23 Lanzarote Attractions Rancho Texas Western Theme Park

23 Lanzarote Attractions - Rancho Texas, Western Theme Park
By John Plumb

Rancho Texas is located on the outskirts of Puerto del Carmen and on one of our many trips recently, we decided to spend a day out their with the children. Rancho Texas features amongst its attractions, an Indian amphitheatre where we witnessed a stunning display in falconry, a Nature Park where our children watched and even played with some of the animals, a Goldmine Where the big water-wheel runs water to gold-bearing sands and where the children can try to find hidden treasure and an Indian Village where they took a ride in an Indian canoes and visited the Tepees.

If youre looking for somewhere for the adults, then why return when they host one of the now legendary Rancho Texas Country and Western Nights.

We started our visit in the Nature Park, host to a wide variety of Animals and Birds. This area includes The Opera- A round enclosure with a great variety of singing birds where you can experience amazing sounds, The Promenade of colour with its sensational variety of birds and colours, Liliput Farm, where the children held the worlds smallest farm animals and saw much larger ones in the form of Turtles, Iguanas, Armadillos and Prairie dogs.

Before we could finish, we were attracted to crowd gathering in the Indian Amphitheatre (one of three live shows we would witness on the day). Once we settled down, the guide entertained us with a fantastic falconry demonstration, part of which involves the falcons flapping people on the head with thweir huge wings as they swoop from high gantries to the central stage.

After this, we took the children to the Indian Village to calm them down a bit. Our youngest (4 at the time) played in the Tepees, paddled a Canoes and found Treasure having followed the water from the big water-wheel to the gold-bearing sands. Our eldest (9 at the time) thought it was too young for him but agreed to look after his brother and clearly enjoyed himself, although he denied it at the time.

Next we were attracted to the restaurant area as we were informed that a second show would start in 15 minutes time. Like everyone else, we decided this would be a good time to have something to eat and drink and were surprised to see our Falconry expert helping out behind the food counter (we assumed he had washed his hands !). This would not be our last meeting, as he hosted the Parrot show whilst we had lunch. Another good show and some great pictures for the family.Our two boys wanted to let off some steam, so we let them play for a short while in the adventure play area, before going back to complete out tour of the animals.

Our third show of the day, was to be the best. Our expert returned (clearly multi-talented) and decided hed jump into a pit with the Alligators. He then crept up behind one of them and played with it (in case youre wondering, he has very quick reflexes). Toward the end of the show he decided to jump on the Alligator and sis finale involved holding the Alligators mouth closed between his chin and his chest some show !

The children were as amazed as we were and it just about rounded off a great day out and fantastic value at 14 Euros per adult and 9 Euros for the children (under twos are free).One of the most modern of Lanzarotes attractions, Rancho Texas, still has an element of the Manrique influence, with 60,000 m of theme park, designed with the utmost respect to the ambience and everything built with natural materials such as stones and wood.

At night the place comes alive with the Rancho Texas Country and Western Night, legendary in these parts. A party night for the whole family and the entertainments team (yes he was back), kept everyone entertained with Live Music and Line Dancing and special entertainment for the Kids. You can eat as much of the American Food, BBQ and Desserts as you like and enjoy free-flowing Beer, Sangria and Soft Drinks.Adults: 44,00 Children 2-12 years : half price Children to 2 years: free

and finally, if you want to Discover Lanzarote on horseback, Rancho Texas also has riding stables. Why not plan your day to include a trek on this wonderful island (three hour trek to the beach, for experienced riders only @ 54 or a One hour trek, no experience needed @ 21).

John Plumb, frequent visitor to Lanzarote, a place that is now my 'home from home' having taken the plunge into villa ownership on the island - See http://www.villa-rochelle.co.ukJohn is also the administrator of the Lanzarote Villa Owners Club @ http://www.lanzvillaowners.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JohnPlumb
http://EzineArticles.com/?23-Lanzarote-Attractions---Rancho-Texas,-Western-Theme-Park&id=193447

21 Exciting Maui Activities

21 Exciting Maui Activities
By Scott Grover

There are a multitude of reasons to choose Maui for your next vacation destination. It could be to enjoy its 30 plus world-class beaches, experience its breath-taking vistas including incredible sunrises and sunsets, discover a tropical paradise, or to just relax and get away from it all. Part of Mauis lure is that it offers such a wide variety of activities, many family-oriented. Below Ive summarized 21 exciting Maui activities available to its visitors in no particular order.

1. Sunrise at Haleakala Crater. There's only one way to see the sunrise and that's at Haleakala Crater in Maui. Its an experience that is truly difficult to describe because of its stunning beauty. You begin to sense the magnitude of it when you see a photograph, but its something that you have to experience to really appreciate.

2.Biking Down Haleakala. We have seen two wonderful sunrises at Haleakala on two separate trips to Maui. Both times we drove (up and) back in our rental vehicles. Unfortunately, biking down Haleakala has never made it into our agenda. So we have now officially added it to our Maui Activities Wish List.

3.The Road to Hana. The drive on the Road to Hana is an experience of a lifetime. Along the way on this 60 mile winding trek you will see some of the worlds most beautiful rain forests, water falls, and enjoy some of the most gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean.

4.The Seven Sacred Pools (formally called Ohea Gulch). Almost everyone who takes the Road to Hana ends up at the Seven Sacred Pools. Waterfalls connect each pool, and the last pools waterfall empties into the Pacific Ocean. Legend has it that swimming in each pool (in order from one to seven) will bring the swimmer good luck.

5.Snorkeling in Maui. Change your view of the island to an underwater perspective by snorkeling in Maui. There are countless places to snorkel here with amazing views of marine life of all kinds.

6.Sugar Cane Train. If you (or your kids) love trains this inexpensive Maui activity is a must! Circling from Lahaina to Puukolii and back, a ride on the Sugar Cane Train will show you all the beauty of Maui from the coach car of an unforgettable real working historic steam engine. The conductor is more than knowledgeable. He's practically a one man show complete with ukulele and musical repertoire!

7.Maui Ocean Center. This was a great day activity to do with your kids. The Maui Ocean Center offers many hands-on activities that our kids loved. The three-acre marine park hosts more than 60 interactive exhibits, an outdoor central courtyard, two restaurants and the Maui Ocean Center Store.

8.Sightseeing on Front Street. A shoppers paradise! Quaint shops, restaurants and historical spots line Front Street in Old Lahaina. Our favorite discovery was the Bubba Gump's Shrimp Shop and Restaurant.

9.Sandcastle Contest Day. An activity the whole family can participate in is a Sandcastle Contest Day on Kaanapali Beach. Our kids have a ball building tunnels and mountains and the adults take the challenge very seriously!

10.Horseback Riding. You don't have to be a cowboy to enjoy some of the best horseback riding you'll ever experience. You're in Maui - which means you are riding in the some of the most beautiful countryside that you can imagine. Our ride took us through pineapple fields and a rainforest.

11.Parasailing. If you can handle being a human kite and enjoy the silence and peacefulness of gliding 500 feet above the ocean (except for the whisper of a light breeze), parasailing is a must-do Maui activity for you.

12.Scuba Diving. If you are looking for an experience of a lifetime and you want to experience a side of Maui many people miss, Maui Scuba Diving is the way to go. It is not uncommon, on a Maui scuba diving experience, to have water visibility around 100 feet, and it is sometimes better than 150 feet!

13.Golfing. Whether you're the casual golfer that hits the links three or four times a year or the avid golfer that never misses a weekend, you simply will not be disappointed with your morning (or afternoon) of Maui golf. There are over 180 courses in Maui to choose from -- besides the fact that you'll be playing in arguably one of the most scenic places in the world.

14.Helicopter Tours. Several companies offer a variety of Maui helicopter tours that can include viewing some or all of the following: the West Maui Mountains, the island of Molokai (just west of Maui), waterfalls and beaches of East Maui including the Seven Sacred Pools and Haleakala Crater. A bird's eye view of Maui is nothing less than spectacular.

15.ATV/Quad Tours. Not only can you hike parts of Haleakala Crater, you can also now take an ATV/quad tour of this scenic place.

16.Submarine Adventures. If you don't like to scuba dive, you don't have to miss the beauty of Maui's oceanscape and marine life when you are in a submarine with a view.

17.Jet Skiing. If you have enjoyed jet skiing anywhere else, just add Mauis unsurpassed beauty to the thrill of the ride and you start to get an idea of how fun it would be to jet ski in Maui.

18.Kayaking. This is an activity that is not only environmentally friendly but will also give you a good cardio workout.

19.Jeep Tour. Rent a jeep or other four wheel drive vehicle for an enjoyable excursion around the southern and western end of Maui. Most visitors to Maui don't take advantage of this scenic tour. You will see two of the most recent Haleakala lava flows that reached the ocean, dating back less than 500 years to 800 years old.

20.Cave Exploration. Explore some of the worlds largest lava tubes.

21.Surfing on Mauis North Shore. Surf enthusiasts from all over come here to ride some of the biggest waves in the world.

This is by no means a complete list of Maui activities, but it should give you a good idea why Maui has become our number one vacation destination.

This article was written by Scott Grover who considers himself a Maui enthusiast with three vacations to Maui over the past 9 years (1997, 2000, and 2004), and another family vacation planned there for December 2006. You can read about him and his familys Maui adventures at his website http://www.Barefoot-In-Maui.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=ScottGrover
http://EzineArticles.com/?21-Exciting-Maui-Activities&id=165621

Hotels Hotels Hotels...Which One Do I Choose!

Hotels Hotels Hotels...Which One Do I Choose!
By Mike Yeager

Hotels in Las Vegas furnish a guest with the excitement, amenities and appeal of this wonderful destination. Everyone has heard of Circus Circus. Its appealing restaurants, theme parks, shops, gaming and the world's greatest circus acts guarantees good fun for everyone. Best of all, it continues to be the value leader on the Las Vegas Strip. The possibilities are unlimited in where to stay, when you play in Las Vegas! Some things to consider when selecting a hotel are its amenities, restaurants, attractions and more. Check out the casinos for games, dining and entertainment.

Hotels like Hilton have the hottest entertainment acts performing nightly. From the nightclub center stage to the world famous theater, only the top acts in show business perform on stage at the Las Vegas Hilton. It has spacious accommodations, which provides you a homey atmosphere and makes you feel like a pampered guest. Heck, you can even enjoy yourself in cheap hotels or discount hotels.

Hotel Marriot ----What I really liked about the room was the huge Jacuzzi tub that you could lay down in. That is ultimate pleasure! There are several restaurants presently at the JW Marriott. The pool is one of the best features at the JW Marriott. It offers a serene environment to host board meetings or romantic weddings, receptions and social affairs. Wedding parties have the opportunity to select a venue sited for rehearsal dinners, bridesmaid's brunches or evening parties when staying at the Marriott.

About The Author

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.a1-vacations-4u.com/

mjy610@hotmail.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MikeYeager
http://EzineArticles.com/?Hotels-Hotels-Hotels...Which-One-Do-I-Choose!&id=31851

Caribbean Travel Tips

Caribbean Travel Tips
By Gary R

When you are travelling to the caribbean, whether it be Mexico, Cuba, Bahamas, or the Dominican Republic, you will want to be fully prepared so that you can make the most of your trip and your caribbean vacation investment. There are several areas of caribbean travel that you will want to keep in mind.

There are tips that you can keep in mind in areas like booking the vacation, packing, flight, arrival and check-in, resort and hotel, excursions, food, and other general areas.

Here are a few examples of some caribbean travel tips that you will want to keep in mind:

• Try to make an effort to speak a few words in the native language down there. They appreciate it!!
• Anything like mouse for your hair, shampoo, creams etc that may explode in your suitcase on the plane should be packed in plastic bags or alternatively put in your carry on.
• Try to understand that check in may take some time and that depending on the time of arrival rooms may not be ready. Since check-out and maid service must happen before you can check into your room, this is sometimes the case.
• Bring insulated travel mugs for drinks! You will understand this on once you get down there, especially if you hate drinking your alcohol from tiny plastic cups.
• Do try to go on a few excursions off your resort. You will have so much fun and will really get to see much more of the culture of the country. Catamarans are very fun, as are jeep tours. Both are worth the money.
• Drinks made with milk (i.e. pina coladas) should not be consumed in high quantities. Drink these as treats and not as your only drink of choice. The milk acts as a diuretic and can also cause a lot of diarrhea.
• If you are visiting a country where only bottled water is allowed, then make sure you brush your teeth with bottled water and use sanitizer after washing your hands in the washroom. When in the shower, keep your mouth closed at all times and try not to get water around your mouth or in your eyes.

These are just a few caribbean travel tips that will help make your caribbean vacation go smoothly. You can see a full list of over 50 caribbean travel tips by following the link.

Gary R is an executive editor for www.robarspages.ca and wrote this caribbean travel tips article from actual travel experience.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=GaryR
http://EzineArticles.com/?Caribbean-Travel-Tips&id=340193

Theme Cruises There are Many Reasons to Take a Look

Theme Cruises - There are Many Reasons to Take a Look
By Samuel Thompson

A theme cruise offers you an opportunity to enjoy and indulge in a special interest, passion, hobby or subject. You can find a theme cruise for every type of general interest, as well as for some very specific areas. These types of cruises also include related shore excursions.

The following list gives you some idea of the variety offered (of course, there are also sub-categories within many areas):

* Adventure travel
* Art
* Culture
* Dance
* Films
* Food
* Games (Poker is currently very popular)
* Golf
* Health and fitness
* History
* Lectures
* Murder mystery
* Music (see link about jazz cruises)
* Photography
* Religion
* Singles
* Special guest speakers
* Spiritual
* Wellness
* Wine
* and so forth

Most cruise lines offer some type of theme cruise. It is advisable to book early because many of these sailings are very popular. If you cannot find a cruise to fit your needs you can have one designed for you.

Take theme cruises to enjoy your favorite hobby, learn a new skill, increase your knowledge, or simply to do something different. These cruises are a great way to discover and learn while you travel.

You will enjoy what you love with a large group of like-minded people. There is no better way to learn and share what you know. Also, guest speakers are top notch and you get to interact directly with them.

You may want to consider organizing a group for something you, your family and friends would enjoy. By organizing such a group you could receive your cruise for free.

See the following related web pages (at cruise-vacation-advisor.com) for more information:
1.) Why You Should Sell Cruises. (Sell cruises for fun, money or both).
2.) How to Earn A Free Cruise.

Also, at the bottom of the above two pages, you will see a link to How to Start Selling Cruises. Discover how to promote cruises with a simple no-hard-sell approach.

Another suggestion is to start your own informational website based on your passion, hobby, or special interest. See for your self at cruise-vacation-advisor.com.

For information about five great JAZZ cruises, go to Theme Cruises at our website, and click the related link.

Samuel Thompson is author of http://www.Cruise-Vacation-Advisor.com/ Do you love to travel? Are you new to cruising? Avoid common mistakes and hassles. Take a look at some insightful suggestions, sensible advice and great ideas before booking your next cruise. Learn how to get into the work-from-home internet travel and cruise business (Register).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=SamuelThompson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Theme-Cruises---There-are-Many-Reasons-to-Take-a-Look&id=397592

Loire Valley 5 Great Venues East of Tours

Loire Valley - 5 Great Venues East of Tours
By Walt Ballenberger

The Loire Valley of France is famous for its many romantic chateaux and its wines. Here are five excellent venues to be found east of the city of Tours. They are in relatively close proximity and can be visited in a quick two days or a leisurely three by car. One can visit these sites in the order listed going in a generally easterly direction. These are all top-notch attractions, and a visit to the Loire Valley is not complete without seeing them all. Each of these chateaux have regularly scheduled guided tours.

AmboiseThe impressive chateau which overlooks the Loire river from the top of a cliff was a royal residence in the 15th and 16th centuries. Famous French kings and royalty were raised here, including Francois I, who later as king invited Leonardo da Vinci to live in Amboise. Leonardo spent the last few years of his life living and working close by at Clos Luce. He is buried in the small chapel of Saint-Hubert, just outside the chateau walls. At Clos Luce an interesting museum has been built. Using plans drawn by Leonardo da Vinci, a number of his machines and inventions have been constructed in modern times and are displayed. They attest to the genius of this man who was hundreds of years ahead of his time. In the 17th and 18th century the chateau fell upon hard times and was a prison at one point. Numerous restoration projects took place over time, and these continue today under the direction of a foundation managed by descendants of the former king Louis-Philippe, who also spent time in Amboise during his reign.

ChenonceauPerhaps the most famous of the Loire chateaux, Chenonceau spans the Cher river. It is an amazing sensation to be touring the chateau and see the rushing waters of the river pass underneath. The grounds boast two magnificent gardens, each one built by a famous lady in French history. One was Diane de Poitiers who was a mistress of king Henri II and was given the chateau by her admirer. The kings wife, Catherine de Medici, was not happy about this and took back the chateau after Henri II died accidentally in a tournament. Not to be outdone, Catherine had the de Medici gardens constructed, and these were of course larger than the garden of Diane de Poitiers. The property has a winery as well, and one can do some wine tasting as part of a visit.

Chateau de ChaumontThis was Catherine de Medicis residence during the time that Diane de Poitiers lived at Chenonceau. After Catherine used her power to claim Chenonceau upon the death of her husband, Henri II, Diane de Poitiers did live at Chaumont for a brief period. This chateau is smaller than some of the other famous Loire chateaux, but its architectural design makes it look as if it emetged from a fairy tale. This chateau is now the property of the French government.

Chateau de ChevernyA personal favorite of this author, the Chateau de Cheverny is unique in many ways. It is newer than some of the other famous properties, having been built in the early 17th century. Amazingly, the same family that built the chateau lives in it today. One sees many beautiful pieces of furniture, tapestries, and works of art in the magnificent rooms on the chateau tour. The property, unlike many others in the region, was not ransacked during the French revolution. According to our tour guide there, the nearby townspeople actually helped to protect the building from destruction since the family was always kind to the local inhabitants. Of course visitors are not allowed into the residential section of the chateau, but the grounds can be visited as well. There one will find the kennel which houses about 90 hunting dogs, and they are taken out on hunts twice per week in order to keep up the old deer hunting tradition in the region.

Chateau de ChinonThe Chateau de Chinon is the largest of the chateaux in the Loire region, and it contains more than 400 rooms. In contrast to the warmth of Cheverny, however, there is little furniture and most of the rooms are empty, as the building was ransacked during the French revolution. One does get a sense of the opulence that was here, however, since both king Louis XIII and his son, king Louis IV (the Sun King) stayed here on many occasions. Prior to that the chateau was the residence of Charles VII, the dauphin of France in the early 15th century. The legendary Joan of Arc came here to pledge her allegiance to him and urged him to declare himself king and fight to liberate France from the English. In recent years Chinon has become well known for its cabernet franc based wines and there are numerous opportunities nearby to sample some of these wines.

The Chateaux of the Loire are among the most popular destinations in France. Dont miss any of these great venues if you go there. If you have additional time to spend in the area, there are other smaller and less famous chateaux nearby which can be visited, and these are impressive as well.

Walt Ballenberger is founder of Beaux Voyages, which provides active tours in France including Tour de France bike tours. He has lived and worked in France and speaks the language fluently.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=WaltBallenberger
http://EzineArticles.com/?Loire-Valley---5-Great-Venues-East-of-Tours&id=105138

Hotels In Prague

Hotels In Prague
By Kent Pinkerton

Prague, the capital city of the Czech republic, is incidentally also the largest city in the republic. It boasts of an ancient lineage and the city witnessed great architectural feats as early as the twelfth century. Prague boasts of renowned Jewish centers, historic monuments and bridges. UNESCO has enlisted Prague in its prized list of world heritage sites. This has influenced the already booming tourism industry and Prague has to cater to a continuous flow of tourists and travelers. This is an intimidating task for the tourism ministry, which continuously strives to increase the revenue generated by tourism. Private and multinational hoteliers respect the increased income opportunities generated through regular reservations. This prompts them to offer better hospitality and services.

Numerous Prague hotels boast of unique entertainment avenues, recreation activities and living quarters. When in Prague, tourists may select from a wide range of listed as well as renowned hotels. These hotels may be star rated and offer reservations for two, three and even four bedroom accommodations, studios and suites. It is important for tourists to keep in mind the number of people who need to be accommodated.

A number of these hotels are timeshare vacation properties. On the basis of the size and rating of a living quarter, hotel rates vary. Apart from basic hotel information that is available, when deciding upon a particular Prague hotel it s advisable for potential tourists to enquire. This helps to understand and analyze the options in order to avail of a reasonable deal. Tourists should make reservations in advance, in order to avail of discount hotel rates in Prague. This enables tourists to make reservations at quality hotels and spend much less. Most Prague hotels are supervised and examined by a common regulatory body that aims at ensuring standard tariffs and taxes.

Prague provides detailed information on Prague, Accommodations In Prague, Prague Apartments, Hotels In Prague and more. Prague is affiliated with 4 Star Prague Hotels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KentPinkerton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Hotels-In-Prague&id=277665