Golf Schools - The Best Choice to Start a Golf Career

Golf is a popular sport. There are approximately 31,000 courses in the world, according to a 2007 issue of Golf Digest, and half of them are in the United States. The National Golf Foundation has calculated that in 2007, there were 29.5 million golfers in the U.S. alone. With it being as popular as it is, there must be many people out there wanting to learn more about the sport or pursue a related career. Golf schools can help. They are, understandably, becoming popular. Some, for more recreational players, provide a getaway vacation experience while the visitor learns the ropes of the sport. Others provide a more comprehensive educational experience and full curriculum to learn about both the sport and the industry. There are schools that offer degree programs. Attendees can learn about the game professionally as well as management, which entails an education in managing a course. This kind of experience can lead to careers other that playing pro, such as managing a course, manufacturing products, or writing about the sport, players, or the like. Such a facility also offers other opportunities as well. Colleges and Universities participate at nationally recognized events, giving each and every one of their students the opportunity to have a real front seat. The US Open, and other tournaments often have student volunteers working and experiencing just how to run a large scale event. The experience and connections that many Universities have will open up more doors than imaginable. The PGA estimates there are 2 million jobs available in the golf industry. This is impressive given our economic situation, but one also needs to be educated if looking to obtain one of those jobs. A degree from one of any number of colleges can lead to a job teaching as well as working in a hotel nearby a course or at a resort. There are many schools in the US, and websites suiting your needs to organize and sort through the choices. Many sites feature a directory searchable by state, destination, specialty, and also by proximity to the zip code entered in a field. For each state, there is a listing of schools. There are 20 schools listed for New York alone, and for Arizona there are even more than that. Each state has multiple schools. Using online resources will aid you in your search for the perfect school. Look for a reliable school specializing in the area of the sport you'd like to study. Do you feel you're best suited in supervisory role? How about a more manual labor, get your hands dirty position? Attending any one of the many golf schools can cost quite a bit, but there are many grants and scholarships available to help pay for tuition. A stay at a resort-based school will give you a great onsite experience, but is more costly. Accredited programs for gaining an associate or bachelor degree are more expensive than other unaccredited programs. Tuition prices can range, so it's important to search for the best school within your price range. Many schools are expensive, but well worth the expense. Despite this, the degree can be obtained in as little as 16 months when traditional programs can take up to 3 years. The sport of golf is extremely popular, and in times like these we must evaluate which careers will give you stability when times are tough. Look to a successful and well run school to help you take advantage of the possibilities. Golf schools nationwide have openings today. Don't miss out on your opportunity to get into the industry. Kaila West is a writer for Golf Academy of America, providing accredited programs to those interested in pursuing a golf career. Golf schools are the best choice! Visit http://www.GolfAcademy.edu for more valuable information! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaila_West

Is Disney Coming to Spain?

Much talk has been circulating the internet with rumors about the up and coming major theme park that is going to be built in Spain. There is actually hearsay about which major company will set up base in Spain. Disney is one of the names that is mentioned about this issue. Just to clear things up, Disney is not setting up a new franchise in Spain, but Paramount Pictures is. Those who were hoping for the Disneyland Spain version to be true won't be disappointed either as Paramount Pictures does have a reputation to boast too. Aside from the major films it has produced over the years such as the box-office hit Transformers and the unforgettable love story Titanic, it surely will give nearby Disneyland Paris something to be worried about. The land to be used for the project was originally to be used for another project, namely the Sierra de Alhama Golf Resort. Due to various reasons, it was not able to push through, but was replaced with plans for a major theme park, which were all just finalized last week. The Paramount Theme Park will be built on a lot measuring around 1.59 million square meters, located close to Alhama de Murcia at the intersection of RM2 and RM23. In relation to specific details about the Paramount Theme Park, plans are yet to be announced in the next few months, but one thing is for sure, it will certainly be something that will give visitors a good reason to come and visit Murcia, and boost its tourism industry. The project is estimated to create about 20,000 jobs for the locals. Around 15,000 hotels are now being drawn up for the expected 3 million added visitors to the region once the theme park is finished and open to the public in around two years time. Why Murcia? For starters, Murcia has been getting good reviews as a family destination for beach lovers. Aside from the great winter climate and the huge support that the project is getting from the regional government, it will surely make Murcia the "Leisure Center of Spain" and possibly the next big place in Europe as well. Other plans are also on the drawing board to support this major project. An airport is now being drawn up to make travelling to Murcia a breeze for outside visitors with it only a 20 minute ride from the theme park. This airport is just the start of the good news that the Murcian economy will be getting in the next few years. Even if Disney is not coming to Spain, there is no reason to sulk as a Paramount Theme Park will surely give you more than you expected. So start drawing up plans for a Spanish vacation and get ready for an experience of a lifetime! Enjoy your Spain holiday vacation [http://sunmarmenor.com/contact.html] at SunMarMenor's sunrise and sunset. Visit their website now! [http://sunmarmenor.com/] Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sue_W.

The Best Types of Family Vacations

Family is an important center of community on every part of the world. It is where one's values and integrity are honed, and where one's best memories of childhood (or life in all) are made from. But with today's busy world where availability of time for the family is usually being eaten up with time at work or for earning money, vacation time is a luxury where luckily, most people still set aside a certain period of time and money. For a vacation to be a success, it should be able to accommodate the interest of every member of the family. Below are some of the best vacation spots and how it can cater to each and every member of the family's interest: 1.Ski/pool or beach resorts. Most resorts nowadays have accommodations that may cater to single visitors to a large family of, say, maybe ten. The resort of choice must be able to provide proper resting space for the family after a day of fun filled activities. It is best to consider beforehand the priority or choice of the family in accommodation amenities. Do the family need or want an air-conditioned room, or would a simple room with a balcony be of more preference? Does the location of the room/cottage (i.e beside the ocean or hotel-room types) matter? Is the price affordable? Aside from the accommodation, other amenities of the resort must be noted. Children, who have much shorter span of attention over things, must be well considered. Does the resort offer activities or venues for the children to play, such as arcades or playgrounds? If the place offers various venues for other activities, this may be a good place to unwind. Most resorts have mini golf areas, space for trekking, a tennis court or a small zoo for the children. As for the older member of the group, a good restaurant nearby might be appealing, spa treatments of beauty salons might likewise be attention-grabbing. Ski resorts offer a much limited venue for various activities. Though gears may be rented for any age group, other activities, which are not ski or snow related, may not be offered on most resorts. Likewise, there are only so many places where this type of resort can be found due to the most obvious factor, where snow can be found (or made?). 2.Theme parks. Virtually in every heart of any man lies a child who waits for the right place and time to show himself. Theme parks, are known to attract almost any age group of individuals. The most well-known of all theme parks probably is Disneyland, which has several branches on different parts of the world. Universal studios on the other hand offer the same theme on a different kind. Still, almost every country has its own version of its theme park. If Germany has its Fantasialand (Fantasy Land), Philippines its Enchanted Kingdom, China has the Ocean Park. These theme parks offers the wildest rides that almost anyone with a tough heart can ride into, restaurants or snack bars to satisfy anyone's craves and resting space for the older members who easily tire from long walks. Some offer lockers to allow storage of baggage, strollers or bike/car rides for rent for the toddlers, umbrellas or wheelchairs for the elders. Each and every single item stated aims at providing the rentee some form of convenience for maximum enjoyment of stay at the park. 3.Cruise ships. May the destination be to the Bahamas or through some Asian countries, the best selling points usually are the accommodation and amenities inside the ship. Usually there are dancing areas for the middle-aged and older group, while a separate disco floor may cater to the teenaged passengers. Food served may be customized for the needs or wants of the individual, if pre-arranged, or need not be specified with the variety of foods available. Various services may be offered like nannying, laundry services and spa treatments for a more relaxing stay. Children have a play area from where to busy themselves while the parents are at the pool or playing in the casino. Though usually pricey, vacationing on a cruise ship is best for honeymooners or for families who have relatively older children, i.e. without toddlers. Still, whatever type of vacation spot a family wants to go to, the interest of every member must be well accounted for, for maximum satisfaction. Dr Nathalie Fiset is a family doctor and a certified hypnotherapist. For more information go to: www.bigfloridavacation.com www.aperfectharmony.com or www.a-1hypnosis.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Fiset

Disney World in Winter: 10 Wonderful Reasons to Visit the Walt Disney World Resort This Winter

Are you looking for that perfect getaway this winter? Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida may just be your ticket. Here are my top 10 "hot tips" for warming up with Mickey this winter. 1. Value Season Rates. Keep your wallet warm with rock-bottom prices at Disney resort hotels from early January through mid-February, which is also a period of lower attendance (and fewer crowds). 2. Year of a Million Dreams Celebration. Come celebrate latest hoopla, see new attractions like "Finding Nemo--The Musical" and Laugh Floor Comedy Club, and maybe even win one of the million "dreams" that Disney is awarding. 3. Golf! Enjoy Walt Disney World's 99 holes of championship golf. Greens fees include transportation to and from your Disney resort. Or try your hand at miniature golf at Disney's Winter Summerland or Fantasia Gardens, each with two 18-hole courses. 4. Disney's free, on-site transportation. Once you've checked into your Disney resort (or campsite), buses, boats and monorails can take you anywhere you want to go on Disney property. 5. The kids (and grandkids). Few places better than Walt Disney World for family togetherness and warm smiles. 6. Annual Pass and AAA Discounts. These hot, money-saving deals are more widely available in this year of decreased travel, even for Peak Season vacationers. 7. Winter cruise discounts. This is usually a great time to sail -- prices are lower and the risk of bad weather is minimal. Why not add a tropical Disney cruise onto your winter Disney vacation? 8. Gas. Prices are gradually coming down. 9. Disney's own Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. One of America's top-rated campgrounds is just across the water from Disney's Magic Kingdom. Location, location, location. 10. It just feels great! Few destinations are cleaner, friendlier, or safer than Walt Disney World. Be prepared to leave your frown (and worries) at the door. Copyright © Jennifer Marx/PassPorter Travel Press - All Rights Reserved. This article may be distributed freely on your web site and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links, and the resource box are unchanged. Jennifer Marx is the author of over 40 print books, including the award-winning, best-selling PassPorter Walt Disney World guidebook [http://www.passporter.com/wdw/guidebook.htm]. She is married to author Dave Marx and mom to two kids who love Disney. Read more of Jennifer's articles on Disney and general travel at http://www.passporter.com and in the popular Disney discussion forums. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Marx

Resort Jobs in Japan - Much More Fun Than English Teaching

Are you interested in going to Japan? Until recently, if you wanted to work in Japan, your options were limited to English Teaching, or bar work. But now, thanks to the huge ski tourism boom Japan is experiencing, foreigners can now choose to work in Japanese Ski, Beach, and Golf Resorts, which is a lot more fun! Contracts in Japanese resorts usually last anywhere from 2 - 6 months. Often, if you're working in Beach Resorts down south in Okinawa, you can work all year-round, as the weather there is always warm, so there are always tourists visiting the tropical resorts. In general, if you want to work in Ski Resorts, contracts start in December, and finish at the end of February, March, and April (in Hokkaido). For Beach or Golf Resort work, contracts usually start in April - May, and finish around October (but shorter contracts are also available). Almost always, 2-3 months isn't enough, and workers often extend their contracts to stay a few extra months, because they're having such a great time! Jobs in Resorts depend completely on your Japanese ability. For lower levels, there's work in Restaurants, or on Ski lifts. For intermediate levels, working in a gift shop, ticket sales, pool / beach attendant, or ski instructor / patrol positions are available. And for higher levels, working at the hotel front desk, as a concierge, or a bellhop becomes possible. While the different jobs require differing levels of Japanese, one thing is certain: all of the jobs are in a completely Japanese environment, so no matter what your level, your Japanese is going to improve FAST. Living and working in a Japanese Resort is a little like going on school camp as a child. All of the facilities are communal, so you live in large dormitories, staying in rooms with up to 4 other people. You bathe in large group facilities, with showers and often a large bathtub (Japanese love soaking in the bath). You eat in dining halls, with all of your friends, and Japanese food is served to you on trays, just like a school cafeteria. And best of all, before or after work, you're always hanging out with your friends - snowboarding, or lying on a tropical beach, playing a round of golf - all these things are possible working in a Resort in Japan. Working in a Resort in Japan, you don't get paid as well as you would working in an English school - but once you factor in that all of your accommodation, meals, and season ski passes are completely free when working at the resorts, you realize that it's actually a really good deal. Expect to pocket almost USD$1000 per month, which is usually a lot more than you could hope to save living in the city. But really, you don't choose to work in a Resort in Japan for the money - you do it because you want to have the time of your life; to make new friends, improve your Japanese, and experience the REAL Japan. And in all of these ways, Resort jobs in Japan deliver, like no other job does. Have the time of your life doing Resort jobs Japan - ski for free, make new friends, improve your Japanese, and get paid for it. Find out more about Resort Jobs: http://www.boobooski.com/index.html Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Claydon-Platt

Top Ten Winter Golf Destinations That You Need to Add to Your Bucket List

Great winter golf destinations must meet certain criteria, in order to make the Top Ten bucket of list winter golf destinations. They need to be tropical, must have golf courses worthy of being called destination golf courses and they need to have accommodations that allow you to relax and unwind in an atmosphere of luxury and comfort; affording you the opportunity to escape the winter weather and rejuvenate yourself both mentally and physically. That is why the following have been chosen to complete this Top Ten Winter Golf Destination Bucket List: Maui, Hawaii, USA- Maui has long been the destination for professional golf tours, due to its climate, world class golf courses, warm trade winds and five star resorts. Whale watching during the winter months is one of the many unique things you will find on this Pacific Island jewel. Wailea Golf resort is a 54 hole golf club with a storied PGA past. The setting is amazing. St. Thomas, US. Virgin Islands- Home to five star resorts such as The Ritz-Carlton Resort, Wyndham Resorts at Sugar Bay, Beach. Mahogany Run being the recommended golf course on this Caribbean Winter Golf Destination getaway. Costa Rica- Located on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica; Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is blended into the lush setting created by the rain forest and the ocean. Complete with an 18-hole championship golf course, casino, spa, tennis courts and a 250-slip marina. The combination of world class golf & deep sea fishing combined to create one of the most exotic winter golfing destinations you will ever find. Cap Cana, Dominican Republic- Cap Cana is located along the east coast of the Dominican Republic, on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola; which rests between Cuba and Puerto Rico. Cap Cana's tropical surroundings include beaches, crystal blue waters and lush green valleys. Possessing one of the Caribbean's most advanced marinas and a Jack Nicklaus designed championship golf course, which hosted the Champions Tour, Cap Cana Championship, in April 2008. This was a no brainer for placement in the top ten of the bucket list. Cabo San Lucas, Mex. - Once a sleepy little fishing village frequented by a list of who's who in the world of the rich and famous, Cabo San Lucas has become a world class golf destination. Courses designed by Nicklaus, Norman, Trent Jones, Dye and Fazio. With the turquoise blue Sea of Cortez visible from almost anywhere you venture and the warm Baja sun greeting you each and every morning, it would be impossible to omit this from any winter golf destinations list, let alone a top ten list. Miami Beach, Florida, USA- The first location on the main land of the USA to make this list, Miami offers what few other locations on the mainland can; an international flavor. The Cuban influence in music, food and culture is as warm and inviting as the South Florida sun. From the experience of South beach to the Doral Resort & Spa, Miami offers everything required to be considered for placement on this list. Honolulu, Hawaii, USA- Receiving another placement on the top ten winter golf destinations is once again Hawaii, specifically Honolulu; perhaps one of the most famous of all warm weather destinations. Honolulu means "sheltered bay" or "place of shelter". The scenic beauty of Honolulu, with Diamond Head in the distance and the Pacific Ocean lapping at its shores, makes it one of the most sort after warm weather golfing destinations. A trip to the sacred ground of Pearl Harbor is a must, it is one of the more sobering sights you will ever see. Playing the Turtle Bay Palmer Golf Course would be the course of choice here. San Juan, Puerto Rico- Located in the Northern portion of the Caribbean Sea, west of the US Virgin Islands and approximately a 1,000 miles southeast of Miami. Puerto Rico enjoys sunshine for the better part of the year. Daylight typically can be expected from 6:30 AM to 6 PM allowing for ample playing time, especially if you have 36 holes on your mind. With a host of golf courses to choose from, The Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa Wyndham Grand Resort is one of the recommended courses to play while visiting the San Juan area. Palm Springs, California, USA- With a collage of color, fragrance and scenic beauty it is easy to understand what drew the likes of Sinatra, Hope and Crosby to the California desert all those years ago. Simply put, Palm Springs is one of the greatest winter golf destinations in the world. PGA West is located in La Quinta, a short distance from Palm Springs, if you love golf than you absolutely have to go here at least once in your lifetime. No top ten list is complete without this gem in the California desert. Orlando, Florida, USA- Orlando guarantees you warm weather, easy flight connections and endless opportunities for golf. The other choices on this list may have more flavor and adventure to them, but Orlando guarantees you world class golf. Of the many choices to mention, The Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Club and Lodge is the one chosen to represent Orlando. The reason being, it is recognized as one of the most impressive layouts in the world. Much like its owner, Bay Hill is charming, inviting and about being the best of the best. And so you have it; ten sure fire Warm Weather Winter Golf Destinations that will not disappoint. What ten Winter Golf destinations make your bucket list? For more information on destination travel-golf and lodging, visit us at Travel-golfandlodging. Thanks for taking the time to review our top ten. Thank you for reading this article. For more information and ideas on travel-golf and lodging please visit http://www.travel-golfandlodging.com. You will find a collection of resorts, spas and golf courses world wide and links to destination resorts for your vacation getaways. Joseph Killian is a consultant and writer for travel-golfandlodging.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Killian

All Inclusive Golf Resorts

With a boom in the tourism industry, resorts have to constantly innovate and come with new ways to garner their share of the pie and since convenience and a hassle-free vacation is what any tourist looks for - countless All Inclusive Resorts have sprung up to cater to this need. Some All Inclusive Vacation Resorts include golf as part of the package. Some of these resorts routinely include golf, while others may provide the option of golf vacation packages. All Inclusive Golf resorts are more the norm in popular golfing destinations such as the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii and the Bahamas to name just a few. Some of these resorts proffer unlimited golf, whereas others offer a restricted number of rounds per person per stay. Golf carts and caddies which are normally obligatory may invite an additional fee. As a rule, most all inclusive resorts cater for transportation between the golf links and the resort but the condition may vary with each resort. Some of the other advantages are the provision of unlimited greens fees or in some cases 50% off greens fees. Some resorts have special packages for kids with free golf clinics and unlimited play time on a world class course and countless other activities to keep them busy such as supervised kids camps, game arcades and "ultra nanny" services and nurseries. Over and above golf, these all inclusive golf resorts also include dining, entertainment, attractions and activities to make your trip an unforgettable experience. All Inclusive Resorts are immensely popular with tourists as it gives them a holiday customized to their needs and with all the loose ends tied up, so once they set out to the chosen destination it is a real holiday with no worries as every little detail is taken care of. But you must ascertain that you clarify all your doubts and understand the terms and conditions so that you can have a truly hassle-free holiday. Golf Resorts [http://www.e-GolfResorts.com] provides detailed information on Golf Resorts, Florida Golf Resorts, Arizona Golf Resorts, Caribbean Golf Resorts and more. Golf Resorts is affiliated with Online Golf Games [http://www.WetPluto.com/Free-Golf-Games.html]. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Morgan

Massage Therapist Job Opportunities and Earning Potential

When I was in massage school I would have given anything for someone to give me a straight answer about what kind of job opportunities were actually out there and more importantly, what kind of money I could make. In typical massage school fashion I got the "The possibilities are endless" and "You can make whatever you choose to make." While both of these are nice thoughts in broad cosmic way, neither of them gave me what I really wanted: the truth. Through a series of odd circumstances I have worked in almost every aspect of this industry and can now answer some of those questions. Please realize that my experiences are unique to my circumstances and this article is only meant to give general ideas. Cruise Ship Like many doe eyed teenagers entering massage school, I had dreams of working on a cruise ship and seeing the world. Unlike many of those people, I actually went through with it. This was about 5 years ago and things may be (and hopefully are) different now, but here is my experience. I was offered a position with a big spa cruise ship company several months before I graduated from school. Because this was my first job in the industry I didn't really care what I was going to be making, I just wanted the experience. After I graduated and passed my national exam I was given a start date. Be in England for training on September 15. Oh and by the way, buy your own ticket here and bring plenty of money because it's really expensive to be here for the possible 2-6 weeks before we place you on a ship. I started my new job $2000 in the hole. On the actual ship I was only paid per treatment. You work from 8am to 8pm doing treatments and then from 8pm to 10pm cleaning the spa and prepping for the next day. If you subtract your 2 hour lunches and your 1 day off a week it turns out to be about 72 hours a week. If you work for the international ships (like I did) and not the US ships (like the ones in Hawaii) they do not have to comply with US labor laws and you do not get paid overtime for the incredible amount of hours you put in. On an average day I would do 8 massages. I got $7 per massage plus on average a $10 tip. If you sold product (which was THE most important thing to them) you got something like 5%. I am not a salesperson so this did not matter to me. Though I was lectured daily by the Spa Director because you HAVE to try and sell to every client and you HAVE to hit your sales quota. It's something unreal like $300/day. So let's do the math. $17 x 8 treatments = $136/day x 6 days = $816/week. Divide that by 72 hours and it works out to be a little over $11/hour. Plus you have no rent and free food. And by the way, it will take you several months to physically and mentally recover from this adventure. I almost quit the industry. Resorts Many resorts are seasonal. Because I was young and unattached, I could move at the drop of a hat so this worked out well for me. In the winter I would work at a big ski resort and in the summer I would go to a big golf and spa resort or try out whatever random massage job happened to be available at the time. Percentage Many places choose to pay percentages because it means that they only have to pay you when you are making money for them. The up side to this method is that when you are working, you usually get a really good rate. I would say that I earned anywhere from $50-$75/hr (this include percentage and tip) when I was paid this way. (These resorts usually charge $125+ for an hour massage. The earning potential in a day spa would be far less) the down side is that you will not always have work. I would have a $400 day and then sometimes not work for several days. In the case of ski resorts you have about 2-3 months where you make lots of money and the rest of the time you make nothing. This is fine if you learn how to budget. Many feel that they make so much during the busy time that it justifies the nothing they make in the slow time. My twice monthly paychecks ranged from $200 to $2000. In rare cases I have heard of therapists that find resorts that are busy year round and they make insane amounts of money. I have never worked at such a place and that scenario is not common. The other thing you have to consider with this method is whether you are an employee or an independent contractor. I preferred being an employee because they take your taxes out for you and offer some benefits. Independent contractors have to set aside money from every paycheck for taxes and usually have no benefits. Hourly + Tip When I first took a resort job that paid $8/hr plus tip I wasn't really impressed with the fact that I was giving a service that they were charging $150 for and I was only getting $8. I soon changed my mind when I realized that I was getting paid $8/hr when I was sitting on my butt and an average of $28/hr when I was doing treatments. (There was an automatic $20 gratuity on every treatment and clients had the option of adding more) This was the most I ever made in 6 months (around $22,000) and I had steady paychecks. I must add that I was working there during the busy summer months and probably would not have done nearly so well in the winter. Day Spas There are so many factors in how much you can make at a day spa. If you build a clientele and are fairly busy you can make an average of $20/hr. In my area the average is about $15/hr with some therapists making a lot more, some a lot less. With resorts so close to me I never had to explore this avenue. Medical Spa The average medical spa wage varies greatly. When I worked at a medical spa I had 5 years of experience and was a massage therapist, esthetician and laser technician. I made $40,000/yr plus tips. This is a highly unusual scenario. Most medical spas pay about the same as day spas unless you have some advanced training. Chiropractic Most chiropractors I've talked to pay around $11/hr plus tips. You usually have to do some office work if you don't have clients. I worked for a chiropractor for a short time and liked it. For me it just didn't compare to the money and the atmosphere of a resort spa but many therapists like to work in a more casual, clinical setting. Spa Management As an assistant spa director at a big hotel I made $25,000/yr with the option of doing treatments on top of that for extra income. I never had the time. As a spa director I made $40,000/yr. I've seen spa directors make anywhere from $30,000 to $70,000/yr. In my opinion no amount of money is worth the stress involved in running a multi-million dollar spa and managing 20+ employees. I went back to being a therapist. Massage Schools I worked at a massage school after I had been in the industry for a couple of years. My arms needed a break and I thought it would be a great refresher course. I made about $20/hr and I enjoyed my job. Ultimately I missed working in the actual field. I also found it frustrating that schools in general omit certain truths so as not to discourage you from spending the $12,000 on tuition. I will discuss those truths in a later article. Self Employed Its lots of hard work and not that much money when you consider rent, products, marketing, etc. but you make your own schedule and you don't have to answer to anyone. If you work really hard and can build up a steady client base, it's well worth it. It is impossible to estimate earnings on this. It depends on how much you charge, what your expenses are and how hard you're willing to work to get clients. This has by far been the best option for me. I hope this has given you a good look at the options that are out there. This is a tough industry to work in. You have to work hard to get licensed and even harder to get the good jobs. I saw so many people go to school thinking that as soon as they graduated there would be employers lining up with offers and clients. To contact me or to read entertaining stories of my massage career and articles, please visit [http://www.massagestories.net] Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tasha_Pierson

Marbella Spa and Health Resort

Costa del Sol is a booming health- tourism center. The region has two gorgeous resorts from the last century which were the forerunner to the eclectic range of Marbella spa and wellness centers. The presence of the hot springs resulted in health tourism boom today. The place has both traditional centers and the most modern and comfortable setting. An excellent combination of both health and tourism made the place an alluring formula. The rest and the physical well-being of the powerful spas and the exotic beaches makes it possible to deal with anxiety, fatigue and other problems caused by the busy city life. The spa here is no longer a place for only the elderly people; it is frequented by people of different ages. They offer wonderful combination of health treatments and leisure, fun and recreation. In most cases, Marbella Accommodation comes equipped with spa facilities, so you can get the highly specialized services within reach. The place is an iconic beach resort with sun kissed shores in Spain. Once popular as the vacation of spot for the classes, is now popular among masses as well. It is the jewel of the small stretch of the Spanish coastline. The exotic location of the city is makes it perfect to explore the Coastline. The Tolox spa, one of the oldest spas opened in 1869. It is located between the Sierra de las Nieves to the west and the municipalities of Istan and Monda in the south. This town is about 48 km from Marbella. The other Spa is Buchinger Clinic, which has about two dozen health treatments along with other cosmetic services. The Byblos Andaluz Hotel (Mijas-Costa) and Melia Costa del Sol (Torremolinos), are places, which are also centers of hydrotherapy and Thalassotherapy. The hotel Incosol, provides several treatments with a wide range of services that can improve your physical condition. The Marbella Health Clinic, situated around Benahavis, has similar services. Other than the traditional and natural methods that are followed in the Spas, convenience like sauna, Jacuzzi, heated pools, gym and massages are offered in the Marbella Accommodation. In case if you are thinking about a health holiday, it is advisable that you put up at one of this accommodation directly. Consider a day-trip when you contemplate to visit the two last-century spas Tolox and Carratraca. This location has beautiful road and transport system that lead you to almost everywhere. The old country feel, picturesque hills and valleys along with the exotic beaches, it is a perfect place for a wellness holiday. To receive wellness treatment along with pleasure you can opt for short trips and combine with short walk along the village among the cradle of nature and the reviving hot springs. Car hire facility is also available from the Malaga airport. The car hire gives you the freedom to explore the hidden corners of the city. Marbella accommodation and car hire makes your stay at extremely easy and comfortable. For more information on marbella accommodation, check out the info available online; these will help you learn to find the marbella spa! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeesh_Muake

Top 10 Cancun Resorts

The hotel zone in Cancun host many fabulous hotels and resorts. You can get whatever you need at the resorts and local shops. Arrange for tour to the Mayan Ruins or go on a Sea Doo tour through the mangroves. There is something for everyone in the Cancun Hotel Zone. Below is a short review of 10 of the more popular resorts. 1. Oasis Cancun - A Little Piece of Paradise As the name implies, the Oasis Cancun Hotel and Resort is a literal oasis, located in the middle of the Cancun hotel zone. Surrounded by lush gardens on three sides, and a half mile of white beach on the fourth side, you won't even realize that you are in the middle of a busy tourist area. Your entire vacation could be spent exploring all the Oasis Cancun Hotel and Resort has to offer. 2. Riu Cancun - A Fantasy Hotel and Resort for A Fantasy Vacation Deemed as one of the most luxurious hotel resorts in Cancun, Riu Cancun offers guests everything they can imagine and more. Offering an all inclusive vacation package, the Riu Cancun has been given a rating of five stars. The resort is located in Corazone, which is Cancun's famous resort area. The main building is fourteen stories, with a five story annex building. It takes that much space to house everything the Riu Cancun has to offer guests. 3. Spend Your Next Vacation At The Palace - The Cancun Palace The Cancun Palace Resort, located near Cancun's entertainment area - which includes shopping and party centers - is situated on a white sand beach with mesmerizing turquoise water. The beautiful building, scenic surroundings, and superior staff will make you feel like royalty, living in a real palace. The Concierge and bell staff will handle all the small personal details for you, so you can relax and enjoy your vacation. 4. Moon Palace Cancun - Exclusive Paradise Offering seclusion, beauty, and elegance, the Moon Palace Cancun Golf and Spa Resort is considered to be one of the most luxurious and exclusive resorts in Cancun. The Moon Palace Cancun resort is located just south of Cancun, and is situated between the breathtaking white sand beach of the Caribbean Sea and 55 acres of tropical foliage. Combined, this scenery offers guests a virtual tropical paradise. 5. For A Unique Vacation, Visit The Avalon Grand Cancun Resort A Premiere four star resort, the Avalon Grand Cancun Resort has a uniqueness that isn't found anywhere else in Cancun. Starting with breakfast in bed each morning, your days at the Avalon Grand Cancun Resort will be filled with pampering, relaxation, and sheer enjoyment. The well trained staff ensures that your Caribbean vacation at the Avalon Grand Cancun Resort will be your most memorable vacation ever. 6. Royal Solaris Cancun- The Ultimate Resort Vacation Known as the largest all inclusive resort in Cancun, the Royal Solaris Cancun Resort features pyramid shaped buildings, which house 500 guest rooms, a theater, seven restaurants, and four bars. There are even two-bedroom villas available on the grounds. 7. The Crown Paradise Cancun Resort - Offering A Family Friendly Environment With Style and Elegance The Crown Paradise Cancun Resort is located on the magnificent white sandy beaches of the Caribbean, in the Cancun Hotel Zone. Ten minutes away from Cancun's largest shopping mall, and only fifteen minutes from the International Airport, the Crown Paradise Cancun Resort is the ideal spot for your family vacation. 8. Grand Oasis Cancun Hotel - Good Things Come In Small Packages With only 288 luxury guest rooms available, the Grand Oasis is often mistakenly thought of as one of the smaller hotels in Cancun. However, you are about to discover that this just isn't so. Once you see all that the hotel offers, the outstanding personal service, the facilities, and the contemporary Mexican landscaping and decor, you will see that this is one of the best places to stay in Cancun. 9. Sheraton Cancun Resort and Towers - The Vacation You Want, At a Price You Can Afford The Sheraton Cancun Resort and Towers offers guests an exotic Caribbean vacation on the beach in the Cancun Hotel Zone. This allows guests the luxury and seclusion of a resort, as well as easy access to local cultural events and sightseeing opportunities. 10. Experience Comfort and Elegance At The Hyatt Regency Cancun The Hyatt Regency Cancun Hotel is located in the Cancun's Hotel Zone, just fifty yards from the Caribbean Sea. If you wish to have close access to the Cancun nightlife, the Hyatt Regency Cancun Hotel is the best place to stay. Copyright 2005 Dave Markel For more great information about Cancun Resorts and attractions visit The Cancun Resort Guide. http://cancun-resort-guide.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Markel

Po Valley Cruises: The Splendour of Renaissance Architecture

The Po Valley in northern Italy is a scenic region rich in cultural history, reaching from the ancient past to the Renaissance and through to modern times. The flowering of culture in the Renaissance fascinates many people today, and the Venetian coast and Po Valley offer an architectural insight into this era, from Venice to Taglio di Po, Ferrara and Mantua. Cruising the waterways is a popular way to explore. Venice The legendary city of Venice, where river cruises generally start, is rich in architecture that hearkens to its time as a major centre of maritime commerce in Europe and the Mediterranean. Fitting that history, its architecture is varied, encompassing Gothic, Byzantine, Ottoman, Moorish, Renaissance and Baroque styles and influences - producing the distinct Venetian Gothic style alongside other notable constructions. Renaissance buildings in Venice include palaces, such as the palace of Ca'Tron on the Grand Canal, the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana - which holds one of the world's greatest collections of classical text manuscripts - and the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore. Taglio di Po At the delta of the River Po and the entry to the Po Valley, cruises pass through a nature reserve, where passengers can sight flamingos, snipe, herons and other water birds. It is a splendid introduction to the beautiful landscape of the valley. Upriver, cruises reach Taglio di Po, where dinner can be enjoyed at the 17th century villa of Ca'Zen - at which Lord Byron wrote some of his finest poetry. At the nearby Bagnoli Estate, the wine cellars and gardens of the 17th century Villa Widmann Borletti offer a Renaissance feast for the senses. The wines, grown on the estate, have wet the lips of Venetian high society for centuries. Ferrara Surrounded by some of the best-preserved Renaissance walls in all of Italy, the city of Ferrara is a spectacular excursion on Po Valley cruises. Visitors can take in the 15th century frescoes of the Schifanoia Palace and the Renaissance items in its collections, and then admire the imposing 14th century edifice of Estense Castle, with four great bastions and a surrounding moat, and the Casa Romei. The Renaissance architecture throughout the central city makes it a true jewel for anyone with an interest in this era in European history. Mantua Mantua is a fitting end for cruises along the Po Valley: the city was a centre of Renaissance art and thought in northern Italy, and the era has left its mark on the city. A major landmark is the 16th century Palazzo Te, created in a mature Renaissance style by Giulio Romano and serving as the summer palace of Frederick II of Gonzaga. In addition to its own features, it serves as the house for the Museo Civico. Visitors to Mantua will also want to explore the grand Ducal Palace and its grounds, and perhaps contemplate the endurance of Italian poetry at the statue of the Roman poet Virgil, who was born in a village near ancient Mantua. Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, a provider of luxury, all-inclusive barge holidays in Europe. If you're looking for Po Valley cruises in Italy, European Waterways can provide the ideal itinerary. We also offer experiences in France, Holland and the UK. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_D_Newman

Spa Inspired Home Decor Ideas

Have you been inside a luxurious spa resort? On a holiday, we stayed at a spa resort. Although we did not use the spa facilities, we did enjoy the tranquility of the resort. Actually, the clever use of home furnishings and accessories can bring that spa ambience to any home, big or small. No doubt it would be ideal to renovate the entire home, change the flooring and wall coverings to use wood and stone like a close-to-nature spa resort but, hey, you can get the effect for less by refurnishing your home. First, get rid of all clutter. No matter how beautiful a home is, clutter spoils the look. A messy home is a stressful one. For a tranquil environment, go minimalist. 1. Get a carpenter to do built in cabinets for all the storage in your home. These would maximize your space and keep the clutter out of sight. Go for a natural wood veneer. Rich polished wood cabinets or at least veneer on your cabinets would be a great start for your spa resort inspired home. Get rid of plastics and artificial eyesores. If a sofa doesn't go with your home, get rid of it. Hold a garage sale to sell off all these things and use the proceeds to by furniture and furnishings made of wood, cane, bamboo, glass, stone or metal, in the natural finish. 2. Put a large vase of fresh cut flowers in every room and some indoor plants to give it a resort ambience. 3. Use uplights and downlights to throw shadows on these plants at night. 4. Buy a fountain and put it in the living room, to simulate the fountains and waters found in spa resorts. 5. Take a large basin and fill it with water and fresh flower petals and floating candles. Light the candles at night to form a majestic yet tranquil display of light and water in the room you intend to spend the night in. Remember to blow out the candles before you sleep and watch out for gas leaks. 6. Play with texture. Rugs or floor covering made of rough natural fibers give any room a close to nature ambience. 7. Decorate your home with rattan baskets and chairs [http://www.home-decor-ideas.com/rattan.html] that are both beautiful and functional. If you can renovate your home, check out Spa resort inspired home makeover [http://www.home-decor-ideas.com/articles.php?article=18] for more ideas. You can get everything you need to decorate your home at home-decor-ideas.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janice_Wee

How to Start a Spa Business

Variations in the spa business make it an interesting possible venture for a person looking to go into business for themselves. A spa can be a day spa, a resort type spa, a hot tub distributor and a spa attached to a hotel. The spa can include hair care, massage, nail care and body care. Your interest and the money you have available will be factors in choosing which business you should pursue. The Internet is an excellent source for finding what kind of businesses are for sale and where they are located. A potential buyer can also check out this same question with solid business brokers. By doing this, the buyer can quickly get a feel for what is available and the capital needed to complete the sale. The other way to get into the business is to start a brand new business. This will cost somewhere near what you would pay for a similar type of spa business, except for the value of their existing clientele. The advantage to the existing business purchase versus the brand new start-up is the existing customer base and the immediate cash flow. There are many types of spa businesses and the cost of the one you would like to own will depend on the type you choose. A resort type spa for example will probably cost far more than a day spa or a distributor of spas. The services that you offer will also show up in the cost of the spa. Service usually means the need for employees to provide the service. Employees have an on going monthly cost that does not go away whether you are busy or not. Other services may be equipment dependent and therefore you have the equipment cost and the maintenance expense. A distributorship will have its own unique costs and expenses. A show room is almost mandatory to run the business correctly. You cannot sell spas without demonstrating them. This will entail a building set up to do just this and a different set of employees to pull off this type of business. Salesmen and people persons are going to be important factors in all of these businesses. Solid sales people are a necessity in selling spas to the public. This is a luxury item, not a necessity of life. Which spa business is for you and how to find them As stated above the Internet is a great way to start looking for businesses that are up for sale. This will give you a good idea of the difficulty in finding one that is in the area of the spa business that catches your fancy. These listings will also let you know if there are businesses in your local. Talk with spa owners and business brokers to get an idea of the opportunities that are available in the spa business. Visit day spas and resort spas to see how they are run and the services they offer to their clients. Ask them if they know of any businesses for sale. You never know where you will get a solid lead. The business broker will have answers for some of your questions and will know where to find the answers he does not know off of the top of his head. An experienced broker may have already helped with the sale of the type of spa business that you are favoring. This part of the discovery process is like being a good detective. Let the facts and the leads get you where you can see the answers to your growing question list. Spending the needed time on this part of business buying will help in many ways. You will become better versed on what is available and the prices that different businesses command. You will also soon discover whether you can buy an existing business or have to start one from the ground up. This will help to determine the money needed and how you can come up with the purchase price or start-up price. I have the money or I can get it You have to be able to say the above in order to buy an existing business or start one up. The cost in this niche business will depend on the selected area of the spa business. Once you have selected the spa business you wish to own, then you must find one for sale or start one up. Both of these will have prices that you can afford or can get financing for. Raising the total price may take some creative financing on your part. The current owner may be willing to accept terms to enable the purchase. Other areas that may loan you the money you need are the bank, relatives, loan from a business lender and a loan on assets you own. One way or another you will need to come up with the total price. If the current owner is involved, be prepared to pay a premium for the business. Most owners have a cash price and a higher terms price. The problem with this is can you afford the business and still have enough capital to run the business. If the answer is yes, then all is okay. If this is not the case, maybe the potential buyer may need to pass for the time being. Knowing when to pass by an opportunity may be just as important as making the decision to buy. Maybe in this business, you can select a less costly avenue to get into the spa business. You have several ways to go and if one road is closed then there may be another way to go. The point of this is do not strap yourself financially to buy a business and make success more difficult or impossible to obtain. A buyer must make realistic judgments. Viewing these decisions through rose-colored glasses can be a serious error. Conclusions The multi-faceted spa world offers several types of businesses to consider owning and running. Some take a large capital commitment and some are far more reasonable in their money requirement. The choice is yours based on your interest and the money you can bring to the table. An area not previously mentioned is the franchise spa company. This area should be looked at as a possibility. There are some advantages to being connected to a spa company with a nationwide reputation and advertising campaign. Financing in this business category is not much different than what is needed in other business purchases or start-up cost. Some versions are capital intensive and some do not take anywhere the same money commitment. Finding the right business for you in the correct segment of the industry will take study and comparing the chances of a successful ownership. The suggestion is to talk with business brokers to see what they have for sale and the money needed to make the purchase. They are a great source of good information and current trends or developments. The experience they have and the sources they can call upon will be of help in getting answers to your questions. Knowing answers will help you make far better decisions and thoughtful changes in your plans. And now I would like to offer you free access to information on a powerful integrated system of marketing, sales & advertising so you can thrive instead of survive in today's economic environment. Henthorn is president of Spiral Marketers, a marketing firm which includes a number of partnerships that range from cutting-edge software development, business and personal improvement coaching, online e-commerce businesses, and more. He was formerly was president and principal broker of a resort / commercial real estate brokerage in Honolulu which specialized in representing sellers in transactions up to $50MM. Learn how to turn $1 into $6 all day long now: Can it be as relaxing as a massage? Get invigorating tools for spa sales, marketing, advertising, and public relations to boost spa sales. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Henthorn

Spa Health and Fitness Advantages

Nothing is more satisfying than relaxing and enjoying the multiple pleasures of a health and fitness spa. So when you want to feel special and pampered, an excellent choice is to spend time in a lavish spa. The benefits of spa health and fitness visit are not just physical in nature, but can have emotional and spiritual advantages as well. Spas are tailored to improve the well-being and comfort of their guests. Every spa is different, with many offering extra services to their special clients. There are resort style spas, day spas, wellness and health spas, cruise ship spas and upscale spas. The health and fitness activities that can be enjoyed range from swimming in a luxurious pool, relaxing in the steam room or sauna, using the latest in exercise equipment or being pampered with massages, facial treatments or other personal body or facial care needs. It can be an invigorating experience to spend a day or a weekend in a spa health and fitness center. There are many different types available and it is just a matter of determining what your needs are. Here are some examples of the types of spa health and fitness centers to be found online: Resort or Hotels Most resort and hotels offer a wide range of recreational facilities and usually in a full-service spa. The activities may include, but are not limited to, tennis, golf, skiing, horseback riding, sailing and other water sports. A full service spa with massages, manicures and pedicures and facial treatments are just of the services offered. Resort spas are a super idea for combing vacation and recreational needs all in one. Day Spas Day spas offer a flexible and simple manner to enjoy the benefits of a spa health and fitness for the individual with not a lot of time to spare. They offer the perfect break from the trials and tribulations of everyday life. In a day spa, you can get massages, refreshing body wraps or beautifying facials. So if you only have one day available in your busy schedule, then visit a day spa near you to get away from it all and treat yourself to a day of luxury. Medical Wellness Spas These specialized spas provide extensive preventive medical and wellness care. They use both western medical practices and alternative medical philosophies. Stress reduction is one of the main purposes behind these types of spa health and fitness centers. Whatever, your medical and wellness needs are, a visit to one of these types of spa health and fitness centers is just what the doctor ordered. Connoisseur Spas These spa health and fitness centers are at the more expensive end of the spa price range spectrum. However, they offer extremely luxurious facilities, with an excellent ratio of staff-to-guest; wonderful spas services, and normally have super healthy and appetizing cuisine. When choosing a spa, you can select from any end of the price continuum, but nothing will give you elegance and complete care like a connoisseur spa. David has been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his latest website that discusses products such as the best outdoor string lights [http://bestoutdoorstringlights.com/] and different designs of outdoor Xmas lights [http://bestoutdoorstringlights.com/19/outdoor-xmas-lights/] that can be used for all sorts of houses and workplaces that will it give it a friendly feeling. Great for Christmas barbeques and family gatherings there are a range of string light for all occasions. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Patullo

Mother-Daughter Luxury Resort and Spa Vacations

Mothers and daughters can strengthen their relationship by taking a luxury trip to the Caribbean islands. Getting a tan on a white sandy beach, rejuvenating in a world-class spa, and enjoying a luxury all-inclusive resort experience is a great way to both relax and bond. A lot of fond memories can be created by taking a mother-daughter luxury trip in the Caribbean. Luxury hotels Luxury resorts in the Caribbean leave no stone unturned when it comes to providing a luxurious and comfortable stay. Many of these resorts have private beaches, butler services, gourmet dining, and other exclusive services that can easily be tailored for mothers and daughters. The elite Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos is famous for playing host to celebrities such as Paul McCartney, Bruce Willis, and Ben Affleck. Some other options include the Reefs in Bermuda, Caneel Bay in the US Virgin Islands, Richard Branson's Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, and Jamaica Inn. Spa resorts Most women love a day at the spa. Mothers and daughters need a wide range of options in body treatments and massages to find a perfect balance to satisfy their individual needs. Many Caribbean resorts have spas which offer Swedish massages, aromatherapy, yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates among other therapies. The Spa at Four Seasons in the Bahamas, Six Senses Spa at Puntacana Resort & Club in the Dominican Republic, COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay in the Turks & Caicos Islands and the Golden Door Spa at El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico are some great options. There are a few hotels that may not allow outsiders to avail the services of their spa so check before booking at an outside spa. All-inclusive Packages Mothers and daughters that enjoy adventure, fine dining, and a whole lot of entertainment will not be disappointed in the Caribbean. Many resorts offer all-inclusive options combining accommodation, meals, daytime activities, and nightly entertainment for a pre-determined price. Islands such as Jamaica, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and Aruba are best suited for an all-inclusive holiday. Alex Briganza is a professional traveler who uses his travel experience to introduce people to the joys of traveling. Alex is especially adept at luxury travel, and his favorite destination include Caribbean. for more information visit: http://www.voyage.tv/Pages/home.aspx Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Briganza

Top Five Beaches to Discover on Holidays to Sardinia

Many people choose to take holidays to Sardinia for the perfect combination of great weather, fabulous beaches and wonderful food. The island also offers visitors the chance to experience a part of Italy like no other. Very much untouched by tourists, this lovely island retains much of its authentic Italian charm and character. Here are just a few of its best beaches. Poetto Beach The island has miles and miles of wonderful beaches, with many of them renowned as being amongst the best in the country. Poetto Beach, close to Cagliari, is one of the most popular with locals and tourists alike. Easily reached from the centre of Cagliari and one of the main destinations for people on holidays to Sardinia, Poetto has the ubiquitous white sandy shores lapped by turquoise waters - perfect for both sunbathing and water sports. La Bombarde Beach Over on the west coast, close to the town of Alghero, the clean and well-kept La Bombarde Beach is a delightful hidden gem. Backed by pine forests, this beach is often missed by tourists. Clear blue waters, perfect for bathing, lap the shoreline, while little cafes provide a touch of local atmosphere and offer replenishment and refreshments throughout the day. Crowds are not part of the scenery here and, while there is a lively vibe, the beach is always very relaxed with plenty of space to spread out. Picinas Dunes Picinas Dunes is another of the island's stunning beaches and people on holidays to Sardinia staying near Arbus should definitely pay it a visit. The old gravel road that leads down to the beach can be navigated by car, and when you reach the beach you are greeted with five miles of golden sands and a stunning panoramic view. This beach has an air of the wilderness about it and the dunes that flank it rise up to 50m. Formed by the mistral winds, the dunes are spectacular and change shape frequently as the landscape alters. Spiaggia del Principe Spiaggia del Principe on the Costa Smerlada was developed by Prince Karim Aga Khan and is very well known for its crystal clear waters and pink-granite boulder coves. This beachside paradise is ideal for spotting fish and snorkeling around the shallow waters. The long golden sands are perfect for sunbathing and the beach is free. Close to the Costa Smeralda, where many of the rich and famous choose to take their holidays to Sardinia, Spiaggia del Principe has all the benefits of the spectacular region without the influx of tourists that descend on the beaches further north throughout the season. Cala Luna Halfway down the eastern coast is the tiny bay of Cala Luna, a stone's throw from the equally beautiful Cala Gonone. Close to Dorgali and the Gennargentu National Park, this crescent-shaped beach is backed by dramatic cliffs and decorated by fuchsia and oleanders. Only accessible by boat or on foot, this picture postcard beach is well worth the effort to get there. Carolyn Spinks is COO of ABTOI - The Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy. If you're looking for the perfect holidays to Sardinia their LoveItaly website provides destination information, contact details of tour operator members to help you plan the best Italian holiday, 'insider' tips, year round special offers and information on everything from beach holidays in Sardinia, cycling in Sicily, to a wedding or honeymoon in Tuscany. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Spinks

Top 10 Destinations Visiting UK

United Kingdom for some years has been a highly frequented tourist destination. This isn't surprising as UK possess everything to offer a soul satisfying travel experience. Given below is a short analysis of some of the places to visit that makes the entire trip special and memorable. 1.Cambridge city - The English city has a charm which is hard to resist. It is situated along River Cam which is placed on the north side of London. Apart from the top notch Cambridge University, there are plenty of options for exploring the culture and entertainment. King's College Chapel is fine way to visually experience the Gothic architecture. 2.Chester - The 2000 year old Chester city is lying on the River Dee at Cheshire, England. Tourists prefer the city over others across UK owing to black and white revival architecture and roman medieval walls. 3.Cornwall - The peninsula is located in the extreme west corner of UK. Rocky cliffs overlook the calm sea on the north. The south has golden sand beaches adored by tourists. 4.Lake District - The second biggest national park of UK has inspiring scenery in form of mountains, lakes, and hills. These appear to be nicely carved out by the ugly glacial erosions. As per some data, 14 million travelers crowd the park every year. It is great venue to try out hiking and climbing. 5.London - The captivating city explodes with museums, art galleries, stylish green parks, shopping, and dining venues. Buckingham palace provides changing of the guard experience which isn't something to miss out. Watching the minutes passing away at the Big Ben should be memorable. A ride on the double-decker bus by the Tower Bridge through Thames River should be fine. 6.Snowdonia - The national park offers breathtaking 360 degree views of the valleys, mountains and coast. Located on the Wales coast, Snowdonia homes the highest mountain of Wales and England. 7.Stonehenge - It features earthworks which surround a circular stony structure of big standing stones at south western England. The site at the backdrop of tranquil hills receives the attention owing to its history which stretches nearly 5000 years. 8.York - The walled city is placed at the meeting point of River Foss and River Ouse. It is an ancient city with rich cultural heritage. York Minster is a landmark featuring the art work of master artists. Exploring the city without transport isn't difficult at all. 9.Stratford on Avon - The county town is a peaceful place and rumored to house the Americans of UK. It is situated in the north western part of London. The birthplace of Shakespeare, arguably the best English language writer ever has interesting venues to offer. This includes Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Bancroft gardens, Nash house, and High Street. 10.Edinburgh - The Cobblestone Street and Edinburgh Castle are the perfect reminiscent of Scotland's capital. Old town has the Royal Mile street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. New town, dating back to 18th century is full of neoclassical architecture. Giffgaff offers its mobile services for people in UK. The company has different plans which are designed for helping users get unlimited data, minutes as well as text to suit their monthly usage. They only deliver their SIM cards in UK, but other companies such as UK Internet Mobile will deliver their SIM cards worldwide. Visitors to UK can also take their services for staying connected with their loved ones. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abhishek_Gupta

TOP OF PACIFIC

Bora Bora is one of the go-to destinations in the Pacific. The main reason why the island is popular among tourists is because of the various activities it offers to different kinds of travelers, whether these are honeymooners, new parents, or parents traveling kids in varying age groups. Given that the island is filled with different attractions that you can tailor-fit for your family, it is ideal to go for all-inclusive resorts that many travel agents offer. To give you a check list of the said activities, here are some of the top-rated ones: Enjoying the majestic views from the Bora-Bora Photo Lagoon As the name suggests, this spot rose to popularity because of its picture-perfect sights. Before you leave the island, make sure that you immortalize your experience in one of nature's greatest masterpieces by taking photos from the photo Lagoon. Adventure in 4x4 excursions This is a staple in most all-inclusive resorts, because inland Bora-Bora has as much adventure to offer as its pristine waters. Soak up on the island's beautiful interior areas as you travel three of its villages and some historical sites in a 4x4 Jeep Safari. You will also get to immerse yourself and the whole family in the beautiful culture of Bora-Bora's natives as you tour its most sacred district and places of worship. A trip to Coral Gardens One of the advantages of traveling to Bora-Bora is that you get to appreciate the beauty of its waters in many ways. If you are traveling with your partner or older kids, you can do this with through a underwater scooter or an air-supplied helmet. No need to worry if you have younger kids with you, because you can always go for the Glass-bottomed boat tour. The experience may not be as exhilarating as when you are actually underwater, but it gives you a chance to enjoy the wonders of the sea with the whole family. A close encounter with sea critters If you haven't had enough of this during your underwater adventure, you and the whole family can still enjoy more of Bora Bora's marine life. In most vacation deals, you get to feed sharks and watch beautiful sting rays gather up around your boat on a full-day lagoon cruise around the island. Most all-inclusive resorts allow you to customize your trip as much as you want. So whether you are traveling with your partner, with friends, or with kids, Bora Bora will always be a perfect destination for you. Best Online Travel Business opens the door to a business you can manage anywhere even when you travel. Discover the breakthrough business opportunity that builds income without any special skills, knowledge, or know-how, whatsoever. Discover how a professor and chairman of the board of directors of USV-JSC made his way on how to make money through this business. Know what this idea is all about, please visit BestOnlineBusinessTravel.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=B._Boyd

Best Vacations for Singles

For solo vacation destinations, it is hard to beat Costa Rica. It has something for everyone and at an affordable price. If you choose as I did to go off-season, it is an even better buy considering the surcharges routinely added to solo travel packages making it hard to find well-priced luxury travel options for single travelers. These price drops come about quickly after the summer crowds head home so I took the opportunity to visit in September. Although it was still the rainy season, I don't recall having to dust off my umbrella even once. Fall deals may also reflect smaller crowds where some tourists may avoid the entire Caribbean because of publicity about hurricanes. In actuality, Costa Rica is seldom impacted by direct hurricane hits and despite its size has several different climate zones. All in all, it was one of my very best solo travel destinations. Hotels are abundant at a wide range of prices from global high-end chains to smaller locally-owned properties. TripAdvisor lists 120 hotels in 20 different locations within Costa Rica. A local site listed 61 hotels categorized as 5-star with nightly rates from a modest $113 soaring to $1240, providing virtually unlimited luxury travel options for single travelers. Seven of those 5-star hotels were in the $200-$299 range and although not inexpensive, they compare favorably with resort prices around the world. Costa Rica is one of the best resorts for singles since it offers 4 different types of top vacations for those traveling alone: 1. historic and cultural travel packages that reflect both the Caribbean and Latin American heritage, 2. ecotourism or green travel packages, 3. adventure tour deals and 4. beach getaways not just for honeymooners. I began my trip in the capital, San Jose, piecing together my own cultural travel package as I went along. The country's Spanish colonial history began in the early 16th century when Christopher Columbus in his travels was credited with naming it Costa Rica. After its first Spanish settlers arrived in 1522, approximately 300 years followed before independence was achieved. The city has a number of museums to explore, such as the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica. However, it was the Museo de Oro (Museum of Gold) that really intrigued me. Not only was it filled with gleaming gold artifacts, they represented the much earlier, pre-Columbian figures from before the arrival of the Spanish. (In addition, the adjacent gift shop sold copies of these unique items, perfect to take home as presents for friends and family. History scholars and architectural enthusiasts may be disappointed to find that most of the intact buildings in the capital only date back to the 1800's rather than the colonial period. The impressive Metropolitan Cathedral of San José was built in the late 19th century replacing the original structure destroyed by an earthquake. Newer, but regarded as San Jose's finest historic building, is the National Theatre of Costa Rica, also dating only from the end of the 19th century. Now celebrating its 117th anniversary this year, it is known for its ornate interior of pink marble and gilt but also houses an elegant Viennese-style coffee shop. Out front two imposing statues, Ludwig van Beethoven and the 17th century Spanish playwright, Calderón de La Barca, keep a watchful eye on 21st century visitors as they enter. After leaving San Jose and going into the countryside, it is easy to see that Costa Rica is one of the top worldwide ecotourism destinations which provides affordable trips for single travelers. The rainforest, parks and wildlife sanctuaries constitute 25% of the country. Although small in square miles, Costa Rica has some of the richest biodiversity in the world. In keeping with its green focus, the government has undertaken a program over time to voluntarily achieve 2007 carbon neutrality. The highly photogenic Red-eyed Tree Frog is most typically depicted to represent Costa Rican wildlife. As I found, you don't have to go very far to see colorful examples. From my hotel patio, I was joined for breakfast each morning by a low-flying hummingbird, one of 26 local species. The rainforest, with its 3-4 distinct levels, provides an opportunity to see sloths lounging in the trees and screeching monkeys atop the canopy; however, the dense growth can make it difficult to spot them. A third option exists for single travelers looking to pick up the tempo. Beyond placid bird watching and snapping photos of wildlife, Costa Rica offers abundant opportunities for adventure vacations for singles from zip lining high above the treetops or rappelling down waterfalls at LaFortuna/Arenal. Six to seven rivers have whitewater rafting while both coasts offer snorkeling and scuba diving. Although the Arenal Volcano no longer draws evening crowds after its nightly eruptions ended in 2010, six major volcanoes remain for trekking. The resulting hot springs are still an ideal venue for "Happy Hour" watching the sun set. Not being prepared, I was glad to see that the gift shop sold attractive bathing suits in bright tropical colors although a little short on fabric! Lastly, no trip to Costa Rica is complete without visiting the almost 300 beaches from the Pacific Coast on the west and the more tranquil Caribbean on the east. I recommend trying out both sides. For me having my local home base in San Jose in the Central Valley was ideal since it was an easy day trip to the rainforest but with the beaches and boating still in easy reach. The quality and prices were definitely quite good even for solo travelers. If you can't decide whether you want to go to the Caribbean or to Latin America, Costa Rica gives you "2-for-the-price-of-1" rather than as single travelers often find "1-for-the-price-of-2"! Whether you are looking for boomer travel or a millennial adventure, go ahead and add Costa Rica to your bucket list. Elizabeth Avery, http://www.SoloTrekker4U.com. We connect individuals traveling alone for business or leisure with top tours, luxury hotels plus great airline upgrades and airport car services at attractive prices. Packages range from camel treks in North Africa, river cruises in Southeast Asia and other global adventure travel to more sedate cultural tours of major capitals. Take advantage of our free membership today for unlimited access to our pre-approved provider network of 4-5 star services. Although our focus is solo travelers, couples and groups are most welcome. Click through to our 90 sec. YouTube travel videos! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Avery

Top Destinations

The Republic of Maldives is a series of islands that is located approximately 470 miles southwest of Sri Lanka. It sits in the Laccadive Sea and is a paradise for visitors from all over the world. The chain of islands has a variety of family holiday destinations to choose from, but there are five that stand out from the rest. When you are planning your next family vacation to an island getaway, consider one of these resorts of the Maldive Islands. 1. Soneva Fushi Located on the private Maldive island of Kunfunadhoo, the Soneva Fushi resort has everything a family would need to find paradise. One of the unique features of Soneva Fushi that the kids will enjoy is its outdoor cinema where the whole family can watch movies under the stars and clear skies of the Maldives. Each family that stays at Soneva Fushi has private access to the miles of beaches that surround the island. Your adventure at this exclusive resort starts with a 30-minute seaplane ride in from the Maldives airport. From there, you are taken to your exclusive villa where your ideal holiday awaits. 2. One and Only Reethi Rah The One and Only Reethi Rah Resort offers your family the option of having a beachfront villa, or having your villa sit in the warm ocean, just off the beach. There are 130 private villas in all at Reethi Rah, and they all offer a spectacular view of the ocean and island landscape. Your family can choose to swim in the warm ocean waters, or you can get a villa that has its own private pool. There are a lot of options with Reethi Rah, and they all work together to give your family the best holiday possible. 3. Hideaway Beach Resort and Spa The calling card for the Hideaway Beach Resort and Spa is a private and relaxing holiday for the entire family. The Hideaway is located on an island in the Northern Maldives and gives each guest their own private access to the many beaches surrounding the resort. Along with privacy, the Hideaway also offers the ultimate in relaxation. Whether you want to lounge around on the beach or enjoy the view of the ocean from your villa pool, the Hideaway has you covered. 4. Angsana Velavaru Resort The Angsana Velavaru Resort is not shy about making the most of the fact that its located right on the shores of an exclusive lagoon. The Angsana Velavaru offers the a real tropical island paradise and a holiday experience that you and your family will never forget. The Angsana Velavaru Resort is the only structure on the South Nilandhe Atoll, which insures your complete privacy. The service is excellent and the tropical island experience is unlike anything you will find anywhere else. 5. Lily Beach Resort and Spa In the South East Ari Atoll of the Maldives Islands, you will find an exclusive resort known as the Lily Beach Resort and Spa. This unique resort has most of its villas located out in the water, as opposed to on dry land. When you see the Lily Beach Resort and Spa as you approach it from the sky, you will instantly see why it is so popular with guests from around the world. The Lily Beach Resort and Spa goes out of its way to offer the very best in dining and entertainment accommodations. There is always plenty to do at Lily Beach or, if you prefer, there is nothing to do at all. Looking to travel to the Maldives, but not sure where to start? Get in touch with Alpha Maldives, the leading luxury tour operator who are experts on the Maldives and can help create your dream holiday!! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/