Three Fantastic Moroccan Cities

Chances are that if you're heading out on one of the many trekking in Morocco activity holidays, you'll have a little time set aside to explore the country. After all, with so much history and culture on offer it would be a shame to miss out on the true Moroccan experience. This article takes a look at a few of the best towns and cities in the region, to give you a feel for the great destinations available.

Marrakech

Marrakech is one of the best cities to experience Morocco's traditional side, often seen as a trip back in time. With its old maze like alleyways, large open marketplaces, snake charmers and shouting shop owners, you can experience Morocco's fascinating culture. As with any busy city, a tour guide is recommended to get the most out of it, as the experience can be a little overwhelming otherwise. Highlights include the impressive Koutoubia Mosque, the fascinating Saadian Tombs and the stunning tradition handicrafts and jewellery on show in the Centre Artisanal.

Casablanca

Casablanca has to be one of Morocco's most iconic cities. The city is Morocco's largest, bustling metropolis with an impressive mix of old and new. The city is home to the third largest mosque in the world, the stunning Hassan II Mosque set on Casablanca's beautiful seafront. To experience the older side of the city you should head to the ancient medina, which is laced with narrow alleys and has a strong Spanish influence. For the more modern Casablanca experience the new Habbous medina is a 'must see' with its mixture of great restaurants and clubs.

Tangier

Tangier is best known as Morocco's centre of art, attracting artists from around the world. This link with the artistic world comes from its rich cultural presence and its strong historical presence. Tangier became a destination for many European and American diplomats, spies, writers and businessmen over the years, acting as a gateway into northern Africa. The city can trace its roots back to the 5th century BC, making it a great destination for anyone interested in the regions history. Highlights include the interesting Museum of Moroccan Arts and Antiquities, the beautiful Dar el Makhzen (Sultan's palace) and the Grand Socco, where you can sample the regions great wares.

This is just a small sample of all the great towns and cities on offer in this fantastic country, there really are many more to discover.

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Four Great Reasons to Visit the Florida Keys

While Orlando may be the centre for most family holidays in Florida, it doesn't mean you shouldn't consider visiting elsewhere in the state. This article takes a look at a few of the great reasons to consider taking one of the many Florida Keys holidays, as your next Florida holiday experience.

Bike riding in the Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park is a great destination for anyone interested in the region's natural environment. Entering the park from the northern Shark Valley entrance gives visitors access to 15 miles of looped road with an observation tower set half way round, making it ideal for bike rides. The observation tower gives beautiful views out over the Everglades and the chance to spot some of the park's great wildlife, which includes deer, alligators, water birds and even wild pigs.

The Overseas Highway

Known more commonly as Route 1, the Overseas Highway is the marvel of engineering that connects the hundred or so miles of island chains that makes up the Florida Keys. Running from Key Largo all the way out to Key West, the road gives stunning views out over the surrounding ocean. The road is built on the same bridges and tracks that the Florida East Coast Railway was based on, with many of the bridges being converted railway bridges. The keys also have a number of great walks, for anyone who fancies getting out of the car to stretch their legs.

Visit Key West

This island town is best known for being the southernmost town in the United States. Key West has a very traditional American feel to it, with the town's wood panelled, tin roofed conch houses. Highlights in the area include the home of Ernest Hemingway, now converted into a museum, and the fascinating Shipwreck Historeum Museum, which delves into the town's wrecking past. Taking a stroll around the town is a great way to enjoy an afternoon.

BahiaHonda State Park

The final destination on our list is an easy stop if you've already travelled all the way out to Key West, the beautiful Bahia Honda State Park. The park is set on a small island between two of the key's deepest natural channels. The location means the island is a little different to others in the Key, with its sandy beaches and deep surrounding waters making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The Park is also well know for the Loggerhead Sea Turtles that visit it throughout the year.

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The Price of the All-Inclusive Resort

More and more, all-inclusive resorts are starting to appear everywhere. They seem to be very popular now and a good deal as well, and many times they are. Among the first to start this trend was Club Mediterranee, Club Med, and they are still around and doing well.

It certainly is appealing for the budget minded vacationer to know in advance how much will be the cost of spending some time in an All-inclusive resort. And this cost can be known to a very close approximation if not to an exact amount. One can lie on a beach or by a pool, have a drink, eat, etc. and not worry about how much one is spending.

On the other hand if one wants to be a true tourist, one must be willing to adventure out of the hotel and explore the surroundings, which in my view is the purpose of it all. I just love the feeling of arriving in a city, having spent the night travelling and getting there early in the morning, if possible, arriving at a train station, and walking out and mingling with the locals going about the start of their day. The feeling is not quite the same if one arrives at an airport, as they for the most part the same, and are rarely in the middle of the city and if they are I cannot think of one where one can just walk out and start walking down the street. There are always taxis, buses, and other forms of transportation, unlike a train station which are surrounded by regular streets, with people, cars, etc.

But if one just wants to able to relax and enjoy doing nothing and just laying around a pool, reading, listening to music, sunbathing, etc. an All-inclusive hotel is certainly a very good option. The price one pays for that is that it is very tempting to stay rather than go out, to eat at the hotel rather than at local restaurant and participate of the evening entertainment offered in-house rather than going to a disco or a local bar. I have known people who have remained their whole stay inside the hotel and then talk to others, with the authority of having been there, about the good and bad things one can find in such and such destination and how it compares to others.

How can one be able to advance an opinion about a place one doesn't really know? How can one distinguish between All-inclusives located in different resort areas, in different countries if one has not ventured outside the premises, except maybe for an activity or two? And what is the difference, really, between laying around the pool in the Caribbean and any other place in the world?

There are places meant to be visited... I can't imagine staying in an All-inclusive in Paris, or New York, for example, and I don't believe there are any in either city, certainly not with a pool and amenities meant to keep you inside. I have trouble to think of places where one doesn't want to go outside. When we wanted to get away, we used to go to a hotel on the beach a short drive from home, to spend a weekend and relax, but it never occurred to me to take a plane to stay in resort and get away from it all in that manner. Until I discovered cruising. Cruising is such a great alternative to an All-inclusive. They both offer a similar service if you want to get away and not really tour, but just rest and relax.

An All-inclusive is a very good alternative when the weather is cold at home and you need some rest. And it should also be mentioned that there are different types of All-inclusives, some more expensive than others, even in the same destinations. One reason for this is the quality of the food, drinks and activities included, so it is a good idea to ask otherwise you might find yourself paying extra for a better quality drink or having to eat out when it wasn't what you had in mind. Another reason for the different in price is the location as some are closer to the center of attractions (outside the resort) so here again it is a good idea to find out the exact location and cost of taxis and transportation if you do plan to do some limited outings.

So, in short, before going anywhere please ask yourself... what am I in the mood for... total R&R, how much can I spend, etc. but just be aware that the price one pays for an All-inclusive is to lose the opportunity to explore new surroundings, know different people and places, and restaurants and views and photographic opportunities, and just adventure. I'm not demeaning All-inclusive hotels but if you can afford to spend your vacation differently, do it. If you can't, then enjoy as much as you can and go out as much as you can. After all life is just one /trade-off after another.

UK Accessible Holiday Ideas

Having a disability doesn't mean you can't travel. Over the years the tourism industry in the United Kingdom has improved facilities and accessibility to allow anyone to witness the true beauty of the country's cities and natural scenery.

If you feel someone has let you down by not providing the right facilities, let them know so they can learn from your feedback and be ready for your next visit.
Whether you're hoping to explore a city or the rolling countryside, the UK will boast something just right for you. Take a moment to ponder over just a few of your options.

Countryside Retreat

The Lake District is a great choice for all types of traveller. Its stunning scenery can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car as the region's winding roads lead up, down and over the mountain range, providing beautiful lake views.

An array of lakeside paths are suitable for disabled visitors, just enquire at one of the local tourist information centres.

Art loving visitors will be happy to visit Thornthwaite Galleries, a fully accessible contemporary art gallery in Keswick. With pieces by over 140 artists, the gallery is much larger than most people expect and can provide an afternoon's worth of entertainment.

For the more active visitor, Ascent Training offer a variety of outdoor adventures and courses that can be catered to specific needs and conditions. The staff have years of experience so get in touch to see what they can offer.

Many of the areas hotels can accommodate visitors with special needs, some even boast accessible spa facilities. You could see yourself staying in an old lodge, a manor house, castle or cottage.

City Visit

Bristol is a fantastic British city with exciting attractions, shopping, and superb dining. Its council deserves appraisal for the welcoming "Bristol Access Guide", a specialised guide for visitors with disabilities featuring detailed maps and facility mark ups.

One of Bristol's newest and most popular attractions is M Shed, a museum of local history set on the city's historic dockside. While still keeping the building's 1950s transit shed past intact, the team of architects in charge of its redesign have made sure it's now fully accessible to wheelchair users via state of the art lifts. Wheelchairs can also be loaned from the front desk.

The museum is kitted out with the newest technology to cater for visually impaired and hearing impaired visitors.

Bristol Zoo also provides facilities for disabled visitors. The park's trails are suited to wheelchair users. Wheelchairs and electric buggies can be hired at the main entrance. Due to the nature of the attraction, assistance dogs aren't allowed into the zoo's territory, however can be left in the designated kennels where they'll be taken care of during your visit.

The city centre is accessible for all, and most shops and restaurants will have specially equipped facilities. Before setting off, get in touch with your hotel in Bristol city to ensure they have the right facilities to cater for your needs.

A Journey in June Through Dordogne, France

Travelling through France in June is a sheer delight at this time of year. The majority of holidaymakers have not yet descended upon the country and the weather is generally good, particularly in the South of the country. Dordogne is a most charming region, relatively untouched, with small farming communities, perhaps as England used to be a hundred years ago.

The vegetation is lush with many beautiful flowers, trees and plants due to the warm climate and an adequate supply of rain.There are many lakes throughout the region and the south west of France is not only a wine lover's paradise, but a fisherman's, and a walker's dream area too.

Starting at Easter the climate is often very agreeable all the way through to late September, with July and August being for those who love endless warm sunny days and deep blue skies. Many English people have settled in the Dordogne, also known as the Perigord, and enjoy not only the climate, but the unhurried and relaxed way of like that the many small towns and villages have to offer.There is still quite a strong community spirit amongst the inhabitants, and many fetes are arranged throughout the summer months to celebrate the various local products and many local items that have been made for generations in a particular area.

World famous for its mushrooms, 'Cepe' the Boletus Edulis can be sold for enormous prices at the market, and is a delicacy in many first class restaurants. As with the Truffle, this mushroom only grows wild, and therefore areas where the Cepe is known to flourish are kept top secret.

It would be wrong not to mention the many vineyards in Dordogne, the subtlety and numerous flavours can change dramatically depending on the area. For example in the south of the Perigord, the climate is much drier and produces rich sweet wines such as those from Montbazillac. Soil composition also has much to do with the overall taste of a wine, and there are many dozens, if not hundreds of vineyards where one can taste a variety of different crus direct from the producer before buying.

Towards the north of this area is Limoges, a beautiful city known for its production of high class china. Many parts of the city have been preserved to keep an authenticate feel of its character, and these buildings have been cleverly mixed with new contemporary architectures to give an interesting feel to this vibrant city.

To the south is Brantome, known as the 'Venice of Dordogne'. Built by monks hundreds of years before in a stunning white stone, the centre is the Abbaye around which the River Dronne flows. In summer this town is bustling with tourists, but somehow still manages to hold its character, there are many coffee shops, patisseries, and restaurants for all tastes and budgets.

The route of Richard the Lion Heart (Coeur de Lion) is marked along roads throughout the region, but by all accounts, it appears he did little for the region, and died at Chalus in 1199.

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Burkina Faso Travel Advice

Travel agencies in Burkina Faso can be a good tool to prepare and implement a nice trip to this African country. Contact the agent to get information about visa, flights, hotels and more...

Burkina Faso is roughly translated as 'the country of honest men'. Indeed, the locals are sociable and hospitable people, always ready to laugh and inviting guests 'for a cup of coffee'. Coffee is one of the 'tourist brands' of the country. This drink is prepared here according to at least 30 recipes, and is always of very high quality.

Ouagadougou, standing at the crossroads of several ancient trade routes, is a big country town rather than a metropolis. The central part of the capital is small and easy to walk during two hours. In Ouagadougou, there are no particular sites, but the capital has a wide variety of epic monuments and magnificent buildings of various ages. There is a surprising number of broad tree-lined boulevards. The country's mild climate and relatively clean air contribute to the general positive impression. Unlike many other cities, Ouagadougou is populated mostly by non-Muslims, which is clearly reflected in its life. There are many restaurants, bars and nightclubs here. When in the city, one should necessarily visit the National Museum, which is still under development. The museum demonstrates the traditional masks, pieces of pottery, and other ritual accessories of the main ethnic groups in the country.

The cathedral, located near Moro Naba Palace, is the largest church in West Africa. The Grand Market of Ouagadougou is located in the city center and has many large decorative towers on top of the facade. Moro Naba Palace is the site where every Friday the colorful ceremony of the 'false departure of the Emperor' is held. It symbolizes the struggle of the Mosi Empire against external enemies.

Bobo-Dioulasso is the 'capital' of the people of Bobo. It is smaller and more modest than the country's capital, but has the same boulevards, tree-lined streets and thriving markets. The Provincial Museum in the building of the Sudanese style has two sets of exhibitions, constantly displaying contemporary African art, batik and sculpture, as well as the traditional arts of the peoples of West Africa. The most impressive buildings of Bobo-Dioulasso is the Great Mosque, built of clay in the traditional Sudanese style, and the most interesting element of it is the interior decoration, which can be viewed for a small fee. The old district is full of craft shops, selling mainly pottery.

Banfora has just two main streets with a gas station, a bank and two hotels. This place is known mostly as the starting point for trips to Karfiguela waterfalls, a rare phenomenon in these places. The falls are especially interesting in the rainy season. The picturesque rock Dame-de-Karfiguela, located near the waterfall, is a good place to observe the waterfalls and the entire surrounding area.

Ten kilometers from the falls, there is Tegreakute Lake, a pleasant place to stay and relax. Fishermen from the nearby villages will be more than happy to show you the place and flocks of waterfowl for a small fee. Gorom-Gorom is a city, typical of the Sahel zone leading into the sea of dunes. This is the place where civilization ends, and the 'whistling silence' of the desert stretches for thousands of kilometers in all directions. The local market is perhaps the most colorful and interesting in Burkina Faso. This mixing of different peoples and ethnic groups cannot be found anywhere else in Africa. The local people wear ornate leather belts and silver weapons. And the diversity of local food and crafts of the desert is truly amazing.

Vahiguya is a typical city of Burkina Faso. Many people come here for pilgrimage to the local mosque in order to mark the end of Ramadan, there is also a Mason-du-Naba Kango, the royal palace of the rulers of Yatenga kingdom.

Going to Thailand All Year Long, Alone or With Family, From North to South, Just a Dream Vacation!

Thailand is a country beautiful during all the seasons although in some periods it is not advisable to go to certain areas because of the arrival of the monsoon season. In November, in Thailand the high season begins. The climate is generally mild. The higher temperature is recorded in the month of April because of Thai New Year (The Songran). In Thailand, the rainiest months are May and October.

For these months there is an alternative solution to the sea: Koh Samet. Koh Samet is indeed the only island in Thailand that is almost never subjected to rains. Koh Samet is a few hours by bus (or car) and Katamarano from Bangkok and it is an island that offers good facilities and a beautiful beach but at higher prices compared to the rest of Thailand.

Koh Samet is mostly visited by the Thais living in Bangkok and it is ideal if you go there to spend the weekend. May and October are usually rainy months in Thailand but they may be ideal for exploring the natural beauty of tropical forests and the falls in these months are in full flow (Erawan waterfalls, waterfalls in the north and the centre of Thailand, waterfalls in the Khao Sok National Park).

Do you want to make a holiday with your kids and you wonder whether it is appropriate to do so? Or would you simply have information about your holiday in Thailand with your kids? Here are some useful information. Thailand is a very peaceful country and in terms of security it is far less dangerous than other countries where there are areas particularly isolated in the evenings and that would be better not to cross (e.g. stations in large cities, dangerous neighbourhoods, etc.). There is no such phenomenon in Thailand.

For both adults and children it does not ever happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

If you wish to travel to Thailand with your kids you can spend your holiday in a city like Bangkok, where your kids can have fun in large structures such as Dream World (a huge amusement park similar to Disneyland) or more simply visit the magnificent temples or the shopping centres with them: large structures that will undoubtedly capture their attention.

Even with regard to the seaside holidays, the children will be surely delighted to visit beautiful places like the island of Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, Phi Islands and many other beautiful places where they can make new friends at the resort or hotel or on the beach where you will find friends of their age!

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