Thursday, October 9, 2008

Specialty Cruise Destinations - Bora Bora to Sharm El Sheik

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Its beauty is almost mythical and you have a front-row seat. It's an exclusive chartered boat, set off for an adventure through hidden lagoons, past untouched beaches and over coral gardens. Dock on the stunning island of Motu Tapu to explore the tropical beauty and enjoy a restorative Mai Tai. Finish your adventure with a lavish lunch at the exclusive Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa, where you'll enjoy the music of a local trio and a performance by Tahitian dancers.

Hobart, Australia

For a truly once in a lifetime experience, go shopping with a personal guide and collect local ingredients for a traditional Australian Bush Barbeque. Once your shopping is complete, have fun making your way to the final destination in a four-wheel drive vehicle, relying on cryptic clues, coordinates, and your personal guides. The location of the afternoon's repast is overlooking the breathtaking Derwent River at a sprawling, privately owned sheep farm. After you've savored the last bite of barbeque, take in a traditional sheep dog demonstration.

Fremantle (Perth), Australia

The next adventure on your five star around the world cruise will bring you down the Swan River in a lavishly appointed, privately chartered boat en route to the Sandalford Caversham Estate in the Swan Valley. Sit back and relax aboard this elegant vessel while enjoying a tasting of petit fours, artisan cheeses, and coffee. At your destination, indulge in a sampling of some of the region's finest vintages, with an experienced sommelier at your side. Finish with a sumptuous lunch and still have plenty of time to pick up a few bottles before you head back to Fremantle.

Hong Kong, China

The colors, sights and sounds of Hong Kong are something not to be missed. This cosmopolitan city is a wonderful mix of old and new, and there is no better way to see it than with a private tour on a charming antique tram. Make your way through Central Hong Kong, Wanchai and the Causeway Bay area before ending the day's journey at the China Club, one of the most exclusive private clubs in Hong Kong. As you walk to your private dining room, take in the traditional Shanghai Chinese-style dcor of the 1920s and 1930s, contrasted with the modernistic impressionist painting of Chairman Mao. Just as its members have for nearly a decade, you'll be wined and dined with a sumptuous Chinese banquet, complete with entertainment.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Set sail along the Arabian Gulf on a traditionally decorated wooden dhow. Leave the bustle of Abu Dhabi behind as you make your way to a hidden, white-sand beach aboard this elegant, upscale world cruise ship. Upon arrival, savor a rich cup of traditional Arabic coffee served to you by men in traditional Arabic dress. You'll find nothing goes better with your coffee than a little conversation with some of the local residents, who are always happy to chat about life in Abu Dhabi. Step back on board the dhow for a lavish dinner accompanied by traditional Arab music and a belly dance performance.

Sharm El Sheik, Egypt

On the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheik is an enchanting mix of crystal blue water and pristine ivory beaches. Start your journey with a glass-bottom boat ride over the colorful reefs of the area. Then make your way into the stunning Sinai desert to a Bedouin tent where a delicious five-star lunch awaits. After your meal, relax under the dramatic tent and enjoy traditional entertainment, including a fortune teller, dancers, or a camel ride.

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in travel and leisure, home improvement, and life insurance. In her free time she enjoys going on luxury world cruises, gardening, and trying out new restaurants. For great luxury cruise deals please visit amttravel.com

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So You Want to Rent a Vacation Home

Shop for a bargain property!

Quite a few vacation rental owners will provide discounts off the standard rates of their rental for a variety of reasons.If you are planning a long rental, are a returning guest, or are looking to book many reservations at the same property within the same year, be sure to shop around to see who is offering the best bargain.

If you plan your vacation during Las Vegas' off-season also known as 'low season' you may find significant savings over high season rates.

BOOK EARLY!!

This is a very important piece of vacation rental advice! Always keep in mind that occupancy at vacation rentals is strictly limited and sometimes renters only rent for a few months a year depending on the weather and season. While some vacation rentals such as bed & breakfast properties may offer several different rooms to book, most of them are single-occupancy units where availability is normally based on a first-come, first-served basis.

The demand for rental properties is primarily based on two things: The Location and the time of year. All vacationing locations have high seasons where both availability and rental cost are at premiums. It is extremely important to reserve rentals during peak seasons in advance or you may lose out. To make sure you, your friends or family get the best possible vacation home you want, be sure to book a reservation as soon as your vacationing plans are set in stone.

Save some money!

Food and beverage costs are usually the second most expensive part in any vacation, so if you book a vacation rental with a kitchen or partial kitchen you will be well on your way to saving some money. You can cook your meals at home and then use the extra money on more of your exploration and vacation time and fun! By doing this you can even spend a bit and take a friend, spouse or family out for a fantastic dinner every now and then!

Be flexible with your chosen dates!

You may not always get your first choice in properties or a rental home may not be available within the dates you have sought out. If you are flexible, the rental owners of vacation properties may have availability on either the beginning or ending of your ideal vacation rental dates. If there is no availability whatsoever at the property you desire be sure to ask the rental owner if they know of any properties close by that are somewhat like the one you selected. Flexibility will work to your advantage!

Do your research!

Make sure you ask any questions that might come to mind before you arrive. You want to make sure everything is clear before you arrive at your vacation rental and it will also help to avoid misunderstandings with the rental owner.

Some questions you may want to ask:

* Is this rental family friendly?

* Do you have references?

* Is the rental located on a beach?

* Is the rental close to a beach?

* Are there any services that are offered i.e laundry?

* Are there medical services nearby incase of an emergency?

* How far from the center of town is the rental?

* How do I get the keys and the directions(map) to the rental?

* What is the deposit policy?

* What is the refund policy?

* Is there insurance?

* Is their tourist services nearby?

* Where can I rent a car?

* Is the property close to other properties or secluded(private)?

* Is there any construction going on in the area?

* Is there a supermarket nearby?

* Who can I get in touch with if anything goes wrong?

* What appliances and extras are included?

* What furnishings are included?

* Is there hot water, air-conditioning etc? (if needed)

Las Vegas Vacation Rentals provides condos, luxury villas and vacation homes for the Las Vegas traveler and also offers you travel tips, a monthly 'Everything Vegas' newsletter, a FREE E-Power travel Guide to Las Vegas and so much more! You can also find more tips, learn how to save when visiting the famous neon city and even list your property for FREE on our website.

Brought to you by Robert Allan & Natasha Jervis E-Power Vacations, a Division of E-Power Corporation.

Come by and say hello to us!

info@lasvegas-vacation-rentals.com
http://www.lasvegas-vacation-rentals.com

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Madeira Beach - Come for Vacation, Come to Live!

If Florida is on your list of possibilities for a new home or vacation spot, then it would be worth your time to check out Madeira Beach in Pinellas County. This beautiful barrier island on the west side of the Florida peninsula is known for friendliness almost as much as it is known for beauty and plenty of sunshine. Situated nicely between St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Madeira Beach is not far from the bigger city life if you so desire. And, the Tampa International Airport is approximately a 45 minute drive from Madeira Beach.

Madeira Beach is a residential area but it also has some famous tourist spots as well. The most notable is the shopping and dining area known as John's Pass. John's Pass is one of the most visited spots in the entire state of Florida. It's not only a quaint turn-of-century fishing village but it is a shopper's delight with over 100 retail shops and restaurants.

Vacation rentals and the real estate market are both sizzling hot in Florida, and Madeira Beach is no exception to the rule. With miles of beach along this small island and the famous Florida sunshine, you will come for a visit and never want to leave again! There are many single family waterfront homes, waterfront condos, and maintenance free townhomes to choose from. With the recent down turn in the real estate market, now is the time to buy your waterfront dream home or your small retirement cottage before prices start going up again.

In addition to the many water activities that you can enjoy at Madeira Beach, there are plenty of theme parks in the area. Take a day and visit one of the many, such as Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, or Sea World, all of which are close enough for a drive with kids and far enough away to keep the worst of the tourists out of your backyard. This area of Florida brings you the best of both worlds - fun in the sun and an existing day at a theme park - all within short driving distances.

Stick close to home if you prefer, and enjoy some of the many activities that are available only to those lucky few who live near the beach. Go scuba diving, snorkeling or surfing, or have some dry fun on a boat. Enjoy the wind in your face on a fast boat, the challenge of sailing, or the excitement that can come from catching your own dinner on the open ocean, or even just take a cup of coffee down to the beach in the morning and watch the dolphins play. Madeira Beach is one of the few beaches that is not over-crowded. It's a great place to come and read a book, bring the kids, or even take a snooze.

Whatever your delight in life, Madeira Beach, Florida has a little something to share with you to make your life all the more pleasant. With many homes available, this is the time to buy and relocate to the Sunshine State along the Gulf. Buy now before prices go up, they always do and you might miss out.

Bob Lipply is a top Real Estate Broker Associate in the Tampa Bay Real Estate area. Lipply Real Estate is excited about Madeira Beach Real Estate waterfront opportunities. Take a look at values in Safety Harbor Real Estate now that prices have come down. There's lots of great deals!

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