Looking for Adventure, Beauty, Culture and a Unique Vacation? Then Choose Ecuador

The Inherent Beauty of Ecuador

Ecuador isn’t always the first place that comes to mind when you are thinking about planning an ideal vacation or a unique getaway. With that said, it really should be. Ecuador is located in the Andes and is full of unique experiences, idyllic attractions and offers intrigue and excitement for all kinds of travelers. You can trek through the Amazon, lay back on pristine beaches and climb your way to the top of volcanoes. While there is no end to the places you can visit in Ecuador, you would regret not visiting the historic and world famous Galapagos Islands. Here are some of the best places to visit and a few reasons why you should put Ecuador on your list of possible vacation destinations.

Quito

Quito is the capital of Ecuador and is full of culture and majestic architecture. It is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in all of South America and is covered in awe-inspiring white houses with red roofs. If you are used to living in a large city you will be pleasantly surprised by the lack of lights, bustle and concrete design in Quito.

The climate in the area is considered to be eternally spring as it is surrounded by snow covered mountains, yet warm enough to enjoy the beaches. Quito is referred to as the gateway to the Amazon and is full of lively outdoor cafes and entertainment. There are economic problems in the area, so be sure to keep your cash hidden and be weary of pick pockets.

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands can be found approximately 600 miles off of the mainland of Ecuador and are home to some of the most mystifying creatures and inherent natural beauty. There are 13 different islands that you can tour and there will be no shortage of experiences and wildlife that you will come across. The best way to get there is via boat and you will have to purchase an affordable entry permit, but it will be well worth it.

Volcano Avenue

Just south of Quito you can find the infamous volcanoes that run down the side of the valley. The mountain sides are covered in dormant volcanoes that provide a uniquely beautiful backdrop. There are a number of old fashioned villages dotted throughout the area that really give it a classic, old fashioned feel.

San Lorenzo Railway

If it is adventure and a unique experience that you are after, then grab a ride on the San Lorenzo Railway. It is more than just a train ride as you will be taken through some of the most beautiful landscapes and scenery in the world. The truly unique part is that the train is not necessarily a train. It is an old fashioned bus that has been converted into being able to ride the tracks.
Ecuador can best be described as an exotic location, full of unique experiences, that is off the beaten path. The entire country is full of attractions and beauty. The next time you are planning a vacation getaway, it is in your best interest to look into Ecuador and consider the memories that you can create there.

For more information on a vacation to Ecuador and facts you need to know, please visit http://www.fodors.com/community/south-america/ecuador-and-galapagos.cfm

A Memorable Trip to Fiji; The Perfect Cheap Holiday

A Sunset you will Never Forget

There has been a lot said about Fiji and the surrounding islands in the last few years, and to be honest, not much of it has been positive. There has been economic turmoil and political instability, along with some severe weather conditions. However, whether you are an adventure seeker or looking for that perfect romantic getaway, Fiji can be the perfect cheap holiday. A lot of the issues have been resolved or were blown out of proportion and you can take advantage of this. There are an abundance of cheap vacation spots in Fiji and it is easy to barter and negotiate for lower prices when it comes to renting villas, booking flights and engaging in daily tours. At present, the islands of Fiji provide the ultimate mix of relaxation, romance and adventure at an affordable price.

Let’s take a look at what your typical cheap holiday in Fiji may look like. For starters, if you have traveled before then you know just how costly resorts and hotels can be. You are looking at easily paying upwards of a couple of hundred dollars per night. If you do your research and look around, especially on websites like www.vrbo.com, you can find a number of villas for rent that will allow you to create the perfect self catered holiday, at a very impressive discounted rate. The longer you stay, the better price you will receive. You may notice that some villas hover around the $900 USD a week mark, but if you inquire about a month stay, the owners will usually give you a considerable discount of sometimes even up to half price. This is why so many people are leaning towards self catered vacations for the perfect cheap holiday in Fiji.

Fiji offers some of the most dazzling and memorable attractions in the world, and you can tour the islands easily and get from place to place quite quickly, especially if you hire a car service or rent a vehicle of your own. You can start out visiting the Naihehe Caves which offer an excellent look into the culture and history of the Fijian people, and then end up on one of the world’s best beaches. Natadola Beach has everything a beach lover could want from shaded trees to endless white sand and even the opportunity to ride a horse along the water.

After that you can make the short trek to Nadi and visit the temples and historic religious sites and simply enjoy the majestic architecture and flavor of Fiji in all its glory. From there it is just a hop, skip and a jump to Suva which is one of the most festive areas of the island. You can enjoy a cheap night out on the town and visit the colorful flea markets around town. It is the perfect place to stock up on souvenirs from your cheap holiday to Fiji.

This is just a small glimpse of some of the things you can enjoy in Fiji while stretching your dollar as far as possible. You also do not want to miss out on Taveuni Island where you can find one of the top natural trails in the world, the Lavena Coastal Walk and the spectacular Tavoro waterfalls. Possibly the best part about a trip to Fiji is that there are all these options when it comes to entertainment, but you are not forced into any of it. You can simply kick back in your villa, relax in the sun and sip a cocktail if that is what you are into. Fiji is a one place fits all destination and an affordable opportunity that you do not want to let slip away.

For more information on the wonderful activities and opportunities available in Fiji, feel free to visit

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/fiji

Top 10 Places to Travel on a Budget

If you are like most folks these days you are on a budget. Whether you have been affected financially due to the slumping economy or not you are probably watching what you spend. Fortunately, even if you are on a budget there are some places you can travel that offer fun and excitement even when you don’t have much to spend. Read more

Budget Travel for the Unemployed

Regardless of whether you are gainfully employed or not you will still want to take a vacation to enjoy your family, friends, and some free time away from the stress of looking for a job. Luckily, there are quite a few ways you can travel on a budget even if you are currently unemployed. The following are a few of the ways you can save money and still have a great vacation!

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5 Simple Packing tips

When I initially began to write this article, I have to admit I was a little skeptical. I couldn’t help imagining obsessive compulsives all over the world (including my dad) fervently taking notes from their computer or printing this very article to tape on their suitcase. But upon further consideration I began to recall vacations I had so gloriously embarked upon, only to find my belongings jammed hap-hazardly in my suitcase topped with a perfume-soaked sock swimming in a flower-scented river(the culprit being a melted lady speed stick). And So I have come to realize that this article is not just for those who color-code their sock drawer, or only eat their cookies in odd numbers, oh no…these tips are for everyone (including the girl with the crusty wrinkled clothes and the Calvin Klein scented tube socks).
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Mongolia

Known as “The Land of Blue Sky” in ancient east-Asian lore, Mongolia spread culture and language westward, creating the legends and allure that brought Marco Polo to the Far East, inspired the poetry of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Dinosaur hunters to the Gobi desert. For my own part, it was continued exploration of the effects of Soviet-era occupation in Asian lands that drew me to this faraway nation, a newer democracy.

Las Vegas: A Guide for Families

Las Vegas is a timeless multi-billion dollar glittering icon, covering the sins which earned it the moniker "sin city" with a veneer of class. In the recent years, Vegas has made an incredible comeback as the previously proclaimed adult playground, with breathtaking new casinos, shows, and clubs while still maintaining the old school excitement that has attracted so many jack-pot seekers over the decades.
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