Monday, January 31, 2011

Haula in Hawaii

Hula, which began in Hawaii as a sacred ritual, has over time flourished into an art form.

Originally a type of worship in religious ceremonies, hula was performed to give thanks to Hawaii’s ancient gods and honor its chieftains. Later hula dances, chants, and songs moved from the temples into the secular world, their incantatory beauty entertaining and enlightening.

Accompanied only by voice or percussion instruments, male — and subsequently, female — hula dancers used their bodies to express the wondrous legends of the Hawaiian islands.

Every hula movement has a specific meaning. Different gestures symbolize flowers, animals, even conflict and war. With expressive hands and undulating hips, a hula dancer can evoke a palm frond in the breeze or the menace of a shark.

Traditional hula narratives tell a story. One recounts the islands’ emergence from the sea and the saga of goddess Pele, who restlessly searched each of the Hawaiian islands for a home until finally finding one within a Big Island volcano.

Westerners Encounter Hula in Hawaii
The first Westerners in Hawaii, Captain Cook and corps arrived in 1778. Expedition members noted a hula performed for them on Kauai — and it seemed the gentle art would continue to hold observers in its thrall.

It was not to be. Around 1820, missionaries sailed from New England to “save” Hawaii. Shocked and appalled by the dance they deemed "heathenish," these zealots dedicated themselves to eradicating the hula. Manipulating sympathizers among Christianized royalty, the missionaries succeeded in making the dance illegal.

Yet hula’s endurance was as tenacious as its rhythms. During this bleak period, which lasted more than fifty years, hula went underground. And far away from the Hawaiian islands’ missions, dancers continued to surreptitiously perform the sensual dances.

The Hula Ruler
If hula has a royal patron, it is King David Kalakaua (1874-91). Well-traveled and well-connected (President Grant entertained him in Washington), Kalakaua never forgot his Hawaii roots. Known as the Merrie Monarch for his love of song and dance, Kalakaua formed a palace hula troupe. His appreciation of the authentic art returned hula to its rightful place as a national treasure.

Kalakaua's support also helped hula evolve. Western forms of music were later integrated into some hulas. The steel guitar and the ukulele, a Portuguese import, were added to hula’s instrumental repertoire.Haula in Hawais

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Marché Vernaison

Marché Vernaison

Fourteen markets, each with its own personality, come together at Les Puces. Marché Serpette gets props from dealers and designers for its exceptionally high-quality antiques—the best at the market. Marché Paul-Bert scores high on charm thanks to the beautiful interiors of its shops. But the oldest and largest is Marché Vernaison, where a maze of winding lanes leads to the goods. Discover nostalgic pieces of childhood at Tombées du Camion (“Fallen from the Truck”), where young antiques dealer Charles Mas fills bins to the brim with toys and carnival trinkets. His displays alone are worth the visit, although it’s hard to resist picking up a small piece to take home.

Marché Serpette

At Nini Peau d’Chien, check out miscellany such as apothecary jars, wooden toys and cast-metal Eiffel Towers. More soothing is the namesake shop of owner Janine Giovannoni and its soft French linens, including bedding suitable for French royalty displayed neatly atop a marble-topped table. Perhaps the most intriguing niche shop is Les Porte-Clés and its very specific merchandise—key chains from the 1960s.

Marché Serpette

Find hundreds of examples representing an amazing diversity of topics, from banks and bourbon manufacturers to petroleum companies and political campaigns.

Here, Marché Serpette gets props from dealers and designers for its exceptionally high-quality antiques—the best at the market.

Marché Dauphine

Getting there: On the northern edge of Paris, Les Puces is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the Metro line 4 stop Porte de Clignancourt. After passing through a rather bleak area and under an elevated freeway, turn left onto rue des Rosiers.

At Marché Dauphine, you'll spot Monica Fripes—Desguisements, where vintage dresses, blouses, men's suits, shoes and accessories from princes of 1950s and '60s fashion Pierre Cardin, Guy Laroches and Yves Saint-Laurent mingle among lesser-known labels

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Holiday Plans

The first options available to you is finding out from your family members, friends and colleagues who have experienced last minute holidays how the deals and the packages are like. Their advice will help you in getting the best last minutes holidays deal.

Given the fact that you do not have much time at your disposal, it will be better for you to opt for all inclusive resorts vacation. All inclusive resorts vacation will provide for all you may need during the vacation.

It is good for you to surf the internet and find out the options available with regard to the destinations and resorts. There are a number of these type of holiday packages available in the internet. Some of these packages include hotels and flight fees that are offered at a much reduced price. You should know that such holiday packages somehow limit your selection of destination. This is because it is not all resorts that are available for such holiday packages. Consequently, you need to find out the holiday resorts that are available.

Last minute holidays generally are less expensive than booking in advance but it also brings excitement and fun to you. But you may end up to the destination that you do not want. This is one of the disadvantages of affordable holidays. So, if you have a specific destination in mind affordable holidays may not be the best option for you based on the reason given above.

Such holiday packages are opportunity for one to experience new environment or destination different from the one you are used to. There are many good destinations for holidays that people do not know. Such places are most of the time available for last minutes holidaymakers. You will be surprised to discover that some of these destinations are more enjoyable than the popular ones that you know.

It is not only during the peak period of summer that you can embark on last minutes holiday. Affordable holiday packages are also available in such seasons as winter. Last minute holidays deal is more affordable this time.

If you are planning last minutes holiday this summer then visit http://www.smartflights.co.uk/. It will give you all the necessary assistance that you may need. Besides providing with excellent last minute holiday packages you can also get cheap flights to other countries and cities like Mexico, Norway, Hong Kong, Paris and others. If you desire excellent services during the flight, Smartflight is the ideal place to get.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

American Airline Travel

American Airlines, a founding member of oneworld®, is one of the largest airlines in the world.

With its affiliates American Eagle and AmericanConnection, it serves some 260 destinations - including more than 150 in the USA. Internationally, it flies to almost 40 countries.
Top
Network

American's network covers points throughout North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Pacific. American has major connecting hubs at Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago O'Hare, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York JFK and LaGuardia with significant operations also at Boston and San Juan.
Top
.
Travel Classes

* International Longhaul - American offers three classes of service on its longhaul International Flagship Service flights operated with 777 aircraft, including flat beds in First Class and Lie-flat seats in Business Class.
* Other International - On other international flights, American offers 2-class service on 767-300, 757, and 737 aircraft. 767-300 aircraft offer two classes of service - Business Class with Lie-flat Business Class seats, and Main Cabin (Coach). 757, and 737 aircraft offer two classes of service - Business Class and Main Cabin.
* Domestic U.S.A. - American Airlines domestic flights offer First Class and Main Cabin. American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights offer a single class of service. American offers complimentary meals in First Class on most U.S. domestic flights, and food-for-sale in the Main Cabin on American and American Eagle. Some transcontinental flights are flown with 767-200 aircraft with three classes of service.
* For customer flying on a US domestic itinerary, check-in baggage fees apply. The fee does not apply to oneworld customers flying on an international itinerary, oneworld Top Tiers, Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby, AA Top Tiers Executive Platinum, Platinum and Gold as well as customer on full fare purchased tickets. For further details visit aa.com.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Buffalo Travel Adventures

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Buffalo Adventures in Wainwright, Alberta
Eat Bison Steaks, See an Archaeological Dig and Study a POW Camp

Jun 23, 2009 Lori Henry
Buffalo at Rehman’s Bison Ranch in Alberta, Canada - Lori Henry
Buffalo at Rehman’s Bison Ranch in Alberta, Canada - Lori Henry
Visit a ranch house, discover Buffalo National Park, explore Bodo Archaeology Dig Sites and learn about the Second World War prisoner of war camp in Alberta.

Continue on from last week’s Kalyna Country road trip from Vegreville to Vermilion Country to the area around Wainwright, Alberta. Here, check out Buffalo Adventures: they take guests to an archaeological dig, have displays on the second world war POW camp, show them the ruins of a ranch house, and feed travellers bison steaks.
Buffalo National Park

Buffalo Adventures starts some of its fascinating tours at the Wainwright Museum. Learn about the creation of Buffalo National Park in 1907, which was created by the government after purchasing one of the last (and largest) plains bison herds on the continent. Then walk around the charming Wainwright Museum to see the POW camp exhibits.

As Gord Snyder, a local and part of Buffalo Adventures, gushes, “I’m just sucked into all this history. I’m just loving it.”
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“I’ll try to keep it brief. I tend to get really into it because I love this history,” adds Jennifer Ford, before adressing a group.

Prisoner of War Camp in Alberta

Functioning as a POW camp for German officers between 1945-1946, this prisoner of war camp was quite unconventional. The guards and prisoners were known to play hockey together (outside the barbed wire) and a German prisoner was the one who issued the guards their guns and bullets! The site is now the largest training area in Canada and trains troops to fight in Afghanistan.
Read on

* Travel to the Tofield, Alberta Area in Canada
* The Picturesque Southern Section of Cowboy Trail
* Medicine Hat's Wartime POW Murders

Bodo Archaeological Dig Sites

One of the most captivating tours is the archaeological dig, Bodo, within Eyehill Creek sand dunes. It’s touted as one of the richest sites in western Canada, with finds dating back over 4,000 years. Most of the finds have been highly decorated pottery and it’s thought the Assiniboine First Nations people might have travelled here from Saskatchewan, which is still being researched.
Ranch House Ruins

Kemah Ranch was once a bustling cattle operation in Wainwright. Owned by the Mabey brothers of Lake City, Minnesota from 1905-1939, remnants of their life here was left behind in the form of ruins. Keith Brower takes guests on a walking tour of the property, talking about the history of the ranch and the prairie nature that surrounds it.
Bison Steaks

For those interested in seeing bison up close and personal, take a visit to the Rehman’s Bison Ranch. Buffalo herd can be seen roaming the farm, rolling in the dirt to get rid of moulting hair, or staring suspiciously. Leather goods are also on offer, and, the highlight of most people’s trips, is the chance to taste fresh bison steaks and burgers.
Alberta Travel

All of the above tours can be booked through Buffalo Adventures (780-842-9247). For assistance in planning this road trip vacation, contact Travel Alberta (1-800-ALBERTA).

Read more at Suite101: Buffalo Adventures in Wainwright, Alberta: Eat Bison Steaks, See an Archaeological Dig and Study a POW Camp http://www.suite101.com/content/buffalo-adventures-in-wainwright-alberta-a127153#ixzz1BzJsU4AM

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Arkansas Vacation

The #1 online Arkansas Tourism Guide to Arkansas vacation attractions and events located in Arkansas. Travel Arkansas and check out exciting international attractions such as the Hot Springs National Park or Arkansas tourist attractions like the natural beauty of spelunking in underground caverns (or walking tours of Mystic Caverns) to the sounds of Ozark Mountain Folk Music. When planning your Arkansas vacations www.ArkansasBeautiful.com is your one stop source of information. Are you a writer or know of an attraction we should list, please contact us at the contact link above.
Arkansas Attractions
Gann Museum – Benton, Arkansas

Gann Museum - Benton, Arkansas Built in 1893 this museum was the office of Dr. Dewell Gann by patients who could not afford to pay him for their care. In order to pay they dug bauxite from a nearby farm, hand-sawed it into blocks, allowed it to … [Read More...]
Travel to Little Rock for Fun

Vacation time is always everyone’s favorite time of the year. Leaving work and school behind and heading somewhere different and exciting can be a great way to relieve stress and just let your worries go. It is easy to find somewhere that … [Read More...]
Crowley’s Ridge National Scenic Parkway – Forrest City, Arkansas

Many Things to See on Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Parkway near Forrest City. Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Parkway is a beautiful stretch of road that reaches nearly two-hundred miles in length. It is full of gorgeous hardwood forests, orchards, farmlands, … [Read More...]
Arkansas Vacation

Whether you are from the continental USA, an International visitor, or from right here at home in Arkansas, planning a vacation in Arkansas is the first step towards a trip of a lifetime! From outdoor vacations in the abundant beauty of the Arkansas … [Read More...]
Oaklawn Horse Racing and Gaming – Hot Springs, Arkansas

Oaklawn Horse Racing and Gaming - Hot Springs, Arkansas Oaklawn is a horse racing track along with a gambling facility located in Hot Springs. Oaklawn features a one-mile, oval, dirt track for the actual races held at Oaklawn, but even during Oaklawn's … [Read More...]
Reynolds Science Center Planetarium – Arkadelphia, Arkansas

Learn About Celestial Bodies at the Reynolds Science Center Planetarium. People visiting or living in the area of Arkadelphia who also have an interest in stargazing will want to visit the Reynolds Science Center Planetarium. The planetarium is on the grounds … [Read More...]
Arkansas Vacations
Blanchard Springs Caverns – Mountain View, Arkansas

Blanchard Springs Caverns - Mountain View, Arkansas Entering the world of the underground is always a thrilling experience. At the Blanchard Springs Caverns you will be going into a three-level system, but only two levels are open for guided tours. There … [Read More...]
Saunders Memorial Museum – Berryville, Arkansas

Visit the Saunders Memorial Museum to See One of the Best Handgun Collections. On Madison Street in Berryville, Arkansas, visitors will find a unique museum called the C. Burton Saunders Memorial Museum. Saunders was an interesting man, a world traveler who … [Read More...]
Museum of Automobiles – Morrilton, Arkansas

Museum of Automobiles - Morrilton, Arkansas. The first Museum of Automobiles in Arkansas was established by Arkansas Governor Winthrop Rockefeller in 1964 where his collection of Antique & Classic Automobiles were shown until in 1975 the collection … [Read More...]
World’s Largest Spinach Can – Alma, Arkansas

See the World's Largest Spinach Can in Alma, Arkansas. Alma is an interesting little town in Arkansas that has quite an impressive claim to fame. They are the "Spinach Capital of the World." Alma is in Crawford County, located in the western portion … [Read More...]

Friday, January 21, 2011

Cruise Deals

The second of the Signature class, Nieuw Amsterdam is the most elaborate “Dam” ship yet. The floor plan and architecture are largely based on Eurodam, which came out exactly two years ago; these two built on the design of previous vessels Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam, and Noordam. This means that every detail has been analyzed and reengineered to perfection. Enhancements on Nieuw Amsterdam (and Eurodam) include an additional deck located midship, Deck 11, home of Silk Den, a bar with amazing views, and Tamarind, an upscale Pan-Asian restaurant.

Nieuw Amsterdam also debuts a new and exclusive dining experience: the Master Chef’s Table at the Pinnacle Grill, which offers seven-course gourmet dinners served by the venue’s culinary expert, paired with the perfect wine selected by the chef sommelier. Exotic Versace china and fine linens, silverware, and glassware help make the meal even more memorable. Intimate, exclusive (the room is limited to 18 guests), and delicious, this unique culinary experience is well worth the charge of $89 per person.

Passengers can also discover the $3 million collection of artwork, both original and commissioned, that adorns the ship. To learn more, take the complimentary self-guided iPod tour available at reception.

Nieuw Amsterdam continues to expand on the rich tradition of Holland America Line in this premium cruising market, delivering excellence in design, every comfort of a modern vessel, and the attention of a stellar crew.
Behind Closed Doors

Since the introduction of Holland America Line’s Signature of Excellence program in 2003, every ship offers outstanding bedding. Amazing mattresses, high-grade cotton sheets, and oversized pillows will certainly enhance rest in any category of stateroom. Egyptian cotton towels and amenities by Elemis will undoubtedly satisfy the most discriminating passenger.

The new Spa Stateroom categories cater to cruisers seeking an at-home holistic spa experience. Amenities include an iPod docking station, organic cotton bathrobes and slippers, aromatherapy bath soaps, and invigorating showerheads. The list doesn’t stop there: specialty waters, fruit trays, yoga mats, a fitness DVD, and other details will transform your cruise into a wellness retreat where you can refresh and revitalize body and soul in the most peaceful and private environment.

Destination Dining

For most passengers, dining is a top priority. If you favor classic cruise ship dining for dinner, one level of the Manhattan dining room offers a traditional fixed seating time that promises the same excellent service from your waiter every night. The other level features an open-seating “As You Wish” dining option for which reservations are recommended, but not required.

Of course, you have the option of sampling other diverse dining venues as well. The Lido Restaurant offers a more casual open dining every night. Or make a reservation at Tamarind where, for a small extra cost, you can dine on Pan-Asian specialties including sushi.

A reservation at the Pinnacle Grill provides the chance to savor some of the finest in food and service offered at sea (at an additional cost). Your waiter will present a tray of sumptuous cuts of beef — rib eye, filet mignon, porterhouse — for you to choose from, and then the chef will sizzle it to perfection on the famous 1,600-degree grill. If you’re not a meat eater, then seafood options abound as well.

At night, a section of the Lido turns into Canaletto Italian restaurant. (Reservation required, but no extra charge.) Be sure to order the mille-feuille of Madagascar chocolate for dessert.

Meet You There

Holland America Line’s three-deck-high atriums are enhanced by the extravagance of their artwork. Nieuw Amsterdam shows off a masterpiece from Gilbert Lebigre. This evocative sculpture, “Manhattan Skyline,” is made of optical plexi-glass and weighs more than a ton. It rotates slowly, giving you the chance to appreciate the various angles; colorful LED lights enhance the effect.

On the lower level of the atrium, beside the reception and the shore excursion desks, you’ll find a comfortable sitting area and the perfect meeting point. The Atrium Bar, located just below the grand glass staircase, provides an interesting distraction while you enjoy a cocktail with friends.
Great Escapes

A very large section of Deck 9 forward is dedicated to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon. Just about every massage and spa treatment you can imagine is offered in its 11 private rooms. If you’d like to make amends for last night’s excess of good cheer, the extensive fitness center will welcome you to work it off.

Relax your sore muscles in the large hydrotherapy pool, which is like a super-large Jacuzzi with jets and water fountains in a beautiful and peaceful space. The thermal suite allows for a detoxifying escape. Treat yourself to steam or sauna; then relax on comfy ceramic heated chairs that face the ocean. If you time it right, you can watch the sunset from here and end the day perfectly relaxed and rejuvenated.
After Dark

The Showroom at Sea features Broadway-caliber entertainment with new shows every night put on by the ship’s fantastic cast of singers and dancers as well as talented special guest performers.

For more interactive entertainment, visit the Piano Bar, where the energetic and engaging “Piano Man” will have you singing along to jukebox favorites in no time. If midship is your territory, the Pinnacle Bar and the Ocean Bar are perfect locales to have a drink with friends (or make new ones). Further aft on Deck 2, don’t miss the Explorer’s Lounge, with its large mural of the early New York City skyline as viewed from the Hudson River.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Atlantic City Winter Package

"Winter" Package - Atlantic City Hotel Packages – AC Hotels and Casinos - AtlanticCity
"Winter" Package

Come Wright Inn
5003 Ventnor Avenue
Ventnor City, NJ 08406
Phone: 609-822-1927
http://www.comewrightinn.com/
Valid Dates: Valid through February 28, 2011
Rates: Come Wright Inn's "Winter Package" rates are $325.00 plus tax based on double occupancy
Disclaimer: Offer valid through February 28, 2011. Not to be combined with any other offer.


Come Wright Inn offers guests inviting romantic rooms and suites, all with private baths and decorated with period antiques in the Victorian style and tradition. Located just three blocks downbeach from Atlantic City!

The "Winter" Package include:

* Two nights accommodations in a king size room with private bath
* Full gourmet breakfast per person
* Afternoon Tea with delectable homemade desserts
* Amenities including cable TV, DVD, fireplace, video library, refrigerator and WIFI access
* Rates start at $325.00 plus tax, per two-night package, based on double occupancy

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Las Vegas Casino

FANTASY, the Strip’s most seductive variety show becomes even sexier as powerhouse vocalist Lorena Peril takes center stage with the sizzling cast of Vegas’ hottest adult revue. The up-close and personal experience will tempt the imagination with brand-new numbers featuring steamy choreography and striking vocals fused with a touch of comedy. Great for singles and couples alike, the high-energy production show features a variety of dynamic performances including a sizzling salsa number, stunning silk aerialist, sensual belly dance routine and wildly funny celebrity impersonations by comedian Sean E. Cooper, it’s no wonder FANTASY is celebrating
10 years on top!

FANTASY tickets are on sale now and ready for purchase.
Call 800-557-7428 or 702-262-4400

SPECIAL ONLINE OFFERS
Purchase your Fantasy tickets online 30 days in advance and receive 20% OFF the regular ticket price. Offer subject to availability.

Purchase your Fantasy tickets online and receive a FREE FANTASY 10th Anniversary PhotoBook. You can pick up your calendar and tickets at the Atrium Luxor Ticket counter. Offer subject to availability and limit one per transaction.

Dinner and Show Packages:
Enjoy our dinner and show packages starting at $50 plus the price of your show ticket. Learn more here and call 702-262-4400 to reserve your dinner/show package.

Military Discount:
Active Duty Military Personnel receive 50% OFF tickets. Call
702-262-4400 or visit any Luxor Box Office to purchase.
*This pricing is only available through phone reservations and box office purchases. Present your Military I.D. at the Luxor Box Office when picking up your tickets. Offer does not apply to group reservations. Does not apply to exisiting orders. Management reserves all rights.

Best Rate Guarantee: Feel confident when you purchase FANTASY tickets through Luxor.com you will receive the guaranteed lowest online rate.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Ontario hiking trails

ntario has a wide variety of trails for all levels of hikers. Those looking for a wilderness challenge will find it in the rugged wilderness of the Canadian Shield of Northern Ontario where there are few secondary roads and a sparse population.

Even though Southern Ontario (south of Algonquin Park) has a lot of farmland and urban sprawl there are plenty of trails within an hour's drive. Algonquin and Frontenac Parks are the best options for wilderness excursions.

Several long-distance trails in Southern Ontario such as the Bruce and Ganaraska trails offer multi-day hikes with the convenience of lodging at nearby towns. Many of them form part of the National Trail, a coast-to-coast hiking trail. Upon its completion, the Voyageur Trail, together with the Bruce Trail, will provide a 1,800-km footpath from Niagara to Thunder Bay, forming a major portion of the National Trail.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Travel Jamaica

Our blond hair didnt help make us feel more comfortable either, I'll tell you~we stuck out like more then we wanted, so, not feeling too positive or safe yet and it didnt help that our plane was ultra late for no reason, we were left in the situation to hit jamaica's traffic. Not kidding when I say that I was a little nervous of the unknown and the bus going to the resort was a ice cold air conditioned van thinking maybe it was to keep the driver awake or something brrr. I kept my head down when we came to a stop and not knowing what was around us on the way was not the night time adventure we were looking for. Well, the driver played Jamaican music and we did get us there eventually, a good thing and I would advise to drive in the daylight no doubt. The Whitehouse was so far because its on the corner of the island, you have to see the photo so go and check it out.

On the way back to the airport however; I will just mention that experience in advance since it was so amazing what we got to see and venture, people swimming in the oceans close to oneanother like family really neat. Fun exciting bright and colorful and a whole lot of fun and an hour and almost two hours faster then before and that was our transportation for you.

Heh, Sandals is just Sandals no matter how you look at it the resort has its class and no matter if something is out of order one day even a staff member well, Sandals always seems to have so much more to offer to create the happy and positive feeling its all about that and it was.

But heh heh at first I must share that we for the first time ever caught a cold on the plane from sitting in the back of the plane by the bathrooms and having the air on above us oh my gosh. My husband and I had this little joke that I am going to go to sleep and when I wake up this long line for the bathroom will still be here and the same people again for the 2nd round no kidding it was like that it. Once we arrived at the amazing Sandals Whitehouse Jamaica we headed right over to have a little drink at the empty but georgous pub. Bartender made us a new drink that was a mistake since it was so good my husband well he just didnt realize till the morning came how strong the drinks really were. We were a little not feeling well from having those drinks and you know the funny things happened like we went to the pool and if you have ever done that feeling like we did thinking, it will be okay we in Jamaica they say here that everything is going to be alright and the resort had just reopened the day before we got there from a new rennovation that had taken place.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Travelling Alone

Whether you're single or married to a homebody, being a solo traveler on a group trip—where coupledom is often the norm—can leave you feeling like a third, or thirteenth, wheel. But that's changing as more travelers hit the road by themselves. In 2009, 22.2 million out of 170 million Americans traveling for leisure purposes traveled alone, according to the U.S. Travel Association. As a result, more travel companies are marketing to the solo crowd with offers on everything from dropping the dreaded “single supplement”—a surcharge on top of published double-occupancy rates—to matching single travelers up with like-minded companions.

Tauck World Discovery, for example, has more than 40 tours and cruise departures where the single surcharge is reduced. On top of saving anywhere from about 60 to 80 percent off the normal single supplement, the special pricing virtually guarantees that other solo travelers will be on those trips. Country Walkers offers private tours that can be made up of women only, many of whom are keen to avoid the meat-market mentality of some "singles-only" tours and cruises. Absolute Travel provides a service that pairs compatible clients who would prefer not to take a trip alone. Even adventure outfitters are gearing expeditions to solo travelers: kayak specialist H2Outfitters plans paddling excursions along the coastline of Montenegro for "like-minded singles."

While many singles-only departures aren't intended as matchmaking opportunities, some are. The important thing is to quiz the outfitter. Even for regular departures, a good company should be able provide you with a breakdown of the group by gender, age, singles, and couples.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Paris Hotel

Description
Entering Hotel Raphael one discovers the atmosphere of a private club. Walnut paneling and generous seating areas line the wide gallery, hung with art and carpeted with Oriental rugs. Rococo describes the ambience of the high-ceilinged guest rooms, furnished with Regency, Louis XV, Louis XVI, Empire, and Directoire antiques, yet thoughtfully appointed with satellite television, direct-dial telephone with voice mail and modem port. Within the sight of the Arc de Triomphe, and near the Avenue Champs-Elysies and the elegant Avenue Foch, Hotel Raphael is a blend of opulence and discretion.
Amenities
In Room Wireless Internet Access Fee Air Conditioning (In Room) Refrigerator
Telephone Television (Cable/Satellite) Non-Smoking Rooms
In Room Wireless Internet Access Television DVD/VCR
Daily Maid Service Safe (In Room) Telephone (Voicemail)
Balcony/Terrace Mini-Bar
Hotel Details
85 Rooms / 6 Floors Built in 1925 Babysitting or Child Care
Electronic Key Laundry/ Dry Cleaning Service Multi-lingual Staff
Pets Allowed Car Rental Smoke Alarm in Rooms
Photocopy Service Meeting Facilities Administrative Services
Concierge Services Common/Public Areas Accessible to Wheelchairs Currency Exchange
A-V Equipment Rental Fax (For Guests) Common Area Wireless Access Fee Ind
Common Area Wireless Access Laundry Room Room Service
Restaurant in Hotel Health Club