Friday, February 22, 2008

A Black History Tour of Washington D.C. and Baltimore

For many student travelers, immersing themselves in the diverse history of our nation's origins is a part of their curriculum. My company, Educational Travel Consultants, developed a black history tour to highlight the historical landmarks and sites that describe this important human component of our heritage as a nation.

Following is a summary of some major points of interest for the black history tour of Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Student travel groups who take the Black History Tour of Washington D.C. focus on these sites as opposed to traditional stops such as the White House and the Capital. The black history tour can be customized to include major Washington D.C. sites, too.

Frederick Douglas Historic Home
One of the most literate and well-respected leaders of the abolitionist movement of the 19th Century was Frederick Douglas. His home in Washington D.C. was designated an historic site in 1988 and is now managed by the National Park Service in Washington D.C. Douglas' legacy is one of a lettered man who fought for the oppressed. He had four children and 21 grandchildren, and they frequently gathered at his home on holidays and special occasions.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
The main branch of the District of Columbia Library system in Washington, this building is an example of modern architecture and it's predominance of glass, steel, and brick. The King Mural © painted by Don Miller is on display in the front lobby. This work encompasses a lifetime of work on social justice issues. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Library is a testament to King's influence on American life and racial politics.

National Museum of African Art
The National Museum of African Art is part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. The works that are in the collections here represent the diversity of arts from the African continent. A portion of the art in the collection is aesthetically pleasing and utilitarian as well. The National Museum of African Art includes ceramics, tiles, furniture, tools and masks, figures and musical instruments as well as traditional artistic forms such as painting, printmaking and sculpture. Student travel groups will be exposed to "Africa's rich cultural diversity" when they explore this unique collection.

Great Blacks in Wax Museum
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, just a short one hour bus drive from Washington D.C., the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum is a favorite of student travel groups. Historical and contemporary figures of African American history are recreated in life-like wax figures in this museum. This is a great way for student travel group to learn details and stories about the oft neglected African Americans in history.

Morgan State University
Another Baltimore stop on the Black History Tour is Morgan State University, a 130 year old institution that has historically served a multi-racial and multi-ethnic student body. As one of Maryland's premier state universities, Morgan State University has held a role of distinction throughout its history. Student travel groups may tour the historic campus and learn more about Morgan State University's distinguished alumus.

Benjamin Banneker Memorial Circle
This Memorial circle is an actual traffic circle located in downtown Washington D.C. Student travel groups can visit the Benjamin Banneker Memorial Circle en route to other destinations to see this historical marker. Benjamin Banneker helped survey the 10 mile square piece of land that was later to become Washington D.C. Banneker was a man of science who left a lasting imprint on the African American community of Washington D.C.

Metropolitan A.M.E. Church
Also known as "The Cathedral of African Methodism" the Metropolitan A.M.E. Church is a place where African American community has gathered since the 1800s. Many distinguished political figures have spoken from the pulpits of Metropolitan A.M.E. church, including Frederick Douglas, William Howard Taft, and Jimmy Carter. This gothic style church was built by black artisans and can seat 2,500 people. It is truly a public meeting place for the African American community in Washington D.C. and is an important stop for the student travel tour with a focus on black history.

The specially designed black history tour of Washington D.C. and Baltimore is a great way to familiarize a student travel group with the diversity inherent in our country's history.

Howard Clemens founded Educational Travel Consultants in 1984. Over the last 24 years, Mr. Clemens has organized student travel tours for thousands of high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. His company also specializes in performance tours to Washington D.C., New York City, and Orlando, Florida. Visit www.educationaltravelconsultants.com.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/A-Black-History-Tour-of-Washington-D-C--and-Baltimore/99556

Why Snowmobiling Enthusiasts Choose Burk's Falls as a Winter Vacation Destination

By dumping a most welcome early blanket of snow, Mother Nature has been particularly kind this year to Ontario's Near-North Almaguin Region. Unseasonably cold November and December temperatures combined with unusually high amounts of snowfall have given the area an early start to its snowmobile season. With a good quality base of snow already established and with Environment Canada predicting a winter that will be colder and snowier than normal, this snowmobile season is destined to be one of the best in years.

The timing of this early blast of winter couldn't be better for the town of Burk's Falls. Once again Burk's Falls Ontario will be hosting the Almaguin Cup Snowmobile Ice Racing competition and this year the dates for the event have been moved ahead from mid-winter to the weekend of January 5 and 6, 2008. In order to have a suitable track for ice racing, temperatures need to remain below freezing for approximately two weeks in order for the ground to freeze sufficiently before construction can begin. Luckily the weather this year has been cooperating with consistently below-freezing temperatures. Between the early blast of winter and the Almaguin Cup Snowmobile Ice Racing competition, snowmobiling enthusiasts are viewing Burk's Falls as an ideal winter snowmobiling vacation destination.

Many people looking for a winter vacation destination are viewing The Almaguin Cup as an added benefit to vacationing in Burk's Falls Ontario. The Almaguin Cup is part of The Eastern Pro Tour and will be the first race of the season. The 2008 Eastern Pro Tour will start in Burk's Falls and will run every weekend, ending in Roberval Quebec on March 9th. Holding the race at the opening of the season is a plus for the community because there is added excitement as racers are eager to compete once again. This kind of enthusiasm is exactly what draws racers and non-racers alike to the region as people are able to participate in or cheer on the snowmobilers.

For the town of Burk's Falls, the 2007 Almaguin Cup was an exciting event for everyone involved and was a real draw for the area with many local businesses reaping the benefits. With the support of many volunteers and business, as well as help from the local government, organizers are confident that the upcoming 2008 Almaguin Cup weekend will be a tremendous success and will be bigger and better than ever. Each year supporters of the Almaguin Cup look forward to the event's exponential growth.

In an effort to make the 2008 Almaguin Cup even better than last, many improvements have been planned for this year's event including a new public address system. There are also more activities planned for spectators including a beer tent and additional food facilities. Furthermore, this year more ice racers have signed on making the races even more thrilling.

In addition to The Almaguin Cup, snowmobiling enthusiasts are drawn to the Almaguin resort area because of the luxurious accommodations in a pristine wilderness setting. With some resorts situated on the lake with access to over 3500 kilometers of groomed trails of the Near North Trail System, snowmobilers are able to experience full-service resort amenities while taking advantage of a sport they love.

This winter, Almaguin area businesses are betting on a terrific season ahead. With seemingly endless miles of snowmobile trails, you can't get a better snowmobile getaway and, with exciting events like the Almaguin Cup, Ontario's Near-North Almaguin Region is the place to be this winter.

Northridge Inn & Resort, on beautiful Lake Bernard, is a full service resort that offers its guests luxurious accommodations in a pristine wilderness setting. To learn more about Northridge Inn & Resort, and the accommodations that they provide, please visit Northridge Inn & Resort or call 705-384-2252.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Why-Snowmobiling-Enthusiasts-Choose-Burk-s-Falls-as-a-Winter-Vacation-Destination/99890

Spa Resorts In St. Thomas - You Do Have Options

Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with Spa Resorts in St. Thomas? This informative report can give you an insight into everything you've ever wanted to know about Spa Resorts in St. Thomas.

Those of you not familiar with the latest on Spa Resorts in St. Thomas now have at least a basic understanding. But there's more to come.

Each year, millions of individuals, couples, and families make the decision to vacation in St. Thomas. If you are thinking about scheduling your next vacation in St. Thomas, you have an unlimited number of hotels, resorts, and other accommodations to choose from.

With a wide variety of choices, many individuals have a difficult time narrowing down their resort choices to just one. When selecting a St. Thomas resort to vacation at, there is one important factor that you should consider. That factor is what you want to do while vacationing in St. Thomas.

While in St. Thomas, you may enjoy relaxing by the beach, participating in underwater activities, golfing, or spending the day at the spa. By considering what you need and want to do while on vacation, you should be able to select the perfect resort. If you are interested in spending the day at a spa, you may want to consider vacationing at a spa resort. Below is a summary of three top rated spa resorts in St. Thomas.

(1) The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa is one of St. Thomas's most well-known resorts. In addition to being classified as a spa resort, the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa is also an all-inclusive resort.

Whether you are interested in enjoying a romantic getaway with your spouse or a vacation with the kids, you are sure to enjoy your stay that the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa. Adults will enjoy the numerous onsite restaurants, bars, and the gaming room. Children, of all ages, are sure to enjoy the many onsite activities. The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa is known for its kid's club. This club will offer fun and exciting activities for children of all ages.

In addition to the above mentioned activities, the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa is located right along the coast. The resorts location makes it ideal for a number of popular beach activities. These beach activities may include, but should not be limited to, swimming, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, and sunbathing.

(2) The Frenchman's Ref and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort can be found along the shores of St. Thomas. No matter where you reside, you have likely heard of Marriott before. Marriott is an international hotel chain that aims to please individuals and families of all ages.

Perhaps, the Frenchman's Ref and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort is most known for its onsite spa, the Reef Health Club. Aside from the spa, adults will enjoy playing golf, tennis, and volleyball. Rooms at the Frenchman's Ref and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort are absolutely beautiful. In addition to the rooms, fine dining restaurants and trendy bars can be found at the resort.

As the Frenchman's Ref and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort is located on the beach, they offer a number of beach related activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and sailing.

(3) The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is located on the eastern side of the island. It is considered one of St. Thomas's most beautiful resorts. The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas caters to individuals of all ages, including children.

The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is home to the Boutique Spa. The Boutique Spas is where visitors will receive first class treatment. In addition to the spa, most adults will make use of the fitness center, salon, and onsite golf course. The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas also offers fun and exciting activities for children. The Ritz-Carlton Kids Club is a favorite among children and parents will love onsite childcare.

As with most spa resorts in St. Thomas, the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is also considered a beach resort. Located on the beach, the Ritz-Carlton is home to a large number of fun and exciting beach adventures. These adventures may include, but are not limited to, swimming, boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, sunbathing, beach sports, and sailing.

The above mentioned spa resorts are just a few of the many you can find in St. Thomas. If you are looking for additional resorts, you can easily find them online or with the assistance of a travel agent. Whichever St. Thomas spa resort you decide to stay at, you will be spending your vacation in luxury.

I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing--the more you understand about any subject, the more you will be able to share with others.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Spa-Resorts-In-St--Thomas---You-Do-Have-Options/102577

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Open your eyes to the charm of India with Pushkar travel

India is a land of many varieties, where each state has a different story to tell. Among the colorful sights offered by the various places, one of the most attractive states is Rajasthan. This desert land is home to many cities and townships, each unique in its own way. Be it the Rajasthani cuisine or the folk song and dance of the land, your heart is sure to be captured by the offerings of this place. The warmth of the Rajasthani people gives you a true taste of Indian hospitality. The various must visit places on your itinerary are Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Ajmer and ofcourse Pushkar. The small town of Pushkar is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus across the world and people undertaking Pushkar travel come here not only as tourists but also as devotees and pilgrims to offer their prayers.

Pushkar travel provides you with the opportunity to visit the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in entire India. The Brahma temple in Pushkar is the only place where the Hindu god of creation is worshipped and hence it forms an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus. The temple itself is a beautiful creation where the architecture is appreciated even by people who are not religious tourists. The marble flooring and silver coins embedded in the floor add to the charm of the temple. Besides this temple, Pushkar travel is also the best way to enjoy the hospitality of the Rajasthani people. The hotels and resorts out here, provide you not only with every comforts of your asking but also give you an authentic taste of being treated like royalty.

Rajasthan is the land of the warrior princes called Rajputs and the many forts and palaces carry the tales of the past. When you plan your Pushkar travel, you can get a glimpse of these palaces and forts in addition to the many temples and holy rivers that form the integral and inherent part of the land. Also, whenever you plan your trip, it is always advisable to take the guidance and inputs from the local people. When you stay in a Pushkar hotel or resort, make sure you find out the places to visit from the hotel staff. One of the important things to be kept in mind while visiting Pushkar is the timing of your visit.

The famous fairs of Pushkar are a must visit for all tourists who are planning their Pushkar travel. The cattle fair and the camel fair are major attractions not only for the visitors but also for the locals. The fair is a common meeting ground for traders and yet has many elements of fun involved in it. Therefore, whether you want to see the trading of cattle or camel races or are simply there to enjoy the food, music and activities, Pushkar travel is sure to make your visit a memory worth cherishing for a lifetime. So next time you want to see India at its grassroot level, make sure that you plan a trip to Rajasthan.

Rajendra Sharma is a renowned travelogue and has been dealing with travel guides. If you want to know more about Trip to Rajasthan, Pushkar temple, Pushkar travel,Pushkar hotels,Hotels in Jaipur,Pushkar camel fair,Pushkar festivals, Fair Tour Rajasthan and Pushkar Travel India, you can log onto www.pushkarresorts.com



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Open-your-eyes-to-the-charm-of-India-with-Pushkar-travel/101297