Why One Should Visit the Exquisite Costa Rica Beaches

Millions of tourists flock to Costa Rica each year. Beaches in Cost Rica attract visitors from each and every part of the world. Costa Rica is situated the coastlines of the Caribbean and the Pacific. The spectacular beaches are considered as some of the best in world. There are numerous beaches in Costa Rica each one of which boasts its unique features that suit different kinds of vacationers.

The Playa Dominical is considered by surfers as among the best beaches in Costa Rica. It is situated around more than forty km from the Manuel Antonio Park. From here, one can view the great landscape of the Dominical. The landscape contains mangroves, marshes and plantations.

The Manuel Antonio beaches are famous for their horseshoe bays. The stunning views here comprise of exquisite waterfalls and breathtaking hilltops. In addition to the view, one can also indulge in several other activities like diving, snorkeling and surfing. There are other sports available for the adventurous ones.

The Playa Conchal one of those beaches that have very small crushed shells all over the coast which rustle beneath the feet of the visitors as they walk through the coast. Many tourists simply love the feeling of these shells tickling their feet. The beach also offers snorkeling, swimming and fishing.

The Playa Grande Guanacaste is one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica which is often visited by tourists with a passion for natural beauty. Another name for this exquisite beach is Playa Grande. One of the distinct features of Playa Grande is that it is a nesting place of the Leatherback turtles. These turtles bury their eggs on the beach and roam the coast in plain sight of the visitors.

If you are seeking one of those beaches that are not crowded with tourists then you should visit the Playa Hermosa. Tourists from Europe and America come here to relax and get a handsome tan.

If you are one of those people who like a well developed beach then you should visit the Playa Tamarindo. It is an expensive laid back beach with luxury hotels and restaurants that serve local as well as international cuisines. One can also indulge in shopping or roam the clean beaches.

Tortuguero is a Costa Rica beach that is flanked by palm trees and canals. The canals are not safe since their current is unpredictable. However, the beauty of this site is uncontested.

A few tourists prefer comparatively under developed beaches like the Manzanillo beach. It is actually a tiny village that is frequented by surfers. One can also indulge in reading under the soothing shade of the almond trees, or simply the tranquil waters.

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Study Abroad and Fall in Love With the Food of Paris

Everybody knows France's reputation for fine food and nowhere is it more apparent than on the streets of Paris. Food lovers who choose to study abroad in Paris will be in a true "foodie's paradise", with the access to the great food the city offers. From shopping in markets to dining in fine restaurants your experience will whatever you make of it.

The Great Food Markets of Paris

Parisians love their food and having wonderful fresh produce on their doorsteps daily is a high priority. Many districts will have their own markets, however the better-known ones are well worth a visit for anyone who comes to study abroad in the city.

One of the biggest is the twice-weekly Marché Bastille, on the Rue Richard Lenoir. It boasts stall after stall of great fish, free-range chicken and local cheeses. Wondrous mounds of fruit, olives and charcuterie are interspersed with stalls selling jewellery, bags and arts and crafts.

Ernest Hemingway wrote about the Marche Mouffetard in his novel, A Moveable Feast, where he described it as a "wonderful, narrow crowded market street" - and it certainly lives up to this description. It's surrounded by atmospheric buildings and is a great place to buy calorie-laden patisserie, paté and seafood. Marche Mouffetard runs into another great market, Marché Monge, so you get two for the price of one! Marché Monge is at the pricier end of the scale and its setting in the leafy Place Monge with its picturesque fountain makes it a great place to shop. If you're lucky you'll get stories with your food purchases, as the beekeeper will be selling his own honey and the fishmonger may regale you with tales of how he caught his fish. Much of the fruit and vegetables are organic and the market is well known for excellent bread.

For great food from other parts of the world the historic market of Marché des Enfants Rouges is well worth a visit for anyone in Paris to study abroad. It is named after the 16th century orphanage that used to be on the site, where the children's red clothes showed that they had been donated by Christian charities. The orphanage closed before the French Revolution but the building remained and was reopened as a market in 2000. Italian, African, Lebanese and Japanese food is among the world foods available and there are many other artisan and organic food stalls. It's a great place to get a takeaway lunch.

The pedestrianized Rue Montorgueil is only half occupied by a market, but don't let that put you off, as it is indeed a foodie's heaven. The market stalls will offer you fruit, vegetables and shellfish but alongside them you will find Charles Chocolatier, where you should sample a hot chocolate. Why not accompany it with a pastry from Stohrer, which is said to be the oldest pastry shop in Paris. Along with the cheese shops, rotisseries and wonderful bakers, this street is a must visit for any budding gourmand on an adventure to study abroad in Paris.

Paris will definitely leave you spoilt for choice for places to indulge your passion for food. Its markets are amongst the best in the world the city is a great place to spend time simply wandering and indulging your senses.

 

Chianti - Not Only for Wine Connoisseurs

Chianti, in Tuscany, is not all just about their famous wine. The area brims with natural, breath-taking beauty that can be enjoyed even if you're just lounging around in Tuscany. Villa accommodation is abundant in the region, and if you heed these following tips you'll be able to savour your stay all the more.

Wine Tasting

It's safe to say that when people speak of Chianti, foremost on their minds is the region's famous wine from this region of Tuscany. Villa accommodation where you're staying may even have stocks of the good old Chianti Classico. So if you happen to be in the region specifically to see and taste where these famous wines are produced, you should know that wine tasting in Italy slightly differs than that in, say, the US. Basically, things are much slower here than how they do it in California. That's why if you're spending the day tasting wines, it pays to have a little strategy. For example, you should start by deciding which wine producer you like best. To begin with, it's always safe to choose the wines of the Chianti Classico region. Moreover, it is also not very wise to choose more than three wineries-as we've said, things are slower here, and you'll enjoy the experience better by savouring the taste and the moment.

Natural Beauty

Chianti's physical treasures-its gentle hills and the fact that it is surrounded by the more 'artsy' cities-can literally take your breath away, especially if your Tuscany villa happens to be perched on a low hill overlooking a vineyard. One tip: stand on a hill and see if the olive trees, the well-arranged geometry of the vineyards, the winding roads lined with a phalanx of old cypress trees, and the woods bordered with yellow broom do not, in fact, make you sigh deeply. Chianti has the kind of beauty artists love immortalising on canvas, and it helps that it is actually 'the heart of Tuscany'-making the rest of the region's equally enticing destinations within easy reach. Chianti's quaint charm, accentuated by its winding roads that snake through little soporific villages and the larger communities, encourage visitors to explore and willingly get lost.

The Old World Towns

Make no mistake about it, Italy is a beautiful country. But even then, only very few regions can claim to have the sheer richness of Chianti's panorama. Aside from its undulating landscape exploding with colour, the region is dotted with old towns that hark back to a more innocent time in Tuscany. Villa accommodation is often located in such a town.

Chianti's ancient walled villages offer the tourist not only a memorable experience, but also an educational and cultural one. The lively town of Greve, for instance, has a peculiar piazza that has seen gatherings and events in the past centuries and offers many shops and dining places to sample the region's famous wine and food. There's also Panzano, Radda and Castellina, and before you know it, you'll be in love! You won't want to leave the region's embrace.

 

An Animal Lovers Cornwall Vacation

Cornwall is a true haven for animal lovers. Many of the wonderful attractions in the county are based on the sea life and animals that live in the region. Being able to visit them in their natural habitat will make your Cornwall vacation more memorable than you thought possible.

The Sea Life

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Helston won a commendation from the local Tourism Awards in 2012. The sanctuary rescues and protects the seal population that makes its home on the Cornish coast, and visiting it gives you the opportunity to hear about the dramatic rescues it undertakes. As well as hearing those stories you can meet the heroes. Seals and sea lions live happily alongside penguins, otters and other marine life in the sanctuary. Children will have plenty to do with a woodland quiz trail and there is also a café on site.

For those interested in the exotic, a visit to the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay should be on your itinerary. Among the sea life you will find Black Tip Reef Sharks and Giant Pacific Octopus; walking through the Underwater Tunnel surrounded by Rays, Lionfish and Puffer Fish is an unforgettable experience.

If you prefer to see your sea life in its natural habitat, many of the boat trips around the coast will cater for your needs, however for a more specific sea life based tour, you can try a Sea Life Safari with Padstow Sea Life Safaris. Their ethos is to observe the animals in their natural habitat without disturbance and they will take you into areas that you would not normally be able to get to.

Land Animals

If you prefer to keep your feet on terra firma you will not be disappointed by the attractions offered to anyone on a Cornwall vacation. There are, of course, places to visit the expected native animals, but also some you would not expect. One such attraction is the Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary, in Looe, which has been giving a safe home to monkeys since 1964. The three different species currently housed there are Barbary Macaques, Capuchins and Woolly Monkeys.

Another unlikely species to find in the county is the camel! However Cornish Camels in Helston offer entertainment for all age groups. The activities include a giant sand pit, play park, tractor-trailer rides, unusual animals such as wallabies and the more expected farm animals. Camel treks are available on request. There is also a shop on site, which will give you the chance to buy organic meat products to take back to your holiday cottage.

For the more traditional wildlife, a visit to the Feadon Farm Wildlife Centre will take you into the natural environment of the region's native fauna. You will find everything from reindeers to foxes to barn owls, and activities include woodland safaris, natural trails and falconry. They even offer a Night Trail, which will allow you to experience the wildlife that comes alive at night.

Whatever your specific interests are, animal lovers will be spoilt for choice by the range of animal attractions to visit during a Cornwall vacation.

 

What Makes a Tuscany Villa Holiday Special?

In Tuscany, villa holidays could introduce you to one of the most fascinating regions of La Bella Italia. Staying in accommodation that allows you to pick and choose your own itinerary is the very best way to explore all this delightful area has to offer.

A land of contrasts

What really defines this famous region of Italy? People have argued about this one for centuries and will presumably continue to do so for centuries to come. Is it the cities? After all it's globally famous for locations such as Florence, Pisa and Siena. Their architecture and culture will astound you.

Or perhaps it is history that defines it? It is most famously the birthplace of the European Renaissance. But then again it could be the legendary Tuscan cuisine, encompassing such delights as Steak Florentine, pappardelle, bruschetta or prosciutto. Congratulations if you can say those without licking your lips! Or in another argument maybe it's the culture as home to some of the world's greatest art galleries and museums such as the Uffizi.

In truth it's all of the above and much, much more that define Tuscany. Villa accommodation will allow you to enjoy every last drop of it.

Some alternative ideas

Yet there are some other reasons why you might find the region so special and be drawn to it.

This area has inspired true genius. For example, it was home to Galileo, Petrarch, Puccini, Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo - to name but a few!

It has no less than 10% of the total UNESCO world heritage sites around the globe.

Two thirds of the land is occupied by picturesque hills and around one quarter by mountains. So, you're not going to find stunning scenery to be in short supply.

Pinocchio comes from Tuscany. Villa guests in the town of Pescia-Collodi can celebrate his birthday on May 25th.

The history of this area goes way back before the Romans. A people called the Etruscans lived here from the 8th century BCE onwards. You'll still see evidence of their legacy in many places around the countryside.

It is home to the Chianti area, which produces one of Italy's finest wines of the same name. When consumed locally, you'll find it very different and more varied than the Chianti you may be familiar with.

The Island of Elba, famous for many reasons including as the first place of Napoleon's exile, is here. It's just off the coast and today is a haven for wildlife and somewhere much loved by tourists.

Under Napoleon, the region was annexed to France for a short time. It's still possible to see echoes of French influences in some aspects.

Is it for you?

This region is beautiful and historic, so if you love more sophisticated holiday pastimes then you will enjoy it. Some of the major tourist centres (e.g. Florence) can become rather busy at the height of the tourist season, so if you can visit outside of those weeks you may find it a little quieter. Of course, if you get away from the bigger cities you'll find tranquillity even at the height of the season.

 

The Choice of a Train Trip - Why You May Want to Be in One

Transport systems in this day and age have evolved tremendously. The rail system has removed the impediment imposed by distance. Before the rail system, moving from one point to another was rather challenging. This obviously placed many limitations on human life and economic activity. It was extremely challenging to move people, goods and food in large quantities. Furthermore, the speed was limited to less than ten miles per hour. Today there are more advanced versions of the railway, like monorails and metros in cities, which are playing an important role in cleaning and decongesting the cities. Many travelers choose a train trip over other modes of transport for the following reasons:

· Environmentally friendly

Train transport is recommended highly because it is a mass transportation that has the capacity to make a positive impact on the environment. This is particularly important for ecologically conscious travelers. Riding on a train, helps you to lower the amount of carbon emissions. Riding on a train also gives you the opportunity to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.

· Cost effective

When compared with other modes of transport such as air transport, train transportation is cheaper. Furthermore, it is more efficient when compared with car transport because you do not have to stop at the fueling station to fill your tank. In addition, train transport travels faster because there is no traffic to contend with on the route. When you book to travel by train during the night, you stand to benefit from substantial savings because you will not have to incur the cost of staying in a hostel, motel or hotel.

· Spacious and comfortable

Private cabins and train seating offers more space and comfort. This benefit is often lacking in airplanes and automobiles, which offer smaller seating arrangements. Many modern trains give you the opportunity to recline the seats to a horizontal position. For the most comfortable travel, avoid booking seats that are close to the doors. This way, passengers coming in and going out of the train will not disturb you.

· Safe mode of transport

Many security issues like air travel have not undermined train transport greatly. Trains in the city are not taking chances. Many of them ensure safety for their passengers by fitting CCTV cameras in strategic positions. Although the trains are properly guarded and have security personnel, passengers are not subjected to long security lines and intensive baggage screening.

 

An Introduction to Italian Wine on Sicily

Over the years, wines coming from the sunny island of Sicily in Italy have undergone a massive transformation. What was once touted as a region of dull and uninteresting varietals has now blossomed into an array of amazing flavours and types unique to Sicily. Holidays to this wonderful Italian island often include a visit to the many vineyards offering all kinds of libations - from complex reds, fruity whites and some bold dessert wines. Choose what works best for your group and itinerary and sample as few or as many as you wish.

A historical craft

Some Sicilians claim that wine making can be traced back more than 1,000 years to this region, becoming popular by the 1700s. Although the grape types have changed over the centuries, many classics remain the same and can be found at all the popular wineries. If you're into reds you should try Perricone, Frappato and the more modem Merlot or Shiraz. White varieties include Trebbiano, Moscato Bianco and Cataratto. Most towns with wineries nearby will host special tastings or even classes so you can get a feel for the overall style of Sicilian wines.

Best vineyards to explore

While there are as many wineries and vineyards on the island as there are pizza and pasta cafes, choosing a select few is advisable when in Sicily. Holidays involving wine tasting offer a fantastic introduction to this region's wines. Around the rich soil of Mount Etna, a still active volcano, is a great place to start. If you're searching for some authentic charm, the medieval town of Castlebuono has the Santa Anastasia Winery, located inside a restored abbey. History is highlighted in Marsala where the Donnafugata Winery has been in business for more than 150 years. Palmero might be one of the best-known regions for local wines and boasts places like the Regaleai Estate, with many award-winning varietals, or outside the city in Sambuca di Sicilia for the best views.

An unforgettable finish

One thing you really shouldn't miss (that is often overlooked) is the superb array of dessert wines in Sicily. Holidays are the ideal time to let your hair down and eat, drink and be merry so make sure you sample these for the complete overview. With the Italian island's weather being so sunny, it can bring out a higher sugar content in the grapes, thus making a very rich and super sweet type of wine usually imbibed after a meal. A popular pick comes from the small island off the coast called Pantelleria, which features Zibbibo grapes greatly concentrated into their wine. Even rarer are the types of brandy and other fine liqueurs that take the fermenting process even further, offering a strong, sweet spirit that can complement or follow a dessert wine as well, made from the same fruits or grapes.