Discover The Pearl of the Orient: Goa, India

Exotic India is no doubt on the bucket list of many travellers, and with good reason.  As the Pearl of the Orient, Goa offers visitors beautiful scenery, architectural wonders including the Old Goa Church, and gorgeous sandy beaches just waiting for you to arrive.

Located midway along India's western coast, Goa has a population of 1.5 million people with roots dating back to 8,000 to 6,000 B.C.  Konkani is the official language of Goa with only 8% of the population speaking English.  The tropical climate offers an average year round temperatures ranging from 86-91 degrees F.  One of the most popular foods to enjoy while visiting Goa is rice with fish curry, a staple in almost every household. 

The Grand Hyatt Goa is the latest extravagant hotel to be built in Goa offering a stylish Indo-Portuguese palace feel located amongst 28 lush tropical acres on the edge of Bambolim Bay.  With both guest rooms & suites, introductory rates at the Grand Hyatt Goa start at $260 per night throughout November 2011.

Not-to-be-missed sight seeing when visiting Goa include some of these top rated attractions:

• Goa Beach
• Old Goa
• Agonda Beach
• Born Jesus Basilica
• Sahakari Spice Farm
• Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
• Goa Cavelossim Beach
• rock cut engravings at Usgalimal
• Candolim Beach
• Goa State Museum
• and Sushumna Yoga to revitalize your mind, body & soul
• along with lively nightlife, restaurants and casinos

For more information on planning your exotic India vacation, visit Incredible India and Go Goa.

Hiking in the Dominican Republic

Near the beachfront community of Bayahibe (near Punta Cana) is one of the jewels of the Dominican Republic, Parque Nacional del Este.  Here visitors will find the beautiful white sandy beaches of Saona Island, tropical forests, scuba diving, and striking limestone landscaping along with almost 600 species of plants and over 150 species of birds.  


Within Parque Nacional del Este is the 1.2 mile Padre Nuestro hiking trail which offers visitors the chance to view impressive caves featuring fresh water springs and underground lakes, cliffs and more tropical vegetation including cacti.  The natural beauty of Chicho lake offers visitors the chance to enjoy the calming and soothing waters but remember to bring a flashlight as the caves are very dark.


For more information, visit Go Dominican Republic.


Flickr.com Photo Credit: Dominican Republic 2007 by Smiley Stew

Surfing Vacation Adventure of a Lifetime

Have you ever just wanted to have fun on your holidays, doing exactly what you want to do, maybe even dreaming of a surfing vacation?  Well, why not?!  Here are some great recommendations for your next great surfing vacation adventure in locations around the world...

• California - check out the waves at Pismo Beach (San Louis Obispo County), Malibu Beach (L.A. County), Pleasure Point (Santa Cruz County) and Oceanside (San Diego County)
• Hawaii - during November to February, you'll find the best waves hitting the shores of Hawaii including Waikiki Beach & the Pipeline on Oahu, Kuhio Shores on Kauai and Lahina on Maui; when you're at the Pipeline, don't miss Matsumoto Shave ice!
• Costa Rica - the waves are the best along the Nicoya Peninsula in places like Tamarindo, Jaco Beach, Hermosa, and Witch's Rock - all located near a great inexpensive rental condo in Playas del Coco
• Bali, Indonesia - this exotic land offers great waves in places like Kuta Beach, Seminyak and Canggu Beach - even the Australians come to surf here!

If you're thinking of bringing your own board, be sure to check with airline baggage regulations before flying and also to request a roof rack on your rental car to carry your board or a larger size vehicle to accommodate it.

Flickr.com Photo Credit:

Mike Vondran coming back from surfing at Tamarindo, Costa Rica, December 28, 2009 by over_kind_man

Multiview on Travel - Costa Rica Travel Planning Tips

Multiview on Travel is one of the newest venues for                                Connie Motz a.k.a the Travel Writer -                                                       be sure to follow along as she explores                                                    Costa Rica & the Caribbean!

A Hauntingly Good Time in Las Vegas!

With Halloween fast approaching, what are your plans for this festive evening?  Trick or treating with the kids?  Maybe a party with friends?  Or how about a hauntingly good time in Las Vegas?!


Vegas is known for its over-the-top style and Halloween in Vegas is no exception. Check out these fun ideas for an All Hallows Eve sure to remember!

• Voted to be one of the Top 10 Haunted Ghost Tours in America, the Haunted Vegas Tour will have you begging for for more.  Save over $20 on General Tour Admission for Haunted Vegas Tour!

• The Vegas Mob Tour is the #1 mob tour in the city!  Follow the dark past of Sin City during this 2.5 hour tour showcasing the most notorious gangsters in Vegas.  Save over $20 on the Vegas Mob Tour now!

• Looking for the celebrity experience?  Visit Madame Tussauds Las Vegas After Dark to see famous celebs like Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Jack Sparrow & more! Madame Tussauds Las Vegas - After Dark ticket prices as low as $15!

• Enjoy the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, Vegas style, with special effects only found in this Vegas production!  For a limited time, receive a FREE upgrade to Gold Circle, Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular!

• Bodies: the Exhibition is one of the coolest attractions on the Strip!  Featured at The Luxor Hotel, Bodies... the Exhibition, offer Low Prices Everyday from only $26!

• Save 10% on CSI: The Experience where you can play the role of a crime scene investigator just like your favourite CSI character!  Ticket prices start at just $26.50!

Playboy Club Reality in Las Vegas

Have you seen the new Playboy Club television show on NBC?  Well, neither have I (oops, don't mean to be presumptuous!) but here is a definite resurgence for this type of live entertainment.


The Palms in Las Vegas is home to the high in the sky (52nd floor) Playboy Club where high-stakes gaming comes together Playboy style nightlife.  And while the playmates are always stylish there's also a dress code for men in effect so everyone fits the playboy image lifestyle.


The Palms also offers The Playboy Package which comes complete with one night's accommodation in a deluxe room, entrance ticket into the Playboy Club, $25 Match Play at the Playboy Club along with 2 tickets to either Playboy Comedy or Brenden Theater.  Rates start at just $99 weekdays to $129 weekends.


For more information, visit The Palms.


Image: NBC's The Playboy Club

Top 5 Fall Festivals & Escapes Sure to Please

Are you thinking about a weekend getaway this fall?  Here are some popular choices from across the U.S. & Canada that are sure to please - let's take a look at our Top 5 Fall Escapes complete with hotel packages offering discounts and savings!

• Sonoma County, CA - Why?  Because it's harvest time at many of the 300 regional wineries where you'll find hotel specials like the historic Flamingo Resort & Spa in Santa Rosa, CA, at up to 25% off when you stay 4 nights!  Order your FREE Official Sonoma County Visitors Guide here.

• Whistler, BC - Why? Because it's beautiful anytime of the year but with fun fall events like Bob & Lolo (Oct 8-10) concert for the kids, Vagabond Opera (Oct 13), and Cornucopia (Nov 10-13), Whistler is even better.  The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is currently offering every 3rd night FREE or 25% off a 7-day Advance Purchase.  

• Breckenridge, CO- Why? With opening day just around the corner (Nov 11), take advantage of the preseason hotel discounts with tons of things still available to do including the Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival (Oct 7-8).  Enjoy Autumn Rejuvenation from only $121 per person including a Rejuvenation massage!

• Gatlinburg, TN - Why?  Fall foliage, the majestic Smoky Mountains, and a ton of fun fall events like the Gatlinburg Craftsman Fair (Oct 6-23) and Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff (Nov 9).  The Gatlinburg Red Roof Inn is offering 2-night Aquarium Packages from only $159.

• Quebec City, PQ - Why? Again, beautiful fall foliage, a new cultural experience, and fun for all!  Enjoy Jacques-Cartier National Park, wildlife viewing at Marais du Nord wetlands, urban parks, and harvest season for vineyards and orchards.  Fall Getaway hotel rates offer the 3rd night at 50% off when booking 2.

And here's a quick list of more upcoming Fall Festivals:

• Fall Festival & 3rd Annual Fun Coast Bed Races, Flagler Beach, FL (Oct 7-8)
• 7th Annual Creekside Festival, Flagler Beach, FL (Oct 8-9)
• Fantasy Fest, Key West, FL (Oct  21-30)
• Sleepless Night, Miami Beach, FL (Nov 5)

Enjoy the Savings with Royal Caribbean 2-Day Wow Sale

Today & tomorrow only, 

October 4th and October 5, 2011

Royal Caribbean International

is having a 2-Day Wow Sale

on all cruises departing January 1, 2012 or later...

Receive up to $200 in onboard credits!

Enjoy a 50% reduced deposit rate!

For more information or to take advantage of this great sale,

visit

Royal Caribbean.com

Travel Writer Recommends: Cabeau Evolution Pillow

For years now, I've been looking for the perfect travel pillow.  I've only been able to find flimsy blow up pillows or tiny soft u-shaped pillows that don't hold any shape - these are uncomfortable, do nothing for your neck, and I end up throwing them out time after time because they just don't work.

But my ah-hah moment came when I learned to travel smartly with the Evolution Pillow from Cabeau.  Travel Writer absolutely loves it!  The ergonomic design stabilizes your neck and head so much so that it's recommended by physicians!


Let's take a closer look at the Evolution Travel Pillow:

• made of memory foam, it's oh-so comfortably soft!
• the velour cover is removable for washing so that's an added bonus
• features a lateral stabilizing support along with a rear headrest for comfort making sleeping during your trip much easier!
• a drawstring with toggle for adjustability 
• compresses and fits into it's own waterproof compact carrying bag
• has a media pouch for your iPod or other music device
• comes with a set of free memory foam ear plugs 
• is available in 3 colours: discerning black, grey or vibrant ocean blue
• great price point and worth every penny!

Like the slogan says, "Finally, a travel pillow that works!"  Get your Evolution Pillow today for only $34.99 at Cabeau where you'll also find a great selection of other 'innovative' travel accessories!

Image Courtesy of Cabeau, The Evolution of Travel