Travel Trip Vacation .com

48-Hr-Tour in Ancient Rome

Travel Writer — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 04:57:26 +0000

Get the picture of what ancient Rome, Italy, is about for a wonderful vacation.

Video of touring Ancient Rome in 48 hrs.

This facts -filled video tours you around the Spanish Steps, The Pope’ Vatican City with its Sistine chapel; the sparking Trevi fountain; the dome-shaped Patheon honoring the Pagan Gods; Strastevere, the ancient jewish getto; and several other sights.

Besides showing the history of Rome and its ancient buildings, it maps you out where to go and what to do where on a whirlwind 48 hour Rome vacation.

While you are sightseeing, don’t forget to sample all the delicious food of ancient Rome in the numerous restaurants. When in Rome, do as the Romans. Enjoy life!

Pictures of Ancient Rome for your home

Views of Rome I

Luigi Rossini

Views of Rome II

Luigi Rossini

These prints are individually painted using traditional European methods.

Starting with a hand-pulled black and white reproduction of an antique engraving, artists apply paint to the piece, using the finest watercolors, on a heavy, cotton rag archival paper.

Calendar: Art Basel Miami On Now

Travel Writer — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:05:24 +0000

Art Basel Miami starts now.

It’s a great reason to find a list minute flight and hop on a plane down south for a mini Florida vacation with fun, fantastic parties and art.

Delano Hotel Pool, South Beach, Miami, Florida, USA

Robin Hill

Intrigued? Read the full scoop here:

http://eartfair.com/blog/art-basel-miami-2008-good-reason-to-go-to-the-beach/

For other ideas on what to do when there, check our Florida Section of www.TravelTripVacation.com ~ Have fun on your spontaneous Florida beach vacation!

What is the Weather Really Like in Hawaii?

Travel Writer — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 07:31:38 +0000

By Braddah Kimo

Yes, it is usually pretty balmy here in Hawaii, but are you prepared for all of the different weather that you will find in the islands?

The weather can vary greatly within a few miles. For instance, Mount Waialeale on Kauai is the wettest spot on earth with over 460 inches of rain a year (in 1982 it actually rained 666 inches!) However, just a few miles away is a desert that receives less than 10 inches of rain per year. So as you can see the weather varies quite a lot just on one island.

Hawaii weather is greatly influenced by the trade winds that generally blow at speeds of 10-20 MPH. Sometimes the winds will be light to non-existent and sometimes they will blow much stronger–into the 30 MPH range.

The trade winds have a welcome cooling effect. Even though it may be 85 degrees with 80% humidity, the trade winds make it feel much more comfortable.

Visit Lahaina

Kerne Erickson

The opposite wind is called the kona wind. The kona winds tend to bring hot, humid weather, and sometimes rain. The kona winds are not as prevalent as the trade winds. (Don’t confuse kona winds with Kona side of the Big Island which tends to be hot and dry.)

Hawaii has semi-tropical weather. Temperatures usually range from 75-90 degrees year round in the daytime, and 70-80 degrees at night. Temperatures in the winter months may be a little cooler, where nighttime temperatures can sometimes fall into the 50’s. (It feels much cooler than that with a 20 MPH trade wind blowing.)

At the higher elevations of the islands (such as up country Maui and Big Island) temperatures can drop to the 30’s or 40’s and snow often falls at the very high elevations of Haleakala and Mauna Kea!

Rain showers can appear at any time of the year but they most often fall between the months of November-February. Even though these winter months are technically the “rainy season”, the rains are generally short lived, and sunshine and blue skies return quickly.

We call these short, light showers “blessings.” Sometimes you can’t even seem to find the clouds that are producing these “blessings”, but if you look around you will probably see the rainbows they leave behind!

Hawaii also has what are called “Mauka Showers.” Mauka means “inland” or “toward the mountains.” It will often be raining in the mountains or valleys, but be dry on the beaches.

Sometimes during the winter months it does rain for 2-3 days straight. The good news is that since there are so many micro-climates on the islands, you can often just go a short distance to find dry weather.

Hawaii does, on rare occasion have a hurricane pass our way, although this happens much less often than it does in Florida or other parts of the US mainland. It is always good to be prepared, of course, but the last hurricanes to hit Hawaii was “Iniki” which hit Kauai in 1992. Hurricane season runs between June-December.

Even given these general guidelines, the weather can vary quite a bit depending on where you are on the island. The windward (Northeast) sides of the islands are generally the wettest and coolest, and the leeward (Southwest) sides are generally the driest and hottest.

So as you can see, there can be quite a variety of weather in Hawaii. Be sure to pack a light jacket, rain coat, or sweater so you’ll be comfortable on the cool Hawaiian nights and in your visits upcountry.

If you plan on visiting Maui or Big Island you won’t want to miss the summits of Haleakala (elevation 10,023 feet) and Mauna Kea (elevation 13,796 feet.) Just make sure you pack a heavy jacket!

About the Author

Braddah Kimo is based in Honolulu and has worked in the Hawaii travel industry for over 20 years. His websites are MyHawaiiVacationPackage.com and WholesaleTrip.com

Celebrate Autumn with Fall Vacation Getaways

Travel Writer — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 05:20:24 +0000

By Shari Hearn

Fall is here, and for those of you who didn’t get your fill of vacationing in the summer, here’s your opportunity to get away to enjoy all that autumn has to offer.

Fall Foliage Tours

Whether you drive yourself or take a tour bus, there’s nothing quite like seeing the changes of the season reflected in the changing color of the leaves. Of course, some places have better color than other places, and the New England states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont are considered some of the best areas of the United States to take a fall foliage tour, with the Kancamagus Scenic Byway in New Hampshire known as one of the best places in the world to see spectacular fall foliage.

But, New England’s not the only game in town, as awesome fall foliage can also be seen in such places as the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina, Lost Maples Natural Area in Texas and Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.

You can drive your car, hike, ride a bike or let someone else be your guide on one to 8-day tours.

Halloween Celebrations

It used to be that Halloween was reserved only for the kids. Not anymore. Halloween has become a big adult holiday as well, with Halloween celebrations being held for adults in most major cities. Some cities, however, have become must-visit Halloween spots: New York City, West Hollywood, and Las Vegas.

New York City:

For 33 years New York City has played host to one of the largest public Halloween celebrations in the United States with New York’s Village Halloween Parade, where anyone in costume is encouraged to join bands, puppets, and dancers for a parade in Greenwich Village. The Halloween parade is so popular that is has been chosen by Events International as “The Greatest Event on Earth on October 31,” as well as having been ranked 3rd by Citysearch as the best event in New York City.

West Hollywood:

This Halloween celebration takes place on Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood, which has a large gay and lesbian population. The celebration usually lasts several days, with such events as “Doggy Costume” contests for you pet pooch, a Drag Race (in high heels), and a costume party on Halloween night, which is billed as the “largest adult outdoor Halloween event in the world.”

Las Vegas:

Let’s face it; Las Vegas is fun any time of the year. But, for those who love Halloween and an occasional trip to Vegas, a trip to Las Vegas on Halloween is double fun. Not for the timid is the “Fetish and Fantasy Halloween Ball,” celebrated on October 27 in 2007. It’s been happening for 12 years now, and has earned numerous accolades, including being named as “One of the Top 10 Events in the World” by the Travel Channel and “One of 5 Events to Attend Before You Die” by Maxim Magazine.

For those desiring something a little tamer, many of the casinos have special Halloween celebrations, and there’s always the “Haunted Vegas Tour” you can take, which is a 2.5-hour tour of Las Vegas’ favorite haunted locations. The tour starts at the Celebrity Room at the Greek Isles Hotel & Casino and runs every Saturday through Thursday. Call 702-737-5540 for more information.

Thanksgiving

While many people stay home for Thanksgiving, or travel back to their hometowns to celebrate with family and friends, some people like to travel for Thanksgiving, sampling Thanksgiving feasts and traditions in other parts of the country. Where might you like to travel this Thanksgiving?

Plymouth, Massachusetts:

Plymouth was the site of the first Thanksgiving, so naturally it’s a place you might want to consider for your Thanksgiving celebration. You may want to arrive the weekend before Thanksgiving to take part in the “America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade” and “New England Food Festival.”

New York City, New York

You’ve watched it on TV, now experience it live. Get away to New York City for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and join over two million people who line the streets watching the festivities. If you’re not into being up close and personal with crowds, get a hotel room along the parade route and watch it from your upstairs room.

San Francisco, California:

No Pilgrims here, but what you will find are superb restaurants, such as the Carnelian Room, fifty-two floors above the city. But, the real reason to come to San Francisco for Thanksgiving is what happens after Thanksgiving - shopping! And, no place does shopping better than Union Square in San Francisco, which is block after block of great shopping experiences. Stay in a hotel in the Union Square area and you can shop, drop off your goodies, and shop some more.

The above, of course, is just a tiny sampling of fall getaways. Just be sure to take it easy after your trip, you want to be fully rested for your winter getaway.

About the Author

Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of Top Vacation Spots, where you can learn about such things as things to do in San Francisco Also, check out her travel blog.

Travel Trip Vacation Tip

Golden Getaways: California Hotels from $95

Great Vacations To Napa Valley Can Be Found Online

Travel Writer — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:00:16 +0000

By Dominic Ferrara

When planning Napa Valley travel, you should understand the key areas that make up the majority of Napa Valley. Calistoga, St. Helena, Oakville/Rutherford, Yountville, and Napa are towns that offer winery tours, pleasant accommodations, and other activities that tourists can add to their Napa Valley travel itinerary. As Napa Valley is well known for its wine, adults will find plenty to do, but children may not be quite as thrilled.

Calistoga became popular in the early 1800’s when settlers discovered the amazing restorative properties of the area’s natural hot springs. From that day forward, tourists arranging their Napa Valley Travel itinerary, and who are seeking a little rest and relaxation, have flocked to Calistoga. Harbin Hot Springs is a non-profit organization that offers relaxing Napa Valley travel choices. At Harbin Hot Springs, guests can relax in any of the resort’s natural springs, attend artistic workshops, or stroll the 1700 acres of impressive landscape.

Located in St. Helena, Beringer Vineyards is California’s oldest winery in full operation. Founded in 1876, Beringer offers daily tours and wine tastings for a very affordable price. The vineyard is packed with lush landscaping and historic buildings. St. Helena is also a haven for antique shoppers. The area’s extravagant Meadowood golf course will appeal to the avid golfer. Couples needing a mix of activities on their Napa Valley travel itinerary will enjoy St. Helena.

Any movie buff knows the name Francis Ford Coppola. Formerly known as the Niebaum-Coppola Vineyards, Rubicon Estate in Oakville/Rutherford continues to produce top-notch wines. Rubicon Estate offers special estates throughout the year. The St. Helena Olive Oil Company is another “must see” on many Napa Valley travel itineraries. Olive oil and balsamic vinegar are both produced daily and can be sampled in the retail section of the company.

Yountville, California is no more than one mile in length. Tourists love adding Yountville to their Napa Valley travel plans because the town can be seen by foot. Park your car, put on some comfortable shoes, and see the sites. Amazing architecture is only one of the rewards. France’s Moet and Chandon sister company, Domaine Chandon, is located in Yountville. Daily tours of the winery that specializes in sparkling wines are free. While a trip into the tasting room lets you enjoy a few samples.

In Napa, La Belle Époque remains a highly requested bed and breakfast. Romantics of all ages book rooms at this gorgeous Queen Anne Victorian months in advance. The Wineries of Napa Valley is a unique organization that offers samplings from many of Napa Valley’s wine makers. The Wineries of Napa Valley sells a wine tasting card that allows ten-cent initial samplings from each winery in the establishment.

Whether you are arranging a romantic Napa Valley travel plan or wanting to explore the world of winemaking, Napa Valley is a lavish option. Though the area can be a little on the pricey side, Napa Valley travel plans create a lasting memory.

About the Author

For more information on the best Travel Deals Online try visiting Ultimate Travel Deals Video located at vacation-travel-deals.com/traveldeals.htm where you will find valuable information on cheap tickets and other information.

Travel Trip Vacation Tip

Golden Getaways: California Hotels from $95

Espresso - A Taste of Italy in Every Sip

Travel Writer — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 05:30:47 +0000

By Michael Russell

Traditionally served in a “demitasse” - a special cup with a capacity of 3 oz. - as a shot, espresso is a special drink: a mouthful of sensations and flavor. Espresso defines the very essence of coffee.

Italians are proud of their tradition and do know what a good espresso means. When asked, they’ll even define the true test of a perfect espresso: when you ad sugar to it, the sugar should remain at the surface of the cream for thirty seconds before sinking. Are you ready to start counting? Customarily espresso is drunk in one sip. But what if you want to double the pleasure? Well, you could just order a second espresso, or order a Doppio from the start. An espresso doppio means, in Italian, a double shot.

Espresso Americano, as the name suggests, is a type of beverage consumed in the “American style”. Practically what you do is add hot water over a traditionally prepared espresso to make a full regular cup. Espresso Americano can be consumed with milk and sugar.

For a richer taste, there are other espresso recipes you might want to try. Espresso topped with a spoonful of whipped cream is also known as espresso con panna. Or maybe you’ll find tastier a macchiato: espresso topped with milk foam. An espresso Romano is a traditional espresso shot with a twist of lemon. For a hot summer day, try a Granita: freeze sweetened espresso and then crush it. This is a perfect topping for ice cream specialties as well.

You can also enjoy espresso in various cocktails. A classic espresso cocktail is the Espresso Martini. To prepare a drink for two you need 7 oz vodka, one espresso shot, ½ oz Kahlua and ice. Shake vodka and crushed ice for about 30 seconds, then add espresso and Kahlua and give it another two or three shakes. Let it stand for about a minute and then strain into two martini glasses. Garnish with coffee beans.

Another vodka-based espresso cocktail is called simple: Vodka Espresso. Shake one shot of vodka, one espresso shot, two teaspoons of castor sugar and ice cubes for thirty seconds. Strain into a glass and layer one shot of Amarula Cream on top.

Another tasty cocktail with espresso is the Mocha Martini. Let’s say you’ve forgotten to drink your espresso shot and now it’s cold. Why waste such a delicious beverage? Use it in a cocktail: shake one shot cold espresso, one shot bourbon, one shot cocoa liqueur and one shot Amarula Cream with crushed ice. Strain into a chilled glass and then float half a shot of double cream in the center. Garnish with cocoa powder.

As you see, espresso is an amazing drink that can ad flavor to many other drinks. One may be able to even define espresso as a sip of Italy: sensual, romantic, full of flavor, appetizing, mysterious and passionate. You can enjoy this beverage in its traditional form, or let your imagination discover new possibilities. Chefs even use espresso to improve the taste of certain cakes and ice cream, create syrups and much more. Why not create your own espresso-based recipe?

About the Author

Michael Russell, your Independent guide to Espresso

Tis The Season for Outdoor Concerts, Fairs and Festivals

Travel Writer — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:53:59 +0000

By Jennifer Atienza

Summer is here - outdoor venues event calendars are looking plump! Everyone is gearing up for concert picnics, outdoor plays, and summer concerts - even restaurants and eateries are offering gourmet picnic baskets to take to these events. Get your hats, umbrellas, beach chairs, and picnic blankets ready!

One particular event that I look forward to this summer is the California Philharmonic’s Festival on the Green. It’s held at the Los Angeles Arboretum every summer in succeeding weekends. Each performance features a theme (Classics, Dance, and Movie themes to name a few). This event started in 1997 - a vision of Maestro Vener. The event came a reality with the help community leaders and the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department. This year is definitely special as Festival on the Green is celebrating its 10th year.

There are many events happening in other parts of the country – if you are a big literary fan, the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, OR is the event for you. Founded in 1935, this Tony Award Winning event is among the oldest theatre events in the country. Started by a teacher from South Oregon Normal School, Angus L. Bowmer, the festival was officially launched on July 2, 1935. Bowmer’s idea is to create a festival in conjunction with the city’s Fourth of July celebration. In 2001, the 10 millionth ticket holder was welcome. This festival is definitely one to check out!

An event that has been gaining worldwide notoriety is the Burning Man Project. Founded by Larry Harvey and Jerry James in 1986, it started as an annual fire party at Baker Beach in San Francisco. This event began with a humble group of friends and now grew to a community of 25,000 people. There are different descriptions of this event… Some say it’s Art festival, some would describe it as music festival, and others a social experiment. It is probably a combination of all these – it seems the Burning Man Project is what you want it to be or how you experience it to be. The only way to find out is to go there yourself!

Whatever you are interest in; there is a summer event for you. There’s music, arts, theatre, culinary, and many more. Definitely plan ahead and get your tickets early, as most of the very popular events sell out months in advanced. Be sure to check out the events websites to see any restrictions (such as age, alcohol, transportation, etc.), if any.

About the Author

To see a calendar of events happening this summer - music, concerts, festivals, theatre, culinary - visit The WhereWhen Project:
thewherewhenproject.com Calendar access is free with no registration required… And if you have an event to promote, posting events are free as well.

Travel Trip Vacation Tip

Golden Getaways: California Hotels from $95

Get A Taste Of Italy In Venice

Travel Writer — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:33:15 +0000

By Adam Singleton

The enchanting city of Venice has long been a favorite destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Beautiful surroundings, famous landmarks, fantastic food and the inevitable gondola rides attracts many to this Italian city to bask in the laid back Italian way of life.

Venice also offers the unique experience of walking around a city that was built based on a canal system to move about, making for some interesting walking tours around this maze-like historic city.

Walking around the city is the best way to take in all of the unique architecture and character of Venice. A map is essential to tackling the winding streets of this city even though it will probably not protect against getting lost. But what better place is there to be lost in than Venice? Walking is also a great way to discover some of the lesser known neighbourhoods of this town, thus providing a more authentic experience. For those who want a true taste of Italy, those areas that lie off the beaten path also offer more authentic and tastier meals which cater less toward foreign visitors.

Visiting away from the tourist centre can also be a nice break from the numbers of visitors that Venice receives, especially during the summer months when the city is full and the weather is hot. A gondola ride to explore some of the bordering neighbourhoods is also a good excuse to hop on a boat as these rides get considerably cheaper the farther you stray from the main tourist area.

Any time of year that you find yourself in Venice, there are some must see attractions that you will happily brave the crowds to see. The Piazza San Marco is a large public square and serves as the main meeting place in the city. The Piazza is also the location of some more must see attractions such as St Marks Cathedral, the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile and several museums. Depending on what you are interested in seeing, you can choose to spend just a day touring the attractions of the Piazza or, if museums and cathedrals are your thing, you can happily spend more than a few days exploring all there is to see in this little space.

There are plenty more cathedrals and museums to see in Venice, and if you plan on visiting it is a good idea to book tickets in advance - especially if you are there during the summer months. Queues can be long and the weather will be hot, making standing in line pretty unpleasant. The same goes for booking a hotel in Venice during the peak season as accommodation fills up fast, especially at the hotels near the centre so it’s best to book early.

Venice is also a good place to see some of the other islands around Venice. The quaint towns can easily be seen on a day trip or you can even go to another country like Croatia by ferry although it is advisable to take more time than just one day. Venice is a great city to get a taste of Italy’s culture, but be warned, there is a great chance that it will only whet your appetite for more!

About the Author

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Singleton

Top 5 Fly Fishing Vacation Destinations

Travel Writer — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:11:10 +0000

By Leonard Clark Jr.

Top 5 Fly Fishing Vacation Destinations highlights the best fly fishing spots located around the world.

For all the vacationers planning to explore the fly fishing sport and enjoy the action in the water, this information would be indeed helpful. The top 5 fly fishing vacation destinations are the ones, which stand above from the myriad fly fishing destinations and offer a fine quality experience to the vacationers.

To enjoy the fly fishing sport and stretch out in the glory of water, plan the next vacation to the top 5 fly fishing destinations.

The Best amongst the Best:

1. Montana: This is the most popular fly fishing vacation destination best renowned for trout fishing areas from over the world. Most of the fly fishing groups from around the world is aware about the popular Montana River’s such as Yellowstone, Beaverhead, Madison, Bighorn, Clark Fork, Gallatin and Big Hole. All the Montana Rivers maintains the quality standard set by this remarkable trout fishing location.

2. Alaska: This place truly deserves to be in the list of top 5 fly fishing vacation destinations. Alaska is considered to set the benchmark on which other fly fishing spots are measured all over the world. Expert fly fishing anglers are aware that this area allows catching some of the finest salmon and trout fishing on the globe. The fly fishermen over here are anticipated of having the highest fish catching rate in entire Alaska. June is the ideal month to go for fly fishing sport in this spot.

3. New Zealand: The areas of North and South Islands at this destination are suitable for angling. Homemade trout flies are not permitted for fly fishing here. Anglers can trout and carry out fly fishing sport comfortably throughout the summer. The place is also popularly known as Angler’s El Dorado.

4. Canada: It is the most famous destination having the wonders of fly fishing that can be explored here. There are passive and gorgeous lakes and rivers that are used for fly fishing. It is one of the most excellent places in Northern America for catching a good trout. Black Lake, Selwyn Lake, Misaw Lake are some of the other destinations where saltwater or freshwater salmon fishing is carried out.

5. Norway: This destination in the North of Alta is rich in large salmons. Wide ranges of fishes are found here. This is the place to catch the most abundant salmon in the entire world. The quality of this fish with respect to size and taste is quite amazing.

L. CLARK is a successful publisher of http://www.flyfishhelp.com

Travel Trip Vacation — WEATHER & ROAD CONDITIONS

Click here for Weather & Road Conditions info in these areas

Venice Film Festivals

Travel Writer — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:42:25 +0000

By Richard Romando

Venice Film Festival is one of the oldest Film Festivals in the World. It was first held in the year 1932. It is held every year in the later half of August or early September. It takes place at Lido di Venezia, which is in the historic Palazzo del Cinema situated on the Lingomare Marconi in Venice, Italy.

The awards ceremony is grand and elegant.

The Leone d’Oro, or Golden Lion, is the most prestigious award. Off late a new award has been introduced which is called the San Marco Award. This award is given for the best film in the controcorrente section. Venice Film Festival is a part of the Venice Biennale, which is a major biennial exhibition and a festival that celebrates contemporary art.

Film Festival features several sections that contain official and short feature film competitions. It also has many parallel sidebars that include programs for new entrants and other for best videos. Films compete for various prizes such as The Golden Lion (awarded for the best film), The Jury’s Grand Prize, and the Special Award for best directors. The Best Screenplay Award, known as the Coppa Volpi Award, is handed to the best male and female actor. The Marcello Mastroianni Award is given to debut or young male and female actors. President of the Senate awards the Golden Medal.

Venice International Film Festival has been held for more than 60 years and it has brought movies, stars, media, and movie moguls to Lido. It is considered second to the Cannes Festival. Over the last few years, Venice has initiated a change in focus. This festival has introduced a non-competitive section, called “Mezzogiorno” and “Mezzanotte”, which highlights 10 films each.

Many people spend their vacations in Venice and make it a point to attend the Venice Film Festival as it is worth a watch.

About the Author

Venice provides detailed information on Venice, Venice Italy, Venice Beach California, Venice Florida and more. Venice is affiliated with Cheap Flights Rome.