Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Wineries in Osoyoos

Wineries in Osoyoos

Do you love biking and sipping wine? Why not combine your two favorite past times and head up to Osoyoos to bike up a storm and tour the local wineries and vineyards? Based in southern Okanagan Valley, you can imagine the variety of vineyards to choose from! The vineyards are located around the town of Osoyoos, as well as in the northern regions. You can choose from local wineries to large corporate operations. 


Most people visit the wineries in Osoyoos during summer; however most of the wineries are actually open year round! Book your appointment today for tours and tastings the many wines Osoyoos has to offer. You can expect to try internationally recognized wines, which have won many awards; such as reds, whites, roses, ice wines, and sparkling wins. 


If biking is not your forte, or you are too tired from yesterdays trek, you can rest your feet and be wined and dined. Osoyoos has high caliber restaurants which craft special dishes paired with award winning wines. Think local artisan cheeses, fresh smoked salmon and chocolate desserts. 


Before you get your wine tasting started, be sure to appoint a designated driver, or hire a local tour guide company, so you return to your Osoyoos BC cabin rentals safely. Divine Valley Tour Company or Napa North Wine Tours would be happy to escort you during your tasting splendor. 


Osoyoos Wineries


Nk?Mip Cellars has some of the oldest vines on its land, and has won lots of international awards. Nk?Mip is North America?s first Aboriginal operated winery. They have an adjacent restaurant, with a beautiful patio, which features Native American inspired cuisine. 


After Nk?Mip Cellar was established, two other wineries came into the mix. Twisted Tree Winery and LaStella also offer tours and tastings. 


The Golden Mile


These wineries are north of Osoyoos on the western valley slopes. The soil there is different than central Osoyoos, and is much more clay and sandy in nature. These types of soils produce different wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewurztraminer and Merlot. There are lots of different wineries, from log cabin tastings at Fairview Cellar to ritzy samplings at Tinhorn Creek. Tinhorn is very luxurious; they offer tours, as well as theatrical performances and concerts in their outdoor amphitheatre! 


Black Sage Bench


The Black Sage region rests on deep sand deposits. This type of soil produces Chardonnay, Shiraz and Bordeaux. It?s so fascinating how different soils produce different wines. Black Hills attracts many celebrities, Quinta Ferreira is family owned and operated, and Burrowing Owl Estates has won many awards. They also offer upscale places to stay and have an incredible restaurant.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Explore India and Bhutan on Foot


For a really exciting and adventurous holiday, full of new and diverse experiences why not consider one of the many wonderful walking holidays in northwest India and Bhutan? This area is made up of three main areas, the tea picking region of Darjeeling, the once independent state of Sikkim and the still separate country of Bhutan. Although the area is made up of three distinct parts, when exploring on foot a unique region perfect for satiating the discerning traveller’s appetite transpires.

The Secret of Bhutan

There are only a limited number of visitors permitted to undertake 
Bhutan tours every year and as one of the lucky few you can’t help but feel extremely privileged at having the opportunity to discover a fascinating and relatively unknown area of our planet. Very few walking holidays are permitted access to the country which has in turn meant that the natural environment has been perfectly preserved and western influence has been kept at bay. Days trekking through Bhutan will see you exploring tiny hillside villages and getting a glimpse into the real heart of Bhutanese culture and heritage, something the locals have hung steadfastly to throughout the ages. Phuntsholing is the commercial centre of the country and is know as The Gateway to Bhutan, while a visit to Thimpu is rewarded with an abundance of cultural delights. One of the best treks in the area is the ascent up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high above the Paro Valley and boasting a simply breath-taking panorama.

The Spirit of Sikkim

The magic of Sikkim should not be missed. Arguably one of the most spiritual places in the Buddhist world, here you can delve into the religion’s deep history and visit some of the oldest and most well known monasteries in the country. Sikkim also boasts some excellent trekking opportunities and 
walking holidays in the area will see you exploring wild and rugged mountains and discovering tiny remote villages and farms.

Take Tea in Darjeeling

Typical of the Raj era so evident in India, Darjeeling is a special place that deserves a few days stay. The proud colonial buildings still stand in their unforgotten glory and are tastefully interspersed with vibrant temples and colourful shrines. This part of India produces some of the finest teas in the world and the industry is still going strong today. You can visit a tea planation and learn about the process before indulging in some of the best tea you will ever taste. People from all over the Himalayas have moved into the area to work the tea plantations and the town has rapidly become quite a vivacious mix of cultures and communities.

Embarking on one of the many walking holidays in India is an exciting prospect. With such a different culture and diverse environment, incredible scenery and fascinating history, make sure you take your time exploring and making the most of every new experience and exciting adventure. Sit back and appreciate the strong will with which the country seems to stand still in time and hold onto its roots and yet conversely how it reaches out to embrace the changing times and make its way in the 21
st century.


Canada: A Journey Through Stunning Nova Scotia


In Canada, canoe excursions are the perfect way to take in gorgeous scenery while being on an adventure. One of the most spectacular locations for canoeing is Nova Scotia with its stunning islands, beautiful beaches and quaint villages. There is so much to see along the coastline and exploring the area by canoe will enable you to have a thrilling experience and get up close to the best sites.

Excursion Ideas
There is so much to see in Canada, especially in Nova Scotia, that simply knowing where to start can be overwhelming. However, there are several popular trips that visitors often take, which may interest you.

Sample 1: Canoe through the LaHave islands. In order to do so, you will need to cross the LaHave cable ferry. Along the way, be sure to stop and see the stunning Fort Point Lighthouse before beginning your excursion from Crescent Beach. 

Sample 2: Paddle through Hubbards and Chester and your journey will take you to see five fishing harbours, seven beaches, ten islands and countless miles of gorgeous coast. 

Sample 3: Explore Stonehurst where you will see myriad reefs and islets. Then, paddle through the Rackets where you will likely encounter a large number of seals. Finally, end by following a circuitous route through the islands of Mahone Bay. 

These are certainly some of the most renowned sites to see while exploring the shorelines of Nova Scotia. 
Canada Canoe holidays through the area truly allow guests to explore both the land and sea and it makes for an exciting journey. These are just a few popular examples of what to see in the area, but there are definitely many more destinations to explore as well.

Paddling from Inn to Inn

Another popular way to make sure you see the most of Nova Scotia is through Inn to Inn paddling. In Canada, canoe rentals are readily available so visitors often select a location to begin their journey and then explore the gorgeous coastal destination by paddling from one Inn to another. 

Great sites to see include the Kejimkujik communities, the islands and headlands of the Aspotogan Peninsula, the lavish yachting village of Chester and Lunenburg, which is a UNESCO site in Canada. Canoe adventures through all of these areas will allow you to get much closer and take better pictures than you would if you were just passing by on foot.

Other sites to see include the villages of Mahone Bay, the privateer town of Liverpool, Nova Scotia’s gorgeous deer-frequented beaches and the fish stores in the LaHave Islands. 
In the evenings, you can enjoy the unique character and comfort of different inns. Many of the inns are known to have delicious food and spending the day canoeing will certainly help you work up an appetite!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Places You Should Never Miss When Traveling in Belfast

Belfast, Northern Ireland promises great attractions and experiences to its visitors. While traveling in Belfast, the average tourist gets a good glimpse of the deep culture of Ireland while witnessing the emergence of a new era in Belfast’s history.
Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland, flanked by beautiful low hills at its northwest and is located at the mouth of the River Lagan and at the north-western end of Belfast Lough. Therefore, Belfast contains a combination of natural parks and seaports that propelled it towards industrial success yet maintaining a surprisingly large number of natural resources and attractions.
Belfast’s most prized attractions include several historic buildings, natural parks, museums, art galleries, restaurants, charming countryside and the world’s largest shipyard, among others. To summarize, the following attractions should be at the top of your list.
·    Belfast City Hall
Home to the City Council, the Belfast City Hall boasts of Baroque Revival style architecture, built mainly of Portland stone exterior.
·    St. Anne’s Cathedral
Stunning architecture and cobbled streets make up for the charm of St. Anne’s Cathedral. It is located at the heart of Cathedral Quarter, a hub of excellent cafes, restaurants and other architectural marvels.
·    Linen Hall Library
Containing a vast collection of books, it is the oldest library in Belfast, which was founded in 1788. Here, you can learn more about the city’s rich history and culture.
·    Botanic Gardens
Belfast’s most famous natural garden, it contains the popular Palm House and Tropical Ravine.
·    Crown Liquor Saloon
The famous pub in Belfast and Northern Ireland, the Crown Liquor Saloon features Victorian Architecture. It is located at the heart of Belfast city centre and famous for its top quality drinks.
·    Waterfront Hall
Belfast’s top performances are held in this facility as well as important conferences.
·    Odyssey Arena
Sports events, concerts, gigs and festivals are all here.
·    Titanic Quarter
Discover the birthplace of the famous RMS Titanic, built by Belfast’s top shipbuilders.
·    Ulster Museum
Explore the largest museum in Northern Ireland, which displays rare collections of artistic, historical and archaeological pieces in its 8,000 square metre area.

Be sure to visit these top attractions in Belfast and make traveling in Belfast a fun experience for you and your family. Visit the Belfast Welcome Centre and get more information on great tourist destinations in Belfast to make the most out of your travel.
Look at La Mon Hotel for a great place to stay.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Where to Get free microsoft points?

There has been a great deal of craze among gamers since the time the Xbox has got released. Avid gamers can happily spend hours on end playing games on the Xbox. Given the fact that we live in rather hard pressed financial times, and even otherwise, there are a lot of folks who would like to get hold of free Xbox live gold codes, which would be of great use to them. There are indeed a lot of people who are very keen on getting these codes that give them free access, due to which they can play on these games for a period of time without having to pay a dime.

The question is; how can people play simultaneously. The answer is simple. It is through the use of Xbox Live codes. Upon purchasing a unit, you are automatically given a couple of trial codes. These codes allow the player to gain advantage over other competitors. Xbox enthusiasts have also tried several ways to get hold of these codes.

One way also of obtaining free microsoft points is by reading some gaming reviews where on-line games are being reviewed. This way, you will find the best websites to visit. You may also exchange views with a fellow enthusiast by joining discussion boards. The important thing to remember is that if you want something for free, then be ready to work hard for it. Research more and make use of other resources as well.

Among the most popular sources of free Xbox Live trial codes are gaming websites. The process for getting these codes will vary from site to site, but generally they follow this pattern.

The first is to take part in a survey question, and then fill out a form and register on their site. After completing the registration form, you will be able to log on to Xbox Live. A screen or dialog box will come up, called either Promo Guide or Prepaid Card. Follow the instructions, and you will be able to play.

How to get free microsoft points?
There are several Internet web sites that provide these codes: these include, but are not limited to, Invision Free Site 1, Invision Free Site 2, Xbox, Xbox Free Zones, Free Zone Rewards, Team Box Forum, Gaming Lagoon, Xbox, Box Deal and many more.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Learn some tips for saving your budget on car rental

Knowing some money saving options can increase your chances of finding the best rental deals. There are benefits and risks associated with each that should be considered before you make a final decision.

Blind Rental Sites

For travelers who do not care who they rent from, it is possible to get great deals through these sites. You may end up with a well known car rental agency or a lesser known one. It is a risk you take when you use these sites. Only you can decide if the discounted price is worth it or not.

Use an Aggregator

You can comparison shop at aggregator sites. All you need to do is enter your travel information such as departure and arrival dates and times. You will need to provide personal contact information to get quotes from multiple rental agencies. Review the quotes to see which offer the best services at the lowest rates. Then make your reservation. It is that simple.

Rent Locally

This means if you travel internationally, you can get better rates using the rental companies in your destination country. You have a better selection from which to choose when you add them to the mix. There are websites that can help you with this so you can get the lowest rental rate possible. You will most likely have to have an international driver's license to rent a car locally.

Avoid Airport Rentals

Airport locations are the most expensive option because they are often legally required to add surcharges to your rental fees. And this additional cost can increase your final price by nearly 45%. Never pay more than necessary.

Understand Restrictions

Violating restrictions can cost you. If you drive your rental car to restricted areas, you may have an additional fee to pay. Rental companies in countries that limit travel use GPS devices to monitor the location of rental cars so there is no way to trick the company. There may even be limits on the number of miles you can drive during the rental period.

Check Conversion Rates

International car rental companies may involve currency conversion. If you do not have the option of using your own currency, be sure you know what the conversion fees are so you are not surprised by the additional cost with such cheap car rental services.

Popular Travel Destinations and Cheap Flights

Traveling can be a wonderful experience. But it can also be expensive. Fortunately, travelers can get cheap flights to even the most popular destinations if they are willing to follow these basic guidelines. You must be willing to be flexible in your travel schedule to get the very lowest airfare rates.
Time Your Flight
Peak travel times cost more - there really is no avoiding this fact. If you must travel during holidays or on weekends, you can still save money by booking several weeks in advance. You can also select the day before or after peak days for your own travel departure times. For example, airfare on the day before a major holiday costs more than if you fly on the actual holiday.
Try Secondary Airports
Tickets at major airports often cost more than those at smaller nearby airports. Regional airports may offer additional discounts to encourage travels to use their services. And you can still travel to popular locales from these airports. Smaller airports may have limited destinations but are still worth checking out if you are headed to a major destination. You may even be able to take a flight to another major airport that is closer to your destination which can save you money.
Take the Long Route
If you are willing to stop in multiple cities on the way to your destination, you will find lower airfare rates. Travelers pay more for the privilege of direct flights. But a more leisurely approach can save you quite a bit of money. These layovers may or may not require you to de-board the plane. People who just do not like flying may be unwilling to do this and will need to seek other options to get cheap tickets.
Use Connecting Flights
This takes the previous recommendation one step further. You can save money if you do not mind changing planes along the way. Most travelers do not like doing this if the departure times are too close together or because the chances of you losing luggage increases. But if you plan it well, using several short connecting cheap flights can produce significant savings.
Travelers have many options when it comes to saving many. Cheap flights are available to those who are willing to be flexible and enjoy flying. And you can use online aggregator sites which can easily help you in developing your flight itinerary.