Blenheim Palace - Britain's Greatest Palace

On 30th November 1874, one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century was born in Britain's greatest palace. Blenheim Palace was a gift from Queen Anne and "a grateful nation" to John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Malborough following his victory in the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. The 1st Duke was an ancestor of the British wartime leader, Sir Winston Churchill.

In 1987, it was named a World Heritage Site and the magnificent Baroque style building is the only non-Episcopal (Bishop) country house in England to hold the title of 'Palace'. It is set in 2,000 acres of award-winning landscaped gardens with a water terrace, great lake, grand bridge and the Column of Victory which was erected to commemorate the 1st Duke's military campaigns.

Inside the Palace, visitors will find state rooms with all the grandeur one would expect from such a magnificent building. Priceless collections of portraits, furniture, porcelain and chandeliers are found throughout Blenheim Palace. A series of tours are available to visitors telling not just the story of Blenheim Palace but also of the people who lived here.

Located just outside Oxford at Woodstock, Blenheim Palace is easily accessible by public transport. The Palace, Park and Gardens are open daily between 13 February and 31 October as well as from Wednesday to Sunday from the start of November to mid December. When the Palace is closed, the Park does remain open except for Christmas Day. With over 300 years of history, Blenheim Palace is just one of the many fascinating places to see when you visit South East England.

Rob Atherton
http://www.staycationsukholidays.co.uk

Barbados - Getting Around

Once upon a time, locals and tourists alike got around the Caribbean island of Barbados on horse-drawn trams that ran on tracks. The capital city of Bridgetown its locus, this became the largest, longest-running, most colorful horse-car tram system in the Caribbean with 25 tram cars on 5 lines running on 10 miles of track.  The system operated for 40 years, until 1925. 

Today, transportation on the 14-by-21-mile island offers more - and faster - ways of getting around, although I personally would love the romance of traveling the glorious Barbados coastline in a horse-drawn tram. 

1. Rent a Moke. Of course, you can rent a conventional car, but the open-sided little Mokes are a lot more fun to zip around in. Like all rental cars in Barbados, they have right-hand drive. Mokes, around $75US a day, have manual transmission and air-conditioning courtesy the whole of outdoors. Beware: if it rains, you'll get soaked!

2. Hop a route taxi. Called Zed-R vans because their license plates begin with the letters ZR. At 75 cents a head, the Zed-R vans often cram more than the 15 passengers they're designed to hold. There are no regular stops; people flag down a Zed-R van anywhere they happen to be.

3. Flag down a taxi. There are taxi companies and there are individuals who are licensed to drive their cars as taxis. The license plate of both types begins with the letter Z. They have no meters; always ask the price for a ride to your destination before getting into a Barbados taxi.

4. Take the bus. The Barbados Transport Board runs the official bus service of Barbados. Bus stops are plentiful and are noted by round signs reading, "To city" and "Out of city." The city referred to is Barbados' capital, Bridgetown, where many buses take you so you can board another bus going to your specific location. The bus system in Barbados is quite good and the buses are clean and very popular with tourists. The fare is an exact-change of 75 cents, Barbados currency (about 37 cents in US currency).

Exploring the island is fun because the geography varies from white sandy beaches to the lush "Little Scotland" to the plentiful sugar cane fields. Be prepared, though, to be detained by a man pushing a cart full of coconuts ahead of you. But then, who's in a hurry in Barbados?

About the Author

Get the real scoop on Barbados by visiting Jane Shattuck's blog at http://OneLoveBarbados.com For casually elegant beachfront Barbados vacation rentals, please check her site, http://BarbadosBeachVacationRentals.com Ms. Shattuck is an American living in Barbados, married to a Barbadian, and building a vacation rental business and a life in her new home.

Martha's Vineyard Bike Rentals - Places to Rent and Scenic Routes

One of the best ways to see Martha's Vineyard is by taking advantage of Martha's Vineyard bike rentals. The scenery on the Vineyard is fabulous and you really appreciate it while riding a bike around some of the side roads.

The Vineyard is larger than many folks realize and it is mostly flat, with some rolling hills, and perfect for biking. If you are a fitness fanatic, you can get in some nice 10 - 20 miles rides. Or, you can do some short tours through the charming neighborhoods of Edgartown, Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven.

One of our favorite rides is between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown along the beach. You can rent bikes in either Oak Bluffs or Edgartown and ride towards the other town along the beach. This is a flat ride, with sidewalks and plenty of great scenery. Another good ride, although much further, is to bike from Vineyard Haven to Menemsha. This ride has some small rolling hills and is about 12 miles each way. You'll pass through some beautiful country and farming areas and end up in the charming fishing village of Menemsha. Keep in mind, this is a very rural area so there are few stores.

If you prefer to ride on a very flat and safe bike path, the Vineyard has that too. There is a spectacular bike path between Vineyard Haven and Edgartown. It's mostly flat, about 8 feet wide, and very popular with families. One possible drawback to this route is that the scenery is not as exciting as other routes on the island. You'll pass through some fairly basic neighborhoods and not see the water or beach.

Of course there are multiple places that rent bikes on Martha's Vineyard. You can find bike rentals in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven. The Martha's Vineyard campground also has rentals. We've rented bikes from Anderson's in Oak Bluffs and had a great experience. They are located right next to the Oak Bluffs Harbor and the Hyline Cruises dock. They offer all sorts of bikes, touring bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, kids bikes etc. Your rental includes a helmet, island map and bike lock. They also provide a phone number for calling for assistance and they will come and help you if needed. If you are biking with kids, they have a great bike that pulls the kids bikes like a trailer.

Biking on Martha's Vineyard is a great way to really enjoy the island. We hope you have a chance to explore some of the many routes available.

To learn more about Martha's Vineyard bike rentals, visit http://www.marthas-vineyard-vacation-tips.com/marthas-vineyard-bike-rentals.html

Scott Garrity and his family love Martha's Vineyard and enjoy documenting their visits to the island. Scott is one of the co-founders of http://www.marthas-vineyard-vacation-tips.com, a site where he shares personal photos and tips about Martha's Vineyard.

The Philippines Vacation

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life and head to a place where where you can immerse themselves in culture, tradition and breathtaking natural beauty, there is no other place quite like the Philippines.

What is so special about the Philippines though? Well for starters, if you're fond of beaches then look no further because with more than 7,000 islands which make up this archipelago, you can expect to see the spectacular beauty of the white sand and the grandeur which can be found in every beach which are scattered all over the country.

Of course then there is the heritage and culture which is like no other in the world. A blend of many years of Spanish control with roots dating back more than 30,000 years, the Philippines is definitely one place that anyone should take the time to visit at least once in their lifetime.

Surrounded by water, this archipelago is rich in both resources and unsurpassed natural beauty. You will discover just about everything here from white sandy beaches to coral outcroppings on the horizon. There are mountainous islands and ones which are formed by volcanoes. Of course with all of those islands, that means lots of pristine blue waters to go swimming, snorkeling, diving in or even sailing upon.

But there is one thing you will find here that you probably will not find anywhere else; when you choose to go on a trip to the Philippines, you will be able to meet and interact with the Filipino people. It is no denying that the people of the Philippines are very hospitable and always willing to give you a smile. For the most part you will always be able to find someone who can speak and understand English.

Also, with the amazingly low cost of living, many travelers who have chosen a Philippines vacation often return to retire here where one can live like a king on a very small retirement pension. No matter how you choose to look at it, the country offers you so much opportunity and enjoyment that it's worth coming back year after year.

Now if you're planning for a family vacation, do your research online. Internet is never short of affordable Philippines vacation packages. Shop around for the best package deals. Compare, research and compare more till you find one that that suits your need and budget. And to make your visit an unforgettable experience, never miss out the best beaches in Philippines when you plan for your vacation.

Festivals in Chile

Chile is a vibrant land that is affluent with its traditional festivals. Every festival that Chile celebrates involves a lot of energy, excitement and a rich historical relevance.

The following are the most popular Chilean festivals:

o Festival of the Virgin of the Song- The celebration is most prevalent throughout North Chile. The occasion can be traced back to a native Chile woman who converted into a Catholic Christian. The celebration is carried out to pay homage to her. The celebration becomes even grander when it is celebrated amidst the mesmerizing Atacama Desert.
o Feast day- A city called Yumbel at Chile celebrates the feast day every year. The feast is dedicated to Saint Sebastian and it hosts a huge procession all clad in color and vibrancy amidst which the status of St. Sebastian is carried around the Chilean locality. The participants of the procession wear red and yellow clothes and the celebration brims with religious faith and devotion.
o Labor Day weekend- It is a happening festival that takes place amongst the Chilean labors. It is located at the Hatch Airport and makes for a very enjoyable festival.
o Fiesta de Quasimodo- Urban Chile celebrates Fiesta de Quasimodo in a big way. The festival is held on the immediate Sunday after the Ester Sunday. The concept of the festival revolves around soldiers all covered in intense and bright attires collecting before the church in the locality.

The Chilean festivals are associated with a lot of color, excitement and delicacies. This makes the festivals even more special.

About Author: Pauline is an online leading expert in the traveling industry. She also offers top quality tips like: World Travel Guide & Facts About Chile

Discovering a Little Town Called Lynmouth - Devon

In the United kingdom there are many little towns that have their own personalities and Lynmouth - Devon is no exception. Lynmouth is a fishing town that sits below the cliffs in a quiet harbour. The River Lyn runs through the quiet village which has now also become a tourist attraction and in the summer months is a hots spot for activities from all over England.

When visiting Lynmouth, tourist will find wonderful hotels to spend hours looking over the harbour and sea. Some of the hotels are designed with decor form the late 14 hundreds. There are bed and breakfasts and also camping sites for the enjoyment of visitors. The town is also in the shadow of a 500 foot cliff that leads to the town of Lynton its sister village.

Up the steep cliff is the twin town of Lynton. The two towns have a great deal in common and rely on each other as twin villages catering to all the tourist in the same pleasant fashions. They are connected by a cliffway railway.

A carrier car is connected by cable to the two towns and when one of the cars is up the cliff it is filled with water, making it heavier than the car at the bottom holding 2 passengers. The weight of the car on top will make it descend as the lighter weight car goes up the cable and to the top. The whole process starts again when others are ready to come up the mountain. At the bottom the tanks in the car is emptied as soon as it gets to the bottom.

Lynmouth is part of the Exmoor National Park. There is an excellent beach area where many fisherman go to fish. The tides in this area also attract swimmers and surfers along with those that just want to walk the beach and enjoy its many changing landscapes.

The village of Lynmouth - Devon has many fine shops to find a variety of items. There are glassware shops, crafts, ceramics shops and vast assortments of pottery, something to suit any visitor.

Check here for a wide selection of Lynmouth hotels.

American Presidential Sites - Visiting the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

This is one in a series of travelogues spotlighting America's presidential historic sites. One of the most visited presidential libraries and museums in America is located just off Interstate 80 in Iowa, about 45 minutes from the Illinois border. It is dedicated to America's 31st president, Herbert Hoover...

An Overview Of America's 31st President

Herbert Hoover, our 31st president, was both the beneficiary and victim of timing. He succeeded Calvin Coolidge, who decided not to seek another term, and as Hoover entered office in 1929, the country was at peace and unemployment was low.

That soon changed. In October of that year, the stock market crashed, a mere seven months after Hoover assumed the presidency. And while history shows the crash was a long time coming, the country blamed Hoover as America sunk into the Great Depression.

Hoover's administration never quite recovered and he was swept out of office in the 1932 elections, despite several notable accomplishments in his term. After he left office, he assumed the role of highly respected elder statesman for the final 32 years of his life, championing anti hunger programs and civil rights initiatives.

Visiting The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

The Hoover site is incredibly easy to visit, as it is literally less than one minute off Interstate 80 in West Branch, Iowa, about 10 miles east of Iowa City. The site consists of three distinct parts. First is the presidential library and museum, which is the main attraction. Next is Hoover's boyhood home, restored to look as it did in the 1870's. Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Hoover's grave sites are on the 81 acre property. Within a half hour is the famous Amana Colonies Amish community, a popular tourist attraction of its own right.

The library and museum offer an in depth look at the presidency in general and Hoover's administration in particular. Mementos and documents from his term are displayed, along with several multi media presentations depicting his involvement in domestic and international initiatives.

As with many presidential museums, there is an ever changing array of temporary and traveling exhibits. One might find a display about presidential pets or an exhibit of gowns worn by First Ladies through the years.

Since many of Hoover's accomplishments came after he left office, several exhibits explore his role in his latter years. At the time of his death at age 90 in 1964, it is safe to say his popularity had never been higher. Even former political adversaries were quick to praise his many efforts throughout America and the world.

Summary

A visit to the Hoover National Historic Site is ideal for anyone who appreciates American history. Far from a dusty old museum, the site is brimming with multi media presentations and rotating exhibits that appeal to young and old.

Are you interested in learning about and visiting American presidential sites? All across America, there are unique and fascinating sites dedicated to the presidents. They make an ideal destination for those who enjoy history or young people who deserve an opportunity to learn more about America's presidents. To learn more, visit us at: http://www.presidentialtravelusa.com