Enchanting Castles in Britain to Visit
Britain is home of some of the fanciest castles ever built. You can go and visit some of the castles on your trip. It will be a great learning experience for you and the family because you get to see how the owners lived and also get some historical background. Some of the most famous castles to visit are Berkeley, Croft, belvoir, Muncaster, and Grimsthorpe. (Above photograph is of the Muncaster Castle.)
The Muncaster Castle has been home to the Pennington Family for 800 years. Remodelling was done in the 1860′s by Anthony Salvin with the most extravagant decor. The castle is just one mile south of Ravenglass on the A595. Opening times are Feb 11 to Nov 4, Daily, 10:30-18:00. Castle open Sun to Fri, 12:00-17:00.
Another astonishing castle is the Belvoir. Home of the Duke & Duchess of Rutland with great views over the Vales of Belvoir. The castle was rebuilt after being nearly destoyed after a fire in 1816. During your visit you may view the museum in the castle as well as have weddings and Corporate events held there. You can check the official website for dates and times open at www.belvoircastle.com
These are just two of many castles that are available for you to visit and learn about. For other listings and descriptions I would suggest looking on the web: Britains Finest
March 23, 2007 No Comments
Ice Hotel In Sweden
The Ice Hotel is an innovative idea and a turned out to be a really unique creation. You can find this elaborate structure by the shores of the Torne River in Sweden where the ice used for the hotel is actually taken. It takes 10,000 tons of ice and 30,000 tons of snow in order to build this hotel each year. The pure waters from the river as well as the constant movement allow the ice to be crystal clear.
The hotel is reassembled each year with a different construction. The architects are busy at work because they create a totally new hotel with all new design, suites, and reception. The process is building these massive ice hotels is really remarkable. The Ice Hotel near the village of Jukkasjarvi, in Sweden, is the first and most famous of them all.
There are more than 80 rooms and suites including an Absolute ice bar, a reception and a church. Everything is made of ice! The price for a night stay can cost about 1,400 Swedish Krona which would be around $196 U.S. dollars. Availability of the hotel is from December to April but many come to visit in the summer as well because there is an art exhibition made of ice.
You may think what is there to do at an ice hotel? But, you will be happy to know that there are plenty of things to do during your stay. There is a guided tour of the hotel which is open to visitors in the winter season from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. You can also experience ice sculpting because they allow you to sculpt yourself with the guidance of a professional, daily at 11 A.M. There is also cross country skiing and snowshoeing available to guests. This is truly a unique experience and anyone who has the chance to visit should do so.
March 21, 2007 1 Comment
Celebrate Carnaval in Brazil!
Brazil is a great spot in South America to go on vacation. Brazil is known for their beautiful beaches and many activities. But, the best time to visit is during Carnaval, a four day celebration that begins 40 days before Easter marking the beginning of Lent. This year’s Carnaval has passed, but it’s never to early to start planning for next year. In 2008 this celebration will be on February 2nd through the 5th.
Rio De Janeiro is famous for it’s Carnaval celebrations. Rio De Janeiro means “River of January” in English and is nicknamed A Cidade Maravilhosa, which means, “The Marvelous City.” With a name like this, you know it must be a spectacular place to visit.
During the celebration there are people masquerading, dancing, and marching in parades. A year of planning goes into this festive period where everyone forgets about their responsibilities. Everyone dances through the streets and feasts on delicious foods. Most Brazilian cities have Carnaval, but three claim to have THE Carnaval: Rio De Janeiro, Salvador and Olinda-Recife.
Wherever you plan to visit in Brazil you will surely be having fun with plenty of activities to fulfill your days. Besides Carnaval there are plenty of other attractions to keep you busy. Brazil has some of the most exquisite beaches where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful environment as well as dance clubs for the night life individuals and zoos for the family. Travel arrangements are suggested to get early in advance because this festival is very popular and you want to be able to have flights and hotel reservations booked so that you won’t miss out on any of the festivities.
March 21, 2007 1 Comment
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is probably one of the most renown land marks in the United States history. This national memorial is located near Keystone, South Dakota and is made from a huge granite mountain which was sculpted by a man named Gutzon Borglum.
Borglum started drilling for the project in 1927 and didn’t finish until about fourteen years later. Unforunately he died before he was finished so his son finished the last bit of the sculpture.
The four figures on this massive sculpture are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. They represent the first 150 years of America’s history and its growth.
The site was actually known to early white settlers as Sugarloaf Mountain, Keystone Kliffs, and Cougar Mountain until it later got its famous name, Mount Rushmore. Today this magnificent attraction brings in more than two million tourists per year. Everyone wants to come see these beautifully crafted sculptures because it is a part of our history and it is truly a breathtaking scene.
This is also a FREE attraction so besides the costs of actually getting there you do not have to pay for this wonderful experience. For people interested here are some simple directions to Mount Rushmore. Travelers on a plane will get off at the Rapid City Regional Airport which is only 35 miles from the memorial and you can rent a vehicle from there. When traveling in a car on I-90, you should exit at Rapid City and follow Highway 16 southwest to Keystone and then Highway 244 to Mount Rushmore. But, if you are coming from the south, just follow Highway 385 north to Highway 244 which will take you right to the memorial.
March 9, 2007 2 Comments
Make your Money Go Further
Our monthly reports tell you what countries and currencies offer the best deals. Travel and buy smart!