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Whale watching is a spellbinding, entertaining, and thought-provoking adventure trip. It’s a show with the largest mammals on earth as the star performers. Whales are majestic and graceful giants, who’s every move seems effortless, choreographed, and yet playful. In this article discover how to get the most out of your trip.

Imagine a lazy summer’s afternoon on a boat in a gentle rolling ocean. A good breeze softly massages your face where you sit, and you begin to close your eyes and drift away… the sound of the boat’s engine begins to fade and finally stops. The boat, like you, is drifting over the waves and following the breeze. It’s very peaceful and calm and after a stressful week you feel in harmony with the world. Then something explodes… out of the water… and only a few feet from your nose! A 30-ton humpback… the length of a large house… it breaches… and in another second is gone. And you’re left in disbelief and wonder.

And it’s just the start of your whale watching!

While whales are scattered throughout the world there’s only a handful of accessible locations to view them in their natural environment. The coastal waters of New England and the west coast of North America are prime locations for whale watching. Hawaii and South Africa are also superb locations to spot whales, as are the ocean waters around New Zealand.

So if a vacation or trip takes you to any of these areas make sure you book a cruise and take in the largest show on earth.

Here’s some pointers to make sure you have an enjoyable whale watch.

PLAN YOUR WHALE WATCHING TRIP

In the summer months whale watching is popular and so book early – many tours suggest one week to avoid disappointment.

Whale watching cruises can last anywhere from 3 hours to 41/2 hours. If whales are just playing hard to find, then the captain will make every effort to stay out as long as they can to get a sighting.

While most boats are equipped with a place to buy food and drink they don’t usually mind you taking your own pack lunch or snacks. Because it can be a long ride until they find the whales and then back to port take a novel or your walkman and listen to your favorite music, or even whale song CD. If you’ve got young children take something to keep them entertained as well.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WHALE WATCH CRUISE

Before you book on a whale watching cruise check into the cruise company. Check out their web site, you’ll usually find information about the fleet’s experience and staff.

Today most whale watch boats have sophisticated equipment and communications that help the captain find the whales. But if a company has been organizing whale watch trips for many years it’s a sign they’re doing something right and a safe bet for you.

My most rewarding trips have been when a naturalist or whale expert has been on board to provide information and narrate the tour.

CHECK FOR A WHALE SIGHTING GUARANTEE

Because of the very unpredictable nature of the whales, they’ll be rare occasions when you just don’t see any. So make sure you book on a cruise that offers a guarantee sighting or you get to cruise again for free.

Offering a guarantee is another good sign of a confident and experienced whale watch company. But remember if they spot one whale and you weren’t watching or somewhere else on the boat when they did – tough!

WHALE WATCHING IS DONE ON THE OPEN OCEAN.

Whale watching on the open ocean means if you suffer with motion sickness at all then take something about an hour before you board the cruise.

Experienced whale watch cruise captains do not go out in rough seas, but it’s not a harbor cruise and the whale feeding grounds are usually miles from land. The open sea can be a little choppy even in the summer months.

QUICK CHECK OF WHALE WATCHING EQUIPMENT.

Recommended things to bring on your whale watch are a camera and plenty of film or memory cards (if you’re digital). If you’ve got binoculars take them as whales sometimes surface yards from the boat, and having binoculars will give you spectacular views and close ups others without them just won’t get.

Wear sneakers or something rubber-soled for good traction on a wet and slippery deck. And take sunscreen, sunglasses, and if it’s got a tie strap – a hat.

Because of the breeze and open water there’s usually a 15-degree difference from land out in the ocean. So take a sweatshirt or windbreaker just in case, and especially for a late afternoon trip. Also the boats will go out in the rain and if you’ve got a poncho take it.

The whales are waiting for you. These mesmerizing animals have traveled thousands of miles so you can view them playing and feeding. It’s really the biggest show on earth. So go ahead and take the adventure – they don’t stay for long.

Lighthouses in Oregon

The rugged coast of Oregon offers visitors a chance to view and tour some of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world. In all, Oregon boasts eleven lighthouses along its shorelines. Many of these lighthouses have been restored and are a great way to learn about the history of the state. In the next section each of the eleven lighthouses will be explored in detail, starting from the north of Oregon and down the coast.

Tillamook Rock – located at Cannon Beach

Located about one mile from the coastline, Tillamook Rock Lighthouse can be seen from the shores of Ecola State Park. The construction of this particular lighthouse was completed on January 21, 1881, after two years of extremely grueling and challenging work. The lighthouse was continuously manned by five men, four on duty and one on “liberty” on the mainland. Harsh conditions and violent storms accompanied by large waves sometimes left the men stranded on the rock for extended periods of time without a way to restock their provisions and supplies. Because of the extreme weather constantly bombarding the lighthouse on Tillamook Rock, its costs for upkeep and operations were the most expensive in the nation. On September 10, 1957, owing to the increasingly large price to maintain, the light was shut off and the lighthouse left empty.

Today, the lighthouse is privately owned and has been turned into a site dedicated to housing over a half-million urns of human ashes. It could aptly be called a “cemetery at sea”. To view the lighthouse, visit Ecola State Park. The lighthouse is best seen with binoculars as it is quite a distance from the shore.

Cape Meares Lighthouse

With a history much less exciting than other lighthouses, Cape Meares sits 200 feet above the Pacific Coast in Oceanside, Oregon. Its light was first illuminated on January 1, 1890 and could be seen from twenty-one miles away. Cared for by numerous families throughout the years, the last keepers left the lighthouse in 1963 when it was outfitted with a flashing light. There was no longer a need for a human being to physically turn the light off in the morning and on at night. Several years later the lighthouse was taken over by the Oregon State Parks and can now be visited by stopping in to Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint at Cape Meares State Park.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

This amazing lighthouse, illuminated for the first time on August 20, 1873, rises up 93 feet into the air. Boasting the only marble floor of any lighthouse in Oregon, Yaquina Head Lighthouse receives hundreds of thousands of guests per year making it one of the most visited lighthouses in the United States. Ships can see the tower from nineteen miles away as it stands 162 feet above sea level.

The view from the top of this lighthouse is incredible and is worth the large number of spiraling stairs that must be climbed to reach the top. The lighthouse is now a part of the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

The lighthouse at Newport, Yaquina Bay, was actually only used for a total of three years after being completed on November 3, 1871. This lighthouse was built before Yaquina Head Lighthouse, also found in Newport. As it was left empty for so many years, it was not in good shape when the Oregon State Park Group came in to restore and reopen it in 1974. It is now open to the public at no cost and contains many artifacts and memorabilia from Oregon’s maritime history.

Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse

Jim Gibbs, a former keeper of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, was the builder of Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse. He had the lighthouse constructed to resemble the 1898 Fiddle Reef Lighthouse in Vancouver Island. The lighthouse, completed in 1976, was an addition onto Mr. Gibb’s private home. It can be seen, towering 110 feet above the Pacific Ocean, from mile post 166 on Oregon’s Highway 101, just south of Yachats. Since it is privately owned, there is no public access to the tower.

Heceta Head Lighthouse

The name of this 1894 lighthouse comes from the Spanish explorer Don Bruno de Heceta. It rises 205 feet above the Pacific Ocean and offers spectacular views to visitors from the top. It is located about 12 miles north of Florence right off Highway 101.

Umpqua River Lighthouse

Located in South Reedsport, the Umpqua River Lighthouse light was first illuminated on October 10, 1857. The lighthouse was originally designed and built for the large amount of trade that was expected for this area of Oregon. As luck would have it, the weather destroyed the lighthouse over a period of six years. In 1894, a second lighthouse was built, this time its location was placed well away from the harsh forces of nature and can still be visited today. To view it, take a trip to Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, about three miles off of Highway 101, six miles south of Reedsport.

Cape Arago

The lighthouse at Cape Arago cannot be viewed by the public; it is behind the guarded gates of the United States Coast Guard. To view the lighthouse, a high powered camera or binoculars will do the trick. This lighthouse was first lit on November 1, 1866. It was followed by a second and third lighthouse in 1909 and 1934, respectively. Today, only the third tower remains.

Coquille River Lighthouse

Although construction on this beautifully located lighthouse first began in 1891, it wasn’t complete and fully lit until February 29, 1896, due to a number of delays in building. In 1939, the automated beacon abolished the need for a keeper at the lighthouse and the house was left empty. The lighthouse was renovated in 1976 by the US Army Corps and the Oregon State Parks after being vacant for 40 years with no care. To see the outside of this lighthouse, the inside is not available for public viewing, visit Bullards Beach State Park, north of Bandon.

Capo Blanco Lighthouse

Sitting high above on a 200 foot cliff, the Capo Blanco Lighthouse towers over the rocky cliffs below. December 20, 1870 marks the day the lighthouse was first lit. Since then it has helped warn ships and their crews of the treacherous coastline on which it sits. The lighthouse is located four miles north of Port Orford and is open to the public.

Port of Brookings Lighthouse

Only the second lighthouse in Oregon to be privately owned, the Port of Brookings Lighthouse was first lit on July 4th, 1997 with the approval of the federal government. Bill Cady had the lighthouse built in 1990 as an addition to his private home. In 1997, the entire structure was relocated to where it is today. Although a private structure, the lighthouse can be viewed from Brookings Harbor.

Do you know what the Child Trust Fund is? a low number of parents seem to realise that all new babies receive a free £250 voucher from the State to place in a Child Trust Fund. This voucher may be invested in any one of three types of CTF account, Stakeholder – a shares-based account thatswaps into cash, a savings account or a shares account. It is an excellent way to prepare for the future requirements of a child

Scottish Friendly is an accredited provider of the Child Trust Fund The Government is keen for the general public to have access to Stakeholder accounts and this is the sort of account that we are supplying. This means that:

Investments are deposited into Scottish Friendly’s Managed Growth Fund, which intends to provide strong growth potential

It invests in part in shares to make the most of potentially higher returns over 18 years,compared to a cash deposit account (although the value of shares can
decrease as well as increase whereas capital would be protected in a deposit account)

It comes with a low ‘Stakeholder’ funds charge of only 1.5 percent every year

At age 18 the young person will receive a lump sum, completely free of Capital Gains and Income Tax under current legislation

It is very affordable – extra payments can be put in the account from only £10

An interesting feature of the Child Trust Fund is that anyone – parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends – can add to the Fund to a ceiling of £1,200 per year to help augment the child’s Fund (once added, this money is not able to be withdrawn).

In a nutshell our Stakeholder account offers a good balance between potentially high returns and a reduced level of risk. There’s also the extra assurance that our account meets with the Government’s stakeholder criteria. Nevertheless this doesn’t mean that returns are guaranteed or that Stakeholder accounts are appropriate for everyone. Remember that the value of shares in the Managed Growth Fund (where your Child Trust Fund money is held) can decrease as well as go up and would not be guaranteed.

Only infants born on or after 1st September 2002 are qualified to open a Child Trust Fund. If you have older children born before the above-mentioned date who are not qualified you could contemplate saving for them with a Child Bond – it’s a tax-free savings plan intended for long-term growth.

There can be no doubt that saving for your daughter is a rewarding means of preparing for the world to come.

Well Orange, the broadband and mobile provider appear to have been up to rather a lot of late. In October Orange launched an advice page on their website covering all sorts of information on unwanted e-mails and texts, phishing and spam and also a section aimed at helping families deal with issues ranging from cyber bullying and email fraud.

If advice pages aren’t your bag then early in November Orange came up with a free Broadband for Business plan; the Orange Solo mobile plan aimed at those in business who work for themselves costing £30 a month. The plan, with a single bill for voice and broadband use, includes up to 8Mb download speed, unlimited downloads (subject to fair use policy) and a free wireless router.

Then the latest thing Orange introduced was its 3G portable newspaper reader ‘Easy on the eye’ during Mobile Asia Congress 2008, which features 1GB storage capacity to carry over 200 newspapers and 30 e-books.

Now Orange has re-launched its popular “free laptop” deal where consumers get a brand new laptop with a mobile broadband contract. As from the middle of November, new customers signing up for Orange mobile broadband will be offered the new Asus Eee 901 laptop. The Orange laptop deal comprises an Eee PC 901 (available in black and even pink) with built-in mobile broadband which is currently capable of 3.6Mb connection speeds. Bundles extras include 3GB usage a month, and 100 free texts from your laptop.

For those who are looking for a mobile broadband service, Orange now have a lot of different packages to choose from, with they say more on the way in the lead up to Christmas.

When one thinks about Miami, Florida, the image that comes to mind is usually filled with hot night spots, sophisticated urban hospitality and warm, sandy beaches. It is all of these things and much more that make Miami one of the hottest vacation spots both in Florida and in the Eastern United States.

While Miami has been a hot vacation destination for decades, the city has seen some major development during these infancy years of the new millennium. Most of this development has taken place in downtown Miami, but its effect can be felt throughout the region. But since the numerous new buildings and skyscrapers have been built in the city’s center, the famous beaches of the area have remained pretty much unchanged.

One of the main attractions of Miami is its temperate, subtropical weather which allows for year-round outdoor activities. The many beaches and waterfronts available offer varied water sports including windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and scuba diving. And if you prefer land to sea, there are just as many dry attractions to keep you occupied including golf, tennis, sunbathing, nightclubbing, fine dining and other area attractions.

South Beach is perhaps one of the most famous neighborhoods in the Miami area. The South Beach Historical District, located on the peninsular southern tip of South Beach, consists of only one square mile, but is home to numerous 1930s to 1950s style Art Deco hotels. These hotels are only a short distance away from some of the major Miami attractions and offer comfortable, off-the-beaten-path lodging.

The historic district is also home to numerous other attractions including the Holocaust Memorial, Wolfsonian Museum, The Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts and Lincoln Road Mall.

Miami is also the shopping Mecca of Florida and boasts endless premier shopping malls and boutiques. For shoppers who want a taste of the local flavor, Bayside Marketplace and Biscayne Bay have a number of boutiques and specialty shops that sell everything from plastic fruit to high-tech electronics. The Mayfair Shops, located in the Grove, is a complex made up of boutiques and nightclubs. And Sawgrass Mills, with more than 300 shops and kiosks in a 2.4-million-square-foot facility makes even the most serious and dedicated shoppers feel like they’ve died and gone to the great big mall in the sky.

To get to one of the many beaches in the Miami area, you will likely find yourself on Ocean Drive. This drive extends from 5th to 15th streets and features historic hotels, shops and open-air cafés, which face the Atlantic Ocean.

Continuing on to 21st to 35th streets and again from 71st to 163rd Streets are where the most popular beaches can be found. Here visitors can enjoy a host of activities including deep-sea fishing, kite flying, sunbathing, surfing and a host of other water sports.

Visitors looking for more natural surroundings should visit the Biscayne Bay islands, just south of Miami Beach. The islands give tourists a chance to see the natural wonders that Florida has to offer. Also in this area is the Miami Seaquarium, situated on Key Biscayne. This is a terrific place for the entire family to learn about the native sea life. Visitors will get to see Flipper the dolphin and Lolita the killer whale perform high-flying stunts. Another attraction that is a must-see for nature lovers is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This museum, constructed in 1916 by James Deering, is a palatial affair which reflects the Old World style of Florida’s yesteryear. Here guests can appreciate the Italian Renaissance architecture of the building while they tour the mansion and the immaculate gardens of the estate. So, if you are looking for a hot spot with an endless array and variety of attractions, perhaps Miami, Florida is the perfect destination for your next vacation getaway. From hot night spots and fine restaurants to family attractions and endless beaches, Miami has more to offer you and your family than many other popular vacation spots.

Copyright 2005 Hugh Griffin

Spain and France are still the top holiday destinations for British tourists. However recent statistics show that tourism in Eastern Europe is rising sharply. In particular the number of trips to Poland and Bulgaria has increased significantly. Statistics from the Office of National Statistics showed that tourist numbers visiting Bulgaria and Poland nearly doubled while visits to China increased by 43 per cent. Trips to India were up by 33 per cent and trips to Mexico increased by 21 per cent.

Although Spain and France are still the top holiday destinations for British tourists the number of trips to Spain rose by only 1 per cent while trips to France fell by 3 per cent. Trips to Portugal also dropped slightly (5 per cent down). A leading travel agent suggested that the reason for the increase in popularity of Eastern Europe was price. A hotel in Paris charges a much higher price per person per night than a hotel in Budapest or Prague. In addition the cost of eating out and the cost of alcohol, food and entertainment was likely to be considerably less in Eastern Europe.

Another factor to consider is the overseas property market. With spiralling property prices in Western Europe many families buying a holiday home are increasingly finding that they are being priced out of the Spanish Costas and the French Riviera. John Hickson, an independent property expert with Saharapress.com said that he had seen “a huge increase in interest in properties in Croatia and Bulgaria in recent years”. The property buyer can simply get more house for their money in countries with lower property prices. In addition it was felt by some that Spanish property prices were near their peak while Eastern European property was expected to increase in value and would therefore represent a better investment. Inmueble magazine reports that foreign demand for Spanish property has fallen by 9 per cent. However prices in coastal regions rose by up to 15 per cent in 2005 and are expected to grow by between 7 and 9 per cent in 2006.

Lastminute.com have reported that summer breaks in Tunisia are increasingly popular and saw a significant increase in bookings for Tunisia this summer. Greece and Italy were the company’s top destinations this summer. ABTA, the Association of British Travel Agents, said that short-haul destinations accounted for 90 per cent of holidays. Overall ABTA reported that the number of foreign trips from the UK has increased to 42 million per year. This compares to about 12 million trips in the 1970s.

The number of British tourists travelling to holiday destinations abroad is shown below:

1. Spain 13.8 million 2. France 11.6 million 3. USA 4.1 million 5. Italy 2.9 million 6. Greece 2.7 million 7. Germany 2.3 million 8. Turkey 1.1 million 9. Czech Republic 0.7 million 10. India 0.6 million

If you are thinking of buying a second home or a vacation home, you should take into consideration the option of getting a condo-hotel unit. It is the latest trend in real estate investment and in travel accommodation terms. If you are still not convinced whether a condo-hotel unit would be a good investment for you, here are some advantages you will benefit from whenever owning a condo-hotel unit.

First of all, you can use your condo hotel unit whenever you feel like having a vacation. This is not the case with timeshares that are allowing you to use your property only for a limited period of time every year.

Secondly, you will benefit from a luxury accommodation treatment. These condo hotels are usually first-class, luxurious properties equipped with the best facilities.

Another advantage is not dealing with any maintenance issues. The maintenance company will take care of everything in your place. This wouldn’t happen if you were the owner of a second house, where repairs were your responsibility.

You will have your own place in the sun. Considering the fact that oceanfront land is limited and expensive, by buying a condo hotel unit you will secure your place for recreation. You will not have to worry anymore about how expensive a vacation can be or about not finding a free hotel room while travelling!

You will even gain money out of this condo hotel unit. Whenever you aren’t using it, you can arrange with the hotel management to put it back into the hotel’s usual rental programme. You don’t have to worry about finding tenants or keeping an eye on them, the hotel management will deal with these problems. The income will be split evenly with the hotel management.

Your investments portfolio will be diversified. Investing in real estate is safer than investing it at the stock market. Owning a condo hotel will spare you the worries about the ups and downs of the stock market.

And, maybe the most important advantage of all, you will save on your taxes. Buying a second home will provide you with a new range of federal tax deductions and tax-sheltered income.

In conclusion, you have all the reasons in the world to purchase a condo hotel unit: it is a great vacation place and also a good source of money!

Who else wants to find the best cheap airfares or at least great discount airfares for the vacation of a lifetime? See if this scenario matches anyone you know!

Another busy day. You have to be in the office in 10 minutes but you are caught up in heavy traffic. You’re late. A note on top of your desk from your boss says, “See me when you arrive!” is waiting for you. The phone rings. The clients come in. You start to do the paper works and forget about the time. You stop for a minute only to realize that it’s time for you to go home. Another busy day. Again.

Try to sit back and relax. Imagine crystal springs and beaches. Think of the topography, a variety of breathtaking landscapes or coral islands all waiting for you. Dream of the combination of balmy weather, pristine beaches, and luxurious resorts equipped with all the frills of modern living. Isn’t a beach vacation a great idea?

Everybody needs a vacation. That’s a fact. No matter what kind of job you have–be it in the corporate industry, or in the comforts of your own home business–you still need a vacation to ease the tension. When you feel that you are being stressed out because of the complexities you have to go through everyday, what would be better than to pack your things and go somewhere your boss can’t find you?

But, just when you think that your dream of a tropical island is coming to life, you go down to reality, with a bang. Your concern? Just how much one vacation will cost you!

The first problem to consider when you decide to go on a vacation in or out of the country, is your airfare.

Thanks to the advent of technology and really tough competition, airlines have offered various promos and airfare programs that will hopefully fit your budget.

Unlike before, when it would have to cost years of solitude just to cross the Atlantic, cheap airfare makes it possible now for the average person to go almost anywhere in the world.

It is advisable to surf the net when looking for cheap airfares. The World Wide Web provides easy access to sites that offer airfare discounts. It is also quite convenient because you can find the cheapest airfare you can ever find and not worry about booking tickets since it is available 24/7.

By surfing the net, you can also get notifications when airfare deals are being offered. There are actually sites that constantly monitor the lowest airfares there are going to a particular city. This airfare watch is as equally crucial when you decide to embark on international flights. Just make sure that you are updated with the airfare rates for that specific country. Who knows, you may even get unimaginably cheap airfares for your vacation?

Aside from regularly monitoring the airfare rates in a specific website, you can also check out other airfare sites for that great airfare bargain. It is advisable to do this because you can compare the best and cheapest airfare rates online. You can also join the mailing lists of some airlines. Through this, you will be constantly informed of new promos each airline develops.

Since discounted airfares are hard to find, you may want to try looking into courier companies that sell cheap airfares in exchange for using your checked luggage allotment. Lastly, you should consider being flexible with your travel dates in order to get cheap airfare. You can really save more in airfares when you buy the tickets earlier.

Your dream vacation may be just a few keystrokes away!

Great Caribbean cruise discount vacations

One of the most popular cruises, Caribbean cruise discount vacations is a dream getaway that always leaves an impression and unforgettable memories. The Caribbean island holds a magnificent combinations of modern and natural resources, providing something for everyone to enjoy.

If you love nature or like to be in the out doors, then a Caribbean cruise discount vacations is just for you. The wonderful weather in the Caribbean is perfect for snorkeling or just enjoying the breathe taking beaches. Travel and save money while you get in touch with nature, a Caribbean luxury cruise can take you through Puerto Rico, Aruba, Cozumel, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Jamaica and many other enchanting Islands.

When you travel on a Caribbean cruise you are sure to find yourself with the best service and wonderful sights you have ever seen. The Caribbean islands offer you a warm climate in the world’s best beaches and great snorkeling sights along the coral reefs with crystal clear waters.

Organizing a Caribbean cruise discount vacation is easy to plan year round. You may choose from eastern, western and southern Caribbean cruises or all three! On your cruise you will encounter culture and nature a great mix for families with kids or for couples and singles of all ages who are out for an adventure with out leaving behind luxury.

Always remember to plan ahead for you’re a Caribbean cruise discount vacation. Often you can easily find great money saving packages, plus the earlier you book the more money you save! You can book your a Caribbean cruise discount vacations online or at tour operators. Choose from a variety of Cruise lines. Do some research on a couple of cruise lines, ask all the question you can and get extensive information on services and schedules. Choose the one that best accommodates your situations, if you are traveling with kids, as a couple, or alone, make sure the Cruise line you choose works best for you so you can just sit back and enjoy your cruise.

The Caribbean Islands awaits you for a relaxing yet unforgettable vacation that is sure to leave an impression for times to come. Enjoy yourself, and pamper yourself on a Caribbean cruise discount vacations, give yourself the time off you deserve on one the best getaway spots in the world, the Caribbean Islands.

http://www.cruise-mediterranean-royal-caribbean.com/directory/14/ discount-caribbean-cruises.html

Shopping for presents, viewing the holiday lights, partying with friends and families, or just relaxing by the fire — these are timeless traditions we all love and share, regardless of race, religion or ethnicity because they symbolize one abiding hope –peace and good will among men. Perhaps no one is more aware of the importance of such traditions than the owners of our beloved B&Bs, whose inns are the very symbol (essence) of the cozy American hearth and home.

Do you want to book a room at one of thousands of inns that feature the traditions you know and love -or establish new ones along the way? Or give a Bed & Breakfast Gift Certificate as a holiday gift for family or friends so they can discover the magic of those traditions for themselves? If you or they are looking for an old-fashioned holiday atmosphere you might head north to New England. The Inn at Harbor Hill Marina of Connecticut is just a few steps away from the old waterfront town of Niantic with its quaint shops, boardwalk and lighthouse. On December 11 Niantic sponsors an annual Light Parade. Nearby, too, are Christmas tree farms and historic Mystic Seaport, Connecticut. The Inn can arrange tickets for Seaport’s unique Lantern Light tours guaranteed to bring you back into an earlier era.

Further north at the Riverbend Inn in New Hampshire’s White Mountains are sleigh rides, fine shopping for candles, pewter and presents at nearby stores and the factory outlets of North Conway. If you have a sweet tooth, remember to look into the special package offered for the Mt. Washington Valley Inn to Inn Christmas Cookie and Candy Tour, December 10-11. Skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers often find the Riverbend Inn a perfect place to bunk down because of its proximity to North Conway’s famous mountain resort, one of the oldest in the nation. After a busy day on the slopes or the shops, Riverbend Inn guests warm themselves by the fire while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate or a hot toddy.

Tucked away in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, is the “Currier and Ives” town of Littleton with many shops and the Beal House Inn & Restaurant. Naturally, you’re just minutes away from sleigh rides, alpine and cross-country skiing, tubing, and snowshoeing. You can also book the Inn for your whole family for one of the holiday weekends, including Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas Day Brunch. No reason to worry about New Hampshire’s chill temperatures because the Inn’s Common Room always has hot cider brewing in the afternoons and homemade cookies near the Inn’s roaring fire.

For an old-time holiday in a romantic Midwestern setting, visit the Colonel Taylor Inn in southeast Ohio. A special Thanksgiving meal is served for guests in the dining room of this sumptuous high-ceilinged lodge. Santa hosts a special tea for the public on the first Sunday in December, – complete with sandwiches, fruit cheese nuts and fresh-baked pastries – but a similar tea is also served daily during holiday season for Inn guests, accompanied by Christmas music on the piano and a colorful array of carolers in Victorian dress.

Another way to light up your holidays is to visit northern Idaho’s The Roosevelt in Coeur d’Alene, a historic redbrick inn with bell tower in a remodeled old schoolhouse. The lakeside community of Coeur d’Alene is known as Christmastown USA because of its snow, charming shops and decorations. The Roosevelt B&B is replete with tasteful garlands of fresh greens, holly and mistletoe and the entire building – including its bell tower – gleams with 270,000 lights. In case that’s not dazzling enough, guests will enjoy the spectacular fireworks that burst over the Lake of Coeur d’Alene as well as an animated light show.

Crave a rest from the hustle and bustle of the holidays – but still need to buy presents for friends and family? A visit to either the Biscuit Hill Inn or Canyon Lake Ranch in the Texas hill country provides you with a chance to get away from it all. Both inns provide restful views of the hills; have wood-burning fireplaces, Jacuzzis and hot tubs. Holiday shoppers are only short distance from several historic towns, stores and the largest outlet mall west of the Mississippi. This year, Saturday December 3 the Hill Country Yacht Club sponsors their annual Parade of Lights on Canyon Lake, featuring 40 boats decorated with lights, along with jet skiers, party barges, a Santa and anything else that floats. Guests may book either Biscuit Hill or Canyon Lake individually or rent the inn entirely for their family during the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays.

According to an old farming tradition of Provence, France each dinner of the twelve nights of Christmas ended with a different desert. Today in Virginia’s mountain-ringed Shenandoah’s Valley, the romantic L’Auberge Provencale has maintained that mouth-watering French tradition for its guests by serving a dozen gourmet deserts every afternoon by the fireside on linens and pottery of bold yellow, blue, green and pink – the traditional colors of Provence. Surrounding this quaint country inn are views of the Blue-Ridge Mountains. Tourists will enjoy seeing its nearby historic homes, visiting its vineyards and fine antique shops.

The darkest time of the year may be at holiday season, but not at the Lodge at Sedona in Sedona, Arizona. At dusk, nestled beneath the sycamores on the banks of beautiful Oak Creek, guests and visitors begin the cherished tradition of lighting six thousand luminaries in the courtyards and walkways in the village of Tiaquepaque while enjoying complimentary apple cider and holiday music. During the day, visitors enjoy browsing the distinctive Southwest shops found in Tiaquepaque, Sedona’s famous Arts & Crafts Village. Added to the holiday fun are daily surprise visits from Santa, performances by carolers, musicians and dancers — Mexican style, of course.

Wherever you decide to go and whatever style you choose to celebrate, don’t forget that Bed & Breakfast Gift Certificates are the perfect holiday gift for friends and loved ones! They can be purchased for any length of time, for any time of year, can be used at over 1000 inns of the recipient’s choice, and never go out of date.

Holiday traditions old and new! Your choice – they’re up to you!

Information on all of the Bed & Breakfasts featured in this article and Bed & Breakfast Gift Certificate information can be found at BnBFinder.com