Bali The Island Of The Gods

By the final quarter of 2011 Bali had experienced a surge in foreign arrivals of nearly 12%. Bali is an island offering anything we want to make of it. There are so many things to do and acquaintances to be made. Bali is essentially a reflection of what the individual brings to the island. If you play golf, you may see only the fairways and greens through the entirety of your stay.

You may be equally happy if you choose to spend your time in pampered luxury, completely impervious to the myriad of attractions the island has on offer. If your visit has purpose, to ride the surf, dive the wrecks, raft the rivers or climb the volcanoes there will be no adrenaline disappointments.

Bali is a meeting place or extremes. A place where cutting-edge movers and shakers mix hand in hand with the custodians of an ancient culture coming to grips with the constant evolution of its existence. Life in modern day Bali is about finding the balance between these two vastly different worlds.

The Bali that so many of us have come to love began in the rice fields many centuries ago. From such simple origins come very elaborate family and community structures. This is critical to understand in order to better understand the island and its people. The guaranteed outcome of such comprehension is a greater love for Bali and her people.

To the Balinese nothing stands of more value than the family. The very old and the very young are cradled and spoiled in Balinese culture. The first thing a little girl is taught at school is how to make a broom from the wisps of coconut fronds. This is just one example of how important the simple aspects of life are to the Balinese people.

Bali's fame and occasional notoriety has often been of a scale much larger than its own physical size. More than 2000 years ago Bali flourished as a major player during the Bronze Age. Perhaps the islands most unrecognized accomplishment is the carving of an intricate layout of tumbling rice terraces from an overgrown tropical jungle.

Though often ruled over the centuries by outside forces, the Balinese heritage has remained proud and influential through ancient and modern times. The Javanese developed dominion over the island in the 12th century and it was not until the 15th that the Balinese people regained independence. Since then the island has found itself in the hands of several masters including the Dutch and Portuguese.

By the early 1990's Bali was centre of the international tourism stage. Mass tourism in the form of millions of arrivals brought the power of the dollar to Bali and every major hotel chain operated at least one property. Bali was responsible for the development of a new breed of luxury tropical resorts inspired by Sanur's Tanjung Sari Hotel.

Subsequent developments akin to the Tanjung soon appeared including the Amandari and Four Seasons resorts which both held the title of world's best resort. Bali was setting a new international standard for luxury accommodation and service, something that has continued to this very day.

Modern day Bali is a destination for discerning and everyday travellers. Catering for the needs of all, the island is and will remain for years to come one of the premiere holiday destinations on earth.

Explorer's Guide Eastern Pennsylvania: Includes Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Amish Country & the Pocono Mountains

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"From natural areas and historic areas in and around Philadelphia to the Amish markets of Lancaster County; from historic battlefields at Valley Forge and Gettysburg to the antiques shops of Bucks County and the leisure resorts and quiet nature trails of the Pocono Mountains, this guide offers great guidance for this fascinating region. Areas covered are all within easy driving distance of most East Coast states."  (Publisher Marketing)

Tips to Find an Outdoor Adventure Camp

Looking to keep your child busy this summer instead of at home watching T.V.? Do you want to be able to find a camp that is fun, exciting, challenging, educational, and full of great times and memories? If so, this summer, consider signing your child up to attend an outdoor adventure camp. Though the outdoors is usually appealing to younger boys, these camps often offer co-ed camping grounds where everyone can have fun and enjoy the best of what the great outdoors has to offer. Choosing an outdoor adventure camp isn't always the easiest task since there are so many to choose from and so many factors to consider.

Always Visit in Person
Before ever signing your child up for an outdoor adventure camp, take a day to go visit the camp together. You want to ensure that the camp environment is one that is not only safe, but is one that your child feels comfortable living at for a few days or more. It's important to get an idea of the staff and their personalities as well as a feel for the type of living environment your child will be in while away from home. You will know right off the bat if the camp is right for your child or not.

Consider Your Budget
If you've ever looked at the price tag associated with an outdoor adventure camp, or any camp for that matter, you've probably noticed that sending your child off to camp isn't a cheap venture. This means that you will want to not only find a camp within your price range, but you'll also want to ensure that the camp you choose is worth your money. What good is an outdoor adventure camp if your child is bored and doesn't enjoy his/her stay? This is why it's best to research all camps and decide which ones seem the most fitting and adventurous.

What Do the Activities Include?
When it comes to choosing an outdoor adventure camp, you also want to inquire about the activities that are provided at the camp. Just how adventurous are the activities? Will the kids be camping outside? Will they learn survival techniques? What makes the camp full of adventure? These are all questions you will want to ask the camp staff before enrolling your child. You don't want your child to be stuck at a camp that isn't fun or full of thrills and adventure.

Food Lovers' Guide to Boston: The Best Restaurants, Markets & Local Culinary Offerings

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"The ultimate guide to Boston's food scene provides the inside scoop on the best places to find, enjoy, and celebrate local culinary offerings. Written for residents and visitors alike to find producers and purveyors of tasty local specialties, as well as a rich array of other, indispensable food-related information including: food festivals and culinary events; specialty food shops; farmers' markets and farm stands; trendy restaurants and time-tested iconic landmarks; and recipes using local ingredients and traditions"  (Publisher Description)

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Arizona & the Grand Canyon

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"DK Eyewitness Arizona and the Grand Canyon travel guide will lead you through the best attractions the state has on offer, including fully illustrated coverage of all the major sights from the Grand Canyon to the haunting beauty of the Colorado Plateau. The guide provides all the insider tips every visitor needs, whether you are exploring the ghost towns and historic recreations like Ottoman and Tombstone, or visiting modern cities like Phoenix and Tucson. Plus, you'll find reliable, practical information on getting around Arizona; whether by bus, plane, train or car. The guide is packed with comprehensive listings of the best hotels, restaurants, shops and nightlife for all budgets, plus photographs and illustrations. It explores the culture and history of the state, covering the native civilisations that have lived there for thousands of years."  (Publisher Description)

The Alaska Cruise for Great Adventures

Travelling the world is a dream for many people. Millions save up for trips to local and foreign destinations. Although some of the most popular tourist destinations are appealing, there are still some undiscovered places you may consider paradise. One such place is Alaska. If you are looking for something different from your usual travels, consider one of the many options for Alaskan cruises.

Why Alaska?

Many tourists consider Alaska as a magical place. The name itself was derived from the native Aleut word, "alyeshka," meaning "the great land." Alaska is a huge and incredibly diverse land. It is one of the last unspoiled wildernesses on earth.

Despite its remarkable size, it is still one of the most sparsely populated places on the planet. According to the United States Census Bureau, the population is less than three-quarters of a million. It is also safe to assume there are more animals here than humans.

Why go on Alaskan Cruises?

When it comes to cruises, most travelers are more familiar with tropical destinations. These include the Caribbean, South Pacific, and Mexico. Most of them do not realise that apart from the sunnier regions, there are many northern places worth visiting. The magnificent views and activities to take part in during Alaskan cruises are incomparable. This is probably the best way to see the other side of the planet. While natural forces continue to mold the land, it remains a place mostly untouched by men. Despite recent industrial developments, the wilderness is Alaska's predominant characteristic.

More on Alaska

Travelers and natives also refer to Alaska as the "American Serengeti". This is because of its rich wildlife. This magical land features some of the largest and most important estuaries and bird breeding grounds in North America. It is also home to mammal species including the largest and most intriguing wild animals that roam in the continent: grizzly and polar bears, herds of pre-Ice age caribou, moose, mountain sheep, wolf packs, beavers, wolverine, and pre-historic musk oxen. You will also witness marine mammals such as whales, sea lions, seals, porpoises, walruses, and many more.

Another thing about Alaska is its historical geography. Examples of these are Ice-Age old glaciers. The glaciers in this part of the planet are among the oldest. Most people think these formations are stationary, but on the contrary, they are so full of life. Along with the mountains, rivers, and fjords, they are perhaps some of the most beautiful natural wonders you will encounter in this lifetime. If you are up for this kind of adventure, you should start looking for Alaska cruise deals.

The best time to go on Alaskan cruises is between the months of April to September. Many companies offer cruise travels to the area. Search online and book early to make sure you'll get the best package.

Book A Flight To A Paradise Island - Fraser Island

In the local aboriginal language Fraser Island is called "K Gari", this translates into the English word paradise. A suitable name, especially when exploring the attractions of this World Heritage listed sandbar. Measuring in at 120km by 15km, and created over a span of nearly a million years, if you were to travel to Queensland and proceed to Fraser Island you can have the opportunity to enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience.

When viewed from the coast, it is hard to imagine that this natural wonder is the world's largest sand island, it appears too green and lush to be such. With vast stands of rainforest, towering sand dunes, and more than forty freshwater lakes dotting the landscape, the diverse ecology makes it a must see attraction for all visitors to Australia's east coast. Off-shore there are populations of dolphins, sharks, turtles, and whales, all visible from the island's high points.

There is a weird other-worldliness feel to Fraser Island. Tour buses with chunky wheels and rugged 4WD vehicles race across the idyllic backdrop of swaying palm trees and perfect white sand. If you would like to bring your own vehicle, you should ensure it is fitted out to cope with the conditions. Every year, many visitors find themselves marooned due to lack of preparation.

Though the lakes and ocean are both inviting, only the former is safe for swimming. The ocean has deadly undertows that can sweep out even the most experienced swimmers. What's more, the local population of great white sharks make the water an even more dangerous place. On the land, it is important to keep clear of the dingoes, they have developed a reputation for aggression.

If the local wildlife and scenery does not make you feel small, spending a night on the island and witnessing the bright milky way above your head will surely have the effect. If you do decide to overnight on the island, make sure you think about your ecological impact. It would be best for the local environment if visitors came in organized groups and camped in specially designated areas.

The fewer vehicles that come to the island, the less of a chance there would be of the fragile ecosystem becoming irreparably damaged. Also, unless you have experience of driving on sand, the chance of spinning out or getting stuck would be great. Book a flight and enjoy the experience in a comfortable and stress-free way.