Small Gray Bear

The words Cheap Africa Vacations don't really make sense, so why did you search under these three words?

If you think about it logically, the word 'cheap' has come to mean poor quality, when really what you want is quality that is inexpensive!!

The question now is, do you know anything that is cheap, but is good quality, so don't think you can get Cheap Africa vacations that are also high quality!!

The next point is Africa - you need to be more specific - after all Africa is a very large continent, with huge differences in scenery, climate, and cultures, so where in Africa do you rally want to take a cheap vacation?

Consider this - Africa takes in Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, all different in themselves, but vastly different to Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, which are themselves different to South Africa.

We must add to this list, the offshore islands of Zanzibar, and perhaps The Seychelles, and Mauritius, although it would be easy to argue they belong to The Indian Ocean, and wouldn't qualify as somewhere to go for a Cheap Africa Vacation.

Finally from the three words Cheap Africa Vacations, we must take the word 'Vacation'.

What does a vacation mean to you, because the success or failure of your hard earned break depends entirely on your family unit all being happy with the same kind of vacation.

You may think a safari would be amazing, but how do you feel about tents, creepy crawlies? Do you want to spend time looking at ancient treasures and tombs?

Are you basically a bone idle beach bum, at your happiest with a good book and a cool refreshing glass? How about the noise, and smell and adventure of the 'souk' with lots of hassle and excitement? Is sophistication necessary for enjoyment?

Be in no doubt the continent of Africa offers a great variety of vacation opportunities.

From Egypt on the northeastern coast to the game reserves of Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, there is something for everybody. The most popular tourist areas are those bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the northeastern coast, such as Tunisia, and Morocco, then the islands of the Seychelles.

An area of increasing popularity in South Africa is a wine tour. At the opposite end of the continent several thousand miles away, Egypt is home to countless antiquities. A visit to Africa should be made with great care, as it is too large to tackle in one trip. You need to focus on a region and allow enough time to adequately see that area of the continent.

With many companies offering a wide range of prices for their charter yacht holiday packages, more and more people are taking to the seas for an adventure that they couldn't experience in the past.

With crewed yacht charters, all the hard work is taken out of the yachting adventure, so you can enjoy the lifestyle yachting presents without the need to feel like you want another holiday after the charter to recover.

Charter yachts are available to suit many budgets from the most basic yacht to the luxury yachts that most people can only dream about. These luxury yachts come with a full crew including chefs and food fit for a king.

With so many beautiful places throughout the world to explore, charter yachts offer the advantage of seeing places that the average tourist will never go.

Imagine stopping off at a different island in the Caribbean everyday and then sailing off into the sunset for a new destination each evening as you sip champagne and eat the finest of foods.

When you compare the price of a yacht charter with a resort offering equal levels of service you might be in for a pleasant surprize at how cost effective yacht charters have become in recent years.

There is a wide range of yachts available for charter, from sailboats to motor yachts and the waters that you will be sailing will have a bearing on the type of yacht that you will want to charter.

It is wise to use a recommended charter yacht company as they have the experience to guide you in your decision-making.

If you are unsure it is always a safe bet to get a crewed yacht where you can safely trust the people who are familiar with the conditions that you will be sailing in.

Before your next holiday consider the costs and the advantages of a charter yacht vacation.

Charter flights and cruise, come to think about it, are very expensive vacation packages you can go to as an alternative for resorts and other holiday vacations. Charter holiday works like booking a hotel or a room in a resort. It is a way of hiring a jet or a yacht for a specific period of time where you can use it to go to your holiday destinations. Because of its great expense, few people have tried having holidays on charter jet or yachts, but many people wish so hard to go on a vacation such as that. Guess what? With the help of this cancellation holiday sites who offers booking on charter jets and yachts, they will offer with a luxurious vacation for a lesser price.
What are Charter Cancellation Holidays?
How do charter holidays work? You are going to book a jet or yacht to take you to the holiday destination you chose to go to. You will be accommodated with first class service and full crew who will accommodate you and all your needs during your trip. You can slumber on the relaxing chairs on the plane as you travel to far destinations, or you can watch the view in your yacht drinking champagne and sunbathing as you travel to a beautiful paradise island where you will have your summer holidays.
Benefits of Charter Cancellation Holidays
Cancellation holiday sites will help you choose your perfect holiday because they have connections to different airports and sea ports so you will have no worries when you're traveling to the particular holiday spot you planned to visit. They have different connections around the world, so you have many options for your perfect vacation. Aside from this relaxing getaway, cancellation holiday sites have their biggest tour operators to accommodate you as you land on your tourist destination. Cancellation holiday sites have a lot in common to exclusive holiday companies. The only difference is they give you that same experience of a holiday vacation but at very reasonable price.
So if you're in a tight budget but also want to experience a different kind of holiday vacation, then you may think about visiting some cancellation holiday sites on the internet that offers you with exclusive charter arrangements in the air and on the sea. You will really never get bored because these charter cancellation holidays sites will value your money's worth and give you a vacation that you've always dreamed a vacation should be. You will never waste a minute of your time by searching on websites that offer charter holidays that entail a lot of your time and effort and give you a burden on your budget. You will not be wasting your time on planning your vacation but does not see the effective result of it. With charter cancellation holiday sites, you can forget worrying about your vacation and wasting your time on searching for expensive packages. Cancellation holiday sites will give you the pampering and quality of services in a jiffy. You can do it even on the last minute!
Don't be too hard on yourself! Give yourself a time to relax, enjoy life and escape from it all. Charter cancellation holidays sites have it all for you! With just one click of the button, you are one step towards the vacation of a lifetime!

As capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie has long been one of the Caribbean's most vibrant cities. Charlotte Amalie boasts all the gourmet dining, world-class resorts, lively entertainment and other luxurious amenities that much larger cities have to offer. However, Charlotte Amalie maintains a relaxed, uniquely Caribbean atmosphere amongst the hustle and bustle. Despite the fact that there is so much to explore in Charlotte Amalie, the capital city can easily be explored on foot. Providing urban excitement with an exotic backdrop, Charlotte Amalie combines everything tourists love about the Caribbean. Whether you're looking for shopping, world-class dining or live entertainment when traveling in the Caribbean, Charlotte Amalie is the heart of the action.
Despite Charlotte Amalie's many activities, the city remains well known as the shopping hub of the Caribbean. In fact, over one million visitors come to the city each year to explore the many stores and markets. Considering that American tourists are allowed to shop duty-free in St. Thomas with greater allowances than anywhere else in the Caribbean, the interest comes as no surprise. Discounts generally range from 40-60% off American mainland prices on everything from clothing, jewelry and perfume to electronics, crystal and fine china.
The downtown and waterfront areas are the best places to begin a shopping tour of Charlotte Amalie. The historic colonial warehouses lining Main, Back and Waterfront Streets contain hundreds of unique shops with all the discounted luxury goods St. Thomas is known for. The side streets surrounding the downtown area - such as Royal Dane Mall, Palm Passage and Riise Alley - are home to smaller boutiques offering distinctive local products and Caribbean specialties. Throughout this entire area, you will also find plenty of restaurants and bars catering to every palate.
If you couldn't find what you were looking for in downtown Charlotte Amalie, the Havensight District is another great area to do some shopping. Located close to the main cruise ship pier, these shops are especially popular with visitors on shore excursions. In the Havensight District, you will find luxury items similar to those downtown at the same great prices. However, Havensight features a number of charming cafes - perfect for a peaceful Caribbean lunch - that you won't find anywhere else.
If you are in search of some distinctive local products, try Vendor's Plaza and the Native Arts and Crafts Cooperative. Located near Emancipation Park in central Charlotte Amalie, these two markets offer everything from handmade souvenirs and locally-grown produce to Caribbean artwork not available in any other store.
Another thing that sets Charlotte Amalie apart is the presence of impeccably preserved colonial architecture. No other city in the Caribbean has such a wealth of history or such and interesting story to tell. For instance, Fort Christian - the oldest remaining structure in the Virgin Islands sits in Charlotte Amalie. The fort has gone through many phases since its construction in 1666. Originally designed to protect the Danish settlement from other Europeans, the bright red fortress went on to be used as a jail, government hall and police station. Since 1982, Fort Christian has served as the city's finest history museum, while the roof continues to offer the best panoramic views of the city and its harbor.
A walk around Charlotte Amalie will also reveal such buildings as the Grand Hotel - a beautiful 19th century resort that now houses shops in the downtown area - and the Legislature Building - a 19th century structure housing the government of the Virgin Islands, painted a vibrant Caribbean green.
Most importantly, in addition to the stores, resorts, restaurants and historic sites, Charlotte Amalie offers the ideal beaches that have made the Caribbean famous. Charlotte Amalie is probably the perfect destination for those who love the city, but want a taste of the Caribbean's renowned beauty.

Where do you like to trip off to for a quick getaway think we all have those places that we enjoy time and time again. Those timeless spots that somehow draw us back every year, or even a few times a year. I know I have a few locations that irritate my fancy regardless of the season. One of those retreats is Charleston, South Carolina. This is one of the classic cities left in America. So if you're looking for something like LA or Las Vegas, this old-world southern town is certainly not it. The first time I visited this city was in 95. I can even recall the first time I laid eyes on the wonderful paved streets. The historic district had a certain incomparable burn to it. My wife and I stayed at a cozy inn that provided complimentary wine and cheese in the night hours. That's so cool I'll never forget that hotel. Speaking of lodging, these days you can acquire Charleston South Carolina hotels via the Internet. Times sure are a hanging.
If Charleston, South Carolina is a place you've never been, then I suggest you give it a shot. With the variety of Charleston South Carolina hotels at your fingertips, it's rather easy to plan a two week vacation, or a simple weekend trip. There are a number of facilities to choose from. Since this fine city sits in a coastal state, great seafood and hush puppies are easy to come by. Enjoy a carriage ride through the historic district, or check out the night life and fine ales. When you venture off to Charleston, a whole new world is at your disposal. One of the greatest attractions for me was the haunted tour. I encountered this exciting adventure the second time I visited. Like Savanna, Georgia Charleston also provides a tour of its ethereal history
These can be a blast.
Are you searching for Charleston South Carolina hotels well, if you've wised up and turned to the World-Wide Web for guidance, then I would suggest some good research. The key factors when browsing for Charleston South Carolina hotels or any hotels for that matter is the quality of the rooms, the price, and the location. If you can find them all, then you're golden. Your search for Charleston South Carolina hotels is made simple and suitable with the Internet. Plan that perfect
trip today.

If you want to enjoy a small piece of paradise, the idyllic Chapwani Private Island is so delightful you won't believe it is true. It is a tiny coral island nearly a kilometre long and some 100 metres wide. It's sixteen acres, and it is surrounded by small coves, sandy bays and crystal blue waters, with a beautiful white sand beach running down one side. At low tide you can walk around the entire island exploring the exposed coral and small coves and inlets.
It is only fifteen minutes by boat, which is just over a mile from Zanzibar's capital Stone Town, but you are miles and miles away from its' hustle, bustle and smells.
Privacy and a high level of service are the real feature of Chapwani, which has a maximum of twenty guests at any one time. What this effectively means is 'no crowds'!! As it is a private island you won't be disturbed by beach hawkers, or people walking by and staring at you, which is wonderful.
Everybody staying on Chapwani must ensure transfers are organised. This will either be from the airport or the sea port. For all guests staying on Chapwani it is necessary to arrange a transfer from the airport or port, into Stone Town and across to the island by boat. As an alternative, you can get one of the regular boat transfers everyday at 09.00hrs and 16.30hrs. The boat arrives at and leaves from Mercury's Restaurant in front of the Old Dispensary in Stonetown.
You will need to wade calf deep into the ocean off the beach to board and again when you land on the island, so waterproof shoes are useful.
Your arrival is at the southern end of the island, where a jetty sticks out into the sea.
ACCOMMODATION
You will be accommodated in one of ten bedrooms in five thatched bandas, nestling into coconut palms, mangrove trees and baobabs. Inside you'll find a spacious room with large double bed - the traditional Zanzibari four-poster with a mosquito net draped over it - whose plump pillows are adorned with a freshly-plucked hibiscus flower. They are decorated with colourful African prints and furnished with local antiques, and a ceiling fan!! There's just enough space for a cot or an extra bed.
At the back is a bathroom with basin, shelves; and a separate toilet. Please note the bathrooms are attractive with a sunken bath, but no plug, and an open plan hand shower. There is now solar heating so hot water is available, but don't forget that as there is no fresh water on the island, and it is all shipped from the mainland, so don't use too much water.
The generator that supplies the Lodge is switched off in the evenings, so the ceiling fans don't work as well, and you may want to keep cool by opening the banana leaf shutter to let the sea breeze in.
No television, no telephone, no airconditioning, so no 21st century disturbances, just adds to the wonderful feeling of escapism and romance. In the evening when the main generator is switched off, the ceiling fans operate only on their lowest settings. However this should not be too much of an issue as there is usually a good sea breeze.
Outside is a wooden terrace with deckchairs, and just beyond that a thatch parasol with your own sunloungers. The sea is so close that at very high tides it practically laps at your terrace. The terrace is a lovely place to sit and watch the sunset.
You can take your sun loungers onto the beach and find a secluded spot to sunbathe.
FACILITIES
On this magical little private island the open-plan thatched lodge is in the centre of the island with views to both sides. This might give you some idea of how narrow the island is!!
It is reached by sandy paths, which are lit by paraffin lights at night, and it blends in perfectly with the landscape, and consists of a bar, dining room and lounge decorated in Swahili antiques.
The lounge area, might better be called a lounging area because of its handmade furniture and comfortable sofas is a nice place to hide from the heat of the day. The whole place is airy and pleasant and has the kind of laid back beach atmosphere, that has long gone from the Maldives and the Pacific Islands.
All your meals are taken in the restaurant which is right by the waters edge, where Swahili chefs prepare delicious three-course set meals which have a definite Italian bias, due in no small part to the Italian owners!!
If you have a special celebration then it is possible to arrange a table on the beach for a romantic dinner, or lunch to your room..
The food is superb and often includes freshly caught fish, crayfish, prawns and other tasty treats, although having said that it is possible to eat the odd steak!! If you are worried about eating in a place like this, then don't!! The food here is safe, tasty, well cooked. It is worth adding that the menu changes daily, and as you might expect in a small intimate lodge like Chapwani there is a reasonable amount of choice, and discussion.
If you are a breakfast lover, then you will have a choice of fresh fruit, juices, hot drinks, bread, jam and eggs to order.
Many visitors take the dinner/ breakfast half board option, so they can visit Stone Town and have lunch out, but if you just want to relax and stay put, then you can have light lunches cooked for you.
The bar is a relaxed place to gather in the evenings. The bar is well stocked with soft drinks, beer, South African wine and liquor. It is a great meeting place, and there is nothing quite like cocktails at sunset on a tropical island, especially when you can see the sunset.
There is a diesel generator for electricity, this goes off at about midnight and starts again in the morning. For the remainder of the time a small generator keeps the lights working in the rooms
Chapwani's sixteen acres are covered with massive ancient baobab trees, coconut palms, passion fruit and giant cacti.
The jetty sticks out into the sea at the southern end of the island, where there are a number of small sandy coves, and where there is a large sandbank which emerges at low tide, meaning you can swim no matter the state of the tide.
The north shore of the island is principally reef with fossilized coral cliffs rising 3 to 4 metres out of the ocean and fringed with vegetation. This side of the island bears the wave action and has been carved into interesting shapes In one place there is a small gap in the coral which lets the sea in and out at high tide, leaving a tranquil inland lagoon in which to swim. The southern shore has a wide sandy beach. The centre of the island is generally covered with dense vegetation, through which winds a network of paths.
The island is good for bird watching, with many birds using the island as a roost. In the early evening the egrets flock from their feeding grounds on Zanzibar island, back to Chapwani for the night. During the day you can sit in the bar and watch out for Sundevall's blue duikers, a rare endemic species of which there are about sixty on the island.
The thick vegetation here may be why it is home to a stray colobus monkey whose presence on the island no one can explain. Shy and reclusive, he is only occasionally seen swinging from one tree to another.
The large herd of some 60 dik-diks, miniature antelope, native to Zanzibar hide here during the heat of the day in the thick undergrowth, to emerge in the evening in the open.
One of the trees at the southern end of the island is also home to a large flock of fruit bats (over 1,000), these sleep in the safety of the island during the day and leave in large swarms at dusk towards the mainland, returning only shortly before dawn to their resting place.
Along the South West Coast of the island runs the sea wall protecting the small but fascinating British seamen's graveyard. This is a historic monument of great interest and beauty and the graves through their inscriptions tell the stories of tall ships, battles with arab dows during the slave wars and the sinking of HMS Pegasus, the first shot to be fired in the First World War. You'll notice that there is also a small cemetery on the island, which explains the island's English name, Grave Island. The British used it in the late 1800s and early 1900s to bury Royal Navy sailors who lost their lives at sea. It also contains gravestones for the crewmen of the HMS Pegasus, which was bombed in Zanzibar harbour in 1914 by the German cruiser SMS Konigsberg. The cemetery hasn't been well-maintained, but it has a certain atmosphere and is interesting historically. It's worthwhile taking a walk around to read the inscriptions on the stones.
From here the long sandy beach stretches for over 500 yards all the way to the Northern tip of the island. The sand is fine and white and perfect for swimming for some eight hours out of twelve. At low tide, the coral reef surrounding the island is uncovered, revealing crevices and pools in the coral full of multi-coloured small shore life. Shoals of flying fish can often be seen off the island and dolphins regularly pass close by the shore.
In the early morning a flock of white egrets and other sea birds gather at the Northern tip of the island. An early morning dip in this spot is an unforgettable experience, the birds dive in the water all around you, totally oblivious to your presence.
The two little coves at the North of the island provide perfect privacy and must be one of the most idyllic spots in the whole of Zanzibar to spend a day on the beach in total isolation.
Moving round the island to the North Eastern coast of Chapwani, we come to a natural pool, emptied at each low tide through a small gap in the coral but refilled with fresh sea water with each tide. This is another idyllic spot to swim and sunbathe.
The remainder of the North East coast is lined with rugged coral broken by only a couple of small isolated coves suitable for swimming only at high tide.
At night the island is superb. The lights of Stonetown sparkle in the distance and the stars above are breathtaking.
The island is surrounded by small coves, sandy bays and crystal blue waters and is perfect for snorkelling, windsurfing and diving at the many interesting locations near the island.
Another great plus is that you can swim out from the beach as far as you like at any time of the day. Chapwani is one of very few locations in Zanzibar when you can swim all day, regardless of the tide. When the water is low you can also walk out onto the reef, where you can join local fishermen in looking for starfish, sea cucumbers and that kind of thing.
In truth it's a bit basic, and would be more of a fantasy escape island could you not always see the boats anchored in the harbour.

Cesenatico is one of the best-known places on the Riviera not only for its beaches, entertainment places, ancient neighbourhoods, and Harbour, but also, and even more, because it was the home town of cyclist Marco Pantani.
The vast stretches of green land, which open up in front of the eyes of visitors, are perfect to play GOLF, or to attend internationally renowned cycle races, such as the Nove Colli, which takes place precisely in Cesenatico.
Pantani began here on his bike, he was one of the "Nove Colli" protagonist and from here became a big Cyclist famous in all the world.
Cesenatico, in fact, is popular to be not only a seaside town but also a cycling town, there a lot of cycling event during the year: "Ciclo&Vento", for example is one of the cycling fair in Cesenatico.
A cycling lover can find a lot o f cycling itineraries in Cesenatico inland.
Cesenatico is at the same time an ancient and modern town, with a charming countryside and really impressing art and culture.
One should not miss to see the Valmarecchia (Marecchia river valley) and to stop in one of the villages of the inland, such as Santarcangelo and Sogliano, to discover a very beautiful part of the Adriatic Riviera.
The Flavours of Romagna and the vast array of typical dishes of the Cesenatico and Riviera cuisine are sure to please the most demanding palates.
Choosing a holiday in a town like Cesenatico also means wellness. Its wellness centres, massage and beauty treatments are a real paradise for the body and the mind.
The Hotels in Cesenatico provide a varied and diversified tourist offer for adults and children to spend an unforgettable holiday at the seaside.
So if you like golf and wellness, sea and relax, you have to visit this town full of story.

Much like the fun-filled traditions associated with Halloween in the United States, Mexico embraces the somber autumn holiday with a variety of celebrations and activities. Known throughout Latin America as El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Cancun offers visitors a truly unique version on this popular holiday, with many events incorporating both Mayan customs and modern Mexican traditions. Beginning on October 31 with celebrations for the returned souls of the departed, the party continues each year until November 2.
As Cancun is in the center of the historic region known as the Mayan Riviera, many of the city's events incorporate Hanal Pixan - the Mayan ritual of the dead. Both in Cancun and at most of the Mayan sites outside the city, candlelight prayer services are held on October 31 to commemorate the deceased. After this period of reflection, Hanal Pixan quickly transforms into a friendly meal shared by hundreds. Tamales are often baked in an underground pit and served to both the living and the dead, as it is believed that the deceased absorb the essence of the food placed at their graves. Handmade wines and candies are also passed around for all to enjoy, but Hanal Pixan marks only the beginning of this amazing holiday.
October 31 is also marks the beginning of a three day culinary feast in Cancun, taking place both in the streets and all the best restaurants. At the city's gastronomy festival, visitors can sample local delicacies and gourmet international cuisine prepared by Mexico's best chefs. Held outdoors along the Caribbean waterfront, this festival is anything but a sober Day of the Dead ritual, as guests are invited to eat and drink as much as they like. If you dine in any of Cancun's restaurants throughout the three day holiday, you will be treated special local recipes reserved for Day of the Dead. At night, many visitors move from the restaurants to the bars and dance clubs where special events such as costume parties have become the norm.
One of the most fascinating traditions associated with the Day of the Dead is the creation of colorful altars - known in Mexico as ofrendas - to honor deceased loved ones. Anywhere you travel in the city, you will pass numerous altars containing all kinds of offerings. Set on tables with white cloth, the altars of Cancun display everything from fresh flowers and chocolate skulls to wooden crosses, personal mementos and photographs. Though the tradition of honoring the deceased might seem solemn, the positive atmosphere of the holiday extends to these personalized displays, as awards are handed out for the most elaborate and beautifully decorated altars.
The newest Day of the Dead activity for Cancun's visitors takes place south of the city in the Xcaret Nature and Cultural Park. Last year, the park unveiled The Bridge to Paradise - one of the world's most unique cemeteries. Composed of 365 lavish gravesites created by local artists, The Bridge to Paradise serves as a creative representation of Mexican history and culture. For instance, a colorful sculpture of a bed complete with linens references the country's dreamlike mythology, while a miniature replica of a cathedral reminds visitors of Mexico's religious culture. During the celebrations surrounding the Day of the Dead, visitors are served candies and other refreshments from altars set up throughout the cemetery. Much like the celebrations in Cancun, the events at Xcaret and its cemetery rejoice in life and the cultural traditions of Mexico on this seemingly dark day.
Much like the American tradition of Halloween, children are encouraged to don costumes and trick-or-treat during the celebrations of Day of the Dead. However, Mexican myth and tradition contribute some interesting items to the children's experience. As most trick-or-treating takes place of November 2 - the day when, as myth has it, spirits must leave the homes of their loved ones and return to the other side - all children wear bracelets of red string to ward off the more nefarious spirits traveling to the underworld. As with all the other events surrounding Day of the Dead, visitors are encouraged to participate in the local traditions.
Furthermore, as the holiday takes place just weeks before the beginning of the peak travel season, Day of the Dead may be one of the best times to visit Cancun. Many airlines and resorts will feature special rates during this week, making travel to this luxurious destination affordable for any family.
Though Day of the Dead is celebrated throughout Latin America, few destinations observe the holiday as colorfully as Cancun. If you want to experience one of the region's most treasured holidays, visit the city where modern luxury and Mayan tradition meet to create an unforgettable vacation.

Each December in the ABC Islands - Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao - locals and tourists celebrate the traditional Dutch holiday known as Saint Nicholas Day. Throughout the weeks leading up to the feast day on December 5, Sinterklaas - the Dutch precursor to the American Santa Claus - makes appearances throughout the islands and distributes gifts. Much like the Christmas season in America, the weeks surrounding Saint Nicholas Day are a very exciting time for Curacao and her sister islands. When you visit Curacao this year, add a little fun to your vacation by participating in some of the traditions of this special holiday.
As the character known as Sinterklaas appears each year to celebrate the feast day of Saint Nicholas, the fictional character of Dutch custom certainly bears a resemblance to the venerated saint. Saint Nicholas was actually the bishop of Myra, a city in what is now Turkey, in the 4th century. In the Catholic Church, Nicholas came to be the patron saint of children as a result of numerous stories claiming that the bishop had saved many children from lives of destitution, some from death. Today, Sinterklaas appears in Europe and the Caribbean wearing the traditional red cloak and mitre (pointed hat) of Catholic bishops. He carries a gold staff known as a crosier and keeps a large book with the names of each child under his arm, complete with designations on who has been naughty or nice (zoet or stout in Dutch tradition). As the American version of Santa Claus is based in large part on this Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas is also known for his great white beard.
Much as Santa Claus relies on the assistance of his elves to deliver gifts to all the world's children, Sinterklaas employs a number of helpers known as Zwarte Pieten. Known for their black faces and colorful 16th century clothing, the Zwarte Pieten actually found their beginnings in a Middle Ages tale about the devil. The original legend stated that on the eve of Saint Nicholas' feast day the devil was enslaved, evil was overcome and Zwarte Piet (Black Peter) came to serve Saint Nicholas. In recent centuries, the legend came to state that the Zwarte Pieten's faces are black with soot from sliding down chimneys to deliver gifts. Within the last few years, efforts have been made to incorporate helpers with different colored faces into the legend, explained by Sinterklaas passing through a rainbow in his boat. In Curacao, keep your eye out for these playful helpers during the holiday and you may be rewarded with a special treat.
Dutch tradition always held that Sinterklaas sailed each year from Spain and was greeted with great fanfare upon his arrival. In Curacao, this tradition remains intact and represents one of the island's most exciting events for locals and tourists alike. A few weeks before the feast day, Sinterklaas will make his scheduled arrival to the island. Immediately afterwards, Sinterklaas and his helpers lead a parade through the streets, handing out treats along the way. In the weeks leading up to Saint Nicholas Day, Sinterklaas can be seen throughout Curacao in shopping centers and resorts, interacting with excited children and curious adults. As a result of the holiday, many resorts and tourist destinations feature special events during the season and tourists are always encouraged to participate.
If you visit Curacao with your family during this holiday season, you can also participate in the gift giving traditions of Saint Nicholas Day. While Sinterklaas is in Curacao, it is customary for children to leave their shoes near the chimney or front door each night. Current holiday tradition still holds that Sinterklaas and his helpers make a flight each night and drop candy and other small gifts down each chimney into the shoes. You can also celebrate the feast day of St. Nicholas by creating either a "present evening" on the eve of the holiday or receiving gifts from Sinterklaas on the following morning.
In Dutch tradition, families often hear a knock at the door and find a sack of presents outside for the whole family. If you are staying at a resort in Curacao during the holiday, the resort staff will be able to help you celebrate this traditional holiday with your family.
As Saint Nicholas Day falls in the heart of Curacao's tourism season, there isn't a better time to visit the island. During your time in Curacao, join in on the celebration and add a little Old World tradition to your Caribbean holiday.

Why travel to Cebu, Philippines of all places? What makes Cebu, Philippines special among all other places in the whole country - or the world even? If your travel plans for this year includes Cebu, here are some reasons why we're certain that you won't regret your decision on choosing Cebu as your travel destination.
What Makes Cebu Popular
Even if we weren't to talk about any of the famous tourist spots of Cebu, Philippines, there are still other things that make Cebu so very popular with the tourists. First, there's the food. If you love those ripe yellow mangoes, you absolutely must go to Guadulupe because their mangoes - served dried or not - can never fail to make taste buds water.
And then there's chicharon or pork rind; if you've never tasted chicharon yet, a good place to start would be at Cebu. Other food to explore in Cebu would be "puso", the hanging rice, dangit, a dried fish usually eaten for breakfast and budbud, another type of rice.
And then there are the souvenirs or other accessories that you may only purchase in Cebu, Philippine. If you come from a country experiencing all four seasons - people back home would probably appreciate if you give them the beautifully hand woven blankets made from Argao. People with deep faith would no doubt appreciate as well gifts of the Medallions of the Christ Child. For fashion lovers, jewelry made from Mactan stone, corals or seashells are very much popular.
Lastly, there are the guitars. People with fine ears for music can't help but appreciate the quality of guitars manufactured in Cebu. If you also want to see with your very own eyes the manufacturing process of a guitar, from start to finish, LapuLapu City of Cebu is the place to travel to.
And now finally, we come to the places...
Magellan's Cross - Since the Philippines began to be of interest to the world thanks to Ferdinand Magellan's discovery in 1521, tourists might as well begin their travel plans by visiting Magellan's Cross which is found in Magallanes Street of Cebu City. This place is of much historical value to the Philippines because it's also where the baptismal rites of the earliest Filipino Christians were held.
Mactan Island - Water sports have always been a favorite activity by tourists when visiting the Cebu and if you're fond of this as well, make sure that you drop by Mactan Island because the waves there are alike no place else!
Cebu is also the jumping point to other exciting destinations like Dumaguete, Bohol and Sumilon.