A cruise through the South Pacific is one of the most exotic cruises available in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Located all the way on the other side of the world from the United States, the Pacific island nations of French Polynesia, New Zealand, and Australia are often overlooked as a cruise destination because the flight to the port of call is usually very long. However, anyone who has been on a cruise through the South Pacific will tell you that the vacation is well worth the long flight. A cruise is the best way to get the most out of your South Pacific vacation because it allows you to visit so many of the islands.

You’ll have a number of options for planning a cruise vacation through the South Pacific. The size of the ship you choose and the amount of time you want to spend on your vacation will determine the variety and number of ports you will be able to visit. There are two different types of itineraries available; loop cruises begin and end at the same point and usually call on ports in close proximity. South Pacific cruises to Tahiti are usually round-trip loop cruises. One-way cruises start at one port and end at another, normally spanning a greater distances. These include cruises between Australia and New Zealand.

If you are limited in vacation time but want to take a cruise through the South Pacific, a one week cruise to Tahiti is the right option for you. A typical one-week Tahiti cruise begins in Papeete, Tahiti, where the major airport is located. On the first day the cruise ship stays docked so cruisers have time for sightseeing and shopping. Then the cruise ship will make a loop through the islands with day-long stops at Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, and Bora Bora. Some ports might include an overnight stay. Longer South Pacific cruises around Tahiti of ten or eleven days are also occasionally available and include additional ports such as Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotus Islands.

If you have plenty of time to spend on your cruise vacation in the South Pacific, choose a trip down under for voyages of twelve to sixteen days. Most cruises begin in Sydney, Australia or Auckland, New Zealand for these one-way sailings. In addition to the major cities of both countries, itineraries may include Tauranga, Napier, Dunedin, or Christchurch in New Zealand, as well as Hobart or Burnie, Tasmania, in Australia. There will also be plenty of time for you to enjoy the amenities and entertainment on the cruise ship as you travel through the South Pacific because these types of cruises typically include five to six days at sea. Sometimes cruises between Sydney and Perth, Australia are available, which call on ports such as Adelaide on the south coast and bypass New Zealand altogether.

It is best to book your South Pacific cruise on the Internet in order to get the best deals. You may also want to contact a travel agent to be sure you are aware of all your South Pacific cruise vacation options before you make your final decision. No matter what itinerary or destination you choose, you will surely have the time of your life.

Candis Reade is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

To learn more about South Pacific cruise ship vacations, please visit Fun Cruise Site for current articles and discussions.

Foreigners and nationals can be informed, entertained and documented through the mass communication that exists in Panama. The great majority of the mass media provides complete information, making it easy for tourists to stay in our country. If you would like to read the newspaper, a magazine, watch television, listen to the radio or simply access Panamanian web pages.

Printed Media, the tourists favorites

Panamanian printed media are by excellence one of the tourist’s favorite means of communication. In this classification we can mention daily newspapers, weekly newspapers and the general information magazines. Printed media can be located by the elites to be informed as well as to inform. In Panama you can acquire these written media at pharmacies, supermarkets, grocers, newsstands and some banks.

This tropical country currently has the following newspapers: La Prensa(The Press), La Critica (The Critic), El Panama America, Mi Diario(My Diary), Dia a Dia(Day to Day), La Estrella de Panama(The Star of Panama), El Siglo(The Century), La Cronica(The Chronicle), Noti News and Panama News in English. When it comes to the most liked magazines we have Ellas (women), Panama Travel (tourism), Maga and Talingo (cultural type magazines).

The sensation of television

Television is one of the most liked mass media to be transmitted at a distance image in movements and sounds. The television channels in Panama offer an ample programming which includes entertainment (adult and children), news and educational programs. Among the main television channels we have:

• TVN - Channel 2: Televisora Nacional, includes varied programming. It has been ranked as the number one channel in popular acceptance. It has national production programs such as Vive la Musica (”Live the Music” American Idol type show), Hecho en Panama (Made in Panama), Ellas y Tu (The Girls and You) among others. While presenting novellas with a great number of viewers.
• Telemetro Panama: Offers a varied programming for adults and children. With regards to national production the favorites are Bailando por un Sueño (Dancing with the Stars), Buscando a Pepito (Looking for Little Johnny), Cuna de Acordiones (Crib of Accordions), Lo + Chic (The Most Chic), Selecta Magazine (Select Magazine), to name a few.
• Tele 7: A channel exclusively for children and adolescents. With cartoons, series, novellas and a strong national programming where programs such as el Colegial (The Schoolbus), Parkeando(Hanging Out), La Torre de los Sueños(The Tower of Dreams) and many more stand out.
• TV Max, Channel 9: The number one sports channel on Panamanian territory. Offers sports programming with great acceptance on behalf of foreigners as well as the nationals.
• RPC, Channel 4: this channel possesses a varied programming with movies and series to delight the viewing public. It is worth mentioning that shows like Puro Deporte(All Sports) as well as Noticias y Mas(News and More) have received good acceptance on behalf of the viewers.
• SERTV, Channel 11: an educational channel, presents programming focused on knowing the cultural history of Panama.

It is important to point out that the radio stations have good programming for foreigners and nationals that enjoy music as well as educational programs, news, etc.

Ilya, The owner of Interpanama.com Writes exclusively regarding Panama Real Estate Agency. Read more interesting story about Panama City and mass media in panama in detail.

Rainbow Beach has everything to offer the adventurous sun seeker, with camping spots in every direction, the world’s largest sand island a short ferry ride away and spectacular coloured sands along the coastline. A hire car is the ideal choice to visit this region as you can pick and choose your favourite location to base yourself and spend the rest of your holiday enjoying the idyllic surroundings.

Located close to three hours drive from Brisbane, it is easily reached via the Bruce Highway just past Gympie. It is often known as the gateway to Fraser Island and is surrounded by the incredible Great Sandy National Park. On the final stretch into town there are tall trees on either side of the road, and thick forest as far as the eye can see. These eventually lead to white endless beaches popular for camping.

There are two camping grounds that stand out from the rest, Rainbow Waters Caravan Park, accessible just as you enter the town, and Rainbow Village Caravan Park, located in the heart of town. We have enjoyed numerous family holidays at these locations and each have a different atmosphere and cater to most travellers.

At Rainbow Waters, we noticed there was plenty of space for everyone, with trees and grasslands surrounding the entire park you feel instantly relaxed. Camp fires are permitted, great for that Billy tea and damper. There are pelicans on the river bank waiting to greet you, with the nearby jetty the best place to watch the fishing boats. With excellent amenities, a kiosk and restaurant nearby, it is an ideal place to set up especially if you have a boat and are keen to fish or get out into the calm waters. Bring the insect repellent as the midges come out at dusk.

Rainbow Village is fantastic for families with the pool and playground, barbeque areas and great facilities, and as it is within walking distance from the beach it is an ideal choice for those who want to be close to everything. Head to the beach in the afternoon to fish for dinner and enjoy the beach air. You might to need to call ahead to ensure there is plenty of spots still available, as it is very popular. Come prepared with as much of your own food as you can bring as there is only one grocery shop which can be expensive. We caught our dinners as much as possible, adding to the family fun.

There are a number of natural tourist attractions within easy reach. The coloured sands are the most popular, with bright red, orange and yellow sands amazing to look at. You can climb to the top of some of these sand dunes for incredible panoramic views of the coast. The combination of colourful sands with the long stretches of beach and deep blue waters is what attracts visitors from all over the world to stay in this untouched paradise. Surprisingly, tourism has not affected the friendly township and it is easy to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.

You can’t visit Rainbow Beach without a taste of Fraser Island. As the only way to travel around the sand island is by four wheel drive, you might want to look at the number of excellent day trips available. Choose from a number of walking, adventure or short day tours available which can be easily organised from the mainland. The ferry leaves from Inskip Point, which is also a haven for campers and fishermen.

Fraser is beautiful rain or shine. We headed out in the middle of a thunderstorm, and the scenery was still breathtaking. There was thick birdlife in every direction, giant trees in every direction, and freshwater lakes that are like an oasis within an oasis. Lake McKenzie is the most popular, the white sands setting off the blue of the lake beautifully. Lake Wabby can only be reached by a half hour relatively easy walk. It is the deepest lake on the island and is surrounded by sweeping sand dunes.

If you have the time, it is worth driving further north to visit Tin Can Bay, the main attraction being the dolphin feeding which start at 8am through to 11am. The drive is fantastic and it is worth a day trip to see this unique town. Rainbow Beach is unique in many ways, and is the ideal holiday destination. Come any time of the year and enjoy the chance to unwind and explore on the most beautiful places on earth.

Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After spending her leisure time writing time writing children’s stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For more of her articles visit Car Hire Australia

Tony Morrison, a fired travel agent, has divulged a massive amount of information from the travel industry that could save the air traveler and vacationer literally thousands of dollars in air travel, resort and hotel accommodations, cruises, and much more. You will be given the resources to:

-knock $100 off your next airfare
-use thousands of discounts on your next vacation
-get free vouchers for airfare tickets with one phone call and a few “magic words”
-get free upgrades on hotel and car rentals
-get a 75% discount on your next international flight
-turn a budget flight into a dream vacation
-know which days of the week you should book your flights to save you money
-get free food on your flight, and the list goes on and on.

Tony actually MADE money from his flight package on a trip to Japan. Talk about a must-have! Tony demonstrates all the secrets that we can use to manipulate the system to work in our favor every time we book a flight. He has exposed the tricks and lies that airlines use to bilk more money out of the ticket buyer, leaving him completely unaware that he was robbed. With his knowledge, the ticket buyer now has the upper hand.

Finally, a whistle blower that can do the average consumer a world of good. You can be sure the airlines are not happy about this. But Tony was willing, and even eager to get this information into the hands of those that can use it, which is all of us.

Click here for details on how to get information that will keep more money in your wallet for the vacation you deserve to have.

http://radcoreps-cheapairfare.blogspot.com

Dubai’s Dramatic Transformation: A Front Row Seat

In 2000, I arrived in Dubai the morning after Ramadan had started. There were giant photos welcoming their much beloved leader H. H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan back to the United Arab Emirates. (He was returning from having a kidney transplant in the USA.) Dubai was beautifully decorated with the same lights we use for Christmas trees in the west, however this was for Ramadan. This created a dreamlike quality and I remember thinking “A futuristic Arabian Nights fantasy.”

My first trip to Dubai was short. It was just a few glorious days of truly memorable experiences including my first desert safari and an enchanting Dhow dinner cruise on the Dubai Creek. I was mesmerized by the view as I floated past the Dubai Heritage Village while nibbling on chocolate delicacies. I was certain it was so certain that this was a dream that I kept pinching myself. After I returned to Canada, I never stopped talking about my incredible journey.

One incident that stands out in my mind happened after a riding lesson at the Dubai Polo Club. I relaxed and watched some polo. When I was ready to leave, I went to call taxi. A handsome polo player from Rajasthan offered me a lift back to the hotel. My father’s words “Never take a ride from a stranger echoed in my mind”. I politely declined with my usual “Oh I wouldn’t want to take you out of your way.” His response was “Out of my way? The whole place is about 5 miles wide.” I laughed accepted his offer and he safely took me to my destination in no time flat. At the time, I had no idea how dramatically Dubai was about to change.

On that trip, I met an elderly couple from the UK. The husband told me that when he had been in Dubai to help put in the infrastructure for electricity, the area around the clock was desert. At that time, the clock tower was a prominent landmark. When I went to Dubai in 2007 and 2008, I couldn’t even find the clock. It had been dwarfed by all of the new developments. In January, 2007, as I travelled downtown from the beach where I was staying, I counted 100 mega high rises under construction before I gave up and stopped counting. This was an area that, at the time of my first trip was just desert and beach. On that same trip, as the taxi took me out to Bab Al Shams to go riding, I noticed huge displays in the desert showcasing the shape of things to come. That part of the desert is slated for development and 40 upscale luxury resorts will soon be springing from the desert sands.

Dubai: An Incredible Incentive Travel Destination

They say that the Dubai skyline changes every 6 months. I had a chance to actually put this to the test in 2007 and 2008 by visiting every few months and it’s true. I like to think of Dubai as not one but 3 dramatically different incentive travel destinations, the Dubai of the past, present and future.

Dubai of the past includes Deira and the area around the Dubai Creek.

In Dubai of the present, an area of explosive growth, you’ll see glistening skyscrapers under construction and modern shopping centres. It can best be seen from the upper floors of any of the beach hotels.

Dubai of the future includes the Palm Island trilogy and The Map. It also takes in the part of the desert slated for development that I described earlier. You’ll pass this area on your way to the Bab Al Shams resort.

It has been a pleasure to watch the new Dubai take shape and each time I return, I look forward to seeing the dramatic transformation that has taken place.

Surefire Tips for Amazing Incentive Travel in Dubai

If you’re considering Dubai as the destination for your next incentive trip, I hope that you will find some of these suggestions based on what I have observed during the last 8 1/2 years to be of value. Keeping these guidelines in mind will ensure your comfort and help you spend an enjoyable and memorable time in Dubai. It will be a unique incentive trip that your group will talk about for years.

1. Plan well ahead for lowest airfares and best accommodation in Dubai.

The most important thing to remember is that it is important to plane WELL ahead, especially if your group is large. As hotel space becomes scarcer, prices do go up for accommodation and airline flights. Popular hotels like the One and Only Royal Mirage and Madinat Jumeriah’s Al Qasr sell out really fast. To avoid disappointment, some of the most popular attractions must also be reserved well ahead of time to ensure availability for groups.

2. Schedule your trip between October and April.

The best time to travel is between mid October and the end of April. At that time the temperatures are more comfortable and you can spend more time outdoors. Be flexible with your dates and don’t lock them in until you have given your incentive travel planner an opportunity to confirm availability of hotels and attractions. It would be a shame to lose out on an incredible location that could have been available if your dates had been more flexible.

3. Build in enough time for your group to experience the local culture.

Add an extra day to your group’s itinerary so that you can have a chance to explore the heritage section and get a sense of Dubai’s rich history and culture. Why go to Dubai and not see it? Why travel to a foreign destination and learn nothing about the people and their culture? If you just plan to sit in meeting rooms, lie on the beach, and get drunk, you may as well stay home and save yourself some money.

4. Double check visa requirements.

Visa requirements changed dramatically as of August 1, 2008 so make certain that you carefully verify what is required. Upon arrival, you will fill in an immigration and customs form. A portion of the card will be retained and you will be required to surrender it upon departure so don’t lose it.

5. Stay out of trouble.

Remember:

• Illegal drugs are a definite no-no and penalties are STIFF. Remember that American TV commercial from a number of years ago? “When you’re busted for drug over there, you’re in for the hassle of your life.” My advice is don’t even think about it.
  
• Even some prescription medication that is perfectly legal in North America and Europe is prohibited (e.g. codeine).
  
• Some drugs that are over the counter in other countries are controlled substances in UAE. It is always best to check ahead of time and to carry your prescription and the original container.
  (Check with your nearest United Arab Emirates consulate for updates before departure)
  
• Pornography is prohibited and possession carries stiff penalties.

6. Take precautions for the climate.

Dubai is ultra modern. It’s easy to forget that you are in what was up until recently a desert:

• Wear a scarf or hat to protect your head from the sun and avoid sunstroke.
• To avoid dehydration, ALWAYS carry a bottle of water with you and drink plenty of it.
• Apply sunscreen liberally and often.
• Be sure to pack cotton shirts, dresses, and blouses to ensure comfort.

7. Plan around the traffic.

Until the LRT is ready in September 2009, traffic congestion will continue to be a problem. Plan your itinerary and then book your accommodation so that you are close to the attractions you want to see on certain days. For example, if you want to explore the heritage area, stay in Deira for a night or two. Arrange a late check-in at your beach hotel and travel at night after at night after your Dhow cruise. This will be much more comfortable than sitting in gridlock for hours at time during the day.

8. Respect traditions.

The lifestyle in Dubai is opulent. I’ve never seen so many Ferraris and custom made Mercedes Benz’s in my life. You will find that the architecture and technology is even more advanced than what you’re used to back home. It’s easy to forget that you’re in a Muslim country with a vastly different culture from North America or Europe. Remember that the United Arab Emirates is rooted in tradition and a proud history.

Make sure that your group is aware of local customs and that you respect them. Here are some examples:

• Show respect for your hosts and keep noise level to a minimum during prayer time.
• When eating, be sure to remember to avoid using the left hand as this is reserved sanitary functions and it is considered to be unclean to use the left hand at the dining table.
• Consumption of alcohol is permitted at some hotels, restaurants, night spots, and tourist attractions. Other than these venues, alcohol should never be consumed in public. You can actually be charged for being drunk in public.
• Neighbouring Sharjah is a dry Emirate and penalties for possession or consumption of alcohol are STIFF. Don’t even think of taking it there.
• Kissing, holding hands or making out in public are not considered to be appropriate in public.
• Don’t even think of having sex in public. (Michelle Palmer and Vince Acors recently learned this the hard way after their arrest on Jumeirah Beach.)
• Sex between unmarried couples is illegal and you are unlikely to be permitted to check into a hotel with someone who is not your spouse.
• Women should not even think of topless sunbathing.
• Nude sunbathing and changing of clothes in public is to be avoided by both sexes. (Authorities have recently cracked down on this and there have been numerous arrests.)

9. Dress modestly.

While Dubai is more tolerant than some other Muslim countries and you will see some tourists wearing bikinis on public beaches, out of respect for your hosts, it is best to opt for a modest swimsuit.

• Long walking shorts are fine for the beach, resorts and desert safari but, other than that, they should be avoided.
• Women should be sure to wear blouses and dresses with sleeves that come to just above the elbows or longer.
• Sleeveless tops are frowned upon for men and women but especially for women.
• Skirts and dresses should be to the knees or longer.
• Showing cleavage is a definite no-no.

10. Include attractions that are unique to Dubai in your group’s itinerary

• A MUST: A tour of the heritage section including Dubai Heritage Village, the Dubai Museum, the gold and spice souks, lunch at Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency, and a Dhow Dinner Cruise
• A desert safari (overnight for a special treat)
• Jumana Desert Show
• A day trip to Al Ain
• A Day trip to Abu Dhabi

12. Don’t Pack Your Itinerary. Give your group some free time.

It is important to give your group some time to relax, unwind and see Dubai their way. Some members of your party may want to play golf. Others may prefer to go horse riding in the desert or skiing at Ski Dubai. Others may want to relax on the beach or book some treatments at the spa. Provide your group with a list of options and give them an opportunity to customize their experience.

Shopping is an important par of any trip to Dubai. People look forward to it.

Best Shopping: Souk at Madinat Jumeirah, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta (named after the great Arabian explorer), Gold Souk, Spice Souk.

13. Build at least one luxury excursion into your budget.

There will be no shortage of options but here are a few ideas:

• Upgrade your Desert Safari to 5 star
• Dinner in the Sky
• Afternoon tea at the Burj Al Arab
• A helicopter tour of Dubai
• Hot air ballooning over the Desert

Anne Thornley-Brown is the President of Executive Oasis International, a Toronto based firm that regularly organizes incentive travel, executive retreats and team building in Dubai, Oman, Jamaica and Canada. Their clients have included a number of Middle Eastern and gulf companies. Executive Oasis Internatinal provides a one stop shopping service with a personalized approach to incentive travel for corporate groups of up to 25. Customized itineraries include travel, transfers, hotel, tours, team building activities, business facilitation, and event planning.

For Help in Planning your Trip:

Incentive Travel

Survivor Team Building