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Once in a lifetime

Majorca Destination Guide

Located 500 miles off the east coast of Spain, the beautiful island of Majorca has an excellent position in the peaceful Mediterranean Sea. Often referred to as Mallorca, the island is the largest of the Balearic Islands and is renowned for good all year round climate. Majorca has nearly 250 miles of coastline, beautiful villages and towns and amazing mountain scenery along its northern coast.

There is so much to do and see on the island that you will be spoilt for choice. Walking and hiking in the spring, autumn or early summer is great for the whole family. The countryside is full of little lanes, beautiful olive groves and amazing gorges while the Serra de Tramuntana are excellent for exploring the islands hidden beaches, monasteries and palaces. Bird lovers will be in their element on the island as it attracts migratory birds like ospreys and falcons. The Majorcan countryside is also great for exploring on horseback or by bicycle with many places renting out cycles on an hourly basis. Due to Majorca's good all year round climate, it is a popular destination for golfing holidays. The island offers a variety of excellent golf courses, including Golf Santa Ponsa which hosts the Balearic Open. Then of course there are the beautiful beaches where the warm Mediterranean waters are ideal for water sports including scuba diving for all abilities, windsurfing, jet-skiing and sailing. Many of the larger resorts on the island offer equipment for hire as do the marinas, nautical clubs and water sports centres, so why not try a few new sports while on your holiday packages to Majorca. During Aril and August there are regattas held in Palma.

Majorca loves its festivals with local Saint's days, bygone battles and harvests all celebrated throughout the year in the villages and towns of the island. No two festivals are the same, each giving an insight into Mallorca's varied culture. Visitors to these festivals will enjoy music, dancing and traditional food. 

The resorts of Cala d'Or and Alcudia are particularly popular with families looking for beach holidays while the resorts of Magaluf and Palma Nova are more popular with couples and groups of friends looking for some lively nightlife.

Magaluf is without a doubt the best known resort in Majorca. Located about 10 miles from Palma, the resort is well known for its lively nightlife and is very popular with groups of young people looking for excitement as well as beautiful beaches to laze on during the daytime hours. However Magaluf is becoming increasingly popular with families and couples outside the busy summer season. The traffic-free promenades in Magaluf are lined with bars, clubs, restaurants and shops which offer a focal point for activities during the day and at night. There are plenty of water sports and beach activities available here in Magaluf, making the resort a perfect choice for those seeking sun, sea and entertainment.

Cala d'Or is located in the south-east of the island and is popular with families looking for a quiet relaxed holiday away from the bigger resorts. The beaches and secluded coves around the resort are ideal for children with plenty of places to explore to keep them occupied while the parents relax in the sun on the beautiful sandy shores. Nearby Cala Llonga is great for a romantic meal at one of the many fine restaurants on offer. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the coastline or take a leisurely stroll around the winding lanes, taking in the atmosphere of this old fishing town.

Alcudia on the north coast of Majorca is another popular resort with families. Offering an array of water sports along its long sandy beach, there is something for the whole family to enjoy here. Children will love warm, shallow Mediterranean Sea, as will the adults who can relax in the sun knowing that their children are safe. There is also a water park in Alcudia, the Hidropark, which makes a great day out for the whole family. Away from the beach a visit to the historic Old Town is a must on your bargain holidays to Mallorca. 

Majorca is the perfect destination at any time of the year. The island is at its busiest during the summer season which runs from June to September. At this time of the year temperatures are in the mid to high 20's with up to 12 hours of sunshine a day. Evening temperatures rarely drop below 18C and rainfall is minimal. During the winter months, December to March, temperatures average around 15C with the wettest months being October, November and December. The winter months are a great time to explore Majorca and to take the opportunity to be amazed at the islands thousands of almond trees in full bloom. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the island on walking and cycling holidays as it is quieter, less expensive and temperatures are much cooler.

Emma Healey is the co-founder and owner of holidayholidayholiday.co.uk, specialists in
 holidays and package holidays to worldwide destination. Thanks for taking the time to read my article and be sure to watch out for more of my articles as I'm writing many travel blogs and have some great topics coming soon.


Tourism in china


In the whole of Asia, China remains a popular destination for tourism. The nation has continued to witness unusual growth in the tourism market. It's currently one of the best destinations to visit around the world. It ranks as the 3rd most visited nation in the world. Millions of travelers visit the country on yearly basis. The country also derives huge revenue from tourism. 

There are notable cities popularly visited by tourists in China. Among them include Beijing, Xi'an, Nanjing, Luoyang, Anyang, Kaifeng, and so on. There also popular historic towns and cities with awesome attractions. Among them include Shanxi, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Wuhan, Suzhou, Shenyang, Macau, Tianjin and many others. 

There are several tourist attractions in most of the popular cities. Among them include:

• The Great Wall of China at Jinshanling 
• Mount Emei at Sichuan 
• Mount Tai at Shandong
• The Forbidden City in Beijing
• The Mausoleum at Xi'an with several collection of statues 
• The Grand Canal
• Summer Palace at Beijing
• Temple of Heaven at Beijing 

Aside from the above, there are also several beautiful rivers and lakes in major Chinese cities. Many of them have awesome beaches and guest houses. All kinds of boat trips are allowed in most of them.

Meanwhile, there are several religious sites across the nation. Travelers visit them for religious purposes. Among them include Mount Tai with the immaculate temples, the Hanging temple at Mount Heng, the Shanxi temple, and some others. There are also several grottoes and statues in most of the temples. 

Meanwhile, tourist resources in China can be categorized into three subheadings. They include cultural, historical and natural sites. The cultural and historical sites include several attractions like cultural relics, grottoes, statues of former imperial soldiers, ancient temples and so on. The natural sites include mountains, caves, waterfalls, valleys, rivers and lakes. 

To enjoy the best of tourism in China, one has to visit most of the cities. The major entrance to the nation is through the airlines. There are several international and domestic airports in most of the major cities. Travelers coming from the neighboring Asian cities can also enter the nation by bus, train or car. Moreover, getting around the cities is the best method of seeing all the sites and attractions listed above. One can move around by taxi, bus, boat or car. There are also several affordable China tour packages available. One can use them to move round the cities. 

In all, China remains a great tourist destination in the world. It's indeed a great destination to visit. One can have a great time spending his or her next vacation in any of the popular cities across the nation. China tours are very entertaining. Ritz tours offers them at affordable rates.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tourism-in-China---Useful-Info&id=7558600] Tourism in China - Useful Info

Visit Palm Beach Florida

 Palm Beach, Florida, a barrier island, is approximately one hour's drive north of Miami, Florida. Palm Beach is a beautiful city, filled with lush colorful gardens, palm tree lined streets, large beautiful homes, clean well maintained beaches, luxury hotels, fine dining establishments, high end shopping and a safe, virtually crime free environment.

If you are searching for a safe, beautiful, luxurious, destination for a vacation or getaway, it's hard to beat Palm Beach. Be pampered and spoiled at great hotel resorts and spas like the Breakers, a Five Diamond hotel resort on 140 acres of oceanfront land, with a 36 hole championship golf course, 10 tennis courts, a luxury oceanfront spa, a Mediterranean-style beach club, a broad selection of distinctive restaurants and an array of on-site high end boutiques, the Four Seasons Hotel And Resort, another Five Diamond luxury hotel, with it's beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, each with a private balcony, spacious sitting area, comfortable, well-equipped work space (with two-line telephones and high speed internet access) and luxurious marble bathroom featuring L'Occitane bath amenities, it's award-winning fitness center and spa offering a full range of massages and body treatments and it's three Har-Tru tennis courts or the Ritz-Carlton, again, a Five Diamond luxury hotel and resort, with it's rooms and suites which have have private balconies,  marbled baths and Frette bed linens, it's extensive spa services and onsite tennis.

Play on the beautiful beaches and swim in the clear warm Atlantic water. Dine in one of the many fine dining establishments like The Restaurant At The Four Seasons, the Cafe Boulud, L'escalier, the Leopard Lounge And Supper Club, the Palm Beach Grill, the Polo Restaurant, the Trevini and more. Play golf at The Palm Beach Golf Course or one of the many top rated golf courses surrounding Palm Beach, go big game or sport fishing or go shopping on Worth Avenue, one of the world most prestigious shopping districts filled with some of the best designer shops anywhere, like Louis Vuitton, Emilio Pucci, Saks Fifth Avenue, Salvatore Ferragamo, Cartier, Escada and more. Note: Surrounding Worth Avenue you will find many additional prestigious shops.

Palm Beach is a place to relax, wind down and live elegantly, and if you want more, remember, Miami Beach is just a short gorgeous, scenic drive down the highway.

For more information about the city of Palm Beach, Florida see:  


David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Source

How to Find a Pet Friendly Hotel


pet hotels
The relationship between men and pets is quite old. If you dig deeper into details and check some history, you will find several examples. For instance, pets were in papyrus canoes that were supposed to be in the Atlantic ocean , sailors had pets onboard while they were exploring some 5,000 years ago, and you could find about Pirates of the Caribbean who had parrots on their shoulders.

Things have not changed today, as people are still in love with their pets, and they want their dogs and cats with them even when they travel to different parts of the world. If you are a pet lover, you should ensure that you’re opting for one of the best pet-friendly hotels. The thing you need to bear in mind that you cannot afford to pick any of the available pet-friendly hotels. Just like you, your pets have needs, and if these needs are not met, neither you nor your pet will enjoy a holiday.

It is worth mentioning that though animals are good travelers and the idea of traveling with pets is nothing new, you can find several pet-friendly accommodations in modern times. Gone are the days when you have to sleep in your van with your critters because you could not locate a good pet-friendly hotel. Now you can find some accommodation options where pets are allowed in the rooms.

In the early 1990s, it was hard to find hotels that welcomed pets. It was mainly because pets were not considered special on the tourist industry’s radar screen. But considering people traveling all over the world with their pets, it is now obvious to find several sites that allow you to find and compare a number of best pet friendly hotels in any part of the world. Hotels have now fully understood the importance of offering baby boomers the facility to bring along their pets, and the market is only going to get better because the pet industry is going to get better, which in fact didn’t get hurt during hard economic times.

People have a higher tendency to stay in a hotel longer if they feel that their pets are being well taken care of, and that they don’t have to worry about them. It’s expensive to travel with your pet, and considering this, people don’t mind shelling out more cash to pick a pet-friendly hotel. It’s the mindset that’s helping this market to grow.

While searching for a pet-friendly hotel, you should consider doing a few things. First of all, try some online sites where you can find different deals from different pet-friendly hotels. You can now compare these deals and pick a good one. Once done, check some reviews and feedbacks different people have left after staying at a particular hotel. People who enjoy staying at a particular pet-friendly hotel go back and tell about that to their friends. It means asking your friends for referrals will also work in your favor. Why not use the potential of lip marketing, may you find favor. 




The Definition of Perfection: An Ibiza Beach Holiday Deal


 by ClaireH88 

 Utterly surrounded by bounteous beaches, the luscious island of Ibiza is without doubt the perfect beach holiday destination. Located in the warm waters of the Mediterranean, not only does Ibiza offer the lucky holiday maker endless amounts of beaches to relax on and glorious swathes of the finest Spanish sunshine, but with so many Ibiza holidays around, you can’t help but pick up a great deal.

With over 50 gorgeous beaches to choose from, you will certainly be spoilt for choice. There are large, small, busy, and quiet ones as well as golden ones, sandy ones (well they’re all sandy), nude ones and child friendly ones – so take your pick. Many beaches are only a short dash from the twinkling boutiques and fine eateries which is perfect for when you’ve overdosed on too much sun. One thing is for sure though; wherever you stay on your Ibiza holiday, you will never be more than a stone’s throw from a sultry, sexy, sun-loving beach – no matter how hard you try.

If you want to get away from the busy resort centres and explore all that Ibiza has to offer, why not grab a water taxi, or for something a bit more exciting, try out some of the thrilling water sports and leisure activities on offer. Bars and clubs in Ibiza are open all night, so if you love music and the buzz of a real nightlife then pack your dancing shoes and head on down to some of the most famous clubs in the world.

If you prefer the quieter life then the history and sheer beauty of the island is something that must not be missed. If you fancy a stroll away from the beach, then visit some of the interesting historical sites and mesmerising museums and take full advantage of the culture captured in this beautiful part of the world.

If you love value for money, then you can’t possibly get more beach for your pound then on a holiday to Ibiza. This beautiful Balearic Island is popular all year round with holiday makers of all ages and an Ibiza holiday is guaranteed to be a great holiday. 


For more information on Ibzia holidays visit lowcostholidays.com today. Book your holiday to Ibiza and to many other destination today.

Holiday Rentals in Ibiza Town – Try Self-catering in the Spanish Balearic Islands


Ibiza Holidays
 by J. Corcoran 

 Ibiza Town is an extremely captivating vacation spot to book apartment holiday rentals in Ibiza or holiday villas in Ibiza town. It features charming historic fortifications, first-class places to eat out, a magnificent cathedral and a superb assortment of retail outlets. Ibiza Town is quite small, so recently it has become popular with some holidaymakers who like the beach, to stay at one of the nearby resorts on the coast such as Playa d'en Bossa, Figueretas or Talamanca. This can be ideal for holidaymakers who like to book Ibiza holiday apartments in a lively resort but who also want easy access to the nightlife and facilities of Ibiza Town. 

If you are staying in Ibiza holiday apartments or holiday villas in Ibiza town you will be interested to know about the local food. As a result of the numerous nationalities who have lived in Ibiza in the past, you will find that many diverse dishes make up the gastronomy of the island. A couple of traditional dishes worth trying are Ibizan-style tuna, roast pork, fish soup and rustic stir-fries with meat, potatoes and vegetables. Ibiza also offers a good selection of drinks to go with your food. Locally produced beer, wine and spirits are available at very reasonable prices and Cocktails are available in most bars. There are also plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available which make use of the wide selection of fruit grown on the island. Ibiza Town boasts a significant selection of restaurants for visitors who are staying in self-catering holiday rentals in Ibiza. 

If you are staying in villa holiday rentals in Ibiza or Ibiza holiday apartments you can find several wonderful beaches in the vicinity of Ibiza Town:

Playa de Talamanca borders Talamanca Bay and is a pleasant sandy beach with clear waters. It can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot, as can playa de Figueretas. The lively resort of Playa d'en bossa has the longest stretch of beach on the island and is dotted with bars and cafés. It is a favorite with tourists who enjoy watersports. If you want to go a bit further afield, the beaches around Ses Salines are easily reached by bus and are thought to be some of the finest on the island. You can also take a ferry to the neighbouring island of Formentera where the beaches are second to none.

The island of Ibiza has a worldwide reputation as one of the best places for nightlife and holidaymakers often book their holiday rentals in Ibiza to make the most of what is on offer. Ibiza is a dance Mecca and Ibiza Town is one of the dance hotspots. The entrance fees for the big, popular clubs can typically cost around €30 to €60 and drinks are often exorbitant so clubbing in Ibiza is not cheap. It may be worth exploring the possibility of buying your tickets beforehand online. Nightclub opening hours are from around midnight to 6 am, so some people like to have a couple of hours sleep in the early evening before they go out so that they can last the night out!

While you staying in your villa or apartment holiday rentals in Ibiza you may well get to experience one of the many fiestas which take place throughout the year. There are fiestas for each town as well as for the patron saints days. The town fiestas can go on for a week and usually have loads of children’s entertainment, live shows, competitions and parades through the town with floats ending with spectacular firework displays. The Eivissa Medieval Festival is held on the second Sunday in May. This new festival includes concerts and dancing and celebrates the declaration of D’alt Villa as a World Heritage site in 1992.

When visiting Ibiza and staying in apartment holiday rentals in Ibiza or holiday villas in Ibiza town you must explore the Sa Penya and Sa Marina districts near the port. These districts are full of stylish boutiques and unique shops and it is one of the most popular shopping areas on the island. The New Town and Vara de Ray Boulevard also have some good shops and the streets around Carrer d'Enmig are where you will find the famous 'hippy’ markets with their many stalls selling all kinds of art and craft products. If you like a good rummage for a bargain there is a flea market every Saturday at the race-track of San Jordi. 


Try booking self-catering holiday rentals in Ibiza, online. Ibiza holiday apartments and holiday villas in Ibiza town can be booked direct with the property owners. Julie Corcoran, the author, works for the Holiday-Villa-Select website.  



Places to Visit in USA


 by Lia-feature 

 The United States is the most popular and renowned country in the world today, thanks to their financial power, but also to their strong export of culture, among which the film and music industry are the most popular. There are fifty states in the US, not counting Washington D.C., which is the capital and is considered a federal district. There are 48 contiguous states here, meaning they are linked together, but there are also Alaska and Hawaii, which adhered in 1959. We mentioned all this information in order to make a point out of the fact that it can be difficult to choose the best places to visit in USA.

   Every state in the USA has something which makes it different and special, so if you want to make an American road trip, make sure you have enough time and money to check out all its attractions. Nevertheless, we are going to present some of the most attractive places to visit in USA, the first of them being the state of New York, and mainly New York City. This is the largest city in USA and it is a financial and cultural hub. Museums, parks, cafes, restaurants, skyscrapers and a stupendous nightlife are among the things you can enjoy here. Don’t miss a visit to Ellis Island to see the Statue of Liberty and climb on top of the Empire State Building for a spectacular view of the city that never sleeps.

   Among all the places to visit in USA, our favorite has to be the state of California, home of Hollywood and San Francisco. The latter is one of the most beautiful cities this country has to offer, with its hippie culture and nonconformist attitude, its Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf and numerous parks and beaches. However, if you prefer a more historical town, go to Chicago, Illinois, where you can also enjoy some of the best American food and not only. Here you can admire the wonderful old and modern architecture, take a stroll through Millennium Park and be impressed by everything you see in the Museum of Science and Industry.

   One of the most famous places to visit in USA, Las Vegas is the major city in the state of Nevada. It is, of course, famous for its casinos and gambling venues, but you can also enjoy the architecture, the spas and hotels, or the Bellagio Fountains. Fine cuisine and fine living in general are celebrated here, but be careful not to over-spend in this brightly-lit city located at the edge of the desert. These were our main picks for USA destinations, but we also recommend Hawaii for its exotic landscape, Los Angeles for the nightlife and beaches, New Orleans for its culture, food and music, and Washington, the unmistakable capital of this country. 


There are many wonderful places to visit in USA, but among them New York City is special, because it is a world capital where people and cultures from around the world clash and create a special and unique atmosphere.

Cycling Vacations In Majorca Spain

Cycling In Majorca

When most people think Majorca, they think of beautiful, white, sandy  beaches. Beautiful beaches and crystal blue waters aren't all Majorca has to offer. In fact, the island has something to offer nearly everyone.

Majorca is one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the world. Mediterranean people love to indulge children of all ages. In fact, the servers at even the most upscale restaurant are likely to offer to cuddle your unruly toddler to give you a moment's peace to enjoy your meal. 

Most of Majorca's beaches are well-geared for families with small children. They offer great features like safe, shallow water for little ones to really enjoy their beach time. Many theme parks and water attractions have family activities, including miniature golf and pony rides. Several resorts and hotels offer babysitting services and programs specifically designed for children.

Vacation packages to Majorca are often all-inclusive. Resorts and agencies often offer packages for honeymooners, babymooners, beach lovers and tourists of all sorts. 

Some of Majorca's most popular vacation packages include scuba diving, boating and relaxing on the beach. The more physically demanding vacation packages are becoming more popular year by year. Cycling vacations have risen drastically over the last few years. This increase is expected to continue to increase by at least 10 percent over the next two to three years. In 2007, more than 87,000 cyclists enjoyed a cycling vacation in Majorca.

Cycling is quickly becoming a favourite activity for tourists around the world. Tourism authorities in Majorca understand this and have worked relentlessly on new bike routes and facilities over the past 10 years.

Their hard work and dedication has been paying off. Currently the island boasts an astounding 260 km of cycling routes. They will continue to improve upon one of the most quickly growing activities on the island. 

Cycling offers a very unique tour of the island. Some hotels and local businesses offer guided tours and bike rentals. Many other bike-friendly facilities offer bike maintenance and secure storage. 

Utilizing the freedom of travel a bicycle offers, tourists often get to experience parts of Majorca during their holidays that most do not see. Many bike paths wind their way through the mountains and hills, allowing a very natural view of the island's flora and fauna.

Water sports and golf also make for popular Majorca holidays. Some local businesses offer dive or boat tours and diving lessons. Diving in the Mediterranean Sea is an experience like no other. Some species of tropical fish and marine life exist only in this temperate climate. Crystal clear waters offer a great viewing distance. Local businesses also offer boat and water craft rentals for those who wish to explore the open sea on their own.

The Balearic Islands are located almost directly south of Barcelona, Spain. Also known as Mallorca, Majorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands. Majorca is located in the Mediterranean Sea between eastern Spain and northern Africa. Due to the location, Majorca enjoys an impressive 300 days of sunshine per year. 



A Guide To Enjoy Majorca


by james 

 It’s a coveted tourist destination; it’s the most celebrated and esteemed destination of Spain; it’s your wonderful playground for the tourists; it’s your Majorca, also known as Mallorca. Located off the coast in the Mediterranean Sea of Spain, your Majorca is the largest island of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea. It is part of the Balearic Islands, an archipelago including Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera, and Cabrera. 

Your Majorca has two mountainous regions occupying northwestern (Serra de Tramuntana or Tramuntana range) and eastern thirds of the island. Located in the municipality of Fornalutx, the Alfabia Mountains and Els Cornadors are the mountain ranges in Majorca. Puig Major (1,445m) is the highest peak in the Serra de Tramuntana of the Island. Your Mallorca has two bays, the Badia de Pollença and the larger Badia d'Alcúdia, on the northeast coast. 
Your Majorca enjoys Mediterranean climate, with higher precipitation in the Serra de Tramuntana. Its summer is hot, and the winter is cool, and gets hilly chilly in the Tramuntana range that gets brief showers of snow. Your Majorca has always been darling of the Hollywood stars and Celebrities. Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas, Michael Schumacher, Claudia Schiffer, Annie Lennox, Julian Lennon, Cynthia Charles, Boris Becker have maintained residences on the Island. 

Your Majorca is a perfect vacation destination offering potpourri of beauties, beaches, oceanic pleasures, mountains, Mediterranean cuisine, museums, art galleries, parks, theaters, shopping malls, bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, hotels, etc. Your Majorca offers you a wide range of tourist attractions including Palma de Mallorca (the capital), Playa de Palma, Bellver Castle, Santueri Castle, Palma Cathedral, Cuber Lake, Mallorca Caves, Aquacity, Marineland, Placa Major, Soller, Mallorca Harbour Front, Placa d'Espanya, Valldemossa, Serra de Tramuntana, and lot more.

Palma de Mallorca or Majorca, the island’s capital and largest city, is your “must visit” city on Majorca. Occupying the north western end of a bay in the south west of Majorca, Palma de Mallorca is your destination for Castell de Bellver (site of Muslim ruins, and museum of archaeological finds and classical sculptures), Pueblo Español (architectural museum), Banys Àrabs (the Arab bath building), Museo de Arte Español Contemporáneo (museum of contemporary art), and Catedral de Mallorca and Museo Catedralicio (Majorca's spectacular cathedral & museum). La Seu is a Roman Catholic Cathedral located in Palma de Mallorca. Near to La Seu Cathedral, Almudaina Palace is the Muslim palace of the Banu Ganiya, at the edge of the port.
Reaching from Andratx to the Cap Formentor, the Serra de Tramuntana is the mountain chain running along the north-west coast of  Majorca.The scenic mountain chain is your destination for cities, such as Sóller, Pollença, Alcúdia, and Andratx. Soller and Port de Soller are a beautiful town and a local fishing port/harbour. You can access the town by a scenic train journey from Palma, or by tram from Soller to Port de Soller. Mallorca Caves are one of the most visted sites of Majorca. 

You can enter Majorca thru Palma de Mallorca airport. There are a number of discount airlines offering daily flights to the Majorca airport. You can also get a ferry to Palma de Mallorca from the other Balearic Islands or from several points on the Spanish coast, including Barcelona and Valencia. You can also get a ferry to Alcudia from Menorca. 


Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for apartments, bed and breakfasts, Majorca apartments, hotels and Majorca vacation and holiday rentals.



Visiting the North Island of New Zealand

North Island
 by TraceyLC 

 Heading to the North Island of New Zealand? Not sure where to go? There are a few must see places, some of them obvious... others, not so obvious. The North Island is probably most famous for its geothermal activity centred around the bustling town of Rotorua. In contrast the island is also known for its rolling green hills and picturesque coastline.  Auckland, New Zealand’s capital city is also located on the North Island and is a great starting point for any New Zealand adventure. 

A trip to the North Island of New Zealand would not be complete without visiting the geothermal fields surrounding Rotorua. Rotorua is primarily a tourist town and has a thriving tourist industry based around the spectacular geothermal fields that are home to some of the largest and most impressive geothermal displays in the world. Rotorua is also the gateway to a number of ski fields and a huge range of adventure sports and activities, some unique to the area. Thrill seekers can try the Luge, the Zorb, OGO, the Schweeb and Railcruising which were all invented in the area. Nature lovers will enjoy the surrounding bushland and local wildlife parks and those who enjoy rest and relaxation will love the local mud baths and mineral hot pools. Rotorua accommodation is plentiful with a great range of world class hotels in Rotorua along with all other styles of accommodation, suitable for most budgets and needs.

Hamilton, just south of Auckland, is the largest inland city in New Zealand and famously the home town of the writer of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. A commemorative statue of the character Riff Raff was erected to celebrate the huge success of the play and recognise its birth place. Hamilton is located on the Waikato River which is ideal for boating and water activities. The recently completed 11km river walkways offer scenic walking and cycling for outdoor enthusiasts and Hamilton Lake in the heart of the city is another scenic spot for picnics and walks. The local arts, culture and heritage are rich and diverse and worthy of exploration. Hamilton accommodation covers all styles of accommodation ranging from B&B’s to motels and hotels. 

Palmerston North, a university town, has a happening vibe and a chic restaurant and cafe scene.  There is an active arts and theatre community in this city, so taking in a local production is a must. New Zealanders are passionate about their Rugby Union and Palmerston North is the home of the New Zealand Rugby Museum, which houses New Zealand’s largest collection of Rugby Union memorabilia and records. The collection includes some of the rarest Rugby artefacts in the world and Rugby enthusiasts will find it easy to spend a day exploring the museum. The Te Manawa Museum contains a mix of art, history and science and is interesting for both young and old while Owlcatraz Wildlife Park lets you get up close and personal with New Zealand’s native birds in a cage free environment. Palmerston North accommodation caters for all types of travellers and is generally good value for money. There is a great range of accommodation options from budget to luxury and everything in between. 

If time permits, Auckland and Wellington are other great cities to visit and the Bay of Plenty is simply stunning. The north island of New Zealand offers a plethora of holiday options each with its own unique offerings and charm. 


For more information on Palmerston North accommodation, hotels in Rotorua and Hamilton accommodation visit Choice hotels online.