Seek Adventure on a Seattle Holiday

If you're looking for an active vacation, Seattle would be the perfect choice for a holiday because of how close the destination is to the Canadian Rockies - one of the best places in the world to go if you're a fan of the great outdoors.
Should you decide to head to Seattle, you will find that there are various ways in which you can get to know the metropolis.
If you're staying for a while, there's no reason for you not to try them all - and you will probably want to, since they will all give you a very different experience of this part of the US.
You might want to hire a bike or two and familiarise yourself with the metropolis using a bit of pedal power. An urban cycling tour is one of the best ways to see Seattle's city landscapes, picturesque waterways and stunning mountain views.
Why not start your bike trip at the world-famous Olympic Sculpture Park and head on past the waterfront and ship canal, seeing some of the famed neighbourhoods as you go?
You'll come across a lot of art in the Sculpture Park, watch ships as they navigate their way around the Ballard Locks and stop in awe when faced with the amazing views of the Olympic Mountains.
If you're particularly lucky, you could even watch salmon making their journey along a fish ladder - not a sight you're likely to come across every day. Then cycle through the hip Fremont district and keep your camera at the ready to snap a few pictures of the floating homes on Lake Union.
Should you decide you want to see a bit more of this lake, you might be taken with another way of seeing Seattle - by kayak.
This particular lake is a very important habitat for lots of wildlife and flowers, with a wide variety of birds waiting to be spotted in the Washington Park Arboretum. You'll also come face to face with some wonderful views of the Seattle skyline and can spend time exploring the coves around the lake.
However, the best way to get to know Seattle is by foot, since you can wander around at your own pace and spend a lot of time doing as you please.
If you do decide to walk around, you should check out the Pike Place Market and stop there to have a rest and listen to a few buskers before heading off for some refreshments at one of the famous clubs, bars and restaurants in the area. On foot, you are sure to learn all about Seattle's local grunge scene and discover the impact the city had on global music.
Should you plan to carry on your active holiday, head to the Canadian Rockies - which are located on the very doorstep of Seattle.
Here, you will be able to enjoy adventurous pastimes such as canoeing, golfing, backpacking, skiing, biking, fishing and hiking - all of which can be signed up for in the Banff National Park.
This part of the world is well known for its hiking opportunities and you will find some of the most beautiful icefields, glaciers, lakes and peaks in the country at this site.
Head for Sunshine Meadows if you don't want to exert yourself too much - you can find some great views of Mount Assiniboine here - while Lake Louise would also be a good choice if you're new to area and don't want to tire yourself out excessively.
Should you wish to exert yourself a little, give Cory Pass - one of the hardest routes to be found in the national park - a go.
This 13 km loop should take you around six hours to complete and you might want to keep your camera in your hand, as this is bear country and you will find lots of great photo opportunities will arise.
As you can see, there is much to consider adding to your itinerary while on an activity holiday in this part of the world, so consider making it an extended break that will offer you enough time to see Seattle and indulge in the many pursuits available in the nearby Canadian Rockies.

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Frankfurt Christmas Market

The Frankfurt Christmas Market has been around for over 600 years and is steeped in history and tradition. By far one of Germany's oldest and most popular markets in terms of the number of visitors and sheer size makes it one of the most important markets in Germany.
A testament to the popularity of the Market can be seen in the 'tribute festivals' that have sprouted all over the UK. There are similarly named Markets in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Edinburgh.
The Market is situated across the Romerberg square, Paulsplatz and Mainkai quay surrounded by the stunning architecture and scenery of Frankfurt itself. The market features over 200 stalls selling arts, crafts and Christmas foods and drinks. There is also a variety of entertainment centred around a 30-metre high Christmas tree at the market's centre.
Food at Frankfurt Christmas Market
The first thing to greet you as you enter the market is the cacophony of seasonal scents from the traditional German food on offer: baked apples, roasted nuts and gingerbread among others. The culinary delights on offer in the market are quintessentially German and unashamedly Christmas in nature. Accompanying the ever present German sausage offering is German Christmas goose as well as "Brenten", "Bethmaennchen" and "Quetschemaennchen" which are miniature marzipan-filled treats and a staple in Frankfurt at Christmas. One mustn't forget to mention the famous German mulled wine, to warm the cockles of your heart, which is available everywhere.
Main attractions at the Frankfurt Christmas Market
Without a doubt the chief attraction of the market is the 30m high Swiss Christmas tree around which the market is based, an easy meeting point should you lose your companions because it's visible from nearly every part of the market and everyone knows where it is. Another must see site is the Alte Nikolaikirche, The Old Nikolai Church, which is one of Frankfurt's oldest churches - first mentioned back in 1264 although it is thought to be even older. The church is famous for its carillon of more than 40 bells that sounds daily so you're sure not to miss it.
Christmas Markets in Germany
With so many stellar German Christmas Markets the most difficult choice is which to visit. A good idea is to attend a major city market, get your shopping out of the way, and then visit one of the smaller examples nearby to experience a real romantic charm. This way you get to experience the awe inspiring larger markets in Germany as well as the allure of a more intimate venue. Frankfurt is therefore an ideal choice as the charming Wiesbaden Christmas Market is not far away.

DERTOUR is a UK based travel agency with 50 years of experience specialising in German Christmas Markets including the popular Frankfurt Christmas Market, taking travellers to the heart of Europe. DERTOUR caters for a large range of budgets, ensuring that anyone can experience the true culture of Germany and other popular destinations within Europe.

Adventure of Surfing: The Top Three Best Surf Spots in The World

Surfing is a very challenging and exciting water sport that a lot of people enjoy. Many people enjoy riding big waves, watching the sunset, and feeling the adrenalin rush when a big wave comes. Surfers from all over the world travel thousand miles to the best surf spots in the world. The adventure of surfing does not only give them the enjoyment of sport itself, but also new cultural experiences. They easily make friends with other surfers from other countries, blend with the local culture, learn a little bit of the local language from the locals, and sample the local cuisine. Through the adventure, surfers can expand their network and share their exciting experiences with others. Some of the best surf spots in the world become their main travel destinations, although sometimes they find hidden treasures around the main spots that are also great.
The first surf destination that is also known as a surfers' paradise is Gold Coast, Australia. Located in the southeast corner of Queensland, Gold Coast offers the sunny subtropical climate and several perfect beaches for surfing. The waves are one the most consistent in the world and therefore it is very easy to get a good wave. The number two surf destination is Mentawai Islands, Indonesia. Located in the western coast of the island of Sumatra, the archipelago consists of four main islands that block waves from reaching the mainland Sumatra. Hence, you will always find big waves around the islands. Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, is number three on this list. Located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, the bay consists of several beaches with good waves, but the waves are especially great during winter time. Super Tubes, which is one of the popular beaches in Jeffreys Bay, plays host to the annual Billabong Pro World Championship Tournament. Your adventure of surfing in those three paradises is guaranteed to be amazing.
Besides the three surf destinations above, there are several other locations which are equally interesting, such as Fuerteventura (Spain), El Salvador, Costa Rica, California (United States), Bali (Indonesia), Santa Catarina (Brazil) and Samoa. These places offer great waves and beaches that are worth visiting. Your adventure of surfing is a never ending adventure as there are just so many great places for surfing around the globe. Just make sure you go those places in the right time as the waves are also better during certain times of the year.

Pack your travel bag and surfboard and quickly head to the best surfing destinations in the world. Your adventure of surfing will never be the same if you have not been to any of those paradises.

Best Areas To Stay In Rome

If you're planning a trip to Rome, you will quickly find that there are many areas within the city that offer their own uniqueness. When picking a place to stay in the city, consider your options carefully so you can live out your personal Roman holiday to its fullest.
Navona and Trevi
Serving as Rome's historic centre, Navona and Trevi is filled with Renaissance era palaces and churches. Numerous museums are scattered amongst the century old buildings. Cafes line the quintessentially Italian city squares. Navona and Trevi is a major tourist attraction as it provides easy access to some of the world's most famous and beautiful fountains including the Tortoise Fountain and Trevi Fountain as well as the famed Spanish Steps. The area is full of hotel options for all types of travelers.
Via Veneto
If you're looking for a little more glamour on your vacation in Rome, consider staying in Via Veneto. Famous for its cafe culture of sophisticated ease, the region is also filled with some of the most decadent shopping in the world. Prada, Gucci and Armani all have boutique stores in Via Veneto. Even those whose style and pocketbook don't fit the high fashion lifestyle find themselves window shopping in the uniquely glamorous Roman neighborhood.
Central Station
When looking for something a little more reasonably priced than what one may find in parts of Rome like Via Veneto, Central Station offers several good options for the more moderate of tourists. It is easily accessible from the Leonardo da Vinci Airport and is easy to navigate by car. The remains of the Baths of Diocletian and the world famous Santa Maria Basilica can be easily accessed from the Central Station area.
Colosseum and Roman Forum
For the romantics out there, the Colosseum and Roman Forum sector of Rome is home to some of the most famous ancient ruins in the world. The area boasts of the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, Capitoline Hill, Circus Maximus and the Via del Fori Imperiali, amongst others.
The Vatican
You cannot mention Rome without considering the Vatican. Though you cannot stay within the Vatican walls, just outside there is a plethora of options. Fine hotels are mixed in the largely residential area that is quaint and quiet yet offers a variety of small shops. If your main stop is the Vatican, staying in this area would be ideal. The Vatican museums quickly amass huge lines and staying nearby could be a huge advantage.
Rome has so much to offer from its ruins to its modern day wonders to its deeply spiritual communities. Picking just one place to stay can be a challenge but knowing what side of Rome you most want to experience will make that decision a little bit easier.

Book an apartment Rome for your short stay. Rome holiday apartments are located in the best areas of the city.

Retrospectively Travelling to Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris, previously dubbed Euro Disney, has been a mecca for many European families since it opened in the mid 90's. Disney had a well established reputation in Florida and California so it was with great anticipation that the new park should be announced to open in France. Albeit the park suffered some setbacks for the first few years, Disneyland Paris has now secured its future as one of the best tourist destinations in Europe.
The opening of the park was more exciting for us Brits, as Disney epitomised the Western culture by which we had a closer relationship with than our European neighbours. With the completion of the Channel Tunnel, getting to France was easier than ever, but that's not to say we weren't already very efficient at crossing that moat. With ferries and the golden age of the hovercraft, families could visit France for a long weekend and return the next day with a boot full of wine and cheese.
Now, I've crossed the Channel many times, growing up alongside my brother, set on another family trip around the French countryside. We travelled by various methods each time either by ferry, air or train, but the one method of travel which stuck in my mind the most was the hovercraft. Seeing that awesome feat of engineering speed across the water and mount the concrete right in front of the car was something to behold. The sound of the propellers and the size of the vessel were huge and I wish it were still around today.
In a way I felt like the hovercraft was superseded by the Catamaran. At the time this vessel was a futuristic, tri-bowed ferry which seemed like a sleeker and quieted alternative to the hovercraft, almost more civilised in its character. The SeaCat was a popular company to travel with and the awe struck me as a child just as the hovercraft did.
The procedure for boarding was the same; park up and wait to drive onto the vessel. The only thing which was different was how the catamaran opened its hull seamlessly from the front as if it was its own party piece. The ride was a lot more comfortable as well with an open deck, an arcade and a café to keep us entertained.
This was all part of the fun in getting to France and for a few times it was how we got to visit Disneyland Paris. Of course you can still go for this option with the countless ferries that cross the Channel every day and you will be able to relax on board before disembarking for the drive to the park. However, an element of that childlike awe has vanished with the disappearance of the hovercraft and, to a lesser extent, the catamaran.
Now the most popular method of transport is by train through the tunnel. As with all old leisurely vehicle's, new faster and sleeker innovations make them obsolete as people prefer to save time and money rather than treating the journey as part of the trip. I travelled on the tunnel as part of a trip with the school to Disneyland Paris and although there is not much to see and do, this is obscured by the fact that it is a very quick way to get there, practically dropping you off at the parks entrance.
In a way, we could look at the Channel Tunnel as being the saviour of Disneyland Paris whilst it rode those first few turbulent years after it opened. Would the huge number of visitors be willing to travel there if there wasn't this sort of transport? The Channel Tunnel was a monumental feat of engineering when it was conceived, but now it is almost a way of life, with people practically commuting to France for their short stays.

Richard Skidmore - Online Marketing Manager
Attractiontix.co.uk - AttractionTix is the UKs leading supplier of tickets to attractions and theme parks from around the world including Disneyland Paris tickets, Siam Park tickets, Loro Parque and PortAventura tickets.

Florida's Best Animal Hotspots

If your family is looking for a bit of adventure, then you need look no further. With Florida's abundance in wildlife there's guaranteed to be something for everyone. This article takes a look at some of the best wildlife attractions the area has to offer.
Brevard Zoo
It might not be the biggest or best known of Florida's attractions, but Brevard Zoo still offers the animal experience you'll never forget. The Zoo has now built ziplines in a number of their attractions for an added authentic jungle exploration. With a staggering 750 feet of moving logs and ziplines, the 'Treetop Trek Aerial Adventures' gives the opportunity for visitors (at their peril) to soar through trees, over water and marshland whilst getting little bit closer to natures greatest rarities.
BuschGardens
BuschGardens brings something completely different to Florida, the wonders of the African Safari. Take a breathtaking Serengheti Safari in the free roaming safari park, or explore the depths of the jungle; getting close to orangutans and many more. With it being home to nearly 3,000 animals, Busch gardens has become regarded as one of America's premier Zoological parks. This is an opportunity you really don't want to miss.
Seaworld
Seaworld is sure to be on every tourists mind when visiting Orlando. If the offer of world greatest aquatic giants such as killer whales doesn't draw you in, the chance to get up, close and personal with sharks, turtles, stingrays and of course dolphins might just twist your arm. The underwater shark walk is sure to give a bit of a fright. The tunnel spanning 60 feet cuts straight through the shark tank, with just a piece of glass separating you from these ocean predators.
Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove (the sister park to Seaworld), reverts to opposite parallel of marine life. The sea life sensation gives visitors the ultimate experience with some of our oceans most gracious creatures, in particular the bottlenose dolphin. Whether it's a 30 minute swim with bottlenose dolphins, swimming with stingrays or even participating in an underwater walk along the seafloor, Discovery Cove ensures to offer a break of peace and tranquility.
These are some of the most exciting and most well known places to visit, but this guide just scratches the surface. Why not come and explore the fantastic Florida wildlife experiences available. The only problem you might have is deciding where to visit next?

Attraction Tickets Direct offer a great range of Florida park tickets for all sorts of wildlife experiences, including the fantastic Discovery Cove Orlando.

Madison CT: Connecticut's Best Communities

Madison occupies a central location on Connecticut's scenic Long Island Sound shoreline in the southeastern corner of New Haven County. The combination of its beautiful oceanfront living, together with its close location to major metropolitan centers makes Madison one of Connecticut's best cities for your home and family.
First settled in 1641 and known throughout the 18th Century as East Guilford, it was named after President James Madison after it was incorporated as a town in 1826.
The heart of the town's historic district is The Madison Green which is bordered by immaculately maintained historic houses, some of which date back to more than 300 years. The Green is also a very popular location for summertime concerts, antique and art exhibits.
Madison's town center is the main business area and the location of the town library. The center has preserved its old village charm by keeping large franchise and chain stores out of the historic area.
The impressive natural setting of Madison provides plenty of outdoor fun. Summertime swimming, sunbathing and water sports are available at the private and public beaches, which includes Connecticut's largest state beach - Hammonasset Beach State Park. The park has picnic areas, campsites with a fishing pier which is extremely popular in the summer.
Surf Club Beach is the town's major public beach with lifeguards, recreational facilities for volleyball, baseball, softball, basketball and horseshoes. There are also playgrounds for children and picnic tables for families, as well as kayak racks and sailboat racks.
The City of Madison Parks and Recreation Department promote little league throughout the town with playgrounds, tennis courts and ball fields. Numerous private golf courses serve all of the player's needs.
Located in North Madison west of Route 79 is the Rockland Preserve which is an area of steep gray cliffs, rolling hills and lovely wooded areas. The centerpiece of Rockland Preserve is Coan Pond - which is a mixture of bog with black, damp soil and beautiful wildflowers as well as a pond with turtles, frogs and even beaver.
Madison's scenic coastal setting showcases some of Connecticut's finest oceanfront homes and summer cottages, as well as a collection of beautiful colonial and federal period homes. Also available are contemporary homes and inviting summer rentals.
Madison's school system provides a college preparatory program, as well as continuing education for adults and a specialized curriculum for disabled students. The town also offers private schooling.
The combination of its beautiful oceanfront living, together with its close location to major metropolitan centers makes Madison one of Connecticut's best cities for your home and family.

Steven Penny author of Hiring The Best People writes on the best places for your home and family in Connecticut. If you are looking for Madison CT Homes for Sale please visit http://www.Prudentialct.com