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5 Ways to Choose Your Hotel
You are planning a holiday abroad for your family, and want everyone to have a good time. You surf the internet for hotel descriptions, but from the pictures that you see and what you read, all hotels project a perfect image of themselves. How can...
Moving to France - Bring your sense of humour!
Copyright 2005 Oliver Phillips. May be freely reproduced "as-is" for private and commercial use. In this article from PFS France ( http://www.propertyforsalefrance.co.uk/ ), B A Boyle a British expat, writes a "tongue in cheek" account about the...
Rural Tourism in Mallorca: where to go
Rural tourism has become quite popular on the last years and Mallorca (Majorca) is a good destination for those looking to escape from massified areas and resorts.
There are many rural hotels in Mallorca, some of them offering luxury...
Spice up your life with an adventure holiday!
Are you bored with the routine of city life? Do you yearn for a getaway from the hustle and bustle and put some excitement into your life? Do you hope to visit the places that have been aired over National Geographic Explorer and experience it for...
Tourism Internet Marketing - All the profit from a smart chose domain.
How can you choose the best domain for the efficiency of your offline and online marketing? Brand name versus business name. Hyphenated or not? Which is the Host Server for your new website?
1) What is a domain name ?
A domain name is the...
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Belize-A Great Romantic Gwtaway or Wedding Destination
Today Norm Goldman, Editor www.sketchandtravel.com and www.bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as a guest Joshua Berman (http://www.stonegrooves.net/contact.html),co-author of Moon Handbooks Belize( http://www.moon.com/catalog/belize.html)
Joshua is an expert on traveling in Belize, and recently chose this tiny Central American country for his own honeymoon; he has also lived in and written extensively about Nicaragua and Honduras.
NORM:
Please tell our readers something about yourself and your expertise pertaining to Belize. Joshua:
I have been living, working, teaching, and traveling in Central America since the U.S. Peace Corps sent me to Nicaragua in 1998. I have been returning to the region ever since to write guidebooks, lead service trips, and visit friends and adopted families. Last year, I was asked by Avalon Travel Publishing to take over Chicki Mallan's Moon Handbooks Belize, which, when it first appeared 15 years ago, was the first and most acclaimed guidebook to the country. I gladly accepted and proceeded to research and write the sixth edition, which was released in early 2005. NORM: Where is Belize? Joshua: Belize is tucked into the northeast corner of Central America, bordering Mexico's Yucatan peninsula to the north, Guatemala's Petén wilderness to the west, and the Caribbean Ocean to the east. Culturally however, Belize and its hundreds of cayes (islands, pronounced keys ) is more Caribbean than Latin. English is spoken everywhere (along with seven other languages). The diversity is astounding, especially considering there are only 260,000 people in the entire country. NORM:
Would you consider Belize a good choice for a romantic getaway or wedding and honeymoon destination? Why? Joshua:
·They can rent their very own waterfall for the day at Hidden Valley Inn. ·Couples can get Mood Mud Massages at Maruba Resort Jungle Spa. · They can rappel into a vertical cave shaft together, at the bottom of which they'll find a flower strewn bed next to a subterranean spring at Ian Anderson's Caves Branch. The list goes on and on.
Belize's size (smaller than Massachusetts), easy access (only a two-hour flight from Miami or Houston), and astonishing selection of small, intimate resorts and lodges seal the deal. In order to solidify my endorsement of Belize as a romantic destination, I even took my own bride here on our honeymoon (ah, the work never stops) NORM: When is the best time to visit Belize from the point of view of weather, costs, crowds, and the availability of flights from the USA, Canada and Europe and Australia, etc? Joshua: Some resorts distinguish holiday season from the normal high season, with even higher prices and lower availability around Christmas, New Year's, and Easter be sure to make reservations during these periods. High season (re: more tourists and hiked prices) is generally mid-December through April; this is also the dry season during most years, although December, January, and even February can play to host to cool fronts that either blow right through or sit around for days. Your best bet-be prepared, both with clothing and attitude! A week of stormy weather may ruin a vacation planned solely around snorkelling, but it could also provide the perfect setting for exploring the rainforests or enjoying a hot tub and fireplace in the Mountain Pine Ridge. June, July, and August technically fall in the rainy season, and travelers during this time are rewarded with significantly discounted prices at most accommodations rain during these months may mean just a quick shower each afternoon, or it may go on for days. August is the big month for European backpackers and travelers, while December and February are dominated by North Americans. Some tourism businesses shut down completely during the months of September and October, the peak of hurricane season. NORM: Could you give our readers an idea of the costs involved if travel originates from the USA, Canada and Europe and Australia? Joshua: Conventional traveler wisdom calls Belize the cheapest Caribbean vacation spot and one of the most expensive Central American. There are plenty of mid-range and upscale accommodations throughout the country, running from US$25 to hundreds of dollars per night. Exact hotel rates are an elusive thing in Belize; seasonal fluctuations are compounded by various taxes and service charges, sometimes by as much as 25 percent additional. Always make sure the rate you are quoted is actually the same amount you will be asked to pay. And, of course, great deals are abundant in the low season (May through November), when room rates plummet across the board. ·For food, budget travelers can get by on less than US$20 per day, but you're on vacation, right? Entrées run from US$5 to US$25, depending on where you are; at the trendiest restaurants in San Pedro, a fancy dinner can cost up to US$75 per person. A few resorts include meal prices in their nightly rates, which can be a good deal. ·Don't forget to budget an extra US$40-80 per person per day for activities like scuba diving, sailing trips, and guided tours of Belize's rainforests, ruins, and fascinating cave systems. Experienced, independent travelers can get around for less, but transport can be a hassle. ·US$10 per person per night is the bottom line for budget lodging, and it'll get you anything from a cramped, stuffy concrete box in most towns to a generous wooden cabin at the Trek Stop (in Cayo) and other backpacker hotspots. NORM:
If you had to choose 5 unequalled venues in Belize for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or wedding destination, what would they be and why? Joshua: First of all,
remember that selecting a place to stay has a lot to do with where you want to be and what activities you would like to do during your stay: beach or rainforest? Diving or hiking? Reef or ruins? Do you want to get pampered with massages or get sweaty and muddy with your loved one on a jungle trek? Get an idea of what kind of trip you and your honey are looking for, then dive in and book it. Following are only a few of Belize's upscale romantic accommodations that stick out in my mind for quality and intimacy. For more on Belize's ample budget options, flip through a copy of my book, Moon Handbooks Belize. ·Starting on swanky Ambergris Caye, just inshore from Belize's famous barrier reef and three miles north of San Pedro village, you will find Capricorn Resort, offering intimate beachfront seclusion in one of three bright and tasteful cabanas. Capricorn's restaurant is one of the best (considered the best by many) on the island. ·Situated on 7,200 acres of private property in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Hidden Valley Inn is a quiet paradise for hikers and birders who will have a blast exploring the resort's 90-plus miles of walking trails and old logging roads and then cozying up in front of their cottage's fireplace, listening to the birdsong outside (especially nice during the cool, misty, rainy season). The property encompasses lush broadleaf forest and pine tree habitat. The two diverse ecosystems are divided by a geological fault line, which marks the edge of a towering 1,000-foot escarpment. Numerous watercourses spring from the mountain and then cascade down the steep slopes, often into deep, inviting pools; Hidden Valley's trail system runs through it all. ·On Placencia Peninsula, Kitty's Place is one of the best and most unpretentious resorts on this long strip of beach resorts call it "low-key luxury," and check your shoes at the front desk. Be sure to schedule a day trip or overnight on Kitty's private isle, French Louis Caye, 12 miles offshore with great snorkelling and upscale accommodations. ·Two of Belize's most romantic, beautiful, and expensive options are Francis Ford Coppola's gorgeous pair of resorts: Turtle Inn and Blancaneaux Lodge, located on the Placencia Peninsula and Mountain Pine Ridge, respectively, and offering a number of collective packages. Both places feature breathtaking architecture and artwork from all over the world, and top-notch service and facilities. ·Located about an hour north of Belize City, Maruba Resort Jungle Spa pampers the body and soul, as evidenced by its acclaimed spa treatments and unique focal points spread around the grounds: A tiny, glass-decorated chapel; a palapa-covered stone chess table; two pools that seem to spring from the jungle complete with waterfalls. The rooms are spread out for privacy and are addressed by name Moon, Fertility, and Bondage, to name a few. All boast an eclectic neo-primitive motif carved masks, mosaic tile floors, standing candles, cement fountains, tiled tubs, screened shuttered windows and fresh flowers on the massive feather beds and in the bathrooms. NORM:
What should people know about celebrating a wedding in Belize from the point of view of requirements, experience of the various hotels, etc. Joshua: Belize is gaining quite the reputation as the perfect place to tie the knot. A growing number of resorts cater to weddings of all sizes, some quite creatively (such as ceremonies underwater or atop Maya pyramids). If eloping, you must be in Belize three business days before submitting your marriage application to the Registrar General's Office (tel. 501/227-7377, not open on weekends or local holidays). You get the paperwork back the following business day for your ceremony. If you have been divorced or widowed, bring a photocopy of the death certificate or divorce decree. The Government of Belize charges US$100 for the license and you'll need a birth certificate or passport. NORM: How far in advance should a couple prepare themselves for their honeymoon, romantic getaway or wedding in Belize? Joshua: Honeymoons and getaways are easy and do not need much advance time when booking, except around the holidays and at the more popular resorts. If you are planning a wedding during the high season that will require numerous rooms for guests, book a year in advance if possible. Otherwise, a few months are usually sufficient. NORM:
What resources are available on the Internet pertaining to weddings and honeymoon vacations in Belize? Joshua: Several wedding specialists can facilitate paperwork, ministers, flowers, book hotels, celebrations, etc. including Katie Valk for anywhere in the country, Iraida Gonzales on San Pedro, and Lee Nyhus in Placencia. NORM:
Is there anything else you wish to tell our readers that we have not covered? Joshua: Yes, keep an eye on my WEBSITE for new links and developments regarding romance in Belize and beyond; I have the most popular Belize forums and news posted on my links page. Also, MY PUBLISHER'S SITE will soon feature sample itineraries and other excerpts from my book, to make planning your Belize trip even easier. Lastly, remember the words of Kurt Vonnegut's prophet, Bokon: Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God. Happy trails, everyone, Joshua
About the Author
Norm Goldman is editor of the travel site, www.sketchandtravel.com & the book reviewing site: www.bookpleasures.com. Norm and is artist wife Lily, meld words and art. You can read Norm's travel articles and Lily's art work at www.sketchandtravel.com.
Norm and Lily are always open to invitaitons to visit resort properties, B&Bs, hotlels etc in the New England states, New York, Florida and California.
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Holidays on the Net - Welcome |
Includes music, graphics, historical information, suggested activities, kids pages, links, and other features for most holidays. |
www.holidays.net |
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Kids Domain - Holidays |
HOLIDAY FUN with crafts, recipes, printables, games and activity suggestions for your family to enjoy. |
www.kidsdomain.com |
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Earth Calendar |
Every day is a celebration! The Earth Calendar is an online calendar of holidays and observances around the world. |
www.earthcalendar.net |
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Federal Holidays Calendars from 1997 to 2010 |
Offers a list of federally-recognized holidays celebrated in the United States. |
www.opm.gov |
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TELETEXT HOLIDAYS : Cheap Flights, Last Minute Deals, Ski Holidays ... |
Search for package holidays from over 250 tour operators, find last minute charter flights, ski holidays, snow reports, cruises, destination guides and ... |
www.teletextholidays.co.uk |
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Thomson.co.uk - Great Value Holidays from the UK's no.1 Tour Operator |
Thomson Holidays Online offer cheap package holidays, flights, sun holidays, faraway holidays to exotic destinations, late deals, city breaks, hotel booking ... |
www.thomson.co.uk |
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Holiday - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
4.1 Holidays traditionally in the winter holiday season ... Public holidays can be either religious, in which case they reflect the dominant religion in a ... |
en.wikipedia.org |
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Bargain holidays and cheap flights from Bargainholidays.com |
Choose from 2 million+ late availability cheap flights and last minute bargain holiday packages departing from the UK. Order online from an ABTA bonded and ... |
www.bargainholidays.com |
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First Choice - Book your dream holiday online - Great value ... |
Find great value package holidays online with First Choice. Book last-minute holidays, all inclusive holidays, family holidays and villa holidays. |
www.firstchoice.co.uk |
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Holidays Around the World for K-12 |
Holiday Internet links for US and international holidays, religious holidays, and a holiday calendar for K-12. |
falcon.jmu.edu |
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Holidays - cheap holidays, bargain holidays and bank holiday deals ... |
Book your cheap holidays and bargain bank holidays at lastminute.com. |
www.lastminute.com |
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Cheap holidays and package holiday discounts - Holiday.co.uk |
Cheap Holidays and package deals from all the major UK tour operators including Airtours, Argo, Avro, Balkan, Club 18-30, Cosmos, Crystal, First Choice, ... |
www.holiday.co.uk |
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Virgin Holidays |
Tour operator offering holidays to mainland USA, the Caribbean, the Far East, South Africa and Mauritius as well as a ski programme in California and New ... |
www.virginholidays.co.uk |
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Saga Holidays, Travel Insurance, Short Breaks, Vacations, cruises |
Specialists in providing travel services to people over 50. Details of river and sea cruises, resort holidays, tours, short breaks, special interest and ... |
holidays.saga.co.uk |
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Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators - Holiday Information |
A categorized, annotated list of over 2500 sites to help educators, teachers, and parents enhance instruction and support the curriculum. |
school.discovery.com |
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Queensland Holidays - Queensland Holidays |
Queensland Tourism & Travel Advice - Find accommodation, events & activities as well as special packages & deals - Queensland Holidays. |
www.queenslandholidays.com.au |
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BBC - Holiday |
Information on worldwide destinations as covered in the series, plus advice and travel information, presenters, message boards and postcards. |
www.bbc.co.uk |
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COSMOS - Package Holidays, All Inclusive Holidays, Self Catering ... |
Looking for cheap holidays online? COSMOS offer great value deals on package holidays, all inclusive holidays self catering holidays, villa holidays ... |
www.cosmos.co.uk |
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Late Holiday Deals and Discount Holidays at DirectHolidays.co.uk |
Book late holiday deals online at Direct Holidays - discount breaks to destinations around the world. |
www.directholidays.co.uk |
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Contiki Holidays - Holiday packages for 18 to 35 Year Olds |
Contiki Holidays offers holiday packages and budget travel tours for 18 - 35 year olds including destinations to Europe and the UK, Asia, Latin America, ... |
www.contiki.com |
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