The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage spot, offers any traveler the boat trip of a lifetime.

Constructed in the 17th century, the canal’s main purpose was to serve as a shortcut between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, enabling sea voyagers to not only cut short their days at sea but also to avoid the dangerous waters of Spain and risk being the victim of Barbary pirates.

The Canal du Midi, made up of 175 miles of traversable waterways, starts at the Port de l’Embouchure in Toulouse and ends at the Thau lagoon by Sete. The canal itself traverses right through the center of the Languedoc-Roussillon, giving travelers an excellent view of the region’s breathtaking vineyards, landscape and reservoirs. And as if the geographic views are not enough, you will also be able to see more than 350 structures such as various bridges, underground passageways, aqueducts, and more.

The Canal du Midi truly offers any traveler a great opportunity to sample all the best things the region has to offer. Consider the following:

See Carcassonne and its popular ancient walled city.
Visit Trebes and Castelnaudary, which is the home of the cassoulet.
Go wine-tasting Homps, Fanjeaux and Montreal.
Visit the spectacular city of Narbonne and the ever popular series of nine locks (les neuf ecluses de Fontserannes) at Beziers.
Gape at the ancient city of Agde and enjoy the simply life of its fishing villages.

The Best Ways to Enjoy Your Canal du Midi Vacation

Since the region has much to offer, it’s best to travel by car along village roads near the Canal rather than to take the designated motorways. But if you REALLY want to take your time and truly see things up close, then why not go for a biking holiday?

Sheltered towpaths are available to cyclists and walking enthusiasts and are closed off to vehicles. Taking this option, you’ll cover the Canal du Midi in 5-7 days. There are plenty of travel guides you can purchase to help you on this route. Do you feel that a week of traveling is too long? Well, if you think about it, what’s the rush? Enjoy the best that the region has to offer!

But of course, the best way to travel the Canal du Midi is by boat.

For day trips, there many operators along the canal that offer such an excursion. Such a trip takes 1-2 hours and the boat will be commandeered by the operator. Rates are 6-10 Euros per person, with a slight discount for kids.

If you’d rather go alone, this option is available too and you only need present an ‘A’ class (tourist automobile) license. You’ll get a quick training on how to use the boat and you can be off before you know it!

Lastly, if you want to cruise along the Canal du Midi longer without a care in the world, then you’ll be glad to note that there are boat and barge hotels also available.

Since the Languedoc-Roussillon’s climate is pretty mild all year round, you can take your trip anytime you wish. However, do note that boat locks are closed November to mid-December. Peak season is from July to September so do book in advance if you want to take your trip during this time.

Author: Benjamin Davies
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Programmable pressure cooker

A cruise vacation can be an extremely expensive vacation but if you follow these tips you could save money and make your vacation even more special.

1. Board the ship way before you set sail. Although everybody knows that you have to be on the ship 30 minutes before sailing not everybody knows that you can board it quite some time before you sail. Take advantage of all the ships amenities before you even set sail. Eat, drink, and play. You could even have a sleep in your cabin. Why sit around for hours in the port where there is usually very little to do.

2. Eat in the dining room rather than the buffet. It can sometimes feel a bit like feeding time at the zoo. The dining room is a welcome break from standing in line for your food. There is not as much choice but it can be a lot more civilized and the food will be of just the same high standard and you will be waited on for a change.

3. The popular classes will have a surcharge that you may not be prepared for but there are plenty of ways to keep in shape aboard the ship. The ship is huge, even covering these large distances on foot can burn a few hundred calories. For the more enthusiastic passenger there may be a running track around the top deck which provides lovely ocean views while you have a run or a brisk walk.

4. Most ships have a great social scene. Take advantage of it and try to join in wherever you can. Everything from art auctions to chess to wine tasting events will be on offer. The ship is specifically designed to be a sociable environment so even if you are traveling alone there is no need to be alone, get out of your cabin and have some fun! If non of that seems great then there’s always the ship spa.

5. Be prepared to tip. The average ship worker gets paid peanuts and they do rely on their tips to survive. Tip anybody who gives you a service. This includes everyone, waiters, room service etc.

6. There are usually additional charges for soft drinks and alcohol but the juice stations and soft serve ice cream machines are included. Take advantage of the limitless juice stations, it will save you dollars.

7. You r daily bulletin will show the days drinks specials, these can be a great deal but only if you don’t also order the souvenir that usually comes with it.

8. Room service is available 24 hrs a day. There will not be an extra charge for it but remember to tip!

9. There is more than one pool on the ship. If your pool is too busy, the other ones will be the opposite. Hunt the ship for a pool that is the right level for you. You want to be able to relax.

10. Making telephone calls on board is very expensive. It is much cheaper to use the Internet caf and email your friends and family….Even cheaper is to wait until you are in port and find an Internet caf.

11. Try to book your shore excursions before you leave home, it will be much cheaper.

Use these tips to get the most out of your cruise and make it much cheaper.

Author: Steven Kirby
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Smart cooker

First-time cruisers sometimes confuse about choosing the destination for neither cruising nor they aware about the hidden costs in the cruise. So this cruising tip should help them to prepare about what they need to know before they go for cruising:

1. Book early or late

You will get better deal by booking well in advance of your sailing date or at the last minute. Booking early in advance can save you between 15 to 50 percent and also lock in the cabin category of your choice. If you rather wait to book at the last minute, you will even get a better discount on a ships unsold cabin. But of course you will not be able to choose the cabin that you like, whatever is left is available.

2. Drive rather than fly

You could save a lot if you just drive to the nearest port in the city rather than you fly. Nowadays there are more cruises than ever before departing from close-to home ports such as Boston, New York, Bayonne (New Jersey), Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, Jacksonville, Tampa, New Orleans, Mobile, Galveston, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco and Seattle.

3. Take a short cruise first

If you are a first-timer cruiser, it is better for you to take short-cruise 3 to 4 days on the weekend. In this case, you will be able to test the water before you jump-in to the real cruise. There is a good selection of ships sailing on short cruises to various destinations in the Caribbean, as well as along the Mexican Riviera and to New England/Canada.

4. Beware of added charges

You have to be prepared for added charges when you are on a cruise. Expenses such as playing in the casinos, alcoholic beverages to photos snapped by the ships ubiquitous are not included in your cruise fare. So, travel-smart by preparing your budget in advance when you are going on a cruise. If you must buy something, wait until the final day of the cruisemost of the stores will throw a sale then.

5. From ship to shore- savings on excursions

Perhaps the largest additional cost are escorted shore excursions offered in every port of call ranging in price from $25 per person for a tour by motor coach to as much as $300 for helicopter flight-seeing. For two couples, it is less expensive to hire a cab or rent a car for a day than for each person to join an organized excursion. Also there is no requirement to leave the ship when in port. Some passengers prefer to relax on board and lounge by the pool as the ship is much less crowded after most people have gone ashore. Shore excursions make the most sense when few attractions are within walking distance and local means of transportation are scarce.

Hope that this tip will be helpful for those first-timer cruiser. Bon Voyage!!

Author: Yochention Saritoh
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Cruise holidays are becoming more and more popular these days. Actually, with the hectic lifestyles that many people are leading these days, cruise trips are a great option for them to take a break from the pressures of their work life. These trips are tailored to offer great relaxation and entertainment to ensure that cruisers will feel totally refreshed at the end of their vacation. If you are going on a cruise for the first time, perhaps a three or four day cruise is the best option for you. Such a trip is affordable, and it is ideal for people who want to experience what a cruise trip is all about.

Things you have to know before you go on a cruise trip

For first time cruisers, it is mandatory that you have to be aware of the following factors:

The methods of preventing sickness at sea

The amount of money you should bring on the trip

Type of luggage required for the cruise

Proper planning for shore excursions

First time cruisers often get too excited before their trips, and they may even forget their travel schedules. It is important that you remember the schedule of flight, train or other transportation that you will be taking to catch the cruise. Before you go on your trip, make sure you have everything you need with you.

Essential things that first time cruisers should bring

It is best that you bring a hand luggage to carry your essential things, such as bathing suits, medications, cameras, sunscreen lotions and necessary toiletries. It is indeed necessary that you have a clear idea about the dress code that is required for your cruise. You should check whether the cruise requires casual or formal wear. If casual wear applies, it is wise to bring a jacket and a pair of pants. It may be essential that you have your travel document with you as well, depending on the destination of the cruise.

What to do when you are onboard the cruise boat?

After getting into the boat, it is necessary to explore the cruise boat, so that you will know the locations of all the facilities in the boat. This way, you will know what facilities and activities are available for your convenience and entertainment.

Seasickness can be a major problem, but instead of letting it ruin your vacation, it is advisable to use sea bands and acupressure wristbands. You should also carry some medications for emergency purposes. Though first aid facilities are usually available on cruise boats, it is better to bring some essential medicines of your own too.

Cruises usually have laundry facilities, but you should still ask your cruise provider to confirm. Babysitting facilities are also available in most cruise boats, and you should check the cruise line policies if you want to avail of these facilities.

Finding the right cruise vacation

To enjoy the ultimate cruise vacation, it is advisable that you do some research on the cruise packages that are available. Many of the cruise lines offer toll free customer care numbers, and you can contact the customer care executives to get some information about the cruises they offer. These executives can give you a very comprehensive explanation on the different types of cruises they have. It is also possible to find information about cruises on the internet. Online articles and journals on cruises provide many tips that you may find helpful. For first time cruisers, it is wise to go for a more affordable cruise trip first. If you find that you enjoy the Toronto Cruise for example, you can go for longer ones later.

Author: Amy Nutt
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty tariff

Have you planned and booked your first cruise? Youre surely excited about setting off on to the open seas. Life on board a ship is like nothing else and can be intimidating for a first-timer. Here are some things to remember and tips on what to expect.

Cruise ships are like floating cities. They are large and complex with several levels and many public spaces. They include many facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, bowling alleys, restaurants and shopping facilities. Like visiting a new city, it can be easy to get lost.

To get your orientation, first study the map of the ship. Figure out where your cabin is located and mark it on the map. Make a mental note of large structures that will help you get your orientation if you get lost such as pools and restaurants. Wonder around the ship and discover the facilities that are available to the guests. This may encourage you to participate in activities that you wouldnt normally get involved. Check out the various restaurants; there is usually a 24 hour buffet so you can fill your craving for food no matter what time of day. Locate the pubic restrooms and convenience stores.

There are several information desks so dont worry if you get lost. In fact, crew members are very familiar with the ship so dont be afraid to ask if you get lost. Theyll be happy to suggest activities and tell you how to find them.

Take a look at the cruise ships newsletter. It will be full of suggestions for activities while youre on the ship. There are suggestions for activities for children and things to keep the adults occupied while the kids are at the pool.

Make a list of the things youd like to see and do while youre on the ship. If you like to see shows then make sure you plan for them. Arrive in plenty of time to get a good seat.

There will be a mandatory lifeboat drill. With all of the advanced technology on ships, the chances of abandoning ship are almost zero. Even though boat travel is very safe, make sure you pay attention.

Almost everything on the ship is included in the price of the cruise but a few things are not. One of the biggest expenses on the cruise is the alcohol. Make sure you know how much something costs before you order it. Remember that you are not one a Alicante discount flight, so make a budget for yourself and stick to it.

Your first cruise will no doubt be an experience that you wont forget. Orientate yourself with the ships facilities and activities and youre sure to have an enjoyable holiday.

Author: Robert J. Carlton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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