183 Search Results for "reef"

• Plan Your Affordable Vacation Plan Your Affordable Vacation in Australia

  • From: enadowdy
  • Description:

    The Great Barrier Reef, Bondi Beach, the Opera House and the Outback.  There are so many natural and cultural wonders to be visited in Australia that tourism is booming for travel "down under".  If you have been planning your Australian vacation, we've got some great news for you. 

    Australia is experiencing a real growth in business, commerce and population.  It is great news for travellers who have always wanted to visit Australia as there are more flights available now than ever before, and more airlines competing with pricing and willing to take you there.  

    Depending where you are travelling from in North America, the flight to Australia is is about twenty hours.  Typically the airlines will stop in Vancouver Canada, then Japan and on to Australia.  Historically the cost has hovered around $2000 or more per person and part of the reason that travellers have hesitated in the past to fly to Australia is due to the length of the flight and also because of the cost.  But thanks to the increased demand for flights, it is possible to get cheap flights to Australia and book them conveniently online. 

    • Avoid direct flights.  While convenient (and available from some major cities on the west coast) they are the most costly. Direct flights can also be more exhausting for some travellers (can you commit to more than twenty hours on one flight?).  There are more comfortable and convenient options.

    • Most travellers will book stop-overs on their way to Australia.  Countries such as Dubai and Hong Kong are fabulous to visit on a one day stop over.  Not only does it give you the opportunity to rest from the flight but it also allows you to take in some of the exotic local flavour of other countries on your way.  It enriches your travel experience and will leave you refreshed and ready to take on the adventurous continent of Australia when you arrive.

    • Lastly if you are planning on travelling for a few weeks, explore the opportunity to  purchase an "around-the-world" ticket which leaves you free to visit other continents usually for the same price as a direct flight to Australia.   It literally opens a world of travel opportunity if you have the time and inclination to explore.

    When booking your travel to Australia (like other flights) the most economical rates will be for connecting flights that are also booked well in advance.  Since a trip to Australia is a more expensive vacation, plan at least two months ahead of time in order to get the best rates and choice availability for your flights.

  • Blog post
  • 3 months ago
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• Waikiki Beach: The Perfect Des Waikiki Beach: The Perfect Destination for Friends

  • From: ajjordan2
  • Description:

    My friends and I had a birthday celebration in Oahu, Hawaii- a perfect combination of beach time and nightlife. Here are some suggestions for visitors that would like to experience a range of activities from snorkeling to bar hopping in the tourist hub of Waikiki Beach.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Where to Stay:

    

    Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach

    We stayed in a two bedroom, two bath suite at the resort, which included a king bed in one room and two queens in the other. These accommodations were convenient for the six of us to spread out without feeling cramped. According to sales manager, Susan Koehler, "what makes the property stand out from other resorts is our extra space, value, and location”.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Each morning we had complimentary hot breakfast followed by complimentary alcoholic beverages at the manager’s reception in the evenings. This was a great prelude to our nights on the town.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The sundeck, Jacuzzi, and pool-side bar are perfect amenities for a chill out session. Some insider tips include checking out their free yoga classes Tuesday and Friday mornings and catching the fireworks that take off from the Hilton Hawaiian Village each Friday.

     

     

     

     

     

                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                         DoubleTree by Hilton

     

    We decided to spend our last night at another Hilton property, the DoubleTree hotel in Waikiki. The DoubleTree contains 317 guest rooms, each featuring a private balcony. Other amentities included complimentary WiFi in the lobby, 24-hour fitness center, and heated pool for swimming laps. The location of the DoubleTree allowed us to see the other end of Waikiki, which was close to the Ilikai Marina and the Ala Moana Beach. Our last day was spent touring these two areas.

     

    Where to Party:

     

    First Fridays in Chinatown is the place to view the local artists and showcases; the downtown area is lively with bars and lounges open for the streams of visitors. Addiction nightclub is located at The Modern hotel and caters to the 21 through 30 year-old crowd. They play a range of music from Hip Hop to Pop, and many locals gravitate to the club Thursday nights. 

     

     

     

    The Sheraton has an outdoor bar/lounge called Rum Fire that attracts a grown and sexy crowd from 21 through 40; lighted torches surrounding the bar and a glowing pool gives off an aura of a sultry Hawaiian night. Moose McGillycuddy’s is the go-to dive bar for inexpensive drinks and a packed crowd.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Activities to Try:

     

    A 2-3 minute walk from the Embassy Suites puts you right on the strip of the Waikiki Beach, where you can rent a umbrella to lay out, as well as kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or rent a paddleboat. We got some great shots out on the wooden pier.

    

     

     

     

    A 20 minute ride from Waikiki puts you in Hanauma Bay, an ancient  volcanic crater-turned bay, which is packed with marine life; excellent for snorkeling. We camped out on the beach after we went snorkeling (tip: map out the areas of the ocean beforehand where reef is not widespread for better snorkeling).

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Enjoy hiking? Check out Manoa Falls, a waterfall surrounded by a verdant rainforest that can be reached via a hiking trail (the destination is site of many films, including Jurassic Park and Hunger Games). We hiked the 2 mile trail, and ended up at the base of the waterfall. Of course we had to take a  dip for photo ops.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    For an authentic luau, and a colorful end to your vacation, try Germaine’s Luau, with offers a Hawaiian cultural ceremony at sunset, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and 3 free drinks.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 5 months ago
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• Capitol Reef NP - Utah Capitol Reef NP - Utah

  • From: amichka
  • Description:
  • 8 months ago
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• Capitol Reef NP Petroglyphs - Capitol Reef NP Petroglyphs - Utah

  • From: amichka
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  • 8 months ago
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• Capitol Reef NP - Utah Capitol Reef NP - Utah

  • From: amichka
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  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 1979
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• Capitol Reef NP - Utah Capitol Reef NP - Utah

  • From: amichka
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  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 1915
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• Capitol Reef NP - Utah Capitol Reef NP - Utah

  • From: amichka
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  • 8 months ago
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• Capitol Reef NP, Grand Wash - Capitol Reef NP, Grand Wash - Utah

  • From: amichka
  • Description:
  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 1327
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• Capitol Reef NP - Utah Capitol Reef NP - Utah

  • From: amichka
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  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 1242
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• Capitol Reef NP - Utah Capitol Reef NP - Utah

  • From: amichka
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  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 1208
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• Budget Maldives. Maafushi is t Budget Maldives. Maafushi is the cheapest place for the best beach vacations and wanting to find the real life of Maldives.

  • From: Katerina9
  • Description:

                Maafushi island (Maldives) is the best place for a holiday if you're looking for a cheap place for the best beach vacations and wanting to find the real life of Maldives.

                The island is located in South Male’ Atoll, just 30 minutes from the airport and the capital male ' if you go on a speed boat. Also to the island can be reached by regular ferry coming from Male’ from 10 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. all days except Friday. Cost one way for one person is 2.5 - 3 $ and it takes 1.5 hours of time.

    Maafushi is really nice local island! It is not resort but it is great place for those who want to immerse in the atmosphere of the local life of Maldives and Resort of Maldives at the same time.

    On the island there are hospital, police station, school, many shops of food, clothing, household goods, fields for football and volleyball, concert Playground, bar, cafe on the shore of the ocean, where tables are standing right in the sand. There's two good beach with white sand and a very good coral reef.

    All the prices are low as they are for local residents in contrast to the island-resorts. While you can at least every day to travel to the neighboring island-resorts, which are located in a few minutes by speed boat and spend a whole day there, taking advantage of all the infrastructure free of charge. (For example, a trip to the nearby Byadhoo island-resort with dinner, beach towels, the opportunity to enjoy all of the amenities of the hotel, transfer to a whole day worth of Summer Villa guest house of $15).

    The Maafushians are very friendly people ever ready to help without any sign of self-interest. So you will be able to by souvenirs times cheaper than they sell for the resort tourists. Local shops (except souvenirs) have fixed prices and you can by fruits, snacks and even swimming fins there for the real (not resort) price.

    Maafushi it is a where you can see the ocean from any place on the island. The Indian Ocean is calm and very beautiful. You can enjoy it as a natural swimming pool. There is a nice coral reef nearby.

    There are two beaches on  Maafushi on opposite sides of the island. The reef is located in the west side, if you walk away from Summer villa Guest house on the left. You must walk on the snow-white sand in shallow water a few meters long and there begins a good riff. Steep wall of coral and fish. I saw there a huge turtle, eagle rays (very nice!), Dolphins and groups of all kinds of fishes. It should carry with them flippers necessarily because it is the ocean, and without them hanging like an empty bottle.

                It is a great choice for the tourists that want "budget holidays". Resort rest (15$ all day with lunch), the snorkeling, fishing from boat, swimming with manta ray and dolphins , a picnic on a deserted island, rest on a small beach in the middle of the ocean (a small island, where nothing except sand), a concert of national culture and etc.

    There are some guest houses. I stayed in Summer Villa Guest house. It is an excellent Guest House with wonderful family-like atmosphere. The Guesthouse is kept by a Maldivian family. So all the relatives are really interested in each guest and make everything possible to make the guests happy all the time.  I came here twice and it was an absolutely different experience in comparison with the previous visit but again wonderful. If you decide to go there you will feel yourself like in out-of-town house with the amazingly beautiful warm ocean and palm trees near by. All staff is very friendly and caring like your good friends.

    A cozy place. To be honest, I examined in detail on this island, the benefit was a lot of time there. And when the question arose to what hotel to choose, my husband said unequivocally Summer villa guest house and I myself did not want to go anywhere else. You feel yourself in his hotel like in your cottage  in the Maldives, it is true! You will see yourself. They organize excellent excursions. Rooms were spacious and furnished with a large soft bed and bedside tables, a large wardrobe with a wooden safe inside, a dressing table with bench, fridge, powerful AC, fans, etc. Every room had a private toilet and shower with hot water. Bed sheets and pillowcases were changed regularly. Room was very clean and cozy. There are soap and shampoo in bathroom. Staff cares for you if you are like the owner of this house and they are your staff. :))) Really nice!

    There was also a kitchen for guests in Summer Villa. Everyone could use tableware, toaster, and coffeemaker facilities or take boiling water for independent meals. But it was also possible to order the stuff to cook lunch for you.

                Dinner was a buffet. Every evening the staff lighted candles and so each dinner turned into a romantic dating. If you decide to come with children you should not worry about food. My son (3 years old) enjoyed food in Summer Villa café.

                Summer Villa guest house is the best place to relax, have a good rest and get a charge of positive emotions and energy. The same time if you wish an active or extreme leisure the hotel staff can arrange excursions and active kinds of sports for you. The guest house provides cheap excursions to several resort islands, Park Island, Sand Bank, Manta and Wale shark spots. They can arrange dolphin watching, fishing and snorkeling in very picturesque areas. I also saw Bodu Beru - the show of traditional dances and songs of the Maldivian culture.

    There is free Wi-Fi in the hotel.

    It is advisable to swim in a solid swimsuit or in a t-shirt, tunic. But I saw tourists in a separate bathing suit. Nobody remarks are made. However, there is a law and it must be respected. And the sun in the Maldives is quite hard so you need to use long sleeves because you can get a sun burnt! And you can walk around the island as you like. And in T-shirts and shorts and a short skirt! For tourists there is a special relationship - complete freedom within reasonable limits.

    And on any excursions you can use a separate bathing suit. I used tunics, t-shots and sunscreen and always have nice even tan, believe me. And no sun burnt J I was afraid it also at first time but the nature dictates its own laws and I used except tunics leggings the first days.

    Very good alternative to expensive resorts. A wonderful place with wonderful people always on hand to help and make sure your holiday lives up to all your expectations!

     

  • Blog post
  • 10 months ago
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• Budget holidays in Maldives. M Budget holidays in Maldives. Maafushi island.

  • From: Katerina9
  • Description:

    Maldives was my dream and the dream of my husband. We did not have the money to Resort but wanted to go on Maldives, especially that we were very close before on Sri Lanka. The first trip turned out to be completely random manner. At that time was no any information about Maafushi. We went at our own risk. Since then we sick Maafushi, Maldives, Summer villa guest house, and as you know, been there 2 times already, and probably will go again. It really is a great opportunity to realize dream about Maldives. 
    
    About the hotel. Hotel Summer villa guest house is the second time the appearance of the hotel on the island. A cozy place. To be honest, I examined in detail on this island, the benefit was a lot of time there. And when the question arose to what hotel to choose, my husband said unequivocally Summer villa guest house and I myself did not want to go anywhere else. You feel yourself in his hotel like in your cottage in the Maldives, it is true! You will see yourself. They organize excellent excursions. Rooms were spacious and furnished with a large soft bed and bedside tables, a large wardrobe with a wooden safe inside, a dressing table with bench, fridge, powerful AC, fans, etc. Every room had a private toilet and shower with hot water. Soap and shampoo were a kind of pleasant surprise for guests. Bed sheets and pillowcases were changed regularly. Room was very clean and cozy.
    There are soap and shampoo in bathroom. No hair dryer. Staff cares for you if you are like the owner of this house and they are your staff. :))) Really nice! And that's without tips! Excuse me for my emotions and my English.
    
    I do not remember. I'm on a business trip, and my checks have remained at home. About 45 or 50 dollars a night double room + Bed Tax $ 8 per person per sukta + 6% per room per night service charge + 10% tax. Total 45 8 8 4.5 2.7 = 68.2 dollars. All taxes are required for the entire Maldives, and the same everywhere.
    
    Dinner is $ 7 per person buffet. With the dessert. By candlelight. Very romantic! Breakfast is included in the price. Lanch on request. You can order a la carte. You can buy at the store on their own products at low prices and in the kitchen for tourists to eat. This added convenience for me there. There is hot water kettle, toaster, tea and coffee free, dishes. You can do everything that you want. Complete freedom, just like at home. You can eat at other hotels or cafes. But it is not safe. All experienced myself. Tourists from another hotels comes to eat in Summer villa.
    
    It is a great choice for the tourists that want "budget holidays". Resort rest (15$ all day with lunch), the snorkeling, fishing from boat, swimming with manta ray and dolphins , a picnic on a deserted island, rest on a small beach in the middle of the ocean (a small island, where nothing except sand), a concert of national culture and etc. I can write in more detail later. Everything is different, depending on the situation. On average, the basic tour cost 10-20 dollars per person, there's something for free. All in different ways. Above all, there are a lot of competition, and prices fell.
    Maafushi it is a small island two kilometers on one and a half kilometers, so you can see the ocean from any place on the island. There are no proper beaches and reefs, hotels, all common use.
    There are two beaches on Maafushi on opposite sides of the island. The reef is located in the old beach, if you walk away from Summer villa on the left. You must walk on the snow-white sand in shallow water a few meters long and there begins a good riff. Steep wall of coral and fish. I saw there a huge turtle, eagle rays (very nice!), Dolphins and groups of all kinds of fishes. It should carry with them flippers necessarily because it is the ocean, and without them hanging like an empty bottle. They can be rented at the hotel or if you are traveling for 10 days or more, the better to buy in the store for 125 rufees, which we did. All beaches on Maafushi good but not like on Resorts. Walk from Summer villa to the both beaches spend several minuets.

     

  • Blog post
  • 10 months ago
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• Shark Pile Shark Pile

  • From: spurdog
  • Description:

    During the day these Whitetip Reef Sharks like to pile up.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 268
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• Southwest Southwest

  • From: fungusfarmer
  • Description:

    Among the many places we visited during our driving trip to the southwest in Sep-Oct 2010 was Capital Reef National Park.  The landscapes were terrific but I particulalry liked this shot of a tree highlighted by the sun.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 605
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• volcanic ash with tire tracks volcanic ash with tire tracks

  • From: rsundeen
  • Description:

    this photo was taken between Capital Reef National Park and Hanksvile, Utah on highway 24. The hills are near a dinosaur site and marked with ATM tire tracks!

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 245
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• Caribbean Reef Shark Caribbean Reef Shark

  • From: spurdog
  • Description:

    A sleek predator patrols the reef.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 191
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• Not Caught Not Caught

  • From: spurdog
  • Description:

    The lure hanging off of this Reef Shark will corrode and drop off in short order.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 176
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• airplane window2 airplane window2

  • From: Merryl
  • Description:

    Great Barrier Reef Australia. Flying from Cairns to Sydney October 2011.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 149
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• airplane window1 airplane window1

  • From: Merryl
  • Description:

    Great Barrier Reef Australia.  Flying from Cairns to Sydney October 2011.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 140
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• Scenic Route 24 Utah Scenic Route 24 Utah

  • From: mpagano
  • Description:

    This photo was taken along Route 24 in Utah, a beautiful drive that took us through Capitol Reef National Park while traveling from Moab (Arches National Park), Utah to Bryce Canyon National Park.

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 737