A Great Shore Excursion Swimming With the Stingrays!

A Great Shore Excursion - Swimming With the Stingrays!
By Sherry Otto

The next time you go on a cruise to the Caribbean, a great shore excursion to take is one where you swim with the stingrays! Our boat took us out into the ocean about 45 minutes off the coast of Grand Cayman Island. Right out in the middle of the ocean is a shallow spot where the stingrays gather. We pulled into a spot among the ring of boats that already circled the stingrays playground, got into our snorkeling gear, got off the boat and away we went to swim with the stingrays.

When my friend Tom first told me he wanted to swim with the stingrays I was a little apprehensive because I didnt know what to expect. I imagined the floor of the ocean carpeted with them and I didnt know where I was going to step. My apprehension only increased when we were briefed on the boat about what our behavior should be like toward the stingrays, and were told not to step on their tails or we would get stung! I got off the boat a nervous wreck!

Once we were in the water my nervousness turned to delight as we watched the graceful creatures glide through the water! There were plenty of stingrays to see, but I didnt have to worry at all about where I was going to step since they didnt blanket the entire ocean floor in reality like they did in my imagination. They swam right past us; close enough so that we could reach out and touch them as they glided by.

The stingrays felt like wet mushrooms! It was such fun to gently chase them through the water to see how close to them you could get! Our guide caught a stingray and brought it up out of the water for us to see while he gave us some information about it. Then he let us take a picture with the stingray before he let it go in the water.

If you are looking for a fun experience while you are in the Caribbean, I highly recommend swimming with the stingrays!

Sherry Otto
http://www.great-caribbean-vacations.comSpecializing in fun Caribbean vacations and Caribbean travel! Also offering travel tips, hot spots, and information about romantic vacations, beach vacations, sailing vacations, golf vacations, shopping vacations, and Caribbean cruises.

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You are on Holiday AllInclusive Resorts in the Dominican Republic

You are on Holiday, All-Inclusive Resorts in the Dominican Republic
By Ken Wilssens

Relax, you are on holiday. No, really. Relax. Its fine. If you want to meander from poolside to poolside, bathe in the vibrant Caribbean sun, enjoy an El Presidente or gaze out on crystalline blue waters, and leave the moola in the fanny pack, youre here. All-Inclusive Resorts in the Dominican Republic are getting a reputation. One for tropical holidays at reasonable prices, where few extra charges, or Herculean efforts, need apply.

Typically packages for all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic include lodging, buffet-style meals, alcohol, entertainment, specialty restaurants, and may include gratuities, taxes and popular island diversions, such as scuba, horseback riding, snorkeling, aerobics, golf or day excursions. It really depends. On how much you want to pay. And how much you want your package to do for you. Are you going to the tropics for Pilates, or for the white sandy beaches?

You may find better deals off the resort for some of those extras. Away from the high walls and enclosed compounds, where luxury is often in the eye of the beholder. Know that when you book three-star accommodations, sometimes you really do have to be satisfied with what three-star accommodations have to offer. And what satisfies may depend more on whether you are a jock on Spring Break or looking to swap the stresses of your latte life for a week of golf and sun. Check out Debbies Dominican Republic Travel Page for over 4,000 layman reviews to find the all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic that works for you.

Are you okay with bland food if the staff is friendly? Will you forego an afternoon safari if the beaches are quiet and clean? Ask Debbie at debbiesdominicantravel.com.

The best reason yet for choosing an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic may be ease. Book it, pay for it and enjoy it. Venture off the resort if you choose. Enjoy the museums, discos and eco-tourism. But know that a lounge chair and mojito awaits back at the resort. Really, relax. Its paid for.

For lots of helpful information on Dominican Republic travel and related topics, visit The Dominican Republic Travel Guide at http://www.dominican-republic-travel-guide.com

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3 Unforgettable African Safaris

3 Unforgettable African Safaris
By Darren Ravens

Africa is a continent of contrasts. From the sandy Sahara desert to tropical rainforests and vast open plains, Africa something to suit everyone any time of the year.

A safari in Africa is perhaps one of the most alluring holiday options available for tourists around the world. A safari gives visitors a unique opportunity to experience all the magic that this beautiful continent has to offer.

Of course, with options come choices. If you're looking for an African safari, where do you start? How do you know what's best for you? What are the must see sights of Africa?

3 Unforgettable African Safari experiences

1). Kenya - Wildebeest Migration

The Wildebeest Migration is one of Africa's most eagerly anticipated events. This dramatic show takes place within Kenya and Tanzania and is definitely one of the greatest wildlife stories on the planet.

Across the vast open plains of the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, an astonishing number of wildebeest and zebra voyage in search of new pastures. This migration with the change of season is an important part of the living cycle, which has a massive effect on their entire bionetwork as it sets off a chain reaction across multiple tiers of the ecosystem. It is a rather unpredictable event, and there is considerable variation in timing from year to year.Between June and August is often the best time to see this somewhat spontaneous natural wonder... the huge herds of wildebeest massing near the banks of the Grumeti River, in preparation of the momentous crossing.

Where to witness the spectacle

Sarova Mara Camp
Located outside Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve, the Sarova Mara camp is set on an elevation surrounded by two streams. Facilities include a dining area, a swimming pool and curio shop. The camp, consisting of 75 tents, has 24-hour electricity and a shower with hot and cold running water.

Governors' Camp
Governors Camp is situated in the northern Masai Mara and offers a perfect setting in which to witness the epic migration. The entire safari camp is under canvas and the 38 tents are in the classic safari style.

2). A Big Five Safari in Africa

The big five safari is perhaps the quintessential safari experience. The Big Five are the elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo and these magnificent beasts exude a grand presence that very quickly makes you realise just why they are so special.It is a rare experience to see all of these animals in one place, but in a select few places in Africa, the amazing diversity of the bushveld makes it a real possibility.To see all of the big five on safari, with the animals in their natural habitat, is an inspirational experience that will stay with you forever.

Where to see the big five:

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve South Africa
Sabi Sabi Game Lodges are situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. It represents the ultimate in luxury safaris, offering an experience to remember with its amazing combination of five star luxury and wildest Africa.

The reserve is blessed with phenomenal biodiversity and provides and excellent chance of close encounters with the 'Big 5' as well as other interesting creatures like the wild dog and cheetah.

3). Fishing Safari - Hooking the biggest fish of your life

Fishing in Africa is remarkable. Whether you're a fresh water enthusiast or after that elusive trophy gamefish; whether you're a fly-fishing fanatic or a spinning specialist, Africa is home to the type of fish you love to catch.

When it comes to fishing, any serious fisherman knows that the fight factor is a huge one, and the world's most powerful freshwater fighter, the tigerfish, is only one of the numerous African fish which will test your skill and equipment. The only thing as important as the fight, is the size.

Does size matter? To a fisherman you better believe it does! The Nile Perch is one of the world's largest freshwater fish. Native to the Lake Chad, Congo, Nile, Senegal, Volta, Lake Turkana and other river basins, it reaches a maximum length of nearly two metres and can weigh as much as 200 kg - this is one seriously big fish!

A fishing safari in Africa is a fisherman's dream come true and the kind of African safari experience that you'll remember forever.

Where to fish

Lake Nasser
This is a place where many the first time visitor catches the biggest fish they've ever caught. It promises an angling adventure they will never forget. Lake Nasser is the greatest venue in the world for wild Nile perch, while your line is in the water you never know if the next fish is going to be an average sized fish or a 200lb monster.

Lake Victoria Uganda
This is another hotspot for Nile Perch fishing. The nearby Ssese Islands, a small cluster of over 80 islands off Entebbe, Uganda, are a largely uninhabited paradise. They are covered in thick, tropical forests and fish of over 80 kg have been caught. The main methods of fishing in the lake are; trolling with lures, fly fishing, and live bait. Apart from the Nile perch, local tilapia and large catfish are often caught.

These three magical experiences, while certainly not the only magic that Africa has to offer, are without doubt some of the most memorable you're likely to find anywhere in the world.Witnessing the age-old migratory trek of huge herds of Wildebeest, seeing the majesty of the Big Five up close or hooking the 200lb Nile Perch you've always dreamed of - these are the memories that stay with you for a lifetime.

About Author
Sabi Sabi, set in the Sabi Sands game reserve, is a luxury safari lodge with a focus on ultimate comfort. Sabi Sabi will treat you to the most luxurious and adventurous experience imaginable and provide a safari experience second to none. The magnificent diversity of wildlife and habitat makes it one of the world's best venues for Big Five safari.

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Adventure Camping and Horse Back Riding

Adventure - Camping and Horse Back Riding
By Linda Meckler

When my children were young my husband and I purchased a membership in a real live cattle ranch in the mountains which had been re-created into a camp ground.

When my husband and I first visited the ranch we both fell in love with it for different reasons. I felt this was a wonderful place for our family to be together in a safe, outdoor camping atmosphere. My husband fell in love with the horses that were housed in the barn.

Of course before we could go camping we must have the correct camping equipment. We needed to purchase, two tents, four sleeping bags and various other camping gear.

On our ranch there were three ways to camp. You could camp in a tent, or bunkhouse with eighteen rooms and two bathrooms with a complete kitchen, or if you owned a motor home you could leave it on the ranch.

We loaded up our car for the first time, we were all excited about our first trip to adventure. My husband and kids could not think of anything but horse back riding and fishing.

The ranch is vast and extends in every area. It consisted of a large playground for the kids, a pool, and tennis court. There were three man made lakes great for fishing. A few years later they added a three hole golf course.

I was raised in the city and had never ridden a horse. My kids had never ridden a horse either and they couldnt wait to hop on and take off.

After our tents were set up and we had eaten it was pitch black. I had never been outside in the mountains at night and the feeling was eerie. I was sitting down resting when my husband said, I want to show you something.

We walked out into an open field and suddenly I was surrounded by five huge horses that towered over me. I really could not see the horses but could feel their presence. I was over come with fear. After all I had never been near a horse before let alone five in the pitch black in the middle of the open field in the mountains.

He said, Open your hand. I did and he placed some small pieces of carrots in my open palm. He instructed me to keep my hand open and the horses would eat the carrots right out of my hand. It was totally amazing. I even was able to pet them before we turned and walked very carefully out of the open field.

The next morning our family of four was the first to the barn to sign up for horse back riding. My husband jumped right up on the horse he was assigned. My son managed to mount his horse. My daughter managed to mount her horse also but I had to use the mounting stairs.

We were riding along (not to fast) I was really beginning to enjoy my first horse back ride. Suddenly, my horse changed gait and picked up speed. Totally surprised, I lost my balance and the next moment I was hanging from the horse with my head almost hitting the dirt only attached by one stirrup. I yelled, HELP, loud and clear and my husband came to my rescue.

That first camping trip will always stand out in my memory and I hope my kids remember it also.

We continued to camp out on weekends and holidays for many years. These are the memories that cement family relationships.

I hope you enjoyed my article. Please feel free to check out my other articles. I love to hear from you.

Copyright 2006 Linda Meckler

Linda has wonderful memories of those wonderful years. Currently she is the author of Ghost Kids Trilogy, three books in one book. CHRISTY 12, AND HER BROTHER BRAD, 16 MOVE INTO AN OLD HOUSE ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN AND MEET TWO GHOST KIDS. Meet a Magical Blue Vase. Join Christy and Brad on a Pirates' Treasure Hunt. ADVENTURE/MYSTERY Love, Family Values and Charity burst off the pages.

Visit my website at http://www.lmeckler.com my email lmecky@tns.net. Order my book at http://www.amazon.com or http://www.buybooksontheweb.com With an order of 5 books = 40% discount. An order of 20 books free shipping and handling. ISBN 0-7414-2273-5.

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3 Tips for Having a Fun Family Holiday Vacation

3 Tips for Having a Fun Family Holiday Vacation
By Tracy Falbe

Holiday travel need not involve a trip to a boring unheard of town and sleeping on couches or kids beds. Families these days are enjoying the trend toward planning holiday celebrations at vacation destinations. This way family members get to use their vacation time from work actually going somewhere fun and interesting instead of visiting their home towns. It is really a win-win situation because family members get to visit and celebrate the holidays while staying in a comfortable hotel and site-seeing.

Popular destinations for family gatherings include Las Vegas, Hawaii, Lake Tahoe, Florida, and the Caribbean. For Las Vegas, the Christmas holiday season marks the start of the Las Vegas busy season that lasts through the winter and into the spring as snowbirds escape cold and gray climates for Nevada sunshine and stimulating night life and casino action.

Because gambling is a popular activity for many people, Las Vegas is particularly well suited as a vacation destination for holiday family gatherings. There are plentiful hotel resorts with various themes. There are gambling games to satisfy every whim. Las Vegas shows really are world class entertainment, but the tickets arent cheap by the way. The shopping is truly fabulous and an excellent way to get rid of any casino winnings.

Another thing that makes Las Vegas and other gambling destinations appealing to families planning a holiday vacation is the potential for low room rates. A family member who is a regular or at least an annual casino visitor can get a player rating that will qualify him or her for complimentary prices or comps on rooms and meals. Casino resorts are eager to sing up visitors for their player rating or player points as part of their marketing efforts. Usually a player can find out about the deals offered by casinos by talking to guest services or a casino floor supervisor.

Tips for a successful holiday family vacation:

Plan as early as possible to get good rates on flights and rooms.

Be willing to compromise. If everyone can't decide on where to go, let majority rule. If the vacation turns out to be a bust, everyone will know who to listen to next time.

Plan for free time. Don't pack so many activities into each day that nerves get frazzled and tempers flare. Relax and have fun at a leisurely pace.

Vacation destinations and resorts are eager to accommodate families interested in an alternative to the family gathering at a home. And families are also glad to avoid any bickering about who will host the family for the holidays and it is nice to skip all the housework needed to prepare for guests.

Read about how to play craps.

Tracy Falbe is the author of Get Dicey: Play Craps and Have Fun published under the pen name Tracy Michigan. Falbe worked as a craps dealer in Las Vegas and based her how to play craps book on thousands of hours of live game experience. A free how to play craps guide is available at her website.

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