the surrounding mountain ranges. I checked out the Cosmic Ray Station and after a brief forest hike past the Banff Springs Hotel, I visited the Banff Park Museum, one of Canada’s oldest natural history museums.

Our Alberta explorations were rapidly coming to an end, and just before we headed to the airport we went on one final walk through Calgary and explored the famous

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