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The island of Cyprus is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, attracting nearly two and a half million tourists a year. Whether tourists are eager to experience the culture of the island or just want to relax on a pristine Cyprian beach, the island has something for everyone.

A former British colony, the Republic of Cyprus gained its independence in 1960. Its nearest neighbors are Turkey, Greece, Israel, Lebanon and Syria. It is the crossroads of three continents, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Historically, many different cultures have influenced and controlled the island nation.

The island was the mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, which helps to explain the sheer beauty of the island. Rocky coves, sandy beaches and some of the best resorts in the world decorate the Cyprian shores.

There are also championship golf courses and beautiful hiking trails across Cyprus. Snorkeling, windsurfing, scuba diving, sailing and deep sea fishing are all popular pastimes. The crystal clear water and gorgeous weather make Cyprus the perfect destination for a beach holiday.

The island nation is as rich with culture as it is with natural beauty. A trip to Cyprus must include a visit to Choirokoitia. It is one of the best preserved examples in the Mediterranean of a settlement from the dawn of civilization.

Also, be sure to enjoy the beautiful floors of the Roman villas with their mosaic tiles that depict the ancient gods and goddesses. The Tombs of the Kings, carved out of rock and Roman amphitheaters that still feature ancient Greek plays are also popular tourist destinations.

Be sure to view some of the beautiful Byzantine churches of Cyprus. Their colorful paintings and adornments date back thousands of years. Cyprian museums feature many other ancient artifacts from the island nation’s rich history.

Another big reason that Cyprus is such a popular travel destination is its cuisine. Cyprian food is made from some of the freshest ingredients in the world, based on culinary traditions almost as ancient as civilization itself.

Imagine fresh Greek herbs and spices combining with a hint of citrus and a splash of olive oil and throw in some of the flavors of Africa and Asia Minor. Sun ripened fresh vegetables will delight the palate of every person that visits Cyprian shores.

Start your dining adventure by ordering a “mezedes” at a Cyprian restaurant. But be sure to come hungry, for 20 or more dishes will soon be taking you on a culinary trip through the flavors of the island.

The island is also credited with creating halloumi cheese, made with both sheep and goat milk. It’s unique flavor is delicious with watermelon in the summer. It is also served battered and fried, as well as grilled. Enjoy it with some artisan bread and cracked green olives.

Cyprian wine is some of the finest in the world. Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians coveted wine from Cyprus for its delicious flavor. Thanks to the sunny weather and mountainous landscape, Cyprian grapes make outstanding and distinctive wine. Be sure to sample some of the local varieties.

YourCyprus.info is a holidays guide for Cyprus at http://www.yourcyprus.info

Early tourism on Lanzarote began as doctors prescribed sun and relaxation to over-stressed or elderly patients.

In the 1950s most tourists visited during the winter months to escape the cruel northern winters.

The mass tourism boom began in the 1960s when the Canaries became a well-known destination for tourists world-wide, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that Lanzarote really picked up as a serious tourist destination – in 1978, with the introduction of vacation packages, Lanzarote tourism really began to boom.

Early tourists to Lanzarote had few choices for accommodation. In 1974, just before the big tourism boom, the island housed only about 2,000 hotel beds and received fewer than 10,000 guests per year.

By the early 1980s the island was receiving more than 90,000 guests per year. Obviously accommodations had to scale to fit the new tourism needs.

Today, Lanzarote is home to three major resorts with more than 53,000 hotel beds. The major resorts are usually at a minimum occupancy of 84 percent. More than 1.5 million tourists visit the island each year.

Costa Teguise is the smallest of the three large resorts on Lanzarote. It is about 6 miles northeast of the capital city Arrecife.

The entire resort is built on former lava fields and saltpans. The resort consists of several apartment blocks, bungalows and villas.

Primary attractions are the golf course, a marina, commercial shops and entertainment. Many visitors enjoy the water park in the outskirts of the resort.

Royalty and celebrities alike enjoy private time with their families nearby. King Juan Carlos of Spain and a few well-known celebrities own private villas near Costa Teguise. One of the most popular beaches at the resort is Playa de las Cucharas, which is very popular with windsurfers because of the steady breeze.

Playa Blanca was once a small fishing port. In recent years it has developed into the second largest resort on Lanzarote.

Playa Blanca is very popular with families due to its size and many family-friendly beaches. Two more beaches were recently added to Playa Blanca to help make up for the lack of space on the main central beach. Along the nicely manicured streets you will find several shops, restaurants and clubs. The resort offers many sports and attractions for guests of all ages.

Puerto del Carmen, located on the southern central coast of the island, is the most popular of the three larger resorts. The resort has approximately 4 miles of tourist attractions, three large beaches and accommodations for up to 30,000 visitors. Nearly one full mile of beachfront property is available to tourists in the form of villas, apartments and hotels.

Many bars, restaurants and tourist shops also line the streets and walkways. All hotels and restaurants near the docks offer up amazing views sweeping the harbor, sea and the volcanic mountains of Papagayo.

All of Lanzarote’s resorts offer vacation packages and a wide variety of sports.

Sports enthusiasts can enjoy anything from cycling in the mountains to windsurfing. Duty free shopping is a major attraction on Lanzarote. Electronics, designer clothing and local arts are available at greatly discounted prices. Amazing resorts, exciting attractions, miles of beaches and quality family time are only a few of the things Lanzarote and her resorts have to offer.

More than 300 days of sunshine per year and a year-round temperature of about 73 degrees help add to the island’s appeal.

Tours of the volcanic terrain and tunnels created more than a thousand years ago are available from several vendors throughout the island.

La Cueva de los Verdes is one of the island’s main attractions. The cave is part of the volcanic tunnel system that runs underneath the island. Near the end of the tunnel is a concert arena that can seat about 500 people. Artificial lighting was installed in the early 1960s to add even more allure and beauty to the cave.

YourLanzarote.net is a holidays guide for Lanzarote at http://www.yourlanzarote.net

A lot of individuals think that Egypt is closely linked with museums and pyramids when the truth is that the country offers a whole lot more. It is currently hosting the Holy Land tours that visit various Islamic, Christian and Pharaonic historical sites together with religious monuments and this is just the start of what you are probably not aware of. You can visit a lot of nature linked locations, beach resorts and culturally speaking there is a lot to learn in the country.

Egypt comes with a hot and dry climate so before venturing on any trip you should think about hats, sunscreen, walking shoes and sunglasses. A lot of historical sites do not allow flash photography so you need to bring high speed film and power adapters might be recommended for Americans as Egypt uses 220 Volt power. You should also bring long sleeved shirts and long pants because local dress codes will require them, especially when visiting mosques and churches. Always remember to drink plenty of water during exposure to the desert and all should be perfect.

Any classic tour of Egypt will focus on historical sites linked to Ancient Egypt. Most tourists usually come to the country for a period of 10 to 14 days and the locations that are most popular are Luxor, Cairo, Aswan and Nile cruises. Most pre-arranged trips start in Cairo due to it holding the largest airport of the country. Trips to Luxor are usually 1 to 2 days long and one day must be reserved for Aswan, located in the south of the country.

Four major religious tours are available and tailored to fit the needs of your religious background. For instance, Muslim tourists will usually opt for an in-depth tour of Islamic towns. A lot of religious tours will also include Pharaonic sites like the Egyptian Antiquity museum and the Pyramids. Nile cruises are usually optional but you could consider one if you are looking for relaxation and education. Nile cruises visit several sites and rural Egypt is highlighted, bringing back a piece of live history and an idea of how people used to live in the country.

You can also go for adrenaline tours that are specialized on golfing, fishing in Lake Nasser and desert walking. Even bird watching attractions are present due to Egypt being a migrating path for a lot of bird species. On the other hand, most European tourists will come to the country to relax on a sea and sand holiday and not opt for bird watching. The main thing is that no matter what you may want to do, Egypt does have something for everyone and this is why visiting Egypt is a very good idea.

Article first written for http://travelfacts.blogspot.com/ More high quality travel advice articles there.

According to “Visit Paris Research,” more than 80 million tourists visited Paris in 2006. Of those tourists, 17 million visited during the months of October through December, which is considered the “peak” season. In other words, sleeping accommodations cost considerably more.

Tip #1: One of the easiest ways to save money when renting a vacation apartmentin Paris is to rent during the off-season. Paris’s off-season falls between May and October, while the peak season falls between November and April. Although temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months, the gentle ocean breezes and close proximity to the water can help you stay cool. If you can stand the heat and humidity, you can save yourself a nice chunk of change.

Tip #2: Vacation with friends and share the expenses. Many Paris vacation apartmentrentals accommodate up to 10 or more people. These larger homes oftentimes provide extra amenities such as swimming pools, Jacuzzis, spas, golf courses, and community clubhouses. While you might not be able to afford to rent a $10,000 vacation apartmenton your own, if nine more of your buddies join in, you could be living the lifestyle of a celebrity for only $1,000 a week. Rent during the off-season and you could save up to 50 percent.

Tip #3: Cook at your vacation apartment rental. It can become quite costly to dine out for every meal during your vacation. Most vacation apartment rentals include kitchen appliances and cookware. Many include outdoor gas grills or patio kitchens. Fresh produce and fish can be purchased year round in Paris. Visit local Farmer’s and Fish Markets and indulge in a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. By cooking just half of your meals in your vacation apartment rental, you could potentially save up to $1,000 or more for a family of four.

Tip #4: Rent from a private individual. When you rent directly from the vacation apartment owner, you have a better opportunity for negotiation than if you work with a property management organization. Property management organizations oftentimes are unfamiliar with the property and unable to answer questions about the property location or condition. You’ll want to verify references, conduct research on the area of the rental home, and use additional precautions to insure you aren’t being scammed. However, if you use common sense and trust your instincts, chances are good that you will have a rewarding experience.

Tip #5: Rent in non-popular arrondissements. Some of the best vacation apartment rental deals can be found in less tourist areas. An added bonus these neigborhoods are less congested and you can have more peace and quiet.

Tip #6: Invest in a vacation package. There are many travel services available via the Internet, or work with a travel agent to arrange a vacation package. Vacation packages can include airline, rental car, rental homes or hotel arrangements, cruises, sightseeing adventures and more. Oftentimes, you can save 50 percent or more by packaging your vacation needs.

Tip #7: Exchange your home for a vacation apartment rental. Home Exchanges are quickly becoming a popular option for people who love to travel. How it works is you allow an individual or family to stay in your home while you stay in their home. There is no cost involved, making home exchange a win-win situation. There are many reputable home exchange companies available via the Internet. Make certain you thoroughly research the company and understand their policies before committing to using their service.

Rita Borges, Managing Director, Paris Luxe Apartments http://www.parisluxeapt.com, http://www.parishoneymoonrentals.com

If you have begun to look for an apartment for a trip to Paris you have probably discovered that the possibilities are infinite and the range of price is phenomenal. Here’s a mini-guide that will help you understand the factors that property owners in Paris consider when pricing their apartments. Once you understand how prices are established, you’ll be in a better position to make an intelligent decision about a rental.

Location, location, location! As always in real estate, this is the first rule. In Paris that means proximity to the center of the city: the closer to the center, the higher the price. Look at a city map before you decide (check out Mapquest, Paris.com or similar sites), and remember that time spent walking, riding trains or driving from a dull and distant neighborhood is boring, boring, BORING – especially when you realize that your time in Paris may be severely limited and you could have avoided the problem by renting closer to the center. Be close, be happy and be prepared to pay a little extra for your decision.

Space is expensive. Paris is a densely populated city filled with apartments that are, by American standards, quite small. The space in Paris apartments is usually defined in “square meters”, you can get an idea of an American equivalent by multiplying by ten. “75 square meters”, therefore, is about 750 square feet. That’s a small apartment by most American standards, but 75 square meters in Paris is a generous, comfortable one bedroom apartment. (Anything less than 75 square meters is likely to leave two people feeling claustrophobic.) Look carefully at the square meter figures in the ads. Make sure you’ll be able to live comfortably in the space you select.

Bathrooms are expensive. It is rare to find an apartment in Paris with more than one bathroom. Apartments with two bathrooms are substantially more convenient and marginally more expensive. If there are two or more of you and the price differential is not too great, you may decide to spring for the second john.

Sunlight is expensive. Paris streets are often narrow and dark. South-facing apartments on upper floors, or apartments facing sunny courtyards, are more expensive than dark apartments on lower floors or apartments with windows facing the sunless north side of a street. Think sunshine and air before your departure: a week spent in a dank cave – even a dank cave in Paris – can be pretty dreary.

Quiet is expensive. The French are more accustomed to urban noise than we are. Many apartments in Paris, even apartments in wonderful neighborhoods, are horrendously noisy – particularly for Americans not accustomed to European urban living. Try to determine whether the apartment you are considering faces a quiet street or is on an inner courtyard. One of the most frequent complaints heard from American visitors to Paris is that they ended up in an intolerably noisy apartment.

Elevators are a commodity. You might like the price of a 5th floor walk-up when you’re working out your budget in Topeka, but your feet will yowl in protest after a day of sightseeing in the City of Light. Paris is a walking city: if you are looking at an apartment above the second floor (and don’t forget, ’second floor’ in French means ‘third floor’ in English) check carefully to make sure it has an elevator. Think of hauling those suitcases up and down three flights of stairs! Think of climbing five flights of stairs because you forgot your sunglasses! Elevators are an important element in the price of Paris real estate and the rule applies to one-week rentals just as it does to lifetime investments.

Furnishings are expensive and some Paris tourist apartments are furnished in a style that can best be described as bare-bones minus ten, plastic plates, rickety, cast-off furniture, plastic throw-away cups. Nicer apartments have nicer furnishings. Look for an apartment with real cotton sheets and towels, decent plates, glasses and cookware and comfortable furnishings.

You may not always be able to find a place with real antiques and a real art collection (excuse us while we boast) but you are certainly entitled to a place with style, taste and charm. This is, after all, Paris. If you wanted paper napkins and cheap plastic dishes, you could have spent your vacation with your sister-in-law at the lake.

One final note: You’ll be surprised, as we often are, to find apartments that seem ridiculously over- or under-priced in relation to the above criteria. Trust your own analysis. Some places are more expensive because they do more extensive advertising or simply have more aggressive owners; some places are under-priced because the owners are timid, or are new to the market (like us), or simply don’t want to be bothered with trying to get a high price. An apartment’s price doesn’t necessarily prove anything: it’s possible to find terrific cheap apartments and nightmares that cost a fortune.

Be clear about what you are looking for. Make careful comparisons between apartments, using the above guidelines. Then make the best decision you can, based on the information at hand. The bottom line is that Paris is the most beautiful, exciting city in the world: no matter where you stay, you’ll have a wonderful time.

Bon voyage!

Rita Borges is Managing Director for the premier Paris Luxury Vacation Apartment agency, Paris Luxe Apartments, http://www.parisluxeapt.com and http://www.parishoneymoonrentals