Archive for February, 2010
February 28th, 2010 | 
Author: The Active Republic: Czech It Out
Since the peaceful splitting of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993 the Czech Republic has become one of the newest countries in Europe and as such is a modern nation with good infrastructure and an advanced economy. But the image of a freshly formed country belies the Czech Republic’s rich history with offers centuries of cultural heritage to explore.
The Czech Republic is also very sporty nation with much of the population enjoying outdoor activities. The country has several top quality golf courses and plays host many tournaments throughout the year. The sport is currently experiencing a huge increase in interest and there are extensive grass courses in Karltejn Konopite ilherovice and Cihelny as well as dozens of other golf resorts all over the country.
Winter is an excellent time to visit the Czech Republic especially if you like to indulge in winter sports. Though not particularly well known outside of the country for its skiing the Czech Republic has a number of small to medium sized ski areas the largest of which is in the Krun mountains at Klnovec situated approximately 120 km from Prague. Though downhill skiing is available it’s the cross country skiing trails that are the most extensive with an impressive 520km of regularly maintained routes 69km of which see regular competitions. One of the most attractive aspects of skiing in the Czech Republic is the abundance of hot water spas near to ski areas which make an ideal way of relaxing after a day on the mountain.
If you’re not so keen on winter tourism why not try water tourism? Travelling by the Czech Republic’s rivers can be a pleasant and exciting way to view the country’s natural beauty. Popular routes include sailing on the Vltava River where boaters can enjoy the beautiful landscape of Sumaca and the Trebon plains which is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Fishing is another sport which the Czech Republic offers in abundance with its numerous rivers lakes and streams. There are sixty types of freshwater fish found in the country with the most common being carp pike bass zander trout eel and grayling. Holiday villas and cottages specifically tailored towards fishing holidays can be found close to the prime angling areas. Unlike in the UK where carp is not normally considered a fish for the dinner table for the Czechs it is a traditional meal often enjoyed at Christmas in many parts of the county.
Getting to the Czech Republic is now a fairly cheap and easy affair with several low cost airlines flying to the country from the UK so holidaymakers can get active and Czech out this sporty little country for themselves?
About the writer: Elisha Burberry is an online freelance journalist and keen traveller and watersports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland she now resides in London.
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Take A Tour Back In Time
The classic movie “Gone with the Wind” and other films and shows that have focused on the genteel south have captivated the imaginations of many generations around the world. Some of the plantations that helped to create the fascination with the south are now open for public tour.
Catalpa Plantation in St. Francisville Louisiana may not be the typical plantation home that is inspired by the media. It is still owned by decedents of the origional builders. Some of the family treasures that were saved destruction by the Union Army during the Civil War are on display in the home today.
The Myrtles Plantation is also located in St. Francesville Louisiana. It was built in 1796 and is said to be one of America’s most haunted homes. Today the home is filled with hand painted stained glass tapestries crystal chandeliers and amazing furnishings.
Dewberry Plantation in Texas was constructed in 1854. It was called “MyrtleVale” by its origional builders because of the numerous crepe myrtles that lead to the house. It is the only twostory preCivil War house still standing in the community.
Greenwood Plantation is still another jewel to add to the St. Francisville crown. It was originally constructed in the 1830’s and the land grew cotton. After the war the home fell from one owner to the next until 1915 when it became a family farm. The structure was struck by lightning in 1960 and burned. It was rebuilt to its former glory by the family of the current owner.
Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens in Mt. Pleasant South Carolina is home to one of the most famous pictures of the old south the Avenue of Oaks it took two centuries for the branches to meet overhead. The grounds date back for hundreds of years but the plantation house is relatively new. It was only built back in 1936.
Carnton Plantation in Franklin Tennessee is not just an amazing nod to antebellum architecture but is also a historical site in its own right. During the war the plantation property was the site of one of the bloodiest battles. The home served as the main field hospital. Two years later the family donated two acres to serve as a Confederate graveyard. Today you can tour the restored home a recreation of an 1847 garden slave quarters and much more.
The many plantations that are opened for tours and even those homes you can just view from a distance give you a glimpse into the lighthearted days the preceded the darkest time in American history.
About the writer: Cameron Van also writes for Low Fares. The easiest way to book flights to a number of travel destinations Low Fares .
St Barts Premium IV – Activities Vip Services
St Barthelemy located in the French West Indies is the Monte Carlo of the Caribbean without the traffic jams but with the added advantage of flawless beaches. Shortened to Saint Barth in French and St Barts in English it is an exclusive eight square mile 21 sq km embodiment of 24carat French chic. It attracts millionaires on luxury yachts movie stars and French expatriates fleeing the European winter. It is a Caribbean island where relaxation and Gallic style under a tropical sun have been refined to perfection.
Few islands worldwide can match the unique blend of style nature and history that is St. Barts. This tiny island has significant appeal where ‘quality’ is most certainly more important than ‘quantity’… an island far away from the normality of life making it the perfect vacation destination.
After an international flight into the hub of St Maarten and a short 15 minute connecting flight to St Barts its now time to kick back and stroll the beaches. There are 22 beaches on St Barts renowned for being some of the most beautiful and pristine in the world. Many are found in small coves which have been protected from development by strict environmentally friendly zoning. Unlike many of its neighboring Caribbean islands it has not been overrun with prefab condos and large chain hotels.
Explore history and culture throughout the capital Gustavia. Take in the sunset view from the lighthouse visit the museums and churches. There is evidence of the Swedish settlers from the late 1700s throughout the streets of Gustavia.
Water sport activities are vast jet ski around the island surfing wind surfing kite boarding scuba diving snorkeling sailing deep sea fishing and even a Yellow Submarine that goes from Gustavias pier thru the Marine Park and around Gros Ilets towards Les Petits Saints discovering schools of colorful fishes turtles and 3 ship wrecks including the one motor yacht named Non Stop.
Charter a 65ft luxury power boat or luxury sailboat to tour around St Barts for half a day. Book a full day charter to neighboring islands of Saba St Maarten Tintamarre Pinel and Anguilla. Then on the return journey to St Barts stop just outside Gustavia harbor to watch the sunset and have a glass of champagne to celebrate the day.
On land activities include tennis horseback riding archery yoga fitness centers massages spa treatments wine tasting and shopping. St. Barts is rated as one of the premier shopping destinations in the Caribbean and is also a dutyfree port. Gustavia is the principal shopping area of the island. There are boutiques and emporiums for the most sophisticated shoppers featuring luxury brands such as Cartier Hermes Dior to name a few.
St Barts has several hiking trails some that take you to the highest points of the island like Mount Vitet 286 meters high and others that circle around the widest points like the magnificent bay of Colombier . At the far end of Gouvernour Beach a 20 minute trail it is said that the infamous pirate Montbars the Exterminator buried his treasure during the 1670s somewhere in the caves. Rent a scooter or quad bike and tour the island to photograph these natural tropical settings.
The most divine activity of St Barts is taking in some of the most exquisite cuisine and French wines of the Caribbean. The island has over eighty restaurants featuring culinary styles ranging from classic French to Asian to West Indian. Many of the restaurants attract gourmet chefs trained in France to oversee their kitchens. These chefs can also be reserved to serve guests in the intimate privacy of their own villa for a special event or treasured evening.
Nightlife of St. Barts is diverse as well. Visitors looking for latenight pleasures can listen to live jazz at a caf or dance the night away at one of the local discos or after hour clubs. Be sure to call in advance to reserve a VIP table for the evening.
With so much to do and see while vacationing on St Barts activities reservations and arrangements are best made well in advance.Take advantage of a local St Barts destination management company that is bilingual and available 24 / 7 to make all these arrangements.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;John Day
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