9 Best Beaches In North Carolina‏

   Summer brings with it warmth and high humidity. People would surely love to escape to the mountains or beaches for some rest. There are some beaches in North Carolina that you should definitely consider going to.
   The Outer Banks. The Outer Banks, which is considered the most well-known of all beaches in the Carolinas, features a great history and fantastic beaches. You can visit spots like the Kill Devil Hills, where the Wright Brothers first took flight, or the Roanoke Island where the first European settlement is found.
   Bald Head Island. Got feet? You'll need them here as no cars are allowed on the island. But there are electric golf carts available.
Atlantic Beach. Atlantic Beach is part of the Crystal Coast and is found on the eastern side of the Bogue Banks. Historic Fort Macon State Park is a popular nearby attraction.
The Figure Eight Island. Got your riches intact? You're going to need them if you go to this private resort.

   The Oak Island. You'll find the Oak Island in Brunswick County, and it is actually one of the few south-facing islands in the east coast. Lots of golf courses in the area including at least one champion course.
  Sunset Beach. Just three miles in length, Sunset Beach is the southern most of the Brunswick Island beaches. The only connection to the mainland is a one-lane pontoon bridge. Imagine that!

Carolina Beach. Carolina Beach is found between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, and has plenty of places to see, like the Carolina Beach State Park, a boardwalk, shopping areas, and a state aquarium.
   Topsail Beach. If you don't like beachfront high-rise developments, then this is the place for you. Pirates actually were present in this area during the 1700s. There hasn't been news that Blackbeard's treasure has ever been found.
   Wrightsville Beach. This busy beach is frequented by Raleigh area residents as it is the closest beach to the state capitol. But there are also plenty of out-of-state patrons.
The beaches of North Carolina offer so much more than just sand and the ocean. Pick one of these destinations and you will truly have plenty of fun in the sun!

The Algarve - Portugal Welcomes You!

Algarve Vacations

Wherever you look, the colours of the mountains and sea are always with you, creating the impression of a water-colour dotted with highlights of gold, green and blue.

The region is an extensive and pleasant one, with a Mediterranean climate, marked by the smell of the sea at low tide and the scent of wild flowers.
A stroll through the tangled web of narrow streets, alleys and steps to be found away from the coast is the best way of getting to know this part of the region. But you can also easily lose yourself in the vastness of the coastal strip.

Here the backdrop is composed of some of Europe's most beautiful beaches, from where you can admire the rocky coastline and the playful shadows they cast on the sand.
After the enchantment of the landscape, you can discover the aromas and flavours of the traditional Algarve cuisine.

The menu may consist of fish and shellfish, with such dishes as caldeirada de peixe (fish-stew) or cataplana de amêijoas (clams steamed in a copper pan), or you can enjoy the traditional mountain food of stewed chickpeas and cabbage. The range of choices will also include the famous regional delicacies, such as figs, almonds, carobs and the brandy made from the locally grown medronho (arbutus-berry), distilled up in the hills in old copper stills.

As you travel across the Algarve, amidst its hills and plains filled with places of great ecological interest, rich in biodiversity and ecosystems, you will feel as though you are passing through an area full of different traditions, unchanged for many centuries.

The handicraft is skilfully manufactured by the local craftsmen, who make use of longstanding, ancestral techniques and produce an excellent range of pottery, woven baskets, copper and brass articles, or other pieces made of linen and jute.
Only a step away from the tranquil peace of the inland region is the excitement of the Algarve nightlife. Bars, discos, marinas and casinos guarantee visitors the very best kind of merrymaking.

The region's built heritage is something you cannot afford to miss. The architecture of the whitewashed houses, with their brightly-coloured mouldings and remarkably beautiful chimneys, the church belfries and the museums, all reveal particular memories of the ancestors of the Algarve people and help to make this such a special destination.

Also to be recommended is the range of outdoor sports that are available, whether you're playing golf on lush green courses or enjoying some physical exercise at some of the region's excellent facilities, whether you're on the coast or perhaps up in the hills, where, after the rigours of winter and even before the first signs of spring, the land is covered in a pinkish white blanket, produced by the blossom of the almond-trees scattered across the horizon.

This is the true portrait of an Algarve that you'll find waiting for you, all year round.

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Lifetime Trips and Vacations?

Traveling is a bigger deal than just going somewhere you haven't been before. Travel can be very exciting! There are a ton of travel options and a wide variety of adventures to take. Will there be a once in a lifetime trip waiting for you? Whenever you're ready to start, these tips will assist you with your plans.
As you set out clothing to take with you on your trip, focus on packing dark-colored dresses, skirts, or pants. These colors will better disguise any wrinkles or dirt, which are common occurrences while traveling. You can bring some lighter colored accessories to give your outfits a more cheerful appearance.
If you're bringing gifts along on your airplane trip, leave them unwrapped. TSA will randomly inspect packages thus ruining the nice wrapping job. Just stash away some gift paper inside your luggage, and wrap your gifts after arrival.
Take some clothespins along with you on your trips. While you may not usually think of packing clothespins, they can be very useful.
Make sure your passports are up-to-date by checking the expiration date. A lot of countries have certain rules concerning passports. You may not be able to enter certain countries if your passport expires soon during a particular time. The limit on expired passports can range up to six months; some countries may go up to a year.If you are bringing a pet, you need to find a hotel that will allow that and see what type of fees they charge. Call around and find out the range of lodging options to find the place that will be best for your pet and you.
If you are planning a trip to a foreign country, the first step is to check their visa requirements. Acquiring a visa can be a lengthy process, so do not wait until the last minute to apply. Once again, without having the right kind of visa, you won't be able to get into certain countries.
If you are traveling out of the country, make sure that have the currency traded before your trip. It can be difficult to get local currency after hours, which can be a problem depending on when you arrive. You can go to any large bank and exchange foreign currency before you go to the airport.
Weather can play a huge part in the amount of enjoyment you get out of traveling. By using available weather forecasting sites, you can determine projected weather conditions at your destination. A freezing tropical paradise or a sweltering winter trip can really ruin your vacation.
Only travel with a well trained dog that can easily adjust to new surroundings. Keep your dog on a leash and make sure he is trained to follow voice commands. If you are in control of your dog at all times, it will be much safer when you travel or are in unfamiliar surroundings.
As you can see, traveling is more than an airplane ride and a hotel stay. Planning is the biggest part of your whole traveling experience. These tips should have helped you move ahead.

Cyprus at a Glance!

It's not always easy choosing a place to go on holiday, but Cyprus can tick all the boxes, no matter what time of year you end up going.

Rated one of the best places to go for winter holidays by the BBC, Cyprus is a great place to sit back and relax while enjoying warm temperatures throughout the day all year round. The evenings can be a bit chilly, but for anyone enjoying the outdoors winter in Cyprus is lush and green, perhaps at its most picturesque. If you're not a fan of crowds, post-Christmastime could be an even better reason to skip town and hit a quiet beach.

You can spend your summer 2012 trying out the bevy of watersports on hand throughout the island as the hottest temperatures are from June to September, and the Mediterranean is the ideal way to cool off. Go to Aphrodite's Island for a day trip to see some landscape and soak up some culture as well as history. It's also the perfect way to wear the kids out.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the spring is also a great time to go, as it's not too hot to do a little walking. There's plenty of trails to trek in these pleasant temperatures, traditional villages to explore and castles to have a wander around in while you're on the island without the heat holding you back.

The autumn is a bit quieter, with temperatures still warm during the day but a welcome relief in the evenings not granted in the summer.

Water sports continue in the warm Mediterranean until about early November. As the months leading up to Christmas time are not as busy as the summer months, you'll also be able to make the most of bargain prices and a quieter stay.

Luxurious and Private Retreat for Romantic Getaway

Casares, Spain Health Spas & Retreats

Casares is a beautiful, tiny town in the Costa del Sol with a long and rich history. Its roots go right back to Roman times, and it also has a strong Moorish heritage, which can be seen through a variety of interesting monuments and the striking architecture on display throughout the town.

Nestled on a hill, the delightful white houses spread right up to the very top where the crown of the settlement, the castle, is situated. This castle can be reached following a steep walk up the quaint streets, and although it is not much more than a ruin it is well worth a look. Nearby the castle at the top of the hill is the dilapidated but charming Iglesia de Encarnacion, a church dating back to the 16th century, and from here views across the valley below can be enjoyed.

There are a number of interesting things to do within the town itself. The Ethnographic Museum is one such activity, which includes interesting displays harking back to Roman times. The Roman heritage is enhanced through the common knowledge in the region that it was near this town that Julius Caesar was said to have been cured of a liver problem in the sulphur baths.

The centre point of the town is Plaza de Espana, a delightful square which includes a few quaint little restaurants and a fountain that provides pure drinking water. We would also recommend a trip to the village church of San Sebastian, which is situated right next to the Plaza de Espana, and is a small but charming building which boasts some stunning stained-glass windows.

There are a number of picturesque bars throughout the town, but it is primarily a peaceful settlement which does not attract a busy nightlife. However, the town is well catered for in terms of restaurants, and you will be able to enjoy plenty of different cuisines in a number of delightful establishments.

Casares is popular due to its beauty. The pure white houses and the calm and peaceful air of tranquillity mean that, although it attracts a number of tourists who visit to enjoy its calming properties, it still manages to hold onto its unique heritage and is a beautiful place to live. And although beautiful in the day, when it is lit up at night it is nothing short of spectacular.

Fairs are also important in Casares, and the major annual celebration takes place on the first weekend in August. Another important celebration takes place in the first week of September, and marks the day of the patron saint, the Virgen del Rosario.

Shopping is fairly basic, with no supermarkets in the town, but all of the essentials are catered for. However, for some more serious shopping we would recommend that you take a trip to the nearby settlement of Laguna Village.

As it is situated in the mountains, Casares itself does not have any beaches of its own. However, it is not difficult to find beaches within a short distance from the town, and Playa Ancha is perhaps the nearest and most beautiful of the beaches on offer.

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Paris Is A Great Place To Visit‏ on Vacations

You can find a number of cities and destinations across the world that attract millions of tourists due to their attractions.

Paris is a city that's identified as among the really best tourist places around the world and attracts millions of visitors every year from all over the world. With the Eiffel tower, the Louvre museum, and other hot spots it is no surprise that Paris is so popular. Nevertheless, there may possibly not be sufficient entertaining sights and activities to keep young children satisfied for an extended period of time, which is why EuroDisney Paris is the perfect day excursion from the city of Paris.

This haven for youngsters has all types of sights and exciting events taking place, so be sure to research the best EuroDisney Paris sights so that you can make certain that you do not miss any of the famous Eurodisney attractions.

No matter which points of interest you select to view whilst visiting EuroDisney Paris, it guarantees to be an unforgettable trip for your family. Attempt and do as much as you'll be able to when you visit the park but also appreciate the delights of nearby Paris if you've got the time to pay a visit.

All in all there is a vast array of attractions to see in Paris and things to do. But no trip to the pristine city is complete without stopping by the aforementioned hot spots. Be sure to make the most of any visit to the French city and see and do as much as you can while you are there. There may be some destinations and cities that are perfect to just kick back and relax in, Paris is not one of them.

You may possibly want to think about staying in a hotel just outside Eurodisney so you are able to take pleasure in Paris city centre and also easily go to Disneyland Paris.

Murdo P Casey