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Scuba Diving Caribbean

Anguilla is one of best developed scuba diving Caribbean sites. Surprising as it may sound, it has been intentionally done for it to be competitive with the other neighboring islands such as Saint Croix. It was around the 1980’s where there were anonymous individuals who were smart enough to see the need to. If it were not developed, it could have just been one of the shallow spots that only beginners would enjoy and not the professionals.

Presently, there are about five vessels that have sunk several years ago. The biggest among the ships is called Sarah which have been frequented as a scuba diving Caribbean destination. There are three others that will still be developed where one, El Buen Consejo, is scheduled to be transformed into an aquatic park.

Culebra has coastlines offering superb grounds for aquatic activities. Most are domiciled along the western coast where the Impact Reef is separated into several sections along its length. It is conveniently accessed from Ensenada Honda via the split that divides the region.

Surrounded by rocks, most of the visited areas are surrounding the outlying islets. Aside from the aquatic fauna that can be spotted, there are also birds that have taken it as their dwelling place in their migrating season. From the boats, terns and boobies that have been nested are clearly seen. There are spots that are both for the beginners and professionals. There are some that are very challenging while there are also some that are easy.

Barbados is one of the best scuba diving Caribbean sites that has over twenty miles of barrier reef. Reaching up to within 40 to 60 feet of the surface, it has about nine locations that are favorite for tourists. At present, their government is serious in taking their tourism industry up to a higher notch. They have provided a main recompression chamber that assures the safety and security of their tourists who would want to explore the city underneath the sparkling seas.

Stavrontika is a scuba diving Caribbean place that has a very peculiar history. It is a name of a craftliner that is already twenty years old now. A 365- foot freighter, it sunk for only thirteen minutes which is very quick for such a huge vessel. The story goes that it was carrying loads of cement when a fire overwhelmed Stavrontika. It was immediately towed back to the shore where it remained idle in the port for two years. The government then decided to sink it for it be an abode of colonies of fish.

Travel Trade Shows

Look into the statistics of every tourism department board and you will find out that almost every year, there has been a huge difference. When the report is in a chart structure, it either goes up or down albeit, at these times where cities have been highly transformed into commercial jungles, people who have adapted to fast- paced life are craving to have a break. Some of them go online to make their reservations as well as visit travel trade shows where they can get a great deal of discounts.

As an exhibitor in travel trade shows, there is a need to identify what are the specifics of the event you are joining in. You may be thinking twice to fully register because of the price that comes along with it but you just cannot entirely imagine the returns that will go hand in hand with your investment. Of course, at first, it will seemingly be zero but then again, the end will justify the means.

You will soon find out that people will avail of the packages you have offered because they were able to spot you in one of the travel trade shows you have joined in. It may also happen that they will just be asking for your calling cards and little do you know, somebody will just be keeping in touch out of the blue to sign up a group flight. Rewards will not immediately knock in your door but in moments where you least expect it.

In travel trade shows, make sure that the presentation will speak of what you want to convey to your potential clients. Meaning, the appearance of your booth should be a head turner. You can come up with a concept or theme so everything will just be plainly organized and as people will pass by, they cannot help but simply stop then look for what you have in stored. Never miss out on the little details such as the table cloth, for example.

It would also be good if you put up a stand- along presentation board where you can place into details the services you offer and benefits they get. The more ample resources you feed, the more people will be attracted to because you can never avoid the fact that there are some that are just too shy to ask questions. Creativity matters a lot here so have your ingenuity work. Incorporate vibrant colors and stunning pictures as milieu. Of course, do not ever forget that your company name and logo is also as necessary.

Venezuela Casinos

On first glance, Venezuela casinos look just like the ones you might be familiar with in the rest of the world. Some of them are attached to luxurious hotels; most serve free alcoholic beverages as long as you are gambling, and they are usually lit up and noisy. Despite these similarities, there are a few differences that we will cover in depth.

Venezuela casinos are dotted along the coast of this South American country, with most being on the mainland, but one being on Margarita Island just off the coast. The main casinos that draw in visitors are Fiesta Casino Guyana that is inside a hotel, Bingo Majestic in La Urbina, Maruma International Hotel & Casino in Maracaibo, and Casino Laguna Mar in Pampatar.

The Fiesta Casino Guyana has over 100 slot machines and 26 different tables for the various card games that are played. If you prefer a larger selection of table games and less slots, then the Maruma is the best Venezuela casino for you with such offerings as baccarat, blackjack, and roulette available. If you want a large, grand mix of just about everything, then the Casino Laguna Mar is up your alley with American roulette, baccarat, mini baccarat, blackjack, Let It Ride Poker, Oasis Stud Poker, over 100 slot machines, video poker, and much more.

A few of the games played at the card tables in Venezuela casinos may look very foreign to those who are not from South America. Many Venezuela casinos have games such as Truco. Truco is a game played in tricks with a special Spanish pack of cards that has only 40 cards instead of the familiar 52. These cards have very different symbols than what you are used to, so don’t play the game and wager money until you have been instructed on how to play such games!

Venezuela casinos are a great source of tourism revenue and jobs for locals. They are also popular with native Venezuelans because casinos are the only legalized form of gambling in the country. You may find dog or horse races, but they are not legal. There is also no legalized sports betting or gambling outside the doors of the casinos.

Since most Venezuela casinos are attached to hotels, it is possible to find cheap airfare into the country with great deals at the hotel. The cost of food and entertainment outside the casino is very minimal in this country, and many people speak at least a little bit of English to make the transition to your vacation spot that much easier.

History of the Bahamas

When you’re learning about something new, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article will give you the basics on the history of the Bahamas.

Those of you not familiar with the history of the Bahamas now have at least a basic understanding of its history and culture.

Christopher Columbus’s first landfall in the New World in 1492 is believed to have been on the island of San Salvador (also called Watling’s Island), in the southeastern Bahamas. He encountered Taino (also known as Lucayan) Amerindians and exchanged gifts with them.

Taino Indians from both northwestern Hispaniola and northeastern Cuba moved into the southern Bahamas about the 7th century AD and became the Lucayans. They appear to have settled the entire archipelago by the 12th century AD. There may have been as many as 40,000 Lucayans living in the Bahamas when Columbus arrived.

The Bahamian Lucayans were deported to Hispaniola as slaves, and within two decades Taino societies ceased to exist as a separate population due to forced labour, warfare, disease, emigration and outmarriage.

Some say the name ‘Bahamas’ derives from the Spanish for “shallow sea”, baja mar. Others trace it to the Lucayan word for Grand Bahama Island, ba-ha-ma (“large upper middle land”).

After the Lucayans were destroyed, the Bahamian islands were deserted until the arrival of English settlers from Bermuda in 1650. Known as the Eleutherian Adventurers, these people established settlements on the island now called Eleuthera (from the Greek word for freedom).

The Bahamas became a British crown colony in 1718 but remained sparsely settled until the newly independent United States expelled thousands of American Tories and their slaves. Many of these British Loyalists were given compensatory land grants in Canada and the Bahamas. Some 8,000 loyalists and their slaves moved to the Bahamas in the late 1700s from New York, Florida and the Carolinas.

The British granted the islands internal self-government in 1964 and, in 1973, Bahamians achieved full independence while remaining a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Since the 1950s, the Bahamian economy has prospered based on the twin pillars of tourism and financial services.

Despite this however, the country still faces significant challenges in areas such education, healthcare, correctional facilites and violent crime and illegal immigration. The urban renewal project has been luached in recent years to help impoverished urban areas in social decline in the main islands.

Today, the country enjoys the third highest per capita income in the western hemisphere.

Dumaguete – The Capital of Negros Oriental in the Philippines

The city called Dumaguete in the Philippines is named after the word “daggit” which is from a local dialect of Visaya which means “to snatch” or “to swoop”. Dumaguete City was named as such for the pirates that had always been active in the coastal city, Dumaguete long time ago. Historically rich in culture from many years ago, the city of Dumaguete has beautiful heritage sites to offer.

The tiny city Dumaguete has always been on the Philippine map; it is a coastal city situated in Negros Oriental. Contrast to the size of Dumaguete City, it offers greatly awesome things for you to discover. The beauty in the panoramic view of Dumaguete City will inspire the old traditional wonder of the place with the reconciliation of the modern amenities it can provide its guests. Being a peaceful bay area, people are warm which earned Dumaguete City the title, City of Gentle People.

The city of Dumaguete has finally ended its silence. The beauty of Dumaguete City has caused the influx of tourists. Many people heard of the city’s name for the reknown beautiful outdoor adventure experience it has offered its visitors.

Presently, industrial technology is continuously developing in Dumaguete City since it is also known as the “Center of Learning in the South” or as the “University Town”.

Dumaguete City’s most tempting quality is the adventure outdoor that can lasts your whole life. Paradise in its own simple luxuries are offered in Dumaguete City through the shiny crystals of white sands surrounding the beaches.

Finding the place called Dumaguete is synonymous to finding a place of haven. Imagine the modern amenities within the city with historical beauty and wonders all rolled into a little corner in the Philippine Islands. You can always find a diving site, a vacation home that can assure to make you feel at home. Getting from other famous places from Dumaguete to other neighboring areas famous for tourism in the Philippines is another convenience of the city’s location as well.

Visit the city named Dumaguete in the Philippines and plunge into the lure of different gifts of nature in the small coastal city. Experience the breath-taking relaxation of the soul, mind and body. Find the perfect nature’s beauty in Dumaguete City; beauty at its purest form. Discover the relaxation and splurge into the magic of the place.

Endless journeys in search for the perfect paradise with the sun, sand, and water can be finally brought to an end in Dumaguete City!

10 Must-Dos When In Bruges

A timeless spectacle, Bruges is a charming city full of medieval flavour. Its architectural treasures lure the eye, revealing a city of rich history. Serene canals and tight cobbled streets seize your imagination, enticing you to explore more and more.

1. Markt Square
Watch the world go by in one of the Markt Square’s multitude of cafes and restaurants. A vibrant open area, relax with a coffee as the rat race scuttles around you.

2. Basilica of the Holy Blood
Upon homecoming from the Crusades, the count of Flanders returned with what was believed to be the blood of Christ. Unopened to this day, the relic remains in this 12th century chapel.

3. Groeningen Museum
Bruges is blessed with many fine art museums, in particular the Groeningen, with Belgian and Dutch paintings including the works of Jan Van Eyck and Hieronymous Bosch.

4. Church of Our Lady
Believed to be the only sculpture to have left Italy in his lifetime, Michelangelo’s Madonna is a beautiful marble figure brought to Bruges in 1506 and housed ever since in the Church of Our Lady.

5. Memling Museum
Originally built as a medieval hospital, the Memling Museum offers a fascinating insight into Bruges ancient history. Today, the museum is part of the St John’s Hospital complex.

6. Zand Feasts
July, August and September are host to these ever popular flea markets. Crowds flock to inspect the arts, crafts and souvenirs on offer at the lively bazaars.

7. The Belfry
One of the great landmarks of the city, the 83 meter high Belfry tower dominates the main city square. Dating back to 1240, the original tower was destroyed by fire and subsequently rebuilt. Climb the 366 steps for a magnificent view of the city.

8. The Canals
Sometimes referred to as ‘The Venice of the North’, Bruges is a myriad of canal networks. Originally an important trade route, nowadays the canals are used solely for tourism and are a great way of seeing the town from a different perspective.

9. The Minnewater
Known locally as ‘The Lake of Love’, this enchanting lake stands at the entrance to the city. Elegant swans adorn the lake which affords commanding panoramic views across the city. During the summer, pop concerts play in the adjacent park, luring the crowds from near and afar.

10. The Beguinage
If the busy and overcrowded city centre streets become too much, tranquillity can be yours in the garden of the Beguinage, a monastery for the Benedictine sisters who still live there today.

Made up of over 700 small islands and cays, the Bahamas are a great Caribbean island destination spot for travelers. These islands are located east of Florida in the United States and North of the country of Cuba and make up their own English-speaking country. Tourists from around the world love to visit the Bahamas, and it is a popular travel spot for honeymoons and weddings.

The Bahamas are one of the most prosperous countries in the world because of their success with tourism and with financial institutions. Recently, urban renewal programs have been launched to keep the island safe and high-end for travelers. The country as the third highest per capita income in the West and is the most successful country in the Caribbean. The climate in the Bahamas is beautiful and comparable to the Florida climate enjoyed in cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Although the islands are highly susceptible to hurricanes, they usually have a very tropical and pleasant weather, influences heavily by the waters of the Gulf Stream.

If you are traveling to the Bahamas from the United States, the closest island is Bimini, known as the gateway to Bahamas. Here, they cater to tourists. Andros Island, which is to the south of Bimini, is the largest island in this chain, and the largest city on the island is the capital, Nassau, which is located on the island of New Providence. Other larger islands in this chain include Eleuthera, Cat Island, San Salvador, Crooked Island, Exuma, Acklins, and Long Island.

A number of great festivals take place in the Bahamas, so you can enjoy things like the Crab Fest on the island of Andros and the Puneapple Fest on the island of Eleuthera. This is also the birthplace of the rhythmic musical genera junkanoo, which is played heavily at festivals. Rake and scrape, calypso, and hymnals are also important in these islands.

If you decide to travel to the Bahamas to visit one or more of the great islands, you will have a variety of activities from which to choose. There are water sports like sailing and jet skiing to help fill your days, or you can relax on the beautiful sandy beaches near the clear ocean water. A variety of tourist attractions and tours can also be a part of your Bahamas vacation. Be sure that you book your trip well in advance to get the best prices and to be sure you have the chance to do everything you want to do while traveling in this Caribbean paradise.

Vermont Skiing – Top Choice for Many Skiers

Vermont skiing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the state of Vermont and has long been an integral part of the state’s tourism. In fact, many consider Vermont to be the birthplace of skiing in the United States. A winter experience in Vermont combines great skiing with the charm of its villages.

While Vermont skiing is enjoyed best in winter, many ski resorts are open year-round in this area. There are many full service ski resorts with impressive downhill trails and snow coverage whether for Alpine skiing or cross-country skiing. While there are advanced skiers will be satisfied with the challenging trails, there are also areas designed for beginners so skiers of all levels will surely enjoy Vermont skiing.

Booking a Vermont skiing holiday is easy. There are plenty of places to stay in Vermont whether vacationers want mountain lodge or somewhere close to a ski resort. Enjoy Vermont skiing in any of the Northern, Central and Southern resorts in the Vermont area. These resorts are 4 to 6 hours away from New York and 2 to 4 hours away from Boston.

The types of accommodation available are bed and breakfasts, inns, condominiums, lodges, hotels or motels. As you can see, there is no shortage of places to stay. Room rates vary from US$ 48 for a condominium room to US$2000 for an upscale hotel room or mountain lodge. The average room rate per night is around US$100 to US$200.

Vermont skiing packages are also available from many ski resorts in the area. These packages will not only save you money but offers you a stress-free holiday. For instance, vacationers can try an all-inclusive package where lift tickets and daily meals are included with accommodation as well as rentals and skiing lessons. There are Vermont Skiing packages for beginners aged 6 to 12 years old, which offers 1-hour group skiing lesson, rentals and tickets to a beginner skiing area. You can also look for packages designed for kids, families and couples.

Vermont is very accessible. You can get there by plane, car or train. There are plenty of international flights into New England as well as connecting flights to Vermont from New York, Boston, Philadelphia and other cities in the region. By car, Vermont skiing resorts are easily accessible through Interstate 89, Interstate 91 and VT Route 100. To travel by train, board the Amtrak, which has daily trips to Vermont from New York City, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia.

The Foreign Exchange or Forex Market is potentially more profitable and easier to trade than the stock market, yet few people take the time to learn about Forex trading principles.

The good news, whether you are experienced in Forex trading, or if you’re an equity trader looking at the Forex market for the first time, is that many of the techniques that are used when trading equities are equally as valuable when they are used in Forex trading. The principles of Fundamental analysis are a good example, so let’s take a closer look.

When you are trading in the equities market you use fundamental analysis techniques to determine the long-term value of a company and the likelihood that it will continue to generate returns that are in line with your investment goals.

When you are trading in the Forex market, you are attempting to predict long term currency trends utilizing basic financial data about the country pairs behind the currencies you are considering trading.

Many traders in the Forex market use Forex trading fundamental analysis techniques to predict long-term economic trends that will affect a currency pair and believe that it is not a technique that suits short-term Forex traders. However, the dedicated Forex trading professional who keeps up-to-date on the data used to predict these long-term trends can also easily become adept at spotting “mini-trends” that become obvious when the collected data is analyzed.

The use of fundamental analysis in Forex trading requires you to analyze economic indicators such as Inflation Rate, Unemployment Rate, Interest Rates, Gross National Product (GNP), Retail Sales, Consumer Price Index (CPI), Non-Farm Payroll, and the sales of Durable Goods.

While all of these indicators are readily available, fundamental analysis in the Forex market also requires you to be aware of each country’s political climate as well as world trends that could have a trickle-down effect such as changes in tourism to that particular region, trade embargos, threat of war, and the potential for economy-disrupting natural disasters to occur within the region.

While the process of performing technical analysis on a company is much easier than performing it on two separate countries, it is worth both the time as well as the effort to learn the techniques if you want to be “ahead of the pack” by being able to predict Forex market trends before most of the world’s Forex trading investors wake up to an opportunity that you spotted long ago.

Namibia Casinos

The number of Namibia’s casinos is likely to increase markedly in the years to come. For the past ten years, since recently after the country gained true independence (it was ruled by a South African backed regime for a long time) until now, there has been a ban on the issuance of new casino licenses. In fact, the hunger for more licenses was such that at least one official from the licensing board was able to, for a short time at least, greatly boost his salary by offering fake licenses until he was discovered, however. The end result seems to have been that from May 2006 the Government has done the sensible thing. If people are willing to pay for the right to set up Namibia’s casinos, it seems only sensible that the Namibian Government, rather than one of its officials on the sly, get the money, don’t you think?

The reason for the expansion shouldn’t be hard to see. In common with other countries of southern Africa, there is a great desire to expand the tourist trade. Other than diamonds and cattle ranching, Namibia doesn’t have a great deal else to develop (although economics wonks are very impressed with the way they have managed their fisheries, but that’s another matter). The tourist trade would be based on two things: safaris and pitching the idea of winter sun and warmth to Northern Europeans, desperate to escape the Northern Hemisphere winter.

Here’s a list of current Namibia casinos:

Swakopmund: Mermaid Casino and Swakopmund Hotel

There are 170 slot and video poker machines and tables for American roulette (three), poker (three), blackjack (four), Hold’em and stud poker tables.

Windhoek: Desert Jewel Casino and Windhoek Country Club

There are 200 slot and video poker machines and American roulette (one table), poker (two tables), and blackjack (four tables).

Kalahari Sands Hotel & Casino

There are 200 slot and video poker machines and blackjack tables (four), poker (one), and American roulette (three). It’s worth noting that this casino is owned and run by Sol International, the same people who set up the famous Sun City.

So, the future of Namibia’s casino industry looks bright. The hunger for more licenses was so great that people were willing to pay for them under the table and the Government has finally relented and agreed that more legal ones will be issued. With the involvement of the large international gaming companies, it looks as if both the casino industry and the tourism industry will be greatly expanded.