Holiday in Greece – Rent Private Vacation Rentals at a Bargain Price

If you have an interest in beauty, art, architecture and the classic culture that gave us our civilization, then a visit to Greece is just the ticket. And a vacation rental of a villa, a beach house or another type of private home will give you a chance to experience this wonderful country that is impossible when going from hotel to hotel.

There are so many places in Greece that choosing a location for your vacation rental can be mind boggling. Choices include beach houses, apartments, cabins, condos, and other types of holiday homes. Securing lodging is easy though, when you see what is available. And the locations in Greece are wonderful. Crete, the largest of the Greek islands is beautiful and has many archeological sites to visit, as well as tourist attractions like Knossos and Phaistos. Crete was home to the ancient civilization of the Minoans, from 2600 BC to 1400 BC, and in more recent times gave the world the famous writer, poet and novelist Nikos Kazantakis.

Athens is known as the birthplace of democracy. This ancient city was home to the Greek philosophers like Aristotle, Plato and Socrates. Named after the goddess Athena, Athens is one of the most famous cities in the world, and one of the oldest. As a city state Athens figured prominently in ancient history as well as myths and legends of the ancient world. The Greek capital, now home to three and a half million people, has been called the cradle of civilization due to the many achievements of its culture. Birthplace of the Olympic Games, Athens is home to art and architecture, including the famous Acropolis.

Wine, honey, olive oil, and sheep herding are just a few of the products that can be sampled fresh if our holiday home is in Thassos. This island figures prominently in ancient history and is named after Thasus, son of Phoenix and leader of the Phoenicians who first settled the island and erected a temple to Heracles. Imagine a vacation on Thassos, staying in a private home near a beautiful beach, enjoying sun and sand and dreaming of the long ago days of great civilizations. You will be sure to enjoy the native cooking, picking up a bit of the Greek language, and staying with some of the most hospitable people on earth.

Greece is a country that at one time ruled the known world, through Alexander the Great. And even when military conquest was no longer part of its agenda, many believe that Greek culture conquered Roman culture from within, with the Romans copying Greek art and architecture and even religion. When the Roman Empire split into Eastern and Western halves, it was the Greek half of the empire, the Byzantine Empire of Constantine, which lasted far into the middle ages. Greece is truly a country to enjoy and to learn from, and the most enjoyable way to learn about Greece is through a vacation, with lodging in a private home.

Rent holiday home or vacation rental in Greece on http://greece-holiday-homes.com and enjoy your stay!

Hvar Island is situated in the Adriatic Sea and belongs to Croatia. The island spreads out on 80 km from west to east and it is truly paradise for its tourists. People all over the world visit all four major parts of the Hvar Island as its surprises are many and diverse.

During its existence, the Hvar Island was know by other names also, depending on what culture it belonged to. First it was known as Pharos and after that it was called Piteyeia (around the third century B.C.) as we know from the Greek poet Apollonius of Rhodes. While it was under Roman rule it was called Pharia and later Fara. The Slavs, people that occupied the island during the middle ages, named the island Hvar. Even if the island was under Slav occupation, a lot of the inhabitants were Roman-speaking and convinced the Slaves to change the official name once more, this time into Quarra. In the eleventh century the Italians changed the name again into Lesina (meaning forest), a word full of meaning because at that time the island was perfectly characterized by a woody terrain. This name was kept until the nineteenth century when it was changed back into Hvar Island.

This place exists nowadays under the name of the Hvar Island, but the Hvar Culture has long been extinct. It is said that this culture existed from the year 3500 to 2500 B.C. The Hvar Island is an important piece in Croatian history being one of the important literary centers of this country during the Renaissance. Nowadays it is known as a producer of lavender, honey and wine and these aspects can be charming to those interested in stimulating their senses. Because of its climate and unique position, the Hvar Island is home to a lot of different species of flora and fauna like the Croatian Fighting Toad. An interesting fact about the Hvar Island is that it gets 2800 hours of sun per year. As you can see, there is no possibility for anyone to get bored on this island because it reunites history and culture for those with this kind of interests and it can be a great place to relax by bathing in the sun and admiring nature.

There are many cities to visit on this island, each with its own story and appealing characteristics. The town of Hvar had a population of little over four thousand people in 2001. It can be a tourist attraction because this is the place where the first public theatre was opened in Europe back in 1612. The town of Stari Grad located in the northern part of the Hvar Island had almost three thousand inhabitants in 2001. It is the site of some of the first human settlements on the Adriatic Sea from Antiquity. Jelsa, a town in the central northern region of the island, its said to have had a population of approximately 3.600 back in 2001. The fourth region that might capture your attention is the town of Sucuraj, a city of picturesque beauty situated on the east cape of the Hvar Island. Sucuraj has been named officially the center of the eastern part of the Hvar Island. The town is said to be 2300 years old, fact which can fascinate anyone. The city has been blessed with mild climate and a beautiful country side which makes it even more perfect for contemplation and relaxation. The 400 people settled here live off tourism and fishing therefore any person who is interested in this location will be received with open arms and will have a wonderful time.

The Hvar Island is thought to have been inhabited since the year 5000 B.C. Since then, a lot of different cultures living there in each age known to man have left their own fingerprint on the place. The Neolithic age proves its existence in the history of the Hvar Island by a fragment of pottery dating from the year 2500 B.C. The bronze pottery and hilltop sites represent the Bronze Age. The Iron Age left behind a lot of settlements including a castle; most of these settlements were even equipped with some rudimentary forms of defense. After that, the ancient Greeks became very interested in the Hvar Island. Remains of the Greek colony can still be seen through some of the defense walls that are still standing. After the Greeks, a lot of different cultures left their legacy to the people on the Hvar Island, like the Romans, Byzantines, Slavs, Venetians, Turks and even newer states like Austria, France, England and Russia had their own influence.

The Hvar Island is a great place for a vacation. One of the few places were you can escape from the big city life and all its problems, a place where you can really catch your breath and relax. Strolls on a forested sea path or a week of quiet life in one of the picturesque villages to see how life is without any connection to civilization. The Hvar Island is a relaxation heaven. There are a lot of sites to admire like one of the monuments of the Hvar Island, the Saint Lawrence Church which is known for the collection of paintings by old masters. The Hvar Island also has one of the largest naturist camps. There is simply no way you can get bored here.

One of the few places that man hasnt destroyed yet, the Hvar Island is a must see just like other famous places in the world. Its just that it hasnt had so much publicity and this is perhaps the reason its beauty remains untouched. You can enjoy the scenery and you can see the way native people live there. This will give you an idea about the way our forefathers made a living without having to work in loud plants and polluted environments. As a fact, it is necessary to say that Hvar Island is one of the perfect places you can visit and unwire yourself.

What makes Robinson Crusoe such a popular and enchanting novel for all age groups is the opportunity it provides for make-believe. It puts you into an uninhabited island and makes you its landlord, thereby enabling you to be the architect of all your desires. Stuff that fantasies are made of, stuff that inspire more fantasies it is not surprising that Robinson Crusoe brought in its wake so many veiled and unveiled emulations.

As you step into Green Island, your first thought is that you have reached Crusoes island. And the uncharted possibilities of desert island adventures open up to you. At heart a child, you wish you could live that fantastical childhood once again.

A small blot of luxurious green within a blue ocean of a thousand shades a birds eye view of the Green Island situated within the Great Barrier Reef gives you the impression that a small child has smudged tubes of varying shades of blue acrylic and placed one dollop of green in between it. The warm sunshine (that shines throughout the year), the crystal clear vision and the sharp colors will impress upon the fact that you have stepped into a different world.

Green Island is a small but authentic coral cay close to the mainland. Built over the last 6,000 years through build up of sand, animal and coral deposits, it had served as a fishing ground and ceremonial site for local Aborigine tribes for thousands of years before Captain Cook sighted it the first white man to do so.

However, it was as late as the middle of 19th century that white settlement appeared, when a sea cucumber smoking station was established on the island. Towards the end of the century, Green Island had already become a site for occasional pleasure trips, and a fortnightly ferry service to the island was started in 1924.

Its vantage position in the Great Barrier Reef meant that it became a starting point for popular exploration of the reef. Floating glass boxes were used for viewing corals for a long time until glass bottom boats were introduced in 1948. Only a few years later, in 1954, Green Island was the site for the worlds first Underwater Observatory.

The Marineland Melanesia has a crocodile farm, an aquarium as well as a museum. The island is also famous for the worlds first movie theatre on a small island which was operational till the early 1990s. The island reached a celebrity status when in 1970 Queen Elizabeth II paid a royal visit to the island. Shortly afterwards, the Great Barrier Reef was declared a national park, and the position of Green Island within it established it as frontier post for exploring the reef.

This smallish blot of tropical green is all of 15 hectares and it just takes a leisurely 45 minutes walk to circumnavigate it. A fascinating intersection of luxury, intense beauty, harmony and peace, Green Island is a paradise for the nature lover. Its tropical forests harbor 126 native plant species, 20 native bird species and 50 migratory species and magnificent coral gardens. While fishing is not particularly popular, it may be an ideal place to spend a few idle hours with the line it is another matter, though, if you will catch something!
Green Island can be a great holiday destination, whether you are a day-tripper, or you want to stay over and sink in the ambience over a few leisurely days. A short distance from Cairns and Palm Cove, and a little more from Port Douglas, it is easily accessible, and yet comfortably separated from mainland to guard its unique charms. The weather is uniformly tropical with very little difference in temperature between seasons.

Disclaimer
We take no responsibility for inaccuracy or omissions in the information provided, which is not intended as specific advice. Before relying on the material, you should obtain appropriate professional advice relevant to your individual circumstances to evaluate accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance of the information to your specific needs.

Unusual Places To Tee Up The Next Time You Travel

Golf–it’s been called the ultimate travelers’ sport. More than 17 million people hit the links while they are away on vacation or a business trip. While Arizona, Hawaii and California are typically known for their expansive, breathtaking greens, there are many top-rated courses that can be found in the most unexpected of places.

According to travel expert and Travel Channel host Tracy Gallagher, “It’s all in the research. Before taking a trip-whether traveling on a family vacation, for a weekend getaway or on business–a great nearby golf course can easily be found with a little advance planning.”

So why not hit the links the next time you hit the road? Some of Gallagher’s favorite U.S. golfing destinations may surprise you.

• Albuquerque, N.M.-With spectacular scenery and desert climate, Albuquerque is a superb place to golf. In fact, over the past few years, developers have capitalized on the area’s beauty and, as a result, many new courses have opened throughout the city.

• Washington, D.C.-For a stroke of something different, try golfing in our nation’s capital. One wouldn’t think there would be room for a golf course in the immediate 68-square-mile area of Washington, D.C.; however, the proximity of some of the courses to the downtown area makes golfing an easy addition to a sightseeing trip. In fact, you can even see many of the historic monuments from several of the nearby fairways.

• Portland, Ore.-The Pacific Northwest certainly doesn’t have typical golfing weather, but the frequent showers give the golf greens a shade of emerald you won’t find anywhere else. If Oregon is on your travel itinerary, be sure to check out the courses in the Portland area.

Whether heading to the West Coast, Midwest, Deep South or the Eastern Seaboard, keep the following in mind as you plan your next trip:

• Check with local courses–many offer a special family package rate.

• For a more affordable golfing experience, check prices for playing at “twilight.”

• If you can’t get a tee time at one of the courses near your destination, many of the locations have driving ranges so you can at least practice your swing.

• Look for hotels, such as the Hilton Garden Inn, that offer a golf package. “Golf Amenity #18″ is the largest golf promotion available at Hilton Garden Inn hotels throughout North America, which offers guests whose stay includes a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday night, from June 1-Oct. 22, 2006, a complimentary green fees voucher (good for two people) that’s valid at more than 330 golf courses in the U.S. and Canada. Guests also receive a complimentary golf tips booklet, written by Golf Digest instructors, filled with pointers to improve your game. It’s a one-of-a-kind deal that travelers-both business and leisure-can take advantage of this summer.

South Korea is one of the smaller nations in Asia, with a size comparable to the state of Indiana. What it lacks in size it makes up for in abundant culture, turbulent history, exquisite cuisine and a generous and welcoming society.

A Little Background before You Travel to Korea
The Korean peninsula has been literally and figuratively stuck between a rock and a hard place, namely Japan and China, for most of its existence. The region was prosperous under the three kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla during the first four centuries AD until the Mongolians raided the land and built an empire. The 16th century brought the end of the Mongolian Empire and the beginning of a massive game of tug-of-war between China and Japan over the strategic landmass. After World War II Korea finally broke free from Japan, with the USSR managing the North and the United States occupying the South. Today the North and South are two sovereign nations separated by a demilitarized zone. South Korea is officially known as the Republic of Korea (ROK) and commonly referred to simply as Korea.

There’s Still Soul in Seoul
Despite the fact that Seoul was largely burned to the ground during the Korean War (1950-53), the northern part of the capital city is still home to hundreds of spectacular palaces and shrines. The Chosun Dynasty’s Gyeongbokgung Palace is a 5.4 million square foot landmark with a 500-year history and stands among the remaining four palaces in Seoul. Nearly an entire day is necessary to explore the regal palace in all its magnificence. The Jongmyo Royal Shrine is a perfect next stop, as it was where the Chosun Dynasty worshipped. On the first Sunday of May each year a traditional memorial ceremony is held at the Shrine with all the grandeur of the occasion 500 years past.

The southern part of Seoul is the commercial center of the city and boasts a fascinating blend of traditional and hyper-modern architecture. It is also home to World Cup Stadium, intricately weaving shopping streets and even an amusement park, Lotte World. Make sure to visit the city gates, and then venture beyond into the strikingly lush and green landscape to travel Korea more personally.

When to Travel to Korea
Korea has a temperate clime, which results in heavier rain in the summer months (July and August) and a drier winter. Winter is white and snowy all over Korea and the ski season from November to March is extremely popular. There are 13 ski resorts in South Korea alone! After a day on the slopes it is common to relax in one of the many spas with natural hot spring baths. Summer is extremely crowded and very wet in Korea. For milder weather it is best to travel Korea in the spring or fall.

Traveling to South Korea any time of year is sure to be an exciting and rewarding experience, regardless of the weather!

With todays state of air travel and airport security, scuba divers often have to decide how to travel with all their dive gear. For those scuba divers who plan to rent all their equipment at their destination, this isnt an issue. However, the trend in diving has always been that as divers become more experienced with more dives logged after initial open water certifications, they tend to want to use their own equipment rather than rent. This is especially true with masks, regulators, wetsuits and dive computers. Avid scuba divers will often travel with their entire gear including fins and buoyancy compensators. Of course because of weight issues, scuba divers rarely travel with tanks or weights.

I have an air integrated Oceanic scuba dive computer that I wouldn’t want lost or delayed in checked luggage during my dive trips so I always carry it on with me on airplanes. I have never had any problems going through airport security. Sure, they might check my stuff because scuba dive gear looks pretty foreign to most airport security staff but that’s okay as my scuba dive computer always got through. The only thing I have to be careful of is how I pack it. On a few occasions, I had put the computer in a soft bag that also contained my regulator, another piece of my own scuba equipment that I would prefer to use rather than deal with a rental. During travel, one of the buttons on the dive computer must have gotten accidentally depressed which activated the device. Because of the altitude and/or pressure changes during a flight, the dive computer thought that it was going on an actual dive. It started beeping because it didn’t like the statistics it was sensing which was a bit annoying on board. After the flight, my dive computer actually locked out for 24 hours. It was a good thing that I didn’t dive until the next day. So from now on, I always pack my scuba dive computer in a box which prevents accidental activation and then the box goes into my carry on baggage. I also carry on my mask as well as my log book and certification cards. I wouldnt want to be refused for diving by a dive operator in case my checked baggage was lost so it is highly recommended to carry your log book and certification card with you.

Everything else like my wetsuit, booties, fins, snorkel and buoyancy compensator goes into my checked baggage. If my checked baggage is lost, stolen or delayed, I can always rent the extra equipment I need without losing any dives. Some folks believe that one should not check in any large scuba dive bags with the dive flag displayed as it may advertise luggage containing expensive dive gear. In this case, one can always pack a flexible scuba dive bag inside a larger regular suitcase. So a good rule of thumb to use is to always carry on the scuba dive equipment that you cant afford to lose or be without for your diving and check the rest.

Who Makes a Good Travel Nurse?

On some levels working as a professional travel nurse looks likes the ideal job. It provides nurses with an opportunity to live and work in different parts of the country. They can interact with new people. Travel nurses pull in an excellent salary. They make friends all over the country. They can move south in the winter, and north in the summer. If they feel like taking a few months off, they don’t have to worry about explaining things to their bosses; they just give themselves a few months to improve their mental health before they accept a new assignment. Travel nurses claim that their jobs give them an opportunity to re-establish their patient focused medicine. Nurses have excellent medical and dental benefits. Who wouldn’t want to be a travel nurse?

The reality is that not every person who comes out of a nursing program is not suitable for a career as a travel nurse.

When you are considering a life as a travel nurse you have to ask yourself if you really like to travel. The life of a travel nurse is serious, hard core traveling. Travel nurses are constantly on the move, going from one state to another, taking assignment after assignment. All the moving around eventually takes a toll on the body and soul.

Bear in mind that travel nurses are working, this is not an extended family vacation, and they aren’t back packing across Europe. While they are on an assignment travel nurses are on a schedule. They are expected to report to work, on time, at the beginning of each one of their shifts. While they are working they are dealing with sick and injured people. They are expected to give one hundred and ten percent of themselves while they are working. Travel nurses go away to work, not to party.

Do you have an easy time making new friends? Travel nurses are constantly going to cities and towns where they are strangers. They don’t know anyone in these places. In order for their experience to be positive they have to have a talent for turning complete strangers into close friends.

Nurses that have a significant other may have a hard time adjusting to life as a travel nurse. Unless the significant other is able to travel from one location to another it is difficult to stay together as a couple. One circumstance when travel nursing does work when a couple decides to work in tandem and are able to find nursing assignments in the same hospitals and medical facility’s.

Before you sign with a nursing agency decide if you can tolerate moving away from your family, friends, and pets. Working as a travel nurse is going to require you to spend several months away from your home town.

Carefully consider all the requirement and responsibilities expected from a travel nurse before you sign with a nursing agency. Qualities that a good travel nurse should embrace are a zest for adventure, a strong work ethic, confidence in their medical knowledge, and a gregarious personality. If you are a nurse with at least one year of experience working in a hospital and feel that you would make and excellent travel nurse start placing your application at agencies.

For all its conveniences, modern living leaves a lot to be desired. We spend our days enduring the ever-increasing pressures of work, the citys oppressive unfriendliness, the daily commuter grind and the aggressive reality of impatient road-ragers.

Is something missing?

Unfortunately, work is a reality for most of us. So too is city and suburban living, dreary weather, pollution, traffic But it doesnt have to be all there is to life. Try something that puts you in touch with who you really are. Try something elemental. Try something that soothes your soul.

Try Fraser Island.

Fraser Island isnt just an island paradise. Its a unique and luxurious combination of Australias rich natural heritage, its earthy roots, its wholesome majesty, and its refreshingly simple essentials. Its a chance to touch the fine sands, to drift in the temperate water, to bask in the sun that seems all yours Its your chance to partake of a life that most Australians have forgotten.

Spend a week on and in turquoise waters, a week without shoes with the sand between your toes, a week fishing and perhaps living off your catch. Your perspective cant help but change.

Its not a mere fleeting appreciation. Its something you take with you.

Fraser can help remind you that youre not your job. How important are the forms and the filing, the meetings and memorandums? You can learn a lot about yourself when you take away all the things that dont matter.

And really is there any better way to experience this epiphany than in paradise?

Fraser Island certainly is a paradise, no matter which way you look at it. At the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, and a short boat ride from Hervey Bay in South-East Queensland, Fraser is 124 km from tip to toe and 16 km across the middle. At 163,000 hectares, its the worlds biggest sand island.

Of course, that doesnt mean its all just sand. Not by a long shot! The whole island is laced with crystal clear fresh water streams, and deep midnight blue fresh water lakes. In fact, with over 40 fresh water lakes its home to half of the worlds known perched lakes. It also boasts a dazzling diversity of plants and animals (including Australias purest strain of dingo), and an amazing variety of spectacular landscapes, from 120 km of non-stop tropical beach to dense and towering rainforest, weathered headland to ochre gorge, inspiring cliffs to wandering dunes, eerie mangroves to wind-blown salt pans.

Whats more, you have your choice of accommodation, so you can choose your own level of communion with nature. From 4 star luxury resorts to rental retreats to motels and units, right through to the good ole campsite. Whether youre a sucker for a bit of pampering, or youre perfectly at home with a tent and a campfire on the beach, Fraser is a great provider.

And great accommodation is just the start The island boasts average temperatures of 29c in summer and 22c in winter, so its no surprise that outdoor activities feature prominently on the agenda. Adrenalin addicts and dedicated sunbathers alike will appreciate the vast range available. From sunrise to sunset (and beyond), theres always something for everyone. The only problem is choosing! Fishing, 4-wheel-driving, eating, sailing, bird-watching, bush-walking, swimming, eating, whale & dolphin-watching, shipwreck exploration, eating, beauty therapy, massage, lazing in the sun, eating, beach volleyball, tennis, cricket, eating, canoeing, sailboarding, snorkelling, eating And needless to say, a few quiet drinks might make their way onto the agenda as well

With so much to offer, its no surprise that the Fraser Island was originally known as Kgari or Paradise by local Aboriginal peoples.

Fraser Island certainly is paradise for everyone!

Four Wheel Driving
Being a sand island, the only mode of land transport is 4WD. Of course, for many visitors, thats the main attraction. 4WD enthusiasts from all around the world visit Fraser Island to pit themselves and their vehicles against the rugged terrain found all over the island. From the hard-packed seashore to the shifting dune to the forests of the interior, Fraser Island is the ideal 4WD location.

Dont be scared though its not all about extreme driving for experts! Whether youre an novice, or you just prefer a more leisured pace of life, youll find a much more sedate satisfaction in one of the many organised 4WD tours offered around the island. Or if you just want to get out on your own, you can hire a 4WD for a day, and indulge in a bit of quiet exploring.

No matter which option you choose, though, there are a few ground rules you should observe. Remember the dangers of driving on the beach. The further you adventure from the shoreline, the softer the sand. The softer the sand, the more likely you are to get into trouble. Generally speaking, keep your speed down, and remember youre in a World Heritage listed environment so be careful.

Fishing
No island holiday would be complete without a lazy day or two spent fishing. Beach fishing is the big drawcard for Fraser Island. And with 150 km of ocean beach to choose from, why wouldnt it be? Middle Rocks, Sandy Cape, Waddy Point, and Seventy Five Mile Beach are just a few of the choice locations available for you to finally get the better of the one that got away.

The famed tailor run occurs on the eastern (ocean) side of the island between July and October each year. In the angling world, this time known as tailor season is a much anticipated event, with huge schools of big fish working the beaches. But if you cant make it between late winter and early spring, rest assured, tailor season is just one date to mark in your calendar. The western side of Fraser has been known to reward the odd angler with a fine bag of bream, whiting and flathead.

Anglers Advice

Pick the fish youre after, and take advantage of the handy hints below to make the most of your fishing trip.

Fish: Tailor
Bait: Pilchard, 3 hook gang, lure
Timing: Late July to October
Location: Eastern Beaches

Fish: Dart
Bait: Pippies or worms
Timing: All year
Location: Eastern Beaches

Fish: Bream
Bait: Flesh strips, mullet gut, fowl gut, pippies
Timing: May to September
Location: Rocky outcrops on east coast or creeks on the
west

Fish: Whiting
Bait: Worms, yabbies, pippies, prawns
Timing: All year
Location: Low tide on the east, creeks on the west

Fish: Flathead
Bait: Live baits, pilchards, lures
Timing: All year
Location: Rocky outcrops on east coast or creeks on the
west

Fish: Jewfish
Bait: Whole mullet, tailor fillets, beach worms
Timing: May to September at night on the full moon, low or
high tide
Location: Deep gutters and rocky outcrops

Of course, many more varieties are there for the taking, including mackerel, tuna, and reef fish. And if youre not indisposed to a bit of sea fishing, you can book a berth on one of the larger boats launched to take advantage of the red emperor, coral trout, maori cod and parrot to be found off the Continental Shelf and local reefs.

Water Sports
As youd expect, Fraser Island plays host to a vast array of water sports. Whether youre after a lazy drifting afternoon cocktail in hand, or an invigorating workout, theres a water sport for you. All fitness levels (and energy levels!) are catered for.

Ease yourself into the aqua-life with a refreshing dip at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Surrounded by pure white sandy beaches, the clear blue waters of Lake McKenzie are without doubt amongst the most idyllic to be found. Alternatively, exercise your imagination with a visit to the ghostly shipwreck of the Maheno, then submerge yourself in the crystal clear waters of Eli Creek.

Fraser Island sits on a huge reservoir of fresh water, and is home to numerous spectacular fresh water lakes, including some perched high above sea level. You have your choice of over 40 lakes Lake Wabby, Champagne Pools, Basin Lake to name but a few. Clearly, Fraser Island is amply equipped to pamper even the fussiest fresh water connoisseur.

For something a little more strenuous, why not hire paddle ski or canoe and paddle yourself up Dundonga Creek. Its generally a 1 hour round trip, so by the time you return, youll be ready to settle back into some more relaxed pastimes.

Whale and Dolphin Watching
Every year from August to October, you can book a berth on a whale watch cruise. Enjoy a fantastic half day of sun, salt, and ocean breezes while keeping your eyes peeled for Frasers famous migrating humpbacks.

The annual humpback migration is truly an awesome spectacle. Family pods take a well earned rest in the waters west of Fraser Island after travelling 5000 km from the icy waters of the Antarctic. The sight of a 15 tonne (thats the weight of 11 elephants!) adult female humpback rearing out of the ocean is absolutely awe-inspiring.

And dont worry if your holiday doesnt coincide with the migration, you can still catch a cruise questing for dolphins, dugongs, turtles and the odd Indo Pacific Humpback.

Speak to your hotel or resort for information about organising a whale or dolphin watching cruise. Alternatively, contact Kingfisher Bay Resort and ask about their tours.

Tips & Reminders

– Access to Fraser Island is via vehicular barge or catamaran

– 4WDs only on Fraser Island (there are no paved roads except in resorts)

– Dont feed or pet the dingoes (or any other animals)

– No domestic animals allowed

– Most activities on the island can be enjoyed individually or as part of a booked tour group

– Youll need permits to 4WD or camp

– 4WDs can be hired on the mainland or on the island

– Dont leave food unattended

– All but the hardest sand can be unpredictable and perilous for a 4WD

– High and low tide gutters around dawn or dusk are best for fishing

– If four wheel driving, take a good map and a tyre pressure gauge

For further information about all aspects of Fraser Island, including accommodation, hire guides, and barge booking details and timetables, see http://www.boxatrix.com/.

How Much?

– Accommodation – Prices vary from approximately $4 per night if youre camping right up to $850 per night for the VIP room at the 4 star luxury of Kingfisher Bay Resort.

– Permits – A 4WD vehicle permit will cost you $31.85. Camping permits are $4 per person per night or $16 per family per night. Children under 5 are free. To purchase a permit or obtain detailed information, call the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service at Rainbow Beach on (07) 5486 3160.

– Vehicular Barge Access – Barges operate daily from Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach. Tickets start at $82.20 return per vehicle per driver. Extra vehicle passengers will cost $5.50 each. Several barges operate with different destinations on the island. Most require bookings.

– 4WD Hire – Rates start at around $90 per day for a Suzuki Sierra, up to $130 per day for a Landrover Defender (depending on the duration of hire).

– Flights to Queensland – Qantas offers return flights to Hervey Bay via Brisbane from $407 departing Sydney, and from $527 departing Melbourne.

Golf clubs can be expensive, but aside from the cost – you play your best game when using your own set of clubs. When traveling with your golf clubs, you will want to protect them from banging around against other luggage or from rough handling.

Your golf clubs are an investment and you want them safe from damage when traveling!

Here are some tips when traveling with golf clubs:

Protect your clubs by first packing them in a golf travel bag or case. There are plenty of options and many price ranges, so you are sure to find the travel case that is right for you.

There are two types of golf travel cases: soft shell and hard shell. For traveling by air, the hard shell golf case is most recommended. Many airlines will cover damages if your clubs are first packed inside a golf travel hard case (please confirm with your airline first).

Hard shell cases can protect against very demanding environments. Most are made of heavy molded plastic that help protect your clubs against hard drops, throws or harsh banging. The hard travel golf case may cost more than the soft shell choices, however the investment is offset by the level of protection provided to your clubs. If you prefer a hard case that will fit your golf bag inside as well, make sure to read the golf travel case descriptions before making your choice. Not all hard cases are built to fit your golf bag inside.

Golf soft shell travel cases can be a good option provided you pack your clubs well. The level of protection is not as great as the hard shell types, but by packing your clubs carefully and with a few precautions, you can do well with this choice if you plan on traveling by car and handling your own luggage. Also, most soft shell bags do fit your golf bag inside nicely.

To get the most protection for your golf clubs when using a soft shell case, be sure to pack the clubs inside carefully. First keep the clubs in your golf bag, cover the club heads with the golf bag cover (if your bag has one) or wrapped and buffered by some other material (towels or clothing work well) so that the club heads do not bang around loose or against each other inside the travel case.

By taking care to pack your golf clubs in a travel case that can offer protection from the elements and rough handling that can occur during travel, you will be on the right track to keeping your clubs safe from damage and enjoying them while traveling on holiday or golf tour.

Traveling Radiology Jobs: Landing One Isn’t As Difficult As You Think

If you’re interested in a career in radiology, you may be surprised at the wide variety of options available to you. Not only are there several areas of radiology in which to specialize, but there are also many options when it comes to where to perform your job. You might want to consider a traveling radiology job to really put your skills to good use.

With a shortage of knowledgeable radiology technicians in some areas of the country, many hospitals have resorted to hiring outsiders to perform complicated radiology work. Traveling radiology techs are employed by an agency, which puts them in connection with hospitals all over the country that need assistance. The tech then travels to the hospital and stays on tenure for an average of three months. They perform all radiology tasks such as X-rays and sonograms, and sometimes even help the staff with other duties if such help is needed.

If this sounds interesting, you may be wondering what you need to do to land a traveling radiology job. The truth is, there is a major demand for people like you in the medical field right now, and it’s easier than ever to find and land a traveling radiology job. You just need to know where to look. The information below should help put you on the right track.

Basic Requirements

The requirements for traveling radiology jobs don’t differ much from those of a typical radiology career. You do need a two or four year degree in radiology, as well as a medical school background. The type of training you’ll require depends on what type of radiology you want to do. Also keep in mind that radiology licensing requirements vary by state, and a traveling radiologist must be fully licensed in order to perform their duties.

Beyond such basic training, a traveling radiologist must be willing to be away from home for months at a time. Most agencies will work with traveling techs and designate an area where the tech wishes to work. Ideally, your hospital assignments will be within that area. However, some contracts last much longer than three months, and you should have a flexible schedule in order to be truly successful at this job.

Those in traveling radiology jobs also must be able to adapt very well to new situations. Keep in mind that every hospital where you sign a contract will have different equipment, a different staff, and very possibly different basic procedures. You must be an independent worker who can handle various situations with skill, and use applied knowledge to get you through new and unfamiliar territory.

Finding a job

For those interested in traveling radiology jobs, there are several resources available. The best place to start your search is on the Internet. You’re likely to find all kinds of websites offering job postings and information on agencies; narrow your search down to those agencies that operate in your area.

Even if you don’t find any job listings at agencies in your hometown, feel free to contact them and inquire whether or not they’re hiring. Use the phone book to locate radiology centers and training offices in your city, as they will most likely be able to connect you with any agencies that handle traveling radiology jobs.

Finally, don’t feel as though you must accept a job from the first agency that offers you one. Keep in mind that where you travel will have a significant impact on how your job advances and what kind of experience you’ll have. The ideal radiology agency will work with you to find the ideal locations and opportunities to ensure that you are satisfied.