Long Island Coastal Homes

Lanikai Beach
Translated into English Lanikai means “heavenly sea,” which is exactly what it is. Locals and visitors alike marvel at the picture perfect white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters.

Hilo
Hilo is a coastal Hawaiian town with something for everyone. This town features multiple museums, a beautiful historic theatre, and downtown area filled with shops and attractions.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, situated on Big Island, is one of the most visited spot in the entire state of Hawaii. It has trails for hiking, beautiful sights to photograph, and two record holding volcanoes.

Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge
In a comfortable 203 acres of land on the North shore of Kilauea, the Kilauea National wildlife refuge is the place to go when you want to see and learn about Hawaii’s exotic wildlife.

Molokini
The Molokini island is widely known for having the clearest waters in Hawaii, and offers from 80 to 200 feet of crystal clear waters. This also makes Molokini the location for Hawaii’s best and most beautiful snorkeling.

Waimea Canyon
Mark Twain once called this beautiful canyon in Koke’s State Park the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. Over 3,600 feet depth, a mile wide, and 10 miles long, this canyon is both inspiring and stunning in its mass and beauty.

Waikiki
With beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and trails, Waikiki offers all the grander of nature that other Hawaiian islands boast. It also has great shopping opportunities including fine art, custom jewelry, designer clothing, and local music.

Gardens of Kauai
The island of Kauai, known as the garden island, will leave you breathless from the moment you set eyes on it.

Haleakala
Haleakala is not only one of the largest mountains in the world, but it is also a massive dormant volcano. Seen from miles away, Haleakala is hard to miss, and even harder to look away from.

Polynesian Cultural Center
It should be no surprise that the Polynesian Cultural Center makes the list. Every visitor of Hawaii should visit this culture-rich center to not only learn about the island and local inhabitants, but the center also hosts one of most authentic luaus in Hawaii.

Roni Deutch
http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/the-10-best-places-to-see-in-hawaii-732425.html

Puerto Santiago (the ‘de’ is usually left out) lies between Playa de la Arena and Los Gigantes. Its precarious main thoroughfare, which links the other two towns, is a narrow winding serpentine which could be quite disconcerting to anyone unfamiliar with the area. There are frequent blockages here and I recently saw a coach shatter an overhanging balcony while trying to negotiate the worst bend. It is possible to get from Los Gigantes to Playa de la Arena by going the ‘long way round’ – via the main island ring road – but then you’d miss all the fun.

In Puerto Santiago you’ll find a small fishing port but you’re limited in terms of beaches (there’s only one worth mentioning, and it’s not a big mention!). The resort is rather sprawling, a mixture of homes, hotels and apartments. As you would expect from a tourist resort, there is an assortment or bars, shops, restaurants, a post office, but little in the way of nightlife. As there is a large number of locals resident in the area you’ll find some excellent Canarian food available in the traditional restaurants. Like Los Gigantes (see below), the roads throughout Puerto Santiago are very hilly and may not be suitable for the elderly, the infirm or wheelchair users.

If approaching from the south, the first of the three resorts you will encounter will be the unimaginatively named Playa de la Arena (or in English ….. Sandy Beach!). We may joke about the name but in fact Playa de la Arena does boast, in our opinion, the finest beach in this region. Although smallish, it can confidently stand comparison with any other beach of similar size on the island. This is especially true when you consider that while many of Tenerife’s popular beaches are man-made using imported sand, the beach here is natural. Its black sand is a constant reminder of the island’s powerful volcanic origins. The beach is situated centrally along the main coastal thoroughfare, the Avenida Maritima, which has relatively easy (and free) parking facilities. If you get hungry or develop a thirst you will find yourself spoilt for choice by the many bars, restaurants and shops adjacent to and opposite the beach.

Oops! We have overlooked one important consideration: safety. In this respect we are happy to assure readers that Playa de la Arena beach offers a gentle gradient and often calm waters which are generally safe for children (who, of course, should never swim unsupervised, however good the sea conditions appear to be!).

Don’t forget also that as we are a small island and out in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, we are sometimes subject to rough seas, especially in the winter months. On the occasions when weather conditions prohibit bathing, a red flag flies on the beach. Don’t ignore it!

The resort itself is somewhat elongated, being built up in a thin strip along the length of the Avenida Maritima (main road), which cuts through the resort. It runs more or less parallel to the sea front for a couple of miles, with the beach at its heart. Here you’ll also find the beachfront promenade where you can have a stroll in the sunshine. Playa de la Arena is very much a modern resort and as such you will find some contruction ongoing. There are new apartments and hotels in progress and you will notice constant ‘cosmetic’ work being carried out, such as planting of decorative palms and, currently, erection of eye-catching new street lighting. However, all of this is on a fairly small scale and we do not feel that the degree of ongoing building work is likely to detract from the atmosphere of the resort or your overall enjoyment thereof.

For a relatively small resort, Playa de la Arena boasts a mind-boggling array of bars and restaurants of all shapes and sizes, although ‘nightlife’ in the sense of clubs and discos, while it undoubtedly exists, is on a much smaller scale than the larger resorts in the south.

Playa de la Arena is also home to the west coast’s only (to our knowledge) Tourist Information office. Here you will find English-speaking staff who can give you on-the-spot help and information, plus there is always a multitude of leaflets and pamphlets freely available, which will give you further facts and figures about the region. The telephone number for the office is 860348 (+3422 if phoning from abroad).

Andrew Hammersley
http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/puerto-de-santiago-on-the-west-coast-of-tenerife-700955.html

Before buying a vacation home in Cyprus, you will need to know a few important tips. The first place to start looking for a vacation home is with a real estate agent or a realtor. If you are not familiar with the area and the housing market in Cyprus, an agent will help you to understand the market, the steps needed to take for actively looking for a home, what is required for financing and property ownership.

When you are buying a home in Cyprus, keep in mind that you are only allowed to own one property on the island. The next thing to consider is the length of time it takes to complete the transfer of the title deed into your name. It can take as long as four or five years to complete the transfer of the title. The real estate agent that you work with should have years of experience selling homes in Cyprus in order to stay on top of the paperwork.

The next thing to consider is how you will take care of the home when you are not on the island. You will need a caretaker or someone who will actively care for the exterior of the home. You may consider renting the home out when you are not there or maybe a timeshare would work better. These are all considerations you should discuss with an agent that you trust completely.

After you have answers to all your questions and are ready to look for a vacation home, you can tell your agent what you are looking for and your price range. This can all be done over the phone until the agent finds you some homes to view. You can then travel to Cyprus to view the homes and decide if any of them are right for you. You will also need to know any specifics about the location of the home as well as the previous owners name in case you have questions about the inspection of the home.

Once you find a home, the next step is obtaining the financing and securing the title for the home. This is where the real estate agent needs to be completely honest with you. You want the title as soon as possible, therefore, choose an agent that has the resources to speed up the process. After you receive the title deed, you can then say you are the proud owner of a vacation home in Cyprus.

Adrian Adams
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/tips-for-buying-a-cyprus-vacation-home-250735.html

January through December there are always beautiful destinations for your boating needs. So no matter when you plan on going boating be sure to consider the following destinations. You can enjoy beautiful weather and sights year round.

First up is Plymouth Harbor, Dominica in January. This gem of an island has a large amount of protected rainforest. However, you can also find hospitable locals and plenty of eco-friendly activities. For a small fee it can be a good idea to hire a personal guide to help you visit all the hidden sites this island has to offer.

Next in February is The Spanish Virgin Islands. Here you will find a unique blend of fishing villages, five star resorts and historical cities. Many of the small anchorages around these islands allow you to enjoy activities and relaxation without a lot of interruption from others. The Spanish Virgin Islands is made up of Puerto Rico and nearby islands such as Culebra, Culebrita, Vieques and Palomino. There are plenty of activities to choose from whether you want activities or just want to lay back and relax.

Then in March there is Mazatlan, Mexico. At this time of the year you will enjoy blue skies and calm seas. You can also catch a glimpse of sunbathing California sea lions. In fact, springtime in Mexico is nearly perfect for boaters. The biggest activity during this time is Marlin fishing. However, there are plenty of water activities to enjoy during your visit here. There are also plenty of quiet beaches for those who just want to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.

Fourth is Man-O-War Cay, Bahamas in April. This is a cool and quiet destination. The pace is laid back, but there are still plenty of activities to keep the adventurous sort busy. You can spend you time on the water or visiting tiny villages with many shops along blacktop streets. Sailing on the water here and enjoying the sunset is possibly one of the best views you can ever see in your life.

In May there is Southport, North Carolina. Here you will find historic homes with friendly locals. There are plenty of excellent restaurants to enjoy and lovely sites to visit. In fact many of the cities along this state are registered with the National Historical Society and are listed as some of the top places to retire.

Lastly there is Greenport, New York in June. This town is located on the most easterly tip of New York and is located close to Long Island Sound. You will find many maritime museums and marine stops to visit. There are plenty of waterside restaurants, antique shops and artists’ galleries to enjoy.

If you don’t want to stay overnight on your boat then there are plenty of quaint bed and breakfasts to enjoy. Take a little sailing excursion around here and you will find small waterfront towns where you can rent bicycles or other means to transportation to truly explore the beautiful land of either New York or small outlying islands.

Robert
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/the-most-beautiful-boat-cruise-destinations-634069.html

Climate Change and the environment have been the top issues for Prince Albert of Monaco, and while he celebrates the first year of his succession to the Principality of Monaco, a local destination guide suggests that the second smallest country in the world is in safe hands and can look forward to years of progressive economic and social policies that extend well beyond the borders of Monaco.

‘Prince Albert has changed his playboy image’, they say, ’since coming to power he has taken the initiative on environmental issues, for example in April he went to the North Pole to draw attention to his fellow world leaders that the environment should be top of their agenda, and he has made a concerted effort to put the environment on the map of Monaco issues that need addressing’.

The environment seems to be of particular concern to Prince Albert, and with this in mind the 2006 Monaco Yacht Show was carbon neutral. The organisers will be paying for a variety of green projects in Europe and further afield, including enough wind turbines in New Zealand to generate power for 50,000 homes.

In two further steps earlier this year to increase Monaco’s influence in world affairs and to promote Prince Albert’s concern for the environment, the Monaco government announced that it would calculate GDP for the first time, enabling Monaco to meet the UN’s target of 0.7 per cent for developing countries, and Prince Albert himself founded a new foundation as ‘part of his personal commitment for the protection of the environment and for sustainable development’.

Prince Albert’s father, Prince Rainier who ruled Monaco for fifty years was known as the ‘builder prince’, as Monaco grew out of all recognition while he was in power, transforming the principality from a European backwater to Europe’s top tax haven and home to many of Europe’s top businessmen and sports stars.

Prince Albert has continued his father’s tradition, with plans recently announced for an island to be built off Monte Carlo which will increase the size of the world’s second smallest country. But bidders have been asked to plan the project with the environment in mind, as well as the Monaco Grand Prix. The possibilty exists that the Grand Prix circuit will be changed to encompass the new island – and with it more opportunities for overtaking.

Monte Carlo

Tradition and modernity have long been features of Monaco, and as well as a first class infrastructure, the Principality can boast one of the world’s top hotels in the Hotel de Paris.

Along with the banking and finance sectors that help Monaco’s economy to be one of Europe’s most successful, tourism also plays a major part, with many visitors making day trips from neighbouring France and Italy.

‘The Monaco Grand Prix plays a part of course’, comment the guide, ‘but many tourists want to see what it is really like to be in Monte Carlo, the millionaire’s playground. Monaco hotels enjoy high occupation levels despite the day trippers though, as so many business people are in Monaco for two or three days’.

Property prices in Monaco are among the highest in the world, with one bedroom apartments after closing costs starting at around a million Euros.

It’s thought unlikely that the new island to be built off Monaco will reduce prices much overall despite the increase in the number of property units available as Monaco property is always in demand.

An estate agency who specialise in Monaco property for sale believe that most new apartments will be sold to investors off plan well in advance of any building work starting.

‘The problem with property in Monaco is not the lack of buyers’, they say, ‘but more the lack of good properties for buyers to choose from. Hopefully the new island will address that. Everyone in Monaco is aware of how important the environment is thanks to Prince Albert’s initiatives in pushing it up the political agenda, and any new developments will be low rise. With the good weather in Monaco expect to see plenty of solar panels on the roofs to make the buildings energy efficient’.

During his first year Prince Albert has successfully made the people of Monaco aware of global warming and taken steps to combat it, and for his second year and beyond he is likely to be campaigning just as hard at home and abroad on the issue he believes in so much.

Roger Munns
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/2006-sucess-for-prince-albert-of-monaco-in-year-one-101664.html

Although the quiet, peaceful, and downright charming Outer Banks of 20 years ago has been transformed into an overly developed, extremely popular vacation destination, you can still find little pieces of the old life in the small town of Duck. Away from the popular tourist sights and still offering sparkling, pristine sands along the Atlantic, there is no better place to kick back and enjoy the breathtaking views than in one of the fine vacation homes nestled along its picturesque shore.

While many people flock to the Nags Head beach resort for its proximity to stunning sandy beaches and the towering sand dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Duck maintains a much lower profile that is appealing to those who seek a bit of serenity in the Outer Banks. In actuality, if a family is staying elsewhere in the Outer Banks, the only reason they might stop by is for the US Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility (also called the “Duck Research Pier”), but that will only keep them in the area for a few hours. Then on they go, in search of all of the Outer Banks’ “must-see” sights, as you enjoy what you know in your heart to be the very best of the Banks.

As the Outer Banks have developed into a bustling vacation spot, the towns have grown to accommodate the influx of visitors. Homes, condos, and resorts have replaced the one-stoplight villages and a little bit of that charm was forever lost with each new construction. One of the things that has never changed, however, is the miles upon miles of fine sand beaches and all of the water-based excitement that takes place right off the shore. This is what the Outer Banks are all about, and this is exactly the kind of fulfillment a visitor to Duck seeks.

Duck Beach is only a few miles long, but that is more than enough to accommodate a multitude of spectacular homes along its banks. Nestled amidst the dense island shrubbery, Duck NC vacation rentals offer you a little piece of seclusion and privacy in addition to convenient access to the water’s edge. Inside your home and on your private patio, breathtaking views can be yours at any hour of the day. Wake up to the sounds of the ocean, sip a fresh brew on your balcony as the invigorating sea air wipes away your sleepy haze, or watch the sunset over the sound from your patio. In your little retreat and without another soul in sight, the Outer Banks appear to exist for only your personal pleasure.

While the views are certainly memorable, the best part of a Duck North Carolina vacation rental is its convenience to the area’s main attraction, which incessantly beckons to you at all hours of the day. Morning is just right for a sunrise stroll in the sand; the afternoon is overflowing with pursuits such as swimming, sunbathing, and surfing; and the evening is bound to be romantic as you throw down a beach towel and bask in the sights and sounds of the ocean. See that little piece of sand located just off your personal boardwalk? It’s almost as if a little piece of heaven has been cornered off for your enjoyment alone. Not feeling up for the crisp waters of the ocean? Your heated pool and relaxing hot tub are waiting to serve your water-filled needs.

If you want to surround yourself with tourist sights and an abundance of activities away from the water, then consider following the pack towards a more popular town. However, if you have come for the recreational pursuits in and around the ocean and simply want to soak in the splendor of the majestic Outer Banks, then Duck is definitely the place for you. Teeming with untamed beauty along its shore and offering a variety of vacation homes that are convenient to the Outer Banks’ very best asset, the choice is an easy one if you want a relaxing getaway as far away from the resort madness as possible.

Jen W.
http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/duck-north-carolina-vacation-rentals-116506.html

Planning a vacation with the whole family means you have one primary consideration: keeping the kids happy. If planning a beach vacation, it seems you already have taken care of that main consideration, but not completely. You want to be sure you choose a kid-friendly beach that will also keep the adults happy.

Dr. Beach, otherwise known as scientist Dr. Stephen Leatherman, chooses the top beaches each year, always with an eye toward the kids as well. All of the following selections are made with the family in mind. These were Dr. Beach’s selections for 2006.

1. Fleming Beach, Maui. This beach, of which part is the Ritz Carlton beach, is a popular destination for families. Here, you can surf, swim and picnic. Since the kids are with you, you’ll appreciate that there are restrooms, showers and picnic facilities. If you’re visiting in the winter, stay out of the water, as the surf is dangerously high then. Families also like the location – it’s on the west side of Maui and is backed by a forest of trees which provide abundant shade.

2. Caladesi Island State Park, Florida. This beach makes a wonderful complement to a Florida vacation with kids. Head to Florida’s west coast (this beach is near the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area) and visit this park, which offers a marina, picnic pavilions, shelling and fishing, as well as nature studies. There are also three miles of nature trail here. The beach is a family favorite due to the myriad of activities that complement your visit, as well as the beautiful sand beaches perfect for sandcastle making.

3. Ocracoke Island, North Carolina. Located on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island is a popular destination for families. There’s something here for everyone: the kids enjoy watching the “banker ponies”, the wild ponies that live there, and parents enjoy the quaint shops, historic lighthouse, and darling homes. The village of Ocracoke is on the National Register of Historic Places. There’s a free ferry service from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island. It’s a 40-minute ferry ride that can end up taking a lot longer in the summertime, as the wait for the ferry can be a long one.

4. Cooper’s Beach, Southampton, New York. Southampton was the first settlement in New York State, in 1640, and this beach is the main beach in the Southampton area. Of course, Southampton is known as the playground of the rich during the summer months, so be sure to prepare yourself for that if you’re not normally part of that moneyed crowd. But don’t let that scare you off – the beach is also a favorite playground of kids everywhere. You should carry some cash: non-residents pay $25 for weekday parking and $30 for weekend.

5. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii. This beach, located on the north coast of Hawaii, is a quiet oasis of fun beach activities. There are many vacation home rentals in the area, so you can head from your condo or house rental right to this beautiful beach. Kids love it because the white sand beaches are prime for sand play, there are restrooms, picnic facilities and a lifeguard on duty. Kids can play in the water most times of the year and surfing and boogie boarding are also popular here.

Gil Hawkins
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/top-5-family-fun-beaches-95622.html

Bali is possibly one of the most enchanting island on earth. One of more than 13.000 islands in Indonesia, and Bali is revered as one of the world’s most popular and interesting tourist destination.

Some quick facts: Bali covers an area of 5620 km2, about 140 km from West to East and 80 km from the South to North. The South part consists of lime stone with beautiful soft white sand along the beach, while the East, West and North are mostly volcanic layers with black soft sand beach.

Bali has a tropical climate with the average temperature of about 30 degrees C (80 degrees F) all year. It has only 2 seasons, dry season started from April to October and wet season from October to April. It is always nice and cool in the hillside while though hot around the coastal area but there are still nice breeze all the time. The dry season is always sunny with great view of sunset and sunrise, while the wet season is not too wet because there is still much sun to enjoy during the day time.

Here are eleven things one must see if you are in Bali. 

1. Barong Dance – This is approx. 1 hour long religious dance representing the eternal fight between the good – Barong and the evil symbolized by a horrible looking witch called Rangda. The costumes and set are elaborate and nice. The trick is to get there early, so that you get front seats and be close enough to see the facial expressions of the dancers 
2. Celuk (Gold & silver smith), Mas (wood carving) and Stone carving villages – You would drive past these 3 villages and see the array of shops selling the gold, wood and stone. As you get into Celuk, all the gold and silver smith shops flank the roads, you can also drop by their factory to take a look at the production process. The same goes for the wood carving and stone carving 
3. Mount Batur (Kintamani) – This is the second largest active volcano in Bali. It is 1,717 meters from sea level, and bears the remains of the black lava from it’s eruption in 1917 and 1927. There is a nice scenic crater lake there. You can do buffet lunch at one of the restaurant and admire the breath-taking view as you eat. The buffet lunch cost about S$10 and has reasonable spread 
4. Trita Empul  – Tirta Empul means ” bubbling water ” and is a holy water temple built in 960 AD. The temple is beautiful temple and has holy water fountains for different purposes of purification and blessing. There were people in the fountains doing their purification when I was there. Further inside the temple area, you can see the source of the water – a spring where water is bubbling up through the black sand. A total make of nature. Legend has it that one of the gods shot an arrow from heaven to look for water, and the spot where the water is bubbling up now is the exact spot where the arrow hit 
5. Goa Gajah – Means “elephant cave”. Found in 11th century, this cave was dug in the peaceful riverside valley in a hard sand stone. Entering the inside T-Shape cave, there are some niches used by Buddhist Monks for meditation. Among the many historical remains found around this cave is the holy Ganesh Statue (a human body with elephant head) which is believed as the God of Purification and Evil Controller. The cave can be quite claustrophobic for some people but is well worth a quick look inside 
6. Sebatu Holy Spring Temple  - Is named ” Gunung Kawi ” in Balinese. It is a very beautiful village temple located in a peaceful valley with its holy spring. Somewhat similar to Trita Empul, there are large fountains outside the temple area, where villagers use to take a bath. However, my driver told me that this place is not as ‘holy’ as Trita Empul 
7. Taman Ayun – Is the largest Royal Family Temple Complex built in 1934 in the village of Mengwi, Badung Regency. The area of this temple is surrounded by moat with some water lilies and lotuses. The place is still used during prayer sessions and important ceremonial events 
8. Tanah Lot – One of the most famed temple in Bali. Tanah Lot means ” the land of ocean” is a fascinating Hindu Temple built on a piece of cliff in Indian Ocean shore. This temple is dedicated to the God of Ocean “Baruna” built by a high Hindu Priest name Dang Hyang Dwijendra in the 16th century. During high tide, the cliff is surrounded by water and the temple looks like it is floating. In the bottom part of the cliff there is a fresh water holy spring while on the beach cave there are some holy snakes that guard the temple. In the South and North part of the temple is absolutely beautiful view and best for watching sunset 
9. Uluwatu Temple – Also built by the same Hindu Priest who built Tanah Lot, Uluwatu temple is also another magnificent temple built perched on a cliff. The whole temple stretches across a large area and it is flanked by the fabulous India Ocean. Here, you also see large numbers of monkeys, mostly mischievous ones, who snatches food from visitors 
10. Lake Beratan & Pura Ulun Danu – Beratan is a name of the Lake and Village. There is a spectacular floating temple called “Ulun Danu Temple” and is an absolutely interesting sight. The weather at the lake is cool, which is a nice break from the mostly hot sun during my trip. There were people who hired a traditional paddle boat or speed boat to go around the lake, although my driver said there really is nothing much to see around the lake 
11. Jatiluweh – A place where you see lots of terraced rice paddy fields. The sights are breathtaking as you see the green terrace, meandering around you. This place is supposed to one of the few in the world that has such nice terraced paddies. Those terraces are probably cut decades ago, and now resulting in the fascinating view today

Shu Wei Wong
http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/eleven-places-you-must-see-in-bali-485915.html

Folly Beach is an island wonder that is tucked between the boundless opportunities of the Atlantic Ocean and the spectacular beauty of historic Charleston, South Carolina. In a place where southern hospitality harkens back to a simpler, less stressful, time, you can leave all of your worries on the mainland and become one the laid-back locals in a Folly Beach vacation home rental.

While most people know Folly Beach as the closest sandy wonder to Charleston, and the perfect place for a day trip, this six mile long barrier island is an entertaining and inviting vacation destination in itself. With extensive ocean frontage and soft sandy beaches, it is the perfect place to throw down a towel and experience adventures beyond compare. Swimming, sunning, jet skiing, parasailing, and kayaking are always on the menu, while fishing from the Folly Beach Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier is a local favorite for not only the big catches but also the stunning views of the “Edge of America.”

If the beaches aren’t enough to draw you in, or you think that Folly Beach is still only good for a day of excitement, then consider the scenic beauty and utter relaxation that await when you venture away from the everyday. The little pleasures in life, such as strolling the sand at sunset and watching the dolphins frolic in the waves, take center stage and the lack of tourist attractions becomes a gift since you can then focus on the great outdoors. When you spend your time appreciating your surroundings, rather than scurrying from one activity to another, only then can you truly enjoy your time away from home.

Although some people can spend their entire vacation at the beach, most of us need that little something extra to keep our attention and complement our other activities. Charleston may not seem like anything little when you read about its many historical wonders, and it certainly isn’t, but it is the perfect side note for an all-around amazing trip. By combining the beachfront adventures of Folly Beach with the striking houses, museums, and plantations of Charleston, you can get everything you always wanted out of a coastal South Carolina getaway in addition to a little more relaxation than you imagined.

With Folly Beach and Charleston so close together and each offering different forms of beauty, you may not think that it makes a big difference where you make your home base. However, Folly Beach is the logical choice for anyone who wants to escape from the crowds that flock to Charleston, which is considered one of the top places to visit in America, and surround themselves with a serene beach setting. In a Folly Beach vacation rental, stunning ocean views, gentle breezes, and endless waterfront entertainment are at your fingertips and all of the comforts of home only serve to make your stay that just more convenient.

Folly Beach vacation rentals are also the perfect option for soaking in the southern charms of this quaint island. As you become acquainted with the slower pace of life, you can take advantage of all the little things your home away from home has to offer in the way of relaxation. The private patio and rocking chairs are perfect for ending the day on a high note, while the sights and sounds of the dolphins, pelicans, and ocean are an arousing alarm clock and invigorating way to begin your morning. Meals on the screened in patio and evenings around the cozy kitchen are just the beginning of fulfilling family getaway where you always feel right at home.

Picturesque, entertaining, and always an adventure, Folly Beach is more than just a place to swim in the ocean and enjoy the delights of Charleston; it is a distinct and charming city where beautiful scenery comes to life and waterfront excursions always seem just a little more perfect along its lovely shoreline. Whether you need to getaway from it all on an island paradise or you simply want something slightly off the beaten path, Folly Beach and its many vacation home rentals invite you to experience a one-of-a-kind retreat that is sure to have you coming back for years to come.

Jen W.
http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/folly-beach-vacation-rentals-114264.html

If your looking for a city with a fun laid back atmosphere and plenty of sunshine then it’s hard to go past Brisbane. Brisbane is the state capital for Queensland and is located roughly half way along the East coast of Australia. It enjoys a sub-tropical climate so it’s fairly warm all year round without quite the same extremes of the tropical north. Brisbane has really moved on in the past few years to add more in the way of great shopping, nightlife and places to eat. The city with a population of nearly two million is alos a good base to explore nearby coastal areas such as the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

Getting there: From within Australia you can easily reach Brisbane by air or road. Brisbane airport is well served by all the major domestic airlines such as Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar. It’s about a ninety minute flight from Sydney to Brisbane and around two hours from Melbourne. Travelling by road is possible by car or coach but it’s at least ten hours driving so it’s a good idea to split the trip up if you can. A couple of great places to stay on that strecth of coast include Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay. If you’re coming to Brisbane from overseas then the airport is well served with direct flights from Asia and connections from other parts of the world such as Europe and the US. Airlines that fly into Brisbane include Singapore airlines, Emirates, Qantas and Cathay Pacific. Once you land you can either get the Air train into the city or catch a taxi which will take around 20-25 minutes to get into the city.

Getting Around: Once your in Brisbane then it’s easy to get around the central areas by foot or public transport. The public transport is operated under the name of TransLink and allows the use of a single ticket for bus, rail and ferry. Make sure you explore the river using the fast and smooth City Cat catamaran ferries. If your Brisbane accommodation is located in the city centre or inner city areas such as South bank or Fortitude Valley then you should be able to get round the city centre areas on foot. The CBD area of the city is fairly compact. However, if you need to get further away from the centre then Brisbane sprawls out a long way and you may find car rental a good option. There are many Brisbane car rental companies to choose from including all the big names and a number of local low cost operators. A word of warning. If you choose a low cost car rental firm then read the small print in detail. A couple of the firms charge admin and other fees in the event you cause damage to the car and hide this in reams of small print on the contract.

What to do: Brisbane has plenty to do but here are a few suggestions to get you started. * Explore the river via the Citycat ferries. Stand on the front or rear outside sections to get the best views of the multi-million dollar riverfront homes and apartments along the river. Places to stop include New Farm Park where you can enjoy the large park, go for a game of ‘bare foot bowls’ at the local club or visit the famous farmers markets (2nd & 4th Saturdays each month). Towards the end of the trip down river hop off at the Bretts Wharf stop and take the ten minute riverside walk to Portside Wharf the new cruise ship terminal which also has some excellent riverside restaurants and a Dendy cinema. * Visit Southbank Parklands on the other side of the river to the city. Stretching along the river for over a kilometre this area is home to great cafes and restaurants, Streets beach which is an artificial beach and lagoon which is free all year round and is home to the cultural heart of Brisbane with the performing arts centre, galleries and museums. * Visit the eat street areas of the inner city suburbs of West End, Paddington and Oxford Street in Bulimba. * Shop on the Queen Street Mall in the CBD which features a great range of stores including department stores Myer and David Jones. * Play a game of bare foot bowls at Merthyr Bowls Club on Oxlade Drive in New Farm. Access is easy via the Citycat ferry using the New Farm Parklands stop. * Head east to Moreton Bay and take a ferry over to North Stradbroke Island, one of the largest sand islands in the world and home to some great beaches. * Use Brisbane as a base for nearby destinations such as the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and Australia Zoo which is one hour north of Brisbane by road.

Where to stay: There is a wide range of Brisbane accommodation on offer. The good news is that much of the Brisbane accommodation on offer is of a very good standard and good value.

At the top end of the price scale you have the usual big chain hotels such as the Sofitel, Hilton and Marriot. These have the advantages of good location and facilities though value for money is sometimes not as good as the alternatives.

Using self contained accommodation is an excellent option for Brisbane accommodation and the city offers a good number of quality apartments for holiday rentals. There are a good number of serviced apartments available in the city centre and nearby areas such as South bank parklands. If your a family and might need more than one hotel room then serviced apartments with 2 or 3 bedrooms tend to offer excellent value. The apartments offer bedrooms, separate living areas with a full kitchen. As well as getting much more space than a hotel room you can also save money by cooking some of your meals in the kitchen rather than having to east every meal out.

When to go: Almost any time of the year is good for a visit to Brisbane as it has a warm sub-tropical climate and over three hundred days of sunshine per year. If you are used to colder climates then you may find the summer months of December to February a little hot. The temperatures during these months often range between 28c and 34c as well as being humid. These summer months are also the wettest. You don’t tend to get many dull and dreary days with rain though. Typically they come in the form of thunderstorms that build up during the day and are short but sharp!

The time of year I enjoy the month are Spring and Autumn as it’s still nice and warm but with less of the humidity and storms that come with summer. Winter in Brisbane is not exactly cold either. Winter is the driest time in Brisbane so expect a good number of sunny days. In the winter then it does get cooler at night with temperatures often hitting single digits but the average maximum temperature in the day is still in the low twenties.

Brisbane is increaslingly a popular destination for Australian and international travellers so make sure you make it part of your trip.

Rich Greenwood
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