Tuesday, February 21, 2012

How Beauty of the Lake District?

The Lake District National Park in Cumbria is full of beautiful scenery that cannot be beaten pretty much anywhere else in Europe. The landscapes, rugged mountains, lakes and farmhouses are truly a mesmerizing sight which only those that have been can truly appreciate. There are around 880 square miles of beautiful scenery to explore. Since 1951 the area has gained National Park status which means the area is being conserved for all to appreciate its natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage. Anyone planning on visiting England for the first type should most definitely visit this great area or natural beauty known as the Lake District.

Sheep farming has been the main source of economy over recent years. Today sheep farming still remains a very important factor to the economy of The Lake District. The area attracts visitors from all around the world and this tourism is a serious boom to its economy. The region remains one of the main sources of granite and slate which is both used in the building industry. The quarrying has left is marks on the landscape but does not really ruin the landscapes.

English literature and The Lake District goes hand in hand with may famous authors putting their mark on the area. The first person to make its mark in terms of literature is the poet Thomas Gray. He was one of the first to visit then document his tour of the area in 1769. His account of the area is known as Gray's 'Journal of his Tour in the Lake District' was published in 1775 and went on to became one of the eighteenth-century's most popular and most read guides to the Lakes.

It was the English poet William Wordsworth which really put the lakes on the map. He moved to the now famous Dove Cottage in Grasmere. After years living in the area he wrote his 'Guide through the District of the Lakes' which was published in 1820. Today you can take a tour of Wordsworth's international collection of manuscripts, portraits, and valuables in the museum which has been named after him.

Beatrix Potter is another famous name associated with the area. Today she is remembered for artistic and literary skills in her writings. Most famously "The tale of Peter Rabbit" which was inspired by her visits to the area as a child. There is now a museum dedicated to Beatrix where you can see some of her illustrations and learn all about her life and love of nature. When she died she left most of her property to the National Trust.

The Lakes freshwater is great for watching otters, pikes and British sharks. There are many tours, events and activities which centre on and around the lakes. You can go on a cruise of Lake Windermere all year round except Christmas day. One cruise last for about three hours and includes a visit the aquarium, a steam railway and the World of Beatrix Potter. Some of the lake cruises originate from Victorian times.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

How Optimize Your Time at Disney World?

ou are planning your family's experience of a lifetime at Disney World and want to make sure you get to see and do everything. However, you are beginning to wonder how that is possible with the limitless activities Disney seems to have. Rest assured. If you have a plan, you can enjoy all Disney has to offer, and maybe even a few extra things you did not know about.

Schedule

When heading to Disney World, make sure and schedule at least one day for each park you plan to attend, and do not forget Disney's water parks when creating your schedule. Trying to fit too many parks into one day can leave you and your family exhausted, and make you miss Disney happenings. Additionally, try and schedule at least one slow day during your Disney stay. This will allow you to go back and spend extra time at your favorite park, enjoy your hotel or resort pool, spend some time shopping, or enjoy some of Disney's extra activities.

Tickets

Choosing the right kind of ticket can make your Disney visit a true experience. Although you may plan for one park a day, you never know when you will have a need to return to a park. If you are staying at a Disney World resort, you will have the ability to take advantage of early or late hours in specific parks. A Park Hopper option on your ticket gives you the flexibility to move freely between one park and another throughout your stay, allowing you to maximize your time.

Transportation

You will hear much about the fabulous transportation provided by Disney World, particularly if you are staying on a Disney resort. However, one extra way you can have flexibility for your family is to rent a car. If you are staying at a resort, parking is free there and at any Disney property. With your own vehicle, you will not have to be at the mercy of park transportation.

Dining

The food at Disney World is fantastic and you know your family will want to experience it often. However, while the atmosphere and the food are enjoyable, the lines are not. Even when you have reservations you may still spend time waiting. Make sure and plan accordingly before your trip. Know which restaurants you plan to visit so you can maximize your time. If you know you when and where you will be eating, you can also plan to eat a large resort or hotel breakfast or bring your own snacks.

Play

When you arrive at your park each morning, head to the most popular attractions first. As the park becomes more crowded, you will know you have already had the opportunity to experience the favorite rides and events. Another option is to check our Disney's Fast Pass system. This will let you set a specific time to visit an attraction so you are not held up in lines.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Seven Things Not To Miss In c and Chile

Iguassu falls are the most spectacular waterfalls I have ever seen. Cascading across the borders of 3 countries, they truly have to be seen to be believed. They are best appreciated from both sides which offer a different perspective. On the Argentina side, you get a real close and personal view with the unique opportunity to take a jet boat ride right until the falls whereas a panoramic vista of the whole falls is the highlight on the Brazilian side. The falls are located deep in the jungle and you can see agoutis, coatis, toucans and many other tropical birds; for me, it was a real highlight of my Argentina holiday.

Of course a few days in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires is a must on any Argentine holiday. The main highlights for me are San Telmo, the tango quarter with its bohemian atmosphere and flea markets, La Boca for its lively colourful streets and football stadium, Recoleta cemetery where heroic Eva Peron rests. There is memorable night life with restaurants aplenty down by the port with great value all you can eat red meat feasts washed down with a bottle of Malbec.

El Calafate is home to the world-famous and spectacularly stunning scenery of the glaciers and is a real must-see if your thinking of heading on some Argentina travel tours. Perito Moreno glacier is the most famous with chunks of ice literally just crashing off loudly into the glacial lake below and you can even put on some crampons and hike across it. The world's largest glacier Upsala is incredible at three times the size of Buenos Aires and worth sailing up to witness its sheer magnificence.

Trekking to the "Base de Torres" was my most memorable experience in all of Patagonia. The peaceful serenity is out of this world with breathtaking scenery of snow-capped peaks in every direction and glacial lakes. There is even the odd llama hanging out in Torres del Paine National Park which means "Blue Towers" in an old local indigenous language.

Ushuaia is the most southern city in the world and is the gateway to Antarctica. It's affectionately known as "el fin del mundo" which translates as the end of the world. It boasts amazing natural beauty in the Tierra del Fuego national park which is ideal for hiking and an amazing array of sea life on the Beagle channel where Charles Darwin sailed. I experienced a real sense of feeling very far from anywhere at the bottom of the world.

Culturally speaking, I found Salta to offer the most unique experience as its close to the Bolivian border. If you want a taste of typical South America during your Argentina holiday, you're sure to find it here; a Spanish colonised town with its friendly locals ready to chat, churches, plazas, courtyards and cobbled stone grid like streets and markets. Surprisingly there are unusual rock formations dotted about the moon type landscape and you can see large salt flats.

The coastal town of Valparaiso in Chile with its funicular and higgledy piggledy coloured houses balanced precariously on the steep slopes is unlike anywhere else I have been on my other holidays in Argentina. Travelling up and down admiring views far and wide makes a lovely day out from nearby capital Santiago de Chile.