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We did the Great Adventures Cruises outer reef tour in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. The initial destination was the Fitzroy Island where you had about 2 hrs to explore. Not enough time really since there were a lot of people about. Don’t forget to bring insect repellant because there are a lot of mosquitos around. Snorkelling around the beach area was ok, although we’ve seen better.

After that it’s off to the outer reef (Norman Reef) and their pontoon. As others have noted, it is quite small for the number of tourists on the boat. The alleged underwater observatory was a disappointment – I have seen better in the aquariums in Sydney or Brisbane . They have not bothered to clean the glass so it was very difficult to see anything through the windows. My daughter said the same thing about their semi-submarine tour which I didn’t get to do because we just simply ran out of time.

If there’s something that you definately should do, it’s the Scuba-doo, especially if you’ve done a scuba dive before. It’s the best way to enjoy the reef. We even saw a turtle and one of the guides showed us a star fish which my son loved. It’s a little expensive but I think it’s worth it.

After the scuba-doo, I went for a dive. It was probobly because it was the wet season but the waters wasn’t as clear as I’d hoped . Maybe it’s better when you do a serious dive trip but with this sort of cruise, you don’t get too many choices. Corals were more of the dull and brown shades. Fish, while there were many, were nothing out of the ordinary. Then to top if off, my diveguide just swum around in circles, not even going out of his way to show me anything special.

By the time the dive was finished, I had just about enough time to eat and change (if my wife had not set aside a plate for me, there was nothing left to eat) – therefore, I missed the semi-sub ride. If it wasn’t for the scuba-doo, this would have been a very forgettable tour.

I would do a smaller tour next time. There are lots of other options in Cairns

After 6 months of working and saving I finally travelled the East Coast to Cairns. Secondly to Airlie Beach Cairns has to be one of the best places to have fun in Australia. It was so good I actually went there three times in the space of a year.The Great Barrier Reef from Cairns was just a feather in it’s cap.

Cairns is where I completed my PADI Advanced Open water dive course. I went with Pro Dive for a 4 day liveaboard dive course which was absolutely fantastic. I originally looked at diving with a company called Down Under Dive but they seemed quite up themselves and I had heard many a good thing about their learn to dive courses. Also after some further research I found out they definately had one of the best dive centres.

Their dive boat has been fully refit and has all the latest gadgets installed. It has very nice air conditioned cabins which cater for 2-4 people, has a large dining area, lounge and even a floating bar. As a bonus it also has a hot tub on the fore deck to sit in and have a beer. The food was superb and served from a very well built kitchen, one of the best things they prepared was steamed Barramundi. Yumm.

The dive vessel is permanently moored at the dive site but would move every so often to different parts of the reef, which would either be done over night if a long way or early in the morning if a short distance. This was great as you get to dive a selection of reefs and have a truly unique dive course. These guys had a fast transfer boat which takes you there and back which also allows you to spend as many days and nights aboard as you want.

I truly wouldn’t recommend anyone else to teach me to learn to Dive in Cairns but if you decide to look elsewhere please be very careful when selecting a dive operator in Cairns as many scuba schools use inexperienced newly qualified instructors.

We get asked this question constantly here at my travel agency and the answer is very easy. We specialise in arranging all tours, reef cruises and accommodation in Cairns, nevertheless as a avid diver myself, I always look after Great barrier Reef Scuba Diving and Cairns dive courses enquireies. I tend to leave the annoying backpacker accommodation and rainforest bookings to the other staff.

If you have spare time and money I exceedingly advise you to do the 5 day dive course. You are only going to learn to dive once in your life, so make the most of it.

It’s almost like doing a course and trip in one.

With a 4 day course you’ll do 4 dives, which is the minimum required to pass your dive certificate. They will all be “education dives”.

A 5 day course will mostly give you 9 dives. Now the first four are learning dives but for the next 5 dives you are a certified diver. One of these usually is also a night dive. Another advantage is that the dives will be with the other divers from your class who have similar skill levels as you.

So the first dive cruise you do after completing your course you will have already experienced 5 solo dives and be that little bit more skilled and confident.

Also the price per dive is well-nigh .

You can even want to extend your dive course into a 6 day learn to dive course and get an advanced certification, but thats another post.

So I hope I’ve inspired all you prospective Scuba Divers out there.

A 3 year old girl was lucky to survive a fall from a packed tourist train yesterday near Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Shocked tourists say the girls father leaped from the moving train to rescue his daughter late yesterday.

It is thought the girl fell from the window of the Kuranda Scenic Railway about 2 km from Kuranda Village about 3.35pm yesterday afternoon. Emergency Services were rushed to the scene and the girl was taken to Cairns Base Hospital with minor abrasions and a fractured collarbone.

The incident was witnessed by nimerous shocked tourists. Passengers said the victims father appeared very shaken by the incident, however he refused to comment. Witnesses say the girl was in surprisingly high spirits immediately after the accident.

Queensland Rail declined to speculate on how the incident may have occured, although a full safety investigation will be launched. All the usual warnings regarding safety and not to put any part of ones body outside the train were made as usual.

The train returned to Kuranda Station before resuming at 4.15pm and finally ending it’s journey 1 hour late at Cairns. The railway runs 2 services daily between Cairns and Kuranda. The Kuranda Scenic Rail service has only been running for 8 weeks after a derailment in March, caused by a landslide depositing tonnes of debris over the tracks injured 6 people.

Fantastic deals can be found for Reno vacation packages any time of the year.

There are many Reno vacation packages to choose from, because so many vacationers find Reno, Nevada a relaxing and exciting place to get away from their daily routine. Washoe County’s pride city has earned the nickname, “The Biggest Little City in the World.” In fact, a large arched sign displays the proud title over Virginia Street. The city has a variety of attractions, all of which can be taken advantage of with the various Reno vacation packages that are offered.

When looking for Reno hotel deals, the quality of the hotel is a key consideration. Fortunately for vacationers, Reno’s hotel selection has been upgraded thanks to the presence of the casino industry. Because hotels make most of their money from the gambling facilities of their establishment, hotel patrons are often lured by various perks and luxuries that most vacationers wouldn’t expect for the price. In fact, most Reno vacation packages will provide luxuriously comfortable amenities for a surprisingly low cost. The Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, the Sands Regency Casino Hotel, and the Eldorado Hotel Casino are just a few of the hotels that vacationers will find with Reno vacation packages. If the traveler would rather a low key hotel stay, there are many Reno vacation packages that offer amazing deals on these type of hotels as well. Virtually every hotel is forced to reduce their rates in order to compete with the rates of the casino hotels. Because of the low cost of hotel accommodations, Reno vacation packages are very affordable.

Many Reno hotel reservations include a variety of restaurants to enjoy during your stay. The Silver Peak Restaurant and Brewery is a fantastic choice, particularly if you want to avoid the buffet line. If you are in the mood for a large and tasty burger, Archie’s on Virginia Street is a superb choice for any diner. For Italian cuisine, Reno’s La Vecchia Italian Restaurant is viewed as the best in town. Reno vacation packages can be customized to include a variety of different types of food, if you would like to sample all the great fare available.

A Reno vacation package just wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the casinos. Casino’s epitomize the way of life found in Nevada. In addition, local casinos have incredible prices on their food and drinks. Most vacationers associate Las Vegas as the only place to experience the excitement of casinos. However, if you want to experience all of the thrill of Las Vegas casinos at a fraction of the cost, a Reno vacation package fits the bill. The Peppermill Hotel Casino, the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, and Harrah’s Reno Hotel and Casino are just a few of the options available in various Reno vacation packages. There is much more to the experience of a casino than just the gambling aspect. Casino goers will find delicious food from around the globe in the buffets, which are very reasonably priced. Cocktail waitresses are on hand to fill your drink order with one of their many specials. A visit to one of the premier local casinos is a staple to any great Reno vacation package.

Your Reno vacation package can be supplemented with one of the many great outdoor attractions there as well. Reno is not short of its number of quality golf courses. A beautiful sunny day can be enjoyed at Arrow Creek Golf Club or The Sierra Sage Golf Course. The Moana Pool is a relaxing spot to enjoy the beautiful climate of Reno. Solar panels are installed to heat the Idlewild Pool. There are a variety of outdoor activities to incorporate into your Reno vacation package. If a mountain view is more your style, customize your Reno vacation package with skiing or any of the other mountain sports available. The time of year that you choose to visit Reno will determine the multitude of outdoor activities that you will be able to enjoy. It is actually one of the main reasons why so many vacationers opt for a Reno vacation package.

There are many yearly events in Reno that attract vacationers from around the country. The Reno River Festival is one of the popular events that attract many to the city. In addition, there are music concerts, athletic competitions, and outdoor expos that draw crowds by the thousands. Many look forward to the Reno International Jazz Festival and the Great Reno Balloon Race, and schedule their trips to take advantage of these popular events. The Truckee River is home to whitewater events all year long. Quality Reno vacation packages include these local festivals or events for vacationers to enjoy.

The type of Reno vacation package that will best suit your tastes is up to you– and there are many to choose from in order to create your perfect vacation getaway. You will probably want to look for a Reno vacation package that incorporates a balance of casino action, delectable cuisine, exciting outdoor activities, and tranquil hotel accommodations. Some of the most popular options for Reno vacation packages are based on all-encompassing deals with the casino. The delicious buffet cuisine will be remembered by your taste buds. The Reno vacation package that best suits your style can be tailored from the most common choices.

Selecting a Reno vacation package that incorporates various restaurant discounts, casino-hotel accommodations, and some time out on the ski slopes might be the best option for you. If you are wanting an exceptionally distinct vacation, you might want to opt for a Reno vacation package that includes those options. However, regardless of your lifestyle or way of life, you will find something to appeal to your senses in one of Reno’s unique attractions.

If you are looking for the perfect vacation getaway, it has never been a better time to visit Reno, Nevada. It has never been easier to find Reno vacation packages, Reno hotel deals, and Reno hotel reservations– it is all just a click away online! Book your Reno vacation now!

Ski trips saving tips include leaving your skis at home. All but just a couple of airlines are now charging astronomical fees for checked baggage. It could cost you as much as $100 each way to check your skis. Take advantage of the rental equipment and save some money on your cheap ski trips. Also, look for cheap ski packages that include your airfare, ground transportation, lift tickets, and lodging. You can save as much as 40% off the cost of purchasing each element of your cheap ski vacations separately.

We all love a bargain and that includes searching for cheap ski deals! Whether you happen to be simply looking to hit the slopes for a day or two or you would prefer a week long holiday trip in the mountains, there are plenty of ways you can uncover the cheap ski packages that meet your wishes. For starters, check with the lodges exclusively. Many times, you will discover cheap ski vacations which are substantially less than those by using a travel agent. Secondly, plan your cheap ski trips when the mountains won’t be packed with people. The perfect times are usually at the start and at the conclusion of the season. Finally, if you want weekend ski breaks,just take along your buddies. It is usually much less expensive to go with a group versus with only one or two people. These would be examples of the best tips and tricks for cheap ski deals and retaining more cash in your pocket!

St. Augustine, Florida is America’s oldest city. It is also one of the nation’s most charming cities, for a variety of reasons.

Its cobblestone streets. The history that peeks out from every turn and corner.

The quaint inns and bed and breakfasts that rest under ancient oak trees.

The ghosts, too, make things interesting in St. Augustine, Florida!  It’s one of the great Florida vacation spots.

The Oldest City

Known as the “Ancient City,” St. Augustine was founded forty-two years before the English colony at Jamestown, Virginia, and fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts – making it the oldest permanent European settlement on the North American continent.

St. Augustine is in North Florida, located between Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, on the Atlantic Ocean. While Orlando is a bit of a jaunt, it’s not too terribly far away either.

What’s the Weather Like?

North Florida has mostly mild temperatures in Fall and Spring. Winters can get a bit on the nippy side, with temperatures at the freezing mark can certainly happen. But usually the days are sunny and on the cool side in Winter.

Summers are something else — hot and very humid. So arrange your vacation, if you can, in such a manner that you can avoid the hottest and most humid times (July and August). However, October, November, March and April are wonderful times for a visit.

Things to do in St. Augustine, Florida

There are a lot of things you can do here in St. Augustine, like visiting the Fountain of Youth, the Alligator Farm Zoological Park or Potter’s Wax Museum. There is Ripley’s Believe it or Not where you can spend an hour or two.

If you like the beach, you’ll love St. Augustine’s beautiful, wide, sandy beaches, just made for basking in the sun or playing in the waves.

There is a very special event in October of every year called the St.Augustine Art Walk. October is considered the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the people participating in this walk raise money to help research and fight breast cancer. The event has become known for its art raffle. Around 10 paintings are raffled each year, with the proceeds going to various breast cancer foundations. After the walk many other raffles and fund-raisers takes place.

The Ghostly Side of Life

Then there are the St. Augustine ghost tours. These tours take a look into the city’s sometimes spooky past, as it is said that there are restless spirits which haunt certain locations in town.

Another interesting aspect of ghost walks is that your guide dresses up in a period costume, to get in the “spirit” of things, so to speak. The walks are held in the evenings, when the weather is cooler and the atmosphere more eerie. Who knows what you’ll see around the next corner?

We all love a good deal and this includes tracking down cheap ski deals! Regardless if you are simply looking to hit the slopes for a day or two or you wish a week long holiday vacation in the mountains, there are numerous methods for you to find the cheap ski packages that cover your preferences. To begin with, check with the lodges exclusively. Sometimes, you’ll find cheap ski vacations that are considerably less than those through a travel agency. Secondly, schedule your cheap ski trips when the mountains are not packed with men and women. The ideal days are likely to be at the start and at the conclusion of the season. Then finally, if you are seeking weekend ski breaks,take along your buddies. It’s always much less to go with a group when compared with with only 1 or 2 people. These would be some of the best methods for cheap ski deals and keeping more money in your pocket!

Bristol, which is the principal city of South West England, serves as the gateway to some of the UK’s most scenic locations, including Cornwall, Devon and Wales. Boasting the fifth largest population in England, as well as a rich and colorful history, Bristol has more recently transformed into a modern, vibrant European city packed with attractions to suit every kind of visitor and every taste for hotels in Bristol.

The original town was 10th century trading port and the city’s maritime heritage is highlighted by the achievements of Bristol’s most famous son, the great Victorian inventor Kingdom Brunel. It was Brunel who designed the SS Great Britain, which was the first iron-hulled, propeller-driven ship to cross the Atlantic and, of course, the world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge with its breathtaking view of the city.

For the dedicated shopaholic, the recently built Cabot Circus shopping complex has moved Bristol into the top 10 list of UK shopping destinations. With over 120 new shops, in addition to restaurants and cafes, and a state-of-the-art 13-screen Showcase Cinema de Lux, this impressive site guarantees that shoppers will not leave Bristol disappointed.

Walk a short distance from the busy shopping areas and you will find yourself in the midst of the enchanting old buildings that made up Bristol’s original city center. The cobbled streets of Broad Street, Corn Street, St Nicholas Market and King Street remain much the same today as they were hundreds of years ago. Do not miss the majestic Corn Exchange or the quirky old Llandoger Trow pub on King Street.

One of the most important changes to Bristol over recent years has been the transformation of the city’s harborside from a busy commercial dock to a modern development filled with restaurants, bars, shops and a range of hotels to suit every visitors pocket. Key attractions to look out for include The Hippodrome, Explore-At-Bristol, and Bristol City Football Club. Hop on a Bristol Ferry for a great way to see the area from a different perspective.

Alternatively, why not take a pleasant stroll up Park Street towards Clifton village, which has a great range of boutique clothing stores and classy restaurants and range of cheap hotels in Bristol. Then, there is Bristol Zoo Gardens, with over 450 rare and endangered species, and provides plenty of activities for kids of all ages.