Articles From Quackatorium

Barcelona is a city with much history and much to offer. However the most intriguing thing about Barcelona is what the Arabs left behind. These are all beautiful structures as well as the spirit of the people of Catalunya. There is much to do and many sites to see when visiting the city so do not be discouraged if you are not able to fit everything in. The city will be more than happy to see you multiple times to take in everything that there is to offer. The cities of Lleida, Girona, Tarragona and Barcelona make up this region that has a vast shoreline for many to see and enjoy when visiting the city.
With so much to offer as well a vast amount of beach front it is no wonder that there is so much summer tourism to the area especially when you consider all that there is especially along Costa Brava. Some of the things to partake in include watersports, soccer matches, museum visits and just simply walking and enjoying the city architecture. One of the primary attractions to the city is the Sagrada Familia at the Placa de la Sagrada Square with so much history and aesthetic pleasure to be gathered from that site. This church was built by Antonio Gaudi in 1883 as a place for the needy. One of the most intriguing aspects of this structure is the fact that the bell towers are rounded off as opposed to being square which was unique for this time period. In addition to the round corners Gaudi gave the towers a Swiss cheese appearance. Gaudi worked furiously on his church and died while working on it in 1926. It is here that he is buried in the crypt of St. Joseph on the East side. The church has yet to be completed, but the bell towers are done. You will find works by Gaudi all over the city particularly in the Guell Park. But The Sagrada Familia remains today to be a magnificent piece of architecture to many.
There are many sources for information about touring Barcelona such as the web, tourist agencies and of course at the city itself. Much of this information is free and is usually available in multiple languages. It is also very helpful as it will usually list prices and times of operation for many of the exhibits and attractions in the city. This can be quite helpful to the planning of time as well as budget for your trip and not feel so much like a tourist.

Playa del Carmen is known for its beautiful, white sand beaches. Although the sands are not as powdery as those found in Cancun, the beaches in Playa del Carmen are very clean. The public beaches are well-maintained by the city. Everyday, a crew comes to the beach to rake the seaweeds that have been washed to shore and pick up the bottles and other pieces of trash on the sand. Even though the sandy beaches are clean, walking on the sand barefoot is not a good idea. The sand is very hot during the day. Wearing a pair of shades in order to protect the eyes from the sun's glare would also be a good idea.
Snorkeling in Playa del Carmen
Snorkeling in Playa del Carmen isn't as fun as the other parts of the Mayan Rivera. There is a scarcity of living corals along the coast of Playa del Carmen. Of course, in an area that has an absence of corals, fish cannot be found. Instead of snorkeling in Playa del Carmen, one could head to other areas that have better snorkeling sites.
Visiting nearby snorkeling sites like the Chinchorro Reefs in Costa Maya would be a good idea. Here, divers can enjoy viewing many varieties of fish as well as squids, sea turtles, octopus, snakes, stingrays and even barracudas. Sometimes, a school of dolphins may swim through this area. These friendly and talented animals can provide you with some entertainment. They can't resist the opportunity to show off and to swim around divers that they chance upon during their journey.
Snorkeling in Playa del Carmen can be done in the boating lanes where there are a lot of fish and corals. Unfortunately, snorkeling in this area can be a bit tricky because the boat traffic can stop divers from heading to the area that have a lot of marine life.
A Place For Family
Although the snorkeling sites are unsatisfactory, Playa del Carmen is a great place for family. At the north end of Playa del Carmen is the perfect spot for your kids. Here, children can play in the small ponds formed from corals that has a span of 20 yards. Your kids would love playing in the hot and still water in this area. Because some fishes may swim to the shore, kids would enjoy snorkeling near the coast of Playa del Carmen.
Kids would also love a tour of the eco parks near Playa del Carmen. Xcaret, the oldest and largest eco park near Playa del Carmen, has a hatchery for sea turtles and an area for breeding birds. Here, they can also view a mushroom and orchid farm and a butterfly garden. Even though the price is a bit steep, the awed looks on the children's faces can make it worthwhile.
A trip to Mayan ruins can also give the children a history lesson that they will never forget. There are a lot of Mayan ruin sites in Cancun. The sites in Tulum are also worth visiting. After touring these sites, going to a restaurant that resembles the Malayan ruins and eating some local food can be a great ender.
Not only is Playa del Carmen a great place for swimming, it also has some eco parks and ruin sites that are loved by tourists.

Famous for being the part of the studies Charles Darwin conducted, the Galapagos Islands has come to be known as the "living laboratory of evolution". The archipelago is comprised of thirteen volcanic islands, six small islands and one hundred and seven rocky islets. It is considered to be the first islands formed due to continental drift five million years or more ago.
The Galapagos Islands are home to a vast amount of wildlife and fauna. Aside from this, tourists are attracted by the numerous snorkeling sites. The following three locations are great examples of what is available on the islands.
* Floreana Island
This is the sixth largest island in the archipelago. It has three visitor sites for snorkeling on the northern coast. The first is Post Office Bay. This bay has a small beach full of white sands. There is a makeshift barrel set up there with rustic and international appeal. Near by are the remains of a canning factory, a swimming pool, a soccer field and a larva tunnel.
The second visitor site is called Punta Cormorant. The bay has a brown sand bed with a green tint. This green color is from the olivine crystals located in the area. Punta Cormanant is home to several sea lions, and crabs. It has a view of a flamingo lagoon. Devil's crown makes the last visitor site. This is made of the remains of a volcanic cone partially submerged. There are plenty of turtles, rays and white tipped sharks to be seen in this area.
* Genovesa Island
This island is not usually on the tourist's itinerary but if you want to experience great snorkeling sessions this is a place to spend some time. There are two destinations on this island: the Prince Philip Steps and Darwin Bay. To get to Darwin bay, there is a trail that last three fourths of a kilometer towards the mangrove patches.
The patches are a main destination for many land birds such as the Nazca Boobies and the swallow-tailed gulls. They are also home to a number of sea lions. The Prince Philip Steps are a one kilometer trek inland through Palo Santo vegetation. Here you will find endemic swallows and doves. It is also a nesting place for numerous seabirds and the short eared owls.
* San Cristobel Island
Unlike the other islands, San Cristobel Island allows a visitor to see how the environment and its inhabitants interact. There plenty of examples of colonial architecture and plantation to visit. Located on the southeast coast of the Galapagos Islands with a freshwater lagoon and extensive beach, it is another wonderful place to go snorkeling. The capital is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and you can reach this island by boat from Puerto Ayora or by plane from Baltra.

A person that has never boarded an airline flight might be surprised by the number of smells associated with air travel. They will become keenly aware of these smells when they enter the airline terminal and wonder why there are such an abundant number of them in one place. If the traveler had considered how many people come through an airport in a days time, they might gain some understanding about why there are strange odors in every place that they go.
Most travelers choose to unload luggage at the front of the airport before they attempt to find parking. There are a significant number of smells that are emitted from car exhaust fumes and these smells will usually be from diesel engines or those that use gasoline. No traveler has entered an airport terminal without being exposed to these exhausts emissions and its no wonder why some are lightheaded throughout a airline flight.
When they enter the terminal and approach an airline counter to check in for a flight, a traveler might get a whiff of liquor and coffee at the same time. In many airport terminals there is certain to be quite a few smells that are emitted from the various restaurants and it will depend on the time of the day which smells are the strongest to a traveler that has never flown before.
The liquor smells are usually prevalent in many areas of the airport because there are bars in each airline debarkation point. These areas also serve some sort of sandwich and the smells coming from these bars will often be surrounded by the noise from the televisions that passengers view as they wait for the final call to board a flight. Some passengers are sensitive to smells that come from people.
There are many scents that surround a traveler that might seem floral for a moment and then change to musk in a matter of seconds. These aromas are ever-changing because female passengers use a varying assortment of perfumes and colognes. The scents and smells get even more intense when the male population reaches a boarding area because they are emitting scents from colognes and shaving creams.
Some air travelers can get quite nauseated by the smells that they encounter during their travels. They are overcome by the closed in quarters on the aircraft that uses recirculation systems for the air within the cabin. This often causes a stale air smell that will permeate the clothing of an air traveler and be with them for the duration of the trip. Hence, more travelers choose to use more perfumes and colognes to hide the stench that these smells cause.

Many people are looking at price when searching for a discount travel agency, however, there are some other things you need to watch out for that can save you time, money and headaches when using a travel agency to plan your trip.
1) Check to see if the agency is a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents). Agencies who are members must follow strict rules of conduct. If you should have a problem with your agency, it will be easier for you to file a complaint.
2) Make sure their offer isn't too good to be true. The travel industry is very competitive and some agencies will promise you the moon. Make sure they can deliver what they promise before signing up.
3) The agency should disclose their full contact information. You should easily be able to find their name, address, phone number and email address. Call the phone number and see if a real person answers. If their contact information isn't readily available, you should take your business elsewhere.
4) Some discount agencies will promise you low rates to get your business, then hit you with hidden fees. Since you are budgeting for your trip, you don't want to be hit with a larger bill than you planned on. Be sure to get all agency rates and fees on paper to avoid surprises.
5) Respectable travel agencies will bend over backwards to make sure you are well taken care of, especially if you have medical needs while traveling. An agency out for a quick buck will not provide you with great customer service, so ask questions about how they will accommodate your special requests before signing.
6) A good travel agency will be there to help you during and after your trip to make sure everything is going smoothly. If you have a problem during your trip, the agency will be available to assist you. Fly by night services will disappear after you've handed over your money. Check out the agency's reputation before you commit to a deal.
7) A good travel agency will have access to all kinds of information about the city and/or country you are visiting. They are one of the best insider travel tip resources around whether you need a business travel tip, family travel tip, an air travel tip, or a travel packing tip.

While traveling we require to carry all our personal items. Shaving kits, soap, shampoos, skin creams, makeup items, some medicines, antiseptics, etc. are all the items which happen to be our personal items that we carry everywhere we go.
There are special small bags available for you to carry when you go on travel. These are the travel accessories you will find necessary to own when you go traveling. These travel accessories provide you with a lot of convenience to you when you travel. You can store all the toiletries in one place instead of being scattered all over you travel bags.
All toiletries bags come at a price starting from 30 to 80. Since these bags provide high utility therefore these are a must buys before you go traveling. Frequent travelers always posses these toiletries bag since the utility of these has been proven.
These bags are available in several types. These bags are manufactured by certain manufacturers who are known for their quality and styling. However, these bags if these are branded ones are of more cost. You will have the pleasure of owning branded as well as non branded stuff. Non branded stuff comes cheaper since it is relatively unknown. However, quality might not be compromised in non-branded stuff.
Toiletries bags are provided with multiple pockets so that you can store your personal items in each pocket. It is therefore extremely easy for you to search for the item you require.
Toiletries bags available in ballistic nylons are extremely attractive. These are available in huge range of colors and styles. These styles will surely confuse you at the same time you will be determined to buy at least one of the toiletries bag.
Leather toiletries bags are like other leather bags are costly. Not just costly these bags are also stylish and can be bought over the counter as well as over the internet.
There are several sites that will provide you with a huge range of toiletries bags. You can pick and choose the bag that you require. This provides huge convenience for people on move to shop over the internet. All you require is a credit card before you shop on any of these sites. Some of the sites also offer you huge discounts for the products that you shop.
So you have a big choice when it comes to toiletries shopping. You can also visit shops if you are interested in travel bag shopping and shop over the counter.

Sometimes, you just have to get away from it all. The frantic pace of daily living all too frequently can become overwhelming - from the pressures of working, to rushing back and forth to sporting events and school concerts, to just figuring out what to serve for dinner. Life in suburbia is more complicated than most people are willing to admit.
So when you're looking for a refuge, a place to escape from the chaos, where should you go? Many couples and families prefer to spend their vacations at mega resorts in bustling tourist destinations. The idea is to provide a bevy of luxurious amenities thought to make your vacation simpler and more relaxing. Or do they? Will an overabundance of options, such as game rooms, swimming pools, room service, and spas really simplify life on vacation?
Or might they just further serve to unsettle an already stressful exodus? Traveling, whether alone or with a spouse or with children, in and of itself is hectic. Many large hotel resorts offer families so many varied activities and distractions that it can only makes your vacation seem even more fevered, not to mention time spent chasing the kids around and monitoring them in their pursuit of pleasure.
There is another issue as well - the money. Large commercial resorts can seriously injure your wallet. From the suite, to the meals, to the entertainment, to the activities; by the end of the vacation your swollen debt could easily heighten the stress you felt when you left home! Finally, many people simply don't care for the environment of a mammoth resort. It can seem merely an extension of the maniacal hubbub you left behind. Is this what you bargained for when you planned your vacation?
What's the answer, you ask? Well, more and more people are choosing to stay in Bed and Breakfast inns offering a wonderful retreat for vacationers in search of local color. More often than not, they are off the beaten path and are operated by gracious owners in a converted, single family home. A Bed And Breakfast (B&B for short) offers a welcome substitute for the restless, mega resort lifestyle, and can be found just about anywhere.
What Can I Expect From A Bed And Breakfast?
Imagine a leisurely drive through a quaint, quiet little town. You move along the main drag, observing the small shops and eateries that line the road. You wander up a long, winding driveway, glancing at stables to your right, and up ahead you see a large, three-story home; the Bed And Breakfast. You park the car and walk in the house where you immediately receive a warm personal greeting from the owner. Typically, this is what you can expect at a Bed And Breakfast.
What Can I Do?
If you think you'll miss out on a good time the good news is, you never have to worry about things to do when you're sojourning at a Bed And Breakfast. You're on a pilgrimage of discovery where you'll savor the many wonderful opportunities to observe or participate in small town ambience and events.
What you've chanced upon is an occasion to become steeped in local color. More and more smaller communities are seeing older residences being converted into Bed And Breakfast Inns allowing guests a liesurly way to take advantage of local festivals, art shows, races and marathons, auctions, and other delightful small town events.
You can also branch out to experience attractions unique to the area; perhaps a small town Bed And Breakfast located in the mountains will be able to provide you with information about hiking, fishing or caverns. A Bed And Breakfast near the ocean may yield walks and relaxation on an un-crowded beach. The possibilities are endless and far less structured than resorts in heavily touristed destinations. Now isn't that a prospect well worth considering? Think Bed and Breakfast!

In the good old days they used to say "getting there, is half the fun".
In fact, just the other day I heard someone spout this phrase which made me think, how many of us focus our attention on the actual travel to our destination, rather than the destination itself.
When planning a vacation, or just travel in general, we quite often only consider the actual destination and our itinerary during our stay. We simply assume, usually correctly, that the mode of transportation will be a quick jaunt on an airplane. This is especially true for blue-collar workers taking their one or two week vacation time they are given each year.
The old adage, "getting there is half the fun", still rings true today. Sadly, many of us miss much of the wonders and the beauty of the world by simply selecting the most rapid form of travel possible. Instead of selecting the most enjoyable methods.
For example, consider a trip to the Grand Canyon. It's quite easy to set up a flight, book your hotel rooms, and even arrange tours, and guides, all without leaving our desk. Basically, mapping out our entire itinerary in minutes.
However, if you live in the United States, especially anywhere in the Western states, consider what might be on the roads in between. A car trip from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon can deliver some of the most beautiful views of nature in the world. It can also be extremely interesting in other ways. The bizarre roadside stands with two headed rattlesnakes in a jar, stories of phantoms in the desert, and gas stations that look like they were pulled directly out of an old B-movie.
The point is quite simple. Many of us practice Slow Travel when selecting our destinations. But we don't take the time to consider our mode of transportation to our destination. Our focus is on the destination itself, and the recreation available once we've arrived. All of which are quite important, but let's not forget those two little words: "SLOW TRAVEL".
We don't call it slow destinations, nor do we call it slow recreation. We call it Slow Travel for a reason. The entire goal of Slow Travel is for each and everyone of us to slow down and enjoy the beauties and the marvels contained in the world around us. Our time on this planet passes extremely fast. Why would we make an effort to make it go faster?
Yes indeed, "Getting there is half the fun". When planning their next slow travel vacation be sure to remember that phrase. Your entire trip will be much more pleasant and your frame of mind will be much more serene. After all, that is what your vacation time is for. Rest, relaxation, and some serenity. There's no need to be in a hurry, there's no need to race to your destination. It's highly unlikely that its location is going to change. Take the time to enjoy the things found in between.
Until next time,
www.SlowTravel.com

Or is it?
The slow movement overall is spreading like wildfire. Television shows, major motion pictures, and of course many travel agencies are jumping on the slow travel bandwagon like passengers from a sinking ship leaping for lifeboats.
Because Slow is hot. Period.
So how can you determine a solid slow plan or destination for your slow travel? A quick Google search brings up some decent results. But overall it leaves you lacking, because many of the top listings are simply doorways to quickie ticket sites like Travelocity or Cheap Tickets. Which, in my opinion, are definitely NOT slow travel oriented.
For those that are new to the concept, it can be amazingly difficult to discern a really excellent slow travel destination from a cheesy imitation simply because these companies hire some of the top marketing firms in the business.
These guys are good at their jobs. So they use crafty wording and lots of fluff to convince you that you've made a sound slow travel plan, when in fact all you have done is set yourself up for a rush trip filled with deadlines, coupons, and headaches.
But there is a fairly simple answer to this problem. One that doesn't take much effort or much thought. It only takes initiative.
Ask someone. Get in touch with someone in the know about slow travel in general. If possible, someone that has even dealt with the company or destination that you are considering. Have someone help you with your itinerary. The old saying is true. Two heads are better than one. If you can find someone that has some experience and knows what slow travel is about, you can easily learn how to avoid the pitfalls.
One place you can look for assistance is www.slowtravelblog.com or www.slowtravel.org . They are both excellent resources and both completely approved and run by The World Institute of Slowness. TWIOS is considered the major authority on slow websites overall and is an excellent place to start. Even the founder, Geir Berthelsen is often available to assist you in your choices and will surely help you with your travel plans or destinations if he can.
www.slowtravel.org is probably your best bet when starting out if you would rather not ask someone for help. All of the sites there are hand selected and manually approved by The World Institute of Slowness. The verification process is extensive, so it is a safe bet that destinations listed there are slow worthy.
You can also try talking to some of the TWIOS members at our forum, which is located at www.slowtravelforum.com. Getting some direct insight by posting on the boards may bring you the advice you are looking for.
However, everything always comes down to personal taste and your views on Slow overall. What is 'Slow' to some, may not be 'Slow' to others. So do your own research as well. By doing your homework and looking before you leap, you are most likely going to make the right decisions. Even if you don't, it is always a learning process and it will make you better for the next time.
Which is what life is all about. Learning how to live it. To enjoy it.

Slot canyons are one of the most beautiful of nature's handiworks. They are magnificent works of art caused by water rushing through a narrow crevasse, over a long period of time, carving and smoothing the canyon walls into bright, beautiful sculptures. What so unusual about that? Well, some of the slot canyons in Southern Utah and Arizona are hundreds of feet deep, while others are only a few feet, or even inches wide. Their vertical walls glimmer, changing hues as the sun moves across the sky. It is the mix of light streaming in and shadows that make these canyons remarkably memorable and gorgeous. It's the beauty of these canyons, and deep oranges and reds of their walls, that bring people from all over the world hiking, backpacking, and camping so they can have the breathtaking view for themselves!
"It's like the Grand Canyon turned inside out!" At least, that's the way my daughter described the slot canyons we explored! You'll understand her wonder when you step inside for yourself.
Until recent years, most slot canyon locations were very well kept secrets. In fact, no one really knows how many exist in the desert of the southwest because you can walk right by one without even knowing it! A natural reverence exists inside these deep, beautiful slot canyons and some of those who have visited them have felt a strong desire to protect them from being marred by too much traffic as their locations have become more widely known. But, as the information has become more available, more people have had the joy of experiencing the canyons beauty firsthand.
The Antelope Canyons
The well known, and well photographed Antelope Canyon slot canyons, lay mostly on Navajo land. If you have seen pictures of slot canyons, they were probably taken here.
The Antelope Canyon slot canyons are considered to be some of the most beautiful in the world. They are also the best known and the most heavily visited. And in recent years, the Navajo people have felt the need to protect the canyons from abuse and misuse. They have instituted procedures and guideline for visiting the Upper Antelope Canyon entrance site. We have locations and visiting guidelines to many of the slot canyons on this website.
Slot canyon exploring is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and to appreciate the true wonders of nature. The many years of wind and water wearing on the land have left a playground for those who are willing to do a bit of preparation, and a little bit of hiking - or a lot, whichever you prefer. Come explore with us!