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A visit to the catacombs is a fascinating part of any trip to Rome. The catacombs in Rome are a place where art meets history and religion in a very powerful way. There are several catacombs along via Appia Antica, but not all are open to the public.

The catacombs are located on the ancient way that connected Rome to southern Italy Via Appia Antica. This ancient road was opened in 312 B.C. and went all the way to Brindisi on the Adriatic sea.

At the time, there was a law against burying the dead inside the city, so Via Appia Antica became the place of choice for burials. The catacombs and fantastic burial monuments are located along the way from Casale Rotondo to Cecilia Metella’s tomb.

If by now you imagine yourself spending your day in dark, gloomy caves, staring at bones, you can forget about it. Via Appia Antica has a great view. It is one of the most luxurious areas in Rome. The rich people of modern Rome live nowadays next to the burial location of their ancient ancestors, so while you admire the art work of the tombs, don’t forget to take a glimpse at the houses and gardens of the area.

Inside the catacombs you will not see bones, but the work of art that decorated the ancient tombs of the rich and important.

Entry to the catacombs is only possible with a guide, for safety reasons. The guide, a priest or friar, will explain you all about the history, art and symbolism of the place, and then walk you through the catacombs.

The Catacombs of San Callisto (or Callixtus) The burial location of the Bishops and Popes, are named after Callisto who restored and enlarged them.

Until the third century, Christians in Rome had no official grave yards. At the beginning of that century, the Pope nominated St. Callisto to be in charge of the burial lands on Via Appia Antica. This was the beginning of the custom of burying Christians in lands that belonged to the church. As time passed, these underground grave yards that were dug in a soft rock, evolved to a maze of canals, layer upon layer.

Whenever the room in one layer was exhausted, another layer was dug, so the most ancient layer is at the top.

Santa Cecilia was buried in one of the graves here. Later, her tomb was moved to the church of Santa Cecilia, and a copy of her statue now stands in the place of the grave.

The tunnels here resemble a dark labyrinth, so stay close to your guide. The guides walk rather quickly through the place to make room for the next group. A tour takes about 40 minutes.

Continuing on Via l’Appia Antica, we find the catacombs and church of San Sebastiano. There are four floors of catacombs here, and a statue of St. Sebastian by Bernini. These were the first to be named “catacombs” after the greek words “Kata Kymbas” that mean “by the graves”. These catacombs are the only ones that are easily accessible to visitors. Of the four floors only the second is usually open.

In the Tricila area of the catacombs there are hundreds of graffiti writings on the walls, mentioning St. Peter and St. Paul. Those are probably from the time their relics were kept here, until they were transferred to the Vatican. Christians used to gather here in order to commemorate them.

Where Can Americans Get the Best Vacation Experience For Their Dollar? Travel Value Index Ranks Top 20 U.S. Places Providing Greatest Value to Visitor

Who doesn’t want a great vacation experience at a low price? One of the top questions among travelers continues to be how to plan an enjoyable trip without going into the red.

To provide travelers a resource for planning fun yet affordable getaways, discount travel site Hotwire.com developed the Travel Value Index. A first-of-its-kind resource for travelers, the Travel Value Index identifies which U.S. cities offer the greatest overall value to visitors based on three factors:

• discounts offered to travelers;

• low prices on airfare, hotel and rental cars; and

• affordable entertainment and outdoor attractions.

Which city topped the charts? With low prices on accommodations and a range of outdoor and cultural attractions, the mile-high city of Denver offers vacationing Americans the best value for their money. Denver boasts easy access to the Rocky Mountains, more than 450 miles of bike paths and a nationally recognized zoo.

The top 20 places for travel bargains include the entertainment capital Los Angeles, family-friendly Tampa and Orlando, country music haven Nashville, and cities brimming with Southern charm and hospitality like Knoxville, Dallas and Charlotte.

“The Travel Value Index proves that no matter what you’re looking for, you can enjoy a memorable vacation without blowing the budget,” said Barbara Messing, vice president and travel expert at Hotwire.com. “These cities offer something for everyone-whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, beach lover or prefer the big city.”

From the Carolinas to California, here are the top 20 places that offer the perfect combination of a memorable vacation experience and a low price:

1. Denver

2. Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C.

3. Raleigh-Durham, N.C.

4. Knoxville, Tenn.

5. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Sarasota, Fla.

6. Albuquerque-Santa Fe, N.M.

7. Orlando-Daytona Beach, Fla.

8. Reno, Nev.

9. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

10. Los Angeles

11. Nashville, Tenn.

12. St. Louis, Mo.

13. Atlanta

14. Kansas City, Mo.

15. Phoenix

16. Columbus, Ohio

17. Salt Lake City

18. Pittsburgh

19. Milwaukee

20. Charlotte, N.C.

The Travel Value Index helps travelers get more for less year-round in places that offer the best savings and overall value on air and lodging. And the index is a great resource for travelers who want to stretch their vacation dollars when planning their next getaway.

You must really hate this job. Thats what my boss said when I told him I was moving from San Diego to Siberia for a year. In reality, I was bored and looking for something that would be completely and utterly new. Whether it was sunstroke or a developing tolerance to margaritas, San Diego just wasnt cutting it anymore. Heck, I hadnt even gone to the beach in nine months and it was only a few blocks away. Time to rediscover a zest for life.

As you are doing now, I trolled the Internet looking for that rare opportunity that would renew my vigor and let me brag to my domesticated friends. Pick coffee in the South Pacific? No, I already drink too much of it. Sail around the world on a container ship? No, I wasnt ready for involuntary self-reflection. Before I knew it, I had agreed to move to a city in Siberia known as Chita. Yes, I was going to be a professor at Chita State Technical University through a program put together by Siberian Intercultural Bridges. Donate – they need the money: http://www.siberian-bridges.org.

So, what does one take for a one-year stay in Siberia? Why, Ill just go buy a guidebook on Siberia and read the what to take section. My search of the local mega bookstore was disappointing. Shockingly, there were no guidebooks for Siberia. I was tempted to write a nasty letter to Lonely Planet and others until the bookstore clerk said, Youre going WHERE? When she started giving me the you must be a criminal on the run look, it was time to go.

Fortunately, I was able to find experienced travelers that could provide me with the details and items that were absolutely necessary. My girlfriend gave me the all-important electric blanket, a power converter and intimate details about what would happen to me if I should dare share it with another women. Grandpa gave me a World War II down coat that was about three sizes to big and made me look like a walking gopher. Family, friends and random strangers contributed further items and advice that would be critical to my survival.

Apparently rating my chances of survival at 50-50, friends and family put together a going away/never see him again party the day before I left. Of course, everyone brought Vodka as a humorous going away gift. The tide quickly turned, however, as all were asked/forced to try a taste of Russia. Many of the events of that night will remain forever sealed in antiquity, but it should suffice to say that the wife of one friend went into labor which made it a very fun night and subsequent day for him at the hospital. Few got off so easily.

Gigantic backpack, electric blanket, hangover and I headed to the airport the next morning. But thats a story for part 2 of this nomad adventure travel series

Grand Canyon Tour – Puts A Different Perspective On Life

The Grand Canyon National Park is deservedly classed as a World Heritage Site. It has an area of 1,218,375 acres, 1,904 square miles. Most of the park is maintained as wilderness. It can be seen from the moon and is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

The Grand Canyon lies on the Colorado Plateau in northwest Arizona.

The Canyon, carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, is immense. It averages 4,000 feet deep for its entire 277 miles. It is 6,000 feet deep (a mile is 5,280 feet) at its deepest point and up to 15 miles wide.

The Grand Canyon National Park is a rich and varied biological habitat with 75 species of mammals, 25 species of fish, 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, 25 species of fish, and over 300 species of birds. These include some species that are not found outside the Park at all.

Human activities have impacted on the Grand Canyon National Park in many ways. These include the introduction of non-native plants and animals, the contamination of streams with fecal bacteria, haze caused by air pollution and worst of all by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam in 1963. Our aircraft, quad bikes and automobiles disturb the tranquillity of the Park.

You can see the Grand Canyon on foot, horseback, mule, quad bike, kayak, helicopter ride or in a small plane. The temperature in the canyons gets very high during the day, and hikers should take advice from rangers on water supplies, necessary food and avoiding dehydration and heat stroke.

If you are hiking, camping or riding off the main trails, in the backcountry, you will need a permit. Permits can be obtained through the Backcountry Information Center. Rangers patrol and inspect camps they find for permits and to check that campers are adhering to the conditions laid down in the permit

Orlando, Florida is filled with attractions for vacationers of every age group; it is known for its beaches, golf courses, night life, museums, restaurants, and theme parks. Three all-time tourist favorites include Disney World, Busch Gardens, and Universal Studios, Florida.

Disney World:

The home of Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck is a perennial favorite with not just kids for whom it offers a mind boggling range of things to see and do. The overwhelming extent of experiences that Disney World offers ensures that adults too have a great time. Accommodation at Walt Disney World, which has over twenty hotels, offers a choice to suit every wallet. The Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Disney Contemporary Resort are two of the most popular resorts with a unique theme and excellent service. Vacationers can take advantage of the various promotional packages offered by Disney World from time to time. In one visit, it is not possible to take in all the rides and get ones fill of everything that Disney World has to offer; however there are some classic rides such as Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Peter Pan, Primeval Whirl, etc. The Magic Kingdom, which is spread over 100 acres, can be accessed via the Monorail or the Steamer. It has several attractions of which the chance to pose with Disney characters and getting their autographs is high on the wish-list of many children. It is best to enjoy Disney World in the company of a local acquaintance who can point out the major attractions and also the early-entry days during which hotel-guests are allowed to enter early.

Busch Gardens:

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an approximately one-hour drive from Orlando. Many vacationers find its location, which is away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando, to be an added attraction. The Busch Garden Shuttle Express is a free service with a 5-Park Orlando Flexi Ticket; its an alternative for those do not wish to travel to the park by road. Busch Gardens offer several exciting attractions that replicate the wonders of Africa. The wildlife includes more than 2,000 animals and thrilling roller-coaster rides are a hit with the kids and adults alike. The Sky Ride cable car affords an excellent view of the park. Attractions at the park also include the Serengeti Railway that has several stations around the park; the Haunted Lighthouse, which is a 4D show for kids over seven; KaTonga, which is a 35-minute musical celebrating African fables; the tomb of King Tut; Serengeti Safari tours; the slides and rides at the Land of the Dragon, and many others. Food at the Busch Gardens ranges from pizzas and turkey legs at Quick Bite and fine dining at the Crown Colony Restaurant. Preferred parking is available alongside the main entrance.

Universal Studios Florida:

Universal Studios in Orlando is the largest studio outside Hollywood. This major tourist attraction of Hollywood has some very popular rides and experiences that are based on hit movies. Terminator 2 is a high-tech 3D adventure; Back to the Future is a simulated ride that has one falling down volcanic tunnels; Twister and Earthquake are other thrill-a-minute shows in which an individual experiences a five-storey volcano and the power of an earthquake. Other attractions at Universal include Kong, Nickelodeon, ET, the Animal Show, etc. The main rides and attractions are at the edges of the oval-shaped Universal plot, which is quite huge. Priority parking and valet parking are available, these make exiting the Universal premises at the end of a fun-filled but tiring day a little easier.

The playground of Palm Springs, California is less than a two hour drive from most cities in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties and less than an an hours drive from the cities of Riverside and San Bernardino. It is approximetly 130 miles from the Los Angeles International Airport and 100 miles from the Orange County John Wayne Airport.

Whether you like sitting around the pool at a luxury hotel, dining at fine dining establishments, golfing at some of the best golf courses in the nation, hiking in the nearby mountains, playing tennis on top rate courts, gaming at indian casinos, partying at exclusive night spots, mountain and trail bike riding, spending the day or week being pampered at a luxurious spa, shopping in designer stores or celebrity gazing, you can do it all year long in or near Palm Springs.

Palm Springs is a desert city, surrounded and sheltered by mountains and sits approximately 466 feet above sea level. It’s average yearly high temperature is in the high eighties, it’s average yearly low temperature is in the mid fifties and it’s average yearly rainfall is less than eight inches. This makes Palm Springs a city that can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Play golf where the pros play. The Palm Springs area has over 100 beautiful, exquisitely maintained golf courses, some of which are famous throughout the world. Play tennis at some of the best tennis courts and clubs around. If you like shopping, you will find a myriad of art galleries, antique shops, designer boutiques, craft shops, jewelry stores, malls and shopping centers, carrying almost anything you might wish to purchase. Be pampered like royalty, stay in luxury hotels and spas like the Hilton Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Riviera Resort & Racquet Club, the Hyatt Regency Suites, the Parker Meridien Palm Springs, the Spa Resort Casino, the Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel and dozens of others. Relax and rejuvenate is one of the many health and beauty spas that Palm Springs is famous for. Take a 2.5 mile ride up the mountain on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Visit the Moorten Botanical Gardens with it’s nature trails and over 3,000 varieties of cacti, succulents and flowers. Tour the Joshua Tree National Park with it’s amazing desert scenery, rock gardens and 1000 year old Joshua Trees. Experience the culinary arts of some of the finest chefs is some of the best restaurants in the world. Party and dance at top night clubs. Etc., Etc., Etc..

This article has barely started to cover the things you can experience in the Palm Springs area. To cover everything would take several books instead of an article. Whether you stay a night, a weekend, a week or a month you will never run out of things to do and experience.

For more information about the city of Palm Springs, California see: http://palmsprings.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to the city of Palm Springs, California guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, attorneys, real estate brokers, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go and more.

After deciding to move to Siberia for a year to teach at the Chita State Technical University, I embarked on a travel odyssey unlike any other. In this entry, we pick up the last stage of the seven-day trip to get there.

Siberia As Seen From A Train

In preparing for my trip, I had actually done some preparation. As a common man, I know most of you female readers will find this hard to believe, but I swear it was so. Yep, I had read up on books, rented movies and so on. I was familiar with the tundra, the forest and the perma-frost of Siberia. And I was going to see it all during the three-day train ride across Siberia. Au Contraire!

Apparently, the untamed wilds of Siberia are a bit farther north than where the Trans-Siberian Railway runs. During our train ride, we saw no forests, no mountains and pretty much nothing. It was like taking a really slow train ride across Kansas. There just wasnt much of anything to see. I wish I could tell you differently.

End of the Road

As I went to sleep on the evening of the sixth day of the trip, I was developing a firm conviction that I would never see Chita. Instead, it was clear that I was in some type of bizarre reality television series based on travelers being driven slowly insane. Amazing Race? Give me a break. As with oh so many things, I was wrong.

The Seventh Day

Brooms scratch. Particularly when handled by the Russian woman in charge of our car. As I shot up out of my bunk, I realized she was talking loudly and pointing more than a bit. The train was slowing down, but I couldnt see much out the window because we were in trees and there was too much sun. Upon awaking Grae with a few whacks and a laugh, I finally recognized her saying, Chita.

We had arrived. After three flights, one angry customs official, a few embarrassing moments, way too many crackers and seven total days of travel, we had indeed arrived. At 5:30 in the morning.

Jumping out of bed, we each stuffed our belongings into our bags. Staggered out into the hall. Realized we both badly needed showers.

And stepped off the train into Chita. Siberia. Russia.

Getting away to Charity Island offers you the chance to get in touch with nature while relaxing. Unlike other destinations, Charity Island is also a environmentally protected area.

Getting Away To Charity Island

Charity Island is actually two islands, Big and Little Charity Island, both of which are in the state of Michigan. It is located in the Saginaw Bay, which is part of Lake Huron contained inside the state. More than 80 percent of Charity Island is owned by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as part of its Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Also on the island is an old and beloved lighthouse, built in 1857 and used until a replacement was built in 1939. Choosing Charity Island as a destination can make your trip to Michigan special and unique, especially if you choose to stay on the islands.

While on Charity Island, you must be aware that you are in a protected environment. As such, there are some rules that need to be followed. There is no camping on the island, so you will need to make other arrangements for accommodations There are also no campfires, hunting, firearms, fireworks, pets or alcoholic beverages allowed on the island. All of these rules are for the safety of the wildlife refuge housed here, and you will need to be mindful of the law as you enjoy your time on the islands.

For accommodations on Big Charity Island, there is just one choice: Charity Island Lodge. This seasonal getaway lodging spot was built in 2003, and it is the only private lodging on the island besides the lighthouse keepers home. The lodge offers accommodations for six with a loft area and master bedroom for sleeping. A kitchen is provided stocked with utensils and other necessities, but you will need to bring many items with you; including food, water, linens and toiletries. Getting to Charity Island Lodge requires a boat; either your own or via ferry service that is available from June to September. Nightly rentals of the Charity Island Lodge are available.

Even if you dont wish to stay on the island, you can still experience Charity Island on a day trip. Ferries to the island including a dinner cruise leave from Au Gres, Michigan all summer. The “Northstar” runs this trip, which includes a tour of the historic lighthouse and a buffet dinner at the Lighthouse keeper’s Home. The trip to Big Charity Island takes about 75 minutes, and is full of breathtaking views and a spectacular sunset on the ride back.

Whether you choose to stay on Charity Island, or in nearby Au Gres or East Tawas, you can be sure that you will have a memorable and exciting family trip. While enjoying the historic lighthouse and beautiful wildlife refuge, be sure to keep in mind the laws of the land, and your entire party will have a great time.

Tulips, windmills and wooden shoes might still be a draw to this Dutch region for some travelers; however, Holland is a far more versatile locale with an international and maritime history extending farther back than most of the rest of Europe, including the establishment of New Amsterdam as a major trading city, which became New York when the British took over. Holland, particularly Amsterdam, is also well known for its diamond manufacturing and polishing industry. If that tickles your fancy, make sure to visit the Amsterdam Diamond Center located in the center of the city.

Before you continue with this informative guide to Holland, make note that although the name “Holland” is used commonly in everyday language, the country is strictly called The Netherlands and internationally recognized as such.

Red Lights and Rembrandt
Besides being the capital city, Amsterdam has enough to offer to fill your entire vacation. The unavoidable multiculturalism has brought Amsterdam to the forefront of controversial equality and human rights issues. Muslims, Jews, Dutch and Surinamese all have a very active role in the life and politics of the city. The Anne Frank House is an extremely popular sight with a new exhibit at the end that discusses the modern day conflict between freedom of speech and respect for cultural and religious diversity. Amsterdam is also home to the Van Gogh Museum and the newly restored Rembrandt Museum.

The Dutch acquired an extensive collection of colonies during the 18th and 19th centuries, one of which was Suriname, located on the northern coast of South America. Suriname finally gained its independence in 1975 and through an education exchange program the Surinamese population remains predominant in Amsterdam. The cultural flair adds richness to the city in the form of contemporary music, art and exquisite cuisine. Make sure to dine in a Surinamese restaurant at least once!

Amsterdam is also notorious for its Red Light District and Coffee Shops. Stroll through the winding streets at night for an incredibly diverse experience and stop at one of the bustling pubs for delicious locally brewed beer. Also, many visitors enjoy seeing the city from the water. There are boat tours offered on an hourly schedule during the summer months that take you through the picturesque canals and past charming old faades.

Timeless and Traditional
Even though Amsterdam is a modern hub in the globalized world, there is still an incredible amount of tradition and history prevalent throughout The Netherlands. Visit the nearby town of Alkmaar in the summer to take part in the centuries-old cheese market and festival. Locals don traditional dress and haul giant rounds of cheese through the town square for weighing. After your fill of diary, wander through this seaside town’s canals and shops. Travel through central Holland to the medieval town of Utrecht, established around 47 AD. The 14th century wharves, cathedrals and Roman architecture are sure to transport any traveler to another place in time.

For international travelers, Holland exists in a class of its own. Whether you enjoy the bustling urban experience or the intimate countryside adventure, you will find what you are looking for in Holland.

After deciding to move to Siberia for a year to teach at the Chita State Technical University, I embarked on a travel odyssey unlike any other. In this entry, we pick up the trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

The Horror

As my new Russian friend walked down the hall, I reflected on the information he had provided me with a grimace. The train ride from Khabarovsk to my destination, Chita, was going to take three days. I had already been traveling for four days and the thought of 3 days on a train made meunhappy.

While reflecting on this development, I had an opportunity to take a look at my new neighbors, errfellow passengers. They were moving in. Literally. Pillows, sheets, bags full of food. The general impression was we were going to be on the train for a long, long time.

As we actually cleared the city, I told myself to look at it as an adventure. An adventure? Oh, yes.

Of Crackers and Grape Juice

Nutrition is an odd thing. Like many, I try to eat a healthy diet with vegetables and so on. Of course, a stressful day at work has led to more than a few fast food meals. On the Trans-Siberian Railway, I wouldve killed for fast food.

Contrary to what another passenger had told me, the food car on the train was open for business. The woman in charge of our car told me this in limited English and an exasperated look on her face. Well, she didnt lie. The food car was open. Unfortunately, the only thing it was selling were boxes of crackers and grape juice.

Im not a big cracker fan, but Ill eat them. I happen to like grape juiceor I did. For the next 48 hours, Grae, a fellow traveler, and I munched crackers and drank juice. Then we drank juice and munched crackers. Then we crushed crackers and put them in the juice. Then we made feverish declarations to never eat crackers or drink juice again. Ever.

The Funny Part

After 48 hours of crackers and juice, I was more than willing to starve. I kept having nightmares about the horrible things happening in my stomach. Grae apparently had arrived at the same opinion. Cinching up his pants, he went to hit up our fellow travel companions for some real food.

Part of the fun of traveling is realizing how foolish you really are. When you are in a country where you dont speak the language, you are going to eat a pretty hefty amount of humble pie. What the hey, we were hungry.

After five minutes, Grae returned to our compartment with one of those looks on his face. We had lived on crackers and grape juice for no reason. Yes, we could buy food at every stop the train made by just walking into the train station. And we stopped a lot.

As we pulled into a little town, Grae and I were hanging from the doors of the train. We ran into the station andall they had were crackers and grape juice. Just kidding. I am not sure what we bought, but it was the best food Ive ever had.

Next stopChita!

Read more of this Russian Travelogue at NomadJournalTrips.com