If you are interested in spending a quality time with your friends and family then Aegina Island is the perfect place that serves to be the most excellent option for spending a memorable time. Aegina Hotels offers magnificent sightseeing and scenic views one cannot even imagine. There are a no of attractions here at Aegina Island, that attracts a lot of visitors and tourists. You will see many fishermen, ship builders, sailors and other people associated with ships. Natural products are grown by farmers here that mostly include fresh fruits, olives nuts etc.

Tourist attractions:

One can enjoy a lot in Aegina Island. There are many small beautiful villages that are worth visiting. There are many sites to visit as this town is rich of culture and history.

Walking the streets:

Walking the streets is recommended and said to be ideal way to spend your afternoon. This is the best way of enjoying the rich Greek culture and its life style.

Marina:

This is the most frequently visited place by visitors. It is considered to be the hub of all the activities and offer a very nice view. There are plenty of cafes and local restaurants that offer a wide range of Greek and International cuisine. Renting facilities are available for tourists and visitors. To enjoy this town all you need is your energy level and your camera to capture the memorable and scenic views of this town.

Temple of Aphaia:

Another symbol of Greek culture an perfection is The Temple of Aphaia. It is a must watch place and is near to Marina.

Beaches:

Aegina Island offers exotic beaches. Agia Marina is one of them. It is well known because it is the longest and provides sandy area for activities. Kids love to play at this place.

Agistri Island:

Right next to the Aegina island lies another beauty called Agistri Island Agistri Island is another masterpiece of nature that is right next to Aegina island. At the weekends most of the locals visit this place to spend a quality time with their friends and family. Agistri Hotels offer the best panoramic view of the Aegina Island. Sea and mountain views are also visible from many rooms that can be rented.

One of the best ways to enjoy the scenic beauty of Egina Island is to stay at Hotels of Aegina with our family and friends

Tours of Europe

Hi everyoneThings are going very well over here in Liverpool. For 2 weeks I spent time studying education at Liverpool Hope. It was a great opportunity to meet other trainee teachers they call them PGCE trainees here. Everyone was extremely friendly and I made quite a few good friends. Back at Hope College they do not split up the education student teachers for our student teaching seminar. W
Travel Blog | Travel Journals, Diaries and Photos

Thu 8 MarSo due to clouds we changed our minds about staying at Blacks Beach near Mackay and decided to go to the next stop Airlie Beach. We already had 3 nights booked so now a day early so will be here 4 nights. Very good camp site and lovely pool so that39s OK.Arrived about lunch time as usual so we got settled in and thought we39d catch a bus into town. Bus stop is right out
Travel Blog | Travel Journals, Diaries and Photos

One of the nicest places to spend your tour in Spain is in the shoreline town of Benidorm. It is now a well-known tourist hotspot because of to its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, lively nightlife, breathtaking skyline, and intriguing attractions.

If you are planning to have a tour in this nice town, you may want to phone in a reservation in one of the nice hotels in Benidorm. The staff operating your chosen accommodation will always serve you, but it is up to you how to make your stay a memorable one. By being a responsible patron, you can earn the hotel's staff's respect.

1. Never make lots of noise. Have you ever went inside a hotel where patrons talk so loud on their cell phones, noisily slam the door shut, or emit huge bales of laughter? Do the clients and the staff a favour by observing silence. Don't put the TV in your room on maximum volume. Don't laugh out loudly with other fellow guests late at night. Don't play loud music.

2. Housekeepers, bellhops, and other hotel staff directly in contact with you all love a tip. When tipping, never be too cheap. Hand enough to make them pleased, and they will appreciate that gesture of thanks. Just think: if you never tip or if you give an insignificant tip, why would the staff want to go that extra mile for you? But before tipping, make sure you are aware tipping rules and regulations. In some accommodations, tipping is against the rules.

3. Do not be abusive to the staff. Keep in mind that they are just trying to do their best to serve you, and in doing so, they may commit mistakes; they are simply humans after all. Be courteous, and tell them your situation, and provide them the chance to work things out. If you really need to raise a complaint, do it in a constructive manner. Don't fail to praise the hotel for a job well done or for nicely solving an issue.

4. Always keep hotel room neat because the condition of your room says a lot about your personality. Housekeepers will be exasperated if they see how dirty and messy your room is.

Remember these tips when staying at any hotel during your cheap holidays to Spain so the personnel will go the extra mile for you.

Tours of Europe

Our Travel Wish List Continues to Evolve with Baby B

Ah, the travel wish list. The benchmark for personal travel successes.

Although we are constantly setting goals for ourselves, we’ve never been the type to actually write extensive travel bucket lists. On the surface, it seems like a pointless exercise. Every time we complete a travel goal (or life goal), we inevitably replace it with another. So why bother, right?

While having coffee with friends the other day, we got to talking about life goals and travel. For us, the two always seemed to be intertwined, as many of our life goals revolve around travel experiences.

The conversation made us realize that, at times, we forget how fortunate we are to have been able to travel to over 50 countries together as a couple. It’s an accomplishment that neither of us thought was possible. But, the irony is that the more travel goals we achieve, the more we add to the travel wish list.

It’s as if our travel wish list is destined to never be completed!

Now, with precious Baby B in our lives, our travel wish list has evolved. How could it not? Having a baby is kind of a big deal!

With our first international trip as a trio behind us, we now find ourselves re-thinking our travel wish list. Our travel plans now need to include our little man, which changes things slightly. With that in mind, we thought it would be fun to actually write down our travel goals.

It will be interesting to revisit this list 5-10 years from now, to see what experiences we’ve actually been able to accomplish.

Here are 30 items on our current Travel Wish List

• Climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (okay, maybe this one’s not for Baby B)
• While in Tanzania, we’d also like to experience a wildlife safari in the Ngorongoro Crater and the sun-drenched beaches of Zanzibar
• Soak in the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa in Iceland, followed by a road trip across the county
• Island hopping in the South Pacific, with Bora Bora, Vanuatu and Fiji leading the charge
• Cruise through icebergs and hang out with penguins in Antarctica, like these guys
• Attend a live Super Bowl game in the United States
• Swim in a desert oasis in the Sahara Desert of Northern Africa
• Walk the Camino de Santiago in northwestern Spain. While in Spain, we’d also like to spend an extended period of time on the Mediterranean Coast, ideally spending a few weeks in an apartment rental in Barcelona, Valencia or the Costa Brava region of northeastern Catalonia
• Experience the diversity of Madagascar, searching for endemic species like lemurs and chameleons, driving down the Avenue of the Baobabs and hiking in the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
• Road trip through western USA, focusing on Utah, Arizona, Nevada and Colorado – we have see the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley at least once in our lives
• Breathe the fresh mountain air while hiking in the Swiss Alps of Switzerland
• Witness the bright lights of Seoul Special City, the largest metropolis of South Korea
• Swim to the edge of death in the Devil’s Pool of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, here is a photo
• Stuff our faces with delicious Italian food and wine in the vineyards of Sicily
• Visit the Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow, followed by a trip to St Petersburg, Russia
• Cage diving with Great White Sharks in Cape Town, South Africa, followed by a wildlife safari and overnight lodging in Kruger National Park
• Hike, kayak and explore Denali National Park in Alaska, maybe via an Alaskan cruise?
• Snorkeling with whale sharks in the Bay Islands of Honduras. We were unsuccessful in Belize last year, so maybe our luck will change in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System!
• Jeep safari through the giant sand dunes of the Namib Desert in Namibia
• Float down the canals of France, passing ancient villages in a personal river boat
• Visiting the United Kingdom in the summer so that we can go hiking in the Lake District and explore its villages, castles, lakes and natural beauty
• Winter in Scandinavia, including a snowboarding trip in Norway and reindeer sledding in Sweden
• Surfing the Pacific in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
• Sail around the historical Maltese Islands in the Mediterranean Sea
• Hiking to the crater of Mount Bromo, an active volcano in East Java, followed by island hopping and beach bumming in Bali, Indonesia
• Explore the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre National Park on the rugged coast of the Italian Riviera in western Italy
• Scuba-diving in the Maldives Islands and spending time on our own private island, like this one
• Experience all that is New York, including the Empire State Building, Time Square, Statue of Liberty, Yankees Stadium, Central Park and a slice of traditional New York pizza
• While we’re on the topic of tropical islands in the Indian Ocean, we’d also love to visit Seychelles off the coast of East Africa. Holidays to Seychelles are not cheap, especially from Western Canada, but Seychelles holiday deals can be found if you’re flexible
• Hike, kayak, surf and explore the lush Hawaiian Islands, specifically Molokai and Lānaʻi
• Last but not least, a camping road trip across the length of Canada, from Vancouver to St John’s, Newfoundland – ideally in a rented campervan

Okay, so maybe Baby B is a little young for some of these adventures. But we’ve got his whole life to start crossing off these experiences and replacing them with new ones!

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What’s on your travel list?
Share your dream adventure in the comments section below, we’re always looking for new travel inspiration!

Our Travel Wish List Continues to Evolve is a post from: Traveling Canucks

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1. Traveling Canucks’ Best of Travel in 2011
2. 19 Epic Adventures by Travel Bloggers in 2011
3. How to Teach English Overseas and Travel the World
4. Travel Tips to Keep You Healthy, Safe and Sane

Traveling Canucks

These days it is possible to drive a Ferrari (and plenty of other incredible supercars) at professional motor racing circuits all over Spain. Strong racing histories and excellent locations make el Jarama in Madrid and Montmeló near Barcelona popular choices among the circuits. But as you will see in this article, there are lots of other outstanding circuits out there that are definitely worth discovering.

Montmeló

Without a doubt, El Circuito De Cataluña is the most iconic circuit in Spain. It has hosted the Spanish Grand Prix since 1991 and in recent years has become popular as a winter testing ground for Formula One teams.

Drivers will face unique challenges such as difficult breaking sections, an exciting mix of slow and fast corners, as well as a variety of slopes and inclines.

If you really want the experience of driving at a top level circuit and to follow in the footsteps of some of the most famous Formula One drivers in history, then Montmeló is definitely the best choice.

Circuit of Jarama

The circuit at Jarama near Madrid also boasts an impressive motor racing history. It has held the Spanish Gran Prix on eleven occasions between 1967 and 1981. Superstars of Formula One racing history such as Nicki Lauda and James Hunt have all won races here. Jarama is among the most challenging Spanish circuits thanks to its tricky corners and varied elevations.

The 'Pegaso Slope' and 'Bajada Bugati ' are famous names in Spanish motorsport and at Jarama you get to experience them yourself. The circuit calls for a lot of guts, decisiveness, and (obviously!) skill.

Circuit of Cheste

This circuit was named after one of Valencia's most notable racing sons, motorcycling legend Ricardo Tormo. Cheste is a fast, exciting and memorable circuit and its moderate winter climate also makes it a popular testing ground for F1 teams.

There is a good balance of fast and slow curves as well as an exciting straight of 876 meters.. It's famous too for being one of Spain's few racing tracks that run counterclockwise. We guarantee an intensive, challenging drive!

Circuit of Navarra

Opened in 2010, the Navarra circuit is the newest circuit in Spain. It has already hosted some prestigious events such as the Super League Formula. The facilities on the site are exceptional, and given the age of the venue you wouldn’t expect anything less.

There are thirteen corners, five of them left and eight of them right and an 800 meter straight which is ideal for generating some real, velocity and acceleration!

The circuit of Kotarr.

In 2008, the circuit at Kotarr, near Burgosopened its doors, and for the first time revealed its distinctive track design, which can take on many different layouts, in order to accommodate different types of races and vehicles. Kotarr's other claim to fame has to do with it being the only circuitin Spain where it's possible to drive even when it is raining heavily or icy.

The track in its longest version provides a good blend of fifteen fast and slow corners and a layout enabling exciting and aggressive driving. There are a number of challenging curves and long straights, prefect for putting the pedal to the metal.

The Circuit at Jerez.

The ciruit of Jerez hosted the Spanish Grand Prix between 1986 and 1990 and as such, is one more circuit with a fine pedigree. It first opened in 1985 and since then has developed a reputation as one of the best and fastest paced circuits in Spain.

This broad and quick circuit calls for nerves of steel and plenty of skill to navigate around famous corners like Sito Pons or Alex Crivillé. It is a reasonably flat circuit and has no blind corners, and this makes it a favorite with drivers.

So why not book one or two laps in your dream car the next time you are searching for some weekend excitement in Spain. Your own private Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche or even genuine Formula 1 car can be booked with any one of many reputable online businesses.

So what are you waiting for? Just choose your vehicle and select your circuit and we'll see you in pit stop!

The writer of this article happens to be a life-long Ferrari groupie and motorsports enthusiast, and has a deep love for driving experiences. He runs the website conducir un ferrari which provides online suggestions and guidance for people who would like to drive a first class car at an authentic speed circuit, such as the Circuito de Cataluña, in Spain.

Tours of Europe

Mayan Pyramids above the Jungle Canopy of Tikal National Park, Guatemala

If you ever find yourself in Tikal National Park exploring the ancient ruined cities of the Maya civilization, make sure you visit the legendary Temple IV at either sunrise or sunset.

Visiting Tikal was high on our travel wish list and it was one of the main reasons we decided to travel around Central America last summer. You might recognize this view from the popular Star Wars Episode IV movie, the scene when the Millennium Falcon lands on planet Yavin (okay, so I Googled that little tidbit).

We teamed up with an American couple that was staying at the jungle lodge and hiked with them to Temple IV, arriving just in time to witness the sun set over the endless jungle panorama.

Time seemed to stand still as we sat on the ancient stones of Temple IV. As the sun slowly disappeared, we gazed at the remarkable temple pyramids and listened to the calming sounds of the animated jungle – birds chirped, monkeys leaped from tree to tree, leaves crackled in the wind. In a word – tranquility.

There were only seven people watching the sunset with us that evening, meaning we had the entire Mayan city to ourselves. It was a special moment that we will not soon forget.

See more photos from Tikal National Park and video of playful howler monkeys.

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Have you visited Tikal National Park before?
Feel free to share your experience and/or travel tips in the comments section below

Photo of the Week: Pyramids above the Jungle Canopy is a post from: Traveling Canucks

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Traveling Canucks

Traveling with Baby – Not as Scary as it Sounds

When we started telling people that we were going to have a baby, a common response was, “so I guess all of that traveling will stop now that you’re having a baby?”

The statement confused us.

Obviously traveling with a baby is a completely different experience, but that doesn’t mean that we should stop traveling just because we have a baby. It simply means that our travels will need to evolve with the times.

What confused us most was that some people actually believe that having a baby means sacrificing your passions. That we should stop doing the things that we love because it’s too scary or difficult with a baby. Where do they get these crazy ideas?

Of course, we’d be lying if we said we weren’t nervous about our first trip with a 3-month old baby.

Our biggest worry was how Baby B would respond to the flight. Will the air pressure bother him? Will he scream while we pass through security? Will we get stuck sitting beside an unforgiving passenger that gives us the stink eye whenever we need to use the bathroom?

We are very happy, and relieved, that Baby B’s first flight was a success. He seems to be a natural!

This recent trip to California taught us that traveling with a newborn baby isn’t as scary as it sounds. It just requires a little planning and a little patience. But it’s so worth it. We had so much fun watching him roll around in the soft grass for the first time in his life - it was priceless!

However, we quickly learned that baby travel is a very different experience.

Gone are the days of impulsive adventures (at least temporarily). We now need to plan our days in advance and chose our activities wisely, which isn’t a big deal but it does require a different approach.

One afternoon, we decided to take a road trip to Joshua Tree National Park, thinking it would be a simple 2-3 hour adventure. We did very little research ahead of time, but thought it would be a fun way to spend the afternoon. After all, that’s what we do when we travel - right?

Well, that’s how we USED to travel.

When we arrived at the park entrance we realized that we had committed to a 5-hour road trip. Normally this wouldn’t have been a problem at all, but we learned an important lesson that afternoon – we now need to plan even simple activities!

We paid for this oversight with an unhappy screaming baby – not ideal, but it really wasn’t that bad.

We’ve been warned by other traveling parents that it’s easier to travel with an infant than with a curious toddler that has little understanding of danger. I guess we’ll find out soon enough!

It’s strange to think that soon we will be researching Disney tickets and family vacation packages. We’re used to grabbing our backpacks and wandering up and down streets looking for hotels or attraction tickets. It’s going to be an adjustment but we’re excited about all the new experiences we’re going to have with him – it’s already exceeding our expectations and it’s only just begun!

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Have you traveled with a baby before? Do you have any baby travel tips you’d like to share?
Share your experience and travel tips in the comments section below, we’d love to hear about it!

Traveling with Baby – Not as Scary as it Sounds is a post from: Traveling Canucks

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3. Baby B’s First Adventure is a Success!
4. The World’s Largest Rotating Aerial Tramcar

Traveling Canucks

Tikal was the capital of a conquest state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. Though monumental architecture at the site dates back as far as the 4th century BC Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period ca. 200 to 900 AD. During this time the citydominated much of the Maya region politically economically and militarily while interacting with areas th
Travel Blog | Travel Journals, Diaries and Photos

The World’s Largest Rotating Tramcar – Palm Springs, California

One of the things that surprised us most about Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley was the size of the surrounding  San Jacinto Mountains that rest on the eastern side of the valley.

The rugged mountain range reaches heights over 10,000 feet, which is almost 4-times the height of the world’s tallest building (the Burj Khalifa in Dubai – 2,723 feet).

A popular way to experience the rocky desert mountains is to take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, proudly labeled as the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world.

Feeling like we should peel ourselves from the poolside loungers for an afternoon adventure, we decided to take Baby B up the mountain tram to check out the desert views. Fortunately for us, the aerial tramway is located close to the apartment complex that we were staying at in Palm Springs.

Having never been on a “rotating aerial tramway”, we were curious to see what it was all about.

Basically, the tram car has a rotating floor that makes two complete revolutions during each trip, allowing passengers to soak up the views from every direction.

It’s an interesting ride that rewards visitors with outstanding views of the rocky Chino Canyon and the desert plains of the Coachella Valley (pictured above).

Baby B hiding from the sun on the ride up.

The trip takes about 10 minutes and ascends 2.5 miles from  Valley Station to Mountain Station

The mountain station lookout point – elevation 8,516 ft

The Coachella Valley and Palm Springs

Mountain station lookout point – notice the snow under the platform.

The mountain station is also the entry point to Mt. San Jacinto State Park, offering hikers 54 miles of hiking trails and over 14,000 acres of wilderness to explore.

We had good intentions of going on a hike in the park but only got a couple hundred meters before Baby B decided he wasn’t having any of it and started screaming. We’re quickly learning that outdoor adventures are much different when you have a baby!

Needless to say, we turned around and decided to have lunch in the restaurant instead.

Family portrait at the mountain station lookout

The road to the Valley Station at the base of the magnificent Chino Canyon

Travel Tip – Bring a coat and dress warm, it’s cold and windy when you get to the top. It’s hard to imagine wearing jeans and sweaters when you’re sitting by the pool in the hot desert sun, but you will suffer if you don’t prepare for cold weather. The park boasts snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter, but there was very little snow at the time of our visit in early February.

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Have you taken a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway?
Share your experience in the comments section below!

The World’s Largest Rotating Aerial Tramcar is a post from: Traveling Canucks

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1. Baby B’s First International Flight + Stunning Aerial Photos
2. The Extraordinary Landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, California
3. 13 Awesome Miniature Photos from Around the World
4. How to Teach English Overseas and Travel the World

Traveling Canucks