There are many things to see and do in the Arenal area. But none of them would be there if not for the main attraction: the explosive lava flows of Arenal Vocano.

Arenal Volcano is currently celebrating 39 years of continuous eruptions after a very long 400 year sleep. Since that initial and deadly eruption on June 29, 1968 - the result of a massive earthquake - the volcano has been producing huge ash columns, explosions & glowing red lava almost every day. Unfortunately, you can’t see any of this from a safe distance during the day (a few people have died trying…).

But on a clear night, it’s a different story altogether. Lava and glowing hot boulders shoot into the air and then smash down onto the mountain, exploding and creating a fireworks show visible for miles around.

While the original 1968 eruption wiped out the entire populations of the villages of Tabacon and Pueblo Nuevo, there haven’t been any really dangerous eruptions since. But since the lava flows have been constant and visible ever since (although visibility is truly weather dependent), Geologists consider Arenal Volcano one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world and the single most active in Costa Rica.

Since the eruptions are only visible at night, a myriad of activities has cropped up to keep you entertained during the day.

Take a relaxing hot spring bath at the Tabacon or Baldi hotels (signs for both are all over the area). Take a heart pounding zip line tour over the rainforest canopy. Rent an ATV for a couple of hours and explore the areas many secluded trails. Or do the same on a bicycle.

If you like the outdoors, you won’t be bored in the Arenal area.

Things you should know about Arenal:

• The main attraction, the lava flows, are only visible on clear nights. You should plan to spend at least 2 nights in Arenal in case of cloud cover, which is frequent. Three nights is an even better idea.
• You don’t have to go to the park to see the “fireworks.” There are many places on the side of the road that offer and equally compelling view, and so do many of the hotels in the area.
• There are visible eruptions on just about every clear night. However, it can be difficult to predict exactly on which side of the mountain they will take place. It can be very frustrating to reserve a room with the expectation of seeing the show from your window, only to find that all the action is on the other side. Unfortunately, there’s nothing to do about this. But don’t get discouraged: the hotel staff will usually know where the best view is on a given night and how to get there.
• The closest town to the volcano is La Fortuna, a medium sized town by Costa Rica standards, whose primary industry is tourism. Prices are high here by Costa Rica standards (still quite cheap by U.S. standards), but there is plenty of shopping and several restaurants and bars to keep you busy on rainy days and cloudy nights.

Getting to La Fortuna:

• By Car: From the airport, take the Pan American highway North and follow signs for San Ramon (about 56 km). When you reach San Ramon, turn right into the town (there will be a shopping mall on your right). You will start seeing signs for Arenal and various Arenal hotels here. Continue on this road until you hit the city’s main avenue. Turn left and continue for two blocks to the San Ramon hospital. Turn right and continue on this road for about 44 km until you reach La Fortuna. From here, it is easy to find the areas hotels. The whole trip should take 3 - 3 1/2 hours.
• By Public Bus: Buses leave San Jose’s Terminal Atlantico Norte every day at 6:15, 8:40, and 11:30. The buses are slow and stop several times along the way, so the trip will take close to 5 hours.
• By Private Transport: Private and semi-private transport is available at the airport or can be booked ahead of time from a variety of companies. A google search for “Arenal Transport” will yield many of these.

Chicago offers many free attractions for the frugal traveler. These free sights offset more costly splurges like deep dish pizza, the entrance to the famed Shedd Aquarium, and a trip up the Sears Tower.

Free Trolleys
From Memorial Day weekend through the Labor Day weekend, between 10am and 6pm, free trolleys operate every 20-30 minutes to Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations. There are stops along Museum Campus, Michigan Avenue (The Magnificent Mile) and Navy Pier. Do a few of the loops to get a sense of the city. Drivers often give out bits of information about landmarks.

Street parking downtown is often free on Sundays.

Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, and Millennium Park
Buckingham Fountain (seen in the opening credits of the tv show Married With Children) in Grant Park, close to the waterfront, was designed to emulate the great fountains in the palace of Versailles. It consists of three basins, surrounded by four bronze seahorses.

More modern art can be found in the adjoining Millennium Park. The Crown Fountain has two giant glass towers with projections of faces on them. Water squirts out of the faces’ mouths, much to wading children’s delight. Cloud Gate resembles a giant stainless steel jellybean, warping the reflection of onlookers.

Navy Pier
Navy Pier hosts a street carnival type of environment. There is a classic styled 148 ft Ferris Wheel, a musical carousel with painted animals, a children’s museum, a museum of stained glass, and a funhouse maze. Add seasonal street performers, food vendors, and face painters, and travelers can people watch for hours.

The Old Water Tower
The Old Water Tower, situated on the famed Michigan Avenue near the John Hancock Center, is one of the most famous survivors of the Great Fire. Designed to resemble a tiny European castle, the Old Water Tower is now a visitors center.

The Art Institute Of Chicago
With great American masterpieces like Grant Wood’s American Gothic, the Art Institute Of Chicago is a must see for art lovers and a freebie for the savvy traveler. From May 31st to August 31st, admission is free after 5pm on Thursday’s and Friday’s.

There are many other free or frugal attractions in the Windy City, window shopping on the Magnificent Mile, facades such as Dearborn Street Station and others.

If you’ve ever thought about taking a trip to Australia, there’s no time like the present! October is the southern hemisphere’s second month of Spring and with a climate similar to California and South Africa, it’s the perfect destination for sun lover everywhere.

There is so much to see and do in Australia’s most popular tourist destination - the east coast city of Sydney. Anything from beer festivals, night markets, whale watching and enjoying world-class cuisine at Australia’s top restaurants. The famous Sydney Opera House presents plays and theatre productions as well as ballet and famous operas. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s magnificent Harbour Bridge.

And of course Sydney has a great variety of world class hotels such as the Ibis Hotels chain, the Novotel. The Quest Apartments have great rates for those who prefer a serviced apartment with a full kitchen - ideal for business travellers on longer stays. Te Radisnson is one of Sydney’s most popular hotels so take a look at their rates both in Sydney and other cities where prices start at just $131 per night.

Don’t be misled with the idea that surfing is the occupation only for the bravest, most daring and the strongest ones. If you think you’ve got no chances, visit one of European Atlantic surf clubs, where they teach anyone how to surf.

Those who are tired of beaches and excursions around the city, but still want to have fun on the sea coast, are ready for anything. For instance, diving and surfing are considered to be ordinary occupations. To catch a heavy and warm wave they often travel to Hawaii, California or Indonesia – but this refers to winter time. If you live in Europe, in summer you can find a closer site for surfing. For instance, water in Bay of Biscay and the Portuguese coast gets really warm in summer. In addition to this, Europe guarantees lots of other impressions.

France, Gironde.

A good opportunity to combine an acquaintance with one of the most famous French wine regions and surfing is to make a trip to Bordeaux suburbs. Beaches that stretch from Royan to Arcachon were the place where half a century ago European surfing culture was born. Having reached Bordeaux, you are recommended to hire a car and go to Lacanau resort town located 30 kilometres to the west. Lacanau is considered to be the best place for surfing: among its advantages are: a long sandy beach, medium waves and lots of hotels and apartments to suite any taste and purse. A week of studies in a surf school (five lessons, each lasting 4 hours) will cost approximately Eur 245. As for cultural attractions - half an hour ride from here there are famous Gironde wine yards and castles. But don’t overdo with wine tasting – don’t forget that you came here for surfing!

France, Cote d’Argent (The Silver Strand)

Cote d’Argent is always associated with active water sports – however, nowadays surfers subdue even the waves of Biarritz grand beaches, which changes the image of this aristocratic city, full of casinos and luxury hotels. A 15-kilometre stretch from Anglais to Saint Jean de Luz contains 17 popular surf spots. If you are not going to stay in a luxurious Hotel du Palais, you can go to Lagoondy Surf Camp on the Côte Basque: here a week of accommodation and surfing lessons will cost less than in other hotels. By the way, you can come here with children – 24-hour tending is guaranteed.

Spain. Basque Country.

In July and August, the southern coast of the Bay of Biscay turns into a real Mecca for surfers. And is it no wonder why: water here is really warm (you can surf without surf clothing), there are surf spots for the beginners as well as professionals, delicious food and rather a cheap living (if to compare local prices with the ones all over Europe). An interesting variant might be to go to San Sebastián and combine language studies with surf practices: a couple of weeks will cost approximately 800-900 Euros, including living in a family or in a hostel. Besides, the Basque Country boasts of its interesting culture, incomparable tapas, museums and a seething nightlife.

Spain. Galicia.

A real edge of the world with wildlife, severe winds and heavy waves. At the same time, in July and August water gets very warm. That is why surfers have long settled in this region, densely populated but still very beautiful. Before you start surfing, you should definitely visit Santiago de Compostela with its grand medieval attractions, and the cities of La Coruna, Pontevedra and Vigo with restaurants serving the best Galician seafood. The most popular surfing spot is Costa da Morte. Surfing studies here are rather cheap – one of the surf schools we can advise you is Surf & Rock 20 minutes from La Coruna.

Portugal. Estremadura.

Even though this is the south of the Atlantic, surfing in Estremadura is an occupation for the daring ones: even in summer water temperatures rise no higher than 20 degrees centigrade. But despite this, long desolate beaches and superb waves attract lots of surfers from all over Europe. You can go surfing just 10 kilometres from Lisbon, but local beaches are rather crowded and water is not that clear. So, another good variant is to go to a surf school about 70 kilometres from the capital - in the Peniche town. A famous Supertubos is found next to this city, but it is suitable for professionals only. As for local culture and nightlife, you will find them in Lisbon.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is part of a chain of beaches that stretch along the coastline of South Carolina – the Grand Strand. Myrtle Beach is known as a popular tourist destination and resport down and is the central focus of the Grand Strand. Over ten million visitors each season make their way to a Myrtle Beach resort not just for the beaches, but for the restaurants, festivals and especially the golf. There are accommodation options for all budgets and all travelers – from family style self-contained apartments to upscale, luxury hotels such as the Horizon at 77th. Opening in June this years, this property is likely to take the title of Myrtle Beach’s top hotel. It offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and features a full kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

pening June 2008, the Horizon at 77th is poised to become a Myrtle Beach vacation mecca. The stately ocean view property offers one, two and three-bedroom condos featuring full kitchens with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances; plus over-sized balconies offering the best panoramic northern Atlantic Ocean coastline views you’ll find! Call 1-866-413-8310 for reservations, availability and additional information..

Barefoot Resort in North Myrtle Beach SC The Barefoot Resort in North Myrtle Beach is a popular location for families and Myrtle Beach golf package vacationers. Enjoy outstanding golf course condo with luxury amenities, access to swimming, tennis and hiking trains.
Home to four of the top golf courses in Myrtle Beach , Barefoot Resort is located on the Intracoastal Waterway behind Barefoot Landing which offers many shopping and dining options

What does Santa do all summer? If you have been asked this question one too many times, this year travel to Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada and find the answer. Bracebridge, just north of Toronto, sits on the 45th parallel, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. Since 1955, Bracebridge has been home to Santa’s Village Family Entertainment Park, Santa Claus’ preferred summer vacation spot.

Not sure what to do first? After being greeted by Santa himself in Santa Square guests can catch a ride around the 50-acre park on the Candy Cane Express miniature train and use it to get your bearings.

Santa is not the only one on vacation over the summer; the elves are too. The park is full of ways to amuse elves (and children). Enjoy net climbing excitement in the Elves Island Play Area. Ride Rudolph’s Sleigh Ride Roller Coaster, the Christmas Ball Ferris Wheel, the Merry-Go-Round, and more.

Children can create customized souvenir crafts in the Elves Workshop and Candy Cane Lane features a variety of skill games to hone hand-eye coordination. Live entertainers perform at the park throughout the season.

Santa’s Village also features a petting zoo complete with goats, sheep, and deer, though not reindeer since Bracebridge is too warm for those hardy animals.

One of the attractions of this summer home away from the North Pole is warm weather and the chance to cool off in Santa’s Splash Zone. Work up a sweat paddling around lemonade lagoon in one of Santa’s Paddleboats or relax and let someone else do the work when you take Santa’s Summer Sleigh Jetboat Cruise.

The park is open 10am to 6pm from June to September. For more specific information about Santa’s Village, or to make reservations, visit the park on the web at http://www.santasvillage.ca .

The bright red uniform jacket and broad-brimmed hat of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are a symbol of Canada recognized all over the world. The well-known red serge coat, black riding pants with their yellow stripe, and red-banded Stetson are not part of the regular daily uniform for these police officers. The red, white, and black dress uniform is, generally, only worn for civic ceremonies, public relations events, celebrations and memorials.

The RCMP is a singular organization, since it is simultaneously a national, federal, provincial and municipal policing body. They provide total federal policing service to all Canadians. They are also under contract to provide policing services to eight provinces (all except Quebec and Ontario), the 3 Canadian territories, more than 200 municipal areas, 165 First Peoples communities, plus 3 international airports and several smaller airports.

The RCMP Academy, Depot Division in Regina, Saskatchewan has been training “Mounties” for more than 120 years. Despite the fact that they are a national police force, all new Royal Canadian Mounted Police recruits undergo basic training in Regina. At 12:45 each day visitors can witness the daily Sergeant Major’s Drill on the Parade Ground. Incidentally, women have been members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police since the first all-female class graduated from the Academy in March 1975.

Until October 2006, the Academy was also home to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Centennial Museum, where visitors could go to get a thorough account of the national police force’s history. The Centennial Museum was closed permanently in October 2006 in order to begin moving its collections and artifacts to the new RCMP Heritage Center.

The $40 million Heritage Center is scheduled to open May 23, 2007. A focal point of the new museum will be a ninety-eight foot (30 m) long three-dimensional sculptural timeline illustrating the roles and tools of the RCMP over the years.

Are you a wildlife enthusiast looking for something a little different? The a trip to Churchill in Northern Manitoba, Canada is just the thing. Indulge yourself in a little retro luxury with a sleeper ticket on VIA Rail’s Hudson Bay, a 2-day and night trip from Winnipeg to Churchill. The indulgence is worth it, since the destination, Churchill, is a no-frills sub-arctic town. This train is another of VIA Rail’s outdoor enthusiast routes and offers their unscheduled stop service to passengers who make advance arrangements for it.

Churchill, a tiny village with a permanent population that fluctuates between 800 and 1100, is known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World. The town, sitting between the Churchill River and Hudson Bay, is on the polar bears’ annual migration route. Peak season for polar bear sighting is from mid-October to mid-November each year. Polar bear viewing is best done by arrangement with one of the many tour operators in Churchill who will take out in a tundra buggy, vehicles specially designed for the safety of people, polar bears, and the local tundra.

Manitoba’s beluga whale population migrates to the Churchill River and Hudson Bay every summer during July and August. There are approximately 20,000 whales living in the area, and about 3,000 of them summer in the river estuary to give birth. Visitors have a chance to view, and, with many tours, swim with, these beautiful creatures.

Bird-watching enthusiasts should try to make the trip to Churchill sometime between mid-June and mid-July. According to the Churchill Northern Studies Institute, birdwatchers can expect to see approximately 100 species, easily, over the course of a four- to seven-day trip. For more information on species commonly seen, or at least heard in some cases, check out the birdwatching page on the Instute’s website at http://www.churchillscience.ca/index.php?page=ab_attrac_birds.

Myrtle Beach is the ultimate coastal golfing destination. TtimesOnly is your online guide to tee times throughout the Myrtle Beach resort area. You can choose your preferred gold course from their extensive list of Myrtle beach Golf Courses.

Take a look at their ‘Golf Specials’ as they frequently offer group or course specials. Once you have selected your preferred course, just choose the number of players and your preferred time and make your booking via the secured tee times reservation form. You can also call them directly on 877 238 1975. To make things easy for you, cart fees are included in the quoted price.

You can also check a listing of nearly 1,000 Myrtle Beach golf course rates at around 80 different courses. Rates include an AM rate which covers before noon Thursday to Sunday, a MW rate which the midweek rate before noon Monday through Wednesday and the PM rate which is the afternoon rate that is applicable every day.

There are also a featured range of Myrtle Beach Golf packages, such as the Greg Normal designed ‘Barefoot’ course and the ‘Champions Choice’ package which includes courses designed by the greats of the game such as Larry Nelson, Gary Player and Raymond Floyd

International sports enthusiasts can visit the history of the Olympic Games in Canada, and get a glimpse of the future.Canada hosted its first Olympic Games in Montreal, Quebec in 1976. The Olympic Stadium in Montreal features the world’s tallest inclined tower—it is 574 feet (175 m) high. The vision of the architect who planned the stadium was nearly impossible to achieve, however. The stadium’s retractable roof was not completed until 1987, more than 10 years after the event for which it was designed.

The velodrome built for the 1976 Games was re-purposed for education in 1992 and is now known as the Biodôme. Visitors to the museum will experience four typical indigenous American environments: the polar region, a tropical forest, the St. Lawrence marine, and the Laurentian forest.

In 1988, Calgary, Alberta hosted the 15^th Winter Olympiad and profited mightily from it (unlike Montreal, which is still paying for that stadium roof!). The Olympic Oval is a fully equipped training facility used by skaters, runners, hockey players, and athletes of all stripes. Nearby Canada Olympic Park is the home of North America’s largest Olympic museum, the Olympic Hall of Fame. The Park is also home to Canada’s only Olympic bobsled/luge track. Adventurous visitors willing to sign a waiver can even buy a trip down the track in a sled driven by one of the park’s trained drivers.

Canada will again be hosting the Winter Olympics, this time in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 2010. The city has already begun preparations for the big event. Omega, Official Timekeeper of the 2010 Games, unveiled a three-year countdown clock in downtown Vancouver on February 12, 2007. Construction of the Vancouver Olympic Village will begin in the summer of 2007. The Games facilities will be made available to athletes for training by Winter 2007/2008.