MashaTravel

 by Clint Leung 

 One of the most famous natural attractions in Grand Cayman Island is Stingray City.  This is an area in the ocean not far from the northern tip of Grand Cayman where tourists can get up close to hundreds of friendly stingrays.  Stingray City will be one of the organized tours from cruise ships visiting Grand Cayman as a port of call.  There will also be tours available from local operators in the town of Georgetown where the cruise ships dock and bring passengers into town via tender boats.  The cruise organized tours will almost always be the more expensive option.

Scuba divers can book specialized dives at Stingray City through one of the many diver operators in Grand Cayman.  The scuba diving at Stingray City is at a deeper section away from the tourist crowds who are usually brought to a very shallow area where one could even stand in waist deep water.  Certified scuba divers and even snorkellers are recommended to take the dive trip option with the dive shops to experience Stingray City with fewer crowds.  For non-divers, the sandbars here are high enough to offer such shallow waters and stingrays will come to these areas.  It is believed that many years ago, sailors visiting the area threw fish remains overboard and soon noticed the stingrays coming for the free food.  These particular stingrays became conditioned over the years to the humans and the food handouts unlike stingrays elsewhere in the Caribbean.

The stingrays here are friendly enough that people could touch them and local guides have been known to even hold them.  The guides will warn everyone that even though these stingrays appear to be quite friendly, they should still be regarded as wild animals so it is never recommended to touch them by their razor sharp tails or abuse them in any manner.  It is possible to feed them with the squid parts provided on site.  The mouths of the stingrays are located underneath their bodies and people are instructed to hold the food in their palms flat facing up.  With their keen sense of smell, the stingrays will hover towards and over the food to collect their snacks.  

Although Stingray City can be crowded at times due to its popularity, it does offer a very unique experience to see these wonderful sea creatures up close.  Stingrays are usually very shy animals and will swim away from scuba divers and snorkellers but not here at Stingray City in Grand Cayman. 

Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery (http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca) , an online gallery specializing in Inuit Eskimo and Northwest Native American art including carvings, sculpture and prints.  Free Spirit Gallery has numerous information resource articles with photos of authentic Inuit and Native Indian art as well as free eCards.

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 by Susan Crown 

 Summer is near, do you know what you and your or family are going to do during the summer holiday break this year? If you usually go abroad during the summer school break and take your whole family somewhere nice and sunny, great Cuba holidays are a great option at a price you can afford. Forget all about Spain and its immensely crowded beaches in Costa Dorada and Costa del Sol; head to Cuba for a week and enjoy its tropical beauty and paradisiacal beaches that are well beyond comparison to any beach you may find in Europe or the Mediterranean.

Cuba not only has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, it also has some of the spiciest nightlife, colourful culture and fun attractions for tourists! If you're not holidaying in Cuba, then you're definitely missing out and your next summer break could be the perfect time to try this fascinating destination out; your family is sure to love it! Cuba is rich in culture, has plenty of attractions that appeal to kids, whether visiting the vibrant capital of Havana or the endless beach of Varadero, and everywhere you go in Cuba there is an exciting surprise around every corner. 

The important part to remember is that since Cuba is so popular among Canadian tourists all year  long and among European travellers as well, it is best to play your holiday in advance so the tickets won't sell out before you buy them and you won’t be left disappointed when you find out that your chosen hotel is fully booked for the season. To keep up with increasing demand in recent year, the government plans to build more Cuba hotels, but at the moment and with the surge of tourists flocking down to the island in unprecedented numbers you may find  many hotels to be fully booked up.

However many tourists head to Cuba though, it will never feel nowhere near as crowded as Spanish beach resorts and there are plenty of secluded beach resorts and pristine keys in the island to choose from. Planning with friends and family to go to Cuba can be a fun unforgettable experience for everyone. Go online now to find the best deals. You can find out all the information about your Cuba holiday and pricing details right from your computer. 

After a successful year for tourism in 2011, having surpassed all expectations with over 2.7 million of visitor arrivals to the island, Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism is gearing up to welcome even more holidaymakers in 2012 as Cuba holidays enjoy an unprecedented boom among worldwide travellers eager to discover the island’s unique appeal.

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Found yourself in London on a shoestring budget? That's perfectly fine. You could not have picked a better city to visit. With a population of over 8 million people, London has become a great option for budget travelers. Here are some free things to do in London. 

Watch the Changing of the Guards in front of Buckingham Palace

The Changing of the Guards is a ceremony that takes place in front of Buckingham Palace every day during the summer. During the winter, it takes place every other day. The ceremony involves guards mounting their hoses and switching stations. Be sure to arrive early because huge crowds tend to gather to watch this ceremony. When it's over, feel free to snap some photos of the Queen's Guard or the palace. 

Plan a picnic at Regent's Park

Regent's Park is a beautiful and huge park in the city. In the park, you'll find beautiful flowers, plants, wildlife, lakes, and canals. If you enjoy biking or running, there are paved laps. There's also the London Zoo for travelers with children, although it's not free.

Listen to Big Ben ring its bell

Built in 1858, Big Ben is the nickname for the Elizabeth Tower. It could be the most famous landmark in London. It stands at 315 feet tall. Big Ben is actually the name of the main bell that weighs 13.5 tons. The bell rings every hour on the hour. It's closed for tourists, you must be a UK resident to go inside. 

Do some window shopping in Portobello Market

Every Saturday, there's a lengthy market that opens on Portobello Road in Notting Hill. You'll find antiques, second-hand goods, fruits, veggies, vintage clothing, jewelry, and more. Just imagine a huge flea market. 

Walk across the Tower Bridge

Built in 1886, the Tower Bridge is crossed by 40,000 people per day. Walking across the bridge should take about 5 to 10 minutes. After dusk, the bridge glows in a brilliant blue light. It's perfect for a romantic stroll. 

Visit the British Museum

The British Museum is the most popular museum in London. It focuses on human cultures from different centuries and multiple countries. It's also free to visit. It has over eight million historic artifacts. Some famous pieces include the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian statues, and a manuscript of Beowulf.

Spend some time at the Tate Modern Museum

The Tate Modern Museum is an international, contemporary art museum. The full museum is seven floors. The permanent collection makes up half of the museum and is free to view. You'll find collections dedicated to Surrealism, Cubism, Impressionism, and Pop Art.

Admire the art at the National Gallery

With over 2,000 art pieces from the 13th to 20th century, the National Gallery is the fourth most visited museum in the world. Its free admission probably helps its rank. You'll find famous works by Jan van Eyck, Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh. 

Other things to do in London

London is filled with culture, history, and activities. I've put together a list of things to do at What To Do in London. If you're only in town for a day, here my recommended attractions are at London in a Day.

London is filled with exciting attractions, but it can be difficult to fit them all into one vacation. If you're pressed for time, here are some of the very top London tourist attractions that you should include in your itinerary.

The London Eye – This towering ferris wheel sits opposite Parliament and absolutely lights up the skyline. The comfortable cars on this attraction can be booked individually for a private experience, or shared with some of the other tourists vying for a look at London from above. As one of the most popular London tourist attractions in this city, this ferris wheel sees about 10,000 people each day. At the top, you can see 40 kilometers in every direction on a clear day. 

British Museum – If you're interested in London tourist attractions that have something to teach you, the British Museum should be near the top of your list. The exhibits here cover more than two million years of history. View Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone, Michelangelo's drawings, and more.

London Aquarium – Many London tourist attractions focus on offering you the flavor of London to excess. The London Aquarium is a refreshing break from all things London that you can still enjoy right in the city. In this relaxing retreat, you can view sharks, jellyfish, piranha, Gentoo penguins, sea turtles, crocodiles, and more.

Natural History Museum – The Natural History Museum should be right alongside the British Museum in your agenda if you're interested in fascinating exhibits and interesting facts on your visit. You can browse the Dinosaur's gallery, see a piece of the moon, glimpse precious stones from around the world, and learn about all manner of wildlife. 

Buckingham Palace – It's almost impossible to think about London tourist attractions without thinking of Buckingham Palace. As the official residence of the Queen, this is a popular spot for trying to spot British royalty. Even when the royal family isn't in residence, this is a must-see stop. Seasonal tours are available, depending upon the schedule of the royal family.

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament – Though the Houses of Parliament may seem to be a rather dry stop on your vacation, this is quintessentially London and difficult to miss if you're serious about getting to know the city. Tours of Parliament are regularly held for those who enjoy these types of London tourist attractions. If you're not interested in Parliament, a souvenir photo in front of Big Ben is nearly impossible to leave without.

Madame Tussauds – You can visit Madame Tussauds locations all over the world. Any time you're within range of one, it's worth stopping in for a visit. The London location has lifelike wax figures of the Royal family, Marvel superheroes, Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, and many more. Finally, enjoy the Spirit of London cab ride that takes you back through some of the most important parts of London's history.

When you're planning your next visit to this historic city, make sure you include some of these London tourist attractions on your agenda so you can see the very best of what this city has to offer. 

MyReviewsnow.net offers information regarding  London tourist attractions. For more on London tourist attractions, please visit us at MyReviewsNow.net.

If you thought that Ibiza was nothing more than a package party destination, then think again. Away from the hotspots, the island retains a sleepy, picturesque charm, with plenty of isolated beaches and traditional towns waiting to be discovered. If you''re planning a holiday to Ibiza this summer, don''t miss out on these great day trips.

1. Ibiza Town: Forget vast clubs and drunken debauchery ? Ibiza Old Town is a haven for culture vultures. It''s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with crumbling city walls, narrow winding streets and a stunning 13th century cathedral. Great for sightseeing, souvenir shopping, and generally passing the time of day.

2. Formentara: Ibiza''s twin island is less populated, more verdant and, if possible, even more beautiful than its larger sister. Located just an hour''s boat ride from Ibiza Town, it boasts a historical capital city and, perhaps more importantly, mile upon mile of stunning sandy beaches.

3. Es Broll: If you''re sick of the crowds and fancy a relaxing hike in beautiful countryside then head to Es Broll. This famous freshwater spring really is in the middle of nowhere, and the surrounding scenery is perfect for walking or simply relaxing with a picnic.

4.  Wine tasting: While it''s true that many tourists to Ibiza tend to stick with alcopops and beer, the island is also a small but significant wine producer. Take a trip to Bodegas Car Rich vineyard, and you can enjoy exploring the site''s 20 acres while learning about the ins and outs of wine production. Your tour will, of course, conclude with a tasting session.

5. Aguamar: Looking for a way to entertain the nippers? They''ll love a trip to Aguamar, Ibiza''s biggest water park and a popular family attraction. Just a quarter of an hour drive from Ibiza Town, it''s perfect if you''re looking for a fun day out with the kids. For those based closer to Talamanca, the Aqualandia water park is a great alternative.

6. Can Marca Caves: If you''re travelling with children then don''t miss out on a trip to the Can Marca Caves. They offer great adventure potential as well as far-reaching sea views ? and when you''re tired of exploring, you can relax on the golden beach nearby.

To make the most of a holiday to Ibiza, it''s a good idea to hire a car and explore the less accessible parts of the island. Away from the tourist trappings, there are still some idyllic spots where you relax, kick back, and really get away from it all. 

Thomasena Ghantt is very fond of the Balearic islands and has been going to Ibiza for years. Getting a car is very useful, you can get cheap car hire in Ibiza from Ritmocars.co.uk

 by Hector. 

 If you are looking for a holiday that stands out from all the rest then you should most definitely try a kayaking holiday in Ibiza and stay in one of the luxurious boutique hotels in Ibiza. Anyone who has tried it will tell you it is one of the best ways to see the island. Kayaking is a fantastic activity for all the family as both young and old can enjoy it. It is not a very strenuous activity physically and of course it is enormous fun. You can jump off your kayak into the clear blue waters as soon as you feel like a rest or just a splash around in the warm Mediterranean sea. The secluded bays are just perfect for swimming in as they are warm, shallow and very calm too. 

 Kayaking takes you to parts of Ibiza that would otherwise be completely off limits. Imagine enclosed bays and hidden coves and that is what you can expect to see plenty of when you use a kayak to navigate your way around Ibiza. Ibiza is a party island and one benefit of this is that early in the morning you have the beaches and lagoons virtually to yourselves. Clubbers and party goers are too busy sleeping it off to be outside first thing in the morning! If you get out in your kayak in the morning you will experience peace and tranquillity that you wouldn't have imagined possible.

Water lapping against your kayak, beautiful birds soaring overhead, a light breeze ruffling your hair and views and landscapes that are second to none are just of the experiences on offer when kayaking in Ibiza. Just because Ibiza has a reputation as a party island does not mean the island is not a family destination. In fact more and more people are choosing Ibiza as a relaxing holiday destination for all the family. There is a lot more to the island than just a pumping night life. 

 There is 210 km of coastline on Ibiza and any of it can be navigated in a kayak. The southern shores are the perfect place to visit if you want to get away from holiday makers and instead see fisherman tending to their nets, incredible hidden lagoons and dramatic scenery.  Stay in one of the  best hotels in Ibiza  too to really put the cherry on your holiday cake. Enjoy  Ibiza's luxury boutique hotels  for comfort and style and kayaking for activity and adventure on the stunning Mediterranean island. 

Hector is a passionate blogger and travel is one of many favourite past times. Finding the right hip hotels in Ibiza or elsewhere is a mission statement.boutique hotels in Ibiza can only be found by determination and lots of travelling around the great Balearic Island.

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Going to London, whether traveling or migrating can be a lot of fun, but we all know that things can easily get awkward when you don’t plan ahead right, especially in a foreign place with a highly diverse culture. American has the reputation in UK as being arrogant, rude and often times annoying tourists, an impression you don’t want to have.  Here are some tip-top tips to fit in nicely in London. Follow these tips and you’ll find yourself enjoying the company of Londoner friends. 

First and foremost, have your attitude checked. 

No matter jet-lagged and stressed you become, you don’t have any excuse to be ill-mannered. You’re a guest in a foreign country; you should act like one by being respectful and respectable at all times. Never complain with foul-mouth when something doesn’t go right. You may get the wrong dish for dinner, but not understanding the things in the menu doesn’t give you right to scold your waiter. 

Second, blend in with the locals.  

Don’t wear something that screams “tourist” like shorts. Both guys and girls can wear casual clothes, such as jeans and sneakers, but keep it low-key at all times. After all, you’ll be walking for hours around the city; it would be nice to wear something very comfortable. Well of course, you have to consider the weather and the season of your visit. 

Third, do your homework and learn some British slang.

If you want to be able to communicate to Londoners well, then you better learn some of their common lingo, such as greetings or basic important things you may need to ask. Elevator for example, is called “lift,” bathrooms are called “loo,” pants are called “trousers,” subway is called “tube.” 

When you hear the word “belt up” that means shut up. British accent can sometimes confuse you of other words, so if you don’t really understand someone’s accent, just say “Pardon me?” or “Sorry?” or ask him or her to repeat himself. 

Fourth, travel right

London is a big city, with several districts and thousands of streets. Panoramic sights and structures can easily grab your attention, but to be able to enjoy London and not miss a thing in your visit (or stay), you should always have a map of the city and a good understand of where you’re heading. If you need a ride, you can take a black cab, or better yet, you should be able to locate in your map the London Underground Subway.

Fifth, go where the Londoners Go

There are tons of tourist attractions all across London, but there’s no better way to experience the true essence of the culture a particular place than experiencing if through the locals. Dine, party and enjoy your stay with the locals. 

Last and certainly not the least, never speak with an English accent, ever

Londoners can easily notice that you’re faking it. You don’t have to fake anything, you’re a tourist. They understand neutral accent, and they appreciate it more. 

Kensington Hotels

There is an island that stretches eastward from New York City. Long Island, as they call it, extends to about 115 miles. The western tip is where you find Brooklyn and Queens, which are part of New York City. When people speak of Long Island, they generally just mean Nassau and Suffolk counties. As you may have heard, the island is occupied by a little over three million people, but the number of people on the island increases due to the influx of visitors. The island has several spots that lure tourists. Luxury Long Island hotels ensure fine vacation places for wealthy visitors. Long Island is probably not the right place to go if you wish to be thrifty.

The most developed parts of the island are in Nassau and western parts of Suffolk. Population is also densest in these areas. The rest of Suffolk, on the other hand, has typical countryside feel, where wineries, farms, and beaches are common. However, these quiet places are where you can find summer vacation houses and hotels. 

Tourist destinations are spread throughout the island. Tourism is at its peak during summer and fall. These are the seasons when one can get to see the beauty of the island. Winter months see a drop in the number of visitors, who usually find the winter freeze too cold. Aside from bitter winters, the cost of traveling to and staying in Long Island keeps many potential tourists away. The Hamptons or the Gold Coast could strip you of your big cash in minutes. There are towns in Long Island though wherein prices are friendlier. But generally Long Island does not invite tourists with a budget price tag. 

Many people go to Long Island to experience its beautiful beaches, like the ones on the North Shore and South Shore. One can get to see the harbor towns on North Shore—Port Jefferson, Stony Brook, and Huntington Village. Restaurants and shops are spread across these towns. 

There a number of things to do for tourists. They can board the Hampton Jitney for a one-day tour or visit the Wine country on the North Fork. You can also visit the villages of Huntington or Great Neck and check out small shops there. Those who like to see magnificent views of the bay should go to Port Washington. 

Long Island is also a place of wonderful museums. One of the popular museums there is the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium, where you can appreciate the beauty of marine ecosystem. Many visitors also visit what used to be the summer home of President Theodore Roosevelt, the Sagamore Hill. It is now run by the National Park Service. Other museums are the Hicksville Gregory Museum, Cradle of Aviation, Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, Sands Point Preserve, Wantagh Museum, Village of Roslyn, and Sagtikos Manor. 

Long Island hotel accommodations are never a problem. There are a lot of hotels and motels where you can stay. They are all over the place, and you can look them up on the internet and make online reservations. 

Keep in mind that Long Island is a huge island. Once you are in there, it does not really look or feel like an island. You won’t see water unless you get near the coast. 

 Since winter is almost over, and since it has been a particularly long and strange one, you might be starting to consider where you would like to take your family on holiday. Well, good for you! If you’re badly in need of sunshine why not go for family Mauritius holidays and treat every family member to an unforgettable retreat in the Indian Ocean; somewhere tropical and exotic that everyone will love.

Mauritius is beautiful and relaxing island paradise with many things to see and do, but also an idyllic place that stands stills with the gentle sounds of the tropical breeze, the swaying of the palm trees and the soothing lapping of the waves, all of which are elements taht make it just as easy to do absolutely nothing and go for extreme serene relaxation during a holiday in Mauritius.

 Maybe you have kids, or maybe you don't. If you do, you're probably asking yourself if planning Mauritius holidays for the whole family in general is a good idea. The answer to that, in my humble opinion is: Yes, I'd say so. While the destination is also ideal for couples seeking for uninterrupted romance and beach seclusion, there are several resorts catering for little ones, including a fully supervised children’s club with many also providing special programmes, excursions and games for children to enjoy during the whole duration of their stay. No matter who you bring along and what age group they belong to, with a trip to Mauritius, they will not be disappointed. However, get over the "thinking about booking" phase as soon as you can if you wish to get a good deal on your flight tickets and accommodation. The best thing to do is to go online and find a reputable tour operator selling affordable Mauritius holidays, like The Holiday Place in London and waste no time in placing your booking and making the most of the special deals they offer. 

 It can be very easy to think that a tour of London is all about taking an open-top bus around the city’s major tourist locations. But there’s more to the capital than the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. In fact, if you’re looking for another side to one of the greatest cities on earth, there’s a whole alternative world waiting to be discovered.

Here are just seven tours with something different to offer, whether you’re a visitor, or a resident looking for something new and interesting to do.

One. The London Street Art Tour is quite literally an ‘off the wall’ experience. This tour will give you a close up look at some of the world’s best street artists, including Banksy, who have left their artistic mark on the brickwork of London’s capital. If you think art doesn’t need a gallery, this one’s for you.

Two. For those who appreciate a night out down at the local then a tour of some of London’s old pubs will introduce you to historic 16th Century alehouses and infamous drinking dens. Bottoms up!

Three. If you fancy an evening out with a little more meat on it, then a Death and Debauchery tour should fit the bill nicely. With a history of murder, crime and disease, London’s past has plenty to offer the visitor looking for a way to spend a scary few hours. Highlights include tales of gruesome hangings, grave robbing and the not to be missed two-headed boy of Bengal! More than a ghost walk, this definitely has the ghoul factor.

Four. If you prefer your horror to come with a laugh, then Andrew Mitchell’s Jack the Ripper Walking Tours offer a mix of comedy and informative guided tour that you will find appealing. 

Five. Harry Potter may have put down his wand for now, but you can still enjoy the magic of the films with a tour of Warner Bros Studios, where you can walk through beautiful sets, look at costumes and props, sip on a cool glass of butterbeer and even fly a broomstick. A real behind the scenes look at the most successful film series of all time, not to be missed.

Six. If Harry and his antics aren’t quite ‘cultural’ enough for you, you can always walk in the footsteps of Charles Dickens as you follow the ‘author’ around the places in London that influenced his writing.  Let the Old Curiosity Shop near Lincoln’s Inn stir your imagination… 

And seven. If you’re feeling energetic, you can always turn to pedal power and hire a bicycle for a saddle height tour of the city, through its streets and hidden passageways, for a personal and unique perspective on this great city.

Taking an alternative tour will add an extra dimension to any London visit, whatever the time of year. But when the days are long and the weather is fine, it makes sense to get the most out of your trip by booking overnight summer accommodation in London. Choose from a wealth of options and make sure you enjoy every minute of your stay.