Small Gray Bear

Are you currently seeking a family trip or a romantic getaway? Have you scrounged the paper trying to find the best deals and help choose a perfect destination only to come up empty handed and frustrated? If so, then you might need the help of a Coastal Vacations Director.
According to many newbies and also experienced travelers, Coastal Vacations Directors are more then travel agents. They are dedicated and experienced professionals who work with travel agencies and call centers. They know the travel industry inside and out and work diligently to match you with the trip that you heart and soul wants at a price that your pocketbook will enjoy.
I'll let you in on a little more details about Coastal Vacations Directors and how you can use them to your benefit...
First of all, you should keep in mind that many Coastal Directors are truly gifted whereas a handful of them are a waste of time and money. To find the best one, you can first contact a reputable Coastal Vacations call center to work with. To do so, you should ask the call center staff and agency these questions:
a. How do you pair me up with a Coastal Vacations Director?
b. How many clients will my associate have successfully serviced in the past?
c. What if I'm not pleased with my associate?
d. Do you recommend that Directors visit the referenced vacation spots in order to make personal recommendations?
e. How many clients does my Director work with on a daily, weekly or monthly basis?
f. How long has she worked for Coastal Vacations and for her own travel business?
Second, you'll then be connected with your Coastal Vacations Director. During the process he or she will ask probably want to ask you a variety of questions like:
a. Your trip destination desires
b. Your desired trip timeframe
c. Budgetary constraints
d. Amenities you might be thinking about
e. Whether you'll be traveling alone or with another person/group
Third, ask questions and try to determine if your Coastal Vacations Director has a good grasp of the location or area? If not, then perhaps you should find someone else that is more suitable or seek recommendations.
In conclusion, a Coastal Vacations Director can help you plan a wonderful and exciting trip. You simply have to be willing to ask the right questions and work closely with them to find your dream destination.

Coastal vacation scam artists take people's money with promises of phony vacations. Many of these offers use words like "cheap Hawaiian vacation" to lure travelers.
Most people dream of taking a coastal vacation. They may hope for a cheap Hawaiian vacation package or dream of a coastal vacation resort weekend.
But many coastal vacation scams disguise themselves as legitimate offers. Police report an increase in coastal vacation scams in recent years.
The Internet spawned a new breed of coastal vacation scam artist wanting to cheat honest consumers out of their money. Anyone who types in cheap Hawaiian vacation package into a "Google" search engine will find over one million his.
The Federal Trade Commission reported 3,600 consumers scammed in 2002, amounting to 3.5 million. How can consumers tell the difference between a coastal vacation scam and an honest cheap vacation package?
1. Many people operating coastal vacation scams will ask for a credit card or other financial information early in the conversation. Many of these so-called vacation companies want consumers to give their financial information online for a "cheap Hawaiian vacation."
The desire by the company to receive financial information before the consumer feel comfortable doing so should indicate a red flag and a possible coastal vacation scam.
Many cases of identity fraud started with coastal vacation scams. Consumers receive their bank or credit card statements and find that in addition to their "cheap Hawaiian vacation," charges of cash advances and purchases of high-dollar merchandise.
Consumers who fall prey to identity fraud should contact their local law enforcement immediately about the coastal vacation scam.
2. The company operating coastal vacation scams will offer the consumer very little details about the planned trip. The person on the other line, on the phone or on the Internet, will offer constant assurances the hotel in the cheap Hawaiian vacation package features Oceanside views, luxuries rooms and private balconies---very broad descriptions.
The "seller" of the coastal vacation scam may claim they stayed there many times but cannot give specifics.
The company asks the consumer not to contact the hotel or resort directly about the vacation package, another sign of a coastal vacation scam.
If the consumer cannot confirm the reservations with the hotel directly, the consumer should look elsewhere for a cheap Hawaiian vacation. Consumers should get the details and take charge of their coastal vacation and not fall prey to coastal vacation scams.
3. Coastal vacation scam artists use word like "free" or "vacation offer." Often these so-called "offers" include a daylong presentation before families can use their free tickets--a common coastal vacation scam technique.
If consumers cannot see the islands on their cheap Hawaiian vacation and must sit through lengthy presentations, the vacation may not seem so "cheap."
4. The Better Business Bureau and other government agencies maintain lists of coastal vacation scams. Smart consumers check these lists and report any contact by these coastal vacation scam artists.
One of the more popular ruses offers a cheap Hawaiian vacation or a cheap family vacation package.
Fear of a coastal vacation scam should not keep consumers from seeking out great vacation deals, like a cheap Hawaiian vacation.
Many companies offer legitimate family vacation packages and an honest travel incentive program that saves families even more money on their vacation costs. Coastal vacation scams should not discourage travelers.

Who doesn't like to save on travel and lodging costs and make arrangements from their home? The Coastal Vacation Club, an online travel industry and wholesale travel club, helps their members do just that. The club is comprised of individuals who already own and operate their own travel business. Working together, these groups of people use a number of different vendors and online bookings to pass along tremendous savings to their members. A central agency along with a team of directors train each business owner to use specific strategies to secure discounts and other perks.
Have you been thinking about getting away? Is cost an issue?
When you join the Coastal Vacations Club, you can save up to 85 percent on your travel and lodging and receive other benefits as well. This online discount travel site locates significant discounts on everything from plane tickets, condos and hotels.
How would you like to have a comfortable, home-like environment for about 200-300 per week for a fully equipped condo, for example? Or maybe you'd like to relax and enjoy yourself without worrying about what vacation is costing you. So why pay retail price for your vacation when there are so many available discounts online?
In case you may be thinking..."what timeshare presentation do I need to endure to get these wonderful benefits?" None! When you join Coastal Vacations Club, you become the owner of your membership, without the pesky maintenance fees that usually accompany ownership.

Families can benefit also with membership in this online travel club. The Coastal Vacations packages are offered world-wide and, as members, you receive discounts on not only your lodging, but leisure as well. Golf courses, RV's, restaurants and camps are available at discount package prices.
Coastal Vacations Club offers three separate travel packages. The Resort Package is packed with over 15,000 in savings on cruises and other vacations. Members who choose this package also receive 20 membership cards that are good for discounts on entertainment, dining or lodging. With membership, there are even free cruises!
The Level 1 Coastal Vacations package gives club members five free Carnival cruises. Take the first one within one year of joining the club and the other cruises are yours to take or give away to friends, family or employees.
For those of you who are always on the move, the Level 2 Coastal Vacations package offers unlimited free cruises and bonus vacations for life. The Level 3 package gives members lifetime access to unlimited free resorts as well!
Check into Coastal Vacations Club and begin traveling in style today!

No need to diet!

As Northern European women we tend to be taller and larger framed than our Latin counterparts. This can sometimes prove to be problematic when clothes shopping in Spain. It can be disheartening to discover that you have gone up a couple of dress sizes since arriving in Spain.

Don't panic, you don't need to resort to low fat, low carb or low calorie just yet. The sizes are definitely smaller and vary greatly. The good news is for tall women, as trouser legs tend to be long as many stores offer a cheap, alteration service, which everyone seems to use.

Personally, in the UK I am a Next 10/12, whereas in Spain a size 42 (14) jeans positively grips my thighs. In fact in the UK I would fall into the "slim" category but in Spanish fitting rooms I have almost had to be surgically removed from trousers whilst they tell me that they are the biggest size that they do.

Super slim Shop Assistants

Ironically, it goes against our traditional notion of Latin women being, well, shall we say, on the curvaceous side. On the contrary, if you look at the staff employed in women's fashion shops, they are mostly petite and incredibly svelte. If you have a good look around, especially places like Marbella, there seems to be a clear connection between wealth and slimness. It seems that as wealth increases, weight decreases. Therefore, you will find that a lot of the boutiques around Marbella, especially around Puerto Banus, stock very tiny skimpy clothes.

Choice

There isn't the vast selection of high street names that we are used to as people still enjoy shopping in individual shops which stock just a few sizes of each item. As you can imagine, if you shop this way, it can be pretty expensive as such shops do not enjoy the economies of scale that the monopolising groups such as the Arcadia Group do.

Stores such as Zara have been very successful due to the Japanese, automotive methods that they employ. The average turnaround for design through to shop floor is just three weeks. Their ability to keep up with the latest trends and replicate catwalk looks explains their popularity. They are always packed, especially on a Saturday and by the end of the evening the stores look completely ransacked. Their main drawback is that they cater only for the size 8 to 12. I wear a UK size 10 for tops but in Zara I wear an L (large), the only size up being an XL.

Who shops where?

You just need to look at the shop window displays and you instantly know the target age, unlike in the UK, where anyone can find anything appropriate to their age from 14 to 64 in "trendy" shops such as New Look. So, in that sense, you could say that there is a lot of age segregation.

Shops such as Berska are evidently against anyone over a size 10 and over the age of 25. Zara, on the other hand, attempts to satisfy a wider age range by splitting its stores into three departments. Zara Basic is targeted at the 21 to 35 age group with a good range of basics mixed with the latest trends. The durability of most products is probably one season if washed once per week.

The prices are very reasonable, with a pair of smart/casual trousers costing around 25 euros and cotton tops around 15. Zara woman is targeting an older age group in a higher income bracket. The quality is better and the designs are more sophisticated. For the casual/funky teens and students, there's TRF, which is very young, eclectic, cheap and tiny. Zara also do menswear and children's wear. They offer an alteration service for their clothes. A basic shortening of trouser leg costs about 4 euros.

Mango is another high fashion chain targeting the 20 to 35 range. The quality is similar to Zara but can be slightly pricier. Again, the sizes are small.

Promod targets a 35 + group. It is on a par with Principles and Wallis. Lots of smart casual clothes and patterned tops. Again, a UK 12 would need a size 42. They also have great, reasonably priced accessories including jewellery, bags, shoes and belts.

Massimo Duttii appeals to smart but casual, classic, preppy, successful thirty somethings. The quality is very good but they don't follow high fashion trends like Zara.

El Corte Ingles is the main department store which stocks designers ranging from Morgan to French Connection for 20s and 30s. There are also Spanish designers and some familiar names from the UK department stores such as Liz Claiborne I always find it a bit disappointing and very expensive.

Bargains

If you plan to check out the high street sales in Spain, you might be disappointed. Big discounts i.e. 50% are scarce, as most stores only offer 20%. There are two sales per year summer and January. One thing is for sure, when shopping in Spain, you don't need to worry that your clothes might be discounted next week as often happens in the UK. Clothes shops just don't do promotional offers as there isn't the same amount of competition on the high street.

Below is a conversion chart to enable you to find your Spanish size when clothes shopping. These sizes are the "equivalents" but be warned there is a lot of variation and you might need a size bigger!

I would suggest that when trying on clothes take a range of sizes in with you and try not to look at the size label too much as it really doesn't mean much. Concentrate on the fit and remember that many shops have an alteration (arreglos) service if you ask.

Looking for a getaway close to Metro Detroit? Look no further. Lexington, Michigan is located in the beloved thumb of the Lower Peninsula. Only an hour and a half drive from Southeast Michigan it brings outdoor activities for hunters, fishermen and sunbathers alike.

Lexington is location on the shores of Lake Huron providing boaters a wonderful place to water ski, snorkel, swim and relax. Boaters are able to rent slips in the Lexington Harbor and enjoy the amenities that the downtown area has to offer. Quaint little shops ranging from fudge shops, clothing stores to the historic General Store, there's something for everyone's taste.

Downtown Lexington is home to great restaurants and entertainment. Looking for a gourmet sandwich or pizza? Make sure to visit Smackwater Jacks. Smackwater Jacks offers visitors, such treats as, freshly baked Focaccia bread, homemade soups, cappuccino's and of course their famous sandwiches and pizzas. Visit the Cadillac House if you want to catch a game on their big screen or share a cocktail with many of the locals in the area. Lexington's newest addition is their theatre, The Lexington Music and Theatre Company. Catch plays put on by local area actors. If you are looking to play some golf, visit Lakeview Hills. Lakeview Hills offers challenging courses through water, sand and trees. Golf isn't the only game they offer. After having some dinner, challenge your partner to a game of bowling.

You don't need a boat to enjoy any of Lexington's amenities. Along the lakeshore you'll find many cottages, cabins and bed and breakfasts to hang your hat. So whether you are trying to get away from the city or just want to enjoy Lake Huron, Lexington, Michigan offers plenty to do.

In brief this article covers a few questions commonly asked about climbing Kilimanjaro.
Q. We hear the Marangu route is overcrowded and should be avoided?
A. Marangu route must be booked in advance, this route uses huts for accommodation and to avoid overcrowding numbers are strictly supervised. It is or at least was the most popular route for first time climb. Most operators now recommend the Machame route for your first attempt on Kilimanjaro.

Q. Does an extra day help acclimatization?
A. Most guidebooks recommend that climbers spend an extra day during the Marangu route climb. Statistics can be quoted to back up an argument for or against an extra day for acclimatization. Every person I have ever spoken to who took the extra day did not regret it. All other matters aside an extra day spent on the ascent is great because it makes the whole climb more relaxed and gives an opportunity to go on some pleasant walks. The most important factor for success is the overall approach to the climb, listen to your guide.
Q. If there is a problem on the mountain what are the rescue procedures?
A. The national park operates a rescue service, and the huts on the Marangu route are linked to each other and to the park headquarters by radio. In the vast majority of emergency cases, the problem is altitude related and the solution is an immediate and rapid descent. All registered guides are experienced at dealing with such cases and can bring climbers down to safe altitudes very quickly and without park assistance
Q.The success rate on Kilimanjaro is less than forty percent. Is this true?
A. Some people climb Kilimanjaro without taking the climb seriously and have a nasty shock as they realize what they have let themselves in for. Therefore they may be inadequately equipped and fed; they then have a miserable time ending up with a fruitless climb. Make sure that you are properly informed and equipped. I would say most guides have [or at least claim to have] a success rate to the crater rim in excess of 90% and to Uhuru peak at around 85%. It is said that reaching the summit is a bonus, but should never be seen as the sole aim of the climb - but who starts to climb Kilimanjaro without wanting to reach the summit - to do this be prepared and listen to your guide because he knows best!
Q.How cold does it get on Kilimanjaro?
A. The temperature at the top of the mountain vary; at times it is only a degree or two below freezing, but it is possible to have temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, especially in with wind chill factor. At times there are snow blizzards and to walk across the saddle in a blizzard is hard work. It has been known for snow to stop climbing on the mountain for short periods.
Q.What should I know about altitude sickness?
A. There are different types of altitude sickness. "Acute mountain sickness" is common, and is not as frightening as its name suggests. The symptoms are headaches, nausea and vomiting, though not everyone suffers from all the symptoms. Normally, symptoms fade after a few hours, but if they do not a climber may need to turn back, especially if vomiting is leading to dehydration.
A much more serious type of altitude sickness is called oedema. This is a build-up of fluid in the body, and when the fluid collects in the lungs or the brain a serious condition develops which requires immediate action which is a rapid descent to a lower altitude, where recovery is usually miraculously fast.
I recommend sun creams with SPF 30, as the sun near the equator is very strong. Don't forget to have something to protect your lips as well and not forgetting personal items & toiletries toothpaste & tooth brush, body lotion, toilet paper and other personal hygiene items.

In brief this article covers a few questions commonly asked about climbing Kilimanjaro.
Q. We hear the Marangu route is overcrowded and should be avoided?
A. Marangu route must be booked in advance, this route uses huts for accommodation and to avoid overcrowding numbers are strictly supervised. It is or at least was the most popular route for first time climb. Most operators now recommend the Machame route for your first attempt on Kilimanjaro.

Q. Does an extra day help acclimatization?
A. Most guidebooks recommend that climbers spend an extra day during the Marangu route climb. Statistics can be quoted to back up an argument for or against an extra day for acclimatization. Every person I have ever spoken to who took the extra day did not regret it. All other matters aside an extra day spent on the ascent is great because it makes the whole climb more relaxed and gives an opportunity to go on some pleasant walks. The most important factor for success is the overall approach to the climb, listen to your guide.
Q. If there is a problem on the mountain what are the rescue procedures?
A. The national park operates a rescue service, and the huts on the Marangu route are linked to each other and to the park headquarters by radio. In the vast majority of emergency cases, the problem is altitude related and the solution is an immediate and rapid descent. All registered guides are experienced at dealing with such cases and can bring climbers down to safe altitudes very quickly and without park assistance
Q.The success rate on Kilimanjaro is less than forty percent. Is this true?
A. Some people climb Kilimanjaro without taking the climb seriously and have a nasty shock as they realize what they have let themselves in for. Therefore they may be inadequately equipped and fed; they then have a miserable time ending up with a fruitless climb. Make sure that you are properly informed and equipped. I would say most guides have [or at least claim to have] a success rate to the crater rim in excess of 90% and to Uhuru peak at around 85%. It is said that reaching the summit is a bonus, but should never be seen as the sole aim of the climb - but who starts to climb Kilimanjaro without wanting to reach the summit - to do this be prepared and listen to your guide because he knows best!
Q.How cold does it get on Kilimanjaro?
A. The temperature at the top of the mountain vary; at times it is only a degree or two below freezing, but it is possible to have temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, especially in with wind chill factor. At times there are snow blizzards and to walk across the saddle in a blizzard is hard work. It has been known for snow to stop climbing on the mountain for short periods.
Q.What should I know about altitude sickness?
A. There are different types of altitude sickness. "Acute mountain sickness" is common, and is not as frightening as its name suggests. The symptoms are headaches, nausea and vomiting, though not everyone suffers from all the symptoms. Normally, symptoms fade after a few hours, but if they do not a climber may need to turn back, especially if vomiting is leading to dehydration.
A much more serious type of altitude sickness is called oedema. This is a build-up of fluid in the body, and when the fluid collects in the lungs or the brain a serious condition develops which requires immediate action which is a rapid descent to a lower altitude, where recovery is usually miraculously fast.
I recommend sun creams with SPF 30, as the sun near the equator is very strong. Don't forget to have something to protect your lips as well and not forgetting personal items & toiletries toothpaste & tooth brush, body lotion, toilet paper and other personal hygiene items.

A Costa Blanca holiday is a popular destination in summer and winter. For a totally unique experience, consider an alternative to the typical summer beach vacation. Climbing tours, walking tours and sea kayaking are a great way to enjoy nature and relax on your vacation.
Climbing Costa Blanca Holiday
The Costa Blanca is a popular destination for climbing enthusiasts. The favourable weather makes for a long climbing season. The Alicante province is one of the most mountainous areas in Spain. Limestone mountains run from the coast inland. There are over 2500 climbing routes along the Costa Blanca.
Guided climbing tours are available all over the region. The mild temperatures and inexpensive flights in the winter make these tours popular. There are packages for beginners to advanced climbers. Group tours and one on one instruction are available for people of all levels of ability.
Most tours won't require climbing experience, unless it's a tour for advanced climbers. Most will expect climbers to be reasonably healthy and fit enough to keep up the pace. You will be asked about health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, illness or other conditions that may interfere with your ability to climb. Some companies require that you have medical insurance.
Courses include instruction in climbing, including basic rope techniques. Safety, knots, techniques and self rescue are taught in most courses. You will learn traditional climbing, fixed bolt or a combination of both methods.
The average day on these tours is eight hours a day of instruction and climbing. As you gain knowledge, the climbs become more difficult. By the end of the week, you will have attained a good basic knowledge and climbing skills.
Many tour companies supply all necessary equipment. For these, you will only need to bring climbing shoes. Most packages include breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodations. You will be given an itinerary and information about what is included in the package price. Weekly tours are generally five or six days.
Other Costa Blanca Holiday Adventures
If you are interested in something a little less adventurous, but still want to enjoy nature, consider walking tours. Walking tours are available for a long weekend or an entire week. These give you an opportunity to explore nature, valleys, ruins, old farms, rock formations and many sites that are accessible only on foot.
Walking tours in the autumn, winter and spring are a great choice for mild weather. This is a great off season vacation experience. When you book your trip, you will be given an itinerary with information on the areas you will be visiting and the daily schedule.
Most tours include accommodations and meals. Depending on the tour, you may stay in one place for the duration and get a bus to the start of each day's tour. In other cases, you may stay in a few different places. Meals are included with most tours. You will need to bring comfortable clothing and walking gear.
Village to village tours allow you to experience the rural village life, rather than the tourist areas. You will experience magnificent views, quaint villages, historical sites and palaces. Tours are available in costal towns as well as interior villages.
If you want to spend your time in the water, consider a sea kayaking tour. These tours are available in short, one hour tours that you can enjoy as part of your vacation. For a longer experience, consider a one or three day tour. Most tours don't require kayaking experience, but you must be able to swim.
These tours are available year round. Most include all equipment; you will just need to bring appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Longer tours include meals and accommodations.

The Rocky Mountains spectacular mountain scenery, pristine national parks, fascinating old gold mining towns, and authentic wild-west re-creations attract millions of visitors to the region every year. The Rockies stretch from Canada to New Mexico (more than 3,000 miles) and are perfect for touring, especially during the summer months, when the temperature (during the day) averages a very comfortable 70-80 degrees F. It gets very cold here in winter, so plan your drive for the warmer months, when roads are sure to be open and the attractions are at their best.
If you're an independent traveler that enjoys touring by car, here's an itinerary that includes some of the regional highlights. Travel time is about two weeks and the total distance about 1500 miles. Be sure to take your rain gear and of course your camera.
On your first day, take a good look around Denver - especially the lower downtown area, with its trendy shops, restaurants and galleries. If you've still got time, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is worth a visit.
Next day, head for Cheyenne, just 102 miles to the north. An interesting place to stay is the Nagle Warren B&B (an 1880s cattleman's mansion). Be sure to visit the famous Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, to have a look at their western art exhibitions. Every July, the town celebrates Frontier Days, complete with parade, rodeo and many wild-west themed events.
There's lots to see in South Dakota, so make an early start and head for Custer State Park, about 264 miles to the northeast. Plan to stay at least a couple of nights. The park, located in the Black Hills, has 71,000 acres of spectacular terrain, terrific fishing, jeep tours to see the bison herds, and panoramic hiking trails. You can stay at the State Game Lodge, or pitch your tent in a pine forest alongside a gently flowing stream.
Back to Wyoming and beyond
Drive back to Wyoming, northwest to Sheridan (235 miles), where a stay at the Ranch at Ucross, Clearmont, (about 30 miles south of Sheridan) features delicious home cooking, and a sing along in the evening around the piano. It's a great way to get the feel of this ranching area, set between the plains to the east and the Big Horn Mountains to the west.
Start out early and head due west, for the 240-mile trip to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The area is known for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and geothermal activity - two-thirds of the world's geysers are located in the park! Be sure to book your accommodation well ahead and stay for at least two nights. And watch out for the bears!
The next leg of your journey is a short drive (80 miles) to the magnificent Grand Teton National Park, with its dramatic, jagged mountains, pristine lakes, and glaciers. Here there's plenty of outdoor activity - boating and fishing, hiking, climbing and horseback riding - so plan on staying for at least a couple of days. For accommodation, you might try the Painted Buffalo in Jackson - a very trendy, friendly town.
Start off early and you'll get to Steamboat Springs for lunch (385 miles). Along the Victorian boardwalk you'll find many western-style restaurants where you can sample the renown Rocky Mountain oysters (bull testicles). In the afternoon, take a look through the antique shops or try a relaxing tube cruise down the Tampa River. Then early next morning, before the 3-hour drive back to Denver, go for a hot air balloon ride - the perfect finish to a most memorable trip.

The stunning Garden Route runs from South Africa's most popular tourist destination, Cape Town, for 800 km along the scenic coastline between this city and Port Elizabeth. The area enjoys a Mediterranean maritime climate and the trip is regarded as one of the world's truly classic coastal drives.
As you drive along the well-forested coastal plain, you'll find freshwater lakes, lovely lagoons filled with water birds, indigenous forests of giant yellowwood trees and fields covered in colourful wildflowers. It's easy to see why visitors are drawn to this beautiful region year-round.
One of the highlights of a drive along the Garden Route is a stop at the sleepy coastal town of Hermanus near the southern-most tip of Africa. The town is situated next to a 12-km path that runs along the cliff top, right next to the ocean. From May to December, pods of Southern Right Whales swim to within 20 metres of the cliff as they travel along the coast.
The more adventurous traveller can try some heart-stopping shark cage diving, sea kayaking, abseiling, scuba diving, sand boarding, and paragliding. Those looking for something more relaxing to do can visit the vineyards in a nearby valley and do the short drive to the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean.
You will have to drive inland to visit Oudtshoorn, which was built in the early 1800s, in the centre of the Klein Karoo, a semi-desert area wedged between the coastal mountains to the south and the spectacular Swartberg mountain range to the north. The town was the world capital of the Ostrich feather industry during Victorian times, and many grand houses from that era are still standing today. There's plenty to do in Oudtshoorn - you can try riding an ostrich at an ostrich farm, take a tour through the magnificent Cango Caves that stretch for kilometres throughout the mountains, visit the vineyards, and even stroke a Cheetah at Cheetahland.
Back on coast, the Garden Route takes you to George, located on a 10-km plateau that runs from the majestic Outeniqua Mountain to the Indian Ocean. Besides enjoying whale watching, surfing, swimming, scuba diving and paragliding, you'll find three of South Africa's top golf courses are also located here. The Fancourt Golf Estate is especially popular, with an 18-hole course designed by Gary Player, a golf academy, exclusive hotel and conference centre, restaurants, and numerous sporting facilities.
Further along the coast toward Port Elizabeth is the town of Knysna, also a very popular tourist destination. This laid-back town is situated between a lush indigenous forest, home to the last of the forest-dwelling elephants in Africa, and a beautiful lagoon teeming with birds and other wildlife. The oysters grown in this unpolluted lagoon are among the tastiest in the world. The closest beach is in nearby Buffalo Bay, a favourite spot for fishing, surfing and swimming, as well as whale and dolphin watching. The entire area surrounding Knysna, with its incredible biological richness and beauty, is a paradise for the eco-traveller, with plenty of places to camp, hike, canoe, kayak, and observe the unique wildlife.
At Plettenberg Bay, there are ten important nature reserves as well as marine reserves. The endangered Southern Right Whale calves in the bay from July to December, and seals and dolphins live here all year round. In the bay you can snorkel and scuba dive on unique soft coral reefs, and on the beach you'll find a wide range of water sports on offer, including fishing, surfing, swimming and sailing. Nearby, there are superb hiking and mountain biking trails, horse riding, kayaking and canoeing in scenic Nature's Valley and Stormsriver.
Your drive along the Garden Route ends in Port Elizabeth, on the shores of beautiful Algoa Bay.