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Once in a lifetime

Visiting the South Island of New Zealand


 by TraceyLC 

 If spectacular scenery and amazing activities appeal to you, then the South Island of New Zealand is the place to go. Boasting an incredibly diverse landscape ranging from rugged mountain ranges to sheltered waterways and stunning coastline, the South Island is a feast for the senses. The range of activities in the South Island is extensive with adventure sports for thrill seekers, a plethora of outdoor activities for nature lovers and plenty of options for rest, relaxation and pampering. The South Island is also well set up for tourists and accommodation options are varied and plentiful, catering to all budgets. 

Nelson is the Northern gateway to the South Island, located on the largest fishing port in Australasia and surrounded by fertile countryside; it is a town with bountiful fresh produce from both the land and the sea. Foodies will enjoy exploring the many wineries, chic restaurants and trendy cafes and experience fresh food at its best. Funky art galleries and a rich Maori history will enthral culture lovers while the surrounding National Parks provide plenty of opportunity to commune with nature. Nearby Marlborough Sounds is a must see and is best explored by water. Local tourist companies offer a range of cruise and tour options including hosted kayak tours exploring the maze of winding waterways and spectacular coves. The Queen Charlotte Track is a 71 km track winding through the Marlborough sounds and can be done by either foot or mountain bike. The track boasts spectacular scenery and takes between 3 to 5 days to complete. There is a good range of accommodation along the track including tent sites, cabins, motels and hotels.  Accommodation in Nelson covers everything from eco lodges and farm stays to luxury hotels and motels and everything in between.

Another town worthy of a visit is the coastal town of Kaikoura nestled at the base of a mountain range and right on the coast. Kaikoura has a stunning combination of snow capped mountains and pretty beaches with a range of activities based around each. Whale and dolphin watching are popular past times along this stretch of coast, and the surrounding mountains provide many opportunities for hiking, mountain bike riding and bird watching. Kaikoura is also rich in Maori culture and visitors can take a cultural tour of the area. The Coastal Pacific Train Journey passes through Kaikoura and is considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, and is a unique way to see the area. Accommodation in Kaikoura is geared to all types of travellers and all budgets, with a great range of options to suit everyone.   

The city of Dunedin on the south eastern coast of the South Island is New Zealand’s oldest city. Located at the head of a natural harbour and surrounded by rugged bush covered hills and valleys, the city has both natural beauty and rich historical value with stunning architecture from the late Victorian era. The nearby Otago Peninsula is internationally renowned as a wildlife reserve and is home to the breeding grounds of the rare royal albatross, fur seals and colonies of yellow-eyed and little blue penguins.  CNN has voted the Otago Peninsula as one of the ten most romantic places in the world to propose. Cruises of the area are a great way to see the local wildlife in its natural habitat and a relaxing way to spend a day. Accommodation in Dunedin is world class and ranges from backpacker’s accommodation to luxury hotels and everything in between.

Invercargill is the southernmost city in New Zealand, and is known as the heart of the Southland area. Garden lovers will adore Queens Park with its 80 hectares of stunning garden beds and tree lined walkways. Half an hour away is the fishing port of Bluff, famous for its Bluff oysters and fantastic seafood which supplies the local restaurant industry with its fresh delights. For bird watchers, a short ferry ride to Stewart Island is a must as it is home to a huge range of native birds and the only place in New Zealand where you are likely to see a Kiwi in its natural habitat. Nugget Point, along the coast in the Catlins is home to fur seals, sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins, spoonbills and gannets. Invercargill accommodation is good quality, with Invercargill being a popular destination for conferences. There are a good range of hotels and motels along with caravan parks and camping grounds for the budget conscious. 


For more information on Accommodation Nelson, Accommodation Dunedin and Invercargill Accommodation visit Choice Hotels New Zealand online. 


Top Miami City Tours and Miami Attractions

Miami Beach

 by Miami Tours Operators 

Travel Destinations and Seaquarium Miami and Really Helpful, if you are a non-swimmer you can still enjoy an encounter with the friendly dolphins. Florida Dolphin Tours introduced a dolphin wading encounter program during 2009. This program is similar to the deeper water dolphin encounters. Two people enter the water and meet two trained dolphins, who will greet you with a wide range of playful greetings. You will also learn how to make signals to the dolphins which will prompt them to sing and dance! All of this takes place in waist deep water and no swimming is required. 

Miami is a very popular tourist center in USA. Tourist attractions are enormous and the visitors can make a choice of their own about the places they need to visit. Some of the famous tourist destinations are described here. Miami Florida Hotels, Seaquarium Miami and Everglades Tours and Top Reasons to Buy, Miami Attractions comprises of all you can enjoy beaches, sightseeing, historical monuments and interesting museums. Just plan your holidays in Miami and be ready to enjoy perfect vacations in Miami. Explore the city with your family and friends just hire vehicle or your choice and enjoy picturesque views. You can also learn about the facts, history, locals and neighborhoods of this place in your vacations. 

After you arrive to Miami Beach, FL, The first thing you must do is go to the beach! Now after that, Miami has a lot more to offer than just the beach. For that same reason you will rapidly notice Miami if very full of tours retailers all over the place, the main reason for that is because people want to know more about this great place. With more than 2,000 animals and over 1,200 plants can be viewed from the walkways, casual visitors and regular tourists may not understand the depth of these exclusive but if you are planning holidays in Miami for the first time you will surely discover something unique and stunning. Miami Seaplane Tours, Seaquarium Miami and Everglades Tours and Creative Ideas, The Wet Season, May through November, is very hot and humid, the animals take cover and the only things flying around are mosquitoes. 

Most people stay away during his time of the year, but not me this is when I was there. Don't get me wrong I had a great time when I went and can't wait to go again but I wasn't exactly the best prepared. First I wore a bright yellow shirt, not the best choice of colors, I might as well have put a bug target on my back, and then I didn't put bug spray on right away and big mistake. I know no one likes to bring this up but, folks, it is a swamp and swamps have bugs, please take and use bug spray. 

Based directly on the beach in the renowned Artwork Deco Area, this package-style house presents secure lodgings with easy amenities on Marine Push in Miami Beach, Fl. Swim in the Atlantic, or the Gulf of Mexico, along the way to Key Largo, Key West, and see in person the legendary country that Hemmingway found to be inspiring. Enjoy the Gulf Coast Florida offers, and wander pleasant Key beaches. Go fishing on a charter boat to catch the big ones you can tell stories about, the marlin, and sailfish. 


Articles brought to you by the Leader for Miami Attractions and Miami City Tours in Florida, Half Price Tour Tickets.

Celebrate a Season of Magic in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park



by Sherron Kines-Hodge

 Atlanta’s Piedmont Park is all decked out for the holidays.  Thousands of lights illuminate the historic park in midtown Atlanta each evening.  A Season of Magic transforms the park into a spectacular winter wonderland that will delight Atlanta residents and visitors.

Visitors may stroll through the park for free during the evenings and enjoy the lights, or they may choose several seasonal activities at a nominal price.  Children will love riding the old fashioned carousel, with the Legacy Fountain light show as a backdrop.  Carousel rides are $3.  Adults may enjoy the holiday beer garden or the horse drawn carriage rides.  Piedmont Park is the only Atlanta park offering carriage rides this season.  Carriage rides are available daily from 5-10pm.  Tickets are $20 for adults and $60 for groups of 3-5.  The rides start from two locations: Magnolia Hall near the Tennis Center and Park Tavern at the corner of 10th Street and Monroe Drive.

Families may try out their athletic skills at the Piedmont Park Ice Skating Rink, which is open from November 21 through February 28, 2012.  The rink is located in the Garden Tent at Park Tavern.  The tent is heated for comfort with piped-in music and rink-side dining.  Tickets are $15 and include skate rental.  Day and night skate sessions are available.  
Adults are invited to the Jingle Mingles on Wednesday nights through December 21.  The $15 cost includes a special complimentary cocktail, a D.J. and music, classic table games, and holiday themed crafts.  Jingle Mingles take place in Magnolia Hall from 6-10pm.

Piedmont Park’s Green Market will finish its 2011 season on Saturday, December 10.  Attendees can buy seasonal items and enjoy music by local musicians.  The kids can make eco-friendly seasonal decorations from recycled materials.  The Green Market is held at the 12th Street entrance gate.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is located adjacent to the northwest side of the park off Piedmont Avenue.  This holiday season the garden is hosting its own special light show- “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.”  Visitors will walk through a dazzling display of nearly one million energy efficient LED lights.  The Great Lawn will feature a unique color changing light show choreographed to holiday music.  The Fuqua Conservatory is illuminated by low voltage lasers, giving off an unusual “Avatar” effect of green dots.  

Train lovers will enjoy the G-scale model train display set in an outdoor landscape.  Tickets for Garden Lights are $18.95 for adults and $ 12.95 for ages 3-12.  Food and beverages will be available for purchase during the light show.  Garden Lights runs through January 7, 2012 from 5-10pm.
Enjoy both the Season of Magic in Piedmont Park and Garden Lights at Atlanta Botanical Garden this December.  It’s a spectacular way to ring in the holiday season. 


Sherron Kines-Hodge is the Director of Sales at the Hampton Inn and Suites Atlanta Airport Hotel.  The Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport Hotel is just north of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and just southwest of downtown Atlanta. The hotel is two and a half miles from the Georgia International Convention Center and four miles from Atlanta Expo Center.

For more information visit: http://www.AIRPORTHAMPTONINN.COM          

Columbia’s House Museums Offer Christmas Tours


 by Kim Roberts 

 Three of downtown Columbia, South Carolina’s historic house museums are decked out for the holiday season.  Visitors may take guided Christmas tours of the Hampton-Preston Mansion, the Robert Mills House, and Mann-Simons Cottage.  Each historic property has been beautifully decorated for Christmas celebrations in the 19th or early 20th centuries.

The Hampton-Preston Mansion, built in 1818 and listed on the National Registered of Historic Places, is one of Columbia’s oldest remaining houses.  It was the home of two wealthy Columbia families during the first half of the 19th century.  During the Civil War the home served as a Union Army Headquarters.  It was later used by several educational institutions including Chicora College and Columbia Bible College.  The home has been restored and is furnished with period pieces, some belonging to the original families.  Four acres of gardens have also been restored.  The Hampton –Preston Mansion is located at 1615 Blanding Street.

The Robert Mills House is an elegantly restored 1823 residence at 1616 Blanding Street.  It was one of the only private homes designed by Mills, the first native born professional architect.  He was widely known for designing public buildings, including the Washington Monument.  The building was converted to a Presbyterian seminary in the 1830s.  President Woodrow Wilson’s father, a Presbyterian minister, taught at the school.  The facility was later used by Columbia Bible College.  The Robert Mills House is furnished with early 19th century English, French, and American decorative arts.  The home is a National Historic Landmark.

The Mann-Simons Cottage, located at 1403 Richland Street, is a unique historical property.  The land was owned by former slaves and once contained several cottages and commercial buildings.  The 1850s era cottage is the only remaining building on the property.  Descendants of the original family owned the property until 1970 and operated a number of small businesses, including a grocery store.  The Mann-Simons Cottage is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today the three properties are owned by the Historic Columbia Foundation.  The homes may be visited year round, but are specially decorated for Christmas tours through January 2, 2012.  Hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm and Sundays from 1-5pm.  The homes are closed on Mondays, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.  The last tour begins one hour before closing time.  Tour tickets may be purchased at the Robert Mills Museum Shop.  Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $3 for ages 6-17.  Take a holiday tour this season and experience Christmas from a bygone era. 


Kim Roberts is the Director of Sales for Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Northeast. A top choice among other hotels in Columbia SC, this newly opened property is located just off I-77 at exit 11 near the Northeast business district and is conveniently situated just 15 miles from downtown Columbia.       

For more information visit: http://www.ColumbiaSouthCarolinaHotel.com


All About Nusa Dua


 by Ray Horsfall 

 Beautiful Nusa Dua is the place to come if you’re looking for serenity, sunshine and luxury. Made up mostly of 5 star resorts, Nusa Dua makes the most of the incredible natural coastline of Bali, and Nusa Dua hotels are not only exclusive but negate much of the hassle of traveling to a place like Bali. There’s not as much in the way of bartering with local traders and being swept up in the cultural hustle and bustle, but if beaches and relaxation are your game, then you can’t go past Nusa Dua.

Pantai Geger

The public beach in Nasu Dua is beautiful and because it is not ‘owned’ by any of the resorts it retains a unique Bali flavour. The sand is blindingly white and the East-facing location ensures a beautiful cool breeze, along with some of the warmest water temperatures in Bali due to the reef far out. It is also a prized surf-spot due to said reef, and if you’re into surfing there is little more enjoyable than returning from a heavy day on the water to a cocktail and soothing massage!

Serangan Island

The name means ‘Turtle Island’, and is a conservation area for sea turtles. It’s possible to get boats from Nusa Dua out to the island and usually these have glass bottoms so that you can view the marine life. The island also plays a big role in religious history and tradition, and despite its diminutive size there are actually four temples on the land, one of which, Pura Sakenan, is one of the holiest sites for Balinese Hindus.

Be Pampered

As I said, Nusa Dua is all about luxury, and this makes it the perfect place to take advantage of traditional Balinese massage and Indonesian spa treatments. Nusa Dua also boasts incredible restaurants at its many resorts and a cocktail from one of its beachfront bars will be hard to beach. If you’re in Nusa Dua, it’s time to put on your pampering pants and forget for a while about the elevated price tag it carries with it!

Water Sports

Nusa Dua is the perfect place to indulge your love of water sports, with the resorts offering everything from sailing, jet-skis and kayaking to para sailing and jet-boats. It’s a water-lover’s paradise and the crystal-clear waters make any activity on the open seas a delight.

As far as Bali accommodation goes Nusa Dua is up at the steep end, but if you’re looking for luxury, you really cannot go past it. With more package deals available than you can poke a stick at, Nusa Dua offers the perfect indulgent getaway–once you return you’ll be refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on real life again…although you may not want to! 


Ray Horsfall is a writer for Bali Dream Tours which specializes in Bali Accommodation  

Delhi Luxury Inns, Total Comfort


 by aditi mats 

 Delhi, the funding of India together with the 3rd major city of India, has genuinely developed into a cosmopolitan town. Delhi prominent for the custom & culture will now be also preferred for its investments, industrialization, and health resources etc. Delhi is filled monuments, historical places, malls, markets etc. In short, it includes now develop into the most impressive places of view in travelers. Luxury hotels in Delhi offers great comfort and ease and revitalize you for your stay at Delhi. 

Delhi has always attracted individuals with its charm. Traveler, businessman, or perhaps a student, the vibrant choices that come with Delhi are enough to really make it magnificent. From beautiful monuments with the huge local retailer, Delhi is really a entire package for ones holidays. 

To present you with comprehensive comfort, the metropolis offers many luxurious inns in Delhi. These inns not just supply you with modern amenities but probably sometimes organize small get-together parties to help you be talk with other guest. Also its provides you fully furnished spacious rooms with modern amenities, car parks, community rooms, spa, antique shops, boutiques shops, beauty parlors, concierge services. These resorts also have Bar & lounge facilities with regards to esteemed guest. 

One of the advantages of deciding on hotel in Delhi is that, almost all lodges are simply near markets, airports and railway stations, which will make on your path of travelers from side to side. 

Hotel Oberoi Delhi is preferred ready for its advantageous location. Overlooking the Delhi's Pub on one side additionally, the Humayun's Tomb on the other guitar, just 30 minute drive from air-port, Oberoi hotel Delhi offers just about the most comfortable and opulent stay at the funding city. 

Connaught place, centrally located in Delhi, is a busy business place accompanied by a shopping spot. It might be easily obtainable hotel location in New Delhi. 
Some of the popular Delhi luxury lodges near Connaught Place is the Imperial Hotel, Shangri-La, and Le Meridian. Likewise hotel Shangri-La, Hyatt regency hotel, hotel Taj palace, the Grand hotel. 

The various other recognized Delhi Luxury Motels are Aman Resorts, Amarya Garden, Claridges Hotel Delhi, Hotel Crown Plaza, Hotel Hyatt Regency, Imperial Hotel Delhi, Le-Meridian, ITC Maurya Hotel, Oberoi Maidens, Shangri La, Le Meridian, The Lalit Delhi, Hotel Taj Mansingh, Hotel Taj Ambassador Delhi and Sheraton Hotel Delhi. 


For more detail about Hotels near Delhi Airport, please visit our website: Hotel at Delhi