Cheap Travel News

The tropical northern region of Australia’s Northern Territory, known as the Top End, includes the city of Darwin, the town of Katherine, Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land. The Top End is one of the last great secrets of adventure travel, although word is spreading fast about the magnificent, unspoilt natural beauty found there.

Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is serviced by international airlines and also by the newly completed Ghan railway which connects southern Australia to Darwin via Alice Springs in Central Australia. Darwin is closer to Asian cities such as Jakarta and Singapore than it is to southern Australian cities such as Melbourne and Sydney. Temperatures in Darwin and the Top End hover around a comfortable 30 degrees C (85 degrees F) all year round. Like most tropical areas, the Top End year is not defined by ’summer’ and ‘winter’ weather events but by what Top-Enders call ‘the wet’ and ‘the dry’. These terms refer to the wet and dry seasons respectively, which should be taken into consideration when planning an itinerary for exploring the Top End as road conditions and access vary greatly according to season. Wet season flooding can occur from November to April, and may cause temporary closure of routes to some of the more spectacular but remote Top End destinations.

Among the many magnificent attractions found in the Top End are Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, and Katherine Gorge. Closest to Darwin is Litchfield National Park, approximately an hour’s drive south. All three destinations can conveniently be visited in succession, travelling from Darwin in either a clockwise direction (Kakadu, Katherine Gorge, Litchfield) or an anti-clockwise direction (Litchfield, Katherine Gorge, Kakadu).

Kakadu is the premier tour destination in the Northern Territory’s Top End. Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage listed park located approximately 250km east of Darwin. While a return day trip from Darwin to Kakadu is possible, a few days should be allowed in order to fully experience Kakadu’s magic. The name Kakadu is the name of the indigenous language spoken in the north-western section of Kakadu National Park.

Apart from a few areas, Kakadu does not consist of dense tropical rainforest but rather of flat tropical savanna woodlands. The abundant birdlife and other wildlife which flocks into Kakadu’s wetlands during the dry season demonstrates how important the area is for local flora and fauna, and in fact Kakadu’s World Heritage listing was based primarily on its importance as a wetlands area. Kakadu contains over 1000 plant species, one quarter of all freshwater fish species found in Australia, and one third of all bird species.

Kakadu National Park covers over 6000 square kilometres, and comprises several distinct sub-regions. The floodplain subregion lies to the north of the plateau and receives the full force of wet season monsoonal rains from November to March, when the region becomes a vast expanse of water. In the dry season the Kakadu floodplain is characterised by permanent billabongs. This area of Kakadu is famed for its waterlilies and edible lotus lilies. The plateau subregion is a rugged sandstone formation which rises sharply to 250 metres from the lowlands to the north and offers some of the most memorable scenery in the park. The escarpment extends for some 600 kilometres and is the site of many major waterfalls and deep gorges. The lowlands subregion is a vast eroded plain with many rocky outcrops to the north of the escarpment. The tidal flats subregion is a coastal area characterised by mangroves and rainforest which can survive on saline sandy soils. Finally, Kakadu’s southern hills subregion is located at the southern most point of the park where the headwaters of the South Alligator River run through stony woodland country.

Litchfield National Park, located about 130 kms south of Darwin, is visited by more than 250,000 visitors annually. Visitors are attracted by the lush monsoonal rainforest, permanent spring-fed waterfalls, magnetic termite mounds, weathered sandstone outcrops and historic ruins. Litchfield can be comfortably explored in a one day drive from Darwin, although there is plenty of accommodation in the region for those who wish to stay longer. Litchfield has its major attractions linked by sealed road, although a 4WD vehicle may be necessary to visit more remote areas.

Litchfield’s most popular attractions include Wangi Falls, twin waterfalls that cascade into a large pool amid lush rainforest, and Buley Rockhole, a chain of small pools linked by small waterfalls. Both locations are popular swimming places. Other attractions include the spectacular Tolmer Falls, the fantastically-shaped sandstone towers known as the Lost City, and the magnetic Termite Mounds, thin two-metre high towers aligned north-south to keep the inside of the mound cool in the heat of the sun.

Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) is located in Nitmiluk National Park about 300 kilometres south of Darwin. It is one of the most spectacular areas in the Top End, winding 12 km through 13 separate gorges with walls more than 70m high. The park is rich in Aboriginal rock art representing the spiritual ‘dreaming’ of the Jawoyn people, the traditional owners of the land. For bushwalkers, Nitmiluk National Park has more than 100 kilometres of meandering walking tracks, including a challenging five-day trek to Edith Falls.

This fascinating destination of the Americas had been cultivated by thriving agrarian cultures for 3,000 years before Europe’s arrival in the New World. The modern existence of more than eight ancient cultures can still be found today and a triumphant preservation movement of these indigenous people is underway. Central America offers mesmerizing insight into the beauty of life and tradition that has sustained centuries of repression, shifting political alliances and some of nature’s mightiest forces.

Bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, the Central American isthmus is a narrow tropical and volcanic landmass that connects Mexican North America to the northwestern lowlands of South America. Early in the 19th century, this region was known as The United States of Central America but today is comprised of the seven independent nations of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.

Relax, Explore and Discover
The most spectacular Mayan ruins can be found in Guatemala at Tikal, a ceremonial center of pyramids, plazas and museums tucked beneath a thick and enchanting rainforest canopy. Belize provides the traveler with a slower pace along its white sand Caribbean coastline dotted with world class reefs for the passionate scuba diver. The entire landmass is a geographic wonder of active volcanic chains, which also provides highly fertile soil for agriculture necessary to sustain the incredibly dense populations in urban centers like San Salvador. Costa Rica attracts adventure-seekers from all corners of the world to its thrilling white water rapids and mystic cloud forests, while the truly daring are drawn to Nicaragua’s smoking and belching Santiago Crater, tucked between two active volcanoes in Volcn Masaya National Park.

Central America is also teeming with vivacious urban life. San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city, is one of the most modern and international cities in the region, blessed with more years of peace than many Central American cities have experienced in recent decades. Bars and Nightclubs are packed every night of the week and booming commercialism, museums and gourmet restaurants seem to momentarily erase the less affluent reality in the background. To the south, Panama City is also a vibrant and expansive metropolis spawned from the commerce generated by the adjacent Panama Canal.

Travel to Central America to come face to face with a collection of cultures and lifestyles more diverse and complex than you had ever imagined. Explore the diverging histories of a region bound by a common past and struggling to achieve a prosperous future. The possibilities are endless in Central America. For more information, visit www.cfares.com, your source for cheap airfare on the web.

Given National Park status in 1951, Dartmoor sits in the south of county Devon, southwest England, and covers an area of 365 square miles. Almost half the park is swampland, a haven for wildlife and those wishing to escape the rigours of city life.

Dartmoor Forest, owned by the Duchy of Cornwall since 1307, is a former royal hunting ground and makes up the vast majority of the region. The grass and heather moors are littered with hefty granite boulders scattered amongst the rolling hills. Wild ponies graze among the barren hills; despite running wild, all have human owners and are gathered annually each autumn.

Approximately 10% of the moor is woodland, much of it running along the tranquil river valleys. Stone circles and burial chambers are testament to Dartmoor’s historic and enigmatic past. Indeed, Dartmoor is famous not only for its beautiful landscapes. It was within the little village of Grimspound that Sherlock Holmes found himself investigating the hound of the Baskervilles.

Dartmoor was one of Europe’s biggest tin mining areas back in the 12th century. The stone built homes of the miners can still be found along many of the regions streams and rivers.

Abbot’s Way runs across the southern part of the moor, racing across wild country and moorland bogs. The region is thought to be named after the abbots who are thought to have used this path when travelling between Buckland Abbey and Buckfast Abbey. Man’s presence over the ages is evident in this barren land. Hut circles dating back to the Bronze and Iron ages remain today.

South of Abbots Way sits Harford Moor. The Middle Ages drew tin miners from far and wide seeking riches below the surface. Today visitors are drawn by the vast wilderness and wildlife. A medieval cross adorns Harford Church, one of many in the area which once served as signposts for those travelling across the moors.

Becky Falls Woodland Park first opened to the public in 1903. Some of the most enjoyable walks in England’s southwest can be had here amongst the delightful waterfalls and huge granite.

To the west is Upper Plym Valley and a beautiful array of plants and wildlife. The tracks in these parts are somewhat easier to navigate than many others in the moors and provide much of interest along the way. The spectacular moorland scenery is interspersed with abandoned tin mines dating back over a century and various prehistoric relics including stone and hut circles.

Peak 9 features E chair which has some of the steepest terrain, massive moguls and trees in Summit County, CO. The Devil’s Crotch ski run (what a great name) is the steepest and purest mogul run I have ever seen. The huge moguls and steep drops make it a pure adrenaline rush and a real leg burner.

The tree skiing under E chair is very nice, steep and spaced out. The trees under E chair offer beautiful lines, but you’ll have to scout each line out carefully. If you really enjoy trees, you must hike up to the Windows ski run. Once you get off E Chair, just hike up and you’ll see the way to Windows.

This is usually the locals secret powder stash, but I am inclined to share it with you. I know you’ll love the beautiful trees and chutes which lead you right back to the bottom of E chair. Windows is my personal favorite and I am sure it will be yours too.

If you continue the Windows hike up another quarter mile it will take you to a great powder bowl with waste deep powder after a snow storm. This run is simply amazing. Beware of the snow covered stream at the bottom. If your not careful you could possibly get wet. So always stay skiers right at the end of run to stay away from the dreaded stream.

Toms baby is another run I recommend. It’s extremely steep and bumpy. It runs right under E chair with a series of drops and landings. The hits here are steep so watch your speed. E chair services some of the most extreme terrain. All runs are of the double black diamond variety so always use caution while riding aggressive terrain.

If you are a beginner skier, peak 9 is the place to ski with plenty of blue and green runs which will keep you skiing all day long without having to leave peak 9. Peak 9 has 14 blue runs so if you’re an intermediate skier enjoy all of the moderate groomers. The blue runs are the perfect trails if you are interested in learning how to ski or snowboard. So whatever your ski level is, peak 9 will satisfy.

So if you ever ride Breckenridge be sure to check out peak 9 it will please you no matter what ski level you are.
Enjoy your ski vacation in Breckenridge, CO.

If you want to experience Europe, you need to travel to Italy. No other country on earth offers the depth, breadth, and scope of Italy. For lovers of art, history, architecture, or music Italy is unsurpassable. From the Ancient Roman Empire to the Medieval Tuscan fortress towns and the Venetian Republic, Italy’s incredible historical diversity has come together to produce a country so incredible, so remarkable, so beautiful as to leave the visitor with an unquenchable desire to return again and again. The legacy of the Renaissance and its masterpieces of art, music, and architecture have left such a tangible mark on the Italian soul one can barely help being swept along in the tide of culture. If you’re a lover of nature, there are majestic mountains, crystal seas, rolling hills, fertile plains, sweeping cliffs, and magical lagoons, you need to travel to Italy.

Travel to Italy The Cities to See
Milan is rivaled only by Paris as the fashion capital of the world and is shopping at its best. Rome has been the heart of Italy from the time of the Romans through today; to walk its streets is to walk in the footsteps of Emperors and Popes. Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and its presence reverberates through the old cobbled streets and beautiful churches. Venice – the most unique and romantic city in the world, stands timeless and beautiful in the midst of the Adriatic, a magnificent creation highlighting man at his most artistic. Finally the majestic and striking natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast, a place to relax, soak in the tremendous natural beauty, dine on the world’s favorite cuisine at its finest, and experience that special joy of being that is uniquely Italian. No matter what you’re seeking, it awaits you when you travel Italy and visit its cities.

The Weather
When you travel to Italy, it’s important to know that despite its geographical position at the center of the temperate zone, Italy has rather variable climatic characteristics. This is due to the presence of the Mediterranean, whose warm waters mitigate thermal extremes, and the Alpine arc, which forms a barrier against the cold north winds. Furthermore, when you travel Italy, remember that Italy is subject to both wet and moderate atmospheric currents from the Atlantic Ocean and dry and cold ones from Eastern Europe.

The Apennine chain too, confronting the wet winds from the Tyrrhenian, causes considerable climatic differences between the opposite sides of the peninsula. The differences in temperature between the winter and summer months are more marked in the northern regions than in the south and along the coasts. The mean temperatures for the month of January in the Po Plain fluctuate around zero, while in the Alpine valleys the thermometer can drop to -20 and snow can remain on the ground for many weeks.

In the southern regions, instead, the mean temperatures for January remain around 10, with the exception of the inland mountainous zones. Mean summer temperatures throughout all Italy rise to 24-25 for July, only being lower in the highest zones. Rainfall distribution also varies considerably, due to the influence of both mountains and prevailing winds. The highest quantities are registered in the Alpine arc (over 3,000 mm pa in the Lepontine and Julian Alps) and on the Apennines (over 3,000 mm pa in the Apuan Alps). The plains, however, including that of the Po, receive scarce precipitation. Generally it is less than 800-900 mm pa but in the southern regions (Tavoliere and southern Sicily) it falls below 600 mm pa. The great internal Alpine valleys and the coastal plains of the Tyrrhenian (Maremma) and Sardinia also receive little rain. Altogether, six large climatic regions can be distinguished, mainly characterized by mountain influence.

So as you can see, when you travel to Italy, there is much to experience. The culture, history, and beauty of Italy make Italy a top European travel destination.

Travelers who expect to be greeted by lone standing relics of ancient Greece will be awestruck by the sprawling urban metropolis of todays Athens. The capital city is an explorers paradise as historic gems are embedded within the modern day melee and cultural nuances of a turbulent past are written between the lines of concrete and the sparkling blue Aegean Sea. Everywhere in Athens is a testament to why this mythic peninsula is considered the cradle of Western civilization and modern democracy.

Of particular interest, Athens received a much needed facelift in preparation for the 2004 Olympics. Notorious for its nefos (smog) resulting from rapid growth and congestion following World War II and the Cold War, Athens realized the need to clean up its act when it became clear that historic monuments were eroding at an alarming rate due to acid rain from air pollution. Due to this Olympic makeover, it is extremely easy to navigate around the well marked streets in English and Greek and transportation has never been more streamlined.

Mythological Mythos
Ancient Greece reached its societal peak in the 1st century BC when magnificent monuments like the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike were constructed on the fortified Acropolis and Socrates and Plato developed their Western thinking schools of thought. While most of the major attractions from the time period are in the center of the city, travel in the outskirts of Athens will bring encounters with many significant locations from this time period. Marathon, of the famous battle (and todays 26.22 mile race), is just northeast of Athens and the ancient Mycenaean excavation site at Velatouri is to the south, boasting the unearthed Thorikos theatre. While the Grecian period is omnipresent, Greece has fascinating Turkish and Persian cultural influences as a result of many wars and takeovers until the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the 20th century.

Club Hopping or Island Hopping?
In the spring and summer evenings, enjoy the cafs and restaurants as they begin to spill into the streets and squares. Greece, and particularly Athens, is notorious for its boisterous and tireless nightlife. The Port of Piraeus comes to life as many vacationers head out for their island excursions from this historic cove. Athens is the perfect place to become immersed in Greek culture and life before taking a ferry ride to one of the surrounding tranquil, historic or party islands the choice is yours. The port itself is also of particular historic interest. One of the oldest in the world, the port was heavily used during the Peloponnesian Wars in the 4th century BC and remnants of the long Themistoclean Walls, which fortified the port and Athens together during this time period, still survive today.

A trip to Athens is not only a journey of history, but one of modernity and progress. After Greeces golden age, Athens grandeur was squandered to nearly nothing by invaders and the sweeping tides of history. Today, the free and booming capital city is again a testament to its historic commitment to forward thinking civilization. Experience the rebirth of the foundations of the western world in Athens!

For more information, visit http://www.cfares.com.

Haven and British Holidays’ Wild Duck Holiday Park has been named among the best in the country by Britain’s leading holiday review website.

The caravan and camping park, set in 90 acres of pine, alder and silver birch woodlands at Belton, near Great Yarmouth, was came second in a survey to find the best holiday park.

The popular website, which attracts more than 40,000 “hits” a week, features holidaymakers’ reviews of their holidays which can vary from being highly favorable to very critical.

Wild Duck which last year won a special excellence award after achieving the coveted David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award status for five consecutive years — was named first runner-up behind another Haven holiday park Littlesea at Weymouth on the Dorset coast.

In the latest review of Wild Duck, a holidaymaker who enjoyed a break there last October gives it 10/10, and says the park “was A1, very clean, friendly staff, beautiful setting and excellent value for money. The caravan was top class and very clean. I would recommend Wild Duck to anyone.

“We saw lots of wild animals in the woods and round our caravan. Overall excellent time!”

Wild Duck is one of four holiday parks in the Great Yarmouth area operated by Britain’s leading family holiday company Haven and British Holidays.

Together Wild Duck, Caister Holiday Park, Hopton and Seashore attract more than 10,000 holidaymakers and caravan owners a week during the peak season. They are also major local employers with a total complement of almost 600 Team Members in the summer.

Haven is committed to regular investment in its parks and over the closed winter period parks have benefitted from many upgrades and improvements in facilities including the addition of outside patio areas with awnings, heating and lighting near the main entertainment venues in advance of the smoking ban which comes into effect this summer.

Second runner-up in the survey was Center Parcs Oasis, Whine fell Forest, Cumbria.

Commenting on the first holiday park awards, Chris Brown, Managing Director said: ‘These awards are not given out lightly and are a valuable accolade for a holiday park to achieve. It is a great thing for the consumer as they can now know where the best holiday parks are at a click of a button and be as sure as possible of having a great holiday.

‘It is especially relevant to the consumer as the awards are given based on their customers’ comments and evaluate the park’s service, cleanliness, value for money and quality of staff.’

Breckenridge’s four peaks average vertical is 13,300 feet. Breckenridge offers some of the most extreme skiing terrain in North America. This years brand new Imperial Express chair lift takes you just 500-feet from the summit of peak 8. Up here, you will find lake chutes which are considered to be the most extreme skiing in Colorado. There is little room for error up here. The lake chutesare the closest your going to get to an Alaskan heli ski trip without the helicopter.

Don’t forget about the big rocky chutes and big cornus drop which if you can ace it, will help your chances of survival. Peak 8 also includes the T bar lift which will access you to brilliant runs like horseshoe bowl, debbeys alley, boundary chutes and vertigo. Horse shoe bowl is big and steep with big boulder drops on the skiers left and right but if you ride right down the middle I promise you smooth steep lines.

If by chance you wake up early enough, try to get that first ride up on the t-bar. Once you get up here, ride the horseshoe bowl for the steepest powder field in Colorado. The best part about this is that you won’t have to deal with a painful hike.

Debbies alley brings chills down my spine and the amount of small rock drops is pure fun. The bottom of this run offers beautiful gladed trees with small drops too. These are the most extreme runs on peak eight consisting mostly of double black diamond.

Peak 8 also includes beautifully groomed blue and green runs like springer, parklane, power line, and north star. If your skills are there you might want to give north star a try. Its tight lines make it a real challenge. This run has a natural half-pipe with plenty of trees on the skiers left and right side. Don’t slack on this run and always beware of the bumps, because they are sprinkled everywhere.

Springer, parklane and power line are smoothe groomers which you can pick up a lot of speed so watch your lines. The last thing you need to happen on your vacation is to take out a family on a groomer. So always ride in control.

Enjoy your ski vacation in Breckenridge, CO.

The city of Corinth is geographically located in a narrow land area, known as the Isthmus of Corinth, which connects the region of Peloponnese to the mainland of Greece. The Isthmus of Greece, which was formerly used for the transportation of ships, is nowadays cut by a canal which is used for the purposes by which the isthmus was used before.

Corinth is the capital of Corinthia, a prefecture which belongs to the Greek region of the Peloponnese. Towards the western area of the city and the isthmus there is the gulf of Corinth, towards the east there is the Sacronic Gulf, and towards the south west, at about 50 miles, there is Athens. Besides this, there are several small islands or islets surrounding Corinth: Kechries, Lechaio, Isthmia, Ancient Corinth, and Examilia.

The city of Corinth has gone through several different poques as well as it has had a variety of denominations. One of the first denominations it had was Korinthos, but this name would change depending on different invaders and on who was in control of the town at different given periods.

The origins of Corinth date from as long ago as the 6th century BC, in the Neolithic Age. According to some discoveries, during the year 2000 BC, the city was almost entirely destroyed. Next in the town’s history, another important event happened during the Mycenean period, when the Dorians tried to invade and take the control over the town. The Dorians failed the first time, but succeeded after trying again, and settled in Corinth for a while.

Nowadays, an important part of the old city of Corinth can not be visited anymore due to the fact that it was partially destroyed by an earthquake towards the last years of the decade of 1850. Despite of this, there still are many interesting historical spots that visitors can meet in the city and its surroundings, as well as a variety of entertaining things to do. Corinth, as well as the entire prefecture of Corinthia, is a very attractive Greek destination which combines an amazing historical past with modern life in a unique way.

Grandly protruding into the Indian Ocean, India is more of a continent than a country. This subcontinent covers every topographical wonder, from white sandy island beaches and tropical forests to high deserts and soaring mountain ranges. Discover 5,000 years of human history, beginning with one of the oldest civilizations of the Indus River Valley who merged with Aryan invaders around 1500 B.C.E. to create the classic Indian culture that still thrives today. With 26 World Heritage Sites sprinkled about the country, it is easy to be immersed in the intricacies of local culture in nearly each of the 28 states and 7 territories.

Thriving Cities and Clashing Cultures: The Beauty of the North

The northern region of India is an assorted mix of cultures, traditions, languages and arts. The vulnerability of this area to outside invaders throughout history has been both a blessing and a curse, bringing with the turmoil unique external influences and inspirations. The capital city of New Delhi, with its mix of four major religions, 7 reigns of power and 2500 years of history, is a prime example of coexisting realities. Wind your way through Old Delhi and be surrounded by remnants of the Mughal Empire, including the largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid, and Humayuns Tomb, a 16th century landmark of breathtaking Mughal architecture that would later be echoed in the Taj Mahal. New Delhi is almost a different world with its imperial architecture and broad stately boulevards. Colonial influence is abundant since the British declared Delhi the capital during their rule. The Taj Mahal is also in the north, about 200 kilometers from Delhi. This is the most iconic demonstration of Mughal construction and should not be missed.

A Light into the Heartland: Travel Indias South

Travel to the more culturally homogenous south of India and witness thousands of years of the caste system still in practice despite the more modern structure of Indias government. With its alluring tales of trade and independence, Goa is one of the most popular destinations along the Indian coastline. Among Goas ancient ruins stands the Vittala Temple, a monumental tribute to the capital city of the primeval Vijayangara Empire. Most notable are the temples musical pillars that represent different musical instruments. Goas intricate architecture and independent culture are also products of 450 years of Portuguese colonial rule. In the south, the traveler will also encounter a plethora of biodiversity and protected wilderness areas. The Western Ghats Range is classified as one of the worlds biodiversity hotspots where Silent Valley National Park protects Indias last tract of virgin tropical evergreen forest.

When to Travel to India

Despite the gargantuan size of this subcontinent, there are distinct seasons during which travel anywhere in the country can be extraordinarily uncomfortable and stressful. From April to October, temperatures soar above 90F (45C) and humidity escalates to unbearable levels. October also marks the end of the monsoon season during which the southern and coastal regions are plagued with torrential downpour. The rest of the year is very pleasant and mild with consistently warm weather in the south and rather chilly evenings in the north between December and February.

For more information on international travel and discount airfare to India, visit www.cfares.com.