Phila Airport Parking Vacations

Costa Rica is a great vacation destination for a wide variety of reasons and a wide variety of travelers. This intimate country boasts stunning tropical weather, abundant flora and fauna, an incredible national park system, amazing beaches, stunning mountains, a vast array of activities, diversity of ecosystems in a compact area, strong relative value, huge range of accommodations from exotic luxury options to nature-based ecolodges, etcetera! However, what really stands out to me after over 6 years of traveling to this country and living here for the last 4 and a half years, is what an incredible haven this is for family travel.

The Costa Rican people, affectionately known as ticos, love families and babies and generously express a special touch for the young, old and in-between. You will hear estoy para servirle often, which means I am here to serve you. As long as your behavior is gracious, it will be completely sincere. From the moment you arrive at Juan Santa Maria Airport in San Jose and proceed through customs, this will be apparent. There is a special line for families with young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with medical or special needs. Our first visit was when my youngest daughter was a tender 6 weeks old, and as soon as they saw me and my bundle, older daughter of 3, and husband, we were whisked into the expedited line and sent right through. Genuine hospitality will find you, whether you are with family, children, or not. However, when you are with children and/or elders, there is a wonderful extra effort made and the sincere desire to go above and beyond to accommodate will impress you. I cant think of a more enjoyable country for any family trip; there are activities to delight any age group and any fitness level.

A Costa Rica family adventure is such a great opportunity for you and yours to bond in a unique way, away from the crazy daily races that most of us participate in. I love the process: you have a clear planning stage, beginning, middle, end, and the post-travel memories and experiences that can last a lifetime. To top it off, there is a common goal all can work toward together: to have a great time! Start by narrowing down destinations and activities. Even if you have various priorities and opinions, you will likely be able to cover it all in Costa Rica. We have cloud forests, rainforests, Pacific beaches, Caribbean beaches, surf camps, snorkeling, whitewater rafting, hiking, horse back riding, camping, all-inclusives, you name it! Engage your kids to help in the planning and execution however they can contribute. Encourage them to document the trip by keeping a journal, taking pictures, and collecting memorabilia. Pick out some travel books together. There are beautifully illustrated field guides of flora and fauna to identify the numerous amazing creatures you see here in Costa Rica. The airports here have a nice selection, but if you do this in your hometown it could be a helpful part of the planning stage. Your son or daughter might decide they have a burning desire to see a Tapir, so you would then need to choose the right area near the appropriate National Park. A Costa Rica family adventure is not only a great time together; it can be super educational as well.

I am consistently impressed with tours in Costa Rica. Just because you are relaxing at a beach destination doesnt mean you cant enjoy an estuary trip, or volcano excursion, or a zip-line through the cloud forest. From all destinations there are half-day and day trips for all kinds of tours. When deciding on tours, I recommend always choosing the guided option. Generally the guides here are college educated, super friendly, and take great pride in their unique knowledge which really makes the experience an excellent added value. My husband and I took our girls for a guided waterfall hike at Lapa Rios in the Osa and if it werent for the terrific guide we would have missed out on so much. He knew just where to find a bat in a furled leaf, the dust-like spores of a fern that left perfect imprints on our clothing, cup-like mushrooms, frogs, and so much more. The two big highlights for us were when he scraped some sap from what he called a kerosene tree, placed it on the end of a walking stick and lit it up like a lantern and when he stopped to show us the clever spider that intentionally weaves in small twigs into its web which happens to match the body color of the spider. The spider leaves a small gap between the twigs where he can hide, making the appearance of one continuous twig-amazing! We were so enthralled that we waited to see if the spider would retreat to the camouflaged position, and sure enough we were able to see it! I have been so happy to have had the guides on every guided tour that I have taken in Costa Rica. I have found that they are also sensitive to ages and abilities which will make a big difference for your group as well.

Some of my favorite places to go with my family:

1. Lapa Rios Eco Lodge in the Osa Peninsula: For up close and personal nature, a truly sustainable experience, great food, views, excellent service, and luxury in the jungle, adventure. This lodge really is best for outdoorsy, somewhat adventurous families and kids 5 and older. It is my gold standard for eco-lodges.

2. Punta Islita on the Pacific Coast: They have tours, services, and even spa treatments geared for families. The spacious villas can accommodate families beautifully. The cuisine, service and views are wonderful; kids of all ages will love it. The tiny local community is a treat.

3. Harmony Hotel in Nosara: Very elegant, sustainable, healthy cuisine. Yoga for all levels. Great beach for boogie boarding, swimming and surfing. The locals and the clientele have relaxed international flair. Kids of all ages will do well; baby/toddler friendly pool.

4. Hotel Capitan Suizo in Tamarindo: This is a Swiss-run charmer on one of my favorite beaches ever. The pool and restaurant are totally family-friendly. You have the benefit of a bustling community with lots of services, amenities, and restaurants, however when you stay at Capitan Suizo you are in your own lovely little world. The beach is one of the best Ive experienced for kids of all ages where you all can swim, surf, and boogie-board. The staff is great. There are several local surf schools that are fantastic for all levels.

Travel is good food for the soul. I dont think there is a better way for a family to refresh, bond and create memorable experiences together. If you choose Costa Rica for your family adventure you will have memories to cherish; you will be delighted. In my experience, those that visit enjoy themselves so much they return because there is so much here to savor!

Costa Rica Family Adventures – Tico Style By Lisa Khajavi

In these troubling times, it is essential that we step back and make a little time for rest and relaxation. It is especially important for couples to spend a little time rekindling the romance that first brought them together. A getaway at a romantic Southern bed and breakfast serves as a perfect little respite from the daily grind.

If you want to find the best inns of the South, head to ILoveInns.com. This award-winning website is run by American Historic Inns, publishers of more than 2.7 million travel guides. After an exhaustive search, the writers and staff at AHI have compiled their annual list of the Top Ten Most Romantic Inns of 2009. The following Southern bed and breakfasts are featured on this year’s list.

With its stunning ocean views and seaside location, guests might never want to leave the idyllic Port d’Hiver Bed and Breakfast. Located in historic Melbourne Beach, this Florida inn boasts gorgeous guest rooms, each of which has been decorated in a posh beach style. Dianne’s Room is a personal favorite, a cozy retreat with an almost whimsical canopy queen bed, unique vaulted ceiling with dark wood beams, and a clawfoot tub in the marble-appointed bath. Several rooms offer an ocean view, and some have a whirlpool tub. The beach is just 200 feet away, but the innkeepers also offer a spa pool for their guests to enjoy. The rates include a full breakfast, which you can enjoy either on your porch or in the dining room.

For a mix of new and old, consider the French Quarter Inn in Charleston, South Carolina. This Charleston inn features new construction but is surrounded by the downtown historic area just steps from the town’s famous market. The inn provides plenty of modern amenities, such as CD players and high-speed internet access. A unique Sound Sleep Pillow Menu allows guests to choose the perfect pillow to ensure an excellent sleep. All of the rooms and suites are spacious and some suites include extras such as whirlpool tubs, a private balcony and a fireplace. The inn’s restaurant, Tristan, has earned a four-star rating from AAA.

With its prime location and amazing history, The Inn at Warner Hall, is practically perfect in every way. This Virginia inn is located along the Chesapeake Bay in the village of Gloucester, 15 minutes from Yorktown battlefields and just a half-hour from Colonial Williamsburg. The historic plantation was created by George Washington’s great-great grandfather. Each of the elegant bedchambers has been decorated with period antiques, and the innkeepers pamper their guests with fluffy down comforters, soft bathrobes and luxurious bath products. Full, gourmet breakfasts are included in the rates, and snacks and beverages are available throughout the day. The inn’s restaurant is a delight, serving the best local produce and seafood on an ever-changing seasonal menu. Popular five-course tasting menus are presented on Friday and Saturday nights, offering such items as fennel and garlic crusted rack of lamb or perhaps butter-braised lobster with lemon.

More information about these three romantic inns, as well as more than 19,000 bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels and country inns is available at ILoveInns.com. This comprehensive website has all the information you need to help plan your next B&B getaway. You’ll find detailed information about each property as well as photographs and helpful travel maps. In addition, printable gift certificates are available for thousands of the inns listed on the website.

Let’s make your Italian experience something unique! Before booking your trip make sure to select the perfect location for your staing in Rome. Rome has many areas in the city center, each one with its own unique touch and style. Where should you start from? Here are some guidelines.

1)TRASTEVERE: this area has the athmosphere of the middle ages and its built in a dedalus of narrow, curling, irregular streets. At the time when most of this area was built there was little need and space for carriages, it was just a place for poor people to sleep. Trastevere remained like this, a maze of narrow streets, since then.

The area of Trastevere is a major attraction for its movie theaters, restaurants, cabaret clubs, crafts artisans and picturesque maze of narrow cobbled alleyways.

At night, cafe and restaurants tables spill out over to the pavement, especially around Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. During the early morning, this friendly neighborhood of antique charm and unique narrow streets shows its unique atmosphere.

2)THE SPANISH STEPS: in Italian means “Scalinata”. They can be easily found and recognized by a rectangle like shape and an early Baroque water fountain called “La Fontana della Barcaccia” (“Fountain of the Old Boat”), built in 1627-29 at the foot of the stairs.

This is a charming and very rich area, home of the most famous fashion brands (both italians and international). It’s also a meeting point and a top tourist attraction. From aside the square you can go for a romantic or scenic ride in a carriage pulled by a horse around Rome.

3)THE PANTHEON: by definition the “Temple of all the gods”, it was built in 27 B.C and then converted into a church in 609. This perfect square rests on a cylinder measuring 142 feet wide and 142 feet high.

Very well preserved, probably the best preserved building of its age in the world today. It’s an incredible place to visit, The Pantheon worths spending an hour visit for sure.

Enjoy your Italian cappuccino, pasta or pizza in one of its many neighbouring restaurants in the square, facing this magnificent wonder of the world. Some of the best souvenir shops and Icecreams (“Gelato”) in Rome can be found anywhere in this area.

4)THE COLOSSEUM: originally known as the “Flavian Amphitheater”, was capable of seating 55,000 spectators. Deadly gladiatorial combats and wild animals fights were staged here free of charge by the emperor for its citizens.

Emperor Vespasian wanted but it was finished only under his son Domiziano in 80 AD by his son Domitian, it’s the most famous touristic place where to go in Rome, you can’t leave Rome without witnessing it.

The colossuem is occasionally hosting some special events on the inside. Modern Stadiums and structures got inspired by the Colosseum’s building structure and by the concepts it introduced.

5)THE VATICAN, St. PETER’S CHURCH: since 1377 it became the residence of the Pope. “The Vatican City” is home of the independent state of the Vatican since 1929. A mass from the Pope is held almost each Sunday to the public.

The massive large square fills with people listening to the magic and powering words of the pope.

The Vatican also houses some of the best paintings, masterpiece and archeological finds in the world. It’s worth coming to Rome even just to witness at this incredible collection. The area is nonetheless a quiet, residential area to stay and visit.

6)TREVI FOUNTAIN: is one of the most beautiful and well known tourist attraction in Rome.It’s in the really city center, and it’s the largest standing and most impressive Baroque fountain of Rome, it measures 25.9 meters (85 feet) high and 19.8 meters (65 feet) wide.

Trevi Fountain is so called because of its position which is at the intersection of 3 roads (in italian ‘tre vie’). On the back of fountain there is a building called Palazzo dei Duchi di Polis, it represents a replica of the triumphal arch. As the legend goes if visitor throws a coin into the fountain, he/she will be back in Rome!

7)CAMPO DEI FIORI: during the day is conquered by lots of standowners that sell their goods and vegetable in the famous daily outdoor market right in the campo de fiori square. The whole area is very charming and good for quick bite to eat, wonder around, and people watching.

Many small boutiques are spread all over Campo dei Fiori and some souvenir shops are very nice. During the whole year you will notice people sit outside, hanging around the square and lots of outdoor Trattorias and espresso bars.

At night, the area tunrs into a very cool place for entartainment, music and social drinking, with an animated atmosphere where people get together and enjoy the evening. It’s by far the most popular tourist attraction in the summer nights together with Trastevere.

8)PIAZZA NAVONA: built over the oval structure of the “Domitian Stadium”, at the time of the ancient romans it used to be flooded with water to stage naval battle ships and it was seating 30,000 spectators.

Nowadays, 3 magnificent marble fountains decorate the square which was actually designed by Bernini and obelisk from Egypt is in the middle of the square. The narrow streets around Navona square are full of cool boutiques and souvenir shops.

From December 8th until January 6th Piazza Navona is the host of the event “Befana” (“Epiphany”) celebration, very popular and characteristic.

It’s that special time of the year when you and your sweetheart can freely share an unforgettable experience to rekindle your romance. The West Coast inns, bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels offer a unique and time-tested recipe for pampering, refreshment and wonderful dining experiences.

For information about the most romantic B&Bs in California and the Pacific Northwest, check out popular travel writer Karen Brown’s website. Full of information about these areas, Karen Brown’s World of Travel offers detailed trip itineraries, maps and listings for hundreds of unique inns in these areas as well as exciting destinations around the world.

Karen Brown’s readers have voted and chosen the following lodging choices as the “Most Romantic” and best “Splendid Splurges” in California and the Pacific Northwest. For a romantic getaway, the following is a good place to begin your search:

The Tickle Pink Inn, located just south of Carmel, an unbelievably beautiful seaside village on California’s Central Coast, was voted “Most Romantic” in California by Karen Brown readersand for good reason. With access to excellent shopping, unique gourmet restaurants and world-class golf courses, this charming inn is loaded with amenities. Near the edge of Big Sur, The Tickle Pink Inn is intimate, private and elegant. Enjoy a luxurious continental breakfast in the early mornings and a fantastic evening reception with classical music playing softly in the background while you taste local wines, fresh fruits and fantastic cheeses. The rooms are well-appointed and present quaint balconies from which to enjoy the seaside view, and most are equipped with wood burning fireplaces as well. The most elegant suites boast whirlpool tubs and the luxurious king beds are graced with Egyptian cotton and down comforters.

The Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for the best “Splendid Splurge” in California goes to The Inn Above Tide in Sausalito. Every room has excellent views of the panoramic San Francisco Bay and offers unbelievably plush accommodations. Most of the rooms contain fireplaces and private decks, affording exquisite vistas of the night lights in the city. Enjoy the oversized tubs, flat screen TVs, luxurious linens, soft robes and Bvlgari bath products. Continental breakfasts are fabulous, and the evening wine and cheese reception is not to be missed. The Inn Above Tide also offers the Penthouse Suite with a glass-enclosed whirlpool tub overlooking the bay as well as a romantic fireplace and private deck.

While not as posh as some of the inns listed in this article, the Channel House in Depoe Bay, Oregon, has plenty to offer. The location affords almost total privacy, located right on the edge of the Oregon coast. Many of the guest rooms have a deck with an ocean view hot tub, as well as a fireplace. A continental breakfast buffet is served in a room that affords stunning sea vistas, a perfect start to the day. The staff is happy to help guests plan their daily adventures, offering suggestions for activities and local restaurants. The area is ideal for whale watching and The Whale Center is located within walking distance of the inn. The Channel House was the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for “Most Romantic” lodging in the Pacific Northwest.

The Sooke Harbour House in Canada’s glorious province of British Columbia is a fanciful destination. Located on the Whiffen Spit Beach in the village of Sooke, this boutique hotel offers some truly unique accommodations. Each of the rooms offers a view of mountains, gardens or the sea and all have a fireplace and private balcony or terrace. The dcor is what truly sets this place apart from other coastal inns. For example, the Passion Flower room includes a bed with a headboard that resembles wooden doors opening onto a mural of a garden path. The Kitchen’s Garden room includes a shower surrounded on three sides by stained glass. Original artwork and unique furnishings decorate the other guest rooms, and each has a different theme. The hotel also has a full-service spa and a gourmet restaurant. Sooke Harbour House won the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for best “Splendid Splurge” in the Pacific Northwest.

For many of us, a stay at the White House would be a dream come true. The reality is that most of us will never get beyond a quick trip through with a tour guide. Never fear, there are still plenty of excellent bed and breakfasts to enjoy, and if you stay at the following inns, you will enjoy comfortable accommodations, a delicious breakfast and bragging rights to state that you have spent the night at the “White House.”

If you long for outdoor adventure, the White House Bed and Breakfast in Ducktown, Tenn., is an excellent home base for your southern Appalachian vacation. The historic Queen Anne Victorian offers three cozy, country guest rooms, and each has a private bath. A full, homemade breakfast is served each morning. The area offers much to do. Explore the historic village of Ducktown, shop for antiques or enjoy a tour of the local mining museum. Fishing, boating, panning for gold panning and whitewater rafting are among the outdoor activities. The Ocoee River was the site of whitewater events during the 1996 Summer Olympics.

The Texas White House, located just minutes from Fort Worth, offers a romantic mix of guest rooms and suites, each individually decorated. Some have a whirlpool tub, others boast a clawfoot soaking tub original to this historic home. A full, gourmet breakfast is served each morning and in the afternoons, snacks are provided. The innkeepers are happy to help guests find restaurants and attractions. Texas Christian University, as well as museums and the Fort Worth Zoo are all close by.

Port Jefferson, a charming village on the north shore of Long Island, is the location of yet another presidential bed and breakfast. The White House on High Street includes three elegant guest rooms, each named in honor of a famous first lady. The Jacqueline Kennedy and Eleanor Roosevelt suites include both a fireplace and whirlpool tub. The Edith Wilson Suite includes a king bed and a unique little fireplace. The innkeepers serve a gourmet breakfast each morning, and offer plenty of amenities. The game room offers a pool table, puzzles and board games as well as a computer for guest use. Wi-Fi access is available throughout the inn, as well. The grounds boast gardens, a heated swimming pool and a 12-person hot tub.

To find out more about these unique inns, go to iLoveInns.com. This website is the perfect source for bed and breakfast enthusiasts, offering detailed listings, including maps and photographs, to more than 19,000 unique country inns, B&Bs and boutique hotels. Easy-to-print gift certificates also are available on the website, a perfect gift solution. Thousands of lodgings participate in the gift certificate program, so it’s never been easier to treat a friend or family member to a relaxing B&B getaway.

The site also offers its award-winning guidebook, “Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns.” This guidebook includes a buy-one-night-get-one-night-free certificate that can be used at any one of the more than 1,400 properties listed.