Travel around Worlds

Carnival Cruises are top of the line when it comes to “Fun Ships”. So if you are looking to have a vacation full of fun and entertainment 24 hours a day, hop aboard.

The most recognizable features of these cruise ships are their red-white-and-blue funnels built to resemble the tails of whales, and Fun Ship Freddy - a fantasy figure whose head reminds you of the Carnival ship funnel.

Their cruise lines travel to several destinations and they offer so much entertainment on board, once you get on you will not want to get off.

With live entertainment for all ages, you can take the kids along too. Carnival offers a Camp Carnival Children’s Program for ages 2-17. This allows parents to be able to spend time together while their children are with the ships experienced counselors. Your children will want to stay there all night long.

These ships have a full range of services that range from gambling to a luxury spa for those who want to unwind and relax.

Your cruise has no strict schedules, you choose when you want to eat, sleep, or play.

Carnival cruises are famous for the amazing variety of onboard recreations they offer their passengers. Every ship has at least two swimming pools, with waterslides. The ships’ casinos are a major attraction on Carnival cruises, and in their glitz and neon they compare well to those of Las Vegas. But the area of expertise of these cruises might well be in the cruise line’s approach to providing fine dining and snacks to all guests.

If this sounds like the perfect vacation to you, be sure to research the amenities of each ship before you book a cabin, because they will vary widely depending on the class of Carnival ship you book! Reservations can be made very easily through Carnivals very own travel agencies. They are well qualified and make sure you understand everything from the moment that you step aboard the vessel.

So what are you waiting for? Book your cruise now with Carnival Cruise Lines! You will wonder why you haven’t started cruising the waters before now.

Daphne Succes
Cruise Planners, License Cruise Specialist
http://www.babyletscruise.com
1.866.554.CRUISE

One of the Mediterranean’s liveliest resorts, Faliraki on the Greek island of Rhodes has been a popular choice with the younger crowds for years now. They flock to the island for the famous Bar Street and Club Street and the infamous beach parties.

As this crowd spend most of the day in bed or by the pool nursing their hangovers, a few of the islands other visitors head to the Faliraki nudist beach to spend the morning.

Most of the party crowd are not even aware of its existance as it is at the very southern end of the resort as you head into the hills. It can only be reached via a path that takes you over a hill and then winds down to sea level. It is sign posted FKK for the German tourists and it only takes a few minutes to follow the path. Once you arrive you will find a nice secluded beach, small bar, sun loungers and umbrellas.

The first thing you will notice when you get down there is the heat. It feels hotter than the main beach because it is in a small cove surrounded by cliffs. Temperatures often rise well above 40c by mid afternoon so it best to get there as early as possible and don’t forget the sun block.

Ego’s are left the main beaches when it comes to naturism and you won’t find anyone posing on a nudist beach. Regular naturists will tell you that we are what we are and its certainly true you will not find anyone staring or anything like that. If you are visiting Rhodes and have considered a nudist beach before but have never tried it, you could choose a lot worse than Faliraki nudist beach as your first.

Because it cannot be reached without coming down the path which has plenty of signs in all languages stating it is a nudist beach, you will not find gawpers hanging around as you do at some nudist beaches.

There are some sand dunes at the top of the hill where nudism is allowed if you prefer some privacy. You will need to bring something to lay on and perhaps an umbrella to shade from the sun. There are some small alcoves along the beach front among the rocks as well if you want to find some privacy next to the sea.

If you are an experienced naturist and intend using the beach daily, there are several hotels and apartments very close to Faliraki nudist beach. Hotel Matina is probably the best of these and it will take you just 10 minutes from reception to beach.

Visit our travel tips site if you would like to find out more about Faliraki nudist beach If you want to discover other hidden secrets of Rhodes and other Greek islands visit Greece travel tips

The team tasks and structure of a corporate team building day should be designed to help bond your team and build a team vision to take back into the workplace while having fun.

Adventure and fun are used to highlight specific learning outcomes with a team. This involves a program that not only changes the thinking processes within the team, but also looks at applying the learning back into the workplace. You work in teams and compete only with yourself to achieve your own new personal best in life and at work.

These are primarily team-building or networking outings where people can lighten up and have some fun without feeling intimidated or overwhelmed.

Team building programs should be custom built and tailor made for corporate groups. Such challenging activities promote team building, and develop staff communication, motivational skills and leadership while having fun.

Adventure Team Building is an opportunity to revitalize and rejuvenate not only your team, but also the whole organization with outdoor pursuits such as archery, abseil, caving, and rock climbing, skiing, kayaking, fishing, or taking a mountain bike trek, horse riding, driving and more. There are also expeditions, gorge exploring, orienteering, scavenger hunts, rescue games and other multi-adventures intended for relaxing and team motivation. Therefore, Adventure Team Building enables staff to interact between each other, react and act accordingly in similar circumstances, turning unusual collaborative circumstances into experiential learning.

Adventure Team Building can address specific workplace issues; motivate work group understanding, collaboration and cooperation. Experts say that people learn and develop from overcoming challenges, recreational team building provide work groups with instruction and guidance to expand them through a rotation of different problem solving activities.

Outdoor adventure activities, conference energizers and team building exercises may last from a few hours up to a few days enjoying camping, shelter building, barbecues, and al fresco feasts, whilst adding priceless synergy to group dynamics.

To create successful community-building activities appears to be simple, but they require competence, practice and experience. We have found that the best results have been obtained when the program has been well-matched to the needs of the client group, be they recreational, team-building or a vehicle for another agenda.

http://www.wildafricaonline.co.za

If you are in search of Australia’s finest theme parks, then you need not look further than the Gold Coast, which houses numerous attractions and theme parks than you cannot see anywhere else. If you are into cuddling adorable animals or getting into some thrilling rides, these Gold Coast theme parks offer them all.

Warner Brothers Movie World

This is where you would be able to experience the magical world of Warner Brothers. Their Superman Escape rollercoaster ride is truly exhilarating for you would travel 100 kilometers per hour in just a span of two seconds! You would also enjoy their DreamWorks Shrek 4D Adventure because you would definitely feel that you are part of the adventure. There is a daily spectacular star parade in Main Street where you would see various movie and cartoon heroes. Other adrenalin pumping thrill rides are Lethal Weapon, Batwing Spaceshot, Wild West Falls, and Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster. If you are bringing kids with you, make sure to drop by the Looney Tunes Village.

Sea World

If you are into animals, visit Sea World. You would be able to make contact with various sea creatures such as seals, dolphins, sharks as well as polar bears. Stop at Shark Bay, which is the world’s biggest manmade lagoon structure, wherein you would get up close and personal with several species of sharks. They feature Planet SOS, which is a 4D animated presentation concerning our delicate planet. Other places that you should not miss out on are the Polar Bear Shores, the Waterski Wipeout show, the Cartoon Network Cartoon Beach, as well as the Sesame Street Beach, which showcases Ernie and Bert’s live stage presentation.

Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World

This is considered as the country’s leading water theme park. It features the Whirlpool, which propels visitors to whirl in the midst of swirling rapids. You should also ride on Mammoth Falls, which is the largest water attraction in Australia. Some fantastic things that you can also do are to plunge into the Giant Wave Pool and unwind at the Calypso Beach. Kids would be able to swim and play at the Buccaneer Bay, which is a playground filled with fantasy and fun.

Dreamworld

This is considered as the favorite family theme park in the Land Down Under. You would be able to experience firsthand the highest and best thrill rides, some live interactive acts, exotic animal attractions like Sunset Safari and Tiger Island, while Nickelodeon Central and Wiggles World accommodate your little kids. For ride enthusiasts, have a fill of their exhilarating rides such as the Tower of Terror, the Cyclone rollercoaster, the Claw, the Giant Drop, the Wave as well as the Mick Doohan MotoCoaster ride.

Gold Coast Accommodation

The key to a successful vacation is to book the right Gold Coast accommodation. If you love doing your own stuff and having space and privacy is a priority, then Gold Coast apartments are ideal for you. A Gold Coast apartment offers a number of bedrooms and you should look for one that suits you and your company. Other Gold Coast accommodation options are resorts, hotels, and motels.

The author is a travel article writer for CheapHolidayAccommodation, an Australian travel website that seeks to give some travel tips, articles, and information about Gold Coast accommodation & Gold Coast apartments in Queensland, Australia.

All of us need something to look forward too, and going on holiday is defiantly something that falls into that category. Going on holiday or traveling doesn’t need to be about heading off to some far flung place for 2 or 3 weeks, it can be as simple as jumping on the train by yourself or with your family and going some place different for the day.

For me it doesn’t matter if it’s a 3 week holiday in the Caribbean, a week in a caravan, a weekend camping, or even a day trip somewhere, I look forward to it with the same sense of adventure and excitement. I get a real buzz out of getting away from my normal day-to-day existence, and going somewhere different, as the saying goes, “travel broadens your horizons”.

Some of my best holidays have being unplanned camping trips to superb campsites, in beautiful locations, such as on the banks of Loch Lomond or in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands. I have had as much enjoyment out of such trips, as I have when I visited the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids, the Grand Canyon, or when staying in 5 star hotels.

In my opinion it is almost like a criminal act, for families not to holiday and travel together, to experience new things as a family unit, to share precious family time together. It is an important part of any child’s development and growing up, to go and experience new places with the family. Family holidays are something that will be remembered for the rest of your life.

Going on holiday or traveling doesn’t need to be about money, it’s a willingness to seek out new horizons, to see new places, to be part of a new adventure. Life for me, would be so dull without the joy of traveling and knowing that I have many adventures ahead of me, seeing new places, meeting new people, getting away from the cocoon of normal living and much, much more.

Travel is so much more than just good for you, it makes life worth living and not to do so, is a waste of your life!

http://www.travelersstories.com

titleWhite Water Rafting in Tennessee/titlepThrill and excitement awaits every traveler who dares to paddle and scream via White Water Rafting Tennessee. Tennessee isnt just the seat of Americas music. It is also a widely visited eco-tourism due to its sea adventure packages. If you are up for breathtaking vacation, you fly or sail your way toward the humble state of Tennessee./ppWhite Water Rafting Tennessee particularly on the Ocoee River, where the 1996 Olympics took place, has become a popular summer getaway among Americans and visiting tourists. Family groups, friends and couples are all attracted to the splash of white waters enjoyed in any of the Ocoee River adventures. Travel agencies offer rafting adventure packages that suit both young and old adventurers. Mind you, the Ocoee River made a buzz when it hosted the slaloming, kayaking and canoeing events of the 1996 Summer Olympics./ppBeing home to one of Americas Top 10 Rivers Ocoee River, Tennessee takes pride of White Water Rafting Tennessee adventures. Making it more exhilarating is the outdoor exploration on the smoky mountains and spectacular trip on the Pigeon River that stretches from North Carolina. All Tennessee rafting trips are assisted by professional tour guides to ensure safety of rafters./ppFor a smoky mountain trek and water rafting adventure combined in one, dont hesitate to consult the online travel sites to book your White Water Rafting Tennessee adventure package. Experience rock climbing and rappelling on mountain walls. Be excited to do a river tubing float trip down the Ocoee River and be challenged to take your teambuilding skills to the next level through Tennessees course in roping. All these are experienced at any season of the year./ppThe Ocoee River affords travelers two segregated areas of large drops, surging whitewater and big waves. Get hold of your boat helmets and scream at the top of your voices as you kayak and canoe with White Water Rafting Tennessee experience. It is widely accepted that Ocoee River has the most unremitting stretch of Class 3 and 4 of white water in any river in the United States. Hence, it was the chosen co-host to the 1996 Olympics./ppThe rafting guides in White Water Rafting Tennessee are trained and experienced to get you on the go without harm. You will be stirred and steered as you paddle through heart-pounding rapids like Broken Nose, Slingshot and Slice N Dice. For beginners in rafting, this five mile river trip seems longer but certainly exciting. Avid goers are attracted to do the same adventure over and over again. Its a year-round travel itinerary that anybody can block off in their calendars especially on summertime. You have the option to take the river trip alone, or perhaps linger for more days in Tennessee by checking in at camping cabins, motels, pavilions and bunkhouses./ppIan Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author.BR To learn more about a target=_new href=http://travelforrecreation.info/white-water-rafting-tennessee/white water rafting/a, please visit a target=_new href=http://travelforrecreation.info/Travel for Recreation/a for current articles and discussions./pbrbr

titleAdventures In The West - Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hike/titlepHow do you put a five-month hike into a trip report of a few pages? Most of my daily journal entries are about a page each. That is the main reason it has taken me so long to get around to writing this - it seemed like an overwhelming task. So I will mostly hit a few highlights and share some thoughts and feelings./ppWhy would anyone want to spend five months walking from Mexico to Canada? Most thru-hikers get asked that question over and over. Its like asking a mountain climber, why do you climb mountains. For me it started when I was active in the singles group of my church in Manhattan Beach, a suburb of Los Angeles. Jason, one of the class members, started leading monthly hikes for the group, usually in the Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains, just north of Los Angeles. I was already mountain biking, roller blading, and rock climbing; and enjoyed the mountains and the other group activities, so became a regular on the hikes as well. This was the start of my love of hiking. Jason also organized a few camping trips and backpacking trips, including to the Grand Canyon. I had been brought up camping but had never done any backpacking before. One trip and I was hooked on that too./ppOn many of the hikes in the Angeles National Forest, we would see signs for, and hike on part of the Pacific Crest Trail. When I found out that it went from Mexico to Canada I thought that would be something fun to do someday. In the years that followed, I joined an adventure racing club and the outdoor activities progressed to longer, harder and more frequent. In the summer of 2002 I went to Peru on a two-week hiking mission trip. That turned into a three-year stint the following year. In 2005, knowing that my term would be up in January of 2006, I started making plans to thru-hike the PCT. The timing all came together, no job, no mortgage or other expenses, and some money in the bank from selling my house when I went to Peru./ppI started my hike on April 28 at the Mexican border. I was trying to finish in four months and I had already purchased my return ticket to Peru based on that schedule. The first week went well, and then I started getting blisters. I was also hiker faster than most of the others so I was passing a lot of people but not spending much time with them, and wasnt making any friendships with other hikers. After two weeks I had to take a few days off to let the blisters heal. I also realized that I needed to slow down and spend time with other hikers if I wanted to make friendships, which was one of my goals for the hike. After leaving Big Bear, CA, I did slow down and started hiking with four other people. Two of them were section hiking and one had to stop due to injury, but I hiked with go-Big, the other one, most of the way to the Oregon border./ppThe desert areas of Southern California were hard; I told myself then that I never wanted to hike them again. We had to constantly be aware of where our next water source would be, and many times carried three to four liters of water. And yet they had their own beauty, they didnt last forever, and they provided bonding experiences. They were also broken up with the snowy mountains and beautiful trees. The town stops were frequent and gave us time to relax with other hikers as well./ppJust after we started the High Sierra, we met Swiss Miss and Pang. I hiked together with them the rest of the way to Canada. Along the way, I spend varying amounts of time with other hikers as well. A group of 12 of us left Yosemite together - The Dirty Dozen! Half of us were from the U.S. and half were from other countries, so it became a very international experience. Each of us had strengths and weakness, and we learned to work together as a team, and to help and depend on each other. My greatest fear before starting the hike was crossing the rapid flowing, icy cold rivers. They turned out to not be as terrible as I had expected. We had a few close calls and some struggles, but the teamwork was amazing and we did it together./ppWe entered the Sierra Nevada on June 11, in a very heavy snow year, so we spent about a month hiking through snow, sometimes only getting down below snow level in the evening to camp. I had very little experience hiking in deep snow, and no experience navigating when the trail was covered with snow most of the day. Mostly we did it with map and compass but we did use a GPS some to pinpoint the trail location, and to confirm which was the right pass a few times. I had crampons at the beginning of the Sierras but soon lost them off the back of my pack before I ever used them. One thing we didnt have to worry about was water. We got spoiled by only having to carry a liter or two of water. We often drank directly from springs and the snow melt streams, without bothering to treat the water./ppWe carried ice axes but after the first couple of passes, they were used mostly for digging cat holes. The sun cups were one of the biggest problems, along with post holing in the soft snow in the afternoons. Almost everyone used trail running shoes, except the Europeans who wore mountaineering boots. We had wet feet the whole way through the Sierras from the snow and river crossings, and much of Washington from the rain and new snow, but surprisingly it wasnt much of a problem. We did get tired of the snow and needing to be constantly on the search for the trail. I would like to go back and hike the John Muir Trail (most of which is the same as the PCT) in the fall, when you can actually walk on the trail./ppYou realize how long California is when you hike the whole way, it took three months and one week to reach Oregon, but I never got tired of the continually changing and always beautiful scenery. From Mt. Shasta on we had numerous forest fires, causing hazy skies, beautiful sunsets, and closed trails and detours. For the last month we werent sure we would be able to finish the trail at Manning Park. We did have to skip a section in Oregon due to fires, but the final section before the Canadian border reopened just before we got there. Unlike some just ahead of us, we were able to finish at the official terminating point, and get our pictures at the border monument. That is the thru-hikers summit moment, similar to when a mountaineer reaches the top of the mountain./ppOregon was only three weeks and Washington took four weeks, and then it was all over, except for the very emotional goodbyes. Unlike the mountaineer, who still has to get down the mountain after the summit, the hike ended on an emotional high, with nowhere to go, no descend time to unwind. We spent a couple of days there, not wanting to say goodbye and go home. Its hard to describe the feeling of watching the mountain peak landmarks pass below on the flight back to L.A, five months going by in fast reverse in a couple of hours! And then came trying to go back to a normal life, when our main concerns for so long were just walking, eating and sleeping. Now we were home, at least our bodies were, but our minds keep wandering back to the trail./ppMany people have commented on it as being The trip of a lifetime. I understand what they mean but I have a problem with that. There is a common disease that affects many long distance thru-hikers. I have the disease and there is no cure. It is only alleviated to some degree by going on another long hike. When and where I dont know, but Im sure it will happen. Its been 11 months since I finished the hike and I can still spend hours looking through some of the thousands of photos, or watching someones slide show, and every time I do, I wish I could grab my backpack and head back to the trail. Just writing this and thinking about it causes me to get emotional and longing for the simple life on the trail. Of course like most difficult, but rewarding experiences, its easy to forget the hard times and only remember the good./ppFrom the Mexican border to Manning Park, British Columbia, Canada, took 151 days. It was an experience I will never forget. God showed me His faithfulness and provision every step of the way. The friendships made on the hike are very special, the shared experiences of the joys, hardships and dangers of the trail made for deep and lasting bonds. I could not have completed the hike without the help of many of those I spent a lot of time hiking with. Others added a rich dimension to the experience and made it a delight, even through the difficult times. I give thanks to God first, and then to each one that He provided to make the hike such a wonderful experience./ppIf you would like to see a photo album of the hike, there is one available at Summit Post, please click on the following link:/ppa target=_new href=http://www.summitpost.org/album/288745/Pacific-Crest-Trail.htmlhttp://www.summitpost.org/album/288745/Pacific-Crest-Trail.html/a/ppVic Hanson is the founder of Adventure Cotahuasi Tours, which offers pre-planned and custom adventure travel tours in Cotahuasi Canyon and other areas of Peru. If you are interested in your own adventure in Peru, check us out! a target=_new href=http://www.adventurecotahuasi.comhttp://www.adventurecotahuasi.com/a/pbrbr

titleUnique Last Minute Fall Foliage/titlepOff to Victor, Idaho we go to a family ranch in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Linn Canyon Ranch. This is just outside of Jackson Hole, Wyoming so your plans need to be made right away to enjoy this area before the first snowfall. Of course, this area can be enjoyed in the snow also, but what we are going to share with you in this article is the tent camping and the outdoor fun to be enjoyed here prior to snow./ppThis is a family run ranch and it has all the comforts of a luxury mountain resort, fly fishing is near by and there is even a drive-in movie theatre close by. The tents not your everyday camping tents, these are luxury, comfortable tents that come with even king size beds with upscale bedding./ppThis is a spot that is very popular for weddings and even large birthday parties or family reunions, they do all the work for you so all you have to do is enjoy. It is casual with down home feel, a wedding in a meadow, how great would that be./ppNow the fall foliage is in its brightest color with the ranch being surrounded by aspen thickets and in the main lodge you will find great upscale meals, with that hearty western appetite in mind. After a day on the trails this is almost a requirement./ppHorse backing and trail rides are a norm here and you can hit the trail for day rides or have an overnight adventure and camp under the stars or again in tents that they accommodate you with, everything is handled for you so all you have to do is get on your horse and enjoy. Food is fixed for you and served campfire style, you can rough it without roughing it./ppDont wait to plan this adventure with your personal website travel agent as winter is moving in soon and then it changes the story some when the snow starts to fall, then it sleigh rides, fireplaces, sledding and all of those fun winter sports in this area. But for now it is fall color show, warm days, cool nights and horseback riding./ppDale have enjoyed extensive travel and on one of their trips said to each other, we should do this for a living. With that said, they are now operating a travel website where you can plan a wedding on the beach in Tahiti including a Bridal Registry; a Golf Vacation including reserving tee times; Spa Vacations; Outdoor Adventure Vacations. They offer full personalized service online 24/7 at b.montz@comcast.net Let them be your Vacation Specialist a href=http://www.dmontztravel.com target=_newDales Travel YTB/a/pbrbr

titleHow to Download Games on PSP/titlepThis is probably a first question that comes to the mind of lucky PSP owner. It is very easy and quick process that will let you play games on PSP almost instantly. Follow these steps to download games on PSP now!br/pp1. First of all you have to make sure that you have all necessary equipment to start download games on PSP. What you need is computer, PSP, and USB cable.br/pp2. Make sure that you a have a Duo memory stick with firmware of 1.0 or 1.5. You will need it to store game files.br/pp3. In order to start to download games on PSP youll need to connect USB cable from your computer to PSP. Computer will detect new device instantly.br/pp4. Locate folder on your computer to download games on PSP and select files to transfer. Make sure that you have a folder “GAMES” and “PSP” on your PSP memory stick. If you dont have it you need to create one.br/pp5. Safely remove hardware from your PC. Now it is time to start playing games on your PSP!br/ppIn order to get access to unlimited games and other PSP downloads such as movies, music you can sign up for membership sites that will charge you one time small fee. You dont have to pay anything after this and can download as many PSP games as you want. I believe this a best way to download PSP games on PSPbr/ppTo learn more and find out what web sites are trustful visit http://www.pspdownloadsreview.net/ppGreg Edward is a PSP fan and player. Please visit his web site to find out more about popular PSP downloads a target=_new href=http://www.pspdownloadsreview.nethttp://www.pspdownloadsreview.net/a/pbrbr

Sunny Central Florida may not go with your traditional image of a white Christmas, but the theme parks of Orlando put on holiday shows that are filled with festive fun. If you are in the Orlando area this Christmas (or any Christmas) here are the kinds of events that you can experience:

SeaWorld Orlando has announced that they will feature a ride based on Robert Zemeckis’ “The Polar Express.”

Warner Bros. Pictures and Iwerks Entertainment are reprogramming the theme park’s Wild Arctic simulator ride, and transforming it into a simulated train ride to “Santa Town” for the holiday season. When the ride ends, people will step out onto a recreation of the North Pole. SeaWorld’s exhibit of polar bears, beluga whales, walruses and other Arctic animals will also be made up to fit the winter wonderland theme. The new Polar Express ride will debut on Friday and will be in place through January 1st 2008.

The cost and contact information for Seaworld are as follows: Cost: $67.95; $57.95 children; Sea World Drive, Orlando; Telephone: 800-327-2424

Walt Disney World in Orlando offers Christmas and winter holiday themed events at each of its major attraction centers. Disney’s Magic Kingdom Very Merry Christmas Party begins will be held through December 21 from 7 pm to midnight. Also, when regular park hours are over, the lights come alive. The tree lighting ceremony and the almost crystallized castle are well worth the price of admission; and, for those who dream of a white Christmas, enjoy the snowfall on Main Street.

Here are the costs and contact information for Disney World: Cost: $51.07; $43.62 ages 3-9; Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista; 407-934-7639

Not to be outdone by Disney or Seaworld, Universal Studios in Orlando offering its own version of Macy’s Holiday Parade, including the “actual, authentic” Santa from New York’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Universal also offers entertainment ranging from Barney’s Christmas Show to the Blues Brothers Christmas Show.

In addition, Universal is also unveiling a new stage show at Islands of Adventure, called “Grinchmas,” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Seuss’ Christmas story. “Back by popular demand,” Grinchmas will feature seven songs on a new stage.

The celebration continues with decorations and special events at Universal CityWalk as well as all three world-class, on-site hotels - Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

Here are the latest costs and information for Universal: one day/one park ticket: $71; $60 children; Universal Blvd. Orlando; 407-224-4243 or visit their holiday website: www.universalorlando.com/holidays.

The nearby city of Silver Springs offers a Festival of Lights, from dusk to 8:30 p.m. from December 14-30. This is an event that you should not miss. It features more than one million twinkling lights and is complete with carolers, stage shows , a boat parade and holiday concerts as well. Here is the contact information and costs for this event:
$33.99; $30.99 seniors; $24.99 ages 3-10; 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd.; Silver Springs; 352-236-2121

Busch Gardens in Tampa also offers annual Christmas events. This year it feature a breathtaking spectacle of music, dance and holiday cheer as well as other holiday experiences scattered throughout the park daily. The costs and contact information for Busch Gardens are as follows: $64.95; $54.95 children; 3000 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa; 888-800-5447

There it is! Orlando and vicinity is a great place for you and your family to enjoy your winter vacation.

Mark Whichard is a frequent writer on Orlando tourism. He and his wife Susan are the proprietors of Orlando’s Finest Vacations Homes. Visit his website for more information on Orlando Vacation Homes. http://www.orlandosfinest.com