Travel Article 6: Loire Valley, France Part 5
A few of the many 'must travel to see' Châteaux (and son et lumière shows) during your vacation include:
Azay-Le-Rideau - Built between 1518 and 1529, this Château was the creation of a leading financier of the time, Gilles Berthalot. His wife, Philippe Lesbahy, directed the work. The state has owned it since 1905, and it is presently decorated with fine furniture and Renaissance and 17C tapestries. This Château is a true work of elegance and is situated in a tree clad setting on the banks of the Indre river.
Part 6 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on the Loire Valley, France as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 5: Travel Advisory Part 8
* Be wary of prepaying for long-term arrangements. Timeshares, campgrounds or travel clubs may offer to sell membership vacation accommodations for five years or more, or until you resell your interest. Unless you're certain you'll stay healthy, both physically and financially, and that the company selling the memberships will stay in business, prepaid vacations may not be right for you.
Part 9 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website at <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a> for more on the FTC's Travel Advisory.
Travel Article 5: Travel Advisory Part 7
* Use a credit card to make your purchase. If you don't get what you paid for, you may be able to dispute the charges with your credit card company. Some telemarketers may claim they need your account information for identification or verification. They don't. Your account number should be used only to bill you for goods and services.
Part 8 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website at <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a> for more on the FTC's Travel Advisory.
Travel Article 5: Travel Advisory Part 6
* Get the names, addresses and telephone numbers for the lodgings, airlines and cruise ships you'll be using. Don't accept vague terms such as "major hotels" or "luxury cruise ships" ships. Call to verify specific reservations, too.
Part 7 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website at <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a> for more on the FTC's Travel Advisory.
Travel Article 5: Travel Advisory Part 5
* Verify arrangements with your travel agent before you pay. Get the details of your vacation in writing and a copy of the cancellation and refund policies. Ask if the business has insurance and whether you should buy cancellation insurance.
Part 6 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website at <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a> for more on the FTC's Travel Advisory.
Travel Article 5: Travel Advisory Part 4
* These "deals" often contain hidden costs or don't tell you that you may have to attend a sales presentation to qualify for the discount or the travel. Avoid buying from a firm that wants to send a courier for your payment or asks you to send your payment by overnight delivery. The business may be trying to avoid detection and charges of mail or wire fraud.
Part 5 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website at <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a> for more on the FTC's Travel Advisory.
Travel Article 4: Machu Picchu, Peru Part 7
Machu Picchu was built by Pachacuti Inca as a royal estate and religious retreat, probably around 1460-70. It's remote location was purposely chosen. The only travel to the area was via either the Lucumayo valley road, or the high road near Salcantay, and travel on these roads was restricted except by Inca decree.
Part 8 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Machu Picchu as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 4: Machu Picchu, Peru Part 6
About Machu Picchu:
Machu Picchu sits above dense rainforests, and is one of the world's unique sanctuaries affording great beauty, harmony, and balance. The ruins of Machu Picchu cover an area of 18sq Km (5sq miles), with the Urubamba Canyon and river stretching across some 400 meters below. The name Machu Picchu actually means 'old peak'. The smaller Huayna Picchu peak is often seen in photographs of the ancient city and this, literally translated, simply means 'young peak'.
Part 7 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Machu Picchu as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 4: Machu Picchu, Peru Part 5
If taking the Inca Trail, and after the fourth day, the first ruins you will encounter will be those of IntiPuncu, known as the 'Gateway to the Sun'. IntiPuncu is about an hours walk from Machu Picchu, and is located in a notch in a ridgeline which allows the morning sun to stream into the ancient city. It is from here that you will see the first ruins of Machu Picchu in the distance.
Part 6 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Machu Picchu as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 4: Machu Picchu, Peru Part 4
If taking the trek, make sure to pack some water purification tablets, insect repellent, a flash light, and some local currency in small denominations. Pack clothing for all temperatures, as this can range from very warm days to very chilly nights.
Part 5 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Machu Picchu as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 4: Machu Picchu, Peru Part 3
It demands more than just the ability to walk for 4 days. You will have your gear to carry during the trek (tent, sleeping bag & pad), and due to the high altitude, you will need to do this in the thin air of the Andes mountains. Local porters can be hired, however, to carry your gear if you feel the need.
Part 4 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Machu Picchu as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 4: Machu Picchu, Peru Part 2
Getting there:
If you plan on a vacation to Peru, there are two methods to travel to Machu Picchu. One is via a 4hr train journey from the Peruvian town of Cuzco. For the more fit and adventurous, you can travel there via a 4 day trek along the Inca trail. If travelling by foot, physical fitness is a must or else you might hold up the rest of your travel party.
Part 3 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Machu Picchu as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 4: Machu Picchu, Peru Part 1
Buried deep within Peru almost 2,500 meters above sea level, amongst lush, almost virginal landscape, sits Machu Picchu, fortress city of the ancient Incas. Machu Picchu had remained lost for centuries and remained undiscovered by the Spanish conquistadors. It wasn't until 1911 that lost city was discovered by an American archaeologist and politician named Hiram Bingham (1875-1956), who travelled to Peru on an expedition sponsored by Yale university.
Part 2 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Machu Picchu as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 4: Machu Picchu, Peru Part 12
The American explorer Hiram Bingham (mentioned earlier) was said to have encountered a condor with a wing span of over 3.5 metres, but unfortunately these magnificent birds of prey can no longer be found in the area.
Visit us also for more articles on other travel hotspots.. or visit our Carnival Cruise sub-portal at <a href=http://www.carnival.cruise-ship-portal.com>Carnival.Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 3: Cocoa Beach Florida Part 2
Staying in Cocoa Beach is also very affordable compared with many FLA alternatives. The range of accommodation and restaurants range from the up market to sand-in-your-shoes casual.
Part 3 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Cocoa Beach as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 3: Cocoa Beach Florida Part 1
Made famous as the hometown of Major Anthony Nelson (Larry Hagman) and his Jeannie (Barbara Eden) in the 1960's hit comedy series 'I Dream of Jeannie', Cocoa Beach (Florida) has much to offer as a vacation destination. It is a center of alluring natural beauty, beaches, nightlife, the nearby Kennedy Space Center, and numerous theme parks all within a short traveling distance from the town.
Part 2 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Cocoa Beach as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 3: Cocoa Beach Florida Part 12
Travel a little further a field, and you can visit the Walt Disney World Epcot Center, the House of Blues, the Universal Studios FLA, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and a wide array of water parks including Wet N Wild and Water Mania.
Visit us also for more articles on other travel hotspots.. or visit our Norwegian Cruise sub-portal at <a href=http://www.luxury-norwegian.cruise-ship-portal.com>Luxury-Norwegian.Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 3: Cocoa Beach Florida Part 11
A multitude of theme parks are all within a short traveling distance from Cocoa Beach. The closest ones include the Funntasia Fantasy Golf center (mini-golf), Traxx at Jungle Village (go-karts, miniature golf, and more..), and Jungle Adventures, known as the largest gator farm in Florida.
Part 12 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Cocoa Beach as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 3: Cocoa Beach Florida Part 10
Besides the high tech, the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, which is host to the Kennedy Space Center, is also known as the country's best breeding ground for the endangered bald eagle, and includes a diverse range of other native wildlife.
Part 11 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Cocoa Beach as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 3: Cocoa Beach Florida Part 9
Here you can step on board a full-sized replica of the shuttle orbiter and hear the personal story of space exploration told at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and U.S. Space Camp. Memorabilia is on display from the original Gemini and Mercury Seven astronauts. You can also and get a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of NASA's Launch Status Center. Visit the five-story IMAX theater which features films with footage shot by NASA astronauts during their space travels.
Part 10 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Cocoa Beach as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 3: Cocoa Beach Florida Part 8
NASA's Kennedy Space Center
Situated in the middle of the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, the Kennedy Space Center is known as one of the seven wonders of the modern world. The visitor complex features interactive exhibits, an art gallery, bus tours and a rocket garden.
Part 9 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Cocoa Beach as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 3: Cocoa Beach Florida Part 7
For the evenings, Port Canaveral plays host to a floating tiki bar, a vast array of sumptuous seafood restaurants, and a wide selection of casual taverns.
Port Canaveral offers three camping parks for vacationers which cater to recreational vehicles and tents, including one with oceanfront camping.
Part 8 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Cocoa Beach as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 3: Cocoa Beach Florida Part 6
If you're into fishing, you can spend the day fishing for the ocean's finest seafood from the jetty itself. Or if deep-sea fishing is more your thing, many charter tours are available traveling out to the deep blue of the Atlantic. Alternatively, there are airboat tours which will take you out to view the ancient cypress forests by air.
Part 7 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Cocoa Beach as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 2: Vancouver Canada Part 5
Stanley Park:
This vast parkland of 1,000 acres was originally a military reserve and is only a few minutes travel from Vancouver's downtown. Travellers to the park will find a variety of attractions and activities on offer. Features include the Lost Lagoon Nature House which offers natural history information and guided walking tours.
Part 6 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Vancouver as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 2: Vancouver Canada Part 4
Granville Island is not limited to its market. It also houses tennis courts, theatres and galleries, and is a popular spot for all sorts of artists. Vacationers can enjoy boat tours, water activities and kids programs as well. If spending your vacation in Vancouver, you could make the Granville Island Hotel your base camp for travelling in and around Vancouver.
Part 5 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Vancouver as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 6: Loire Valley, France Part 2
The Loire Valley is also a wine making region, allowing you to drop into many of the boutique wineries strewn across the country-side during your vacation for a little wine tasting, or maybe to stock up the cellar back home?
Part 3 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on the Loire Valley, France as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 6: Loire Valley, France Part 1
Extending east from the city of Nantes, the Loire Valley is often referred to as 'The Garden of France'. Dotted with a multitude of Châteaux (castles) built during the Renaissance period (16C), and later the Classical period (17 and 18C), the Loire Valley was where the Kings of France used to reside, from Charles VII to Henri III.
Part 2 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on the Loire Valley, France as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 6: Loire Valley, France Part 12
The later hostess included Catherine de Medici, Louise of Lorraine, Madame Dupin, and finally Madame Pelouze who purchased the château in 1864.
Visit us also for more articles on other travel hotspots.. or visit our Hawaii & Bahamas Cruise sub-portal at <a href=http://www.hawaii-bahamas.cruise-ship-portal.com>Hawaii-Bahamas.Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 6: Loire Valley, France Part 11
Chenonceau is commonly referred to as 'The Château of Six Women', owing to the leading part its hostesses played there for 400 years.
These hostesses started with Bohier's wife, Katherine Briçonnet, who passed away in 1526. The château was later acquired by King Henri II, who gave it to his mistress Diane de Poitiers in 1547.
Part 12 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on the Loire Valley, France as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 5: Travel Advisory Part 3
* Be cautious if the names of the seller and travel provider differ. You may be dealing with a telemarketer who has no responsibility to you after the sale. And be wary of ads in the newspaper, on the Internet or that you receive by unsolicited fax that offer deeply discounted vacations.
Part 4 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website at <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a> for more on the FTC's Travel Advisory.
Travel Article 5: Travel Advisory Part 2
* Try to buy your vacation travel package from a business you know. If possible, deal with businesses that belong to professional associations such as the American Society of Travel Agents, the National Tour Association or the United States Tour Operators Association. If you're not familiar with a company, get its complete name, address and local telephone number.
Part 3 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website at <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a> for more on the FTC's Travel Advisory.
Travel Article 5: Travel Advisory Part 1
Traveler's Advisory: Get What You Pay For
Whether you're planning to sun on the shores of St. Croix or ski the slopes of Zermatt, it's wise to be an informed travel shopper. To help you avoid unpleasant and costly surprises, the Federal Trade Commission offers these tips.
Part 2 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website at <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a> for more on the FTC's Travel Advisory.
Travel Article 5: Travel Advisory Part 12
* Watch out for "instant travel agent" offers. Companies may offer to sell you identification that will "guarantee" you discounted rates. These companies have no control over discounts. Only suppliers of travel - cruise lines, hotel companies, car rental companies, or airlines - can decide to extend professional courtesies, and to whom.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit <a href=http://www.ftc.gov>www.ftc.gov</a> or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints into <a href=http://www.consumer.gov/sentinel>Consumer Sentinel</a>, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
Travel Article 5: Travel Advisory Part 11
* Learn the vocabulary. "You have been specially selected to receive our SPECTACULAR LUXURY DREAM VACATION offer" doesn't mean you'll get a free vacation. It means you'll be offered an opportunity to pay for a trip that may fit your idea of luxury - or not. "Subject to availability" means you may not get the accommodations you want when you want them. "Blackout periods" are blocks of dates, usually around holidays or peak season, when no discount travel is available.
Part 12 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website at <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a> for more on the FTC's Travel Advisory.
Travel Article 5: Travel Advisory Part 10
* If you decide to buy a timeshare or membership in a vacation club, be aware that resales are difficult, if not impossible, because there's no secondary market. As for timeshares as investments: they rarely appreciate in value.
Part 11 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website at <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a> for more on the FTC's Travel Advisory.
Travel Article 4: Machu Picchu, Peru Part 11
The climate of the area is subtropical, hence warm and damp. April through to October are the hotter, drier months, with the heaviest rainfalls occurring between November and March.
Part 11 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Machu Picchu as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
Travel Article 4: Machu Picchu, Peru Part 10
After the death of Pachacuti Inca, the city probably hosted Topa Inca and then later, the Incas last great ruler, Huayna Capac. Each ruler added to the city their own palaces and estates, but few outsiders travelled to or would have known of the existence of the city due to its remote location and the secretive way of life of the Incas at the time.
Part 11 of this article will be posted shortly.. or visit our website for the full story on Machu Picchu as well as other travel hotspots.
This article is (c)2004, <a href=http://www.cruise-ship-portal.com>Cruise-Ship-Portal.com</a>. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.
