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Arugambay – 5 Reasons To Visit Arugambay Surfers’ Paradise

By on March 30, 2012 in Safaris

Are you an avid surfer? If so, you may instantly recognize the name Arugam Bay. Even if you are not, you may be interested to learn more about this popular tourist attraction. Arugam Bay is a sleepy little hamlet 320 km due east of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city and is ranked among the top ten surf destinations in the world. In this article I am going to tell you 5 good reasons you should make a visit to Arugam Bay.

Arugam Bay is not your typical surf destination with modern facilities. It is more a community based destination, where little guest houses and the odd star rated hotel lie side by side. This does not make it any less attractive to regular visitors who make repeat visits every year. Although this destination was devastated by the 2004 tsunami and the conflict, the enterprising community of Arugam Bay have brought the destination back to its old glory. Much improved roads, which have reduced travel times by almost an hour and a half and the return of peace has made Arugam Bay a destination you should not miss visiting.

Here are the top 5 reasons to visit Arugam Bay:
It is the third highest ranked among the world’s top ten surfing destinations. So, if you are a surfing enthusiast or are interested in learning to surf this is just the location for you. You need not even bring your gear along, as you can hire surfing gear from local outfits, who also provide training for newbie surfers. It boasts of over 10 surf points and the waves are great between April and October and it also is the scene for local and international surfing competitions staged during this period. During November to April the sea is fine for swimming and snorkeling and conditions are just right if you are looking for a quiet get- away. The prices for accommodation can get pretty low and you can find a pretty decent room with basic facilities for around $15 per night. If you are a wild life enthusiast you excellent wild life sanctuaries are just minutes away from this destination. The Lahugala sanctuary famous for elephants is not more than a 20 minute drive from here. You may even pass some of these majestic beasts if en-route if you take the inland route to arrive here. The Kumana bird sanctuary lies just 10km south of Arugam Bay and birds from as far as Siberia are known to migrate to this location to escape winter. The sand dunes at Panama allow you to wander around an unspoilt stretch of land, and even go on a jeep safari to the dunes. The Pottuvil dunes are much closer, but it is situated in the midst of a busy little town, but none the less attractive in its own little way. The area close to Arugam Bay also boasts of a host of ancient monuments. The Kudumbigala archeological reserve is host to monastic caves dating from around the 12th Century AD. The ancient Okanda temple dedicated lord Skanda situated on a rocky outcrop south of Arugam Bay is believed to be featured in “Sinbad the Sailor’s tales”. Monuments related to the Southern kingdom of Magama almost a thousand years old are found in Pottuvil town, by the dunes and within the Lahugala sanctuary. They are said to be built to honour the mother of the warrior king Dutugemunu of the Anradhapura kingdom.

The attractions of Arugam Bay are so, numerous and cater to visitors with different interests. It is just amazing that so many attractions should lie so close together. Coupled with the extremely friendly service by the villagers who run the facilities, I would strongly recommend that you visit here especially if you are on a tight budget.

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Vacation Spots in the Sacred Valley Near Cusco, Peru

By on March 27, 2012 in Safaris

If you are looking for places to visit in Peru that have been relatively unaffected by modern development and are not too far from main tourist destinations then one of the best places to visit is the Sacred Valley. This lovely valley only 45 minutes from Cusco was an important area of settlement for the ancient Inca Civilization. If you are short on time, try prioritizing some of the following spots.

Sacsayhuaman, a military fortress
Sacsayhuaman, located just north of Cusco, is part of the Sacred Valley and demonstrates the tremendous construction skills of the Incas. Stones of up to 125 tons make up many of the buildings found in the area. Some believe that Sacsayuaman was some kind of military fortress with its shape as a zigzag resembling the open jaw of a Puma. The layout of the city of Cusco formed the body of the Puma with the Plaza de Armas being the center of the world according to Inca beliefs.

The ruins of Sacsayuaman are still impressive despite the massive destruction of the complex by the Spaniards. Many of Cusco’s style of colonial churches and mansions use stones taken from the ruins. Tourists are rewarded from the site with a good view of the city of Cusco in the valley below.

Qenko, Puca Pucara and Tambo Machay
About four miles from Sacsayhuaman is Quenko, an amphitheater and temple. Quenko was carved from huge limestone formations and the ruins are well preserved with a series of underground tunnels, galleries and carvings. The amphitheater is in the middle of the ruins and features wide seats or thrones, once thought to be used by royalty. Puca Pucara is a smaller fortress, most likely used to defend Cusco. The sacred bathing place for the rulers is located at Tambo Machay. The use of hydraulic engineering still functions and provides crystalline water from a hidden spring. The exquisite stonework of Tambo Machay counters the basic stonework of the nearby Inca farming terraces.

Pisac: Impressive Ruins and an Indigenous Market
Located about a 45 – minute journey from Cusco, the ruins of Pisac are the most impressive of all sites in the Sacred Valley. Quite a bit of hiking is required if you plan to see the entire site. There are intricate farming terraces and impressively detailed examples of stonework used in creation of some of the temples. Fitted with incredible precision, the stonework in the temples indicates the importance of the site. The city still has fully functioning irrigation systems channeled from its heights, and from here you can get a thrilling view of the valley below.

Pisac is also known for its Sunday market which is a mix of items of interest to both tourists and locals alike. Products range from wall carpets and flutes to colorful spices and fruits. Prices may be a bit higher than those you would pay in the markets of Lima so be prepared to bargain hard.

With a bit more time try to include some of the following which are very interesting indeed; Ollantaytambo ruins, Moray Inca crop circle complex and the ancient salt pans at Maras.

A short trip out of Cusco with a reputable travel agent will provide the diverse offerings of the Sacred Valley and many visits are achievable in a day-trip, so be sure not to miss them on your next Peru vacation.

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Information On How To Renew A Damaged US Passport

By on March 23, 2012 in Safaris

Recent terrorist activity around the world has made travel much more complicated than it once was. The United States, along with most other countries, have set up strict guidelines that all travelers are expected to follow. These security measures have necessitated early arrival to get through all the checkpoints now set in place. One problem that can be avoided is making sure your documents are in order. If you need to renew a damaged US passport, have it done as soon as possible to avoid further delay when traveling.

Frequent travel will undoubtedly cause wear and tear to your documents. Just the simple of handling of them over and over again will create damage. So use of your travel document is the same reason that can constitute its renewal. Border and security agents are not keen on documents that are tattered or worn. These are the ones that can easily be altered due to preexisting conditions such as smeared wording. Fraud or forgery can then be suspected.

There are no specific guidelines as to when a passport should be renewed. It is left entirely up to the owner to use their own discretion. Be aware that you could be detained if your document is not legible for any reason. This could be due to a matter as simple as torn pages. Keep your document protected at all times from water damage or any type of moisture that may render it unreadable by an agent.

Renewal is not something that can be done through the mail. Things will need to be handled as they were when you first applied. The computer is a great source for getting the proper paperwork required. You can print it out as is, or fill out the paperwork and then print it out. The advantage to this is clarity and you will not be dismissed due to handwriting or printing that is not legible. Keep in mind that any signatures required must wait until you are in front of the officials that can remit your passport.

With the application papers you will also need a certified birth certificate that proves you are a United States citizen. Being born outside of the US will require naturalization papers. There are some other forms that are acceptable and this is all explained to you on the government website concerning these documents. In addition, every form that you bring will need to have a photocopy of it supplied. Again, these copies have to meet the requirements set forth by the government.

Along with all the required documentation and paperwork, you will also need a photo that will accompany your passport. Many photographers specialize in taking these photos. They are aware that they must be a full frontal pose and not exceed more than two by two inches in size. It might not be a bad idea to bring more than one with you, just in case an agent finds a photo that does not meet with his or her approval.

Terrorist activity around the world has caused an unprecedented strictness in security. All requirements set forth by the government have to be precisely adhered to. Check your papers and documentation carefully to be sure everything is in order. Nothing is to be considered trivial and it could be the one small thing that ends up with you being refused your travel document. The cost will be the same as for the first time applicant.

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Florida Rentals For Work Vacation Time

By on March 6, 2012 in Safaris

Are you ready to cash in your vacation time? Maybe you have the dates all picked out already, but are still in the planning process. If you are looking for an affordable and fun time, then consider renting a beach home in Florida for the week. It is the perfect private getaway you deserve.

If you have been waiting this long to take your break from work, then you should really think about what city in Florida you want to go to and what kind of rental home you want to stay in. A few hot cities you may want to check out are Panama, Miama, Florida Keys, or Destin. A few options you have for rentals are condos, villas, beach huts, house, and apartments. Villas really are a cool option for an escape from the work world.

A nice thing about taking your work vacation to a Florida rental is that you can still stay connected. Internet is an option you have for your stay and it gives you the opportunity to stay organized and on top of your emails if needed. Florida is also an easy drive for a quite of few eager vacationers. If the city you are staying is in driving distance, then you don’t have to worry about budgeting in a plane ticket or rental car.

Vacation from work should be a time to relax. If you are trying to plan your week away from the desk, do not forget about renting a place on one of the Florida beaches.

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