Travel Getaways

By Roger Munns

 Animals have been used along with physical therapy for decades. It is common to see small farms or petting zoos double as places for assisting those who are in need.

Horses are popular for disabled children. Farms catering to those with special needs are growing due to the great and positive results achieved. Dolphins are giving researchers and therapists opportunities to break new ground through dolphin assisted therapy.

There is also a new trend for such physiotherapy. Humans have been swimming with genteel dolphins for decades. It seems that only in recent years have researchers noticed how the dolphin interacts with those who have special needs.

Dolphins have it in their nature to be curious and sociable. Their lesser known traits are patience and an inner sense of their environment. Physiotherapy researchers noticed that dolphins seem to exhibit an extra degree of protectiveness towards individuals who are physically disabled. Pregnant women are also known to gain extra attention from these marine mammals.

Researchers are careful to emphasize that the results will vary for each individual. The results of their studies continue to reflect amazing potential. Non-verbal individuals have often spoken their first words to dolphins. Seemingly unaffectionate individuals have gradually learned to cope or even show affection.

These studies have also showed some patients developing greater motor skills when introduced to dolphin assisted therapy. Cancer patients have found relief from the emotional isolation they may feel. Patients with multiple sclerosis and autism have all responded positively.

Dolphin assisted therapy, also called DAT, is most often conducted with the help of a marine biologist as well as a physical therapist. The individual receiving the therapy is given the standard physical exercises, but they are allowed physical contact with the dolphin at the same time.

Scientists are currently exploring the use of dolphins in a therapeutic setting. There are no guarantees of results when using dolphins as with any other animal. The dolphin’s ‘healing’ powers have been attributed to a range of factors.

Some theories believe it is merely the dolphin’s affection and tolerance that brings such positive results. Other rumors suggest that the dolphin’s natural sonar actually triggers a healing response from within the human body.

Advocates of this therapy cite many areas of improvement for patients. Many believe this form of therapy can boost the immune system. Some state it can increase learning capacity from 3 to 11 percent. Advocates also believe this learning capacity brings a knowledge retention rate of around 50 percent a year.

Reports have been submitted for years that dolphins have helped humans swimming in the ocean. These include such acts as offering protection against sharks to pushing injured swimmers safely to shore. When you consider their biology it is easy to see how dolphins may associate humans with their own kind.

Dolphins live in groups that are called pods. They carry one offspring at a time and nurse them after birth. Dolphins are warm blooded like humans. They protect and care for one another just as humans do.

There are two options available for swimming with dolphins. There are many vacation locations that will take you to popular swimming spots for wild dolphin interaction.

Dolphin assisted therapy always occurs in a captive dolphin facility. Disabled individuals or even those who can’t swim are usually treated to swimming with these beautiful animals in shallow areas.

Dolphin assisted therapy is not a promise of success. It does offer the potential to bring much joy into the lives of the disabled. These caring and gentle animals of the ocean can urge development in areas that may not see stimulation in other circumstances.

A guide for Tenerife, where Dolphins can be seen in their natural habitat, is available with yourtenerife.net

The travel guide has a choice of Tenerife hotels including those mentioned on many travel blogs

They also have information for the forthcoming 2009 holidays in Tenerife

Travel

travel tips

By cheema

 TAJ MAHAL-ONE OF THE SEVEN WONDERS-INDIA

Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, figures on the itinerary of every tourist to India.

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If this is your first visit to the Taj, there is only one thing to remember everything that has been said about it is at best inadequate. This mausoleum is a piece of poetry in marble; you will find yourself stopping before every marble screen, every bit of inlaid wall to marvel at the craftsmanship of those who created this architectural wonder. Recently, the Taj was voted amongst the Seven Wonders of the World.

Emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting place of his favourite queen, Mumtaz Mahal, built the Taj Mahal. A monument of marble, it is perhaps Indias most fascinating and beautiful monument. Built by Persian architect Ustad Isa, this perfectly symmetrical monument took 22years (AD 1630-52) of hard labor and 20.000 workers, masons and jewelers to build.

The red sandstone entrance to the Taj has verses from the Koran inscribed on it. The four minarets, its vaulted arches, the inlaid semi-precious stones are just a preamble to the central dome of the Taj. Right below this dome are the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. These are just for display, though- far below in a locked basement; hidden from the human eye, the Mughal king and his queen lie in their actual tombs, united in death.

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HOW TO REACH

By Air: the airport at Agra is connected by domestic flights to major Indian cities. There are daily round trip flights from Delhi to Agra, Khajuraho, and Varanasi.

By Rail: Agra is well connected by the Taj Express and the high-speed Shatabdi Express to Delhi, Varanasi, and cities of Rajasthan as well as South India. The main railway station is the Agra Cantonment.

By Road: Agra is connected by road to Delhi, Gwalior, Jaipur and several other major cities; national Highway 2 connects Agra with Delhi, which is only a 4-hour drive away. There are UP State Road Transport (UPSRTC) AS WELL AS PRIVATE BUSES PLYIG TO AND FROM Agra. The main bus terminus is the Idgah Bus Stand, close to the Agra Cantonment Station:

MUST DO

Watch pigeons in flight

Get introduced to pigeon fancying, an established tradition in Agra. Four of five flocks fly above Taj Ganj every evening around 4pm. Agras kabootar baaz of pigeon fanciers dont race their pigeons but fly them in flocks, controlling them with a code of high-pitched whistles and calls. This is a sight to be seen and heard to believe!

What to Eat:

From the star restaurants to fast-food giants, Agra has it all. As it is an important tourist destination, Agra is dotted with eateries of every size, to suit every pocket.

Agra is also famous of its sweets-Petha and Gazak-and the salty snack, Dalmoth.

What to Shop for

Shopping in Agra is an exciting affair, as you wind through labyrinthine streets and bustling bazaars. Agra is famous for exquisite handicraft items such as marble tabletops, soft stone lay work and hand-made leather items, like fancy juttis. A small replica of the Taj Mahal makes one of most popular souvenir items.

Jewellery items are another famous buy in Agra. The Mughal-style designs are quite popular among both foreign and Indian tourists. Carpets, durries, textiles and sandalwood items are also popular in Agra.

The main shopping areas of the city are sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar, Raja-ki-Mandi, Sanjay Place and the Taj Mahal complex. You can shop at the government emporia or government-approved souvenir shops.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The winter months are a bit chilly, but that is the best time to visit Agra.www.hellotravellers.com

Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips, hints, guide and points to ponder pertaining to traveling, do please browse at our websites.

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vacation getaways

By Roger Munns

 If you like history you will love Malta! Here you will find remnants of the earliest civilizations. Many make this a vacation destination in order to see the Neolithic Temples. These magnificent structures are a true achievement unparalleled. The gravity of the magnificence can only be appreciated after the realization that the 20 ton blocks used to create the temples had to be moved around the rocky landscape of the island.

Wherever you go you will find something wonderful to see. The ruggedly beautiful coastline of Malta offers some fantastic views. This republic is definitely one of culture and history but with the incredible beaches and secluded coves it can be a romantic setting for a honeymoon or a great place to simply get away from it all.

The tropical climate can get hot during the summer season and leave the area looking a little dry. But from about November through the middle of May this area is absolutely beautiful. In late spring blooming flowers are everywhere. The nightlife adds to the enticement of this tourist resort.

With all it has to offer it is not surprising that Malta was listed as one of the top ten islands in the Mediterranean. Other islands that made the top ten list include: Cyprus, Corfu, and Crete (top three favorites), followed by Santorini, Mykonos, Ibiza, Sicily, Majorca and Capri.

Although it is not within the scope of this article to detail the intricacies of each of those islands it is possible to give a brief mention of each. Beginning with Cyprus, which is the third largest Mediterranean island and it is a very popular tourist destination. This island attracts over 2.4 million tourists a year.

If you are seeking a greener island then Corfu is for you. This island is located just off the West coast of Greece. Its mild climate and excellent beaches make it the perfect vacation destination. The main cultivation here is olive trees but tourism provides the main income.

Crete seems to be the island with everything. This is the southernmost island in Europe and it has mountain villages, long sandy beaches, rugged and rocky bays, along with an amazing nightlife. The wildlife here is just as varied. Crete is definitely the island of variety!

Santorini is another fantastic tourist spot. This area is basically what remains after an enormous volcanic explosion. Originally this was a single island formation. The explosion resulted in the formation or creation of the caldera, which is formed by the collapse of the land following a volcanic eruption.

Mykonos is probably the most famous of the Greek islands. Here you will enjoy a picturesque fishing village along with whitewashed block shaped buildings.

The island of Ibiza is best known for its club parties. However, there is an effort to promote more family-friendly oriented tourism and entertainment.

Sicily is a great and vast multicultural destination. It is a world all its own. Majorca is a favorite spring-break destination. And last but certainly not least, Capri has been a resort since the time of the Roman Republic. The harbors and villas of this island create a wonderful panoramic promenade.

As you can see, each of the ten islands provides something unique and wonderful for us to discover. Depending what you enjoy you are certain to find an island that seems to call out to you. Choose your destination and enjoy the wonders of the Mediterranean.

More Malta holidays information can be found with on-line travel guide yourmalta.com and includes well known travel companies like expedia and other companies who include holiday in Malta information.

Property and Malta immobilien details are also available.

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vacation getaways

By Clint Jhonson

 Brazil is a tropical paradise for nature lovers and tourists arrive from all over the world to experience its culture and food. Rio Janeiro is the heart of Brazil and tourists flock to the city due to the year round sunshine, clear skies, spectacular beaches and the warmth and friendliness of the people. The best time for Rio de Janeiro Brazil travel is during Christmas. Tourists flock to the city during Christmas due to the fact that although it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it is the start of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. A tourist can spend Christmas in scorching sunshine on golden beaches with the bluest ocean, instead of the dreary winter cold and snowstorms. The nights are balmy with a cool breeze coming from the ocean to dissipate the heat of the day. The summer season lasts till March and tourists visiting Brazil and Rio Janeiro at this time can take advantage of the excellent weather and climate.

But this does not mean that the rest of the year is not good enough for tourists and visitors. Fall or autumn starts in March turning the green paradise into a land of golden hues with leaves turning gold and russet red, with an occasional shower to make the atmosphere romantic. Rio Janeiro in fall is a lover’s paradise and the climate and atmosphere lend a helping hand to those who have just found love or those seeking to strengthen their relationship by being together in a wonderful country at a wondrous time of the year. It is truly a magical time for Rio de Janeiro Brazil travel and tourists who visit the country at this time of the year always cherish the memories of the visit and return again.

Although winter all over the world is considered dreary and dull with snow and cold, Brazil and Rio Janeiro is blessed because it is south of the Equator. Winter in Brazil does mean cold days and colder nights, but the temperature does not go down to zero or below, in fact it rarely goes below 15 degrees. Tourists from colder countries in the north like the US, Canada, and Europe, will find the climate pleasant and much better than the winter they have to face. Tourists, who cannot bear the heat of summer in Brazil and the harsh winter in their own country, can always plan their Rio de Janeiro Brazil travel during this season and take advantage of the pleasant climate and milder winter with clearer skies and warm sunshine.

Any season is good enough to visit Rio Janeiro and see its beautiful urban forests. The city is one of the few places in the world, which has acres of forests located right within the city. Tourists and visitors can easily visit the Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca or ‘White Stone State Park’ and the Floresta da Tijuca or ‘Tijuca Forest’, which are located next to each other within the boundaries of the city. Tourists can indulge in many outdoor activities or just stroll around enjoying the peace and solitude in the forested areas amidst the bustling city. For those who love music and fun, there is of course the world famous Carnival and Samba music. People who love Brazilian Samba music and the wild and Exotique Carnival in all its glory and with all the fantastic costumes, floats and parades, plan their Rio de Janeiro Brazil travel well in advance to avoid disappointment of unavailable flight tickets and hotel reservations.

For more information on visiting

Rio Janeiro or planning

Rio de Janeiro Brazil travel, please do visit our site.

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travel tips

By Paul Bleakley

 The Isle of man is fast becoming one of the top tourist destinations in the United Kingdom for people looking for that out of the way holiday/vacation. The Island is situated right in the centre of the Irish Sea between Ireland and Wales. The Irish Sea is quite cold but dont let that put you off as thousands of people flock to this special island every year to see its incredible beaches and coastline.

The coastline is one of the things the Island is most famous for, after all it is an Island so youre never that far from the Sea. Even though the Island has a rich Seaside culture there is one other thing that this province is very famous for and that is the annual TT motorcycle race that takes place during the summer months. This event has done more for the tourism industry than probably anything else, as motorcycle fanatics from all over the world flock to see the races.

Some of the fastest riders from around the world compete in this death-defying race around the island circuit. Whilst it is a very dangerous sport its also one of the most exhilarating for those taking part, with the financial rewards being considerable along with the fame.

Even if youre not taking part in the race theres a lot of motorcycle history to be found on the Island. One main attraction for any Bike fan is the Motorcycle Museum which has a rich collection of both new and old bikes from all over the world that really is a must see for any fan of the TT.

Travelling to the Isle if Man is much easier than it used to be as the Island now has its own airport. Despite the quicker travel time offered by the airlines many people still choose to take one of the many ferries that shuttle to and from the mainland throughout the day. P&O and Stenna line are two of the main carriers which offer very reasonable rates, even if you are taking a car.

Taking your car to the Island is also a great way to see the Island at your own time. There are many small towns and villages that you will bump into and you explore. Also there will be no need to worry about getting lost as the Island is only 5 miles across. One fact that will appeal to car and bike fans about the island is that once you get out of the main town and city there is no seed limit! However even with no speed restrictions it is still advisable to drive with care as there are alot of hidden dips and corners. So with all this in mind book your trip today and you definitely wont regret it.

isleofmanhotelsnow.co.uk is a blog providing information about Isle of Man hotels and attractions.

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