The Jewel in Chiang Mai's crown - Galyani Vadhana, the country's newest district

A recent visit to Chiang Mai's newest district, named in memory of the late Princess Galyani Vadhana, proved very worthwhile. Galyani Vadhana district is the 25th to be established in Chiang Mai province, and the 878th in the country. It was named after His Majesty the King's sister.

Chiang Mai's newest district has a great deal to offer visitors and residents, especially those who want to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of nature.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand's Chiang Mai office director Chalermsak Suranan explains that the agency has organised excursions to the newest district to promote it as a tourist destination. Galyani Vadhana district has a pleasant climate, interesting landscape, abundant wildlife and, being only 164km from Muang Chiang Mai through Mae Hong Son's Pai district, it is an ideal destination for those visiting Pai, just 64km away.

Not far from Galyani Vadhana district, Suan Doi Kaew farm is a chemical-free strawberry farm approved by the Royal Foundation Project, in Bo Kaew sub-district, Samoeng district. This strawberry farm, owned and operated by Wittaya Narata, the president of Bo Kaew Agriculturists' Association, with support from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, occupies 2,500 rai (400 hectares) of land, and is one of the country's largest strawberry producers. Visitors can take a tour around the fields and eat freshly picked strawberries (in season). It is also being developed as an agro-tourism destination. Resort chalets are being built and campsites are already available, welcoming Thais and foreigners who'd like to spend their days in a cool climate and beautifully clean environment.

In Galyani Vadhana district, Pornchai Pianpla, social development officer of Wat Chan Royal Project Foundation and Development Centre, explained that the centre helps locals increase their agricultural knowledge and other occupational skills. The centre was started by the King in 1979 to help improve the living conditions of hilltribe people in Wat Chan and nearby villages.

The centre has arable and livestock farms, an exhibition of hilltribe culture, souvenirs for sale, a cafeteria, and rooms and tents for visitors to spend the night in the forest.

Other attractions and activities include the pine forests with wild orchids; bird watching; cool weather fog watching at the border between Chiang Mai province and Mae Hong Son, the Huay Horm waterfall, from which the Mae Chaem and Pai rivers flow; Huay Reservoir, and Wat Chan, which dates back to the Lawa era, one of Chiang Mai valley's earliest periods.

Spending a cool night at the peaceful Musikee Eco Lodge, set in the middle of a forest and with food for visitors from its own farms, followed a warm welcome by the staff and members of the Pakayor, a hilltribe native to the district. Musikee is the name of the Mae Chaem River in the Pakayor language, and it reflects the way of life of this hilltribe. Hiking to the junction of the Chaem Noi and Chaem Luang rivers is a popular activity for visitors. The nearby forest offers a large variety of plant life and the local hilltribe villages offer a glimpse into their native culture and arts. You can often hear locals playing the tae na, a Pakayor instrument similar to the harp, and singing traditional songs. There is often a show with the traditional welcoming sword dance.

Finally there is the Ban Wat Chan Royal Project, which with the Forest Industry Organisation of Thailand, is in charge of preserving and restoring the forests in the area and promoting farming among the locals. It's set in the country's largest pine and dry dipterocarp forest, 960m above sea level, and is being developed as an eco-tourism destination for people who love adventure and cool weather. Camping, hiking and bike riding are among the many activities on offer at this verdant destination, which can accommodate up to 500 people.

A new district office is being built to replace the temporary office, and the completion of a new road to the district _ which will make travelling here much easier _ is expected within two years.

Give us your ideas!

Would James Bond Live in an Aquaminium?

By Amy Ma

Royal Phuket Marina

An Aquaminium villa

So what exactly is an Aquaminium?

According to Gulu Lalvani, the Royal Phuket Marina chief executive and developer who says he created the term, it’s an apartment complex on the water with one added feature — an indoor parking garage for a boat.

At the Royal Phuket Marina, these garages are available in just two penthouse units; the other apartments have outdoor docking stations. But according to Mr. Lalvani, who founded with his brother the U.K. consumer-electronics company Binatone, the latest must-have in luxury living is a dock just steps from your front door.

The idea came from James Bond, says Mr. Lalvani. In the movies, the British secret agent often needs to make a quick getaway by boat, and of course, one was always close at hand. (The nearby island of Khoah Phing Kan is nicknamed “James Bond Island” because it appeared in “The Man with the Golden Gun” in 1974.)

Of the 15 apartments, two penthouses, and five villas in the Aquaminium complex, which was completed in 2009, 14 units are occupied. A second complex is in the works.

The marina won’t reveal the list of residents, except to say that 10 are chief executives from Hong Kong and Singapore in various industries. And there are other clues. Among the well-to-do, according to the marina, are two Taiwanese tycoons — one in the semiconductor industry and the other in children’s garments — and an Englishman who made his fortune replicating antique-furniture designs in Asia. Also joining the neighborhood is a long-term Phuket resident and famed restaurateur.

Hobnobbing with such power folk will no doubt be a bonus — according to the marina. One British businessman who now lives there said, the Aquaminium community will be a “place where you can meet up with like-minded people.”

Eight units remain — prices range from $734,375 for a 169-square-meter two-bedroom apartment to $10.5 million for a 2,869-square-meter “Grand Villa” — and Mr. Lalvani is looking for buyers from mainland China. Thus far, there have been none.

How to get the most out of an all-inclusive resort vacation

Updated 4d 11h ago |  Comments 60  |

Enlarge Sandals Resorts Luxury included: Sandals resorts give butler service to guests who book higher room categories.  A GETAWAY FOR EVERY TASTE A primer on some all-inclusive chains popular with U.S. vacationers: SuperClubs: They range from high-end Breezes Grand Negril ($190 a night a person and up), to anything-goes, adult haven Hedonism II and more toned down adults-only SuperFun Beach Resort & Spa (once Hedonism III), all in Jamaica. SuperClubs also has all-inclusives in the Bahamas, Curacao, Panama, Brazil. 877-467-8737 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              877-467-8737      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, superclubs.com Sandals and Beaches: Sandals caters to couples starting around $200 a person (suites with pools can cost $1,000 daily for two and up and have butlers) in Jamaica, St. Lucia, the Bahamas and Antigua. Beaches targets families in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos, as do Sandals' new value-oriented "authentic Caribbean" Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts in Jamaica and Antigua. 888-726-3257 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              888-726-3257      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, sandals.com Club Med: The pioneering all-inclusive chain is 60 this year. Once famed as a singles haunt, it has clubs worldwide catering to families. Rooms are face-lifted; Florida's revamped Sandpiper Bay - billed as the only U.S. family all-inclusive - reopens soon. 888-932-2582 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              888-932-2582      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, clubmed.us Secrets and Dreams: In the AMResorts stable, Secrets (for adults) is in Mexico, Jamaica and Dominican Republic. Family-friendly Dreams is in Mexico and Dominican Republic. Secrets, 866-467-3273 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              866-467-3273      end_of_the_skype_highlighting; Dreams, 866-237-3267 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              866-237-3267      end_of_the_skype_highlighting; amresorts.com IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts: The expanding Spanish chain is making a play for Americans with ads featuring Antonio Banderas. Locations include Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Spain, North Africa and Europe. 305-774-9225 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              305-774-9225      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, iberostar.com Paradisus: The high-end brand in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, with VIP quarters at higher cost, is from Spanish hotel giant Sol Melia, which also has lower-priced all-inclusives. 888-741-5600 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              888-741-5600      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, paradisus.com Occidental Hotels & Resorts: Its adults-only Royal Hideaway Playacar south of Cancun is favored by discerning travelers and highly rated by AAA. Cheaper Occidental Grand and Allegro resorts also are in the Occidental stable. It has lodgings in Aruba, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Spain. 800-858-2258 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              800-858-2258      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, occidentalhotels.com

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By Kitty Bean Yancey, USA TODAY

"On vacation, we're all stars."

That's the theme of a new ad campaign for IBEROSTAR's all-inclusive resorts, starring actor Antonio Banderas.

The Spanish chain aims to lure more Americans to its lodgings in the Caribbean and elsewhere by touting what savvy travelers know: Resorts where meals, snacks, booze and most activities are covered, often at jaw-dropping rates, can make budgeters feel like big shots. It's a vacation option that's better every year, as all-inclusives up their games with new properties, fancier rooms and meals that can rival those at chic hotels.

Even traditional chains such as Hilton have dipped their toes into all-inclusive waters, and à la carte resorts (Ritz-Carlton's Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica, for one) have added packages with meals and drinks to woo those who want to know the bottom line before they leave home.

PHOTO GALLERY: All-inclusive resorts

"We see this as a growing market," says Hilton's Danny Hughes, senior vice president of operations for Latin America and the Caribbean. People at all income levels like knowing what a vacation will cost and having an "overall experience" at their fingertips without having to plan or pay extra, he says.

Another draw: You don't have to tip.

Here's advice from veteran travel planners and industry insiders on getting the most from an all-inclusive getaway:

Define your vacation goals

Do you want a gorgeous beach, an adults-only romantic interlude, a family vacation, a wedding that's easy to plan (Sandals Resorts has partnered with Martha Stewart Weddings), a party place? Different chains cater to various ages and proclivities, with everything from suites and butlers to nude beaches, casinos or infant day care.

Find the resort that fits your budget

Clients of Jim Hobbs' Cheapcaribbean.com ask: "Where's the best value?" he says. "People are looking for a high-end vacation at prices they can afford." Because most all-inclusives are in countries with cheap labor and low cost of living, you can stay for less than $100 daily per person.

Luxury lovers can be happy at an all-inclusive, says Arthur Mehmel, founder of TourScan Caribbean Vacations. He has sent wealthy clients to the AAA five-star Royal Hideaway Playacar near Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and booked the all-inclusive option at chic Half Moon Resort in Jamaica. Couples-only Sandals, whose slogan is "luxury included," offers butlers and private plunge pools for $1,000-plus per couple nightly. Its 74-suite Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World. Rates before Christmas start at about $700 a couple nightly.

Know when to go

August through mid-December is deal time, especially in the Caribbean. Fall rates at IBEROSTAR start at $158 a room per night (double occupancy) at IBEROSTAR Paraíso del Mar in Riviera Maya, Mexico. In winter high season, the lowest posted rate is $354 double, at IBEROSTAR Cozumel. Watch for grand-opening specials: SuperFun in Jamaica has a $154 nightly rate for two.

Know where to go

Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, St. Lucia and Mexico are crammed with all-inclusives. Up-and-coming destinations include Brazil and Panama. This year, Hilton made its Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa all-inclusive. It appeals to those seeking outdoor adventures. And for some, "the destination is less important if (the resort) has a great beach," Hughes says. That's the lure of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Negril in Jamaica. As for kids, the Beaches chain has partnered with Sesame Street— meaning mingling with Elmo.

Watch for sales

In this iffy economy, specials are everywhere. Even luxe Royal Hideaway Playacar has rates from $213 per person nightly for November and December, instead of $400.

Check before you check in

That's easy via traveler-review sites including TripAdvisor. Cheapcaribbean.com has a resort finder and thousands of reviews from its customers. Read the fine print: You typically pay extra for spa treatments, greens fees, motorized water sports, fine wine. Sandals includes scuba diving and offers free golf (but requires paying for caddies) at some properties.

Opt for air/lodging packages

Cheapcaribbean, TourScan, Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations and GOGO Worldwide Vacations have cut-rate deals. "Sometimes we can do a week for around $800 a person, including airfare" with a charter flight via Apple or one of the others, Mehmel says. Last-minute deals can be good, too.

Consider pros and cons

If you're looking to explore a destination and its culture, think twice before going all-inclusive. Other than basic classes in local dances or crafts and nightly cruise-ship-like shows, there's usually little cultural immersion. In places such as Punta Cana, there's little to do outside your gated compound other than excursions. You might be ferried to a stable to ride en masse on jaded equines.

Independent sorts may hate wearing a plastic, hospital-style wristband (required at most all-inclusives). Staying and eating at one resort, even with its buffets and specialty restaurants, can be confining. Chains such as Riu or IBEROSTAR combat boredom by allowing resort-hopping when they have several properties in one locale.

Meanwhile, the everything-included concept keeps expanding its beachhead. All-inclusives "have come to realize if they offer better food than average and better service than average for less money, travelers will spread the word," Mehmel says. "And that's what has happened."

Vietnam travel - The 5 Must See Beaches

By Justin Calderon

Vietnam, a country reminiscent of a war-torn epic that rang of rock-and-roll, decadence, and destruction­ was, up until recently, visited by only the adventurous traveler. Though late in its arrival as a member of part of the Southeast Asian travel belt, today this crescent-shaped land with innate tropical beauty has attracted international appeal, leading to an influx of budget tourists and luxury travelers alike from across the globe.

Cheap, tropical, mysteriously alluring — Vietnam’s climate provides the perfect beach vacation, while offering ample opportunity to peek down one of history’s infamous alleyways. Travelers will find a gamut of beaches dotting the coast including chill backpacker hangouts, luxurious resort getaways and sleepy fishing villages. From Central Da Nang to the southern capital of Saigon — north to south — lie five beaches every traveler should check out in their quest for the perfect beach of Vietnam travel.

1) Hoian

Hoian is an enclave of beautifully preserved yellow and blue buildings that makes you feel like you just stepped back in time into an 18th-century trading post. Sapphire waters lie on the other side of a 10-minute bike ride north through stagnant rice paddies, old French colonial villas, and the occasional propaganda billboard. The beachfront of the famed China Beach — the beach where soldiers were sent for R&R during the war — makes up the southern stretch. Recently named one of the most luxurious beaches in the world by Forbes, this white sand beach is home to comfy resorts and secluded swaths of sand.

Hoian, however, has much more to offer than just a beach. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1999, this coastal village was once known as the premier trading post in Southeast Asia for the Chinese and Japanese. A bike ride around town takes you back to life in a small far-flung trading settlement. However, since the influx of visitors, shoppers are more likely to come across trinkets and “made-to-measure” one-day tailors than authentic goods.

Market life is still prevalent next to the river where you will find fishermen paddling along in their boats, stirring up their catch of the day. For a sense of life before modern times, head into select buildings in the Old Quarter where you can view 200-year-old interiors that have been preserved for public viewing.

2) Quy Nhon

If you decide to include Quy Nhon in your itinerary, expect to encounter only a trickle of foreigners stopping by on their way to Nha Trang. In a country besieged by tourism, Quy Nhon can truly be described as an authentic experience. Crowds of Vietnamese gather on the beach to play volleyball at sunset and offer hearty “hellos.” A few large hotels graze the southern beachfront, but since the Vietnamese aren’t keen to sunbathing, you’ll likely find the beach to yourself.

A relatively small coastal city in Central Vietnam, Quy Nhon embodies a relaxed tempo not likely to be found in other Vietnamese cities. Grab a bike and slip along Nguyen Hue Road where a number of grins will greet you from people sitting in colorful plastic chairs. The longer you stay in Quy Nhon, the more you will appreciate the carefree lifestyle here.

3) Doc Let

This tranquil and secluded beach just north of popular Nha Trang offers a few small, hard-to-find, resorts. As Lonely Planet enticingly puts it, “the resorts on the beach are fairly isolated. If you’re staying here, be prepared to do nothing but lay around.”

When I was there I stayed at Paradise Resort, a small, 25-bungalow resort run by Mr “Chere,” a French expat who has lived in Vietnam for over 20 years. You can rent a bungalow for the night, and the price includes three meals a day. The gregarious owner is very inviting and keen on getting all his guests to have a great time, making this resort seem more like a stay at a friend’s than a hotel.

The resort is flanked by a small fishing village that proves an interesting excursion when not baking on the beach. During the midday you’ll find hawkers rocking in hammocks to escape the sun while children run a-muck between farm animals and the streets.

4) Nha Trang

Nha Trang has always been popular with the Vietnamese, but lately more and more backpackers and affluent travelers have been making their way here. The busy southern strip of the city is crammed with restaurants, SCUBA schools, and tour companies ready to take you out to sea and to one of the numerous islands scattered just off the coast. For those not ready to take the full plunge into the world of SCUBA, snorkeling is a great way to get intimate with the ecological kaleidoscope beneath the surface (and even copious amounts of alcohol found on the boat ride out).

Mama Hahn’s Booze Cruise runs daily tours to four islands under the sails of their two lanky dinghies: the “lazy boat” and the “party boat.” Steadfast swimmers up for socializing with other international miscreants and an accompanying jovial Vietnamese guide should bee-line it to the party boat. As long as you stay buoyant and don’t swallow too much salt water, you’ll be sure to make it back to nurse that lingering hangover by nightfall. Don’t say you haven’t been warned.

5) Mui Ne

Mui Ne, in Southeastern Vietnam, is a notable backpacker and resort beach, especially for those interested in kite surfing. On those windy days so common in Southern Vietnam, throngs of kites can be seen making polka-dot patches in the sky. The resort side of the beach is heavily subtitled in Russian to cater to the growing amount of tourists escaping the Russian winters. A manager at one of the multitude of seafood BBQ restaurants that checker Mui Ne road astutely observed, “[The Russians] are coming here a lot. I think it’s because it’s hot and very cheap.”

Though not easy, you can still find budget accommodations on the resort side of the beach for about $10-15, which is great considering that the backpacker side of the beach has lost nearly all its beachfront to erosion. A grey, impending concrete wall is now slammed by waves during high-tide leaving any idea of beach strictly to the imagination. There are a few bars and generic sit-downs here, and the low volume of traffic makes a motorbike tour up the 6-mile street safe and the best way to scope out the rest of what the area offer.

The resort side of the beach, lying on the southern end of Mui Ne, still has its sand, and the restaurants and bars there enjoy a party atmosphere well into the night. Just remember, Vietnam is not nearly as rife as Southern Thailand when it comes to beach parties, bean bag chairs, and fire twirlers — not that you’ll miss any of those things when you’re here.

Travel to Beautiful Vietnam - Beautiful honeymoon destination

 Travel Vietnam Vietnam beaches are some of the best in the world, if you do not believe this, take a look at the Mekong Delta, this part of Vietnam is surrounded by ocean, and once you are on the edge it will feel like you are standing at the end of the world.

By: Anna08 Anna08

Best Vietnam Destinations

There are many places that one could go for a vacation. We all know of the usual places that you could go, but it is the place that not many people go to that really will entice you, like walking on hallowed ground. Vietnam is a place that not many people will go to on holiday, but the few that does will tell you just how great it is, and just how many things you can see and learn there.

If you are going to travel Vietnam, be sure to find a Vietnam responsible travel agent, because we will know that some people are just purely dishonest and will do anything to take you money, so be careful. However, be sure to ask the travel agent about a place called Sapa. For vast greenery of land and mountainous terrain that will blow you away. Take a vacation like no other in this beautiful land that almost matches the Scottish Highlands.

Travel tours to Halong Bay are the most used, as this is the most popular city in Vietnam. Here you will find lakes, seas, mountains and everything else that you love to see on a Vietnam vacation. If you are looking for a honeymoon trip in Vietnam this is the place to be, because of the vast area waiting to be explored, like the many caves around the islands. Once there you will hear many stories of the legend that is Halong Bay.

Looking for resort Vietnam? Look no further than Nha Trang. With the most beautiful blue beaches you will be sure to find a resort that you will like somewhere along the very long stretch of coast. Here you will be able to go fish, deep sea diving, su

rfing, and just simple lazing around the beach all day long. You could also, if you are there the right time of the year, take in the annual Sail boat racing just off the coast, or you could be brave and take part in the event.

Vietnam beaches are some of the best in the world, if you do not believe this, take a look at the Mekong Delta, this part of Vietnam is surrounded by ocean, and once you are on the edge it will feel like you are standing at the end of the world.

Of everyone that went to vacation in Vietnam, you will be assured that a Vietnam holiday is just simply the best. If you are looking for a quiet holiday you could always go to one of the rural parts of Vietnam, but if you want to have everything you need within reach, you could take a look at a place called Dalat, which only has a small population of about 120 000. This is a place you want to be, because as the name is directly translated from Latin, it means ?Giving Pleasure to Some, Freshness to Others.? So do not miss out on this town, and be sure to travel the whole of Vietnam to really experience a great holiday.

Anna08 Anna08

Author Bio
Anna is author of this article on Adventure travel. Find more information about My Family Vacation here.

Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu Wins 2010 World Luxury Hotel Country Award

Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu won the 2010 World Luxury Hotel Country Award under the “Luxury Beach Resort” category in Malaysia at the recent World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Ceremony Dinner in Hua Hin, Thailand on 8 October 2010.
The World Luxury Travel Awards are the world’s most prestigious awards exclusive to the luxury hotel industry and recognises the best facilities and service excellence the industry has to offer.  Established in 2006, the awards recognise a selection of the finest hotels situated in 54 countries and is committed to raising the bar of excellence within the luxury hotel industry.
“This comes as such a wonderful surprise. We are very excited to receive this prestigious award,” said Andrew Steele, general manager of Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu.
The criterion to be successfully nominated and included in the official World Luxury Hotel Awards voting process is overall service excellence. Only hotels, lodges and resorts operating in a luxury niche market are able to participate in the World Luxury Hotel Awards. The World Luxury Hotel Award does not recognise any other areas of the travel industry.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 68 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 30,000.  Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.  Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.  The group has substantial development pipeline with projects in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Mongolia, Russia, Qatar, Seychelles, Turkey and United Kingdom. 

9 Strangest Vacations

Published on Yesterday 10/23/2010 under Places - by Gracie Murano -38,537 views 

 A vacation to the Moon

Space Adventures provides the opportunity for you to blast off in a Soyuz spacecraft for a circumlunar mission. During the seven-day space flight, which reaches top speeds of 17,000 mph, you'll see stars, the illuminated far side of the moon, and the Earth from 250,000 miles away. Candidates must train for four months alongside Russian cosmonauts at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia. Two seats are available for $100 million each. (Link)

 A $1 Million vacation

A battle is brewing for bragging rights to the most expensive vacation. The Emirates Palace resort in Abu Dhabi announced a Million Dollar Travel package that “incarnates pure opulence.”Along with first-class airfare and seven nights at a giant suite at the Palace, the package includes:

Chauffeur-driven Maybach at your disposal daily during your stay in Abu Dhabi. 
Daily spa treatments. 
Day trip in private jet to Iran where you'll create your own Persian carpet with the country's most-exclusive and best-renowned hand-maker.
Day trip to Bahrain in private jet for “a pearl deep sea experience,” with the pearl hand-designed settings.

The Emirates is hoping the trip gets it a slot in the Guinness Book of World Records. But it turns out that Leading Hotels of the World has its own ode to opulence. Its $1 million Around the World in 80 Ways trip, which plays off the storied journey of Phileas Fogg, lets travelers recreate the 19th-century around-the-world fantasy experience with 21st-century comfort and flair.(Link | Via)

 A vacation with real mermaids

At a west Florida intersection, where the 21st century runs headlong into 1947, is a roadside attraction that must be seen to be believed. There are no Disney cartoon characters or underwater mannequins, but living, breathing, bubble-blowing mermaids just an hour drive north of Tampa. Weeki Wachee Springs attracts tourists from around the world, and during its heyday attracted celebrities including Elvis Presley. But in recent times the park has fallen into disrepair and is faced with a few financial and political woes. 

Weeki Wachee is a theater built into a natural spring—allowing the audience to walk into an underwater world without getting wet. With today's environmental laws, there will probably never be another place like it in the U.S. Clad in their iridescent Lycra tails, the mermaids perform choreographed routines and stories and are sometimes joined by fish, turtles, and manatees—creatures that some say inspired the original mermaid legends. (Link | Via)

 A naked vacation

A fun-but-unscientific poll found out that more Americans are open to the idea of naked vacations, a.k.a. nakations. The poll found that 48 percent of Americans would be willing to bare it all at a nude beach. That's up from 31 percent last year. Why the increased interest in nakations? Are Americans' attitudes about nudity loosening up? Or are travelers simply looking to travel light - so they can avoid the hefty baggage fees now imposed by many airlines?

All you'll need for the week (sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, shoes and toiletries) can fit in a small carry-on that will fit under the seat, avoiding even carry-on bag fees. But saving money on baggage is one thing. But what about the risk of sunburn "down there?" It's a real concern, experts say. In other words, slather it on if you take it all off. (Link)

 A vacation where you can swim with pigs

Swimming with dolphins? You can go one better! Visit the paddling porcines in Big Major Cay and jump in for a dip if you're brave enough. They won't bite---well, as long as you don't whisper "BLT" within earshot. (Link)

 A vacation in a little people themed park

If you've hit up all the SeaWorlds and Wisconsin Dells of the globe, why not take a trip to a make-believe town populated by little people? According to TEA, Asia has the fastest-growing theme-park market—with 77.6 million visitors for Asia's top 15 parks alone. One of the region's biggest recent openings was the 2009 blockbuster debut of Dwarf Empire, a hilltop park in southern China devoted to—and almost entirely staffed by—people under four feet tall. The park also gained worldwide media coverage for employing many of the country's height-challenged, who traditionally have had a hard time finding work. Thanks to the park, many of China's dwarves are now gainfully employed as everything from janitors to crown-wearing empresses. (Link)

 A trip to Afghanistan

Although it is not considered safe for tourists at the moment, many look forward to being able to visit Afghanistan in the near future. Why? Take a look at some of the remarkable places you would be able to visit and decide for yourself. Would you take a vacation to Afghanistan? The Buddhas of Bamyan, the City of Screams, the Minarets of Ghazni, the Blue Mosque – these are just some of the incredible sites of Afghanistan. Astonishing lakes, ancient destroyed cities and breathtaking landscapes may persuade you to think a little differently about this war torn but still spectacular country.(Link | Via)

 A ghost tour

While Halloween brings to mind ghosts and goblins, did you know that many ghostly tours are available throughout the year? Florida offers a collection of tours and excursions guaranteed to scare up the need to plan a day trip or weekend getaway. As entertaining as they are informative, ghost tours explore paranormal phenomenon that may have you believing... or not.(Link)

 An underwater vacation

Talk about an extreme vacation! An Australian adventurer spent two weeks living underwater, riding a bike to generate electricity and using algae to produce oxygen!
Breathing air provided by algae soaked in his own urine, "aquanaut" Lloyd Godson spent 12 days living in a yellow steel capsule submerged in a flooded gravel pit.

The 29-year-old's claustrophobic ordeal was intended to shed light on the practical and psychological challenges of living in an alien environment. His temporary home, a 10ft long box, was billed as "the world's first self-sufficient, self-sustaining underwater habitat." Back on dry land, and toasting the success of the experiment with champagne, he admitted to suffering cabin fever. (Link | Via)