All About Thailand For Traveler |

Are you in the process of planning a Caribbean vacation? If you are, you may be looking for affordable all-inclusive resorts. In your search, you may come across resorts that are classified as super-inclusive resorts. This will grab your attention right away, but you may be looking for more information, like what a travel package includes.

It is important to remember that Caribbean resorts and travel packages do vary. Although you will find some variances, there are many common features that a super-inclusive resort or travel package includes. A few of these features are outlined below for your convenience.

Overnight Accommodations

Of course, your stay is included in the cost of a Caribbean all-inclusive resort package. As for how you stay, it will depend on your own personal preferences. Most Caribbean resorts provide you with many options. These options may include a traditional resort room, a suite, or even a honeymoon suite. Most resorts and suites come standard with a television, air conditioner, and telephone, but other amenities are provided free of charge occasionally.

Dining

Your food and drinks should be included in a stay at a super-inclusive Caribbean resort. What you will want to do is examine the resort in question. Look for those with more restaurants, as you are provided with more eating options. Also, look for restrictions. A truly super-inclusive resort should allow you to eat, without having to pay again, at all onsite restaurants.

In addition to eating at a fine dining restaurant, super-inclusive travel packages should also include small meals and snacks. Drinks are included as well. With truly super-inclusive resorts, you will find that all drinks are included, including alcoholic beverages and not just the “cheap,” brands.

Tips

When staying at a super-inclusive Caribbean resort, you should find that tips are included in the cost of your stay. This means that you already paid for them. Some Caribbean resorts do not allow tipping. This means that the staff should not accept additional tips. If they are accepted, feel free to tip for exceptional service, but remember that you already paid for this when you purchased your travel package.

Activities

All super-inclusive resorts offer onsite activities as a part of their travel package, but what you will find may vary. For starters, all resorts should have an onsite swimming pool and fitness center, which you should be able to use as you please.

As for other included activities, it depends on the resort in question. For example, most resorts have an indoor gaming room, while a select number of Caribbean resorts have an indoor rock climbing wall.

For outdoor activities, it depends on the resort’s location and size. Some resorts in the Caribbean have onsite golf courses, volleyball nets, and basketball courts. If these activities are not included in the cost of your stay, you should get a very affordable rate.

At a select number of resorts, water based activities may be included as well. This is most commonly seen with beachfront all-inclusive resorts.

Wedding and Renewal Ceremonies

You may be surprised to hear that many super-inclusive Caribbean resorts also include wedding and renewal ceremonies in their packages. This is something that you should take into consideration if your next trip to the Caribbean doubles as a romantic getaway. Would could be more romantic that getting married or reaffirming your love for each other in the beautiful, tropical weather of the Caribbean?

In addition to the above mentioned super-inclusive travel package features, you may also find airport transfers included. This varies depending on the resort in question. If the resort you choose does provide you with airport transfers, first see if they have any restrictions on which airports you can be transported to. Even if the cost of a transfer is not included in your inclusive travel package, you should still receive an affordable rate.

As you can see, there are many features that a stay at a super-inclusive resort includes. Since you will find some variances, it is important to thoroughly examine all travel packages before making your purchase. Look for rules and restrictions that may reduce the quality or have a negative impact on your travels.

Super Clubs can help you make your all-inclusive Caribbean travel plans. View their large selection of all-inclusive resorts today.

Bethel Park is a municipality in Pennsylvania State. The town has many leisure activities for residents and non residents. Let us check out some of the leisure activities in Bethel Park.

The Municipality of the town offers the residents of the town with a variety of recreational and leisure activities. The recreational facilities have been developed keeping in mind the requirements of people of in all age groups. It would be of interest to know that residents of the town are privy to art lessons, swim lessons, karate classes, ballroom dancing classes which are provided by the Municipality for a small amount of fees.

Apart from all these training sessions, residents of the town can enroll themselves in aquatic programs, youth programs, adult programs or many other amusement programs that are organized frequently. There are also leisure centers like the amusement park where families can spend a complete day without getting tired. There are many among us who would like to spend their leisure time in an open park. For this purpose, the town has got quite a few parks namely the Simmons Park, Village Green Park and Millennium Park. The Millennium Park is located on 5900 Baptist Road and spread over an area of 40 acres. We know that Bethel Park is indeed famous for its parks. The list is long but some of the other notable ones are the Peter Page Park on Church Road which is over an area of 16.65 acres, the small but nice Oak Tree Park on Summit Street and Mollyhill Park. The residents of the town will always have a place to visit during their leisure time.

The high school in Bethel Park has around 2 thousand students in grades 9–12. It’s one of the biggest high schools in Pennsylvania and consists of 8 buildings on a 80-acre campus. Its curriculum includes ten Advanced Placement Program courses, 14 honors courses and four foreign language programs. The current principal is Dr. Zeb Jansante. Its mascot is the Black Hawk.

The highest point in Bethel Park is Rocky Ridge in the southwestern portion of the municipality, 1,370 feet (420 m), and the lowest point is at the intersection of the Piney Fork and Alsip Run creeks, 980 feet (300 m), in the southeast corner of the municipality.

South Hills Village is a 2-story mall and shopping area, with 133 different stores including some of the top brands and a prime shopping location in Pittsburgh, PA area.

The South Hills Village is a two-level enclosed shopping mall located in the upscale Pittsburgh suburbs of Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair. It was originally developed by the Oxford Development Company as the first enclosed two-story shopping mall in the United States and is currently owned by Simon Property Group. It is anchored by Macy’s (formerly Lazarus and Horne’s) and Sears. The mall features over 130 specialty stores including Abercrombie and Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, Hollister Co., Aeropostale, J. Crew, Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, Lucky Brand Jeans, and an Apple Computer store. The mall also houses a food court and several professional offices. This mall was the largest in the United States until the Monroeville Mall, which was also developed by the Oxford Development Company and planned to be twenty percent larger, opened in 1969.

The South Hills Village Garage is one of three parking facilities constructed by the Authority as part of the Stage II Light Rail Transit Project. Stage II includes the reconstruction and modernization of the Overbrook Line; expansion of park and ride lot spaces; modernization and expansion of the Operations Control Center; installation of improved overhead wire and power system and new cab signals and gated crossings.

More information about the city of Bethel Park and South Hills Village is available on the main site of the city’s community: www.bethelpark.com/ Bethel Park, Pennsylvania - City Information, Real Estate, Community, Schools

When I was in Paris recently, I had two great Paris tours by boat which I can highly recommend.

The first was a Champagne Cruise, and the second was a Hidden Paris Barge Tour - let me tell you a little about each of them, and maybe it’ll be something you choose to do when you visit the City of Love.

==========

Paris Tours

Champagne Cruise

==========

Two of my friends were arriving in Paris from different points of the globe - one from Iceland and one from New Zealand (and I’d come from Australia), so I thought it would be great fun to start our first night in Paris together on a Champagne Cruise.

We all met up in the 11th arrondissement at the Metro Voltaire, and made our way to Bir Hakeim Metro beside the Eiffel Tower. I’d booked the tickets over the internet from Australia before I left home, so we were ready to go! When we emerged out of Bir Hakeim metro, all we had to do was look UP to see the Eiffel Tower and started walking in the direction. Our Champagne Cruise was due to depart at 6pm from the steps on the River Seine closest to the Eiffel Tower. As we walked along the street, we did a bit of window shopping in the tourist shops and looked at some trinkets we might buy on our way back.

When we reached the banks of the River Seine, we headed over to the ticketing office and as I was the only one who spoke any French, I handed over the tickets (printed off the internet) to the ticket collector. My French was rusty, but I certainly understood when he said there were no Champagne Cruises tonight because it was Sunday!

Oh I felt sick in the stomach, and in my terribly shaky French I tried to find out how this could happen when I’d called and confirmed the tickets the day before. This went on for a few minutes back and forth, until the ticket collector started laughing - he was making a joke, and I was so relieved and started laughing with him. Who said the French weren’t friendly? Not me

We walked onto our boat and were shown through some heavy velvet curtains to the very front, where we were greeted by a delightful sommelier named Olivier who was going to tell us about Champagne for the next hour as he had us taste several different varieties.

With a glass of champagne held firmly in our hands, the boat slowly moved away from the mooring, and we were gliding on the River Seine looking at the beauty and history of Paris from our perfect spot on the boat. There were several American girls on the cruise, also enjoying the sights of Paris, as a break from their studies here. Another group was from the UK, a couple with their daughter and son-in-law, plus other passengers, and we all got on famously together.

Our sommelier Olivier was extremely knowledgeable on the topic of champagne, and has his own business specialising in champagne tours. We learnt so much and had fun along the way - before we knew it our hour was up, and it was time to disembark. We chatted with the fellow passengers on the wharf and all agreed it was well worthwhile.

I must say this was a truly delightful way to introduce Paris to my friends, and it’s a very inexpensive way to see the city from the water - the beautiful historical buildings, the marvellous bridges (’ponts’) and the fabulous skyline.

If you can, you really should check out the champagne cruise - I thoroughly enjoyed it!

==========

Paris Tours

Hidden Paris Barge Tour

==========

Later in the week we headed off to find the Hidden Paris Barge Tour, due to start at 2:30pm and finishing at 5pm. We stopped at a boulangerie (bakery) and bought baguette sandwiches and bottled water for our little picnic on the barge.

We took the metro and changed twice before arriving at Parc De La Villette, in the 19th arrondissement (Metro: Porte de Pantin). When we came out of the metro we were surprised to see the big open spaces and the artistic buildings - such a contrast to the centre of Paris.

We walked towards the canal and found the departure point for our barge tour. When we climbed aboard, there weren’t many people, and I thought that because it was a Friday there might be fewer passengers. As we located some seats and got settled, we enjoyed the warm summer’s afternoon and looked forward to our cruise. We weren’t on the River Seine, we were actually on a canal on the outskirts of Paris which would wend its way to eventually meet the Seine towards the end of our two and a half hour journey.

More passengers started climbing on board, and suddenly the barge was full - it was an outing for a company’s picnic and they were all set to have fun! As we were the only English speakers, it was an interesting way to get to see and meet the locals who were in party-mode.

Pretty soon our ticket collector appeared and started to talk about the surroundings - in French. When he finished, he stood in front of us and gave us the English version, which was lovely. I speak enough French to know that he tweaked the jokes to make us laugh, and it turned out he was an Englishman who’d lived in Paris for many years.

We learnt all kinds of interesting snippets about French history and politics, culture and stories. Because we were on a canal, we had to enter each ‘lock’ and the large floodgates were locked behind us. The water level would slowly decrease beneath us until we had dropped down a level in the landscape, and then we could proceed. This happened several times, and always drew a crowd who’d hang over the bridges above us, waving and calling out. It was great fun and so different from the typical French tourist attractions!

We ate our picnic and had a marvellous afternoon, chatting to the French locals and thoroughly enjoying ourselves. As we approached a long dark tunnel, we were advised it was 2km long - unlit - and went directly beneath the Bastille monument, which had plenty of history to hear about.

Our guide was very knowledgeable and funny, and made the day so interesting. When we were in total darkness in the underground canal, we could hear a beautiful melody … as he came forward, his silhouette was outlined by a circular airvent above us in the tunnel, and we could see he was playing a lilting melody on a clarinet - it was haunting and beautiful.

I took lots of photos plus a quick video and have posted them on my website - if you’d like to hear the music, please visit my webpage and click the video:

http://www.a-night-in-paris.com/paris-tours-barge-cruise.html

When we finally came back out into the daylight, we headed onto the River Seine to finish our wonderful journey which had been chock full of interesting history, stories, people and places. The two and a half hours had flown by! We reluctantly walked away, crossed the bridge, and grabbed a bus to take us back to Metro Voltaire where we were staying.

Both of these Paris tours were great fun and showed two totally different sides of Paris - if you want to spend some quality time away from the touristic crowds and meet French people, you might want to try these for yourself.

I hope you do! And I hope you have a lot of fun! You can post comments on the websites and let me know about your own experiences in Paris.

Au revoir!

Teena

Teena Hughes is an Australian who has lived in Paris and loves all things French. Visit Teena’s website to fall in love with the city of light and love. http://www.a-night-in-paris.com/paris-tours-barge-cruise.html

One of the most common questions I get asked about Paris is, “How easy is it to get around by bus?”.

My answer is, “It’s very easy, once you know how.”

OK that doesn’t sound very helpful, but what I’m trying to say is that catching a bus in a foreign city is no harder than anything else you’re likely to do, but when it’s something you’ve never done before, you have a fear factor - the fear of the unknown.

I’ll explain to you how to make sure you don’t get lost on a bus in Paris, and then your fear factor will disappear.

All cities around the world where there are buses have timetables. These days you can look up bus and other transport timetables on the internet, and you can also get a printed timetable. When you’re standing at a bus stop in Paris, you will also see terrific maps to help you work out where you want to go.

==================

TRUE STORY …

==================

You don’t really need to speak French to catch a bus in Paris, you just need to know the name of the street and area (suburb) where you want to go, and if you plan on returning, make sure you know your return address. Have BOTH of these written down so you can show the bus driver if he can’t understand you.

Don’t laugh about having your return address on you - I know people who’ve forgotten where they’re staying when they’re on holidays. Generally they get to their accommodation, leave their luggage in the hostel, hotel or friend’s apartment, then excitedly head out for a day or evening of adventure.

When it’s time to come home, they may discover they left the address with all their worldly possessions … at their accommodation. It’s easier said than done - trust me.

I heard a story from a friend of mine this week whose daughter went to Paris to stay with friends and did exactly that. She headed out to meet friends for dinner and music, and even managed to get the bus back to her friend’s apartment … but didn’t know which apartment on which floor.

So what did she do? Burst into tears of course, and someone kindly stopped to help her. Luckily they found an all-night cafe close by where the girl could stay safe and warm, and where she could keep an eye on the building until her friend left for work the next day. It’s evidently not very comfortable to stay in a cafe from midnight to 7am

==================

INSIDE THE BUS

==================

Once you’re in the bus there are 3 things which I really like:

- a simple to follow bus map along the edge of the roof of the bus

- a clock at the front of the bus so you can make sure you’re on time

- friendly people who are willing to help if you look or feel lost.

Parisians are friendly and sympathetic, so don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. Show people the piece of paper you’re carrying with the address of where you’re going, and they will be able to help you.

==================

THINGS TO REMEMBER

==================

- always have something on you which says the full address and phone number where you’re going

- always carry a map with your accommodation marked on it clearly, so you can find your way home

- make sure you have your friend’s or the hotel’s phone number with you

- be polite, say “Merci!” for “Thank you!”, and “Pardon” for “Excuse me.”

Most of all, enjoy the adventure of being in a foreign city - acknowledge the fact that you’re bound to make a few mistakes along the way, and laugh them off when they happen. You’ll have a much more enjoyable trip if you do.

Bon voyage, and don’t forget to have fun!

Teena Hughes is an Australian who has lived in Paris and loves all things French. Teena’s website is a warm and entertaining place to visit, seen through the eyes of someone who clearly loves Paris. http://www.a-night-in-paris.com/getting-around-in-paris.html

When it comes to kids and crafts, there is no such thing as too much. When kids spend as much time as they do focused on electronics and the internet, daily or weekly craft time can be just the thing they need to get those brain cells working. Some kids gravitate naturally into the craft environment and have plenty to bring to the table. Others may be slower to excite and need some prodding. However, all kids can benefit from crafts and time spent in creative thought.

Start crafts by planning out ahead of time what you’d like to do. This will eliminate any humming and hawing that can occur if you pick something and find that you do not have the required tools or materials needed. By planning crafts in advance you are able to prepare by stopping in at craft stores for supplies. Keep your options open by staying organized. If you have more than one child in the family, have them take turns deciding on future projects that can be done together as a group.

Use recyclables for making crafts and art projects. It’s a great way to teach your kids about reusing items commonly found around the house. Everything from margarine containers to old compact discs makes great craft materials. Keep things like this on hand to get kids thinking. It can be a fun challenge to discover all of the things you can make out of just one item. Put your imagination to the test and see how many uses you can come up with for a plastic container or empty pop bottle.

Crafts should always be developed with full consideration of the child in mind. Crafts that do not fit the skill level or age learning level of the child can be a challenge and result in being little to no fun. If you have children of all ages wishing to participate in crafts, allow them to be original and come up with something on their own. Quite often kids simply need the materials and the rest comes together on its own. Kids do get frustrated easily though so keep an eye on them as they work. It’s best not to leave children unattended while working with craft materials like glue and scissors.

It’s important to stay open minded and be flexible. Kids are not generally perfectionists and do not mind if little things are not perfectly done. Don’t be too concerned with things like perfect lines and cuts or messiness. Crafts are messy at times and if you are going to conduct them then accept all that goes with them. Applying too much pressure to kids during craft time may result in them not wanting to participate any longer.

The most important thing about craft making is that kids learn through playing and being imaginative. Encouraging these gifts will strengthen them in growth. Allow kids to express themselves while learning. There is no greater gift. Craft time can be a positive experience for everyone so get Mom and Dad involved too.

There are as many hobbies as there are people who enjoy them. Learn more about the popular hobby of building and collecting dollhouses and miniatures. Visit our large selection of collectible doll houses today at www.TheMagicalDollhouse.com.

Most people in the world have heard of Pompeii, Italy, the site of one of the worst natural disasters of ancient times. One of the greatest finds in the history of the city was made in July, 2005, when an archaeologist checking on the progress of a new motorway being built in the area dug up the remains of a man lying next into an ancient Roman basket containing silverware. While the silverware and numerous articles such as pottery and paintings have been commonly found amongst the ruins, this was on of the few times that a Roman basket had been unearthed, although the container and its contents were somewhat melted together.

To understand the significance of this find, you must first understand what happened in Pompeii on August 24, 79 A.D. The city was a busy seaport and a summer resort area for wealthy Romans who wished to get away from the demands of living in Rome itself and was located at the base of Mount Vesuvius, an active yet mostly quiet volcano. Estimations of the population at the time of the disaster vary, although most experts agree that thee probably approximately 20,000 people living in the area at the time. In the past few years, earthquakes were a common occurrence, so when the ground began to shake on that fateful August day, most of the residence ignored it (much as Californians do today). Suddenly, Vesuvius awoke and began to erupt.

The people became panicked as they tried to reach safety. While many fled to the seaport, others took their chances trying to journey overland. Still other individuals sought shelter within their homes, not realizing that they would remain there through eternity. The high intensity heat and the amount of ash in the air soon eliminated anyone who had remained in the area.

The volcano eventually buried the town with layers of ash and pumice, where it remained buried for 1700 years, until it was rediscovered in 1748 and excavation was begun. The buildings were the first to be exposed, as well as statues, fountains, and gardens. As the archaeologists began to explore deeper into the structures and streets, they began to uncover the heartbreaking remains of the residents of this ancient city, laying sprawled face down or, as in one case, appearing to be sitting and praying. It seems that the ash had formed a casing around the individuals that had been buried in the eruption. Although their remains had long since decomposed, the outlines of their bodies were still visible, some of these even showing the looks of suffering that was apparent on these poor souls’ faces.

As well as finding the inhabitants’ bodies, the archaeologists found a treasure trove of daily utensils and household items that could give them an idea of what daily life was like 2000 years ago. Most of the artifacts that remained were made of metal, marble or other materials that could easily withstand the heat of the molten lava that was exuding from Vesuvius.

It is for this reason that the Roman wicker basket that was found was so exciting. It would seem that the man who was found lying next to it was trying to escape Pompeii’s devastation and had crawled underneath a stairwell with his valuables. The sheltered design of this area helped to protect the basket from being destroyed. Although it is not in perfect shape, the archaeologists are treating the fibers with different chemicals to preserve that material that it was made of, with the hopes of displaying this rare container with the rest of the Pompeii exhibit in the near future.

Pompeii is one of the largest tourist attractions in all of Italy. If you wish to get a peek into the lives of ancient Romans as well as to experience the emotional aspects of the disaster, it is a trip that you will not soon forget.

We have baby gift baskets that are cute and practical. Perfect for the newborn and new moms. For more information, visit this article on baby gift baskets.

When deciding what kind of tattoo to put on your body, it’s important to remember that the symbol will remain for the rest of your life. Choose something that is beautiful, represents what you believe in, and is a design you won’t be ashamed for the world to see when you’re in a bathing suit. An angel tattoo fits all of these characteristics, so it isn’t surprising that these are some of the most popular tattoos out there. On a typical day at the beach, it’s not uncommon to see a substantial number of people with some kind of angel tattoo prominently displayed.

Traditionally, angels were entirely a religious symbol. In the stories of the bible, these heavenly creatures were sent down by God to transmit messages to mere mortals on Earth. Their actions and words could be both positive and negative-they were capable of good and bad.

Some of the millions of people who sport angel tattoos today reflect something of that original biblical sentiment, but many others simply like the design. Angels have come to represent something separate from religion. As a symbol, the angel is an overwhelmingly positive life force, and many people are excited to display this measure of happiness in the form of a tattoo somewhere on the body.

Many people also get angel tattoos placed on their body to commemorate the loss of a loved one. These tattoos are sometimes accompanied by “R.I.P.”, short for rest in peace. It’s also commonplace to see initials somewhere in the vicinity of the angel tattoo. The symbolism of this kind of angel tattoo is that the loved one is looking down from heaven, protecting those he cares about from above. With all of the uncertainty in the world, who couldn’t use a guardian angel?

The majority of angel tattoos appear on female’s bodies. There’s something inherently sexy about the angel. Perhaps it’s the possibility of sin; after all, Satan was nothing more than a fallen angel. Angels, therefore, represent the possibilities of straying to the dark side.

Today, there are a large number of different forms and styles of angel tattoos. In fact, there really is no limit to what an angel tattoo can look like. While some take the definite form of an old-school seraph from the bible, others are much more abstract. The typical “traditional” angel is beautifully suffused in light, wearing a white robe, and floating majestically on top of a cloud.

Another popular version of this tattoo is the “angel tattoo wings”, splayed across the entire back of the subject. These seem to flex like wings when the shoulder muscles are contracted. This way, you can really bring your tattoo to life.

It’s up to you to decide which style best suits your personality and taste. Angels represent quite a broad spectrum, and you can use them to express an enormous breadth of opinions and sentiments. Whichever design you decide on, you’ll enjoy the benefits of having a sexy, strong symbol adorning your body.

There are so many different tattoos to choose from. Everything from cross tattoos to star tattoos. Whatever you choose, your tattoo design should hold some sort of meaning for you. Get meanings here: www.protattoodesigns.com/

For a perfect blend of science, adventure, and hands-on learning, Costa Rica is an excellent destination for student group travelers. A republic in Central America, Costa Rica (literally “Rich Coast”) is bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, the Pacific Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. The destination is divided into 20 natural parks, eight biological reserves, and a series of protected areas that will expand the regular science curriculum far beyond the walls of the classroom.

Outdoor activities include horseback riding, hiking, and guided bird-watching tours. While Costa Rica is has only about 0.1% of the world’s landmass, it contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity, with nearly a quarter of the country composed of protected forests and reserves.

The internationally-known Corcovado National Park is famous among ecologists for its biodiversity and is home to an abundance of wildlife. Students experience the park with horseback riding, expeditions to the Guayami Indigenous Reserve, and bird watching. Boat tours provide views of marine birds and dolphins. Corcovado is the last remaining large tract of lowland rain forest o the Pacific coast of Central America. Howler and spider monkeys, tapirs, anteaters, crocodiles, bull sharks, and exotic birds are just a few of the park’s inhabitants, along with a huge variety of tropical plant life.

Home to 320 species of birds, Tortuguero National Park is mostly recognized for its annual nesting of endangered green turtles and is considered the most important nesting site for this species. The park is also home to spider, howler, and white-throated Capuchin monkeys, the three-toed sloth, and the endangered manatee. The best way to see most of the park is from a boat. Evening guided tours enable students to visit the beachfront and see the Green Sea turtles nesting under the moon. During the tours, students can watch as the turtles struggle up the beach, dig their nests, and lay their eggs.

A walk through a Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve reveals a lush green garden of mosses, ferns, and flowers growing thickly on every tree. Clouds drift and settle among the slopes, providing moisture for the amazing plant growth. Wildlife includes the jaguar, three-wattled bellbird, and the famous and elusive Resplendent Quetzal. Of the 1,400 types of Costa Rica Orchids, 500 of them are found at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Students may enjoy a canopy tour of a cloud forest’s protected area, or explore the area by suspension bridges. Aerial tram tours travel through the treetops, where an incredible diversity of plants and animals can be seen. For a more rustic mode of travel, students may strap on mountain climbing harnesses and pull themselves along suspended cables to a series of wooden platforms built in the trees.

Highlights at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve include butterfly gardens, reptile and amphibian exhibitions, hummingbird gardens, and a visit to an orchid garden. Night tours feature beautiful sunsets and a naturalist guide who explains the many unique elements of the forest and its inhabitants.

In addition to rain forests, Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, waterfalls, and rivers. One of the most popular ways to explore its waterways is snorkeling. Here, students get in touch with the colorful underwater world where eels, lobsters, schools of fish, and the spectacular whale shark make their home. This is also a great time to try out the new sport of “Canyoning,” the exciting adventure of repelling down waterfalls. If that’s too adventurous, students can take a relaxing dip in volcano-heated waters after a hike on the active Arenal Volcano.

The capital city of San Jose is an open gateway to the country’s many interesting destinations. Costa Rica’s National Museum, located in the ancient Bellavista Fort, is the guardian of the country’s precious treasures and cultural heritage. The Jade Museum presents a number of important archaeological pieces, in addition to jade pieces and pottery. Presenting the rich culture of Costa Rica, Central Market is the city’s colorful marketplace. Within the cozy warren of alleyways, students discover flowers, baskets, spices, fresh goods, and souvenirs. At the nearby Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, visitors view more than 2,000 glittering pre-Colombian gold artifacts.

travel adventures Travel Adventures is a student tour provider staffed by educators who understand the needs of teachers. It has served over one half million students since 1987 and its mission is to

For educators, nothing is more meaningful in student group travel than seeing a student connect with a new culture through a cultural immersion program. Rich destinations such as San Antonio, Costa Rica or the Yucatan Peninsula provide opportunities for student groups to experience the wonders of these countries while learning about their language and the local customs.

San Antonio, Texas is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the United States, where student groups can explore the relationships between Mexico and the U.S. and become immersed in the local social, cultural, and linguistic adventures.

Imagine the fun and connections made as students participate in a dance lesson at the Instituto de Mexico, where they also have the opportunity to examine works by local artists. Later, they can experience the famous San Antonio River Walk with a cruise and Mexican dinner. The Paseo Del Rio, in the heart of the downtown, is the pride of the city. River cruisers travel the RiverWalk’s three miles past unique shops, restaurants, and nightclubs. A visit to San Antonio also includes a visit with University of Mexico students who are trying to perfect their English skills. More Spanish adventures are available with visits to attractions such as the Spanish Governor’s Palace in the Alamo, Natural Bridge Caverns, and the studio of an internationally renowned blind artist.

In addition, student visitors come away with a greater understanding of Texas history and folk culture, gain new appreciation for Texas architecture with visits to various missions (including the Alamo), and create their own Mexican artwork.

An immersion trip to Costa Rica provides student with an opportunity to practice their Spanish skills and interact with Costa Ricans. Students will gain confidence as they meet residents of communities and small towns who are eager to welcome and communicate with them in their native tongue.

Student groups can also become acquainted with the geographic diversity and beauty of Costa Rica with a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park, hot thermal springs, and the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Visitors cross the Selvatura hanging bridges and take a canopy tour on the zip-line above the treetops where wildlife and natural habitats abound. The adventure also includes travel to Manuel Antonio National Park, with its unusual combination of white sand beach and evergreen forest. En route, visitors observe country life with a visit to a traditional Costa Rican farm. And imagine the surprise one experiences as they view one of the largest colonies of crocodiles in Costa Rica at the Tarcoles River.

In addition to interfacing with cultural Costa Rica, travel groups learn about the region’s wide variety of flora and fauna, visit with local artists, and enjoy popular activities such as rafting, horseback riding, and beach activities.

Student tours find new inspiration for learning with a culturally-rich trip to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. They not only work on their Spanish conversation skills, but also explore the wild beauty of Mexico’s natural environment.

Visitors become acquainted with two marvelous Cenotes located in a small village. The Cenotes, or sinkholes, are where underground rivers have broken through the limestone crust of the earth. A ride on horse-drawn trucks brings students into the jungle to visit and swim in the beautiful, clear Cenotes.

Conversational Spanish is also a highlight of the program, when students meet with a local Spanish teacher and then enjoy a walking tour of Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan. In the evening, the traditional dance of the Yucatan, the Jarana, is an exciting spectacle.

No visit to Yucatan is complete without a tour of the Mayan archaeological site of Uxmal, where the 115-foot-high Pyramid of the Magician and the impressive Governor’s House are wonders to behold.

Student tours also embrace the Spanish culture in Yucatan by learning handicrafts and culinary skills of the country, learning Latino dance steps with a Salsa dance specialist, and snorkeling in the freshwater lagoons of Xel-Ha.

travel adventures Travel Adventures is a student tour provider staffed by educators who understand the needs of teachers. It has served over one half million students since 1987 and its mission is to

Often referred to as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Philadelphia yields not only cobblestone streets and historical landmarks, but culture, artistic and ethnic treasures as well. The fifth-largest city in the country, Philadelphia is home to one of the greatest concentrations of American history and an excellent locale for student travelers.

Student travel groups often begin their visit to Philadelphia at Independence National Historic Park, home of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Considered America’s “most historic square mile,” students never forget the chance to view the Liberty Bell, housed in the Liberty Bell Center. Visitors can view a video presentation and several exhibits about the Bell, focusing on its origins and its modern-day role as an international icon of freedom. The Liberty Bell itself is displayed in a magnificent glass chamber with Independence Hall in the background.

Housed in the same area is the Assembly Room where George Washington was appointed commander and chief on the Continental Army in 1775 and the design of the American flag was agreed upon in 1777. The building, inside and out, has been restored as much as possible to its original late-18th-century appearance. Visitors also see the original “rising sun” chair used by George Washington as he presided over the Constitutional Convention.

If your itinerary permits, explore the Independence National Historical Park’s other sites. Spanning over 55 acres on 20 city blocks within the historic district of the City of Philadelphia, the park preserves and interprets many of our country’s most important resources associated with the establishment of the United States of America. These sites include the First and Second Banks of the United States, Congress Hall and Old City Hall. Additionally, the park tells the story of Philadelphia’s most famous citizen, Benjamin Franklin, in Franklin Court, where Franklin’s home once stood.

Celebrating the American heroes and ideals of freedom, the National Liberty Museum, located near Independence Hall, honors 1,000 men, women, and young people of all ethnicities who dared to step beyond their comfort zones to help make the world a better place – from world leaders to the first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. Exhibits explore topics on peace with exhibits that demonstrate easy, practical ways to resolve conflicts peacefully, as well as an exhibit that explores the concept of freedom through the 300 years of immigrants’ experiences. The museum also presents a collection of more than 100 world-renowned works of fine art which illustrate the fragility of liberty through contemporary art.

Believed to be the Philadelphia patriot that made the first American flag, tours of the Betsy Ross House reveals how working-class people once lived in Colonial Philadelphia. The house served as a home throughout the generations for a shoemaker, a shopkeeper, and an apothecary (pharmacist).

A place of four centuries of faith and life, Christ Church was once the place of worship for the likes of George Washington, Betsy Ross, and Benjamin Franklin. Guided tours of its gravesite three blocks away are a fascinating look at history. Here, Franklin and other famous Revolutionary War leaders are interred.

Follow in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin and see the “Ghost House,” depicting Franklin’s home. The “ghost structure” outlines the spot where Franklin’s house once stood. Underground is a museum with displays, interactive exhibits, and a short film. Visitors also view a real working colonial-era print shop and the B. Free Franklin Post Office, the first in the U.S. founded by Franklin.

The inspiring Valley Forge National Historical Park commemorates more than the sacrifices of and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation; it honors the ability of citizens and their leaders to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times. This historic site was where General George Washington and his troops survived the famed encampment of 1777-78.

At the Battleship New Jersey Memorial & Museum, visitors tour the Navy’s most decorated warship and view simulated operations areas spanning five deck levels. The New Jersey was built in Philadelphia and launched just a year after the Pearl Harbor Attack. Along the tour route, student groups see a few of its upgrades, including the installation of Tomahawk and Harpoon missile launchers and the Phalanx defense system – a computerized gun that could fire off 3,000 rounds a minute.

The birthplace of America provides student tours with unforgettable educational travel experiences. The area bursts with possibilities and opportunities for historic exploration and new discoveries.

travel adventures Travel Adventures is a student tour provider staffed by educators who understand the needs of teachers. It has served over one half million students since 1987 and its mission is to