Deftones at Riders Palace Club, Laax, Switzerland

The Hotel at the cablegram car base inLaax is the rank high-tech and arrangement hotel in the Alps. Riders Palaceis one of the 94 coolest hotels in the humankind: Since its beginning, the hotel has been a member of the supranational “design hotels” association. Riders is a tailor-made falsetto school lodging for free-riding deceive enthusiasts. There are play-stations and a DVD theater in the tap.

 The 231 rooms and 8 suites on fivesome floors are overcome with light from storey to spiky ceiling windows. Impermanent apartment are decorated in a stylish minimalist call with unalloyed achromatic walls and the odd scatter of stuff.

 Apiece dwell is equip with CD/DVD participant, Sat-TV, singly adjustable air-condition, counter, secure box with notebook occlusion, garment count, “plug and wittiness” nasal zip internet right, and two blunt ring lines. Free Wi-Fi Internet Access Included, Internet Services, Wi-Fi/Wireless LAN.

 Discussion Place caters for business guests, patch the indulgent relaxation place is the model situation to unroll with a sauna, steam vessel, or symmetrical shape travail. Pets are not allowed.

 The hotel has a lively bar and is frequented by the boarding crowd in Laax. The Riders Palacs Club is a hot locale for world bands.

The Zetter, What’s on at The Zetter Hotel London, United Kingdom

Located in the Writer’s jaunty neighbourhood, Clerkenwell, this form new hotel is supported on the thought of ‘old against new. Farringdon Tube Station is a short walk away. The Hotel is the collaborative send of Michael Benyan and  Mark Sainsbury and the lead of their efforts to create a good modern shop hotel. In 2004, The Zetter conventional two Inhabitant Hotel Plan Awards for Incomparable New Hotel  and Prizewinning Arrangement Creation.

 The 59 bedrooms let 7 rooftop studios arrival onto patios and cogitation panoramic views of the Writer’s cityscape. Rooms feature huge sash windows and exposed brick. The top-floor studios screw sundecks with far-reaching views across the municipality, non-such for primordial daylight drinks.

 Each displays a frosty, “vintage-modern” music, with eye-catching specialist furnishings, suggestive sound lighting, orchids, educator walls and retrospective Tivoli radios.  Hotel

 Facilities: Baby-sitting, Bar, Concierge, Dry improvement, Assemblage apartment, Fithness  center, Building, Wheelchair convenient.

 Hotel bar Part of the Zetter building, with current decor, it serves cocktails until 11pm. There are various other nooks and crannies with bright coloured walls, low chairs and steep art – perfect for a easygoing cocktail or triplet.

In the Corner of the World: Queenstown

Queenstown is a seemingly quaint town that resides in the shadow of the Southern Alps on New Zealand’s South Island. Walking its streets, one could easily mistake it for Boulder, Colorado. But like the American town that it resembles, Queenstown’s quiet appearance belies an adventurous spirit that pervades the people and activities that make this hamlet a popular tourist destination all year round. I spent roughly 36 hours in Queenstown and was consistently amazed by its natural beauty and friendly population.
How does a town of 10,000 people become a mecca for tourists? The proximity to some of New Zealand’s best ski fields certainly helps. But Queenstown is also the self-proclaimed “jet boat capital of the world” and the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping operations. For adrenaline junkies, Queenstown is a playground for the imagination.
Queenstown experienced its initial boom after a gold rush in the area during the 1800s. When the region had been picked clean of the precious metal, the population dipped below one thousand. The residents, in need of income to survive, capitalized on the local geography and turned Queenstown into a tourist hot spot. Now, Queenstown relies almost solely on tourism to survive and does so quite well.

So, how can you enjoy the the great outdoors and scare yourself silly while in Queenstown? Simply get out of bed and you can’t help but stumble upon any number of activities.
Million Dollar Cruise – Queenstown borders Lake Wakatipu, which is a boater’s paradise. For an entertaining lesson on Queenstown’s history and stunning views of both the town and the mountains that dominate the horizon, Million Dollar Cruise offers 90-minute sightseeing tours that provide a wonderful introduction to Queenstown. Owned and operated by Wayne & Betty Perkins, the cruise feels more like a day spent with friends telling you about their hometown than a commercial tour. That, by the way, is a good thing. Bundle up, though. I was there in the Spring and it was blustery out on the deck where the best photo ops are found.

 Shotover Jet – Queenstown’s winding rivers through steep canyons made it the perfect place to become the “jet boat capital of the world.” Jet boats have flat bottoms which allow them to spin 360 degrees and seemingly move laterally. Shotover Jet operates in the Shotover River and has an office right in town, making bookings quite convenient. At $109NZ for adults and $69NZ for children, it’s a tad overpriced. But they have to pay for the 40 liters of petrol they burn every 30 minutes somehow. If you need a good family friendly activity that will impress your kids, go for it. Otherwise, I wasn’t convinced that it’s worth the money.

 A.J. Hackett Bungy – Queenstown’s most famous adventure activity is also the world’s first of its kind. A.J. Hackett opened the first commercial bungee jumping enterprise on Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown in 1988 and it still operates today. A.J. Hackett now has other jump locations and Kawarau Bridge is by no means the highest, but it’s the original and that’s a draw for tourists. While the boldest of visitors may opt to jump off A.J. Hackett’s gondola 439 feet above the Nevis River, first-time jumpers will want to start at Kawarau and it’s 141-foot jump. That’s what I did and their friendly staff helped me overcome my fears and take the plunge. Would I bungee again? I’m not sure. But I am glad that I did it at the birthplace of commercial bungee.

 Skiiing – You can get from Queenstown to a ski field in under 20 minutes. Coronet Peak and the Remarkables are the two closest ski fields and require nothing more than a short drive. Cardrona is only 40 minutes out of town and Treble Cone is a mere 90 minute drive. All four ski fields offer an abundance of ski and snowboard trails that draw visitors in hordes from June through October.

 Whether you want to walk Queenstown’s quiet streets and window shop or trick your brain into thinking that you’re plummeting to your death, Queenstown has something for everyone (assuming you like the outdoors). After a whirlwind tour of the town, I was a tad disoriented but no worse for wear. Queenstown may have traded its gold rush for head rushes, but it’s absolutely worth a visit. Just try to have better form than I did when you leap off Karawau Bridge.

Sightseeing Activities, tours Illinois Amish country

Illinois, the 21st state to join the US, is located in the north-central US and borders Lake Michigan. The surrounding states are Wisconsin to the north, Iowa and Missouri to the west, Kentucky to the south, and Indiana to the east. The state was named after indigenous Illiniwek tribe. The capital of Illinois is Springfield, while its largest city is Chicago.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN ILLINOS:
NORTHERN REGION:
Coronado Theatre: The theatre, designed in 1927 like a Spanish castle, plays host to concerts, touring shows and performances by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.

Burpee Museum Of Natural History: Meet Jane, one of the 10 most important dinosaur discoveries in the past Century. Adjacent to Burpee is the Discovery Center Museum.
Anderson Japanese Gardens: Enjoy the waterfalls, gardens, ‘koi’ ponds and a Sukiya-style architecture teahouse.
Starved Rock State Park: Hike through forests and explore canyons and sparkling waterfalls along the Illinois River.
Other interesting places are:
Ulysses Grant Home State Historic Site
Ronald Reagan home and visitor center
Eagle ridge resort & spa
Main street galena
Illinois railway museum
Sandwich antiques market
CHICAGOLAND TOP SPOTS
CHICAGO: The Windy City has museums and sights you won’t see anywhere else. Visit the Navy pier, home to the Chicago Children’s Museum, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, an IMAX theater, and unique shops and restaurants.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home And Studio: Wright used his home for trying out new designs. The site has been restored like it did in 1909. Spend some time indoors; tour the Wright buildings in the surrounding Oak Park neighborhood.
Morton arboretum: The Arboretum is home to 1,700 acres of spectacular gardens, plant collections and natural areas that can be viewed by car, on foot or via the open-air tram.
Other top tourist spots in this region include:
Six Flags Great America / Hurricane Harbor
Arlington Race Track
Brookfield Zoo
Chicago botanic garden
WESTERN TOP SPOTS:
Black Hawk State Historic Site pays homage to the Sauk and Mesquakie tribes, who occupied the area 12,000 years ago.
Wildlife Prairie State Park: This 2,000-acre zoological park has cougars, bison, wolves and black bears.
Nauvoo Temple is a recreation of the Mormon temple that was destroyed in the mid-1800s.
John Deere Pavilion celebrates the life of the man who invented the self-scouring plow in 1848.
Bishop Hill State Historic Site: Home to descendants of the original founders, the site has museums, restored colony buildings, craft and antiques shops, and restaurants that serve up authentic Swedish cuisine.
Other top spots are:
Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive
Great River Road
Carl Sandburg Historic Site
Peoria Riverfront
Dickson Mounds Museum
SOUTHWEST TOP SPOTS
WINE TRAILS: There are several wineries located in this region. Plan a day trip tasting your way through the scenic countryside.
JARROT MANSION is the former home of Nicholas Jarrot, a French-born entrepreneur who was a wealthy landowner and slave owner.
Fort De Chartres: The oldest building in the state is a massive stone fort called Fort de Chartres, built by French colonists in 1753.
Lewis And Clark Interpretive Center: Walk in the footsteps of explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, in Hartford, where the Corps of Discovery launched its legendary expedition.
Cahokia Mounds: This UN World Heritage Site has remains of an ancient city where a Mississippian Indian culture once flourished from 700 to 1400 AD.
Other interesting spots in the region are:
National Shrine Of Our Lady Of The Snows
Gateway International Raceway
Pere Marquette State Park
Eagle Watching In Alton
Popeye Statue
CENTRAL TOP SPOTS
LINCOLN TRAIL: This trail will take your through the Lincoln Heritage area comprising numerous communities in central Illinois, and includes a remarkable array of places where Lincoln actually spent time ??? From New Salem, where Lincoln spent his early adulthood, to his home and final resting place in Springfield. Also visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Amish Villages: Here you can see exhibits that give a glimpse into the Amish way of life. Enjoy a family-style meal at an actual Amish home and a visit to a working Amish farm.
Route 66 is a 20th-century heritage trail that takes the traveler through the heart of the cities and towns that define the “real America.”
Other interesting places include:
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch
Dana-Thomas House
State Capitol / Old State Capitol
University Of Illinois
Lake Shelbyville
Scovill Zoo
SOUTHERN TOP SPOTS
Garden Of The Gods: Step back 200 million years, hike through the challenging trails through the sprawling Shawnee National Forest.
Shawnee National Forest offers more than 270,000 acres of adventure. Explore the forest on horseback or grab a backpack and hike the 160-mile River-to-River Trail.
Cave-In-Rock State Park is named for its 55-foot-wide limestone cave.
SUPERMAN STATUE: In 1972, Illinois was granted authorization by DC Comics to proclaim itself the adopted “Home of Superman.” In honor of the Man of Steel, the town erected a larger-than-life statue of the superhero that attracts visitors from all over the world.
CARLYLE LAKE is the largest manmade lake in Illinois, with more than 26,000 acres of water and 11,000 acres of land.
Other interesting places include:
Southern Illinois Wine Trails
Fort Massac State Park
Cache River State Natural Area
THINGS TO DO
Other than enjoying the sights and sounds of Illinois, try to join the Decatur Celebration, the largest family street festival and has been dubbed by its loyal attendees as “The World’s Fair of the Prairie.”

Olive Garden Canada, Canadian Restaurants, Burlington Restaurants

Olive Garden is a family of restaurants located in U.S. and Canada, focused on amusing every guest with an authentic Italian dining experience. They serve fresh, simple, delicious Italian food, complemented by a great glass of wine, served in a comfortable, home-like Italian setting where everyone is welcomed as family and friends.

 Olive Garden’s Culinary Institute of Tuscany, located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy in a restored 11th century village, is where Olive Garden’s chefs learn the secrets of great foods in Italy – like how to combine fresh ingredients – to create authentic Italian foods that you’ll enjoy sharing with your family and friends.

Tours to Idaho

LOCATION OF IDAHO: Idaho, located in the northwestern US, is perhaps the only state to be named as a result of a hoax! The state borders Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Wyoming and the Canadian province of British Columbia. The capital is Boise.
Idaho, a Rocky Mountain state, has a rugged landscape with some of the largest unspoiled natural areas in the country. Visit the state for towering, snow-capped mountain ranges, swirling white rapids, peaceful lakes and steep canyons.
The Idaho Black History Museum was established in 1995 and is one of the few black history museums in the nation.

 Boise Art Museum: The Museum is the only accredited art museum in the state. The gallery represents local and regional artwork and played an important role in Boise’s growing community.

 Warhawk Air Museum: The museum preserves World War II history and aviation history from the advent of flight through the space age.

Other interesting places to see are:
State Historical Society
Libraries Linking Idaho
State Library
Cultural Network
Museum of Natural History
NATIONAL PARKS:
California National Historic Trail traces the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of early American travelers. It can be seen in the vast lands between Casper Wyoming and the West Coast.

 City of Rocks National Reserve: The area is well known for historical and geological values, scenery, and opportunities for recreation.

You can also visit:
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
Minidoka Internment National Monument
Nez Perce National Historical Park
Oregon National Historic Trail
Yellowstone National Park
LAKES
COEUR D’ALENE: Drive to the end of the Lake Drive and take a brief walk to Higgins Point to view the eagles feasting on kokanee salmon. In the eastern side, the lookouts at Wolf Lodge Bay and Beauty Bay should also be on the must-see list. Bald Eagles migrate to Lake Coeur d’Alene November through February. Viewing is best right now through January. REDFISH LAKE: Its beauty is unadulterated. A journey here is a journey for the spirit, where tranquility and adventure walk hand in hand, where harmony and balance are restored.
OTHER LAKES INCLUDE
Priest Lake Payette Lake (McCall) Pend Oreille Lake Lowell Henery’s Lake Alturas Lake Petit Lake
The state also has on offer beautiful ski resorts:
Bogus Basin offers 1,800 feet of vertical drop, 51 groomed runs and 32 km of Nordic Trails. Brundage has miles of wide runs, fields of feather-light powder, and acres of pine and aspen glades. Best known for superb tree skiing and snowboarding. Kelly Canyon Ski Area is located in one of the most beautiful and historic river valleys of eastern Idaho. The region is known for swimming, hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, snowmobiling and skiing.
Other areas for skiing are:
Lookout Pass Ski Area Pebble Creek Ski Area Pomerelle Mountain Resort Schweitzer Silver Mountain Sun Valley
THINGS TO DO
Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Boise: The festival produces showcases works of William Shakespeare, and other classical playwrights in an amphitheater set along Boise River. Western and North Idaho Fairs, which happen in August, are also worth visiting.

Christmas Around The World

The world is made up of many countries, many cultures, and many religions, each with their own belief system, rituals, festivals and holidays. And in many countries, the biggest holiday of all is Christmas. Whether you celebrate it as the birthday of Jesus or just a day to spend time with family, exchange gifts and eat a ham, come the end of December, you can’t ignore that Christmas is all around.
In the US, most of us grew up hearing tales of Santa Claus, Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman, not realizing at that age that Christmas traditions around the world could be  quite different from our own. In China, children may have put up a “tree of light”decorated with lanterns, flowers, and red paper chains, while kids in Italy waited until January 6 to receive presents from La Befana, an old witch-like woman on a broom. Some  of these traditions may seem odd to us, but hey, we left out a plate of cookies and milk for a jolly fat man who would fly through the air on a sleigh pulled by reindeer and then break into our house via the chimney in order to leave gifts…so who are we to judge?
At BootsnAll, we’re a global team, with writers scattered around the world writing sites about travel to Canada, Italy, Spain, Iceland, Australia and many more destinations. We wanted to take a look at the Christmas traditions in each of those places, so read on below to find out about some of the many ways Christmas is celebrated around the world.

Christmas in Italy

Christmas – or “Natale” -  is a very important holiday in Italy and lasts from December 8 through January 6. The main component of the celebration is the nativity scene, called a “presepe” in Italian, which you’ll find everywhere, both indoors and out. In fact, it’s believed the very first nativity scene was constructed in Italy in 1223 by St. Francis of Assisi who built a presepe in a cave near Assisi in the town of Greccio. Greccio still assembles its nativity scene on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, with the baby Jesus added on Christmas Eve.
Most people eat a meal of fish and veggies on Christmas Eve and then go to mass, usually at midnight.  The most popular Christmas Mass is the one performed by the Pope in St. Peter’s Square at noon. People in Italy exchange gifts on the Epiphany on January 6. On this date, La Befana, not Santa Claus, brings gifts on her broom.

Christmas in Iceland

Christmas festivities start in Iceland around December 12 when the 13 Yule-Lads – who were once like evil trolls but have mellowed to be more like mischievous Santas – come down from the mountains into the town. The arrive one at a time starting 13 days before Christmas, and then begin to leave again the day after, and have names like Bowl-Licker, Pot-Scraper, and and Door-Slammer. Children leave their shoes out on the windowsill for the Yule-Lads, and if they’ve been good, they’ll wake to find a gift. Bad kids get a rotten potato for their trouble.

Icelandic families decorate their houses  with Christmas trees, lights, wreaths, and garland and do their main Christmas celebration on December 24 with a family meal and exchange of gifts. On December 26, the Yule-Lads begin to leave, marking the beginning of the end of the Christmas season.

Christmas in Australia

For anyone used to Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere, celebrating Christmas  in Australia would be a major shock to the system. Forgot a winter wonderland; there’ll be no Jack Frost nipping at your nose here.  Christmas falls during summer in Australia and it can be quite hot on December 25, so hot that many Aussies choose to hit the beach that day.
Because of the heat, the meal served on Christmas tends to be lighter, and colder – cold prawns, salads,and beers are commonly served and most Australians choose to barbecue outdoors rather than spend all day in a hot kitchen. Though you won’t see snow, you will see other traditional holiday decor, like trees, mistletoe and snowflakes.  Caroling and holiday markets are also common sights in Australia around Christmas.

Christmas in London

Families in England celebrate much the way we do in the US, with decorations of mistletoe, holly and ivy, the singing of favorite Christmas carols, and stockings hung by the fire. Children in England write a letter t Father Christmas and then hope that he brings them their desired gifts on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day the family shares a special meal at midday, dining on turkey, goose or roast beef and yorkshire pudding.

Christmas is a lovely time to be in England, and in London specifically. Though many shops and services shut down on Christmas Day, there’s so much to do to celebrate the season in the days leading up to the holiday. Check out the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, join the frantic shoppers at Harrod’s or take in a traditional pantomine performance. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, attend a mass service in one of London’s beautiful churches.

Christmas in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is another destination that doesn’t see snow for Christmas, but its absence doesn’t keep Sin City from celebrating in style. The extravagant hotels of the city up the ante on their decor by covering seemingly every square inch of space in lights and ornamentation.  The Fountains of Bellagio dance to holiday music, the gardens in both the Bellagio and Palazzo are decorated for the season and special holiday shows take the stage at many hotels.  Santa visits the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village and the local ballet company puts on a production of the Nutcracker,.
Vegas is ideal for those who may not embrace the more religious aspects of the holiday. You could find a church in which to celebrate holiday mass with many of the locals, but most visitors will instead take advantage of Sin City’s 24-hour style, hitting the casino, taking in a show, or dining in one of the city’s fantastic restaurants. Of course, you can’t escape Christmas completely. Even in the windowless casinos, you’ll know it’s Christmas when you find cocktail waitresses in Santa hats, ivy strung across the poker tables and holiday music playing in the background.

Christmas in Spain

The dominant religion in Spain is Catholicism, so it’s no surprise that Spain enjoys a very festive Christmas season. The holiday kicks off on December 8 with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (the best celebration happens in Seville), and runs all the way until the Epiphany on January 6th. As in Italy, you’ll see plenty of nativity scenes – called “Nacimiento” in Spanish – in and around churches and in most homes.
The main events still happen Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Christmas Eve is called Nochebuena, or “Good Night,” and is a night when most people dine with their families and then head out for Midnight Mass, returning home for dinner afterwards. Most people go back to church on Christmas Day and then spend the afternoon exchanging gifts and spending more time with family.  Some of the foods enjoyed by people in Spain include lobster on Christmas Eve, turron (an almond nougat candy), marzipan, and polvorones, a crumbly cookie made only at Christmas.

Quito iglesias & catedrales, Iglesia Santo Domingo

The Santo Domingo Church was built during  the 16th century in Cartagena, Colombia. It is  the oldest church in the city. It was firstly built in 1539 in Plaza de los Coches, but after a fire and was rebuilt in its present location in 1552. It has a wide central nave and  a heavy roof coverage.However the vault began to crack and solid counterforts had to be added in order to support the structure and prevent it from collapsing.

 There is a large space inside the interior. The remarkable statue of Christ made of  wood is set in the baroque altar at the head of the right hand aisle.On the floor you could see the 19th century pavings with old tombstones.

Adventures in the Amazon – The Future of Travel in the Amazon

The Amazon River and the jungle that surrounds it, has always been one of those places that holds a certain sway over the imaginations of people the world over. It is a vast and unexplored wilderness that has yet to reveal all of its secrets and mysteries.We’re fascinated with tales of lost jungle tribes that have yet to be contacted by the outside world. We’re entranced by stories of giant anacondas, killer piranhas, and a ecosystem so large and powerful that it effects weather patterns across the globe.
Because of this global fascination with the region, adventure travelers have long made the Amazon one of their “must see” places, but it still remains under the radar for most travelers, even those going to South America. Tourism to the Amazon does not have a major impact on the economy there, with the exception of Manaus, Brazil, and to a lesser extent, Iquitos, Peru.

 The Amazon Jungle touches parts of nine countries, most of which still have emerging economies that look to tourism to help spur their growth. As such, these countries are looking at ways to exploit the Amazon to lure in more visitors and enhance their appeal as a travel destination. That starts with building a better travel infrastructure and getting information out about what the Amazon has to offer. One of the biggest reasons there are so few visitors to the rainforest is because of the lack of reliable information and challenges toward planning a trip there.

 As we’ve become more aware of global climate change and the impact that man has had on the environment, we’ve come to recognize the importance of the Amazon basin to the Earth’s atmosphere. The jungle continues to be threatened by deforestation, losing an average of more than 14,000 square miles per year, mainly to loggers and farmers.

 Fortunately, in the age of ecotourism and sustainable travel, the future of tourism in the Amazon looks bright. The various Amazon countries, eco-lodges, and tour operators now have a better understanding of what it takes to ensure that they not only protect the environments there, but also work more in harmony with them. They offer unique experiences to travelers, giving them the opportunity to immerse themselves in an incredibly diverse biosphere like none other on Earth, and they do it while leaving as small of a footprint on the environment as possible.
This commitment to the environment was evident in my own journey through the Amazon, as we were continually reminded to gather our refuse and to make sure we left no trace of our passing. But on our last day of trekking in through the rainforest, my companions and I each planted a tree in the jungle, and took a vow to defend the rainforest. That vow may sound like a grand display for the tourists, but it was very clear that our guides took it seriously and had a deep concern for health of the Amazon as a whole.
One of the key elements of sustainable travel is that some of the money that we spend to visit these remote places goes directly to preserving those places as well. This concept has been highly successful in a number of countries and regions the world over, and it is becoming part of the process in the Amazon as well. As tourism ramps up, our dollars go to employ local guides and their support staff, as well as provide countries with incentive to designate large sections of the Amazon as protected areas, preserving it from deforestation and protecting the flora and fauna there as well.
With an established track record for being eco-conscious, and an existing plan for utilizing travel as a means for sustaining the environment, it seems that the future of travel to the Amazon is not only bright, but assured to be around for future generations to enjoy as well. The region has a lot of growth potential and while it will continue to be an adventure destination for the foreseeable future, it is becoming more accessible for travelers looking for a more relaxed travel experience as well.

Pros & Cons of All-Inclusive Trips for Independent Travelers

If you’re a fan of BootsnAll, you probably consider yourself an independent traveler. Chances are you prefer to pull on a backpack and take off on a moment’s notice versus making detailed plans about where you’ll stay for the duration of your travels. The idea of staying in a place where everything – food, accommodations, activities – are part of the package may even turn you off. In fact, you’re probably wondering what place all-inclusive resorts even have on a website that encourages people to take charge of their travel destinies.
Trust me, I hear you.
But I’ve also had the chance to stay at and visit several all-inclusive resorts over the last few months – primarily in Huatulco, Mexico – and I’ve learned a few things about myself as a traveler and about choosing an all-in-one vacation experience. The main thing I’ve learned? All-inclusives aren’t all bad and they’re definitely the right option for some people.
Interested in learning more? Here are a few pros and cons to consider if you think an all-inclusive resort might be in your future.

PRO: No need to worry about the details.

Stay at an all-inclusive resort and you’ve found the epitome of the stress-free getaway. The beauty of an all-inclusive is that someone else has taken care of everything for you – dining, accommodations, cleaning.
Your resort will have countless dining options to choose from including buffets, casual cafes and high-end restaurants, and you don’t have to count out your change to see if you can afford them. Plan to leave your bed sheets a tangled mess in the morning because someone else will remake the bed for you while you hit the beach or explore the area.
Many all-inclusives also offer at least limited services and activities, such as beach access and snorkel gear. And you can usually get all the answers with a single phone call if you have questions about what is included in your stay, which restaurants are open or how to sign up for tennis lessons.

CON: All-inclusive doesn’t necessarily mean all-inclusive.

Read the fine print carefully before handing over your credit card at an all-inclusive resort. At some all-inclusive resorts, alcoholic beverages, spa services and some activities may have an additional cost. Also, don’t forget all the people who make your all-inclusive stay possible. Porters, waiters and housekeeping staff should be tipped accordingly.

PRO: On-site help is available.

One of the luxuries of staying at an all-inclusive resort is having access to a concierge or activities staff member. These people can help you choose the best off-site excursions that match your interests and offer tips for when and how to get where you want to go. No need to pick up a guidebook or buy a map when someone else can provide you with that information.

CON: On-site help may have ulterior motives.

Though I recently spoke with an on-ship cruise travel guide who helps advise passengers of things to do other than take planned shore excursions, some on-site activities staff or concierge may get a kickback if they convince you to take a tour with certain companies or shop in certain stores. Be wary of these people if they can only offer suggestions about places packaged in glossy brochures and have no recommendations for small, family-owned shops without marketing budgets.

PRO: Everything is easily accessible.

It is completely possible to roll out of bed in the morning and spend your entire day at an all-inclusive resort. Everything you need – food, activities, amenities and possibly even medical care and shopping – is on-site and easily accessible. You don’t have to leave the resort property for your entire vacation if you don’t want to.

CON: You feel like you can’t – or shouldn’t – leave.

You paid a good chunk of change for your all-inclusive vacation, and you may feel guilty if you leave it or don’t take advantage of all of its services. Here’s the thing: If something doesn’t interest you, don’t feel the need to participate in it just because you paid for it.

Many people who never leave their resort don’t get the chance to explore the local culture and people beyond the confines of their resort. You may have to pay a little something to get out on your own, but don’t feel guilty about defining your own travel experience within the all-inclusive one.

PRO: All-inclusive resorts help stimulate the local economy.

When an all-inclusive resort moves into town, chances are many local people will be hired as wait staff, porters or housekeepers. In the best case scenario, these businesses will provide training and incentive for young people to stay in their hometowns instead of moving away for school and work. When I visited Huatulco, I was excited to note that not only were locals hired to work at the all-inclusive resorts, but a college was built for people interested in studying hospitality. In addition, an extensive array of public schools and medical facilities were built when the resorts were developed – all of which created even more jobs in the area.

CON: All-inclusives may force local businesses to close.

How can small mom-and-pop inns and cafes compare with the likes of oversized all-inclusive resorts? In many cases, they can’t. Whereas all-inclusives may be able to offer discounted dining and accommodations due to the simple rules of economics, local businesses work on a much smaller scale and can’t bulk their costs the way large resorts can. Also, some international all-inclusive chains might bring in their own employees from outside the area, thus pushing locals to the side by not training or hiring them to work on the property. This can have an adverse affect on the area by encouraging locals to leave in order to find work, which in turn degrades the culture of the local community.

PRO: They’re cheap.

When you consider the total amount you’ve spent to stay at an all-inclusive resort and itemize it down to every meal you eat, every service you receive and every night you stay, you’ll probably be surprised by how inexpensive the whole package really is.
The average high-end hotel cost is well over $100 each night, so the savings you receive by combining accommodations, meals and activities together at an all-inclusive resort can be stunning. Not a bad way to travel if you’re strapped for cash.

CON: We become wasteful.

Because everything is paid for up front, people often become wasteful at all-inclusive resorts. Instead of choosing one dessert, we grab a plateful so that we can sample them all. We’ll try the complimentary bars of soap and wear the in-room bathrobe for a few hours because we paid for them (even though the soap will be discarded at the end of our stay and the bathrobe will need to be washed). All-inclusive resorts allow us to do and try things we normally wouldn’t, but as a result it’s easy to become overzealous and wasteful without even thinking about it.

10 Reasons Handwritten Travel Diaries are Still Important

For several millennia hand written accounts of people’s experiences were more than just words. Writing style, drawings, and blood sweat and tears left on paper gave detailed insights into a particular persona. With email, blogging, and social networking having taken over the world of communication and the hand written diary collecting dust on the shelf, there’s no better time to reconnect to the original art of journaling than while itinerant.
True, when traveling, especially on long voyages in far off places, contacting the outside world, documenting experiences, and carrying away memories through a single electronic device is appealing. However, there are instances where the simplicity of pen and paper give the moment a whole new meaning:

1.    It’s personal

 

I can say for myself that over the years writing in my own travelogue has been invaluable, even as a companion to my laptop. Perusing thoughts down the line it’s evident in the print where I was hurrying, fell a sleep with the ink in hand, or ran off the page excited over every detail.

2.    More than words

There’s nothing like a good digital camera to capture hundreds, maybe thousands of photos on a trip. However, as an artist with particular attention to detail there are some elements even film won’t capture. My travel diary wasn’t just a scripted collage of words but also served as a hub for sketching and superimposing textures from rocks and even bark. Photographs provide a visual guide, so to speak, of objects in places visited but superimposing is like grafting the real thing. When transferred to art or home décor the design retains an uncanny sense of the original, a quality that makes it particularly unique.

3.    Sharing

While traveling some people you cross paths with are worth parting with ASAP yet in the presence of others it feels like you could spend the rest of your life with them. In the latter case the travelogue symbolizes an intimate space for sharing, as having special new friends write in your personal space is a great bonding experience. You can also imprint or trace a temporary traveling companion’s hand as a lasting impression of your time with them. Imagine a book full of hand tracings of all the people you came across on the journey.

4.    Appreciation

You meet a person and you just love each other’s company or you’ve sought out and met one of your greatest influences. Giving them a hand written note, a poem, or even a log entry from your away from home personal space is an acknowledgment of your appreciation. In these situations an email after the fact just doesn’t compare and you may never have the opportunity again to show your gratitude face-to-face.

5.    “Micro-hoarding”…let me explain

Traveling on trails, in the mountains, or through a striking ravine? At some point the desire to ‘bring it all home’ arises but in reality you must settle for a few souvenirs. Just remember, mementos don’t have to be store bought. As long as permitted, the travel journal is the perfect place to do what I call “micro-hoarding.” It can be leaves, flowers, specs of multihued sand or soil, or colorful smears from a tribesman’s henna. It all fits in your travel journal cause its small.

6.    Smell

Remember scratch and sniff stickers? One thing a piece of paper captures and retains that no digital device can is scent. Whether a flower, perfume, or some other substance, the only way to truly describe it to someone back home is ‘record’ it in your book with a blotch or a smudge so friends and family can smell for themselves.

7.    Children’s book

There comes a certain point in a child’s life when wanting to know so much about their parents means displaying personal records. A travel diary is an amazing exhibit of your journey. The investment you made writing goes hand in hand with pictures and other memorabilia. Flipping though its pages it also teaches your children about how to make their own when the time comes.

8.    Personal Growth

Everyone’s parents saved something from their children’s early years. Whether a finger painting, a good test score or a self made birthday card, there are countless attics across the country where at least one box of such items rests.  Over time our adult fascination with the past will sneak up on us and like those old school papers a travelogue is a perfect place to look back, be mesmerized with where we were and how far we have come.

9.    Lifespan

Unlike many digital devices that become obsolete after a number of years, your hand written journal will never become outdated and you won’t have to transfer any files to new media. Also, on a long trek through India, Africa, or South America your digital devices will at some point run out of juice and need recharging. Your diary will always keep going.

10.     Giving it away

What? Didn’t I just give nine reasons why it’s so important to keep? Yes, but sometimes the ultimate sacrifice of a good piece of art is letting it go. This may sound crazy but imagine writing down all your experiences and leaving it in a particular place for others to read. Blogs and email are accessible to the world but many travel spots don’t have internet access and other travelers could benefit from your story. Besides, you’d probably never intentionally leave one of your electronic devices in the middle of nowhere so at least consider the diary!
Finally, by far the best part of keeping your travelogue is displaying it at home where it’s easily accessible (that is if you don’t give it away!). A testament to the explorer in you, the book itself doesn’t have to cost a lot, be made of interesting material, or have hundreds of pages. It just needs to be an inviting healthy companion to all the other important gadgets in your possession on the road. Bottom line: it’s a real do-it-yourself project; give it attention and reap the benefits for years to come.

The Yorkshire Village of Fewston

The resevoir North of Yorkshire Village at Fewston is a hidden place in the countryside. This gem is six miles west of Harrogate.
One of the many great attractions of the North Yorkshire countryside is an abundance of unexpected and unspoiled places hidden like small jewels amongst the trees and hills, and one such gem is the Fewston/Swinsty reservoir area, situated about six miles west of Harrogate, accessible only by meandering country roads. It lies just out of sight of the futuristic giant ‘golf balls’ of the Menwith Hills radar station, in part of the ancient forest of Knaresborough.
Cradled by an arc of country road, which cuts across the water at both ends before disappearing into the woods and hills of the surrounding countryside, is the tiny village of Fewston, which consists of a few buildings of local granite and fields surrounded by the unmortared stone walls of the area.
The parish probably got its name from the Norman ‘fuist’, meaning lofty trees. It was once much larger, occupying most of the ancient forest, including Great Timble, Blubberhouses, Clifton-with-Norwood, and Thruscross, some 17,644 acres.
Approaching from the south the traveler emerges suddenly from a tunnel of trees to cross the solid stone Fewston Embankment, and on the left lies the flat, calm water, with a few silent fishermen, immobile on the shoreline. It is almost impossible to drive on. The car must be parked, the silence can be almost tasted. You can walk from here along the curving road and around the two reservoirs, or take one of the paths across the wooded fields to the Swinsty reservoir.
At the end of the embankment, an imposing mansion overlooks the water, and the road curves sharply, revealing a picture-book cottage and post office, outside which sits a bright red pillar box, incongruous against the gray stone of the buildings and misty green of the trees. On the opposite side of the road one catches tantalizing glimpses of water glinting through the trees. A little further is the central anchor of the village, the old church of St Michael and St Lawrence, with the Parochial Hall a few yards away. This church is said to have been destroyed twice by fire, and was altered extensively in the 14th century. The first vicar was Dom William Plesitz (1234 – 1280), the second was brother Walter De La Mere, of the asinine order, a university man.
The church, then, has served the spiritual and social needs of the village and surrounding area for over 700 years. Dedicated to both saints, it is a plain, unimposing and abiding place of worship.
Further on along the gentle curve of the road, past hidden, scattered houses, and fields enclosed by moss-covered walls, lies the Swinsty Tea Gardens, warm in winter, cool in summer, a haven for hikers and travelers. Across the road is a park area, bordering the western edge of the Swinsty reservoir. Framed in trees, lighted by the late afternoon sun, the waters are suddenly disturbed by the raucous quacking of a flock of geese, and the splash of a large white swan. Looking across the water, one traces the road, which, a few yards further on, again crosses the water, and plunges into the tree-covered hills.