Mauritius Cultural Travel: Add Spice to Your Romantic Beach Vacation

By Andrew Muigai

Mauritius Island is one of Africa's most famous travel destination for luxury beach vacations. Yet, besides its spectacular tropical beauty, the Island has a rich culture that many visitors often overlook. This culture is a unique combination of the cultures, traditions and religion of many immigrant populations that came to the island at different stages in the history of Mauritius.

Europeans, Africans, Chinese, and Indians are just some of the populations that have shaped culture in Mauritius. Most of these communities have had religious and cultural customs and festivals as old as four centuries or even more.

Diverse cultures co-exist in perfect harmony in Mauritius, making the island an interesting cultural travel destination. It is not unusual for example to find a Chinese pagoda next to a mosque, or churches and Hindu temples in very close proximity.

The rich cultural heritage of Mauritius is also manifested in the country's cuisine, which is a mixture of oriental cuisine brought in by Indian and Chinese migrants, and traditional western cuisine from the island's colonial past. There are also several foods unique to Mauritius, some of which combine the finest flavors of the west and the east to suit the Mauritius' distinct taste.

Mauritian folklore is also a living tribute to the variety and depth of Mauritius culture. This is illustrated by the many different folkloric dances that are unique to the people of Mauritius. There are also numerous chances of watching sophisticated Indian dances if not the Chinese lion and dragon ones.

Mauritius has a fair share of wildlife and bird species, including some brightly colored birds. The game parks are a great place to see most of these. Other places worth visiting for relaxation include the capital city - Port Louis, and the neighboring Mahebourg town. Adventure travel enthusiasts will also find it worthwhile visiting Rodrigues for diving, Caverne Patate for caving, Mount Limon and Mount Malartic for trekking expeditions, and the area around Port Mathurin for coastal hiking.

All travelers to the island require a visa to get there, with the exception of USA, EU, and Japan passport holders, and citizens of commonwealth countries. Before traveling to Mauritius it is advisable to check the most up-to-date visa requirements information. A number of international airlines and shipping companies can get you to the Island. You can obtain comprehensive information on the shipping services between Reunion and Mauritius Islands from the Mauritius Shipping Corporation based in Port Louis.

Mauritius' national airline - Air Mauritius - operates scheduled flights to Rodrigues Island. Within the island, you can travel by bus and taxi or you can hire a rental car. Taxi fares are high especially at night, and you have to negotiate the fares before starting your trip. At some tourist hotspots, boats for hire are available.

The best time to take a Mauritius holiday trip is from July to September when humidity and heat are lower. Tropical rains are likely from January to April and this is the appropriate time to visit Mauritius if you are looking to have romance indoors.

About the Author:

The Author works with Africa Point, online travel agents for Africa. Find great offers on Mauritius beach holidays and also make online reservations for Mauritius hotels at the Africapoint website

A Delicious Shrimp Feast

By Mara Hernandez-Capili

Ahoy seafood lovers! Shrimps are delectable seafood that is always a classic favorite. Whatever cooking style used to cook the shrimps it is always a treat especially if its summer. There is no other best way to spend summer than to eat delicious summer favorites. The feature summer menu for now is succulent and mouth watering lobster.

Yes, lobster. Even just the thought of its tender white meat flavored commonly with butter and garlic makes my mouth water with pleasure. Lobsters are deemed to be a fine dining food and are sometimes a pricey commodity because of its high price. Lobsters being hard to cook and a daunting task to do is a common misconception. Preparing and cooking the lobster is quite easy. Lobsters can be bought through a local fish monger with the claws safely tied away from our fragile hands.

Lobsters should be frozen for about 30 minutes to let it sleep or to be in a state of "coma". Remove the rubber bands used to tie the claws (for security purposes) as it can alter the flavor of the lobster. Next is to place the lobsters immediately in boiling water, cover tightly and leave it for 30-45 minutes time, until it reaches a bright color red. Remove out of water and let cool in a pan.

Gently twist the tail to remove it from the body. Using kitchen shears cut along the lobsters underside until the meat is released. Crack the claws using lobster cracker to release the juicy, tender and flavorful claw meat. Lobsters are best served with lemon butter sauce. Grilled lobsters are also a favorite summer dish as well as shrimp salads and grilled barbecue shrimp kebabs.

Hmmm. This is really a tempting read. Don't we wish there's a shrimp feast we can attend right now? The Chesapeake Beach in Maryland is hosting its annual shrimp feast. Please come and attend the festival to enjoy their mouth watering lobsters.

About the Author:

Mara Hernandez-Capili is a writer and a researcher on events in Travel and Leisure. Visiting events such as the Maryland craft fairs will open ones spirit on the beauty of the world beyond home's borders. If youre staying in Maryland, the author suggests checking out the Maryland craft shows for entertainments to make your stay worthwhile.

The Famous Raycliff Manor in Missouri

By Mercie Hallow

Its time for a little, if not, huge scare. Catch a glimpse of the popular haunted attraction and be spooked at the creative use of effects that will surely give you goose bumps. The spooky experience starts as early as falling in line, as ghouls entertain the people about to come in.

The Manor has an equally interesting story to tell. It tells of a mad scientist living inside the Manor who devised a scheme that sucks up fear from his victims and keep it hidden inside the confines of the house. The visitor then is expected to feel these fears and actually see the ghosts that forever haunt the dreams and imaginations of these unluckily victims. In here, visitors can see effective visual effects and cinematics of ghosts. The production team behind this really paid a lot to ensure the richness of the experience of the goers and feel every cent worth of their pay.

The production team behind Raycliff Manor employed very talented actors that portray as ghosts and evil spirits. Very good visual effects coupled with the latest technology in make-up and costume effects make the whole experience frightening up to the very end. A big and burly man was reportedly seen kissing the ground after coming out of the haunted attraction. Talk about getting spooked!

In March, there will be a blood donation portion at the front gate of the Manor in cooperation with the Blood Center of the Ozarks. The chosen institution is the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. A discount coupon is handed out to donors to enjoy privileges as a donor. Radio station will be broadcasting live on this event.

Come to the Raycliff Manor and see, experience and feel the fear as you see ghosts of your nightmares come to life! Be a part of this exciting and spine tingling experience that was only brought to you by the Raycliff Manor in Joplin, Missouri.

About the Author:

Mercie Hallow is a writer and a researcher on events in Travel and Leisure. Visiting events such as the Missouri craft fairs will open ones spirit on the beauty of the world beyond home's borders. If youre staying in Missouri, the author suggests checking out the Missouri craft shows for entertainments to make your stay worthwhile.

Basic International Travel Tips

By Jane Farasi

Some basic but important international travel tips are always found useful whether your trip be business, holiday or visiting with friends and family.

Plan of travel

Have your plan of travel put together well in advance. This will include not just where you are going, but when you hope to get there. Note your departure and arrival dates and the fact that you may be crossing different time zones.

Inform the people to meet you on arrival accordingly. Carefully note your flight details such as connections, change of terminals, transit arrangements, baggage allowances.

If a US citizen, register your travel plans with the State Department for emergency purposes.

Among your important international travel tips is to be conversant with the laws, visa and other travel regulations of your destination as these apply to you.

Travel documents and travelers checks

Make sure your passport and visa are valid and ready in good time before your date of departure. Don't delay or miss your trip because your travel documents are not ready on time.

Update any other documents that may be required and useful at your destination like an international driver's license. Find out if you need any other forms of ID like your marriage certificate and remember to pack them.

Change your money into travelers checks. This is still the easiest and safest way to protect your money and if lost or stolen they are replaceable.

Health and medical

Different destinations may require certain vaccinations. Take these on time and get the necessary certificates.

Besides these, get from your doctor adequate supplies and/or prescriptions if you are on medication. If you wear glasses carry an extra pair just in case of breakage.

These are basic important international travel tips. Then you can be sure you are not refused entry once you get to your destination.

About the Author:

If you are planning for a holiday this year check out this blog for practical resources and international travel tips to travel to Kenya and Tanzania Safaris.

Honolulu: A Hawaiian Taste of Flair

By Mercie Hallow

The Hawaii Island is surrounded by water and considered to be an archipelago. Lots of tourist of different colors and races flock the island especially during the summer season where tourists can enjoy basking in the sun and marvel at its beautiful natural surroundings. Hawaii is definitely a place best celebrated for its tropical warm climate, if a gorgeous vacation and summer destination is what you want. Hawaii is a beach haven, a perfect romantic place for honeymooners and a dream wedding venue packed as one.

Honululu is Hawaiis capital city situated in the heart of Hawaii. Honolulu comes from the local Hawaii name which actually means "sheltered bay. This is a city widely acclaimed since it is where the elected American President Barack Obama was born. Honolulu being the busiest city of Hawaii houses its governmental and financial hub. Waikiki is the famous district of Honolulu as it houses Hawaii's thousands of hotels, malls, its splendid restaurants and other Tourist spots.

Waikiki beach is widely recognized to be the most famous if not the best beach in Honolulu, Hawaii. It boasts of a magnificent view of its famous tourist attraction, Hawaii's The Diamond Head. Waikiki Beach is now seen to be a surfer's haven although it is reported to have long lolling period of waves which make it an ideal place for newbie surfers. Waikiki beach also has beaches that have rocky sea bottoms.

The Honolulu Theatre for youth which comprises of talented young ones is showing an adaptation of the Musubi Man a local Hawaiian childrens tale which is an adaptation of the classic Gingerbread Man. The Musubi Man is the story of how a rice cake shaped boy having a heart made up of umeboshi, eyes of takuan, a nori jacket and red ginger mouth came off running so as not to be eaten by the taro owners wife.

The tale told of the rice cake boy's adventure as he escapes and as not to be eaten by the one who made him. In this adventure he met a radical surfer who was also in a secret desire to eat him. The story was then concluded with its usual Hawaiian flair.

About the Author:

Mercie Hallow is a writer and a researcher on events in Travel and Leisure. Visiting events such as the Hawaii craft fairs will open ones spirit on the beauty of the world beyond home's borders. If youre staying in Hawaii, the author suggests checking out the Hawaii craft shows for entertainments to make your stay memorable.

Beer-y Exciting Arizona!

By Mercie Hallow

A bottle of beer is oftentimes referred to a males drink. Beer is the third most popular drink next to water and tea. Beers have light to medium tangy flavor and considered as the most famous alcoholic drink. The basic ingredient of beer is water.

Beers are manufactured in a process called brewing. Brewing involves mixing together the two base ingredient of beer which is water and malt. The starch is broken down into sugar and transformed to beer during fermentation process where yeast is also present. A manufacturing plant for produced beer is called a brewery. Early breweries date back to the 16th century.

Beer festivals are events held all over the world that commemorate and celebrate the historical and cultural significance of beer. These festivals though are not free for all and have certain rules and regulations to follow for the safety of all. Adults 21 and above are encouraged to participate in the festival backed up with a valid ID. Firearms and pets are also discouraged to allow entry inside the festival premises. Beer festivals showcase beer vendors, live bands, food kiosks and entertainment and fun activities for the participants.

Attendees who are intoxicated prior to the event are not encouraged to enter the festival grounds. The Great Arizona Beer Festival is a fundraising festival for the benefit of the Sun Sounds of Arizona. Sun Sounds of Arizona is a public media arm of the state which is a radio that distributes information for sight challenged people. It features different present information that could bring about the welfare of these kinds of people.

The Great Arizona Beer Festival is also kind to the attendees drivers who do not drink because they need to drive their companion home safely. To boost their morale (while perhaps waiting while everyone else is drinking and having fun) a special drivers place is allocated for them. Equally exciting activities can be found in this area where a live band, food kiosks and interesting activities can also be done.

About the Author:

Mercie Hallow is a writer and a researcher on events in Travel and Leisure. Visiting events such as the Arizona craft fairs will open ones spirit on the beauty of the world beyond home's borders. If youre staying in Arizona, the author suggests checking out the Arizona craft shows for entertainments to make your stay memorable.

5 Most Popular Last Minute Travel Destinations

By Brad Alexander

Florida They call this the all-year round state due to the all year round warm climate. Orlando is just packed with theme parks meaning hotel accommodation is in abundance and there is bound to be a cheap deal just waiting for you or other last-minute travelers like you. Florida is also home to Miami where you will be able to lap up its golden beaches and quality nightlife. For those travelers that enjoy shopping and fishing then you would need to head over to Key West, where you can lose yourself in vast shopping malls or off shore for a quiet bit of sea fishing.

New England Coast - If you need a last-minute destination during the fall, there?s no better place to pick than the New England Coast. Its spectacular fall foliage is famous worldwide and you can enjoy it for free just by walking around. The same beauty shall greet you whether you?re traveling to Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, or some other place in the New England coast.

Paris The romance capital of Europe is Paris and that goes all year round. Its a pretty crowded city but there is also so much to see and appreciate from the history of this important historical city. In Paris, there are plenty of famous attractions to see and activities to do for the whole family. Take a trip up the Eiffel Tower, and you will see the whole city from a different perspective, although you might get a bit dizzy. but you'll the Versailles Palace and other famous buildings. Within Paris you will also find Disney Land, so that would be an awesome day out for the kids and you may have to accompany them on some of the really fast and scary rides. But the thing to remember is that you are in a very romantic city and you will be able to feel the mood while having a coffee in one of the typical street cafes or while dining in one of many typically Parisian restaurants.

New York New York, New York. I just love that Frank Sinatra song that really makes you feel as you already know New York, the city that never sleeps. Last minute travelers should consider this vacation destination at least once as you just never get bored in the Big Apple. Wonderful skyscrapers surround you as you take in the experience of a lifetime and don't forget to have a meal in one of the restaurants high in the clouds and get some the most awesome views you will ever see. New york has also become a very safe city to travel to, so you can relax and get to know some of the New Yorkers, who are really loving people.

Nevada, which is the gambling state and lies home to the money making town of Las Vegas, with literally millions of visitor every year that arrive from all destinations. Las Vegas in a gamblers town and also reaches out to travelers that like to stay in luxury accommodation, to be able to have a wide choice of banquet meals and who enjoy leading entertainment. The great thing about Las Vegas is that you get all of those travel perks at extremely reasonable rates and you don't have to gamble if you don't want to. But if you do you can enter in a number of fantastic casino arenas that make you feel like you really are on top of the world, so chance yourself to a little luck and you may win enough for another last minute travel vacation.

About the Author:

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