Visitors to Frankfurt am Main, not to be confused with Frankfurt (Oder) a small city in northeastern Germany, will find its location ideal. Situated on both sides of the Main River, this hilly region is totally surrounded by rich forest; settlement in the area goes back to 1st Century Roman times.

Significantly, Charles I held a royal court in Frankfurt in the 800’s. During the Middle Ages, kings of the Holy Roman Empire were elected here, and, later on, emperors were crowned in Frankfurt. In the mid-1800’s, Germany’s new parliament first met here. Consequently, Frankfurt has been at the forefront of German and European change.

Currently, Frankfurt is at the heart of economic growth for the region. The European Central Bank, a number of major German banks, and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange together have made this city a major financial center of the European Union. Many international companies call Frankfurt their home away from home.

Frankfurt has traditionally been known as a marketplace for meeting and exchanging goods. More than fifty trade fairs and exhibitions are still held in Frankfurt yearly. Most notably, the Frankfurt Book Fair in mid-October and the International Automobile Exhibition in September.

Frankfurt offers travelers varying means of transportation in, out of, and around the city. The Autobahn converges at the city. The Frankfurt Airport is considered one of Europe’s busiest. A train station is located at the airport as well, making intercity travel quite convenient. Within the city, public transportation includes buses, above ground trams and the S-Bahn and U-Bahn underground train lines. Additionally, bridges in Frankfurt connect the banks of the Main River. Most notably, the Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge) has been open to walking traffic since 1869.

One of Frankfurt’s cultural attractions, the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment) contains a varying array of museums, located along the Main, with themes ranging from history, to art and architecture. An end of the summer cultural festival, Museumsuferfest, attracts over three million visitors every year to this area.

Numerous historical attractions entice visitors. The Romerberg area of old downtown was a series of houses that were acquired in the 14th Century from a wealthy merchant. The main house is the site of the city’s first town hall. The area was rebuilt to original specifications after the Second World War.

Saint Bartholomeus’ Cathedral is a gothic structure built during the 14th and 15th Centuries. It’s known as the main church of Frankfurt. In 1867, the cathedral was destroyed by fire, but was subsequently rebuilt.

Saint Paul’s Church was established in 1789. Germany’s first parliament met here in 1848. The interior of the church was partially destroyed during the war, but was built up again with modern fixtures.

Visitors can also experience the Frankfurt Opera, site-see at the Saalburg, an old Roman fort, and become enlightened by activity at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University. Named after the celebrated writer and poet born in Frankfurt in 1749.

Frankfurt’s extensive history is preserved, but the city has been renewed in order to meet present-day needs. The ancient city’s marketplaces where trade and commerce took place have been updated. Frankfurt now promotes economic stability for the entire region. The city’s many skyscrapers reflect this while postulating the direction of Frankfurt’s further growth.

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Travel Gift Ideas

Whether for work or fun, people that travel a lot are easy to buy for. There are simply a ton of gadgets and travel accessories that can satisfy your need for travel gift ideas.

1. Dreamsacks – Okay, here’s a nasty little secret about traveling. Hotels don’t always wash sheets and definitely don’t wash comforters. Yes, it creeps me out to think about it as well. Dreamsacks are designed to keep the creepy crawly bacteria, funguses and bugs off of you. Dreamsacks are essentially sleeping bags made from sheets, to wit, they are thin. Most even come with a built in pillow because if the sheets are sketchy, one doesn’t really want to even contemplate the pillows. Dreamsacks will set you back between $40 and $60.

2. Relief Bands – Relief bands are the latest, greatest way to stop motion sickness. If you’ve ever flown on Air Turbulence Airlines, you’ll know the immediate benefit of these bands. Worn like a watch, relief bands send a small electronic shock into the bottom of your wrist which counters the nausea impulse to your brain. No, it doesn’t hurt and it is a lot better than getting intimate with those popcorn bags in airline seat backs. Expect to pay between $60 and a couple hundred bucks depending on how fashionable you want to look while bouncing around in your seat. Good for boats and cars as well.

3. Japanese Paper Soap – Perhaps one of the greatest travel accessories ever made. For any traveler, bars of soap are a disaster. They never stay in their cases or wrapping resulting in soap suds and gunk everywhere. Japanese paper soap solves this problem nicely. The paper is, well, paper, but has built in soap. You simply get your hands wet and rub a piece of the paper between them. Instant suds! When done, toss the paper out. Pretty cool, eh? This incredible invention will set you back a whopping $10 for 50 sheets. Heck, I use them at home.

4. Nomad Travel Journals – A little self-promotion here. Nomad Travel Journals are compact writing journals that let travelers keep notes about their trips. Really great for creating a record of who was on the trip, things seen, people met, contact information such as email address, phone numbers and so on. As the years pass, you can read back through your travel journal to relive trips and laugh yourself silly over funny events you might otherwise forget. A tremendous gift for student travelers and backpackers. You can click the link at the bottom of this article to see the travel journals which cost $25 with case.

Shopping for the holidays can be stressful. If you’re buying for a traveler, any of the above gifts will be a hit.

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When it comes to attractions, I start by researching Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitor Bureau’s websites. Just Google the city name and Chamber or CVB and you should be able to find it fairly quickly. If you have time before you leave, request any written information that they can send you. While you are e-mailing or calling them, ask them to tuck in any coupons or brochures they have on hand for the area. They don’t mind doing this if they know you are definitely visiting the area.

Many will plan out your itinerary for you if you ask as well! This is an amazing free service and will save you time trying to map out routes and admission times. They know their city better than anyone should and can offer advice as well. Keep in mind with Chambers of Commerce that they are unlikely to recommend anyone who is NOT a member of their organization.

The way I find the best restaurants in town is to ask the locals. Just because a restaurant is splashed all over every website and piece of literature you come across, does not mean they are the best, it just means they have money to advertise. Anytime you are on the phone with someone local whether it’s the hotel, or an attraction, ask them to recommend a restaurant. They live there! They know where to eat and where to avoid at all costs. Some of the best restaurants I have eaten at have never done any advertising because they DON’T NEED TO. They stay in business by reputation alone.

Keep doing the same with attractions, night clubs, beaches, parks, etc. Ask the locals! If you call to make a dinner reservation, ask the lady on the phone, “by the way, what would you consider the most happening night club in town” and you can bet she will have an opinion. Once you are armed with all of this information, plot it out on your online map, research a little and you will be surprised with all of the information available, typically posted by someone who has been there and loved it!

Search with the name of your attraction or restaurant and then add the word “discount” or “coupon” to your search. This can be a gold mine of discounts that are free for the printing! Go to the websites (if available) and you can find discounts, coupons, freebies, or find out that Thursday is Prime Rib night.

Call the restaurant or attraction directly. Ask them if there are any coupons out there that you should be aware of. Many times amusement parks will issue discount coupons with considerable savings to local fast food chains or grocery stores. They are meant to draw in locals, but hey, if they are out there go and get them!

Save yourself time by making reservations for meals when possible. You can always cancel them later, but why wait in line for 2 hours if they will let you reserve an ocean view table ahead of time! If you are celebrating a special occasion while you are there (birthday, honeymoon, anniversary, retirement, promotion), tell anyone who will listen when you are on the phone. We have received upgrades on our flights and hotels and have received free appetizers and desserts at countless restaurants. Everyone likes to help make somebody feel special or celebrated. Don’t make things up, but I bet if you think really hard you can think of something to celebrate, even if it’s your 5th honeymoon!

By doing a little research from home, you will save money when you arrive! I hope you will all put these practices to use for your next vacation, but if after you finish reading this the idea of booking your own vacation makes you feel exhausted, there is a solution. Call a Travel Agent.

We receive updates, e-mails, videos, booklets, brochures, and faxes every day! All of the steps I just described over these three articles are what you are paying your travel agent to do. We have “preferred suppliers” who we know will take care of our clients every time. We educate ourselves on the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions so that you DON’T HAVE TO! We even do site inspections to make sure they are still holding up to the standards we expect for our clients.

So for those who think the travel industry is all glitz, glamour, and fabulous free vacations, I hope you can now see what all is involved with planning a simple vacation. We definitely work hard for our money but we do it because we know that you can’t put a price on a memorable vacation. Happy travels!

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Seeing all the typical New York City sights but by limo adds extra elements to your New York City experience. It adds class, sophistication, and comfort. But what shall you see? Here are just some of the sights you can visit and explore while you get around the city via limousine.

The Empire State Building is the ultimate New York City destination. Once the tallest building in the world, the building’s construction was completed in 1931. The building was the tallest until 1970. This building is 102 stories high and is designed in the style of art deco. Named one of the seven wonders of the modern world by the American Society of Civil Engineers, many of the spaces in the building were originally not rented out. Now, the building is filled to the brim with business offices and has observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors.

When sightseeing in a limo, it is absolutely necessary to see the sights along Broadway Avenue. More commonly known as simply Broadway, the most famous attractions along this route are the Broadway theatres. Some of the world’s best plays and musicals originate in the theatres that reside in this theatre district.

Macy’s Department store, Times Square (named for the New York Times’ former offices that were headquartered there), Greenwich Village, and Central Park can all be found along the path of Broadway, as well.

Central Park, open since 1859, is a beautiful place to explore while visiting in a limo. You can explore the park by either walking some trails or taking a carriage ride, or exploring it in the limo. But just make sure to do this before seven in the evening because automobile traffic is not allowed on the six miles of drives circling the park after that time.

Greenwich Village was once the center of bohemians, artists and their lifestyles. The rent there is now too expensive for the same crowd to currently reside. The Village is now inhabited by many celebrities and many artists that have already been established. A drive through this area will expose you to beautiful old houses, buildings, off-Broadway theatre troupes, many cute designer shops, smaller parks, and a sprinkling of some of the best universities in New York City.

The major intersection in New York City, Times Square, is second only Tokyo for its lighted advertising. Site of the now famous New Year’s Eve ball drop, Times Square is a sight to be seen if only for the visual stimulation it provides.

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• Chichen Itza

The most famous of the historic sites in the Cancun area of Mexico, Chichen Itza is a restored Mayan city, and contains a huge, spectacular temple among other attractions. This site is also home to the largest known Mayan ball court, and tours are given daily throughout the site or you can explore on your own. It is a day-long trip, as it is about 200 km from Cancun, but it is well worth the drive. You can either rent a car or take a bus. In fact, many hotels in the Cancun area offer guided bus tours to Chichen Itza. If you’re going to tour the site on your own, get there early to avoid the tour bus crowds.

• Coba Ruins

Also a famous ancient Mayan city, the Coba Ruins is the oldest of the Mayan sites in this area. This area is extremely remote, and only a few of the structures were uncovered and restored, leaving almost all of the six thousand buildings still covered by jungle. Here, you can see Mayan stone roads, as well as the tallest pyramid in the vicinity of Cancun. The Coba Ruins are also a bit of a drive from Cancun, but again, many Cancun hotels run tours to this destination via free or low-cost buses.

• Tulum Ruins

If you want to see some Mayan ruins without sacrificing an entire day to a tour, check out the Tulum Ruins, which are closer to Cancun. This location is unique because it is built along the coast, making the structures there almost lighthouse-like. A large wall surrounds the city, and the only way to explore inside is through one of the original tunnels. Be forewarned, however, that this historical spot is extremely popular for tourists and often quite crowded.

• La Destileria

One of the most traditional activities in Mexico is the making of tequila. La Destileria isn’t exactly a historic site like the ancient ruins listed above, but at this museum and restaurant you can explore the history of this liquor. Guided tours will teach you how tequila is made, and at the end you get to try samples of the tequila that they make right there at the restaurant.

• Xcaret

If you are traveling with people who are not as interested in seeing historical sites, you can consider a trip to Xcaret. This water park and activity center was once a place of Mayan ceremonies, and they have built a replica of a Mayan city to showcase the ancient culture. You will also be able to snorkel in the waterfalls, swim with the dolphins, and explore the environmental center in Xcaret. Don’t forget to stick around to watch descendants of the Mayans perform customary dances and musical shows.

• Mercado Coral Negro

Before you leave Cancun, you should also make plans to stop at one of the traditional Mexican markets. Mercado Coral Negro is a great choice. Like the tequila museum, this site in and of itself isn’t a place of ancient history, but here you can see (and buy) traditional craft items like embroidered clothing, hats, and decorative pieces. You can also find traditional Mayan food at these markets. Of course, there are the run-of-the-mill “Cancun” T-shirts for tourists as well, but this shopping opportunity is great for those wanting some historically significant items to take home without spending a fortune.

If you are interested in more great historical Cancun sites, your best bet is to ask the customer service representatives at your hotel for their opinions on local sites. You can also speak with taxi cab drivers and tour guides – providing they speak English or you speak Spanish! The best way to find historical spots off the beaten path is to talk to those who live and work in Cancun all year-round.

Cancun, and all of Mexico, is full of history. It is a wonderful place to experience modern beaches, water sports, and nightlife. While that part of Cancun can be great fun, make sure that you spend a bit of time exploring Cancun’s ancient ruins and other historical activities. You won’t be sorry!

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The fact that you have reached this page means that you are searching for quality travel deals to the Middle East, be it for business or for pleasure! At Foundok.com, great caliber, along with the most discounted prices on the internet, are exactly what you’re going to get!

Just by having read our website’s name, you have gotten a touch of the region, and what may be your first word in Arabic: “Foundok” (hotel).

Our FounFo database will provide you with insight to the countries’ histories and cultures. You will be able to easily select your target cities, and from there you can count on us to facilitate quick flight booking, convenient hotel reservations, and local transportation planning.

Our priorities are your comfort and satisfaction. To prove our sincerity, we promise you a full money back guarantee upon (IF ANY) dissatisfaction.

Exotic Travel With Five-Star Accommodations!:

Dubai travel is an exciting way to experience something new and different in the Middle East. Since Dubai is one of the seven states that make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai hotels play host to thousands of visitors every week who are seeking adventure, an exotic locale and all the comforts of a cosmopolitan lifestyle. In fact, Dubai travel and Dubai hotels have become so popular in recent years that Dubai is now one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world.

World Class Hotels And Night Life – Raising The Bar For International Vacation Travelers:

To accommodate and cater to all of its new visitors, world-class tourist facilities and new, luxurious Dubai hotels continue to spring up at a rapid pace – and they are some of the most ambitious architecture projects being built today. Many of the new Dubai hotels have themes that distinguish them from the others nearby and most offer every amenity you can wish for, including service from a staff is used to catering to an international clientele. There’s even a Dubai hotel called Churchill’s in City Centre Hotel that is designed to look and feel like a traditional English hotel.

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Hiawassee is a great place to settle down for a spell, as it is surrounded by mountains, hills, meadows, waterfalls, and plenty of fresh air. You’ve probably almost forgotten what all that is like, so don’t be surprised if you suffer from a little bit of culture shock upon your arrival. Don’t worry, nature appreciation is probably a better term for it, and it won’t hurt a bit.

On the subject of settling, you might consider reserving a vacation rental for this trip. Especially if you’re looking forward to peace and solitude, and perhaps stirring up a little romance with your honey, you’ll love a place that is more than just a bland, cut-from-a-pattern, box-like room. Push your imagination to the limit and picture what it is you really want.

Might it be a rustic-looking cabin tucked away behind a grove of quaking trees? Perhaps it has hard-wood floors, a fireplace for the cool nights, and cabinets filled with extra blankets, towels, and even books and games for your convenience. The master bedroom is spacious and light, and don’t worry, the closet in this room is perfectly empty and waiting for you to fill it with your clothes. No wrinkled garments during this trip.

Not that you’ll really care about the appearance of your clothes as you put your feet up on the back deck as you watch the sun go down. Enjoy a cocktail or snack from your modern kitchen and congratulate yourself for choosing to stray from the beaten path. Your significant other will probably be willing to pat you on the back as well, so go ahead and bask in the praise you’ll certainly be receiving.

You’ll sleep well in your king-sized bed, and the gentle hum of the outdoors will further calm your senses. Crickets and breezes will replace honking horns and alarm clocks, and the usual bags beneath your eyes will be making no appearances during this trip, thank goodness. Dream about sparkling lakes and wildflowers, because that’s probably what you filled your day with. In case you haven’t noticed, you’ll be pretty relaxed in you Hiawassee vacation home.

Every day you’ll wake with the choice to do what you want. Hang out with your cup of coffee for a while, or hit the trail as soon as day breaks. Go for a swim in Lake Chatuge, grab your binoculars and look for wildlife, or sign up for a whitewater rafting session that will boost your mood like nothing else. It’s all here at your fingertips, so close your eyes and visualize what it is that will make you happy.

If whatever that happens to be results in tired-in-a-good-way muscles, then don’t forget that your very own Jacuzzi tub awaits you back at the cabin. If an hour on the lake has you wishing you could reapply your sunscreen, simply walk back to your place and get it. No car rides or crowded hotels here; as the days go on you’ll realize just how integral a role your lodgings are playing in the overall comfort level of this trip.

From waterfront to mountainside, cottage to condo, the choices are varied and consistently pleasing when it comes to vacation homes in Hiawassee. For some overworked individuals, as long as you’re cozy and comfortable it won’t even matter where you actually are, but it doesn’t hurt that the outdoor offerings of this region are tempting and top-notch as well. Not to mention the town is quaint and pleasant in its own way, with lots of unique shops, nourishing restaurants, and Appalachian festivals that’ll acquaint you with authentic bluegrass and Blue Ridge merrymaking.

All in all, you’re well on your way to recharging your batteries by starting to make plans for your Hiawassee holiday. Go online to book the Hiawassee Vacation Rental that calls your name, and prepare to savor life rather than hurry through it.

Technorati Tags: art, books, festivals, holiday, kitchen, sign, trip, vacation

The best and the world-known safari destinations are Masai Mara in Kenya, Serengeti on Zanzibar (Tanzania), Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Okavango in Botswana and Kruger Park in
South Africa. Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the Maasai Mara protect the greatest and most varied collection of terrestrial wildlife on the Earth.

Masai Mara is a land of rolling hills, woods and acacia trees. It is watered by the Mara and Talek rivers and opens onto the Serengeti plains of Tanzania. No trip to Kenya would be complete without a visit to Masai Mara. It’s one of the most-promoted parks in Africa, and it’s really worth visiting. Here you can enjoy comtemplating leopards, rhinoceros and over 450 bird species.

The Serengeti ecosystem is one of the oldest on earth. Its climate and nature have barely changed in the past million years. The Serengeti is the jewel in the crown of Tanzania’s protected areas and makes up the significant part of the country area.

Victoria Falls is a world heritage site sometimes is called one of the Seven Natural Wonders. Victoria has the largest curtain of falling water on earth. Its sound is spreading a lot of miles around.

The Okavango Delta is really unique. It is the largest inland delta in the world. Instead of flowing into the sea, the annual flood of water flows inland, spreading over 15 000 km of the Kalahari sand in a maze of lagoons and channels. The countless islands that emerge from its waterways gave birth to several diverse ecosystems which are home to vast numbers of birds. The crystal clear waters support many kinds of fish. The heart of the delta is accessed by air only.

The Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the oldest and largest reserves in Africa. The park boasts a tremendous variety of game and birdlife in its numerous habitats. The south is home to some of the most popular restcamps as the wildlife is prolific. The central region consists of extensive grassy plains that are interrupted by lush riverine vegetation along the Olifants and Letaba rivers. The northern region is quite remote and thus, less popular.

A trip to all these reserves and park will take a lot of time, but you can make several voyages to the Black continent.

Technorati Tags: art, Destinations, river, sign, travel, trip

An increasing number of hotels are positioning themselves to be more than just a place to sleep—they are the action.

You may have heard of the ice hotel in Sweden or even funky spots like the Dog Bark Park in Cottonwood, Idaho … but here are few more unusual hotels to inspire your next trip.

1. To the Lighthouse

Love all things nautical? Then try sleeping in a lighthouse.

There are actually dozens of lighthouses around the world that welcome overnight guests, but at Brown’s Point Lighthouse in Tacoma, Washington, you get to be the lighthouse keeper.

This 30-foot concrete structure is perched by Commencement Bay and the keeper’s dwelling (at right) was recently restored for overnight stays. Guest participate in the “keeper program,” in which they maintain the lighthouse and hold public tours. This job is designed for at least two people, and six maximum, making it a great educational experience for families. Rates range from $500-$700 per week. 253-927-2536, www.pointsnortheast.org

2. Go Climb a Tree

If it seems like the days of kids clambering up trees and running around outdoors are a thing of the past, skip the sedentary vacations and force them out – and up.

The Cedar Creek Treehouse is a private mountain retreat in the woods of Mt. Rainier, located 50 feet up in a 200-year-old Western Red Cedar tree.

Owner Bill Compher built the treehouse himself, making it large enough to accommodate up to five people.

There’s a bathroom, kitchen and dining area, not to mention skylights and an observatory 100 feet up that offers great views from all around.

Though it’s a safe climb up, kids under 10 are not allowed inside the treehouse. Rates are $250 for two people, and $25 for each additional guest. 360-569-2991, www.cedarcreektreehouse.com

3. All Aboard the Romance Train

To conjure up the romantic days of train travel, why not cozy up inside an actual train car for the night? The Northern Rail Traincar B&B in Two Harbors, Minnesota, is made up of connected rail cars with 18 guest rooms.

The Porter Suite sleeps two and includes a dinette and a private bath for $109-$139.

Located on 160 acres of forested land (about 25 minutes outside of Duluth), you have access to Lake Superior and Gooseberry Falls, plus outdoor activities like hiking and golfing. 877-834-0955; www.northernrail.net

4. Were You Raised in a Barn?

Located on the Puget Sound, just a ferry ride away from Seattle, is a quirky little spot designed for two. The Big Red Barn Getaway is a real barn built in the 1890s which has been renovated into a tiny inn.

You’ll be surrounded by miles of unspoiled nature (and may even catch sight of a Bald Eagle). The historic Victorian seaport of Port Townsend is a 10-minute walk away, and Fort Worden State Park is only two minutes away, with gorgeous beaches and plenty of hiking trails. 360-301-1271, www.BigRedBarnGetaway.com

5. How About a Yurt?

Ever slept in a yurt? Even know what a yurt is?

These round, canvas dwellings were created by Mongolian nomads more than 2,000 years ago; it’s an ingenious structure that sits sturdily on the ground and often can fit several people at once.

Treebones Resort in Big Sur, California, has 16 yurts along the ridge above the Pacific Ocean, four of which can fit families. You’ll have the best ocean-view room in town. Rates are $170-$270 for two to four people, including a waffle breakfast. 877-424-4787, www.treebonesresort.com

6. Batting Around in a Cave

You may not know that there are several underground hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey (a region in the middle of Turkey not too far from Ankara), but the most highly touted one of all is the Gamirasu Cave Hotel, which is located inside a restored, thousand-year-old Byzantine monastic retreat. There are 18 exquisitely adorned rooms, some of which were actually monk cells, which are carved into the cave or built with volcanic rock.

Don’t worry, there is running water. Room rates range from about $110 for a double room to about $500 for a deluxe suite. www.gamirasu.com

7. Digging the Dug-Out

The Australian outback is filled with opal mines and dugouts galore—so dive in and experience one first-hand at the Desert Cave Hotel located within the sandstone of Coober Pedy.

The hotel boasts 19 underground rooms, and about 30 rooms above ground for those who prefer not to live troglodyte-style. Also underground are casinos, shops featuring locally mined opals and Aboriginal arts and crafts. Rooms are about $150 a night, not including meals or a cave tour. www.desertcave.com.au

8. Sleeping in the Pipelines

If you ever wanted to brag that you slept in a drainpipe, read on … Daspark Hotel in Lintz, Austria consists of three concrete drainpipes in the middle of a park.

Inside each one is a teensy room built for two, with a double bed, a lamp, a small storage space, and even power outlets. Food, toilets and showers are all located nearby.

If you’re concerned about sleeping in a public park, rest assured that the drainpipes are all locked with a safety code. And best of all, you get to determine your own rates. www.dasparkhotel.net

9. Sleeping with the Fishes

With both China and Dubai building underwater hotels called the Hydropolis, sleeping under water seems to the wave of the future. China is hoping to have its land-based HydroTower component open by the Olympics, but if you can’t wait until then, visit the Jules Verne Undersea Lodge.

This underwater hotel is actually a research lab in Key Largo, Florida, but regular landlubbers are invited to spend the night. You’ll actually have to scuba dive your way into the hotel, but they’ll give you all the necessary training. An overnight visit costs about $475 and includes diving gear and unlimited dives if you’re certified. 305-451-2353, www.jul.com

10. Doing Time

The new Liberty Hotel in Boston has been making headlines as a former jail-turned-luxury-hotel. After a five-year renovation program that cost upward of $150 million, the Charles Street jail has maintained some precious features that pay homage to its history—such as a restaurant called Clink, and a bar called Alibi housed in the former “drunk tank.”

But if you’re looking for a more, well, authentic prison experience, you’ll have to jet yourself over to Latvia to the Karosta Prison. Located in Liepaja (about three hours west of Riga), this former Soviet detention facility was once known as the “prison that nobody escaped from.”

Today, it welcomes (if that’s the right word) visitors to spend a night for about $16.

Guests play the role of a prisoner, complete with ex-Soviet military guards berating and ordering you around, cold iron beds, and toilets that remain uncomfortably close to their original state. http://www.karostascietums.lv/1/EN/news

By Managing Editor Sarika Chawla for Peter Greenberg.com.

Technorati Tags: art, australia, China, edit, house, kitchen, sign, travel, trip, vacation

October through February offers up waves of extreme heights. In fact, they’re big enough to attract surfers from all over the world for a number of professional competitions. Sunset Beach calls out to adventure-seekers with the world’s longest stretch of surf-worthy breakers, and Ehukai Beach is home to the Bonzai Pipeline, one of the most challenging and exciting locations for boarders.

Aspiring athletes can visit these awesome sites, though they are advised to practice caution, and spectators are welcomed to witness the best of the best as they compete for titles and bragging rights. Waimea Beach hosts the Quicksilver Eddie Aikau Invitational every year, and Haleiwa Town has the Triple Crown of Surfing. Both would be great opportunities to be wowed by the thrilling skills of wave-skimming daredevils.

For a more laid-back experience, visit the North Shore during the summer months. The very same waters are now calm enough for a family snorkeling trip, or head to Kawela Bay for a prime shell hunting experience. Golfers can feel privileged to play on courses designed by Arnold Palmer himself, and culture-buffs will be pleased at all the South Pacific traditions they will encounter around every corner. All in all, this portion of Oahu is like a microcosm of Hawaii, so visitors will have no reason to miss out on any of their island expectations.

To squeeze every drop of fun and leisure from this trip, consider renting a vacation home suited to your needs. Entranced by the thought of surfing your days away? Pick a beachside condo surrounded by tiki torches. Prefer to be closer to the inland sites? Rent a hillside hideaway that is a bit quieter, still offers an ocean view, is close to a grocery store, and has its very own swimming pool.

If you’re used to a cozy, urban apartment, take the opportunity to experience something new on this vacation. Go for a place with a king-size bed. Leave the windows open all night without ever hearing a whisper of traffic. Stay up talking and playing music until dawn without bothering the neighbors. If you’ve forgotten what it’s like to have a yard, take a walk through the banana patch out back and soak it all in. Embrace the joys of fresh air and wide open space without the responsibility of ownership or maintenance, and return to your city dwelling refreshed and reconnected to nature.

If you already have a feel for a big kitchen and plenty of breathing room, you’ll be happy to enjoy your time in the North Shore without giving up the comforts you’re used to. Families shouldn’t suffer the indignity of squeezing together into one room or sharing a single bathroom just because they’re traveling. By reserving a four-bedroom chalet with an entertainment area filled with games, there will be no adjustments necessary. In fact, don’t be surprised if returning home is a bit of a drag after you’ve all grown accustomed to the bright colors, ample freedom, and relaxed atmosphere of your vacation home.

Oahu’s North Shore holds a bit of fun for everyone, and the vacation rentals in this area are equally diverse and accommodating. Be sure to envision all that you hope to gain from this vacation as you start to make your plans, and don’t get stuck with anything less than you deserve. To start the ball rolling, go online to peruse all the exciting activities and North Shore Vacation Rentals.

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