The Real Bond Experience – The Caribbean
November 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
There’s one certainty with James Bond. As a member of MI6, he’s bound to leave England’s shores for every mission. No matter the particulars, Bond always manages to find himself in exciting situations and exotic surroundings. As winter closes in it’s more and more tempting to be more Bond ourselves and travel to warmer climes. The most Bondian destination? A Caribbean holiday.
Which Bond are you?
With the exception of Lazenby and Dalton, every Bond has found their way to the shores of at least one if not more of the islands in the Caribbean, and the area has often been the background for entire films. The island chain encapsulates the anticipation, excitement and exoticism of the whole franchise and is the perfect place for Bonds, Bond girls and even younger recruits.
Connery’s Classic Caribbean holiday
Lovers of Connery’s classic Bond will be drawn towards Jamaica as their destination. The island boasts the golden beaches and crystal clear waters you’d expect of a Caribbean holiday experience, with diving and sea life worthy of Thunderball and Dr.No. If you prefer your Bond experiences to be land based you can visit Ian Fleming’s home, “Goldeneye”, and see the place where he created his most famous character. No matter how you choose to spend your time while there, Jamaica’s laid back mood is infectious, leaving you no choice but to relax and let the experience wash over you.
The Moore Exotic holiday
Roger Moore’s Safari suited Bond travelled to the fictional San Monique Island in “Live or Let Die”, encountering both the dark voodoo and the vivacious lifestyle of the archipelago. If you want to follow in his footsteps, indulging the love of a raised eyebrow coupled with a bon mot or two is easiest on the smaller islands in the region. Going further a field than the larger islands will reveal more hidden treasures than your typical luxury Caribbean holiday, and caters for those who like the idea of an original and spicy trip. One example is Montserrat, an island with a visibly active volcano at one end and famous music recording studio at the other! The smaller islands will also appeal to those who want a secluded Caribbean holiday on a beach with no one for miles around. Many are only accessible by boat, ensuring your privacy and relaxation in the arms of the Bond or Bond girl of your choice.
Exploring the Caribbean with Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan’s Bond had the feeling of an explorer, of the new discovering the old. The ninety’s “Goldeneye” 007 travelled to the Arecibo telescope in Puerto Rico to save the world, but you can enjoy it without having to beat a super villain. Puerto Rico is America’s undiscovered commonwealth and this influence can be seen in their culture and customs. However there is an underlying cushion of American style and rigidity in Puerto Rico.
For the truly adventurous Caribbean holiday you can try Brosnan’s other Caribbean trip in “Die another Day”, experiencing the political, social and traditional world of communist Cuba. A true Caribbean holiday in Cuba means experiencing the Cuban way of life Bond style; deep sea fishing, culinary delights and, should you desire, the finest cigars in the world.
The Daniel Craig Experience
The current Bond brings luxury, thrill and danger back into the series, having Daniel Craig visit Nassau and the ultra luxurious Ocean Club and Atlantis Paradise Island resort. As luxury Caribbean holidays go, the Bahamas are the cream of the crop. The islands have everything from high rolling casinos to five star resorts and create the ultimate “Casino Royale” experience.
Top billing goes to the Atlantis resort, a hotel eager to indulge your every whim in style. All you’d expect from a five star resort, the Atlantis also boasts dance floors and clubs, casinos and experiences such as swimming with dolphins or meeting pop groups. However, for the ultimate in Bond you can’t beat going to the Ocean Club (Aston Martin optional). Hit the tables at the club itself, staying the night or just until you break the bank. Nothing is more 007.
Everybody wants to be, or be with Bond, and what better time of year to indulge? Whichever Bond you love, a Caribbean holiday is as close as you can get without joining MI6 – and much more fun in the long run!
Kieron Sellens is the marketing manager of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AiTO). With Caribbean holidays from AITO, you can tailor-make the dream holiday.
Travel to Your Destination in Europe
November 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
If you are booking a trip to Europe you will need a great hotel. Find a hotel that treats you well, has luxuries offered if you choose to use them such as a spa and indoor pool, a clean hotel, friendly hotel, and a hotel that will not break the bank. Or book an apartment or villa with the same top notch qualities.
Destination Europe may be the world’s second smallest continent but it contains in a whole load of several countries, each of them unique, and each one having that ‘special something’ that makes them one of the best holiday destination in the world.
Europe possesses 48 countries in total; variety in Europe is almost unparalleled, with a great mix of languages, foods, climates landscapes, religion and traditions. Sun yourself on Greece’s beaches, snuggle up in a log cabin in Norway, ski the Alps in Switzerland, eat pasta in Italy, drink vodka in Russia, dance salsa in Spain or visit Santa in Lapland.
Europe is the new desirable destination for personal, business and student travel. When traveling, for variable reasons, one must focus on the most important aspect of any voyage: insurance. This may be a thought pushed to the side as other preparations take precedence, such as exact location, travel details, packing – what to take and what not to take, etc. However, once in the area of destination anything can happen. It is best to be as prepared as possible. Take the time to read some of the latest insurance tips for travel, specifically to Greece. The destination point will be Greece; however, the tips will be helpful with traveling throughout all of Europe.
Enjoy traveling Europe. Maybe your destination is Cyprus. Cyprus is just like the postcard you envision. Crystal blue water of the Mediterranean Sea, soft sand, and lush meadows. All of this for you to sit back and just take in. You and your family may want to explore Cyprus. Or perhaps you and your spouse or significant other wants to get away for a romantic trip.
If your destination is Greece you can try many of the mouth watering Greek foods offered. Literally eat your way through Greece. Bring your camera to take photos of the rich history Greece has to offer. Your children will learn a lot by traveling with you. Or you and your loved one can walk the romantic streets of Greece together and enjoy each other’s company. Visions of brilliant sunsets reflecting off of the dark blue water and a glass of wine to relax and enjoy every single moment. Get lost in Greece’s pleasures.
Vacationing in Greece is a pleasure in any season. Most folks opt to visit Greece during the summer months, when the sun is high and the surf is warm. But little do people know that a visit to Greece during the winter months can be equally as exciting and fulfilling, and even more steeped in pure Greek culture.
Maybe you are going to the Greek Islands for your vacation. You can stay on one island or enjoy traveling from island to island to see as much as you are able. Take a sailboat or a yacht. Find out what each Greek Island has to offer. It will be educational, interesting and fun to meet the island people. Try different menus from each island. You will not find any bluer waters than on the Greek Islands.
Be treated the way you deserve to especially on your vacation travels. Create memories to last a lifetime. Escape now.
Nick Nikolis is working in Atlantica Hotels and Resorts as It manager in Rhodos. Atlantica Hotels and Resorts is a Europe Hotels chain currently offering lodging services in Cyprus Greece and Egypt. Check here Greece Hotels and Cyprus Hotels.
Thinking of Traveling in Greece? This Travel Guide Will Help You
November 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Greece is an easy place to visit and enjoy, as no immunizations are needed and credit cards work great. There are ample ATM machines with instructions in English. Almost everyone in Greece speaks at least some English. The recommendation is to pack lightly as shopping is part of the fun in Greece with extensive variety and styles available. If you are from a small list of countries, you will need a VISA. This list can be found at the Greek consulate or embassy. In planning your trip, it is good to work with a knowledgeable Greek at a travel agency.
If you plan to see the Greek islands, ferry boats are the best way to do this. They are inexpensive, relaxing scenic. If you plan to go to some of the farther islands, the ferries usually leave in the evening. You will want to book a cabin ahead of time as it is nice to go to sleep in your cabin and wake up in the morning on your Island of destination. During the week of Easter, around August 15th and Fridays in July and August, these ferries are quite full. It is best to plan you trips in advance to be sure to get a space . Also plan to stay in Athens a couple days before your flight leaves as the ferries can sometimes have mechanical problems and you could miss your flight if you were relying on the ferry to get you there directly at flight time. There is not always direct access between every island. Sometimes a trip to another island may require a trip to the mainland first. Two, Three, Four and Five island combination packages are available.
Each Greek Island offers unique enjoyments and beauty. Here is a summary of the main islands and their appeal.
Sifnos – This is Great island for children as the beach at Karmari is shallow. There are many cafes and restaurants near. Located here is one the the most beautiful beach towns in Greece, Platyialos.
Lesvos – A country in itself, it is the third largest island and contains mountains, two inland seas, pine forests, and olive groves. The seas provide a wide variety of marine and wildlife. It is a great place for birdwatching. It also contains medieval castles, ancient ruins and a Turkish bazaar-like city market.
Santorini – This is the number one destination in Greece. It has a giant volcanic caldera whose drama rivals that of the Grand Canyon and is known for its beautiful romantic sunsets. It is great for honeymooners.
Ios – This island is great for people under 25. It is known as a perpetual party place for the young.
Mykonos – Visited by almost every famous person, it has many white cube houses and amazing beaches. The famous clothing-optional Paradise Beach is there.
Rhodes – The southern part of this island is a mecca for windsurfers. Rhodes also contains the walled fortress of the castle of the knights of Saint John and has great beaches, nightlife and some of the most beautiful scenery in Greece.
Paros – This island is famous for watersports and is the windsurfing capital of the Greek Islands.
Mainland Greece is best explored by taxi or a share limos which can be less costly then large tours. Some great places to see on the mainland are the region of Peloponessos which is known as the true Greece. It is known for its great beaches, seas, mountains, and rich archeological sights. It has interesting towns such as Githeon and the Byzantine city of Mystras overlooking Sparta. Other attractions are the Diros Caves and the volcano at Saritorini. The Mount Pelion Peninsula is known as the Colorado Rockies of the Aegean.
Athens is a place you must see if visiting Greece. Transportation is easy with access to buses, taxis and ferries. The metro station will get you to the island ferries. You might want to stay in the number of towns bordering the Acropolis. The Monastiriki Flea Market, Atticka Zoological Park and Museums such as the Benaki Museum and National museums are places to see.. The downtown area is a shoppers paradise with access to inexpensive gold jewelry.
Greece offers a world of entertainment in itself. About everything you would want to see or do on a vacation can be found there.
Nick Nikolis is working in Atlantica Hotels and Resorts as It manager in Rhodos. Atlantica Hotels and Resorts is a Europe Hotels chain currently offering lodging services in Cyprus Greece and Egypt. Check here Greece Hotels and Cyprus Hotels.