One of the things my wife and I love to do together is travel and vacation as much as possible. We live in the central US, so going any direction is not a problem. The big question we ask ourselves as we decide where we want to go is ‘do we want to drive or fly’.

After we have decided that, and after we have called the destination to book our stay there, and determined how we plan to get there, it’s just a matter of making sure we have done everything we can and need to do to secure our home while we’re away.

It has been our experience, that a worrisome vacation is not a happy vacation if your mind is not there too. We have found ourselves worried about such things as, did we turn the computer off, or is the coffee pot unplugged, and several other things that could be added to that list.

A vacation is not really a “vacation” if you’re constantly worried about something you have no control to change. So what we did was create a list of all the things that we need to do before we leave for that long awaited trip.

Your own list should be tailored to your own specifics, but let me offer a few suggestions.

• Do not make your plans public…not everyone needs to know your house will be empty for a certain number of days.
• Ask law officials or friends to check on your home while you’re away.
• If you cannot stop the delivery of the newspaper, ask someone to collect those. It’s very apparent that no one is home if there is a stack of uncollected newspapers on the lawn or porch.
• If you can, turn your water off. We had the hose on our clothes washer blowout while we were away and hot water was spewing out for several days which caused considerable damage to our house.

These are just a few suggestion we offer to help you get the full benefit and enjoyment from your vacation travels. If you would like to know where we travel when that time comes for us, see the link below.

Remember: Memories are made while you’re on vacation, but great memories are made while your on a great vacation…with no worries.

My name is Michael Helton and I love to take vacations, especially when I can have free accommodations at hundreds of vacation destinations, which is perfect for us. We can take cruises, stay in luxurious resort accommodations, or 4 and 5 star deluxe hotels. Because we have unlimited use of these packages, we just might make it our ‘hobby’ to take vacations or travel. If you have a limited budget but would like to travel and vacation at your leisure, visit my site at myincrediblevacation.com. Would you like to know how we can take vacations and make a living at it? Follow this link to learn how we do it.

Romania is a country in Europe. Although it was not a major tourist destination before the 1990s, now, it has opened itself up to people who would love to see historical places as well as beautiful sceneries. Here are top ten cities in Romania that a visitor should visit.

1.) Bucharest City

In Bucharest, you can visit Romania’s famous museums like the Village Museum and the Museum of the Romanian Peasant as well as Curtea Veche Museum. A lovely walk along the Old City is also a must for any visitor. Likewise, visiting the many churches here as well as monasteries should also be included.

2.) Brasov City in Transylvania

This city has a lot of beautiful places and buildings to see, among them is the Old Town where you will find the Black Church as well as the Piata Sfatilui or Council Square. There are also museums here as well as the infamous Bran Castle, known to be Dracula’s Castle. There are great places to ski here in Brasov also.

3.) Sibiu City of Transylvania

There is an old town here that you can visit if you want a taste of history as well as culture. Likewise, there is also the Citadel of Sibiu and the Huet Square for you to see. You can also see many fortified churches during the Medieval Period that are still standing.

4.) Sighisoara City

For a culture-high, this city is a must-visit as well. Here, you will surely enjoy the sights of the Sighisoara Citadel. You can also visit its Weapon Museum, which houses a lot of medieval weaponry.

5.) Cluj-Napoca City

So far, this is the most popular city in Romania and is the capital of Transylvania. As such, there are a lot of places to see here like the many museums such as the National Art Museum ad the National Museum of the History of Transylvania. Or you can always visit its parks like the Botanical Garden as well as Central Park.

6.) Constanta City

This city is home to many museums such as the National Museum of History and Archeology, which houses artifacts dating from the Greek and Roman eras. You can also find here the Statue of Ovid. If you want more of nature, then this is a great place to sunbath in its beaches or walk in its parks.

7.) Lasi City

The Place of Culture can be found in Lasi City, which is also another tourist destination if you want to know more about the culture and history of Romania. There are also several churches like the Trei Lerarhi Church as well as the Metropolitan Church. You can also take a relaxing stroll or a nice rest in the city’s Botanical Garden.

8.) Suceava City

The main tourist destination here is the Suceava Fortress. This ancient fortress was erected during the 14th and 15th century and was made more impressive by Stephen the Great. As such, this was never overpowered by attackers.

9.) Timisoara City

This is a wonderful city to visit as it has the Opera Square or the Piata where you will also get to enjoy the wonderful sight of the Roman Orthodox Cathedral as well as get to see majestic palaces of the rich Romanians. In this city, you will surely love a walk in its parks. You can also visit the Union Square or the Piata Unirii where you will get to see historical buildings like the Catholic Dome and the Baroque Palace, etc.

10.) Gura Humorului

This is not in par with the other cities but still a good place to visit nonetheless. Along the way to Gura Humorului, do not forget to drop by Bucovina to see the Painted Monasteries. You can also go to Voronet where you and your loved one will surely enjoy a leisurely walk where the landscape is a great sight to behold.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/romania to view or share Romania travel videos.

Whether you are a history buff who loves visiting archaeological and historic places or a classic vacationer who is in for some adventure on a foreign place, Tunisia is the place for you. From the beautiful beaches to the momentous landmarks, you will surely find that Tunisia is yet another great place in Northern Africa to visit. Here are some places that you have to visit.

1.) Tunisia’ Coastal Farmlands

The known Atlas Mountains divide Tunisia into two - the crop-yielding and the barren region. You will find the coastal farmlands of Tunisia to be surprisingly heterogeneous, meaning you won’t see the same site twice. If you think farmlands are boring, wait until you visit Tunisia’s farmlands.

2.) Saharan Oases

Tunisia covers a part of the Sahara, the largest in the world. Because only the edge of Sahara is covered by Tunisia, Saharan Oases are abundant in the place. Get a glimpse of the Saharan life by going to Tunisia’s Saharan Oases.

3.) Beaches in Tunisia

The best beaches in Tunisia are found in Jarbah and Hammament. Because of Tunisia’s coastal position, many beaches can be found in the place. The kind of experience you will have in Tunisia’s beaches is bound to be one of a kind because of the hot weather condition.

4.) Ancient City of Carthage

Tunisia was founded by Carthagians - Phoenician traders who eventually settled into the land and built their own city there. Until now, the vestiges of the Ancient City of Carthage still stand strong. If you are into history, you will surely love the sight of it.

5.) Roman ruins at Northeastern Tunisia

Once upon a time, Tunisia was under the rule of the Roman Empire. A visit to Dongya and El Djem will have you enraptured as you see the splendor of Roman architecture. Make sure that you visit the Amphitheater, which was built as early as the 3rd A.D.

6.) Fortified Granaries in Tunisia

To protect their crops from invading nomads from nearby lands, the early people of Tunisia built granaries of impressive architectural design and structure. Until now, these granaries still stand strong and, in fact, have been visited by tourists all around the world. You will surely be impressed with the splendor of Tunisian architecture.

7.) Tunis Panorama

After having treated yourself to a multitude of history trips, you ought to visit the capital of Tunisia, Tunis. Tunis Panorama is very well unlike other capital cities as you will feel as if you are in two places at once. Tunis is divided into two areas - the Muslim quarter associated with narrow and meandering streets and the European quarter with the capacious streets built during the occupation of French in Tunis.

8.) Mosque of Sidi Sahib

If you are interested in matters of religion, you would love Tunisia’s mosque of Sidi Sahib. It is the resting place of Sidi Sahib, a known associate of the founder of Islam faith, Muhammad. Religion buffs as well as pilgrims all over the place flock to this special place of Islam.

9.) Rediscovery of Faith

Most people who have been to Tunisia claim that they have gained a renewed sense of faith. Because the majority of the Tunisian people are Muslims, you will certainly find your faith in the front line. Tunisia is the place to go if you want to have peace and quiet as well as answers to your questions of religion.

10.) Tunisian Market

Though the products of Tunisia are not as popular as other African products, you are bound to purchase a lot of cheap items in Tunisia, most especially in Tunis. Tunis is a commercial port. Its strategic location has allowed a variety of goods to be sold at a thrifty price.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/tunisia to view or share Tunisia travel videos.

Seychelles is located in the Indian Ocean and is composed of 115 islands. It is near the East African coast as well as Madagascar. Although there is still some instability with regards to their politics, it is still a favorite tourist destination, and here are ten things that you can do when you are in Seychelles.

1.) Go shopping

The most popular place where you can go shopping is in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles. You can find here souvenirs that you can take home to your family as well as a lot of native products that are made from seashells. You can also purchase locally-made pearl jewelries here as well as paintings and other forms of artworks.

2.) Taste the native cuisine

It really is a must that you taste an authentic Seychelles meal. There are so many restaurants that offer Seychelles cuisine which is highly influenced by Creole cooking. You will definitely love their fresh seafood dishes, especially the red snapper.

3.) Mind that beer belly

Who could not resist tasting some of Seychelles’ very own brand of beer like the Seybrew beer? This is a must for any tourists as it is a perfect accompaniment as you enjoy the balmy nights on the beach. If you want rum, then there is also the Takamara Rum.

4.) Enjoy the nightlife

Since Seychelles is a famous tourist destination, you will always find bars and discos here. They are mostly located though where the hotels are most abundant since this is where most tourists stay. You can also watch in their theatres as well as in their cinemas, or you can always have fine dining in their trendy bistros.

5.) Visit Seychelles’ beaches

The reason why tourists flock to Seychelles is its splendid beaches. You will also enjoy them as most of them are still undeveloped, and this is perfect for those who want to have a little privacy. Nothing can compare with the beauty of clear skies and blue waters when you are relaxing in a Seychelles beach.

6.) Go to the Vallee De Mai

This is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is located in one of Seychelles’ islands named Praslin. It boasts of housing the biggest seed called the coco de mer.

7.) Go snorkeling and scuba diving

Seychelles offers the best snorkeling sites in the world. For those who enjoy snorkeling, then the Aldabra Atoll is a must-see as it is considered to be world’s biggest coral, which is said to be where the giant land tortoise used to live. Now, you will see tiger sharks as well as the great manta rays swim in its depths.

8.) Go sail boating or yachting

There are sailboats as well as yachts that can be rented. They will take you on tours around the islands as well as take you island hopping. What better way to explore Seychelles that see some of its islands, inhabited or otherwise?

9.) Enjoy land sports

Water sports are not the only thing that Seychelles offer as there are other land sports as well. Here, get to enjoy some good rounds of tennis or golf as well as badminton and squash. This is surely a fun way to spend a day with your family or loved one.

10.) Go nature tripping

In Seychelles, there are also great locations where you can go hiking or biking, and there are a lot of bike rentals for the tourists to rent. If you do not want to ride a bike, then you can go horse riding and still see the wonderful scenery that Seychelles has to offer. There are also bird watching tours in Seychelles especially in Cousin Island where you can find a variety of birds.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/seychelles to view or share Seychelles travel videos.

Located on the Orihuela Costa coastline some 20 kilometres away from the town of Orihuela itself you will find two wonderful seaside resorts which are very popular with holidaymakers visiting this part of south-eastern Spain. These fine resorts are known as Playa Flamenca and Punta Prima.

The lovely town of Punta Prima, recognisable mostly by the tall water tower located on the N-332 coast road, and it is here that 3 rival car boot sales (rastros) are held every Sunday attracting people from all along the coast. Punta Prima also has a fine beach and this is backed by an attractive row of huge palm trees, one of the famous landmarks for this part of the coast. A large new development is currently under construction in Punta Prima, together with a new commercial centre further improving the facilities available to visitors. Just a short drive from Punta Prima finds you in the busy town of Torrevieja with its famous water park (Aquopolis) and its fantastic marina and promenade.

A little south of Punta Prima the resort known as Playa Flamenca was, up until the 1970’s just a stretch of bare but attractive coastline with no development whatsoever. Situated just south of the busy town of Torrevieja, it attracted the attention of a number of Flemish property investors in around 1972 and they thought that it would have a great deal of potential as a holiday resort. It was from this time onwards that the resort began to grow and develop into the popular destination that it is today.

Playa Flamenca has become very popular with foreign buyers looking to buy holiday property in Spain and those who invested back in the 1980’s have made a good return on their investment. Playa Flamenca now has a good range of facilities and a wonderful sandy beach where holidaymakers can enjoy the 300 days of sunshine which the town boasts every year. For evening entertainment, most will head for the Flamenca beach commercial centre where they will find countless shops, bars and restaurants with plenty of live entertainment, bingo, quiz nights, karaoke etc. On Saturdays, a large number of people head for the busy street market in Playa Flamenca where hundreds of stalls sell a wide variety of local goods, fruit and vegetables and high quality leather goods.

To the south of Playa Flamenca and Punta Prima you will find more excellent resorts including La Zenia, Cabo Roig and Campaomor, and further south still the towns of Pilar de la Horadada and San pedro del Pinatar.

Pilar de la Horadada - Built around an ancient watchtower that has stood since the 14th Century, Pilar de la Horadada (’The Drilled One’) is the southernmost coastal resort of the Costa Blanca. To the south lies the Mar Menor (’Lesser Sea’) and the Costa Calida (’Warm Coast’). The watchtower, similar to many others along the coast, was built to warn of attacks from Berber pirates who sailed this coastline many centuries ago. Today a popular seaside town with fine sandy beaches, Pilar de la Horadada is also a great area for nature lovers and the nearby Rio Seco (’Dry River’), boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna including some species of wild orchid and some endangered species of dwarf palms. San Pedro del Pinatar (St Peter of the Pinewoods) also has a history going back to the Arab occupation and has some fine sandy beaches.

If you are travelling to south-eastern Spain in the near future be sure to visit Playa Flamenca and Punta Prima.

The author Steve Locke lives on the Costa Blanca, Spain and is interested in local history and culture, you can read more about some of these Spanish villages on his various websites. Steve’s new website for Playa Flamenca can be found here: http://www.playa-flamenca.my-costa-blanca.co.uk/ and his website for Punta Prima can be found here: http://www.punta-prima.my-costa-blanca.co.uk/

Sudbury is an ancient market town, set in the Stour valley in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town dates back to the time of the Saxons and has a heritage in the weaving and silk industries. This work was particularly important to the area during the late middle ages when market towns like Lavenham were booming due to the wool trade. Part of the explanation for Sudbury’s historic wealth relates to its location - near to the coast for shipping wool exports, and near to London and Colchester for domestic transportation. Sudbury is only fifteen miles from Colchester and has good road and rail links with the rest of the UK, especially London.

Sudbury is well known for its natural beauty. Thomas Gainsborough was born here and the surrounding countryside inspired much of his work. The statue above is the centrepiece of Sudbury ion the market Square, with St Peters Church behind him. His birthplace is now open to the public and has been converted to a museum and art gallery. The collection on show exhibits a large number of Gainsborough’s paintings as well as those of other artists.

Another artist who was inspired by the local area was Constable. The river Stour can be seen in much of his work and the meadows in the area provide many opportunities for visitors to take in the scenery. The Croft is one local area that attracts those looking to enjoy the countryside. The green lawn rolls down to join the river where the children will love to feed the ducks and swans.

The town centre itself has a traditional Suffolk mixed architecture - combining Victorian terrace houses, Georgian manor houses and some spectacular medieval timber framed Halls, and even the occasional building from the time of Queen Anne. Three fine medieval churches remain along with an impressive range of timber-framed cloth merchant’s houses and three storey 19th C silk weavers cottages.

There are a wide variety of shops on offer, and the area around North Street is particularly popular. If some of the streets look familiar then it is possible you have spotted them on one of the television programmes that have been filmed here. The most famous series is probably ‘Lovejoy’. As you pass by St Peter’s Church look out for the drinking trough by the side of the building. This is where the ‘101 Dalmations’ reportedly stopped for a drink as they raced through Suffolk and away from Cruella De Ville.

Belle Vue Park is a lovely spot for kicking back and watching the world go by. There are beautiful lawns and floral displays along with a collection of animals and some aviaries.

Sudbury is delighted to have The Quay Theatre at the heart of its entertainment offering, and you can see a variety of plays and films there throughout the year. Sudbury also has its own Choral Society who hold regular concerts at St Peters.

One of the best places to eat in Sudbury is Hitchcock’s Provisions and Dining Room a new, privately run restaurant and foodstore, headed by chef Cinzia Ghignoni. Cinzia previously worked at Villandry and La Fromagerie in central London. Hitchcock’s aims to provide authentic and satisfying dishes, made using the best ingredients and prepared from scratch. Every constituent of your meal is prepared by Cinzia on the premises, from the bread and cakes, to chutneys, stocks and sauces. So traditional, home made Italian food in the heart of Sudbury!

Accommodation in the area is wide and varied from self catering studios to family run Bed and Breakfasts and there are plenty of local restaurants to make your stay in Sudbury a break to really remember. Sudbury is an excellent base to explore surrounding Suffolk and Flatford Mills including Long Melford, Lavenham, Bury St Edmunds and Hadleigh

Accommodation in Sudbury

Eating Out in Sudbury

Suffolk Tourist Guide is the leading online Guide to Suffolk, including Towns, Attractions, Accommodation, Restaurants, and shops

If you are looking for a vacation like no other, then you definitely will want to consider taking a cruise. The choices are endless. You can choose a shorter cruise, such as a three day cruise or if you like you can choose a much longer cruise consisting of ten or more days. Cruise ships offer all inclusive, luxury vacations that are sure to please people of all ages.

In fact the fact that they are all inclusive is one of the most appealing features of a cruise. You simply pay one price and everything else is included. However, if you choose to do an excursion while on land, you will need to pay an additional charge. The only other thing you will probably have to pay for is any alcohol should you want to drink. But your meals, rooms and Broadway style shows are all included in the price you pay upfront. Guests like knowing that if they don’t want to spend another penny once onboard, they don’t have to.

Once you step onto a cruise, you will quickly realize just how spectacular this vacation really is. You will be surrounded by scenery that you will not find anywhere else. Each ship caters to specific needs. There are some cruise lines that cater more to the younger crowds or families with young kids. On the flipside, there are cruise lines that cater more to the refined crowd who are looking for a peaceful getaway.

Some of the larger cruises offer several different pools for you to sit back and relax in. They also offer rock wall climbing, ice skating, shuffleboard and much more. The ships also generally include spectacular shows and first class dining. On most ships you will find a health spa where you can book a relaxing massage or plan to have your hair done for that special formal dinner. You can find something to eat just about 24 hours a day.

If you are traveling with kids, amenities that fit their needs are very important. Some cruise lines will offer camps that the kids can attend. The camps are run by trained counselors. If you are traveling with infants, there are often babysitting services or nurseries where the young children can be placed so that Mom and Dad can have some adult time. Often there are events for teens also. Many of the ships will have hip teen clubs where the teenagers can get a break from their parents, while hanging out with friends.

The onboard cabins range greatly in size. The smaller your room, the less expensive it will be. Also, if you are looking to save money while cruising, you may want to consider booking and interior room. However, if you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience, consider booking a room with a balcony that has breathtaking views.

Cruise ships are very popular amongst people of all ages. The ships cater to the needs of everyone on the ship. So no matter what type of vacation you are looking for, whether it is an adventurous vacation or one that is calm and relaxing, you are sure to find it amongst one of the many cruise lines.

To learn more about cruise ships visit http://www.discount-cruise-deals.com, a popular website designed to help you get the most out of your cruise vacation. You’ll also get tips on finding discount cruises where you can enjoy a great trip for much less than you would normally expect to spend.

Spain has not been a true world power since it was defeated in the famous naval battle against England in 1588; it is still an incredibly beautiful country and one that is rich in history as well as in culture. It is also not a poor or uncivilized culture, being the ninth largest country in the world in terms of economy, and has the fifth largest economy in the European Union.

So what do you like to do?

If you like sports, then a holiday in Spain is a perfect choice, whether you want to play golf or watch a football game or plenty of other fun sporting activities. Go on a hike, go scuba diving in the Mediterranean sea, take a day trip to the Canary Islands, which are a Spanish territory, or stay in Spain and enjoy warm, sunny beaches right outside your hotel.

History

If you prefer history, then Spain has a lot to offer, from ancient castles to World Heritage Cities, of which Spain has the most of any single country in the world. Go exploring historic buildings and learn all about the history of this country which came within a hair’s breadth of controlling most of Europe through taking England.

Adventure & Night Life

If adventure and night life are more your style, then Spain has plenty to offer you, as well, especially since the famous Spanish siestas make for extra energy for late nights. For families, though, Spain also takes great pains to make their country a perfect destination.

Family & Kids

You and your family will love Spain, which is full of all kinds of fascinating treasures from interesting and fun museums to zoos and even safaris. There are nature trails to be walked, natural preserves to be explored, and aquariums to visit where you can even watch the dolphins at play for hours on end.

If your family is into wild rides, there are theme parks all over Spain that offer the family setting that you want and rides enough to satisfy almost any adrenaline junky (at least young adrenaline junkies). These parks are fun and exciting, and have a lot to offer families, including the wild fun that you want in a relatively safe space.

The country of Spain is an extraordinary place to visit. It offers a warm climate, beautiful landscapes, gorgeous palaces, historical buildings and castles. This is a country that is very easy to fall in love with.

Search for al the latest deals & offers on Spain holidays, compare prices from all the major UK tour operators at directline-holidays.co.uk.

Lighthouse Inns - United States

Popham Beach Bed and Breakfast

4 Riverview Avenue, Popham Beach - Phippsburg, ME 04562

Phone: (207) 389-2409 Fax: (207) 389-2379

While technically not a lighthouse, this former life saving station offers views of several lighthouses off the Kennebec River, Maine, including Seguin Island. And it especially qualifies as a romantic site, as you may have seen it featured in the movie Message in a Bottle. Right on the beach, there are four rooms to choose from, which come with a two or three course breakfast served in the former mess hall.

The Cove Bed and Breakfast

Lighthouse1 Loop Road - PO Box 1300, Ocracoke, North Carolina 27960

Phone: (252) 928-4192 Fax: (252) 928-4092

Six tastefully decorated rooms and a cottage comprise The Cove’s amenities. This isn’t a lighthouse, but is located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, only a stone’s throw away from Ocracoke Lighthouse. A ferry ride takes you the island, where you can do nothing or everything, from walks on the beach to fine dining. No information on their breakfast, other than that it’s scrumptious. Hint: the sunset side offers views of the lighthouse.

Heceta Head Bed and Breakfast

92072 Hwy. 101 South, Yachats, OR 97498

Phone: Toll Free 1-(866)-547-3696

Imagine staying in one of the six rooms of the original lightkeeper’s house on the Oregon coast. And waking up to a seven course breakfast. And falling asleep to the First Order Fresnel lens flashing out its warning. It doesn’t get much better than that. Oh wait, did I mention the fireplaces to take the chill off the night? Or the two lighthouse cats available for cuddling? Hint: The Victoria’s Room may come with a guest…Rue, the famous ghost of the house.

Lighthouse Inn at Point Cabrillo

45300 Lighthouse Road, P.O. Box 641, Mendocino, California 95460

Phone: Toll Free: 866-937-6124

Four period furnished guest rooms and two cottages are available for rent in the Lightkeeper’s original home at Point Cabrillo Lighthouse. All the rooms have ocean views, and the Lightkeepers Room in the main house comes with blackout shades as it overlooks the Third Order Fresnel. A five course gourmet breakfast is provided, and all guests are treated to a nighttime tour of theworking lighthouse.

East Brother Lightstation

117 Park Place, Point Richmond, CA 94801

Phone: (510) 233-2385

Four of the rooms at this inn are located right in the lighthouse, and the fifth is in the original fog signal building. A stay at the lighthouse includes champagne hors d’oeuvres upon arrival, a multi-course dinner with wine and a full gourmet breakfast the next morning. Guests are also provided with a full tour of the island. Special discounts for January, February and March.

Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn

Five Mile Point Road P.O. Box 298 Ahmeek, MI 49901

Phone: (906) 337-1744

Eight lovely rooms, each with private bath and two with whirlpools and balconies are decorated in Victorian style. Breakfast is served at a fashionably late hour for lovers, at 9:30. The original lighthouse lens is in the house, in the lightkeeper’s office. Enjoy the views of Lake Superior’s majesty, or stay warm playing billiards in the recreation room. And enjoy the stars at night…no light pollution to get in the way (watch for the Northern Lights).

Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast

#3 Lighthouse Road, Big Bay, Michigan 49808

Phone: (906) 345-9957

The special February 13- 17 Valentine’s package (filled for this year of course) includes two nights lodging with full breakfast each morning, two one hour relaxation massages, romance gift basket, flowers and dinner at the Thunder Bay Inn. The lighthouse also doubles as a spa, with full sauna facilities and massage therapy. You can try the hot stone and Dead Sea pack massage. Or perhaps the Relaxation (Swedish) massage and herbal body wrap. Whatever you choose, this would be a perfect winter getaway with your sweetie.

Lighthouse Inns - Caribbean Islands

Palmetto Point Lighthouse (Bahamas)

2309 Woodview Road, Kinston, NC 28504

Phone: 561-395-0483

Not a bed and breakfast, but a full size house at the only charted lighthouse vacation home in the Bahamas. It’s available as a weekly rental, with three bedrooms, two full baths, air conditioning and a pink sand beach at the doorstep. Yes, pink. What other color is suited for love?

Lighthouse Inn (Jamaica)

West End Road, Negril, Jamaica

Phone: (876) 957-4052

Located across from the Negril Lighthouse, these guest cottages are just made for a midwinter getaway. The cottages are in a “nearly untouched” natural garden setting, and the Inn restaurant advertises it as famous for catering fine romantic dinners. And of course, in Jamaica, you have all the normal things to do and see besides the lighthouse such as scuba diving, sailiing, swimming and more.

Lighthouse Inns - Australia and New Zealand

Cape Otway Lightstation (Australia)

Great Ocean Road, Cape Otway, Victoria, Australia

Phone: 03 5237 9240 (intl: +61 3 5237 9240)

Can it get any better than this? The lightstation is in the heart of the Great Ocean Walk, and is the oldest surviving mainland lighthouse in Australia. And you have your choice of three types of accomodations, ranging from the Head Keeper’s House (up to 16 people) or the two Beds and Breakfast buildings, the Head Lightkeeper’s Bed and Breakfast or the newer Manager’s House Bed and Breakfast. The food is homemade at the lightstation by Greek and French chefs.

The Lighthouse and The Keep (New Zealand)

326 The Esplanade, Island Bay, Wellington, NZ (Lighthouse)

116 The Esplanade, Houghton Bay, Wellington, NZ (The Keep)

P.O.Box 11275, Wellington, New Zealand

Phone/fax (04) 472-4177 Mobile phone: 027-442-5555

And for a completely different experience than Cape Otway, you can stay in a rustic lighthouse, or its companion, The Keep. At the lighthouse, the bottom floor is the kitchen and bathroom, the middle floor has the bedroom and the top floor (lantern room) has a sitting room. The site says you can sleep on the top floor if you like, as long as you’re prepared to be awakened by the sunrise. Plenty of breakfast items to choose from. The Keep is a stone building set into the mountainside, and has the lounge and kitchen on one level, and the bedroom and bath (with a spa) on the next. A hatch opens to the roof.

Lighthouse Inns - The Netherlands

Harlingen Lighthouse

NLDromen aan zee, Postbus 89, 8860 AB Harlingen

Phone: +31(0)517 414410

A one room hotel is how this decommissioned lighthouse calls itself. The lighthouse is available for two people only, and includes breakfast. Extra amenities can include champagne, red roses and a champagne breakfast. If the lighthouse is booked (2008 is full) you can always stay at the Harbour Crane or the Lifeboat.

Lighthouse Inns - Sweden

Damman Lighthouse Waterhotel

Kalmar Sound, Baltic Sea

The “Queen of the Baltic,” the Damman Island Lighthouse in Sweden is a full service hotel created from an abandoned lighthouse. Upgrades are ongoing, and plans for this year include adding wind generators. The light is open year round, however, weather may play a part. The hotel includes sauna facilities, including one on a pontoon boat, the Misty Sauna, complete with bar, where one can float around Kalmar Sound and enjoy a true Swedish sauna and dip in the Baltic Sea afterwards. Menus are custom built for you.

Lighthouse Inns - United Kingdom

Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel

Corsewall Point Kirkcolm, Stranraer, Scotland DG9 0QG

Phone: 01776 853220

Although this luxury hotel is for sale (got $2.5 million to spare?), it’s still open. And the romantic, award winning restaurant’s sample menus are to die for. But if staying at the hotel is not private enough for you, there are two new suites about three minutes from the main hotel building, with spectacular sea views. Nearby golf (of course, this is Scotland after all) and museums can fill your spare time.

Trinity House Lighthouses

Managed by Rural Retreats

Thirty, yes thirty, lighthouse accommodations to choose from, from Cornwall to Devon, the Isle of Wight to Yorkshire. Trinity House, Great Britain’s lighthouse authority, has refurbished an amazing amount of lightkeepers homes and rents them out through Rural Retreats. You’re sure to find something for your romantic moments together. On the website, click on lighthouses at the left and you’ll be presented with the listing of accommodations. Alderney Lighthouse in the Channel Islands, is one of those available for rent.

Okay, so that was more than 15, since the last had 30. But even if you don’t get to a romantic lighthouse hideaway this Valentine’s Day, there’s always the next. Tell your sweetie to start saving (and booking now). For photos and links please visit Lighthouse News.

Visit my lighthouse related sites at http://lighthouse-news.com/ (Lighthouse News) and
http://hauntedlights.com/ (Haunted Lighthouses)

So you’ve got a Jeep or other OHV and your ready to Step into the offroad world, you’ve hooked up with local club or Internet forum and going to a local Offroad park or National Park.

Before you take off there are some things you might want to consider purchasing for your vehicle before you go. Do you have proper Recovery hooks at the front and rear of your vehicle, if your vehicle isn’t lifted do you have any body protection or Skid plates to keep things straight under your Vehicle?

The first trip offroad I went on was so embarrassing, first I backed up onto a rock and pinched my exhaust system to where it would not flow any longer, I didn’t have any tools, a jack, and no way to work on my Jeep, Later on that day I got myself into an off camber situation and almost put my Jeep on it’s side if not for my awesome club members to come to the rescue and figure out a way to get me back to earth. Luckily I was with a great group and everyone jumped in to help, but I still felt bad that I’d held up their day.

Having the right equipment in and on your vehicle is important for safety reasons and to improve your day of fun. Now I know a lot of you don’t have play money just to go throw at your truck, so don’t think you’ve got to go run out to buy a winch right away (not a bad thing to have though). The first thing I did was I made a tool box that fits into the back of my Jeep with some of the necessary tools for the trail, which includes.

A bag of hand tools (Metric and standard wrenches and Sockets)

A couple Recovery straps, be sure to get looped ends, you don’t want to be in the way of a projectile Metal hook if the rope snaps or comes loose.

–A Flashlight (yes even if it’s a Day trip)

–Either a Hi-Lift Jack or regular Bottle or scissor jack

–A Pry bar

–A Cheater bar if you don’t have power tools

–You’re Electric Drill with some extra batteries from home

–Duct and Electrical tape

–A Spare tire of equal size

–And any extra Tools you can get in there.

–A First Aid Kit

This list is a rough list for a starter, as your OHV starts growing and getting more serious the time will come to bring spare parts like axle shafts Engine parts, Drive shafts, Steering and Suspension Joints the list goes on and on.

On your first trip be sure to pay close attention to what the experienced club members are bringing and how they use the tools they brought in certain situations. You never know, you could save the day for someone on your first trip.

Nathan Rickaway is an avid offroader and loves teaching people the in and outs of his hobby. For more Articles and information please visit http://www.rockrunneroffroad.com -The new trend in Offroad
Motorsports.