Japan Travel

Outdoor Japan - Your guide to travel and the outdoors in Japan Outdoor Japan Magazine is the only bilingual magazine about travel and the outdoors in Japan. Have fun, meet friends, plan trips, buy gear , get inspired and get out there! OUTDOOR JAPAN MAGAZINE - CURRENT ISSUE OUTDOOR STORE DIRECTORY OUTDOOR JAPAN CLASSIFIEDS OUTDOOR OPERATORS - EXCITING ACTIVITIES GREAT PLACES TO STAY AROUND JAPAN EVENT & RACE CALENDARS A search for my fathers birthplace brought me to the land of rising suns and falling pink blossoms. Locals dubbed me KintaroGolden Boyafter the legendary Japanese character, and so began Kintaros journey that would last more than four months and 3,000 kilometers with nothing but an old sketch as a clue... I t had been raining since the previous day, and I could feel the thick moisture spread through the air, falling through the crevices of tree branches that covered the sky above. My rain gear was completely wet with humidity and sweatwhat a messyet my heart was like a sunny day filled with joy, soaking in the precipitous scenery. Yakushima is rain. Subscribe & Win! Subscribe to Outdoor Japan Magazine in until Nov. 30 for a chance to win tickets to the Banff Film Festival, Kintaro DVDs and a Deluxe Room for two nights with breakfasts (up to 4 people) at the Hotel Grand Mer in Okinawa! 購読して、当てちゃおう！ １０月にアウトドアジャパンの雑誌を購読すると、バンフ・フィルムフェスティバルのチケット、「金太郎日本をゆく」のDVD、沖縄のグランドメールホテルのデラックスルームにて２泊（朝食付き）無料宿泊（最大４名様）のチャンス、いずれかが当たるよ！ * News & Notes: Tokyo Real Ale Festival - Marianas Cup Beach Volleyball Tournament - Shin Yokohama 2006 Ski Trips - Japan Underwater Explorers * OJ Feature Story in BEPAL Magazine * OJ booth at the Kudos Travel Fair 2005 * New Video section! * OJ / JA Monthly Hiking Trips * Listen to Outdoor Japan's Adam Clark on Kanaz@wee! Podcast The Vault [Past Features] Join the OJ Newsletter . It's free and a great way to keep up with what's going. Just type in your e-mail address below. CLICK FOR LATEST NEWSLETTER OUTDOOR JAPAN WINTER SPORTS SECTION INTRODUCTION AREA GUIDE RESORT SPOTLIGHTS FEATURE STORIES WINTER GIVEAWAY COMING SOON! LATEST FEATURES Traveling this summer, I walked into Forest Rhythms, a pottery studio deep in the woods of the North Eastern United States owned Steve Hodgkin. A narrow strip of road leads four hours northward from Jaipur, through the desert to the land of Shekhavati, to extraordinary frescoed mansions in the sand. The castle town of Mandawa serves as the ideal anchor for a visit to Shekavati. By now most of us here in Japan are enjoying a bit of a reprieve from the stifling heat and humidity of summer. HyakumeizanJapans 100 Famous Mountains: #82 Yarigatake Traveler's Tune: Ben Folds' Island Retreat With a careful eye for deserted mountain roads, a cool late summer morning in Iwate Prefecture brought about a sensational downhill longboard carving session. The Local Brew: The Fishmarket Taproom, Numazu, Shizuoka（静岡県沼津市） Eco Corner: Choices for Sustainable Lifestyles The North Face Tadpole 23-Convertible Made for Japans humid weather Trail Recipes: Tamago Oziya (Egg & Rice Soup) Spirit of Silence: Like most people, I love traveling. However, I explore a soundless worldas I was born deaf. The samurai warriors who were exiled to Hokkaido set the tone for the type of rugged individualists that became the Dosanko (children of Hokkaido) of today. Off the tourist trail is about about little-known places such as Omine-okugake Trail spanning Nara and Wakayama Prefectures. If you are looking for a quick escape with the family, look north to Saitamas Chichibu Youth Outdoor Activity Center. OJ Video Section See some fun video clips of great places and activities in Japan. Outdoor Japan Classifieds (Japan & Int'l) NEW OUTDOOR OPERATORS Westylife specializes in VW Westfalia Campers. Sales, repair and customization in Japan. Come to The Outpost and learn to snowboard in English in beautiful Nozawa Onsen Village in Nagano. Great skiing and snowboarding in a traditional Japanese hot spring town. Skybus Sapporo is a great way to get to and from New Chitose Airport in Sapporo and where you are staying. Niseko, Furano & more. OkinawaAdventure in paradise! OAC is committed to providing the safest possible eco-friendly outdoor adventure experience that is also a lot of fun. NEW PLACES TO STAY Kanzanso is an onsen ryokan located in a quiet Oigami hot spring village in Gunma Prefecture. The Oigami area is surrounded by mountains rivers. Hotel Heights is located in Northern Nagano in the Shiga Kogen Ski Resort area, one of Japans most scenic and natural sites. Hotel Matsushima is the home of budget travelers in Tokyo, offering quality service and making life easy for foreigners, backpackers and travelers in Japan. Hotel Grand Mer brings you affordable luxury and impeccable style in the heart of Okinawa, Japan's tropical paradise. Fontana is a leading international real estate provider with over 800 furnished apartments and guesthouses conveniently located throughout Tokyo. BIGAIR Fukuoka Hakata, Fukuoka Studio Nada Ocean View Cottages Kashima, Ibaraki We welcome comments, suggestions, reviews and contributions. Enjoy! home ׀ write for oj ׀ send in a review ׀ advertise ׀ contact us All contents Outdoor Japan Y.K. All rights reserved.

France Travel

France Travel Guide - French Trip Planning, French Culture and Destinations  You are here: About > Travel > France for Visitors Travel Go France Essentials New Year's Eve in Paris and France Worst of France 2005 Paris Travel Guide Top French Ski Resorts Best New Year's Eve Champagne Articles & Resources Destinations Trip Planning Transportation Interests & Situations Money, Safety & Issues Things to Do in France Where to Stay in France Staying Connected Blogs Picture Galleries Culture, Language & People Fun, Freebies & Quizes Relocating to France Nudism, Sex & Gay Travel D-Day & Historic Travel Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Sites Selling French Products Before You Buy the Gift of Travel Gifts for the France Fanatic Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the France for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search France for Visitors From Kelby Carr , Your Guide to France for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Lose Weight with the French Diet The French eat rich foods, drink lots of wine and smoke. So why are they so thin and fit? Recent news reports have touted the wonders of the so-called French diet. Just what is the secret to the French paradox? During the time I lived in France, I ate whatever I wanted (think chocolate croissants for breakfast, tartes aux fruits rouges at night for dessert). I never dieted, and I never went to the gym. I indulged in wine. Yet I lost a significant amount of weight during that time. My theories why the French diet works are in my article, Lose Weight with the French Diet: Unraveling the Mysteries of Why it Works . Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink | comments (0) Worst of France 2005 The year 2005 was a tough one for France, as rioting spread throughout the nation and the grand city of Paris lost its front-runner bid for the Olympics. Here is a recap of the bad headlines of 2005 for France with Worst of France 2005 . Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink | comments (0) Top Ski Resort Hotels in France France features some of the world's best skiing, be it in the mesmerizing Pyrenees mountains lining the Spanish border or the magestic Alps along the Italian and Swiss borders. France also encompasses no less than five other mountain ranges. The hotel accommodations at some of these resorts range from upscale and luxurious to inviting and cozy. This list of Top Ski Resort Hotels in France features the best places to stay for French ski enthusiasts. Monday December 26, 2005 | permalink | comments (0) New Year's Eve in Paris and Other French Cities The French really know how to celebrate New Year's, whether it's clubbing in Paris or the sublime midnight grape-picking event in the Midi Pyrenees or an upscale, medieval celebration in a Loire castle. Find out how to plan a New Year's Eve visit to Paris or France , and which events and festivals are planned for the turn of the new year. Even if you can't zip over to Paris to celebrate, you'll also find tips on finding French New Year's Eve parties in your town or even how to plan a France-themed New Year's Eve party at your own house! Bonne fete! Wednesday December 21, 2005 | permalink | comments (0) Top French Champagnes and Sparkling Wines Looking for a last-minute gift idea? Planning a New Year's Eve get together? If you plan to celebrate with some bubbly, you want to be sure you do it in style. You can get a crappy grocery store sparkling wine, but only vintages from the Champagne region are truly called Champagne. There is also a small village in France that claims it, in fact, invented sparkling wine centuries ago. Here is a list of the Top French Champagnes and Sparkling Wines for New Year's Eve, wedding toasts, celebrations or just for fun for all price ranges! Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink | comments (0) Christmas 2005 Gift Guide for Francophiles, Travelers and Foodies Here is the Christmas 2005 Gift Guide , filled with some of the top gifts for travelers, francophiles and foodies. The guide also includes buying advice for choosing travel guidebooks as gifts, how to create a French gift basket, as well as tips on giving the gift of travel. Whether the recipient on your list loves gourmet food gifts, French wine, home decor items, is planning a honeymoon or simply adores anything trs francais , you can find the perfect gift and buying advice here. Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink | comments (0) Most Romantic Paris Hotels Paris is the city of romance, and a tremendously popular destination for couples, lovers and honeymooners. The city is filled with cozy, intimate romantic hotels and accomodations. Be sure you get the best of this snuggle time with this list of Most Romantic Paris Hotels . Thursday December 15, 2005 | permalink | comments (0) Top Budget Paris Hotels Paris is one of the world's most expensive cities, but it's also one of the top tourist attractions. Find out how to conserve your cash for the finer thinks, like a fabulous dinner or incredible shopping, with this list of Top Budget Paris Hotels . It features high-quality cheap places to stay in Paris. Monday December 12, 2005 | permalink | comments (0) Top Upscale, Luxury Hotels in Paris If you're going to visit the luscious city of Paris and you have the means, why not do it in true style? Paris has some of the world's finest, most luxurious hotels. This is a city that is well-suited to upscale services. Get a list of the Top Upscale, Luxury Hotels in Paris , which includes prestigious names like the famous George V, Ritz Paris and even a bona fide castle outside of the city. Friday December 9, 2005 | permalink | comments (0) Hot Deal for Visiting Paris in the Springtime You've just gotta love Paris in the Springtime. But then, so does everyone else, driving up those prices. But the France Tourism Office and Gate 1 Travel are offering a hot bargain, allowing you to get a 6-day Paris spring fling for $499 per person, airfare and hotel included. Find out more on the Paris Tourism Office site. It would make an incredible Christmas gift, but be sure to consult my advice on what to do Before You Buy the Gift of Travel . For more on Paris, be sure to see: Paris Travel Guide Top Paris Travel Guidebooks Free Things to Do in Paris How I 'Do' Paris Wednesday December 7, 2005 | permalink | comments (1) Email to a Friend Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives Advertisement Related Blogs Dispatches from France Blog Paris Blog French Word-a-Day Blog La Coquette Blog Chroniques dune Fraise Nice Blog Rsidence Les Marronniers Provence Blog L'Oiseau Blog Chocolate and Zucchini Blog Forty Days in Paris Blog Most Popular "Naked City" Christmas in Paris Photo Tour Paris Sex District Top Paris Attractions Christmas in France What's Hot New Year's Eve in France Paris Gay Pride Parade Host A France-Themed Party Nice, France Photo Gallery Camping in France Related Topics Europe for Visitors French Language French Cuisine Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Wine        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot New Year's Eve in France Paris Gay Pride Parade Host A France-Themed Party Nice, France Photo Gallery Camping in France Headlines Lose Weight with the French Diet The French eat rich foods, drink lots of wine and Worst of France 2005 The year 2005 was a tough one for France, as Top Ski Resort Hotels in France France features some of the world's best skiing, be it New Year's Eve in Paris and Other French Cities The French really know how to celebrate New Year's, whether

Italy travel Amalfi -

Amalfi guide - Sorrento travel guide - Amalfi - guide to Sorrento - Italy travel Amalfi - Italy Amalfi guide - Sorrento travel guide - Amalfi - guide to Sorrento - Italy travel Amalfi - Italy - travel links Wednesday, 28 December 05 - 11:43 pm Top destinations Art Cities Beaches Lakes Mountains Spa Resorts Regions guides Abruzzo & Molise Alto Adige Apulia Basilicata & Calabria Campania Emilia Romagna Friuli Venezia Giulia Lazio Liguria Lombardy Marche Piedmont Sardinia Sicily Tuscany Trentino Umbria Valle d'Aosta Veneto Cities guides Aosta Asiago & 7 comuni Asolo Assisi Belluno & Dolomiti Venete Bologna Bolzano Brescia Bressanone Caorle & Bibione Capri Catania Cervia & Cesenatico's Beaches Chianti, Valdelsa, Valdarno Comacchio's Beaches Cortina d'Ampezzo Courmayeur M.Bianco Elba & Capraia Florence Garda Lake - Eastern Side Grosseto & Maremma Ischia Jesolo & Eraclea Como Lake & Lecco Lucca & Garfagnana Madonna di Campiglio Merano Milan Monte Cervino Montecatini Terme Naples Padua Palermo Pisa Portofino & Tigullio Gulf Ragusa Ravenna's Beaches Ravenna City Rimini, Riccione, Cattolica Riviera dei Fiori: Sanremo & Imperia Riviera del Brenta Rome Rovereto Rovigo e Delta del Po San Martino di Castrozza, Primiero, Val Venoi Siena Siracusa Sorrento & Amalfi Taormina Terme e Colli Euganei Turin Trento Treviso Val di Fassa Val di Fiemme Venice Verona Versilia & Viareggio Vicenza Sorrento & Amalfi Hotels Reserve Sorrento & Amalfi Hotels: save up 70% on rooms! Compare offers & book on line at hotel's web sites. About Campania Pompei: in search of a lost civilization The city of Pompeii was established in the XII century B.C. and enjoyed great prosperity from the point of view of culture, economy and city planning until 79 A.D. when the terrible eruption of Vesuvius covered everything in lava and small stones... The Cilento, discover its charm and beauty The Cilento is the southernmost part of Campania, before Basilicata, between the plains of the river Sele to the north... The Sorrento Peninsula, between the mythical sea and romantic land. The setting of a scene from the Odyssey and a land crossed by Grand Tour poets and scholars, the Sorrento Peninsula is a magical place... Teatro San Carlo - Napoli In this site you will find the complete schedule of the famous Neapolitan Opera House ... Sorrento & Amalfi Guide Italy THINGS TO KNOW Getting there History and culture THINGS TO SEE Churches, Palaces and Monuments THINGS TO TRY Eating and Drinking Shopping Hotels and lodgings THINGS TO EXPERIENCE Events La Dolce Vita ITINERARIES Beaches, marinas and nature reserves Positano, Ravello, Vietri and other places not to be missed Directories of Web Sites Sorrento & Amalfi Italy Sorrento & Amalfi Hotels Downloads Sorrento & Amalfi Guide in PDF format Land of colors and fragrances, birthplace of Torquato Tasso, retreat for such artists and writers as Caruso and Wagner, who found inspiration in this splendid corner of Campania. The Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast host an enticing pageant of blue seas, jagged coastlines, lush hills and delightful towns: Sorrento , Amalfi , Positano , Ravello , Vietri ... Getting there The Sorrento Peninsula is easily reached thanks to its proximity to cities like Naples and Salerno and thanks to highways... >>> History and culture The glorious Maritime Republic of Amalfi, sea battles off the Sorrento coast against pirates and invaders... >>> Churches, Palaces and Monuments All the places you need to see, to get a full picture of the history and culture of Sorrento and Amalfi... >>> Eating and Drinking Fresh fish and other local delicacies, not to mention the sublime Limoncello... >>> Shopping Inlaid wooden ornaments, ceramic ware, cameos and embroidery... >>> Hotels and lodgings Tips for organizing your vacation: Sorrento hotels , Amalfi hotels , Positano hotels ... >>> Events Sorrento Summer of Music, Ravello Wagner Festival and all the highlights of the area... >>> La Dolce Vita A coffee in Sorrento's Piazza Tasso, a cocktail in a wine bar in Positano or a stroll along the beach to gaze at the stars... >>> Beaches, marinas and nature reserves Sandy beaches, crystal-clear seawater, rocky coastlines and charming little marinas... >>> Positano, Ravello, Vietri and other places not to be missed A glimpse into the magic of the Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast... >>> More guides on: Region: Campania Campania Cities: Capri Ischia Naples Click to view the map Servizi per le aziende Acquista la tua visibilità su Travel Plan Netplan Travel Network Travel Guides ItalyTravel Guides | VeniceTravel Guide | FlorenceTravel Guide | RomeTravel Guide | MilanTravel Guide | NaplesTravel Guide | Palermo Travel Guide | Taormina Travel Guide | SicilyTravel Guide | Cortina Travel Guide | VeronaTravel Guide | JesoloTravel Guide | Lucca & Garfagnana Travel Guide | Treviso Travel Guide | Ischia Travel Guide | Capri Travel Guide | Sorrento Travel Guide | Amalfi Travel Guide | More Italy Travel guides ... Hotels & Lodging Italy Hotels | Venice Hotels | Florence Hotels | Rome Hotels | Milan Hotels | Naples Hotels | Taormina Hotels | Verona Hotels | Morehotels ... Italy Hotels | Venice Hotels | Florence Hotels | Rome Hotels | Milan Hotels | Naples Hotels | Taormina Hotels | Capri Hotels | Ischia Hotels | More Italy Hotels ... Hotels | Italy Hotels | Venice Hotels | Florence Hotels | Rome Hotels | Milan Hotels | Naples Hotels | Taormina Hotels | Verona Hotels | Mestre Hotels | Treviso Hotels | More Italy Hotels ... Venice Hotels | Cortina Hotels | Asolo Hotels | Hotel Golden Rome | Hotel San Niccolò - Chianti | Hotel Il Granduca Florence | Venice Travel Guide | Venice Booking Center | Venice Hotels Servizi per le aziende - Netplan Travel Network Links A1 A2 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1 H2 I1 I2 J1 K1 L1 M1 N1 O1 P1 Q1 R1 S1 T1 U1 V1 W1 X1 Y1 Z1 AA1 AB1 AC1 AD1 AE1 AF1 AG1 AH1 AI1 AJ1 AK1 AL1 AM1 AN1 AN2 AO1 AP1 AQ1 AR1 AS1 AT1 AU1 AV1 AW1 AX1 AY1 AZ1 BA1 BB1 Italy Travel Guide © 2004 Fatto da: Netplan

Family Vacation One Cool

One Cool Programs - One Cool Family Vacation Wedding & Honeymoon Family Promotions Special Offers Specialized Vacations Special Offers One Cool Programs One Cool Adventure & Nightlife One Cool Culinary & Culture One Cool Family Vacation One Cool Golf & Spa One Cool Honeymoon Download the One Cool Programs PDF eBrochure Special Offers for Families with Kids 12 years & under Dates effective: April 01 - September 30 Only on Aruba does the entire island open up to your exploration, offering a holiday fit for the whole family. Aruba invites you to choose from among its extensive family-friendly activity and dining options, offered now with special discounts and offers. A One Cool Card, free upon hotel check-in and entitling you to over US$1,000 in savings, is your family’s passport to a perfectly unforgettable vacation. Aruba’s safe, friendly environment and proven great weather have made the island a natural choice for family vacations. The “One Cool Family Vacation” promotion offers discounts throughout the island for attractions, meals and shopping as well as a ‘kids-eat-free’ feature at many participating resorts. RESORT SPECIAL OFFERS : - A welcome gift - A cool welcome drink for the kids - Bed & breakfast free from kids menu in hotel restaurants - Daily free kids activities (some restrictions may apply) PARTICIPATING RESORTS: Allegro Aruba by Occidental Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba Grand Resort Aruba Marriott Resort Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort Aruba Renaissance Beach Resort Divi and Dutch Village Beach Resorts Divi and Tamarijn All Inclusive Resorts Holiday Inn SunSpree Aruba Beach Resort La Cabana All Suite Beach Resort Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino The Mill Resort & Suites Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort & Casino SPECIAL OFFERS INCLUDE: - Rancho Notorious: US$ 5 off on horseback riding tour for children 12 years and under - Red Sail Sports: One kid per parent free on Sailing & Snorkeling trips; US$10 discount on Bubble-Water program on Resort Course - Atlantis Adventure: Special offers for kids for a Submarine tour (4-16 years), Seaworld Explorer tour (11 years and under) or Aloe Factory Tour (11 years and under) - Jolly Pirates: Free t-shirt offer for kids 12 years and under - De Palm Tours: Free for kids 12 years and under on De Palm Pleasure Snorkel Adventure, De Palm Island and Island Sightseeing Tours - Pelican Adventures: Kids go for free on cruises (2 per family) or t-shirt - Aruba Adventures: Special offers on Tattoo-Party Boat, Mi Dushi – Sailing Adventure and Kukoo Kunuku –Paranda Party Bus - Moomba Beach Restaurant: 10% off on food only in restaurant - Aruba Experts: 10% off on the following trips: Private sailing, boating and fishing charters - Carlos’n Charlie’s: Free kids meal - one per family of four - Aruba Gastronomic Association: Special offers for kids at Amazonia, Cuba’s Cookin’, Old Cunucu House, Benihana, Texas de Brazil, Le Dome, Driftwood, French Steak House and Waterfont Crabhouse - Wix Tours: 10% off for the kid’s island tours and jeep safari - Crystal Theater: Family package of US$ 100 for 2 adults and 2 kids (12 years and under) on Let’s Go Latin show - Economy Car Rental: 20% off on cars and on weekends 20% off on 4x4 - Renaissance Mall & Marketplace: Discount card – redeemable at over 100 stores at mall and marketplace. Exclusive offers in shopping, dining and entertainment - Checkpoint Color: 50% off on all film development and printing and 10% off on any digital development - Tomato Charlie’s Pizza: 10% off on a large 14” pizza or kids get free ice cream, or order a large 14” pizza and get a medium 10” pizza free - Charanga: 10% off on any purchase. Exclusive children’s fashion from Spain - Thriller Aruba: 2 kids free per paying couple. A speed racing, open water thrill of a lifetime IMPORTANT NOTE : It is necessary to mention the promotion with every reservation and signed ID Card must be presented to receive offers. The One Cool Card is limited to visitors staying at any one of the participating resorts (maximum of two children per room). The Aruba Tourism Authority and the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association take no responsibility for modifications that may later be made to promotional offers. If you have any specific questions about Aruba Travel, Hotels, or Resorts please call us toll-free in the USA at 1-800-TO-ARUBA, or click here to contact us Home • About • What To Do • Where To Stay • Specialized Vacations • Book Now • Sitemap Produced by BCPictures.com • All Rights Reserved © 2005 Government of Aruba • Website Disclaimer

Spain Travel Information -

Europe Travel - A European Vacation Travel Guide  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and the world, it has one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe, and it was home to artist Peter Paul Rubens in the 17th century. What's not to like about this Belgian port city? See what it's all about in our latest photo Gallery: Antwerp Pictures . More Antwerp Travel: Antwerp Travel Directory | Antwerp Lodging | Antwerp Museums Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came recruiting at my college. Operatives really get to live it up when they travel, apparently. Imagine, the lucky seven of the "Surveillance Team" sent out to case the joint before kidnapping 39-year-old Muslim preacher Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, managed to spend "$39,995, not counting meals, parking and other services" for a week at Milan's Principe di Savoia ( check prices ), where a room goes for a mere $588 a night, according to Newsday . Once Abu Omar was behind bars in Cairo the CIA folks broke up and went their various ways, some to the renowned Grand Hotel Baglioni ( check prices ) in Florence , a few in cozy pairs to save the taxpayers money, no doubt. Travel Resources: Milan Profile | Florence Profile Tuesday December 27, 2005 | permalink Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated tapas bars thinking, "wow, I'm gonna down me some fine, fresh seafood this evening--non of that canned stuff like we get at home..." Well, Quimet and Quimet is one of Barcelona's best tapas bars, recommended by just about anyone. Joaquim Perez, owner of Quimet and Quimet, has been called Barcelona's culinary king of canned food. That's right, a tapas king devoted to high-quality goods preserved in metal. I had heard about the increasing interest in vintage sardines , whose flavors are said to increase in intensity and complexity with aging. But Mr. Perez has extended this idea of unlikely gourmet tinkering; he buys "fresh" Galician navajas (clams) from the cannery and sets them to aging for a year or two before serving them (plain) to his customers. And they love 'em. Maybe you should go and see what this canned gourmet thing is all about. There are worse places to spend time on a research expedition. More: Gastronomic Route: Barcelona, a tapas town? Travel Resources: Barcelona Guide | Barcelona Pictures Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000 loan and turned his investment into a "faithful reconstruction of Noah's Ark in scaled down form on the basis of biblical texts," according to the Mail & Guardian . Spring is the expected launch date. No word on where the animals will come from. Travel Resources: North Holland Travel | Holland Map | Benelux Rail Passes Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink Appreciate Long John Shivers? Head for the Alps I know I frequently extol the virtues of off season travel, but there's a whole bunch of adventurers willing to go the extra mile in their long johns to enjoy icier surroundings than I'd care to experience. Those would be the Ice Hotel People. Word from Vagablond is that "a new ice hotel is being constructed 7,000 feet up into the German Alps." HotelChatter says this ice hotel might well be part of the Iglu-Dorf chain, who specialize in things like Inuit igloos in Switzerland. Like it cold? Get you thrills in the Alps this winter. I'll toast your bravado at the hearth with a steaming hot toddy. Travel Resources: Germany map and Travel Essentials | Switzerland Map and Travel Essentials . Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink Europe Travel in the Off Season Why travel in the off season? Well, you know the reasons: fewer tourists, lower prices, and cooler temperatures, to name a few. But there's another reason for me, and that's the warm, slanting light that brings photos alive. See what I mean by taking a gander at: Liguria Pictures - Picture Gallery of Liguria in Autumn . And if you still want to see more pictures of Italy , try out Italy for Visitors Florence Pictures , taken in November. Travel Resources: Off Season Travel Tips | Italy Travel Map Sunday December 18, 2005 | permalink Travel Gifts Ok, you're thinkin' it's too late to post some ideas for gifts at this late date. Hey, you can chalk it up to sloth and indolence, but I don't start burdening my mind with thoughts about winter holidays in May like the rest of my family. The crunch starts now. So I've made up a list of recommended Travel Gifts . Of course, you could buy some of the stuff for yourself as well. Take a look. You've got language help, a deep, inside look at the Vatican, and more, not to mention that Tyrolean Boiled Wool Jacket like you've always wanted. More Stuff You Need: Top Travel Photography Gear Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink Joe Torre carries the Olympic Torch in Florence New York Yankee manager Joe Torre carried the Olympic torch 400 yards to the foot of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence yesterday as part of "American day" in the two-month Olympic torch relay. It was the first time he'd been to Italy in 20 years, despite the fact that his mother was born in the village of Patina near Naples. (Source: Indystar.com ) The torch Joe carried was designed by the folks at Pininfarina , who've banged out quite a few sexy Italian auto bodies in their time. The Olympic torch is designed to work in rain, snow and wind up to 74.56 miles per hour, not to mention temperatures from -4°F to +77°F. According to what I've heard, the torch suffered much less than Mr. Torre during the run. Travel Resources: Florence Travel Directory | Florence Pictures: Views from the Arno | Naples Travel Directory Photo above: Ponte Vecchio, Florence by Martha Bakerjian, Italy for Visitors ; click "read more" to see it larger. Read more... Thursday December 15, 2005 | permalink Sunny Valencia It's cold here in my corner of California, prime time to think of warmer climes. Valencia pops to mind. Host to the 2007 America's cup, the sunny Spanish port city has been spiffing itself up lately, and many travelers have remarked that Valencia seems to be passing Barcelona as Spain's city of tourist choice. What's not to like? The spring La Fallas festival is a not to be missed attraction (plan now if you're going), the City of Arts and Sciences holds 87 acres of fascinating art, science and architecture, and the Barrio del Carmen is chock full of music, restaurants and clubs. Find out more about Valence by taking a peek at our latest: Valencia Spain Travel Information - Valencia Profile , or peruse our Valencia Travel Directory . Wednesday December 14, 2005 | permalink Hey Santa! Take That! Scroogy Musings: So a couple guys in Germany get asked what they want for Christmas by Santa, who happens to be waiting for a train home. They've been out shopping all day, unsuccessfully one assumes, because the next thing you know they've latched on to Santa's sack and "beat him over the head with it, breaking his fingers as he tried to protect himself." ( Santa - Germany's new stress buster ) Santa on a train? in Germany? A bit early, isn't it? Has the Christmas spirit been so commercialized that the little people like us suffer with the stress of plunking down good cash for stuff we think people might like but probably won't? Where is the joy of it all? Everyone remembers the magical experience of visiting Santa in the mall when they were kids and the smile it brought to your face. Unfortunately over the last few years it seems the spirit of Christmas is slowly being lost due to many different reasons including political correctness, busier lifestyles and many more issues. Hold on a sec. Now I'm angrier than a red-nosed reindeer. Everyone doesn't remember. Some of us are way too old to conjure the disgraceful vision of mall Santas in their mothball costumes and fake beards. The statement above comes from Live From Lapland (dot com). For a bit less than 15 dollars they'll make a custom video staring Santa, who'll be talking to your kids using the words you put in his mouth via the web site's control panel. Their Santa evidently lives in a paneled room and wears mall Santa clothes and beardage. It's in the sample flick. He could be in Kansas. Still, where else you gonna get a five minute flick to your specs for $14.95? Travel Resources: Lapland (the real one) | Chrismas in Europe Tuesday December 13, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... 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