When it comes time to plan a vacation, many people have a hard time determining just where they should end up. Because there are so many different kinds of vacations that a person can take, it is important to determine exactly what you want out of your trip. Some want a trip full of adventure and exploration, others want more of a relaxing getaway in which they can kick up their feet and forget about their problems for a while. There are definitely vacation spots in which you can have the best of both worlds, and Key West is one of those locations. By finding one of the fabulous Key West vacation rentals that will fit your needs, you will have an incredible place to stay that will allow you to enjoy this great place and all that it has to offer.

Key West is one of the most beautiful locations in the world, and Key West vacation rentals will allow you to come and soak up the sun while you enjoy it in its entirety. If you are an adventurer, you will love the opportunity to get out and enjoy the deep blue sea. Day trip boating excursions can take you out snorkeling, deep sea diving, fishing, jet skiing, para-sailing, dolphin watching, and swimming in some of the most picturesque waters in the world. Glass bottom boats can lead you through an adventurous experience that will be completely unforgettable. Sunrise and sunset sailing excursions create the perfect romantic setting for a lovers outing. If all you want on your vacation is to soak up some warm rays of sun and relax, you can do so from the sandy beaches or from the pools of your own Key West vacation rentals.

Some fabulous Key West vacation rentals are located directly on beach front property, allowing you to walk out your own back door and onto the warm sand. This can make for a very scenic and picturesque setting. Key West is known for its perfect weather. The average temperature in this tropical location is in the mid eighties. Key west is a fantastic location to visit year round. If you want to avoid cold winter temperatures or extremely high summer temperatures, you will be extremely happy when you arrive at this near perfect climate. The warmth and sunshine will help you to forget real life for a while. Not only will you have the great opportunity of experiencing adventure in the waters of Key West, but you will also be able to take in art, culture, fine cuisine, and even some history on your stay. There are incredible botanical gardens, nature conservatories, national parks, museums, and lighthouses that will enrich your vacation experiences.

One of the most popular historical stops for Key West vacationers is the home of the famous American author, Earnest Hemingway. There are also a great deal of fabulous places to eat and go shopping. The options really are endless in this beautiful spot that allows you to get away from it all. Whether you are looking for a place to take your family for a week of fun in the sun, or you are wanting to plan a romantic getaway for you and your special someone, there is no question that one of the many Key West vacation rentals will suit your needs. You will love having a wonderful place to stay that allows you to come and go as you please, venturing out to all of the great spots nearby. Key West is a dreamland, and visiting its beautiful shores may leave you never wanting to return home to real life again.

Traveling alone can open you up to some new and exciting experiences, but it can also increase the likelihood that you will become the victim of a crime. The following article which was written by The Springwood Guesthouse who offer Gatwick hotels with parking, has plenty of smart tips that will help you stay safe while you are traveling solo.

You should be aware of what is around you at all times. That may seem like a given, but so many people are so overwhelmed with the sights and smells of the city around them, that they forget to stay aware. While you should most definitely enjoy yourself, you should carefully survey your surroundings regardless of where you are.

While traveling at night is a good way to take advantage of lower flight rates, this is not a good choice for someone that is traveling alone. It is okay if you are going to a city that you are familiar with in most cases, but if you are going somewhere new you should be traveling during the day. Most criminals strike at night and you want to make sure not to make yourself vulnerable to them.

Never let any strangers know that you are traveling alone. You may see a nice looking person with a pleasant face, but do not let that fool you. Be polite and enjoy their conversation if you are in a very public area. Never give them any clue that you are alone and never give out any of your hotel information.

If you have anything that is of value, it should be on your person as much as possible. You do not want to have to worry about any of your things getting stolen wile you are enjoying your travels. Use the safe at the hotel you are staying at if you have anything valuable that is too large to carry around with you.

While you should have a little cash on you when you travel, the majority of your money should be in traveler’s checks. It is usually advised that you take credit or debit cards in order to increase the convenience, but using them may rack up a lot of fees that can be avoided if you use traveler’s checks.

Check in with your family and friends as often as possible when you are traveling alone. You want them to know that you are fine so they don’t worry, but you can also advise them of any moves you plan on making during your trip. This will come in handy if something happens to you because they will know what to tell the proper authorities as far as your whereabouts are concerned.

Go with your first instinct, even if it turns out to be incorrect. It is much better to be safe than to be sorry.

As stated above, traveling alone can be quite exciting, but it can leave you vulnerable to crime. Use the advice given to you in the article above to make sure that you remain safe and sound while on your next solo trip.

Juneau is the capital of Alaska and is also where Alaska honeymoon is frequently held. Long time ago, this was where the gold-diggers’ settlement were. It is in the most southerly part of the state on the Panhandle, a narrow protrusion of land slashed by fjord-like inlets that is separated from the sea by a string of small islands.

First you must go to the fantastic scenery of Tracy Arm Fjord. In Alaska this is one leading tourist attraction where you can experience sightseeing cruises giving you a chance to see the calving glaciers, waterfalls, and cliffs walls, from a relatively close distance. Next stop is the Alaska State Museum. Here you can explore the culture of Alaska’s Native people, along with the natural history of the area and the more modern history of the state. You can also visit the Glacier Bay National Park 60 mi. north-west of Juneau. There are cruises to the bay (day trips and longer trips) you can ride on to relax, have fun, and even see whales.

Another famous attraction you can go to during your Alaska honeymoon is the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. Here you can see exhibits about the Tlingit culture, the early gold mining days, and the history of the Juneau-Douglas. During summertime, there are video presentations being played for anyone to see. Last Chance Mining Museum is located in a building of the former Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Company. Here at the Last Chance Mining Museum, you can see displays of mining equipment and rail cars – one of which is the world’s largest air compressors, built in 1912, which is on display.

You could also ride a shuttle which takes visitors through the 50 acre Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure in the rainforest on Thunder Mountain – here you can bear witness to the majestic views of the Mendenhall Valley, Chilkat Mountains, Gastineau Channel, and Juneau. Isn’t this a perfect getaway for your Alaska honeymoon?

Next year, try Honeymoon in Australia. Check the website for more details.

If you are interested in mountain lodging, you will be happy to know that there are many homes available for rent right on the Internet. You will never have to handle with the annoyance that comes with hotel rooms ever again once you realize and decide that a vacation home is really the best option available to you. You will thoroughly enjoy staying in the hotel with your loved ones while you happen to all be on vacation with each other each and every single year so that you can really enjoy the changing seasons that may occur all year long.

Booking a vacation home can actually be a lot cheaper than a hotel room. Hotel rooms can be very expensive, especially if you are planning to stay there for a very long time. Because of this, it may be a wise choice to look online for a vacation rental in the area that you can begin making use of. You will never worry about staying there too long because you can book the home in advance for an entire season or even for an entire year, no matter what you have chosen to do with your family members.

Living in a vacation home for any period of time is a great way to really relax and unwind while on vacation. You will be amazed at how easy it can be to find exactly what you are looking for on the Internet when it comes to locating a great quality home that will literally make all of your vacations something that you or all of your family members will ever forget. Skip the hotel and remember that there are many different vacation rentals available if you only think to look right on the Internet in your very own home yourself.

Host your next planning meeting or social event in the Rocky Mountains by scheduling a Yellowstone conference. Get together in the splendor the American West, where you can stay near herds of elk and bison and maybe even be serenaded by the chilling howls of the area’s gray wolves.

The area is an excellent destination for wildlife lovers. With massive herds of elk, bison, deer and antelope, the area is a haven for animal lovers. Large predators like grizzly bear, black bear, and gray wolves allure visitors as well. The mountain sides are home to rocky mountain bighorn sheep, marmots and mountain goats. Marshy areas are home to moose, beaver and river otter. The region is also home to significant populations of both bald and golden eagles.

In the winter you can enjoy cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobile riding as well as winter stagecoach rides. Summer visitors can enjoy fishing for the park’s gorgeous and sometimes elusive cutthroat trout. Backpacking and hiking are also popular seasonal activities from late spring to the middle of autumn.

The area’s many attractions include the world famous Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts on schedule about once every hour. Tourists can also see the legendary Yellowstone Falls and the colorful and unique Mammoth Hot Springs. A grizzly museum at West Yellowstone offers visitors close up looks at the great bear in captivity.

While the winter can be cold, the crisp clean air and breathtaking scenery make the park a pleasant destination any time of year. You can appreciate the snow, rain, and sunshine any time of the year.

A Yellowstone conference will be more than a meeting. It will also serve as a vacation retreat, where you can surround yourself with natural beauty and herds of wildlife. You may even be able to observe wild animals from the comfort of your hotel room.

France.  The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles, Notre Dame, the catacombs, and Bordeaux wine country all rolled in one amazing country, is it any wonder that France is the destination place of millions of tourist?

The Eiffel Tower built in 1889 and has since become the icon for France.  It is easily recognizable by people the world over.  It is the same height as an 81-story building and surpassed the Washington Monument as the tallest structure in the world at the time.  The elevator is glass so your voyage to the top is magnificent, if not a little scary.

The Louvre is possibly the world’s greatest collection of fine art under a single roof.  The collection contains nearly 35,000 pieces of art from prehistory to the 19^th century in 60,600 square meters.  Originally, the Louvre was the palace of Frances royal family but King Louis XIV moved the palace to Versailles in 1692 leaving the Louvre to house the royal collection of sculpting and art.

Notre Dame construction began nearly 900 years ago.  It was built as a Gothic, Roman Catholic cathedral in honor of the Virgin Mary.  The cathedral was completed almost 700 years ago in 1345.  Truly an architectural masterpiece of any era.

Frances underground world is quite interesting to visitors.  With literally miles of tunnels and at least one remain of six million people.  The catacombs of Paris were a direct result of too many Christians wanting to be buried in the churchyard, and not enough room for them all.  Some of the tunnels were originally mining shafts.  If you go to Paris, don’t miss this once in a lifetime experience.

Paris is not only visual arts but culinary as well.  Bordeaux wine tours complement any trip to France.  France is known the world over for its premier wine and vineyards.  These Bordeaux wine tours cover any are of Frances vineyards you may wish to see with plenty of wine sampling!

Take a trip to France, visit the Eiffel Tower, spend days lost in the Louvre, see Notre Dame and a couple dozen other such famous and ancient constructions, take an hour or two to experience the catacombs.  While there, take a Bordeaux wine tour; it will be trip not soon forgotten.

If you’re dreaming about going out of the country for a city break then having Lisbon city breaks will be great for you. You won’t go wrong in choosing this city as it has rich in cultural diversity. You’ll find yourself getting charmed as the city is a mix of old and new.

Lisbon has a little of everything as it can cater to art lovers, history buffs and shopaholics. It’ll be the perfect place to go to especially during a holiday. The city is rich in history as it can date back to 20 centuries. You’ll find a lot of architectural influences as well as historic sites.

You can take a trip to Lisbon’s countryside via a horse drawn carriage to the Pena Palace. You’ll pass by a lot f historical sites as well as old manor houses and century old farm houses. There are two open palaces which you can explore- the Ajuda and the Fronteira which are open to the public.

The city has a lot of world class museums. You won’t be disappointed when you take Lisbon city breaks. You’ll find a lot of exhibitions with several themes along with theaters, ancient and contemporary art, military history, costumes and maritime traditions.

Avid shoppers will love the shopping districts here. The Baixa central shopping district is home to a lot of retail stores, well known brands and local bars and cafes. It’ll be the best place to refresh and relax your tired feet after a day of shopping.

The tower of Belem is something you don’t want to miss as during your Lisbon city breaks as this is a UNESCO World Heritage site which commemorated past expeditions of settlers. You’ll also want to have your fill of the Pasteis de Belem, the traditional Portuguese cake.

John Phullon writes about Storbyrejser Lissabon . If you want more great ideas on a Storby rejser, try visiting our website for other great ideas.

In this article, you’ll learn how to get to Puerto Galera in 3 steps. It’s a very simple process, however many people are misled.

Firstly, where in the world is Puerto Galera?

It’s in the Philippines!

The Philippines is made up of almost 7000 islands. Puerto Galera is a town on one of those islands, Oriental Mindoro. It is roughly 3 hours from the capital city Manila.

Why would you go there? If you like to take it easy, soak up the sun, enjoy the beach and otherwise do nothing at all, then Puerto Galera is for you.

So how to get to Puerto Galera?

Here are the 3 easy steps. The steps assume you are beginning from Manila Airport no later than 1pm.

1. Buendia Bus Station. Manila Airport is vastly inferior to the standard of international airports. There are no comfortable waiting lounges or extensive food courts. Once you’re through immigration, walk straight outside the airport. Look for a white taxi (the yellow ones are extremely expensive). Ask for Buendia Bus Station and agree on the fare before you get into the cab. Do not put your bags in the trunk. Some taxi drivers have been known to drive off with your bags. If this happens, you’ll never see your bags again. Don’t let that happen while you learn how to get to Puerto Galera.
2. Batangas Pier. The taxi ride will take around 10 or 15 minutes. At Buendia Bus Station, look for a bus. There are a bucketload of them. Ask around the bus going to Batangas Pier. Ask for the Express bus – it’s faster and more comfortable. The express bus will have “Calabarzon” written on the front. Double-check with the driver that it definitely goes to Batangas Pier. Climb on and dive into your travel book.
3. Muelle Pier. The ride to Batangas Pier will take roughly 3 hours. Once there, go to the main terminal and buy a ticket to Puerto Galera. Muelle Pier is the most central spot, though ask for Sabang or White Beach if that is where you want to go. You will need to buy a boat ticket, the terminal fee and the environmental fee. The total cost will be about 280 pesos. Soon, you’ll be in the land of hot Filipina girls, cold beer and fantastic scuba diving!

There you have it – I told you it was easy to learn how to get to Puerto Galera. Next time you’re booking a holiday, remember that Puerto Galera (ie. tropical paradise) is just around the corner.

Vacation trips can be more fun if people have a wide array of activities to do. People should choose places that offer different things that will suit all members of the family based on their age, gender, interests, and limitations. People should not only concentrate on what they want but they should also ask their companions about what they want to do. A good vacation activity for the whole family or a group of friends is fishing. People can go to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico if they want their fishing trips to be productive and successful. Of course, there are other activities in town besides Cabo San Lucas Fishing albeit being the most famous one. People can enjoy the town and the rugged terrain that surrounds the place opposite the seas.

Fishing in Cabo San Lucas is very rewarding since there are plenty of fish species present all year round. People can catch marlin, tuna, sailfish, snapper, Dorado, Wahoo, and mahi mahi depending on their month of visit. Besides fishing, people can also try ATV Tours, off road buggy riding, or playing golf. There are two golf courses in Cabo San Lucas. One is an ocean course and another one is a dessert course both designed by seasoned golf player Jack Nicholas. If people really prefer the pristine white beaches and the seas, they can try sun bathing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and sailing.

There are plenty of activities in Cabo San Lucas. People can go with a group of friends, their family, or they can even venture out on their own with the help of Cabo Fishing Boats. Getting charter boats should be arranged before the trip so people will know what type and size of boat he or she needs depending on the planned activity. Generally, a larger boat is ideal for offshore trips since it can withstand bad weather and strong waves.

We live in a world that is constantly changing. With so many variables at work, it can be difficult to stay abreast of the current situations. For a lot of citizens, staying informed when it comes to events that are taking place within their community is a priority. The news industry relies on this need, and they fulfill a valuable role when it comes to informing the public. If you are looking for information on Grand Rapids news events, there are many different sources you can turn to. Knowing about your options will help you take advantage of the various media outlets. By combining the information received through each source, citizens can gain a more accurate picture of the events that have transpired. For many people, using the internet to discover valuable information is second nature.

Grand Rapids news producers understand this concept, and they have begun to rely on the internet to disseminate information to the public. Each major news corporation now has its own website. These websites are used to report current events, list items for sale and even provide users with valuable discounts. When it comes to finding out the latest information, logging on to a Grand Rapids news website is the quickest way to gather the information you are looking for. Using the internet to learn about current events also provides the benefit of twenty four hour access. Unlike other media outlets, Grand Rapids news can be located on the internet at any time of the day or night.

This versatility is very appealing to those individuals who are unable to tune in to a news broadcast at a set time. In addition to the internet, news corporations use a variety of print media sources to disperse information. The most popular source of print media is the newspaper. Although newspaper subscriptions have dwindled in recent years, they remain a reliable source for information on news events. Many people enjoy having the newspaper delivered to their home each day. This makes it easy to access the articles, and the newspaper can be carried with the individual throughout the day. Most major newspapers report on a broad range of information. Within the pages of a newspaper you will find stories on national events, as well as local and state events. This diversity makes the newspaper a great news outlet for those seeking a broader view of world events. Many people are familiar with the news broadcasts that are aired each day. Each news corporation employs several anchor men and women to help deliver the news to their viewers.

Most of these broadcasts occur every morning and evening, with special broadcasts shown during times of emergency. By tuning into your local news broadcast you will receive up to date information on the day’s events. An added bonus to gathering information through your television is the inclusion of a weather forecast and sports update. These additional features can help the public plan their day and receive valuable updates on their favorite sports teams. As you can see, there are a variety of options available when it comes to gathering information on the events that transpire in your neighborhood, state, and nation. In order to get the most accurate news possible, experts suggest that you consult several different sources. Each reporter tends to present the story with a bit of personal bias, so reading or watching several different reports on the same story will help you eliminate the personal opinions given. Using all of the resources available to you is a great way to ensure that you stay well informed at all times.

Everyone knows that the happiest place on earth is Disneyland.  Mix a local beach, like Newport beach with the magic of Disney and you have the perfect vacation.  Ask any NFL player when they win the Super Bowl, ask any child that is lucky enough to have experienced the magic.  Disney understood imagination, creativity, and enchantment.  But the doors to Disneyland opened in absolute disaster in 1955.  The opening day was 101 degrees ferinheight and a plumber strike made the water fountains inoperable.  With the limited amount of water available, Disney had to choose between water fountains and flushing toilets.  He made the tough decision.

Pepsi was the soda sponsor for the new amusement park and many people complained that the lack of running water fountains was a sick attempt at getting them to purchase soda.  Celebrities were slotted to make appearances every 2 hours, the scheduling was a mess, and they all showed up at once.  Opening day was an invitation only affair but counterfeited tickets were in abundance.  Eleven thousand people were invited, 28,154 showed up.

The asphalt was poured just that morning and was so soft that ladies heels stuck in the mess.  Fantasyland, Adventureland and Frontierland were closed part of the day due to a gas leak in Fantasyland.

The press had a hay day; opening day was a complete fiasco.  So much so, that in subsequent years, Disney choose to hold anniversaries commemorations on July 18, instead of the actual opening day of July 17.  The actually opening day of July 18 to the public went smoother.  People started lining up at 2:00 AM and the first three guest received lifetime passes to not only California’s Disneyland but all Disneyland’s, worldwide.

Today’s adventures into Disney are nothing short of a miracle.  The park runs smoothly, efficiently, and magically.  It is clean, well planned, has amazing crowd control and offers something for every guest.

When planning a trip to Disneyland, schedule a day at one of the local beaches like Newport Beach to relax, unwind, enjoy amazing restaurants, and festival.  Disneyland is tiring for young and old, hopper passes are the best way to enjoy this modern day marvel, but take a day to relax at the beach to get the most out of our miracle.  Manmade mixed with Mother Nature is the perfect way to enjoy this charming and enchanting accomplishment.

If you are an avid camper and adventure lover who enjoys spending time outdoors, then the one thing you require is camping equipment and supplies. You must own quite a few such items and you are probably always on the lookout for supplies that will make your camping trips comfortable and fun. Newer products are being introduced in to the market regularly that will make your camping adventures better in many ways.
One of the best places to find out about the latest in the market and buy what you need is the Internet. Many online sites have a wide and varied range of camp trip gear that offers you total comfort no matter what terrain you are camping in or what weather conditions you face.

The best online stores sell gear made of the best materials and have in stock items that includes mattresses, tents, backpacks binoculars, sleeping bags, air mattresses and much more; all from the best manufacturers and brands. All the camping equipments and supply gear in stock are displayed with a clear picture and a detailed description of the product that includes specifications and all the features, thus making it easy for you to choose.

The websites of the best online stores are user-friendly, easy to navigate and you can locate the kind of gear you are looking for without much trouble. Chinook, Alps Mountaineer, Browning and Swiss Gear are some of the top brand names whose products you can buy online.

Online shopping is not only easy but also cheap, as the online stores do away with overheads that land based stores have to pay for. The customer service staffs of the best stores are very knowledgeable and courteous and help you choose the right gear for your solo trip or a trip with family or friends. Online shopping is easy and the tents and other supplies you order will be delivered to you in the quickest possible time. Online shopping at the best stores is safe and secure and you will not have to worry about your personal credit details being shared with anyone.

You can get lightweight gear as well as different kinds of tents including the 2 person tent, 4 person tent, 5 man person tent, 6 person camping tent, etc. The larger tents will be perfect for a family outing or a camping trip with friends. The tents are easy to use and they are designed to be set up and taken down easily.

The tents have a sturdy built, are durable, made of the best materials and are perfect for all weather conditions. Apart from holding the specified number of persons, each tent has extra space for personal belongings and camp necessities; in addition, these tents can be packed up easily, are compact and easy to carry.

Visit this site to find out more about the best camp gear in stock and buy a camping tent.

Cape Cod vacations provide a great opportunity to experience many aspects of the natural world. Through cruises, museum visits, and nature hikes, visitors to the area can see firsthand the types of animals and plants native to the area. They can also learn something about the natural world while still finding time to have fun.

Whale watching is one of the most popular tourist activities in the area. Cruises leave from Barnstable, Plymouth, and Provincetown harbors on a daily basis to take guests into areas frequented by whales. Cruise lengths depend on the company offering them as well as the time of year. During the cruise guests may see whales swimming alongside the boat as well as diving, breaching, and lifting their heads from the water.

During Cape Cod vacations everyone enjoys the other types of nature cruises are also popular. Seals, shore birds, and assorted types of fish can be seen while on board boats in the ocean or the river. Narrators explain the history of the area as well as facts about the different types of wildlife. On some of the more interesting cruises, they may tell local urban legends to spice things up a bit.

There are several museums open to tourists and locals. Natural history can be viewed year round in permanent exhibits as well as by attending special events such as seminars and films. Residents of the area with unique collections open them up to visitors as well, sometimes charging a fee and other times allowing entrance to their museums with the payment of a small donation.

Over two dozen public and private beaches can be found in Cape Cod. Here visitors can not only see nature but experience it firsthand. Some beaches have strong surf while others offer calm water for swimming in. Bathrooms, lifeguards, and restaurants or food stands can be found at just about every beach. Parking is available for a fee. Some is offered on a daily basis while other parking lots require a multiple day pass.

The holidays are here. Many want to get away from all the stresses. Others are planning a get together with family from all around, meeting in one central location. Destinations are thought about and kicked around. Several are discussed but discarded because they are so typical when thinking of a holiday vacation. Then, Cape Cod travel gets thrown into the mix and all other suggestions are tossed aside and the decision is made.

Cape Cod. Most people think of it as a summertime beach resort area. Oh, if they only knew about the holiday spirit that fills the area each year. From the snow powdered streets lit with twinkling lights and the roaming carolers, to the constant stream of events and festivals, there’s something to please everyone.

Visit the quaint shops and enjoy the fine dining. Take in the historical sites and relax in any one of the many bed and breakfasts, inns, lodges and hotels that can be found. Bundle up and take a stroll along the beach and then pop into a cozy restaurant and warm up near the crackling fire. Hike through a snow blanketed forest enjoying the beauty and peace it brings, followed by a cozy night in under the covers with a personal fireplace ablaze.

Throughout the holiday season there are numerous festivals and events going on. Visit the Gardens Aglow Annual Celebration of Lights and take a ride on the holiday carousel. Gab the kids and check out the Enchanted Village at the Cape Coder, where Santa’s Village comes to life. No visit to the area is complete without some clam chowder. Come enjoy the Annual Chowder Contest on the Vineyard where island restaurants compete to see who has the best.

Gone are the summer crowds and lines of cars, allowing for a wonderful opportunity to experience the area without having to jockey for position. Also missing are the high summer prices for your stay.

For a winter get away, a wonderful Cape Cod travel vacation should be at the top of everyone’s “must visit” list. Enjoy all the area has to offer all year round. It can be as eventful or as relaxing as wanted or needed.

The semicircular bay between the Cape and Sagres Points and the smaller but even better protected one on the south-east side of Sagres, offer protection from the strong northerly gale, known as the Portuguese trades or nortadas. From the earliest voyages beyond the Pillars of Hercules, ships under sail or oar found haven there. A fleet of Genoese merchantmen, beating their way round the Cape, fell foul of Franco-Portuguese men-of-war, and a young red-haired deckhand was one of the survivors from a sinking Genoese vessel.

Cared for first at nearby Azores Islands Archipelago, he soon found his way to Lisbon. He was Christopher Columbus, barely literate son of a Genoese wool-carder, who spent 14 of his most formative years in Portugal, where he married the daughter of Bartolomeu Perestrello, a protégé of Prince Henry the Navigator, and fell heir to his logs and charts, a splendid inheritance for the destitute semi-literate Genoese. From the tales of his father-in-law, and the logs and maps, were born the idea of sailing west across the Sea of Darkness to reach the Orient. He sought ‘the Indies and Cippangu’, and found the islands now known as the West Indies.

The daring and brilliance of Lord Nelson were brought first to wide public attention by Battle of Cape St Vincent, which took place on 14 February 1797. On that date the British fleet under Sir John Jervis, acting on information obtained from a friendly Portuguese frigate, was able to attack a larger fleet of Spaniards off the Cape, in the course of which action a brilliantly executed but entirely unauthorised manoeuvre by Nelson, in his ship Captain, assured complete victory for the British. Jervis, who was made Earl St Vincent, had only praise for Nelson’s initiative and aggressive action. The Cape has been the scene of other naval engagements and tragedies of the sea, but none as famous as this.

The seeds of the fame to come were planted when Prince Henry made the Sagres peninsula his home, and thus the focal point of the formative operations heralding the epoch of maritime explorations which elevated Portugal to world eminence. Whether Navigador, as he is known to the Portuguese, founded and operated a formal school of navigation on Sagres Point is debatable, but the grim and ancient walls, the enormous stone compass-rose, and the old chapel which remain there to this day are appropriate monuments to a magnificently dedicated man, and to the great era of exploration of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

Today the glory of the Algarve lies mainly in the quiet waters along its mile after mile of white sand beaches and rocky headlands, made the more colourful by an intensely brilliant sun and azure sky. Roughly rectangular in shape, some 2,000 sq miles in area, the Algarve extends io8 miles eastward by road from Cape St Vincent to the Spanish border at Vila Real de Santo Antonio on the Guadiana river. It averages about 85 miles long ‘as the crow flies’, and about 23 miles from the southern coastline to the border of the Baixo Alentejo, its neighbouring province to the north.