Western rural Andalusia Spain

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Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 01-12-2009

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Andalucia is probably one of Spain’s most sundry areas with its mountainous regions leading down to the Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical, Costa de Almeria and to the far west neighboring Portugal, the pretty Costa de la Luz.  It is excellent for a holiday in winter as well as summer as there’s skiing in the Sierra Nevada.

An Andalucia vacation has much to supply from its countrywide Parks to a trip to Jerez for some sherry tasting.  Also not to be missed are a day out to the fantastic town of Granada with its Alhambra Palace, Jaen or similarly Cordoba which also has much Moorish history.

The white towns ( pueblos blancos ) named thanks to the Moorish practice of whitewashing the buildings are a glance back in time to traditional Spain.  Towns such as Ronda, Gaucin and Jimena de la Frontera to name just a few.

Inland, rural Andalusia has three excellent cities to explore, namely Cordoba, Granada and the capital of the region – Seville.  In addition to these historic cities with their Moorish past, there are many conventional and quaint whitewashed villages to visit, as well as nature reserves or simply walking or hiking in the scenic countryside.

Western rural Andalusia is home to the excellent town of Ronda.  It has got a impressive setting being located on a massive outcrop of rock.  It is also renowned for its bullring, which is the oldest in the country.  The Punte Nuevo – ‘the New Bridge’ spans the gorge and links the old part of Ronda with the new.  This part of Andalusia is also home to the whitewashed hamlets – pueblos blancos – of Gaucin, Jimena de la Frontera as well as pretty towns and villages such as Alhaurin el Grande, Alhaurin de la Torre and Coin.  Also in this area near the town of El Chorro is the geographical wonder of the Garganta del Chorro, a massive natural chasm in the limestone mountain.  The national park of El Torcal is also favored by hikers, hikers and nature lovers.

In the east of the Malaga region Antequera is a busy market town inside reach of Malaga for a short break.  It is a more conventional town and is well known for manufacturing olive oil.  It is feasible to walk round the walls of the 13th century hilltop castle from where there are wonderful breathtaking views over the encompassing area.

Some of the smaller rustic hamlets in this area are Villanueva de la Concepcion, Alcaucin and the pretty white hamlet of Competa.  Here and in similar villages you will find a treasure house of culture and a taste of real Spain.  We have many vacation fincas and cortijos to lease as well as interesting hamlet houses all set in agricultural andalucian locations, yet the sea in most cases is inside an hours drive.  If you are looking for a vacation rental to escape from it all, then this is the area of choice.

Where do you want to travel in the world? For an idea of where to go on your next vacation, visit famouswonders.com. While you are on the site, also take a look at places to see in Spain.

Egypt uncovered with cheap Sharm el Sheikh hotels

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Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 28-10-2009

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When it comes to top holiday destinations abroad, Sharm el Sheikh has to be applauded for its determination and consistency. The destination has successfully transformed itself from out-of-the-way backpacker town to mega tourist magnet and – what’s more – has made it look easy. The hard work has been well rewarded and today it is well established as a top holiday resort with one purpose: to deliver the ultimate holiday experience. Excellent year-round weather and huge diversity, from desert to sea, have contributed to its all round appeal. Added to this, with Egypt having attracted praise this year as a great value holiday destination, visitors to Sharm el Sheikh can benefit from a good mix of luxury and affordability as well.

Hotels

You’re unlikely to find uninterrupted calm and seclusion on your visit to Sharm el Sheikh, but you could find pretty much everything else. The range of Sharm el Sheikh hotels on offer is impressive, from top quality luxury hotels to cheap family-friendly resorts. Renowed names such as Sheraton, Hilton and Ritz Carlton have all moved in over the years. Happily, they don’t have to come with a high price tag as there are numerous deals and special offers around at the moment allowing you guilt free indulgence. If you’re looking for something more low key, then there are plenty of boutique hotels and budget resorts on offer.

Things to do

Sharm el Sheikh is fortunate to have an incredible natural backdrop meaning that the list of things to do is as varied and accommodating as its choice of hotels. The region’s greatest attractions have always been underwater. Scuba divers and snorkelling enthusiasts will find themselves in particularly good company with mass of exotic marine life and stunning coral reefs on offer, but there are plenty of other water sports to enjoy, including sailing, jetskiing and wind surfing.

If keeping your feet on dry land seems more appealing, then you can investigate activities at the other end of the spectrum and venture into the desert for some camel trekking, or perhaps investigate golf facilities and spas closer to your hotel. Desert safaris, shopping and sunbathing go without saying, of course.

Culture

With Sharm el Sheikh being so well known for its activities you could be forgiven for thinking that history and culture have taken a back seat. However, one of Egypt’s most important religious sites lies just nearby. St Catherine’s monastery is where Moses is said to have seen the burning bush before travelling up Mount Sinai close by to receive the Ten Commandments.

Night time

Sharm el Sheikh is not short on entertainment for those seeking a wild night out and has a Vegas-style quality thanks to its bright lights, bars, clubs and casinos. It’s bright and vibrant street scenes are reminiscent of Vegas nightlife. It does, however, have one distinct advantage over America’s own land-locked playground… Sharm el Sheikh’s central charms will always come back to its beautiful coastlines and breathtaking underwater vistas.

Sharm el Sheikh may have transformed itself into a platform for tourist indulgence, but its humble beginnings lie in its natural wonders. Explore them to the fullest with some excellent deals on Sharm el Sheikh hotels this winter.

Advices for Packing for a Caribbean Cruise

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Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 09-10-2009

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There are few vacations more relaxing than a Caribbean cruise; as long as you don’t count the flurry of preparations that must take place before that ship ever sets sail. The good news is that packing doesn't have to be another stress in the midst of stopping the mail and applying for your passport. With a few simple tips under your belt, you can fill up those suitcases and be ready for any fun in the sun that might come along. If you have a Caribbean cruise in your future, read on for packing tips to make your tropical vacation easy and enjoyable.

Make a List
A Caribbean cruise is sure to include frolics at the pool and on the beach, while the nightlife on cruise ships will require clothing of a completely different kind. The best place to start packing for your Caribbean cruise is with a list based on what you will be doing on each day of your trip. You will want to research the ship you are traveling on to find out what the dress code is for evening and what the recommendations might be for excursions and days at sea. For example, a week-long Royal Caribbean cruise may include one formal night and one or two semi-formal nights in the dining room. Feel free to add as many items to your list as you like to begin, but be prepared to pare that list down considerably before placing anything into your suitcases.

Keep it Short
The short list will help to ensure that you remain within luggage guidelines mandated by your airlines and allow you to get from point A to point B in the most convenient way possible. Some people find that organizing a wardrobe around two or three colors or pairs of shoes is the best way to shorten the packing list for a Caribbean cruise. Many seasoned travelers can often get away with a pair of shoes for walking, a casual pair and a dressy pair, even if the Caribbean cruise is a full week long. Others like to choose two or three basic colors and coordinate their entire wardrobe around those hues so they don’t have to bring as many items to get a large assortment of outfits.

Don't Forget Necessities
Since you will be out to sea for much of your Caribbean cruise with limited shopping opportunities, it is important to remember items like sunscreen, sunglasses, bathing suits, a camera, and essential toiletries. While some of these items might be available in the ship's gift shop, they will probably be priced much higher than you want to go for the basics. You can find many packing lists for a Caribbean cruise online to ensure you remember all of the essentials for your trip.

A Caribbean cruise is a lovely vacation, especially when you are well packed and supplied for your trip. Follow these tips for smooth sailing and Bon Voyage!

About Author: Haiming Jiang is an online expert in travel industry. He also offers top quality travel tips like : self drive tours and self drive New Zealand

Amish Country Indiana – Quite an Experience

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Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 08-10-2009

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Anyone who is not from the Midwestern United States almost certainly has not seen a lot of Amish country citizens. In fact, a friend of mine from Australia just told me that Amish people are more legendary than factual where she’s from; they’re like leprechauns or unicorns. Not so in the state of Indiana! Indiana is filled with the rich legacy that comes from the Amish. Just take a trip to Nappanee, Middlebury, or Shipshewana.

As you first drive into the town of Nappanee, Indiana, you will notice the 19th century storefronts, filled with bakeries, great family restaurants, and even home decorating boutique stores. A mix of a active downtown and serene countryside, Nappanee was once called one of “America’s Best Small Towns” by TIME magazine. You won’t wish to ignore some of their mainly famous attractions like Amish Acres Farm and Heritage Resort. Roam the grounds of the 80-acre farm and experience all the rich history that they have to offer. All ages will adore the big family meals, cart rides, and witnessing first hand the making of brooms, quilts, and much more! If you’re looking for a more romantic evening, there is an on hand romance package at Amish Acres starting at $179.00! chart your journey now and spend some time.

See also:  Indiana Amish furniture

Middlebury is one of the lesser-known towns when it comes to Amish communities, but there is still a lot to observe and experience when you visit. Take a tour to the historic business district and see the town butcher, the hardware store, and other proud shop owners. Also, don’t fail to remember to make the trip down the 17-mile Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, taking you right through the center of town along Krider Gardens and crossing the Little Elkhart River.

One of the most famous Amish places is Shipshewana. Experience Amish country traditions like you not at all have before, when you visit more than 95 specialty shops in the busy village of Shipshewana. Home of the Midwest’s major flea marketplace, this town has the whole lot to offer from horse and buggy rides through town and into the countryside, to awesome entertainment choices such as the Mousetrap Puppet Theater, the Blue Gate Theater, and the Hostetler Hudson Auto Museum. You can as well find out the reasons following the Amish and Mennonite lifestyle by visiting Menno-Hof. understanding their entire story by hearing the fascinating history of their origins in Switzerland, their arrival to America so many years ago, and their present location in Indiana. begin planning your journey today and benefit from learning about a culture so different from our own, as you head into Amish Country.

 

 

 

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It’s possible to locate additional data by using Answers.co and/or by using Technorati.

Travelling to Toronto

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Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 01-10-2009

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Communities: Toronto has the unique ability to offer any tourist a multicultural experience unlike any other. Visit neighborhoods like Greek-town (be ready to celebrate until the sun comes up), Little Italy, Corso Italia, Chinatown, Korea town, Little Poland, Little India, Portugal Village and more. Take some time to experience the clusters of ethnic backgrounds that come together such as Jewish, Russian, Ukrainian, and Somalian neighborhoods. Visit restaurants, shop for international and specialty foods, fashion and art.

On top of the cultural diversity that Toronto has, there are plenty of fun, creative and special spots of interest to visit:

– The Financial District: Gives great views of skyscrapers and buildings but the best part is hidden below the architecture! In the underground pathways there are 11km of stores, restaurants and services to explore. Definitely plan a stop here.

– The Downtown Entertainment District: Where you’ll find the party. Lots of high end, fancy nightclubs, bars and dance parties to go to.

Queen Street West: Check this shopping street out if you have hip, eclectic taste, you won’t be disappointed.

– The Gay and Lesbian Village: A meeting place and community with an open mind, offering restaurants, bars and stores in a homosexual friendly atmosphere.

– The Fashion District: Need I say more? Shop away in outlet heaven surrounded by trendy lofts redone from 19th century factories.

– Harbourfront: Toronto’s harbourfront offers not only cruises but numerous restaurants, art galleries/stores, plus theater and music venues. Something for everyone.

– Rosedale and Forest Hill: High end areas set in park or environmental area. Upscale homes that will make you wish you won lottery.

– Cabbagetown: Formerly a working class village, it is now known for beautiful renovated Victorian houses.

– The Distillery District: Canada’s best collection of Victorian industrial architecture, founded in 1832. Currently includes galleries, studios, workshops, boutiques, stores, restaurants, bars and cafes. A great hot spot for groups to spend a fun filled day.

– The Beaches: A fun, family oriented area where sports, trails, parks, shops are all easily accessible and open to the public. Very popular spot to spend some quality time outside in the beautiful weather.

Main Sights and Architecture

For such a young city, Toronto has a large array of architecture and buildings to see. Here are some favourites:

– The CN Tower is a free standing structure that rises 553m straight up! An amazing piece of architecture and world famous building.

– The Skydome is a unique sports and music stadium with a retractable roof for off weather days.

– Fort York is a neat historical site offering the opportunity to take a step back in time to the Battle of York in the War of 1812.

– To see some Romanesque style buildings make sure you visit Old City Hall.

– UofT campus, Canada’s most popular university.

– Casa Loma has the magic only a castle can offer. Designed by a wealth Canadian in the 20s it is a site to see.

– Queen’s Park is a Romanesque type structure where Ontario’s provincial government meets.

Artistic Culture

Toronto has a very talented and creative theater community. Enjoy broadway musicals, local productions, international visiting shows and classical musical events. A few of the best theatre venues are the Royal Alexandra theater, Princess of Whales, the Elgin, Hummingbird Center, and Royal Thompson Hall (and so many more).

Museums and more

  • ROM (Royal Ontario Museum)
  • AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario
  • Bata Shoe Museum
  • The Hockey Hall of Fame
  • The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art
  • The Bay of Spirits Gallery
  • Black Creek Pioneer Village
  • Holocaust Centre of Toronto
  • The Ontario Science centre

Farmer’s Markets and Great Shopping Centres

St Lawrence Market: A fun shopping experience in a farmer’s market where freshness and high quality products are demanded.

Kensington Market: a large market full of international vendors and unique goods to purchase.

Eaton’s Centre: The best known shopping mall in Toronto, jam packed with 285 retail stores.

Yorkville: A popular stop for an fashionsita, this area is full of upscale shops and spas and restaurants.

Plan Your New Zealand Self Drive Vacation

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Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 17-09-2009

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South Island New Zealand Slideshow

A rental vehicle is a fantastic way to see New Zealand. Excellent roads and incredible views make driving here a pleasure, and your rental vehicle lets you stop and enjoy the sights any time you please.

New Zealand is a great destination for vacations. Whether you’re stopping in Auckland for a week or want an extended vacation from North Cape to the South Island, New Zealand has a vacation for everyone.

The country’s capital is Wellington, a great place to lose yourself in for a week or so. When you want to save money on transport a hire car is a great choice, as New Zealand rental cars are affordable as well as good quality. Rent one suited for driving around town so you can enjoy Wellington’s quality shopping, vibrant night-life and gourmet dining, plus the many beautiful scenic areas so close to the city. The famous Bee Hive parliament building is a must-see destination, and don’t miss a visit to beautiful Kapiti Island.

City life is not the only attraction New Zealand has to offer – there is a lot more to do and see. Many people come to experience the diverse landscapes and incredible natural beauty of these islands after seeing them in films like The River Queen. In the North Island drive along the shores of the country’s largest fresh water lake and visit bubbling mud pools, national parks and the island’s many beautiful beaches. Drive across the South Island’s high mountain passes and enjoy beautiful views of untouched native forest and towering glaciers.

Every part of New Zealand offers a beautiful backdrop for your vacation, whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure.

If you want outdoor adventure and sporting activities, you’ll find them here. If you’re in the mood for snow, hire an affordable hire vehicle to take you to the ski-field of your choice. New Zealand’s quality slopes make this country the right destination for both skiers and snowboarders. New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes promise endless opportunities for walkers any time of year, so when you want to explore on foot you’ll enjoy great hikes and day walks wherever you’re staying. If you like fishing, New Zealand’s seas, rivers and lakes are famous for trophy trout and salmon and a 4WD rental vehicle will help you find the perfect fishing hole.

Self drive holidays in New Zealand are a great choice – you can plan a unique trip to suit your budget and length of stay. There’s so much to see and do here, and your hire vehicle lets you have your choice of New Zealand’s spectacular scenery, unique experiences and idyllic holiday spots.

The All Inclusive Vacation Packages Are The Best And Is Worth Trying

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Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 09-09-2009

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Your vacation is coming up and your days are filled with work and obligations right up to the last minute. You don’t have the time to do research or make extensive searches for the best flight times or accommodations. You know where you want to go and that’s about it. You’ve got a budget that fits your destination and time frame. You just want to hop on a plane, forget the job for a couple of weeks and go for it. Sounds easy enough, but who’s going to arrange it all? What you need is an all inclusive vacation package and a good travel agent.

Any travel agent worth their salt can provide you with a dream itinerary in the form of an all inclusive vacation package. You tell the travel agent where you want to go and how much money you’re willing to spend. The travel agent takes it from there.

Travel agents have the inside scoop on all the best airfares, reputable hotels, transportation options, touring opportunities and the most popular tourist activities. Arranging the all inclusive vacation packages is a piece of cake. They know where to look and book your vacation day’s activities. It can’t be easier.

Shop around for a travel agent with a good track record. If you have friends who have booked their vacation packages with an agent who lived up to the claims, go visit that agent. Look online for travel agents who specialize in the all inclusive vacation packages. Visit travel message boards and chat with other travelers who have used this vacation option. You can pick up valuable leads here.

The all inclusive vacation package covers everything, from airfare to accommodation, right on through to a guided tour to the Colosseum or a scuba diving excursion.

Be sure to check on insurance and eventualities, such as what to do should you find your hotel room is unacceptable or overbooked. While all inclusive vacation packages cost more than self booking, you gain recourse in the event of a snafu. Ask your travel agent just what backup is available should you find yourself stranded. Again, a reputable travel agent has the answers and can handle any problems, should they arise.

Your travel agent won’t let you down and can even give you great ideas and pointers with other details depending on where your destination is.

So, are you ready to party?

Great Place to see in Toronto

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Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 07-09-2009

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Areas: Toronto is lucky to have a multicultural explosion right at their fingertips! Visit cultural areas such as Greek-town, where the party is always in full swing, to Little Italia, Corso Italia, 3 Chinatowns, Korea Town, Little India, Portugal village and more. Explore Jewish, Russian, Ukrainian, and Somalian culture, food, art and fashion in the ethnic communities they settle in. Experience the true meaning of Canada’s multiculturalism right in the heart of Toronto.

When you are finished with the cultural buffet make time to visit these unique, fun filled villages and areas:

– The Financial District: A great spot for seeing amazing skyscrapers but also for the underground world it houses. Take a walk in the 6 mile underground mall and shop, eat or get a manicure- everything is available in the underground concourse!

– The Downtown Entertainment District: Where all the best clubs, bars and pubs are. Go there for a great night on the town.

Queen Street West: An easy going, hip place to shop in unique boutiques and stores featuring eclectic collections.

– The Gay and Lesbian Village: A spot where Toronto’s homosexual community hangs out that includes stores, bars, restaurants, patios and shops.

– The Fashion District: A shopping mecca for designer clothes at outlet prices with a backdrop of 19th century factories converted into chic lofts.

– Harbourfront: Toronto’s harbourfront offers not only cruises but numerous restaurants, art galleries/stores, plus theater and music venues. Something for everyone.

– Rosedale and Forest Hill: High end areas set in park or environmental area. Upscale homes that will make you wish you won lottery.

– Cabbagetown: Formerly a working class village, it is now known for beautiful renovated Victorian houses.

– The Distillery District: A hip and trendy district featuring beautiful, classic Victorian industrial architecture. This distillery area has been around since 1832 and was formerly the Goodweham and Worts Distillery. Find bars, cafes, shops, studios and more in this section Toronto.

– The Beaches: An outdoor, activity filled area for people of all ages. Bike along the trails, play beach volleyball, visit the parks, sports facilities and more. Boasted as Toronto’s own California type beachfront.

Fun Spots and More

For such a young city, Toronto has a large array of architecture and buildings to see. Here are some favourites:

– The CN Tower is a free standing structure that rises 553m straight up! An amazing piece of architecture and world famous building.

– The Skydome is a multi purpose venue used for baseball, football, and much more. Bonus feature of this building is the roof which can be opened or closed depending on the weather conditions.

– Historic Fort York is the place where the Battle of York was fought in the War of 1812. Take a tour and learn about Canada’s history.

– To see some Romanesque style buildings make sure you visit Old City Hall.

– UofT campus, Canada’s most popular university.

– Casa Loma was a castle designed and constructed in the 20s by a rich industrialist.

– Queen’s Park is a Romanesque type structure where Ontario’s provincial government meets.

Artistic Culture

Toronto has a very talented and creative theater community. Enjoy broadway musicals, local productions, international visiting shows and classical musical events. A few of the best theatre venues are the Royal Alexandra theater, Princess of Whales, the Elgin, Hummingbird Center, and Royal Thompson Hall (and so many more).

Museums and more

  • ROM (Royal Ontario Museum)
  • AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario
  • Bata Shoe Museum
  • The Hockey Hall of Fame
  • The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art
  • The Bay of Spirits Gallery
  • Black Creek Pioneer Village
  • Holocaust Centre of Toronto
  • The Ontario Science centre

Farmer’s Markets and Great Shopping Centres

St. Lawrence Market: The city’s primary farmer’s market where local vegetables, fish, dairy and meats are sold.

Kensington Market: A busy and fun market with surprises at every stop. Check out all the stores for specialty items.

Eaton’s Centre: A mega mall in the downtown core full of 285 stores.

Yorkville: A popular and trendy neighborhood full of restaurants, spas and boutiques.

Related Blogs

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Plan Your New Zealand Self Drive Vacation

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Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 07-09-2009

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South Island Scenery Slideshow

New Zealand is a very popular place for vacations. Whether you’re stopping in Christchurch for a quick visit or planning a month’s trip exploring from Bay of Islands to Bluff, New Zealand has a vacation for you.

A hire car is a fantastic way to travel New Zealand. Well maintained roads and beautiful views make driving here fun, and your hire car lets you detour and enjoy the sights in your own time.

Wellington, the country’s capital, is a great city to explore for a few days. Hire an affordable rental vehicle suited for city driving so you can sample the city’s quality shopping, vibrant night-life and gourmet dining, plus the many beautiful scenic areas so close to the city. Te Papa Museum is a must-see destination, and you shouldn’t miss an evening watching the incredible World Of Wearable Art show.

City life is not the only attraction New Zealand has to offer – there is a lot more to do and see. Many people come to experience the stunning landscapes and incredible natural beauty of these islands after seeing them in movies like The Piano. In the North Island drive along the shores of the country’s largest fresh water lake and visit boiling geysers, national parks and exotic black sand beaches. Drive through sculptural limestone rock formations in the South Island and enjoy beautiful views of snow capped mountains and picturesque river valleys.

Whether you want adventure or relaxation, every part of New Zealand offers a beautiful backdrop for your vacation.

If you want outdoor adventure and sporting activities, you’ll get them here. If you want snow sports, rent an affordable hire vehicle to get you to the ski-field of your choice. New Zealand’s quality slopes make this country a popular destination for both snowboarding and skiing. New Zealand’s stunning landscapes promise endless opportunities for walkers any time of year, so when you want to explore on foot you’ll enjoy great hikes and day walks wherever you’re staying. If you like fishing, New Zealand’s seas, rivers and lakes are famous for trophy trout and salmon so choose a 4WD hire vehicle to get you to those out-of-the-way fishing spots.

A New Zealand self drive vacation is a great choice – create a unique trip that fits your length of stay and your budget. There’s so much to see and do in New Zealand, and your hire car lets you have your choice of New Zealand’s spectacular scenery, unique experiences and idyllic holiday spots.

Border Crossing in No Man’s Land

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Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 31-08-2009

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Crossing the border (frontera) from one country to another in Central America is relatively easy except going into Costa Rica. Long border crossings are relatively not existent when you  drive the PanAmericana Highway from Guatemala to Costa Rica.

You will have to ask Costa Rica why they insist on such border crossings. Some think that…They assumed that if you are planning to travel by road into Costa Rica you needed another adventure.

This can take anywhere from a half hour to 2 hours +…

Driving your vehicle across becomes a little more complicated. If taking another person’s vehicle your plan… It would be a lot better if you did not do that.

For those who drive their vehicle the list below will be of much use. Not thinking of driving? Then just delete those parts ot items pertaining to vehicles.

Items required:

  • a couple of pens – in case one gives up on you
  • valid passport with current stamps
  • valid exit visa stamp if you are a resident of Nicaragua but not a citizen
  • valid exit documentation for your Nicaraguan vehicle should you be driving. With the local Officials it could at least take from a half a day to 2 days depending on your luck. At the town where your vehicle is registered, this is given from a local Policia-.
  • valid vehicle registration card – circulation
  • proof of insurance for your vehicle
  • cedula – should you be a resident
  • valid drivers licence.
  • 3 photocopies of your passport (main page), vehicle registration, insurance certificate, exit visa for your vehicle, cedula, (include front and back side of all documents that have printing or stamps)
  • patience – generally more then usual – simply because you do not know what kind of adventure you are going to run into.
  • a spare batch of patience just waiting for the real fun adventures you may have.
  • a high dose of positive attitude and humor
  • plenty of small denomination bills – Cordobas or dollars (US) on the Nicaraguan side and Calones or dollars (US) on the Costa Rica side. Knowing how to deal with the coyotes will get you a better exchange rate then at the bank. You would have to know the exchanged rates in order to do that.

Commonly it takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour. It can take longer if the traffic at the boarder is heavier than usual. Mostly for each country there is an equal time.

Going out of Nicaragua:

First charge. The cost for 4 people to cross the boarder with a vehicle is 80 Cordobas (about $4.00). Tax for the local town. The number of people in the vehicle being the determining factor.

Once you have paid for the entrance into the border you must go to the offices where you obtain a free customs form. The building is where you see all of the buses lined up in the center. In order to register where you are from, where you have been and where you are going….

Important! Have your passport out and ready to complete the prope information out. (Generally most of the times the forms arebilingual both in English and Spanish)

As soon as you have the forms filled out you must stand in line…

…Did I mention patience?

At the time the Migrations Officials stamp your passport and sen you to your final destiny. Non-resident’s cost $5. Any time, this can changed,.

IF you are traveling with your own vehicle you must also go to another office on the Nicaragua side.

Where you get here the local inspector will provide you with an inspection form, then if you are lucky and the Policia are on sight you should have them sign off on the inspection,.

With the vehicle inspection form signed off by both the

  • inspector and
  • Policia

you then get to stand in line to have the migration officer check for

  • properly signed vehicle inspection,
  • the proper registration,
  • insurance,
  • exit papers for your vehicle, and
  • driver’s license.

When they approve then you go to the next line to wait and have the Policia check for the proper registration, insurance, exit papers for your vehicle, and driver’s license.

To be able to proceed to the next stop- the migration exit post, everything has to be approved beforehand for you to received a vehicle exit ticket.

At the exit, hand your exit ticket to the offical and proceed to the fumigation office. The cost approxmatly will be 60 Cordobas. $4.00) and this for the spraying of your vehicle to disinfect it before going into Costa Rica.

Then, you drive to the Costa Rica boarder buildings and …

Join us for the rest of the adventure of crossing the border…Literally saving hours to other motorists! :)