Traveling Adventures

If you’re a cricket fan, and have always fancied having a vacation on a tropical paradise such as Jamaica, then 2007 is the year your absolute fantasy could come true!  The World Cup is being held in the Caribbean, and there are a number of matches that are being held in Jamaica!  Can you, a cricket fan, imagine anything more ideal than that?

The 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup will have several matches held in venues in Jamaica, including the 1st semi-final scheduled to be played on 24th April.  Although tickets won’t be easy to find, they are possible to be booked online – and if you can’t get one, you could contact one of more high profile hotels in Kingston prior to making an accommodation reservation and ask if they have any tickets available for their guests to purchase.  The Jamaica ticket office for this event is at shop 51 and 52 in the Kingston Mall, in Downtown Kingston.  You can also check out the ICC’s website for further information about possible ways of obtaining tickets if you’re looking for one last minute – or perhaps it’s enough for you just to be in Kingston on the day that the matches take place!

Ticket prices vary for the matches and should be included in your Jamaican vacation budget as depending on the match you want to attend, and the kind of ticket available, you could expect to pay about $560 for a top ticket – if you are purchasing a ticket previously sold to someone else however, and it’s possible there could be a number of tickets available that way (check with local authorities however so you know you are getting a genuine ticket, not a counterfeit one), you could pay far in excess of the true ticket price.   The value you place on that ticket, in this particular location, however could also be far above its original selling price!

Have you ever thought about trying river rafting?  If so, your vacation in Jamaica could be the perfect opportunity to stop thinking and start doing!  Whether you want a memorable romantic activity to add to your honeymoon, or a more exhilarating white water experience, you’ll find it in Jamaica.

If you are looking for a gentle river rafting experience where you can relax while someone else does the work, allowing you to lazily watch the wildlife and scenery slow pass by, then you could try rafting tours on the White River, Black River, Martha Brae River or even the Rio Grande.  The rafts are approximately 30-feet long, and made from bamboo.  The raft captain will ensure that you have a safe journey and will enjoy your experience.  If you want a moonlit rafting tour as something a little special, ask your hotel reception if any local rafting companies offer this – some of them do.

If you want to try your hand at white water rafting, or white water rafting is something that you pursue as a hobby, you can also do this in Jamaica.  There are fast paced water locations in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Port Antonio.  If you want to hire a local guide to help you navigate the rapids, this is also possible.  White water rafting tours are generally 3-5 hours long.

Before booking your reservation, check out the details about what the tour will include and how long it will last.  Does it include drinks or a picnic for example?  If it’s only 45 minutes and allows time for swimming, is that 45 minutes of rafting time, or 45 minutes in total.  If drinks aren’t included, then you should at least take some bottled water as it can get hot out on the river – and don’t forget the sunscreen and mosquito repellent!  Thirst, heat and bugs can turn your river rafting trip into something memorable for the wrong reasons, so ensure that you know exactly what the trip includes, and are equipped to deal with nature, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons.

Whether or not to pay for holiday insurance is a big question when it comes to setting the vacation budget, and often it’s something that you can safely go without.  But should you go without it when visiting somewhere off the beaten track like Jamaica?

One of the things you’d need to consider is “how far off the beaten track” are you likely to be going in Jamaica?  The more extreme your vacation plans, the more likely you are to be at risk of accident.  If you have an accident, what would the options of getting back home be?  What kind of expenses would you be facing?

If you are taking expensive equipment with you, such a digital camera, or laptop, then you should certainly have insurance in case these are stolen while you’re away.  With expensive individual items such as these however, you need to make sure that these are specifically covered by your insurance policy for everything from accidental damage (such as that which could happen in transit), to theft of the item.  You should also be aware of what paperwork you will need to produce in order to claim for the items so that you have any receipts at hand before you leave and you bring back any copies of official documentation from the Jamaican authorities such as a police theft report.

When traveling to parts of the world which are noted tourist destinations, but which are not as commercial as some more popular destinations such as Paris, London or Sidney, it’s wise to have some form of holiday insurance.  Just make sure you read all the small print before you sign up for the policy so that you are covered for everything you think you’re covered for, and you won’t be faced with any hidden policy financial excesses/penalties should you need to make a claim against the insurance policy upon your return from holiday.

Whether women travel alone, or with a partner, the first thing that they need to be aware of – and if they aren’t before they arrive, it won’t take long for them to learn – is that women are not generally respected by Jamaican men.  They may find that they have “admirers” but a quick dip into the local community will show how much real respect is attached to the admiration!

Women tourists who travel alone need to be extra vigilant about personal security and make sure that they know what areas of the place they are staying are relatively safe for tourists – especially women – and which aren’t.  They should always make sure that someone knows where they are going if they are leaving the hotel grounds, and they should make sure that they don’t stand out from the crowd too much.

It may not be very appealing for an independent woman from the US to have to join a group tour simply because going alone isn’t recommended, but if you are in Jamaica, you must listen to the recommendations on personal safety issues.  They aren’t given just to stop the hotel being sued in the unlikely event of you being mugged.  They are issued for your own safety by people who know that as beautiful as the country is, there is another side to it, that must be respected.  If you enjoy solitude, then join a tour but keep yourself to yourself on the bus, and go your own way when you arrive at the destination – just don’t wander too far away from the rest of the tourists!

Just as you would follow some basic safety rules if you were visiting a city such as New York, follow the safety information given to you at your Jamaican destination and you should be as safe as you would be walking through Manhatten.

When you think about taking a vacation in Jamaica, images of golden or white sand and clichéd crystal blue-green oceans and lagoons come to mind.  You imagine yourself sun-bathing, meeting Bob Marley’s relatives on the 9-Mile excursion, dancing the night away with other tourists at some kind of Americanized reggae club – but have you considered that you could just as easily be spending some of your time really immersing yourself in the Jamaican landscape, really getting back to nature?  You could do this by reserving yourself a place on one of the island’s horse riding tours.

Of course you could simply take a horse riding lesson, and perhaps a slow canter down to the beach – but wouldn’t you rather experience something a little deeper than that?  There are specialized horse tour companies on Jamaica that offer a variety of different packages (including the simple riding lesson option!) to suit all kinds of abilities, skills and interests.  You can join a group tour that lasts for only a few hours, or if you’re wanting something a little more private – perhaps as part of your honeymoon, you can hire a guide and have a tour that’s just for you and your partner.

If the idea appeals but you don’t think your riding skills are up to a horse trek through some rainforest terrain, don’t worry – the staff at the horse tour companies won’t let you go if they don’t think you’re up to it.  It’s not worth their credibility to allow riders who aren’t experienced enough for any particular tour take part in it.  Instead, they’ll advise you on what they think you can manage, making it a win-win situation all round!

So don’t think that Jamaica is all about water and sand, there’s a few hooves in there as well if you’re ready to get up in the saddle and find them!

Jamaica is an amazingly diverse island paradise which makes it a perfect tourist destination for people on all budgets, and there are many luxury hotels and resorts in Jamaica to cater to those on the high end of the tourist spectrum.

The Half Moon Rose Hall in Montego Bay is one such high end hotel. This paradise-like resort is designed to help you feel as if you are a half moon away from the outside world.  This is a premier resort which has attracted tourists for more than 50 years. It  has approximately 400 acres of lovely beaches in it’s grounds and you can visit the dolphin lagoon which is exclusively for the Half Moon’s guests.   The hotel also boasts a world class spa and fitness centre, 4 squash courts, 51 swimming pools and also a golf course.

Another higher priced hotel in Montego Bay is the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall sprawls over 5,000 acres in Jamaica’s exclusive Rose Hall.  This hotel offers the seclusion of a beachfront hideaway, complete with an 18-hole championship golf course and spa.  In addition to this, the hotel also offers a wide variety of water sports and leisure activities, five dining outlets and fitness centers.  The Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort take luxury to an altogether different level and is the ultimate fantasy Jamaican vacation hotel.

Luxury isn’t just confined to Montego Bay however.  For example, in another part of the island, Ocho Rios, you’ll find the Jamaica Inn.  This hotel has consistently been ranked one of the top resort hotels and tourist destinations in the Caribbean.  The Jamaica Inn is a small yet elegant timeless resort and each of its 47 rooms and suites suite has a private balustraded balcony overlooking the beautiful beaches.  The Jamaica Inn will pamper you to the core as they take service to an extreme with a clean, thick beach towel awaiting you, no matter how many trips you make to the beach and beds always freshly made even after a short afternoon nap.

Although the reason for going to Jamaica is to sample what the island has to offer outdoors, you’ll find these hotels an inviting and luxurious retreat from sightseeing and sports at the end of the day.

Italy is said to be one of the most romantic places to visit for your honeymoon. If you are planning a vacation to Italy and never had a honeymoon or recently got married, this is the perfect place to go. Venice is the most popular destination for lovers and there are several companies that will help you plan your honeymoon as a vacation in Italy.

Venice-Honeymoons.com is one such company that provides a one stop shopping experience. If you want to be in Venice for a winter honeymoon they have a package that includes skiing in the Dolomite Mountains. They will fly you into the Venice airport and you will spend 2 nights in Venice and then 5 nights in the mountains in a beautiful chalet. A courtesy bottle of champagne is given to all visitors and all breakfasts are included. A half day guided tour will be given privately and you can decide where you want to go on this walking tour. When you are in the mountains, you will get 3 day ski passes and a 3 course meal will be provided along with wine for dinner each evening. You will also be given a 1 hour sleigh ride. If you are planning your honeymoon vacation in Italy a ski trip to Venice may be one of the most romantic getaways you could try. If you visit Venice in the warmer months one of the most romantic things you can do is to go on a private gondola ride. Be sure to kiss under the Bridge of Sighs because it is said that lovers who do so at sunset are assured of their eternal love to one another.

For a romantic honeymoon Italy vacation in Florence, try Perillo Tours. They offer a great 4 night stay in this beautiful city surrounded by some of the most amazing scenery and landscapes in the world. You will spend the 4 nights at the Santa Maria Novella hotel and breakfast will be included in your stay. This specific tour is also provided in the off season and makes for a great getaway and a chance to truly experience Italy without the crowds.

Venice and Florence are not the only places to consider going to for a romantic honeymoon vacation in Italy. Rome may also be the perfect venue for this. This city is also known as the Eternal City and there are several castles that you could stay at to experience the feeling of eternity. Most of these castles are over 300 years old and many honeymooners like the thought of staying at these ancient places. You can walk on the same small streets that Caesar did and explore this beautiful city together as you begin your new life during this Italy vacation. You can view the sunset from your hotel room looking over buildings that could be a thousand years old or museums that hold works of art by some of the greatest artists in history and take in all the culture and history you are surrounded with.

So if you are planning a honeymoon vacation don’t forget to explore options in Italy. This country has coasts, rolling hills, beautiful mountains, historic architecture and amazingly beautiful landscapes and may be the perfect backdrop to represent a new beginning.

If you go on a vacation in Italy it is almost necessary that you visit Venice. Everyone who has ever been to Italy has an almost classic picture of them in a “vaporetti” or a “gondola” with a canal for a backdrop. This famous Italian city found in the north is also sometimes known as the city of water, the city of bridges and the city of lights. Vaporetti are motorized buses used by Venetians for transportation around the city’s canals while the gondola is a Venetian boat that is now used mostly by tourists and sometimes for weddings or funerals. The city is made up of several small islands, 118 to be exact hence the need for water transportation and the many bridges.

There are 150 canals and 400 bridges. There are also several art galleries and all together these make for an exciting experience when you are on an Italy vacation.

You can get a Venice card which allows you free access for seven days into the museums and casinos. You will also get free waterbus or vaporetti services plus a free boat trip from the airport with this card. The airport in Venice is on the main land and is newly renovated. You can go to the train station from here to get to other parts of Venice. If you are driving on your Italy vacation you can also get to Venice by car but you will need to take a Ferry boat. The least expensive garage in Venice is the Tronchetta garage so you can park there and take a public boat or hire a private water taxi which can be expensive.  You will be able to get one way vaporetti tickets, all day passes or if you are spending more time here for your Italy vacation you could also get a 72 hour pass.

If you are in Venice you must tour the city by a gondola. There are several tours available. For something really different during your Italy vacation in Venice and if you are really in the mood for it, perhaps you can even take what is called a serenade tour. The tour is accompanied by a singer (usually a baritone) and a guitarist or someone playing the accordion. Several of these tours leave from piers near hotels in Venice. Your trip will probably be a little under an hour and you may see landmarks such as the Church of Santa Maria Formosa and the Bridge of Sighs.

This bridge received it name because it is said that prisoners would get their last view of the City of Venice from here when on their way to confinement.  If you are in Venice for your Italy vacation with a significant other make sure you take a gondola trip that will be going under this bridge under sunset. Legend says that lovers will be assured eternal love if they kiss under this bridge at sunset.

Venice is usually crowded with tourists in the summer months so if you can, visit during the off season. Or you can simply opt for a private gondola tour which may be more expensive but will be away from all the crowds.

When most people travel, transportation is a primary concern. How do you get from the airport to your hotel? How do you see all the sights that Italy has to offer? What if you are traveling in a large group? What about public transportation? On your Italy vacation there are several options for transportation.

Many international flights arrive in Rome so in planning your transportation needs you need to start from there. When you arrive at the airport you can rent a car from one of the several car rental companies. In addition to local companies there are the international names such as Hertz and Enterprise Rent-A-Car so you should be able to reserve your vehicle online in advance and have it waiting for you at the airport. There are 2 airports in Rome and they are called the Fiumicino and the Ciampino Airports. Buses and shuttles depart from the airports’ arrivals areas about every hour and can take you to the Termini Station which is the central train station. From there you should be able to connect to all other parts of Italy. Public transportation although it requires some advance planning, is always the cheapest option for your Italy vacation. You may also want to learn some Italian words in case you get lost and need directions or need help.

If your hotel is near the airport or is in Rome, you may also consider taking a cab. They are known as “taxis” here and most drivers speak English and can even serve as your tour guide if you choose. You may take a taxi out of Rome if your Italian vacation is starting outside the city. If your budget allows there are limo services at the airports that can serve your transportation needs when you arrive. If you are traveling in a large group you probably want to rent a van at least to get to your hotel from the airport. After that you can plan to join a guided tour as a group but its best to reserve tickets or space in advance if you want your group to stay together.

To see all the sights that Italy has to offer, you will do best by signing up for a guided tour. With very knowledgeable and friendly tour guides, your Italian vacation can be greatly enhanced by choosing this option. There are walking tours, full day tours and night tours. Budget tours and luxury tours. If you are in Italy for a very specific sight you would probably want to do a walking tour. The tour guides on those tours give a more detailed presentation as you walk through the sight and some of them know little-known facts that are hard to find or read anywhere else. Non-Italian speakers will be happy to that the tour guides speak English.

Also becoming famous are “transportation-included” visits to Italy. For your Italy vacation you may choose to visit a small village if you want to see Italy without the crowds. Many inns and bed and breakfasts provide options that include transportation around the village.

You cannot go on an Italy vacation without doing some sightseeing. In fact this is one of the most cited reasons for visiting Italy. The country has a rich culture and a rich history. All over Italy are historic buildings, monuments, museums and all kinds of places to visit that will make your Italy vacation truly eventful. Italy is also a center for high fashion and along with the great food, friendly people, wine and the Catholic Church this may be one of the best sightseeing vacations you have ever been on. It is important to make sure you see the most important sights before you leave. So where do most people go to when they are on an Italian Vacation?

When you go to Italy you must visit Rome. There are several popular places here for sightseers. The Colosseum is a very famous landmark in Rome. It is a huge open air theatre that was built by Emperor Titus in AD80 for games and gladiatorial battles. When many people see the Colosseum the movie “Gladiator” comes to mind. Another magnificent sight is the Pantheon in Rome. It is a huge temple built in AD120 and up until 1960 it had the largest dome in the world. Rome is also the home of the Pope in Vatican City, another popular destination for sightseeing on an Italian Vacation. Other cities in Italy that are popular for sightseers include Milan, Venice, Naples and Sicily.

Pisa is a smaller city but it is world famous due to the Leaning Tower. It is a bell tower in the Pisa Cathedral that is made up of a group of 4 beautiful white marble buildings. Construction on this started in 1173 and went on for 200 years because of a lot of interruptions. Since the construction took so long, the bell tower started to lean hence the name.

If you are a savvy sightseer or traveler and know some Italian you may be able to arrange to see all these sights for yourself. But you may want to consider having everything arranged by someone else because you don’t want to miss any of the important places and you will benefit greatly from a guided tour. There are several sightseeing companies that offer tours for visitors. Guided tours will usually follow a pre-set route through a city or town during your Italy vacation. Not only are the guides fluent in English but they also have a wealth of information on the historical sights and there are opportunities to ask questions. Some tours on your Italian vacation will allow you to get off the tour vehicle to explore and then catch another tour vehicle from the same company later on.

Or if you prefer not to walk, you can just sit back and enjoy the ride without leaving the bus. Sightseeing tours on your Italian vacation range in price. There are luxury tour coaches, full day tours, night tours and also several tours for vacationers on a budget.