Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

Not too many people would think of Israel as a destination when planning their vacation. Some family friends though have just recently been on an Israel Tour and although you cannot expect a luxurious and relaxing getaway, you can definitely expect an enriching experience. Their anecdotes were intriguing and inspiring that I even thought of bringing all of us on one of those Israel Tours someday.

A lot of agencies offer these tours and one of the more reliable ones is Ayelet Tours, Ltd. They specialize in bringing people to Israel for spiritual adventures. They organize tours for both students and adults, and also Bar mitzvah tours Israel. Their tours will give you not only a visual feast of Israel but also a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Jewish and Christian heritage. Some of their tours even include meeting some political officials, business leaders, journalists, and organizational heads. My father had this amazing and blessed opportunity to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land a couple of years ago. He told us it was truly a life-changing experience especially since their tour guide was so knowledgeable about the place and showed them exact spots where Jesus had some of the historical moments of his life.

I know that a Tour to Israel like this will be a great educational experience not just for me and my husband but also for our kids. Hopefully, aside from my plans of beach trips, shopping trips, and a trip to Disneyland for our future vacations, we would be able to go there. Israel has just been added to my growing list of family vacation destinations. It would be the ultimate trip to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. It is honestly on my bucket list..

I used to think that a vacation in the Caribbean is usually for couple, honeymooners, or a group of friends. I used to think it was not kid-friendly, so I have always bypassed it whenever I plan our annual family beach vacation. It was a good thing I chanced upon the family Grand Cayman villas at the Kai Ku. It is located on the Northside of the island in “Cayman Kai” near Rum Point. And the villas can house as much as 10 people, has its own pool, has a sandy backyard so kids can play protected and a screened porch.

Now, a vacation in the Caribbean tops my list!

A friend recently went to Ireland to visit some relatives. She posted a lot of pictures on her Facebook page of her short vacation. Her pictures got me interested in visiting Dublin. Since she was visiting relatives, there was no need for her to stay in hotels in Dublin, allowing her to save on accommodations. Below are some of the places they visited in Dublin.

* Dublin Zoo. According to my friend, this is the third oldest zoo in the world. It houses 235 species of wild animals and tropical birds. It is very big that they even have a train you could ride around the zoo.
* National Botanic Gardens. Aside from animals, a lot of plants were included in my friend’s Dublin trip. The gardens feature around 20,000 species of plants. My friend particularly loved the rose garden.
* Phoenix Park. My friend and her family visited this park several times when they were there. It is the largest urban enclosed park in Europe. It has ornamental gardens, nature trails, lots of different kinds trees, and animals that graze on the pasturelands.
* Dublin Writer’s Museum. Since Ireland is famous for some of their writers, they visited this museum which features the lives and works of many famous writers from Dublin.

One of the great things in California is it has one of the best climates and weather among the states in the US. Baja, California is near San Diego and close to Mexico that is why baja real estate is famous for its close proximity to the beach, ocean-side.

For those people that love to be outdoors and have a great appreciation for nature but do not necessarily want to work up a sweat doing it, there are a lot of great things to do. One thing is to go Pier fishing. There are many long piers in California and San Diego is no exception. Another fun thing to do is go whale watching. This area is one of the points where the gray whales go on their migration to Baja California where they give birth to their calves in the warmer water.

If you are looking to get some exercise and enjoy participating in some adventure type of sports and activities, then head to the nearby Mission Trails Regional Park. This is an urban park with that is enormous and has exciting mountain bike trails as well as wonderful hiking and rock climbing spots. If you are in good shape, test yourself by attempting to hike up Cowles Mountain for a breathtaking view at the top as your reward.

Traveling something big on my wish list. If I had limitless amount of money and can bear to be away for long periods of time from my children, I would have gone on europe tours, australia tours and even ireland tours ever since I graduated from college. It remains to be a dream but I am positive I will be able to go to one of those countries someday.

For example, I have mapped out an itinerary when I go to Ireland. I want to visit these five historic places:
1. The GPO, Dublin

The GPO (General Post Office) was the headquarters of the 1916 Easter Rebellion when Irish rebels, led by Padraig Pearse, of the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB) proclaimed Ireland a Republic by issuing the Proclamation of the Irish Republic signed by seven members of the army council; Thomas J. Clarke, Sean Mac Diermada, Thomas McDonagh, P.H. Pearse, Eamon Ceant, James Connolly and Joseph Plunkett and declaring war on the occupying British Forces from that moment onward.

2. Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is one of the most visited historic attractions in Ireland and its importance in Irish history cannot be understated. It is forever associated with the various repressive English occupiers of Ireland over the space of nearly 800 years.

3. Beal na mBlath, Clonakilty County Cork

Beal na mBalth is one of the most famous locations in Irish history. It was here in August 1922 that Michael Collins, one of the most charismatic leaders in the history of Ireland and Commander in Chief of the National Forces, was killed in an ambush whilst on a tour of inspection of the Free State troops in his native Cork.

4. The Battle of the Boyne, Oldbridge, Drogheda, County Louth

The Battle of the Boyne, in 1690, was the end game in a war between the Catholic King James and Protestant King William of Orange, who had deposed James in 1688. The battle, won by William, was a turning point in their feud and ultimately helped ensure the continuation of Protestant supremacy in Ireland with ramifications right up to this day.

5. Vinegar Hill, Enniscorthy, County Wexford

The Irish Rebellion of 1798 against British occupation of Ireland had many significant battles in different parts of the country but the Battle of Vinegar Hill was an on the 21st June 1798 was especially important.

I might as well book with Collette Tours. Buying your Ireland Tours Tour in advance gives you peace of mind because you prepay for your trip and save up to 40% off the cost of traveling the same itinerary on your own.