Castle - Hopping in Scotland

When you crest a rolling hill in Scotland and first glimpse a castle shrouded in a swirling mist, your eyes quiver and your heart pounds like a war drum. From a distance the structure appears almost feeble, like an old king asleep in his throne. But once you approach the stone beast and stand next to the immense walls, then the castle become grandiose and barbaric, a glorious testament the Scotland's turbulent history and the reign of power it fortified throughout the sprawling countryside.

 

Castles have long been associated with romance andexcitement, and the giant green fields of Scotland are full of them.

Craigievar Castle Photo: Scottish Viewpoint

From the Highlands to Dumfries and Galloway, they range from quixotic ruins from the 12th-century, to fine stately homes designed by great 18th-century architects, complete with opulent gardens and turrets reaching out of fairytales and into the skies.

These magnificent castles are icons of dynasties past, clan castles where mighty lords of the Middle Ages resided in fortresses of stone. To explore them throughout the Scottish landscape is to be mesmerized with the legacy and the legends, the beauty and the charm, and possibly encounter a ghost of a lithe Scottish maiden, pacing the halls for centuries in search of a lost prince.

For king and commoner alike, the best way to experience the splendor of Scotland's castles is to be guided by a trusted travel agent. Travel agents know the secrets to getting you over the moat and past the guards. They also know a thing or two about organizing an incredible trip around this beautiful country for you to delve into the land, enjoy the best of Scotland and storm the castles of your choice.

Cawdor Castle is often stormed by fans of Shakespeare, for the mythic fortress is forever linked to the name Macbeth, even though the real Macbeth lived about 350 years before the first stone was arranged on these grounds. That does not mean, however, that the castle is any less impressive.

Located 12 miles east of Inverness in the eastern heart of the Highlands, Cawdor dates from the late 14th century and originally was built as a private fortress. Once you cross the drawbridge, you'll find a very intimate atmosphere full of antique furniture, fine portraits and tapestries, all arranged to please the Cawdor family still residing there today. The castle is fortunate to have three gardens, including the Walled Garden and its intricate holly maze. Don't worry if you get lost inside the maze, your travel agent can get you out, so keep their telephone number handy.

Edinburgh Castle Photo: Scottish Viewpoint

Edinburgh Castle is the most visited monument in Scotland, and with good reason. Standing tall and parental high above the city of Edinburgh on a wide expanse of volcanic rock, the castle dominates the sprawling capital city beneath it. Battered, besieged, rebuilt and extended over the past 900 years, the castle endearingly became the preeminent icon of Scottish loyalty.

From the battlements of the castle you'll get a dazzling, panoramic view over the city, while inside the walls is a remarkable fortress packed with history. Uncover the Scottish Crown Jewels and the famous Stone of Destiny—an ordinary block of sandstone that was fought over for centuries. While viewing the Stone, remember to cover your ears around one o'clock, for that's when a cannon fires daily to provide the exact time for the city.

Far away from the city lights, Eilean Donan Castle in the middle of serene Loch Duich is one of the most photogenic of all Scottish castles and, when illuminated at night, is one of the most stunning images in the world. The first walls were erected originally between the 6th and 7th centuries, yet the current castle wasn't built until 1932. Legend has it that the owner had a dream about how the castle originally looked and spent 20 years rebuilding it. After he finished, plans were found which confirmed the accuracy of the owner's dream.

Stirling Castle in central Scotland is another that appears as if conceived from a dream. Overlooking two of the country's most historic battlefields, Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn, the castle's location rivals even Edinburgh Castle's for sheer magnificence as it sits high on volcanic rock, visible for many miles in every direction.

Eilean Donan Castle Photo: Scottish Viewpoint

Stirling became the strategic military post during the Wars of Independence and was the preferred royal residence of many of the Stuart monarchs. The grand structure withstood repeated attacks, most notably involving the likes of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. The castle survived, yet its residents were not as fortunate. James II murdered the Earl of Douglas within these walls, and the castle was also the childhood home of the ill-fated Mary Queen of Scots.

Historically significant and visibly astonishing, the castles of Scotland are landmarks of an incredible vacation just waiting to happen. How many can you see in one trip? That's a question your travel agent can easily answer. Travel agents can plan an unbeatable tour of Scotland, using their connections and experience to fulfill your grandest expectations.

South America's Top Attractions

 Top Attractions

Easter Island, Chille

EASTER ISLAND, CHILE: Chile's popular spot, over 2,000 miles away from its coasts, offers a rare glimpse of one of the most isolated places on earth. You will be intrigued by the famous statues — human figures carved from rock on the Polynesian island between the 13th and 16th centuries — the isolation, and the mysterious history of this island.

CATEDRAL DE CARACAS, VENEZUELA: Built on the ruins of a former 16th century cathedral, this is one of the most important monuments in Caracas. Located in the historic center of the city, the structure boasts an outstanding colonial-style exterior and is home to beautiful furniture, sculpture, paintings and religious relics.

POTOSI, BOLIVIA: At 4,070 meters, Potosi is the highest city in the world and was declared a 'cultural asset of humankind' by UNESCO. Head to the Cerro Rico (meaning Rich Mountain) silver mine and take the elevator to 240 meters below ground to see where the precious metal has been extracted since 1545.

MACHU PICCHU: The most famous archaeological site in Peru, the preserved ruins of an ancient city attract a million visitors each year. The Incas constructed the citadel out of heavy stone blocks and it remained undiscovered for centuries, becoming known as the 'Lost City of the Incas'.

Christ the Redeemer Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

CHRIST THE REDEEMER, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL: Standing atop Corcovado, the 38 meter tall statue weighing 1,145 tons is an internationally recognized icon.
IGUAZU FALLS, BRAZIL: Situated on the Brazilian-Argentine border the UNESCO-listed falls are surrounded by a national park. Before being discovered by Europeans the site was a holy burial place for the Tupi-Guarani and Paraguas tribes.

SAN AGUSTIN ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK, COLOMBIA: Visit the largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America at the San Agustin Archaeological Park. Created by a northern Andean culture from the 1st to the 8th century, the statues depict gods and mythical animals in realist and abstract styles.

RECOLETA CEMETARY, BUENOS AI RES, ARGENTINA: Located in an exclusive neighborhood of Buenos Aires is this pretty necropolis where you'll find expensive mausoleums from the aristocracy of days gone by. Among the presidents and scientists lies Eva (Evita) Peron.

QUITO, ECUADOR: Ecuador's capital nestles in an Andean valley at an elevation of 9,000ft.
Quito's UNES CO-listed Old City is replete with narrow and winding cobblestone streets, magnificent churches and open squares. The Metropolitan Cathedral, facing the Plaza of Independence, is one of the most important historical and architectural constructions in the center.

Planning a Destination Family Reunion

What better way to gather loved ones than at a family reunion? Whether your family is large or small, consider getting help from the start by calling in the experts. Travel agents can take care of details ranging from recommending appropriate destinations to arranging for airline tickets, and making hotel or car rental reservations.

They are well acquainted with cruise ships and resorts that specialize in family travel. Travel agents can help families with last minute itinerary changes and cancelled flights, as well as arranging for family members with special needs. For large groups, a travel agent may have access to pre-negotiated airfare and hotel rates otherwise unavailable. And, a travel agent can serve as a friendly and patient third party to help prod those family members who may not be quick to decide on travel plans.

START PLANNING EARLY
Planning a family reunion can become complicated, especially a large reunion involving lots of people. Experienced reunion planners recommend that families begin planning up to two years in advance.

Allow time for your guests to plan. Give them enough advance notice to adjust their own schedules in order to attend. If you are planning a reunion that involves traveling long distances, or an adventure like a cruise or a trip out of the country, many family members may need time to save money and make special arrangements for extended leave from work.

Be prepared for guests who require special consideration. Everyone has different needs and it is important to the success of your event to be aware of those needs and have adequate time to plan accordingly. Disabled guests may need special equipment or accommodations. Others may need to arrange for pet care. Whatever the circumstances, leave yourself enough time to ensure suitable arrangements can be made to accommodate everyone.

SELECT A DATE AND STICK WITH IT

 Picking a date that works for everyone can be one of the most difficult - but one of the most important - steps in planning a family reunion.

Avoid the obvious busy times of the year. Try not to schedule your family reunion on major holidays, or during prom and graduation season.

Ask for suggestions and select a date that will work for everyone.

Communicate plans to host a family reunion far enough in advance that attendees will be able to avoid conflicting events.

Avoid changing the date. Once you announce the date to family members, they will immediately begin planning other activities around it. Changing the date mid-stream, even once, will affect everyone and some guests may be forced to cancel.

COMMUNICATE EARLY AND OFTEN

By communicating your plans to organize a family reunion early, your guests will have adequate time to plan to attend, and you can generate interest in catching up with family and creating new family memories at the reunion.

Distribute a newsletter. A reunion newsletter is an excellent way to keep the family up-to-date on the planning process, who will be attending and what activities are planned.

Use e-mail to keep guests informed and interested. E-mail is an inexpensive way to maintain communications with reunion guests and provides an easy way for guests to ask questions and provide feedback.

Solicit ideas from guests. To keep everyone involved and excited about attending the reunion, allow family members the opportunity to submit ideas for planned activities, venues and menu options.

PLAN ACTIVITIES FOR EVERYONE Family reunions are unique in that they can involve people from all over the world, each with different interests. Your guests may span up to four generations and it is important to consider ages and physical limitations when planning activities. Grandparents may not want to participate in activities like scuba diving or water-skiing. Likewise, children may not enjoy ballroom dancing or a mahjong tournament.

Consider holding the family reunion on a cruise ship or at an all-inclusive resort. Each offers entertainment options for every generation and can take much of the stress out of planning activities around varying interests.

Ask your guests. Since they will likely have different interests, you will be better able to plan activities if you know what they enjoy doing.

Choose a venue that is large enough to accommodate activities for everyone and offers a variety of things to do.

Airline Security Regulations and Baggage Tips

Airport security scare you away from vacationing in the world's most spectacular spots. With Travel Sense, you'll have the right guidance to ease your way through airport security lines — often the most time-consuming part of your journey — and on the way to your destination.  
This is a simplified guide to airline baggage and airport security regulation will help you pack without fear for your next big trip. Below, you'll find the airport security regulations that you'll need to know when checking your luggage and airline carry-on baggage.

Know the 3-1-1 for Airline Carry-On Baggage

This is the easy formula for

airline carry-on baggage

established by TSA that mandates that you can only carry liquids, aerosols and gels in three-ounce containers, which should be safely kept inside a one-quart, plastic zip-top bag. This includes common items such as toothpaste, shampoo and food. You should be aware that

airline carry-on baggage

extends to gift or special items including lotions, creams, scented oils, liquid soaps, perfumes and even snow globes.

The only exception to this carry-on baggage rule

is if you have baby food, medications (and associated injectors) or other liquid/gel items that are for health purposes. In order to have these containers permitted, you need to declare them to an airport security officer and have them screened at the checkpoint. It's highly recommended that you label medications to make this process smoother.

Be Aware of What Not to Bring in Checked Baggage on Airlines and Airline Carry On Baggage

Along with your personal items, you are also permitted to bring corkscrews, cigar cutters, common lighters, nail cutters, safety razors and travel-sized or blunt scissors in your carry on baggage. If you are carrying any types of martial arts weapons or tools — ax, crowbar, hammer, drill pliers, saw, etc — you'll have to pack them in your checked bags. If you pack any sharp objects in your checked suitcase, wrap them to ensure safety for the baggage handlers and transportation security officers.

To prevent unintentional short-circuiting and fires, there is a limit for packing loose lithium batteries, which are commonly used in digital cameras, cell phones, PDAs and laptop computers. For your checked airline baggage, batteries must be installed in the electronic device. You are limited to 8 grams (100-watt hours) of lithium batteries in your carry-on baggage, and they must be properly protected in original packaging or a protective case.

The transportation security officer at the airport may deem certain items too dangerous to permit through the checkpoint. Be aware that the list of permitted and prohibited items will be updated as necessary.

Pack Smart & Spend Less Time in Airport Security Lines

Your travel agent will know the different airline security regulations, but for more airlines, the maximize size of your airline carry on baggage is 45 linear inches. Save yourself from extra hassles by checking anything larger and try to pack your carry on baggage as light as possible. Know that if you have a full bag, your personal items may spill out for everyone to see when the airport security officer unzips it. For both your checked and carry on baggage, try to organize its contents, so that everything is easy to see in a brief glance.
When possible, keep from overstuffing your checked suitcase to avoid additional airline baggage fees. When traveling over the holidays, ship your gifts ahead of time instead of packing them. If you insist on bringing gifts, consider wrapping them after you arrive at your destination. For travelers who still make use of a non-digital camera, don't pack film in your checked luggage, because the screening equipment will damage it. It's better if you can keep undeveloped film and cameras in your carry on baggage.
Travel Sense is here with helpful advice, destination information and tools to help you prepare for your next vacation. Within a few clicks, you can create and print your own packing list, which is customized to your travel destination, activities, weather and accommodations. 

Tamraijn Aruba All-inclusive Resort

Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive is located on the beach in Oranjestad's Eagle Manchebo Beach neighborhood, close to Druif Beach, Links at Divi Aruba, and Eagle Beach. Other points of interest near this all inclusive property include Royal Plaza Mall and Alhambra Casino.

Property Features.
This property is all inclusive. Rates include meals and beverages at on site dining establishments, taxes, and gratuities (tips). Charges may be applied for dining at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, some beverages, and other amenities. Dining options at Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive include 5 restaurants. A poolside bar and a bar/lounge are open for drinks. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool, an outdoor tennis court, a health club, a fitness facility, and a children's club. The property's full service health spa has body treatments, massage/treatment rooms, facials, and beauty services. Wireless Internet access (surcharge) is available in public areas. Wedding services, tour/ticket assistance, and tour assistance are available. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include a casino, a concierge desk, and an arcade/game room. Guests have access to a partner property's outdoor pool and recreational facilities.

Guestrooms.
236 air conditioned guestrooms at Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive feature safes and ceiling fans. Rooms are all accessible via exterior corridors. Furnished balconies offer ocean views. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. Guestrooms offer direct dial phones with voice mail. Flat panel televisions have premium satellite channels. Rooms also include windows that open and blackout drapes/curtains. Guests may request extra towels/bedding and wake up calls. Housekeeping is available daily.

So many different parts to visit in Belize

The geography as well as diverse cultures and history of this unique destination contribute to distinct ambiances in the people, food and music as you travel the country.

Belize is divided into six districts connected by a paved, two-lane highway system and a well-organized network of local airline and boat services making it easy to plan your visit from one end of the country to the next. For visitors there are actually 9 well-recognized destinations from which to mix and match your choice of reef, rainforest, Maya history and living cultures.

Northern Belize
Sugar cane fields line the highways and the New River once a major waterway for the ancient Maya is now a veritable paradise of wildlife and scenery in the northern area of Belize. Remnants of Maya heritage in temples and ceremonial sites coexist with the living cultures of Mestizo and Yucatec Maya ancestry. The Spanish language is commonplace here.
• Corozal
• Orange Walk

Central Belize
The fertile Belize River Valley with howler monkey and bird sanctuaries and Altun Ha Maya temples are found in the Belize District, as is Belize City. the largest population center in the country, Belize City is Belize’s cultural center, a pulsating mix of old-world charm and modern comforts. With its colonial architecture and historical mementos from the 1700’s the “Kriol” culture is predominant in the Belize district.

• Belize District

Western Belize
The Cayo district is home to the nation’s capital Belmopan, the twin towns of Santa Elena and San Ignacio and the border town of Benque Viejo del Carmen combined with the forest, caves and waterfalls of the Mountain Pine Ridge and several grand Maya cities. The Mestizo influence here is flavored with a large Mennonite population of German origin based in the community of Spanish Lookout

• Cayo District

Southern Belize
Southern Belize is yet another glorious world within Belize. Along with the popular tourism destinations of Hopkins and Placencia, golden sand beaches, the world’s only jaguar reserve, living cultures of the Garifuna, Mopan and Kekchi Maya, visitors will also encounter acres of citrus and banana plantations, the sensuous rhythm of Garifuna drums, East Indian “rotti” and home-made Maya chocolate. Belize’s finest example of rainforest and the country’s largest marine reserve are to be found in southern Belize.

• Stann Creek
• Hopkins
• Placencia
• Toledo

Island and Atolls
The islands off the coast of Belize offer white sand beaches near to the barrier reef, turquoise waters and abundant fish life. Live the island life in established communities such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker or opt for a private getaway at small resorts, retreats and campsites on the smaller islands that dot the reef line from north to south.

• Ambergris Caye
• Caye Caulker
• Other Islands and Atolls

 

One of the many activities to do in Belize

From natural to man-made, marine to inland, historic to cultural, Belize’s attractions take many forms.

Together the unsurpassed combination of natural environments –the land, the sea, the climate – and the colourful history of over ten diverse cultures, infuse Belizeans with a national pride and a willingness to share.

The longest Barrier reef in the hemisphere, the most extensive cave system, the greatest percent of land mass in the region under protected area status, all in one tiny country? How fortunate can one destination be? In the protection of our marine and terrestrial resources coupled with active environmental awareness programs, Belize’s vibrant tourism industry was unwittingly born.
In the thick of the jungle lay Maya temples with eye-catching shape. Those excavated and restored are fascinating in their intricate stone carvings and ingenious architecture.

Ancient civilizations blended with British influences, traditions of African origin, lifestyles of Mestizo society and the advent of more recent global immigrants offer up a salad of cultures
Be one with the beauty that is Belize and find yourself re-thinking the way life should be.

Belize - an island that has so much to offer

Spectacular natural attractions and the excitement of discovering Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret draw travelers from around the globe, promising both relaxation and the richly rewarding authenticity they seek in a genuine Caribbean getaway. Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala on the Caribbean coast of Central America, Belize is one of the few remaining unspoiled places on earth.

 

Come enjoy:

• The longest barrier reef in this hemisphere, home to the Great Blue Hole, hundreds of islands, snorkel and dive locations.

• Hundreds of ancient Maya sites both excavated and jungle-covered.

• Lush tropical rainforest with many species of birds, and exotic tropical flora and fauna.

Over ten friendly, English-speaking and diverse cultures of Belize invite you to share our natural and cultural heritage served with warm Belizean hospitality as we:

• Share delicious local dishes, colorful arts and crafts, foot-tapping music, and local traditions.
• Guide you on bird-watching treks, river kayaking trips and cave-tubing expeditions.
• Lead you through coral gardens on a scuba-dive or hold your hand on your first snorkel excursion.
• Climb with you on the highest Maya temple of Belize or share the artifacts in our museums.
• Pamper you at a spa or fine restaurant as you quietly relax.

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