Costa Rica Wildlife Holiday

The Strawberry Poison Dart Frog

This colourful creature is absolutely unique, with the ability to morph from being red bodied with blue legs to green with black spots! Designed to survive in dense forests, the frogs are found throughout Central America. In the wild they are toxic, with their poison being created from the natural elements found in the habitat. These tiny reptiles are by no means endangered and you won’t have any trouble sighting them.

The American Crocodile

Another of the country’s more common inhabitants is the American Crocodile. Growing to over 10ft long, they are often seen much longer here. If you are on a Costa Rica wildlife holiday, you may see these reptiles congregating near bridges where tourists tend to stop and throw them food in exchange for a photo. Unfortunately, the crocodiles’ existence is now threatened, due to loss of habitat.

White-headed Capuchin Monkey

This clever little creature is seen all over the country and, hanging out in large groups of up to 40, they can live up to 50 years. They have been known to use tools as weapons and to get food, and they have also been seen rubbing plants on themselves, possibly for medicinal purposes. Some experts speculate this is what gives them their longevity.

Golden Orb Weavers

This stunning spider spins gold silk that attracts bees and offers them a means of camouflage in the trees. The webs are incredibly strong and have even been known to trap birds. This, the oldest surviving spider, has a nasty bite but would never attack a human unless threatened.

Ocelot

These stealthy nocturnal cats are rather small compared to some of the other wild cats, growing to about double the size of a domestic cat. They have huge feet that help them climb trees and, once an endangered species, now thrive in the country due to conservation efforts.

Discount European Cruises

One can experience the splendors of Europe from the comforts of a cruise ship, since most of the major cities are situated along the ports. The luxury of a European cruise can be enjoyed by the average American thanks to ‘discount European cruises’ advertised by travel agencies. Browsing through any travel magazine or website, you can find the highlighted caption ‘Discount European Cruises’ on the main pages. The reduced ticket rates are offered along with a range of services that were considered a luxury in yesteryears. The varied cultures, landscape, food and wine can be enjoyed thanks to discounted European cruises.

Discounted European cruises brings sailing luxuries to the budget traveler. Rather than air or road travel, more people are now choosing travel by ship. A major reason for this shift is the added convenience of not carrying the luggage form hotel. When docking a port, you just jump on a smaller boat and head for shore.

Discount European cruises are available on all major itineraries, such as the Baltic States, the Netherlands and the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe; cities like London, Paris, Lisbon and Dublin in Western Europe, and the Mediterranean region. The European trips are usually offered in packages of 7 to 15 days. These cruises are cheaper during the spring and fall, which are repositioning periods for ships.

You Should Travel Young

  • It helps you in making decisions about life: A young mind has all the energy and enthusiasm to think about various aspects of life but making decisions about life requires a strong and mature mindset. While you take a trip, you get to explore new places, people and discover many new vistas that eventually helps you in making opinions and decisions too.
  • You become Smarter: Traveling isn’t only about discovering new places, meeting different people, but it is also about making choices that matter and affect you directly or indirectly. It gives you the power of deciding between what is wrong and what is right, hence giving you a mindset with the help of which you eventually become smarter.
  • You become an interesting person: This is yet another positive aspect of taking a tour that makes you likeable among others. The places you explore and the people you meet influence you in one way or the other, thus you tend to understand their perspectives and give yourself a new personality which is interesting and different too. You can notice the change yourself after taking a trip.
  • You’ll grow culturally and socially: This particular point clearly signifies the importance of taking an excursion while being young. The more you travel, the more you will get exposure and the more you’ll grow. Making a move takes you to different cities, places and get to know various cultures that teaches you the values and importance of culture and social life.
  • You learn to manage your life: Now this is something we all need to do but if you are wondering how you can manage your life while going on an excursion, then here is the answer. No trip is easy, you have to face many challenges and take hardships to reach your destination, and similarly, life has many ups and downs that can be managed once you start exploring.
  • It changes your way of relating to the world: Everyone has a different vision and their own type of intelligence. The behavior and actions of a human being also vary to different situations and even places. You might act normal at your home but accept it you are different at various places and with different people too. So if you go on an expedition, you get to know more things and act accordingly.
  • Because you deserve it: Like totally! I don’t think that this requires a justification even. It’s your life and your time so live and enjoy as much as you can because nothing stays forever and time doesn’t stop for anyone. So, book a cheap flight soon and explore that place you’ve been planning from long.

About Botataung Pagoda

Located In Yangon, Burma’s former capital Rangoon, are the three very first pagodas of what is nowadays called Myanmar. They were built by the Mon and the first of these three pagodas is the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda, Burma’s best known and most visited pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda was followed by the Botataung Pagoda and the Sule Pagoda. The histories of these three ancient pagodas begin sometime in the 6th century B.C.This was a long time before the first Burman/Bamar appeared in this area.

Today I will visit the Botataung Pagoda, which is arguably Burma’s second oldest pagoda and you are heartily invited to accompany me.

Here we are now, in front of the Botataung Pagoda at Botataung Pagoda Road in Yangon, the former Rangoon. To our right is the Strand Road from which we have come and to our left is the Yangon River its banks lined with jetties (the closest is the Botataung jetty), wharfs, warehouses, etc.

This pagoda’s history goes like the Shwedagon Pagoda’s and Sule Pagoda’s back to the early times of the Mon kingdoms; the times of the small fishing village Okkala (the later Dagon), Mon king Okkalapa and the merchant brothers Tapussa and Bhallika. I am sure that no one who has so far written about this pagoda can justifiably claim to know when exactly the Botataung Pagoda was built, by whom exactly it was built and why exactly this spot was chosen as location. Much too little is known in order to unearth the truth. It is all speculation what explains that there are various legends and stories about the origins and genesis of the Botataung Pagoda in circulation. Some of them seem to be more credible than others but this does not necessarily mean that they are true. As always, the answers to the a.m. questions (when, who, why) will most likely remain were they are; hidden behind the a curtain of myth and legends. Maybe that is better because facts are by far not as interesting as legends. Here is the story of the Botataung Pagoda as far as it is known to me.

Some 2.300 years ago a mission of 8 monks from India came to Dagon and brought some relics (one hair and two body relics) of Gautama Buddha with them. They were received by the Mon in grand style and a guard of honour comprising 1000 (tataung) military officers (Bos) escorted the monks with the relics to the place where the relics were enshrined and the Botataung Pagoda built. This is essentially all that is known about the early history of the pagoda. Then the curtain closes and nothing further is known about what happened in the period of time between the completion of the Botataung Pagoda and the year 1943. It is to be supposed that nothing happened beyond the usual, which is that people came to worship and perform devotional acts.

On 08 November 1943, however, this changes dramatically and the curtain in front of the Botataung Pagoda opens again with a mighty bang; bhooommm! After the smoke has dispersed and the dust has settled nothing but rubble is left of the old Botataung Pagoda. What has happened is that during an air raid of the RAF aimed at the wharves in direct neighbourhood of the pagoda the Botataung Pagoda fell victim to a direct bomb hit.

However regrettable it may be that the old (original?) Botataung Pagoda was destroyed the fact remains that the findings made in the course of the removal of the debris and the following excavations have most likely more than compensated for the loss of the old stupa structure. What most probably would never have been found without the pagoda’s being destroyed by the bomb was an ancient relic chamber over which the stupa had been built. According to records the relic chamber contained a golden casket shaped like a stupa that, in turn, contained a small golden pagoda on a silver stand housing the hair and the two body relics of Gautama Buddha, a large number of precious stones, some 700 gold, silver, brass, marble and stone Buddha statues, numerous miniature pagodas, stupas, shrines and pagoda htis of various sizes, and a large number of terra-cotta plaques. Some of these plaques have as it is said historically significant inscriptions in Pali and Mon language that do beyond all doubt prove that it was the Mon who built this beautiful pagoda. What else these inscriptions say I do not know. Maybe they could tell us more about the genesis and early days of the Botataung Pagoda when it was known as Kyaik-de-att in Mon language.

The new Botataung Pagoda stupa, the one standing behind the wall in front of us, is said to be built in the style of the one that was destroyed. However, three significant changes were made to the reconstructed stupa. One of them is that this pagoda stupa is made of concrete (and not brick or stone), the other one that the stupa is hollow (and not solid like the original one) and the third one that a large part of the treasures found is, including the Buddha hair relic, now displayed inside the stupa so everyone can see them. The other part of the treasure, the most valuable part of it, such as the two Buddha body relics and precious stones are locked away and cannot be seen by the public.

In 1960 another ancient relic was added to the Botataung Pagoda treasures. This is said to be a tooth of Gautama Buddha. The one king Alaung Sithu of Pagan failed to get from the former Nan-chao kingdom, now China’s Yunnan Province, in 1115 A.D. The Buddha relic was presented to the Botataung Pagoda by the Chinese government. This tooth, too, is locked away. In 1981 the Botataung Pagoda got yet another treasure, king Mindon’s Royal Palace Buddha Bronze Image. More to this later.

The construction work for the new pagoda started the very day Burma gained independence, on 04 January 1948. The wall to the right of the entrance is protected by a huge naga lying on top of it with her long body stretched over the entire lengths of the wall. The naga’s head is raised and the mouth is open. Ready to attack in defence of the pagoda. Oooooh, so frightening. The same over there with the wall left to the entrance.

OK, we go first into the small building in front of the wall of the pagoda compound to the right of the main entrance. There we have to pay our entrance fee and to leave our slippers. We have entered the pagoda compound now and in front of us is the entrance to the main stupa.

The pagoda platform is spread over a total area of some 221.830 square feet/20.608 square metre and the Botataung pagoda comprises the main stupa and a total of 18 pavilions surrounding the stupa. The pavilions are housing many Buddha statues of various sizes, eras and in different mudras.

The new stupa is resting on a square platform with a side lengths of 96 feet/29 metres and is 131 feet/40 metres high. As for the design pattern it is like the Shwedagon Pagoda. 1. The base of the Shwedagon stupa, a cone-shaped structure that gradually tapers towards the top, is a flat supporting block called plinth. 2. On top of this follow rectangular terraces (paccayas). What follows are 3. octagonal terraces (shit-mhaungs), 4. the bell (khaung laung pone), 5. the turban band (baung yit), 6. the inverted alms bowl (thabaik mhauk) with lotus petals, 7. mouldings (phaung yits), 8. the Lotus throne (1 row down-turned lotus petals, kya mhauk, and 1 row up-turned lotus petals (kya lan), 9. the banana butt (nga pyaw bu), 10, the umbrella (hti), 11. the cone, 12. the vane and 13. the diamond orb (sein bu) on top of the vane.

Before we go inside the main stupa we turn left and go over to the large artificial lake (well, actually it is an oversized pool/pond). Now we are standing in front of the ‘lake’ and you can see that there is a superstructure comprising a bridge and an island-like platform built over the surface of the water. There is a water fountain to the right of the bridge and in the water are hundreds, maybe thousands of small turtles and fishes constantly fed by the visitors of the pagoda for good luck. At festival times you can here at the beginning of the bridge buy small fishes (young catfish) to set them free in the pool what will also bring you good fortune. The bridge is covered with a tired roof (pyatthat) that is embellished with decorative bargeboards. The same goes for the Botataung Pagoda Guardian Nat Shrine on the platform.

After having crossed the bridge we have now arrived at the nat shrine. In front of us in one part of the shrine we see the life-sized Botataung Bo Bo Gyi and in the other part the female nat Mae Daw. Every Buddhist Pagoda in Burma has a Bo Bo Gyi guardian nat but here in Yangon the three most revered Bo Bo Gyis are the one of the Shwedagon Pagoda, the one of the Botataung Pagoda and the Sule Pagoda Bo Bo Gyi. These nats are very important not only for protection of the pagodas but also for the devotees.

You can see many worshipping people here because Bo Bo Gyi nats can as you already know fulfil wishes and make dreams come true. From the mountains of flowers, pagoda umbrellas, fruit baskets and other gifts as well as the banknotes (in the hand of the fully extended right arm) donated to and arranged around Bo Bo Gyi by devotees you can see how much they venerate Bo Bo Gyi and how deeply they believe in this guardian nat and his supernatural forces.

It is time to return to the main platform and continue our Botataung Pagoda circumambulation. Leaving the bridge we see to our right a Bodhi tree guarded by nagas that are placed on the octagonal walling around the foot of the tree, behind that the Hamsa Prayer Pillar and behind that in direction entrance a smaller stupa. I am not sure what it is but it could be a scaled down model of the main stupa.

We continue our walk clock-wise around the stupa along the structures to our left. The Buddha statues they are housing are of course worth being looked at but we will go to see the what I believe to be for Burmese Buddhists most precious Buddha Image here; and that is Buddha’s Bronze Image of the Royal Palace in Mandalay. The statue is in the building on the northern side of the platform. And that is exactly where we are going now. While we are walking please look to the right in direction of the main stupa. There you can see the planetary posts placed at the cardinal points around the stupa with people performing their cleaning ritual for good fortune.

We have almost reached the building with the Royal Palace Buddha Bronze Image and on our right hand side you see the pagoda bell hanging between the two whitewashed pillars. The bell was completed on 05 May 1913 and has survived the bombing without damage.

Here we are inside the building and over there is the Royal Palace Buddha Bronze Image. The hall has beautifully with mirror glass mosaic decorated walls, ceilings and pillars throughout.

Now you want to know what it is that makes this Buddha image so special for Burmese Buddhists, right? Here is the answer. By order of king Mindon this Buddha image was cast in his palace in Mandalay. The material used was a mixture of gold, silver, bronze, iron and lead. It is said that some not further specified sacred relics of Gautama Buddha were consecrated by king Mindon and then enshrined in this statue that became known as the ‘Royal Palace Buddha Bronze Image’ also called ‘Royal Glass Palace Bronze Image’.

Following the annexation of upper Burma by the British in January 1885 and king Thibaw’s and queen Supayalat’s being exiled to India the British took the Buddha Image to London and exhibited it in the Victoria and Albert Museum were it was kept for some 66 years. After being granted independence by the British effective 04 January 1948 the Burmese government requested the restitution of the Royal possessions taken from the Mandalay Palace by the British. The British government fulfilled the Burmese request and on 17 June 1951 the Buddha image arrived in Rangoon. From 16 May 1981 on the Botataung Pagoda is home to the Royal Palace Bronze Image.

Now we leave this building through the vestibule and walk back to the main stupa in order to take a close look at the interior where a part of the Buddhist treasures unearthed during the excavation after the bombing of the old Botataung Pagoda is displayed.

We have reached the main entrance to the interior of the stupa and walk through the door at the top of a short flight of steps. And now we are in a maze of narrow walkways with very high ceilings. All walls and ceilings are completely covered with intricately carved and gilded floral and Buddhist motifs. It is truly amazing. The matt glossy gilded surfaces of the walls are protected with glass panes.

A few yards into the hollow inner of the stupa we stay in front of a donation box and the walkway is parting into one leading to the left and one leading to the right. We take the left one and turning constantly left right, left right we follow the zigzack course of the walkway. Although the air-condition is running noisily at full blast the air in the stupa is warm and stuffy. To our right are many small triangular bays for private prayer and to our left (the outer wall of the stupa) glass showcases in which the Buddhist treasures are displayed.

In front of the glass showcases are century-old and ugly rolling-and claws grids covered with generations of paint coatings. These grids are providing protection and security. Another problem is that the glass panes in front of the exhibited objects are often not clear. My personal opinion is that this is not the most attractive way to display these ancient treasures Buddhists are so proud of to the visitors but maybe others see nothing wrong with it. Be that as it may, the fact remains that the feeling triggered by looking at these ancient Buddhist treasures is very hard to describe; awesome may be a fitting term.

Sea Kayaking

One of the simpler rules to follow is this: make sure it floats. Yes, the most obvious would be making sure the kayak floats and has no holes or gashes that would cause it to sink in the middle of the lake. However, most people don’t think of all of the other gear in their kayak. If your kayak rolls, most likely, all of your gear will be floating down the river, which is bad enough, but imagine if it the gear were to sink! You should put gear that isn’t waterproof into waterproof containers that will float. You have to remember that if your kayak rolls, even the waterproof areas in your kayak will get water in them.

One thing you should consider carrying in your kayak at all times is a PFD. A PFD is a Personal Flotation Device. A PFD is the single most important piece of equipment you could carry with you in a kayak. Some parts of the world don’t require you to bring one with you, but you should take one with you, if not wear it, anyway. They now make them to look good ad feel comfortable, while with storage pockets to hold your gear. There is no reason why you shouldn’t wear a PFD for it will not only help you save your gear in a roll over, but could also save your life.

When kayaking it is good to use the buddy system. You should never paddle alone. The weather conditions could change rapidly, and things could happen that you can not handle by yourself. A buddy can help you in these situations, and could save your life.

You can also increase your safety with the gear that you carry. You should carry a compass, map, food, water, matches, flare gun, cell phone and anything else you think you might need. It will all fit into one small bag or even into the storage pockets of the PFD you should be wearing. Also, a pump is a necessity because if your kayak is full of water after rolling or capsizing you are either going to get hypothermia or you aren’t going to be able to make it back to shore. Please make sure it floats because if you roll you won’t be thinking of is catching your pump.

Alternative Culture of Berlin

The Street Art Capital of Europe

Booking in to any of the city’s modern youth hostels makes an excellent starting point. The alternative culture of Berlin is but one facet of this complex metropolis. The best hostels capture a more mainstream ethos and the budget experience need not be a compromise on quality, yet they will set you right in the centre of a thriving hub of alternative living. On the surface, this aspect is perhaps best exemplified through the street art. From Kreuzberg to Alexanderplatz, there is no shortage of buskers, street-performers, galleries and independent artists’ studios closeted away in niches or on display in squares. Few cities in Europe can match this commitment to alternative expression, and the best establishments pride themselves on creating a truly immersive experience for the visitor.

A Performance Tour

One of the great benefits of staying in one of the youth hostels in Berlin is the connections you can forge. Often staffed by locals who are part of the network of alternative social groups of the city, they are a wealth of information just waiting to be tapped into. For example, many hostels run alternative tours or offer free entry into niche bars and performance spaces. You can discover hidden pockets of art, comedy, music, dance and philosophical discussion, with a distinct underground flavour, that you might not easily stumble across on your own.

Alternative Nightlife

Like other European capital cities, Berlin draws young people in droves for its eclectic nightlife. Thousands of travellers come every month to experience the bars, restaurants, theatres, music halls, and clubs that have infiltrated so many city streets and suburban enclaves. Knowing where to go and what special events are on can be hard for a tourist, but the youth hostels offer an easy and safe base to delve in to the most innovative and niche nightlife scenes in the world.

An alternative to the alternative

A key to the appeal of alternative culture anywhere is its ability to shape-shift. Ideas and trends are forever being challenged, renewed, and recycled and many people seek to find an alternative to the prevalent alternative culture! Berlin has a breathtaking array of evolving cultures to explore on the doorstep of the excellent youth hostels, and from permaculture tours to clandestine candle-lit book clubs, there’s enough to keep you busy for weeks.

Monaco Yachts

There is a restraint, exclusivist rich group that has a thing for yachting, mainly because they can afford to! You and I, we both know that we’d like to own even a small, “unpretentious” sailboat, don’t we? And have at least once dreamed to relax on the deck of a luxury yacht in Monaco. But, hey, who needs a yacht in a so busy world? Do we wake up in the morning with nothing better to do than dress in white completely (maybe some blue too), have our cafe au lait (maybe a croissant also if not on diet) and go to the quay ordering around the employees to rub up better that side? We certainly don’t! If you say you do, that’s another story!

What better place (and object) for a competition: who has the bigger, more expensive model, envies arise, disputes start… Shirley Bassey reportedly complained of the big size of “Le Grand Bleu” belonging to the Russian billionaire Abramovich. The yacht apparently spoiled the view on the port of her uphill apartment. Well, what else would you like rich people to do?…

Beside occasional cruises and constant care some rich people find a practical use to their yachts: some rent them, others live there. Owning a yacht can be extremely useful if you are a tax exile, especially UK citizens who live in Monaco but work in the UK. Renting is very profitable, especially during holidays season or when big events happen in Monaco: prices go from 25,000EUR per week to 365,000EUR per week, depending on the size and facilities.

Some of world’s famous yachts rest in the waters of the bay. Some of them are so big that they have helicopters on their top decks. Among worlds’ 100 largest yachts are:

  • Octopus – owned by Paul Allen, the Microsoft cofounder;
  • Tatoosh – owned also by Paul Allen;
  • Atlantis II – owned by the Niarchos family, descendants of Onassis’ rival Stavros;
  • Le Grand Bleu – owned by the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich;
  • Delphine – owned by the American car magnate Horace Dodge;
  • Montkaj – owned by Prince Mohammed bin Fahd, son of Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd.

Following its policy of capitalization of all (though scarce) natural resource, the Principality quickly became aware of the potential of the Hercules Bay and started a yachting tradition. There is a Yacht Club founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier and it was all along supported by him and his son Albert, who is also its President. The Yacht Club de Monaco gained international fame attracting worlds’ greatest names in sailing to come and battle on the Monegasque waters.

Naturally, there are also prestigious yachting events of international interest, excellent opportunities for yacht owners all over the world to show off.

  • Primo Cup – Trophée Credit Suisse
  • Challenge Inter-Banques
  • Monaco Classic Week
  • Fête de la Mer
  • Régates Corporatives
  • Monaco Yacht Show

The events are organized with the support of H.S.H. Prince Albert I and of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III. All these events have display and competitions parts, except for Monaco Yacht Show, which is the greatest in-water yacht exhibition in Europe, without competition show.

Types Charter Yachts

Bareboat charter is for the more experienced person who has been sailing before. In fact the boat owner will insist on some type of qualification from a national authority before agreeing on the charter. This qualification will be something like an Offshore Skipper Certificate, depending where you are from. On a bareboat charter you are your own skipper, mate, mechanic, deckhand, chef and dinghy driver. Whilst on charter it is up to you to arrange all the watch keeping, safety, daily routine etc. To be able to take on a bareboat charter you will be familiar with a yacht routine and know what to do. If you are a little rusty or not familiar with the type of yacht then you may wish to employ a skipper for the whole charter or for just a few days. You will quickly learn from the skipper before taking over on your own but you must realize that the skipper will require a cabin for his time on board so allow for that when planning your vacation.

Yachts offered for bareboat charter are more than likely to be older yachts that have been used as instructional yachts as well as hired by less than accomplished sailors. They are unlikely to be in pristine condition as they have been used and have acquired bumps and scratches from contact with jetties and inside galley spills leaving their mark. However you will still have lots of fun with good value for money a the charter rate will be lower for this type of yacht.

The size of the yacht could be anything up to 60 feet and will be comfortable and easy to handle for you and your party. Single hull sailing yachts, catamarans and power yachts are all available for the same cost or less than the cost per person on a mid range cruise ship. If you wish to employ a skipper or a chef/deckhand then obviously the cost will increase to pay their wages, possibly up to $300 per day for the skipper, who will do most of the work on board and make life easier for you.

If you are lacking the experience or would feel happy with company nearby then you might choose to take a flotilla charter instead. This allows you to sail your own yacht but have the support of a professional skipper and crew member leading the flotilla on their own yacht. You sail in company with other yachts and the agenda is arranged by the flotilla skipper who has all the local knowledge to make your vacation pleasurable. As you acquire knowledge and become more confident you may wish to sail independently of the flotilla but arrange to meet up with them at the next harbor or anchorage. You will still be able to stay in contact with the flotilla by radio in case you need help.

The other category is that of a crewed yacht. This can be any amount of crew from just a skipper/owner through to a large yacht with captain, mate and full crew. A husband and wife crew on their own yacht is quite common where the wife will do all the cooking and domestic chores and lend a hand crewing as well. You will not be asked to do too much work but of course you can be involved as much as you want. So what is the difference here to the skippered bareboat, it is the fact that the yacht is owned by the husband and wife team and will be in better condition and well maintained. They will take greater pride in their yacht and will see themselves as hosts rather than paid crew.

Nile Cruise Holidays

A Nile Cruise is so much more than a conventional holiday. From the magical Temples of Karnak and Luxor to the stunning Valley of The Kings, the burial place of The Pharaohs, you will lazily follow the Nile visiting some of the most spectacular ancient sites in the world.

Every day you will visit new sites and learn more about The Nile, Egypt’s lifeline since ancient times. In the afteroons you will cruise down The Nile aboard your chosen cruise vessel and relax whilst witnessing the life of those who live on the banks of one of the worlds’ most mighty rivers.

Almost all Nile Cruise Holidays either include a full program of 10 or 12 excursions and the accompaniment of an experienced Egyptologist in the basic cost or offer you them at an additional cost.

You should look for an operator that offers you these extras as part of the overall price.

Normally, you will visit the archealogical sites and temples first thing in the morning to avoid the intense heat of the mid-day sun. This then leaves you free in the afternoon to relax and enjoy watching life as it takes place before you as you cruise gently down The Nile.

You will find that you will also see a wide variety of wildlife and birds along the edges of the Nile and you will be able to take lots of wonderful and evocative photographs to enjoy on your return.

Your Nile Cruise operator should also be able to offer you a “Cruise and Stay” arrangement where you enjoy a 7 day Nile Cruise and then a further choice of extra days of relaxation in a hotel in Luxor, Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm-El-Sheikh or other Egyptian city or Red Sea resort.

To give you an insight into what your Nile Cruise experience might be like you can purchase a number of books on the subject from Amazon.com.

Alaska Cruise Packages

Humpback whales. Sailing fjords. Gazing at glaciers. These are the key attractions of booking an Alaska cruise package. The magic of Alaska is the mystery of the ice and wildlife. Where else can you go sailing and come face to face with a huge wall of ice, not many cruise packages offer such an amazing view from sea!

The two most popular Alaskan cruises are the “Inside Passage” cruise and the “Gulf of Alaska” cruise also known as the glacier cruise. With the Inside Passage cruise of Alaska, you will visit several ports of call like Juneau, Glacier Bay and Skagway. With the Gulf of Alaska cruise, you will see more glaciers, sail more fjords and have opportunities of side trips to places like Denali National Park.

The typical Alaskan cruise is 7 days, although there are options of an extended stay of eleven to fourteen days. Once you decide between the Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska cruise, you have to consider the size of ship that you would be most comfortable with. Smaller excursion ships usually carry up to 140-160 passengers and tend to offer a little more adventure and can often sail closer to a glacier than would a larger cruise ship that sails with a few hundred to thousands of people on board ( This is a key advantage for many selecting an Alaska Cruise package ).

If an adrenaline rush is more your speed, look into the smaller ships. If you prefer a more luxurious way to travel with every amenity possible, stick with the larger ship.

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