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The world is an imperfect place, but there are certain corners of it that seem to exist as escapes; they aren’t laughing in the face of other people’s struggles of course, but they do keep bad vibes and serious matters somewhat at bay. One such place is Rincon, considered the best beach in Puerto Rico. Here, time stands still and troubles become far away. Tensions are eased, and responsibilities are simply put away for another day. If getting away from it all is the goal you have in mind, consider Rincon as the focus for your next vacation.

Located on the absolute western tip of the island, Rincon is known for postcard-worthy scenes and fabulous beach conditions. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and while there’s a lot to do, there’s also the perfectly acceptable option of not doing much at all. Incredible vacations can consist largely of downtime; reading, sipping beach drinks while lounging under an umbrella, and catching up with your special someone could be the highlights of this satisfying trip.

For the active moments, consider these diversions. Scuba dive or snorkel in the crystal clear water along the coastal reefs. Rent a kayak, jet ski, banana boat or surfboard and test out your sea legs. Take a charter boat for some fishing, whale watching or simple sight-seeing. Take advantage of the beach trails by biking or jogging, burning calories while you enjoying the unique views. Play tennis or golf, take a stroll along the shoreline and look for seashells, and if you’re truly adventurous, sign up for a spelunking session. In case you haven’t noticed, the activities available could fill a few weeks, so hopefully you’ll arrive in Rincon with several days of free time.

The tropical weather is generally nice all year long. Nights can be cooler in the winter and summer days get pretty steamy, but overall the temperature is comparable to Miami and never becomes too uncomfortable. Bring plenty of shorts and swimsuits and maybe a light sweater and you’ll be all set. Also, while practical matters are being discussed, be aware that English is widely spoken, most cell phones work here, and you don’t need a passport. As far as transitions go, this one won’t be too shocking.

Hopefully you’ll bring your appetite with you to Rincon, as there are plenty of intriguing restaurants to tempt your taste buds. Fresh fruits and vegetables, wines and mixed drinks, Caribbean cuisine, and of course lots of seafood will all expand your culinary horizons. Regular, recognizable places are available if for those who feel like playing it safe, but it is recommended that you at least try an empanadilla or Mofongo. You’ll see what exactly these exotic offerings consist of once you’re seated at a table, perhaps facing a spectacular Rincon sunset.

This fairly secluded beach town has what it takes to qualify as a truly pleasing destination. You’ll be removed from the hubbub of the daily grind yet comfortable as well. Distractions will greet you around every corner, and you’ll be able to achieve some peace and quiet as well. Complete the picture by renting a vacation home, condo or beach house. Having a home base as appealing as the island itself – a getaway within a getaway, if you will – will add to this already noteworthy event. Fantastic amenities, lots of privacy, and long-term availability mean that Rincon Vacation Rentals are definitely where it’s at.

Cruise the internet to learn more about the array of vacation rentals in Rincon as well as the location itself. By leaving the rest of humanity behind for a little while, you’ll be doing yourself a favor and not hurting anything. Honestly, by returning to the thick of things refreshed and revived, you might just be making the world a better place.

Visit HomeAway.com to explore thousands of vacation rentals located all over the world.

This fall foliage scenic drive in Central Vermont is a loop tour of about 150 miles. Although it's possible to do the drive in one day and bypass many of the attractions and rambles suggested, I'd recommend you carve out a weekend to do it justice.

The drive offers some of the best views in the Green Mountain National Forest, which in the fall is dramatic and stunning.

The scenic drive follows mostly Route 12 south from Montpelier to Woodstock, before heading north on Route 100 and 100B back to Montpelier. You'll discover plenty of surprises on the way, but it's no surprise you'll experience some magnificent fall foliage views all along the way.

Okay, start the ignition and let's get going...

Our journey begins in Montpelier, the smallest state capital city in America. Montpelier is on the northern fringe of central Vermont, and is 182 miles from Boston and 198 miles from Hartford. It can be easily reached from Interstate 89.

Take Route 12 out of Montpelier and head south to Northfield Falls. Vermont has many fine examples of covered bridges, but two of them in Northfield Falls can be seen at once, as you look through one to other. This is unique in New England and definitely worth taking the camera out to capture.

Continue on Route 12 making your way to Bethel.

Bethel is one of those Vermont towns that's a natural part of the scenery. Could this be why it's home to the White River National Fish Hatchery? The hatchery focuses on restoring Atlantic Salmon to the Connecticut River. It's open 8:00am - 3:00pm daily.

From Bethel you'll continue on the final leg of the southern route to Woodstock.

The Woodstock area offers a number of attractions, including Billings Farm and Museum, and Quechee Gorge. Woodstock itself is one of those picture-perfect Vermont villages that's fun just to stroll around checking out the boutiques and restaurants.

The Billings Farm and Museum was established in 1871, and today it's a working farm, and a museum depicting farm life in the late 1800s. Depending on the time you visit the museum has seasonal activities so check ahead to see what's going on the day you plan to arrive.

Quechee Gorge is Vermont's little Grand Canyon. Not quite as big a crack in the ground as in Arizona, but at a mile long and plenty of hiking and walking trails on offer, it's a chance to admire the scenery and stretch the legs. Be sure to walk to the picnic area overlooking the falls for a Kodak moment.

The next 20 miles of the scenic drive takes you cross-country on Route 4 to Killington. Killington is a world famous ski area that covers six mountains. At over 4,200' it offers spectacular views from the summit. There's very few better places to appreciate the fall foliage than at the top of Killington Peak. If it's running take the K1-Gondola from base. You can ride the Gondola daily from late September - early October. Call ahead for schedule or visit their web site at www.killington.com.

Killington is about the halfway point in this tour, and if you decide to linger overnight in the area then the beautiful town of Rutland is close-by with plenty of lodging. Just be sure to make reservations during the heavy visited peak fall foliage season.

The next section of the tour follows Route 100 as it borders the Green Mountain National Forest. You'll pass through the towns of Pittsfield, Hancock, Granville, and Waitsfield as you tour perhaps the most scenic areas and diverse terrain you'll see on this drive.

Just North of Hancock and close to Route100 on Route 125 is Texas Falls. The trail to the falls is an easy hike and offers marvelous views anytime of the year, but especially during fall foliage season when the colors dazzle.

The larger Moss Glen Falls is just north of Granville a few miles up from Hancock. The drive from Hancock towards the falls is a two-lane winding road that passes through a seven-mile stretch of rough wilderness, and worth taking at a slow and easy pace.

The final leg of this central Vermont scenic drive from Granville to Middlesex and back to Montpelier continues to provide startling scenery and great photo opportunities. Route 100B connects with Route 100 just south of Moretown village, and you'll take 100B north to Middlesex and then join Interstate 89 for the quick hop back into Montpelier.

This fall foliage scenic drive offers oodles of opportunities for detours and backroad excursions. My advice is to give yourself the time to get distracted and follow a few inviting roads leading away from busy highways, and become a Vermonter for a few days. You'll appreciate a fall Vermont and understand why the people that live here wouldn't trade it for any other place in the world.

Vermonters quip the state really has five seasons - spring, summer, fall, winter, and the famous mud season. But my personal favorite in Vermont is the fall. Take this tour and you'll understand why.

About The Author:

For more details on these and other Vermont scenic drives and to pick up your free travel reports go to Cliff's New England Vacations site at: http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/

Typical vacations might consist of fun in the sun or a day at the beach, but if you're feeling a bit unconventional these days, why not embrace the pure wilderness and historic charm of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Heading inland will allow you to escape the trials and tribulations of your modern schedule by discovering an older and simpler way of life.

As the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is the place to be for tourists of all kinds. Only about 3,500 people actually live here, but it seems like much more thanks to the thriving arts scene, nighttime entertainment, and constant merry-go-round of visitors looking to explore this lush and beautiful part of the country.

The park itself is unimaginably diverse, dense, and difficult to describe in simple terms. The citizens who once fought to protect them saw the inherent beauty and value of these 800 square miles of untamed land, and today over 9 million people show their agreement by visiting. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has received a number of lofty designations, including International Biosphere Reserve, World Heritage Area, and State National Heritage Area.

Park rangers, visitor centers, and a number of roadside exhibits help to educate sightseers, but true awe comes during those moments of silence that occasionally fall during a hike, picnic, or nature stroll. This preserved area is 95% forested and contains trees up to 20 feet in circumference. Rare plants can be spotted everywhere you look, and there are over 60 species of mammals and 200 different types of birds. This is the only place in the world that you'll find Jordan's Red Cheeked Salamanders, and you'll see them as part of the most diverse salamander population in the world.

After you've had your fill of the more secluded parts of the Great Smokies, be sure to spend a little time in Gatlinburg. This town tries to buck the image of sleepy mountain settlement by offering diversions of all kinds and playing host to festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies contains marine creatures of all shapes and size in its 1.4 million gallon operation, and the Guinness World of Records Museum will surely show you a few surprises.

As far as special events go, Gatlinburg loves a good party. The Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival lasts for over a month and celebrates autumn with hay rides, fall decorations, and local crafts. Gatlinburg Heritage Days focuses on the local traditions by encouraging everyone to learn about and participate in a number of activities. The Craftsman's Fair showcases the work of dozens of craftspeople from around the country and is one of the largest gatherings of independent artisans anywhere.

Take things up a notch by visiting Ober Gatlinburg, an amusement park and Tennessee's only ski resort. Perched above the town, you'll find, among other things, an alpine slide, miniature golf, a black bear habitat, and skiing in the winter. Shopping and great food is also available up here, so take some time to enjoy the sights as you while away the day above the city.

If you need a few more reasons to visit Gatlinburg, be aware that there's plenty of trout fishing, a mountainside golf course that will challenge the savviest of players, and for all you lovebirds, this cozy little hamlet has earned the reputation as the Honeymoon Capital of the South. Don't forget horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and nighttime shows for people of all ages.

Lodging options in this tourist-loving town abound, and the scenery and rolling hills make it the ideal spot for renting a cabin or chalet to make your stay the complete mountain experience. A little seclusion will make you feel like a true adventurer, but the presence of so many easy access roads will never leave you feeling isolated. Check into renting a vacation home in or near Gatlinburg and you'll certainly have everything you need; plenty of space, lots of great amenities, and close proximity to whatever it is that you'd like to see.

Families who'd like to do a bit of hiking can find a place just minutes from the park entrance, and for evenings filled with fun and relaxation, a game room, entertainment center, and nearby swimming pool will leave everyone satisfied. For those just seeking solace from the constant spinning of the outside world, a cozy mountain retreat complete with hot tub and stellar panoramic views will be all that you need to achieve inner peace.

No matter what you plan to do in Gatlinburg, make sure to scope out a great place to stay. Go online to start looking for your Gatlinburg Vacation Rental, and get ready for a taste of something different.

It’s an emerging global battle between Tourism Boards to rope in to the Bollywood saga. Bollywood is the international and the most popular definition of the Hindi language movie sector in India, which is perhaps one of the world’s largest too. Selling a billion more tickets annually than Hollywood, Bollywood showcases themes from all over the world.

The Hindi film industry has now led fans of this popular cine culture to experience fresher climes in the Finnish Lapland of Rovaniemi and Poland (Fanaa), Victoria in Australia (Salaam Namaste), Korea (Gangster), Brazil (Dhoom II), Kandahar and Kabul (Kabul Express), Ras Al Khaimah (Deewane Hue Pagal, 36 China Town) and Malaysia (Don II). The trend which began with “Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge in the 90’s lapping up the UK and Swiss borders has now transcended its’ boundaries across the Atlantic to New York with Kabhie Alvida Na Kehna and Kaal Ho Na Ho.

As Dubai along with Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE, Hong Kong and Singapore get added as new destinations to the Mumbai film repertoire, Tourism Boards the world over along with Mumbai and India are clamoring for a slice of the Indian film industry which is expected to cross a turnover of Rs140 billion, as per a KPMG consultancy report. Kashmir and Kerala have given way to world destinations as more producers go westwards to film their movie musicals.

The Indian Tourism Ministry and the Maharashtra government too have pulled up their socks and are looking to create private or public partnerships to promote Bollywood Tourism, especially in the United Kingdom which has already worked out a counter tourism strategy to lure Hindi film fans.

The British move is to allow Hindi film buffs to walk the paths of the now famous British locales of London, Scotland and Yorkshire and relive their favorite Bollywood’s filmy moments. With Indias’ official carrier proposing to add new flights on to the London and Europe sector to rope in the large Indian expatriate community, Britain’s Tourism department is already pitching high on Bollywood through the sale and distribution of an innovative “Bollywood Map of Britain”, with dozens of dots that identify now-seen scenes from Hindi blockbusters- locations such as the Blenheim Palace, Waddesden Manor- used extensively for the shots of Kabhie Khushie Kabhie Gham (K3G) and many more such spots made famous in Bollywood movies.

In the recent past, Hong Kong recorded a 24.7 per cent growth in visitors from India and this has led the tourism board to learn certain movie making linkages between Mumbai and Hong Kong which has plans to develop destination and tour packages revolving around Bollywood and also market the extensive production centers in Hong Kong to Indian movie makers. The Singapore Tourism Board in 2006 launched a “KKrissh” tour package.

The Swiss success of Bollywood has now trickled onto Finland and the Finnish Tourism Board (FTB) had in the recent past organized programs for Bollywood’s dream merchants to familiarize themselves with Finland. The FTB proposes to give location subsidies. Other sops and easy permissions to set up cameras and shots in Finland are being studied. The idea of the FTB is to sell the midnight sun and Northern Lights of the archipelago and bring it under Bollywood’s arch lights. With a direct flight o Helsinki from India, it’s only a wait and watch scene with Bollywood fans adding Santa land to their holiday destination!

With film festivals and awards shows the rage of the times, more and more countries are offering their destination points to set shop for Bollywood’s pre and post productions, also setting aside budgets for awards and glitterati shows. The Malaysian Government had set aside about $US 2.7 million to host the 2006 Global Indian Film Awards (GIFA) thus pushing up sales for Malaysia as a prime Bollywood destination, already made famous in a host of Hindi films.

Only recently some private tour operators in Mumbai have understood the need to tap the “Bollywood” bug as part of their Mumbai ‘Darshan’ packages. Such operators charge around US $100 or rupees 3900 per head for a day’s guided studio tour with or without lunch packages. The experience gets tourists closer to understanding the nuances and technicalities of running one of India's largest and most glamorous industries.

The trip includes either a film studio or a television soap shoot on location at one of the studios. Tourists get to watch actors and technicians create scenes most fans might already be aware of in the real set, setting off a de ja vu appeal.

Sometimes, a post-production studio experience is thrown in where tourists learn and see in-situ dubbing, sound-editing and some other special effects that are added to movies. As most live studios in Mumbai are not open to viewing for the general public, it is left to the individual tour operators to work out their contracts with the studios they have a nexus with. Filmistan studio is one of the more popular studios open to public.

However, to really thrive on the real Indian movie experience, Tollywood or the Southern Hyderabad based film industry is the place to be. With Mumbai belting out Hindi movies, Telegu, the second most widely spoken language in South India adds to the splendor and glamour of Tollywood.

Producing over 150 feature films a year in and around the new emerging IT hub in Hyderabad, it is worth a visit to Ramoji City -one of the largest filmmaking complexes in the world. With more than 1,600 acres of ply streetscapes, sound stages, warehouses, post-production facilities, hotels, restaurants Ramoji City is modeled as theme park and has been adjudged by the Guinness Book of World record as a complete tinsel town. Ramoji City is akin to experiencing movie magic and “real time” scenes recreated as in the Universal Studios or a Disney or MGM studio in the West. With an entry fee of rupees 250 or $US 5, it’s an experience which Mumbai is yet to reel on! ENDS



Manoj Gursahani is the Chairman of India's first ecommerce travel portal- TravelMartIndia. Visit the blog for more travel related issues, travel tips and destinations

Best castles in Europe

Everybody has their own dream castle. For some it's the Disney castles with its turrets and spires; for others, a ruined stone tower standing on a mountain peak, or a brick gatehouse reflected in the still waters of a moat.

And castles are everywhere. Sometimes it seems you can hardly move without falling over one.

But there are a select few castles that just can't be missed. From the early keeps of the eleventh century to the romantic decadence of the nineteenth, each century seems to have one or two castles that sum up the spirit of the age.

Let's start with Castel del Monte in the deep south of Italy. It's unforgettable and completely unique; a stark octagon, its pristine geometry contrasting with the wild landscape around it. The mixture of classical detailing, Gothic construction and even Islamic elements reflects the multicultural world of Frederick II's Sicily and Apulia in the 1240s, when it was built. Even having lost most of its original decoration, it still impresses with its clear formal construction and precise detail.

Castel del Monte may in fact have been a hunting lodge rather than a fortress, but Caernarvon Castle was clearly created to meet a military requirement. It was one of a number of castles built by Edward I in the 1280s to consolidate his conquests in Wales. With four separate accommodation towers, and concentric walls that defend not just the castle but the whole town of Caernarvon, it's an impressive building. The setting – on a narrow spur of land between two rivers flowing into the sea – is magnificent. And it makes an unmistakable political statement. It was a home for the new (English) Prince of Wales – ruler of a conquered nation.

Carcassonne in southern France is for many people the quintessential French castle. In fact, it owes its many little spires to nineteenth century restorer Viollet-le-Duc – they're not original. But even if it's not as authentic a medieval castle as it feels, its double curtain walls, dominant hilltop position, and fifty-three separate towers have an undeniable grandeur. It even has a cathedral inside the walls. Less well known is its northern French twin, Pierrefonds – also restored by Viollet-le-Duc.

Spain had its own building traditions, which drew as much from Moorish culture as they did from common European archetypes. Brick rather than stone is the usual construction material, and it's spun out into delicate parapets, or stepped into jagged battlements. Coca is one of the most ornate, with a huge inner tower and two rings of walls. But perhaps the most impressive is Peñafiel, with its tall rectangular keep and long thin wall which follows the contours of the narrow ridgeon which it sits.

Nuremberg castle is actually three separate castles – one part belonged to the Emperor, one to the Burggrave, and one to the city itself. Founded in 1050, it was added to over more than 500 years, in half timber as well as stone and brick. This is truly an imperial castle, in both size and richness; it even includes a two-storey chapel, the 'Doppelkapelle', in which the emperor could attend mass on the upper storey while the commoner attended below.

Nuremberg is luxurious – a castle for living well. The castle of the Teutonic Knights at Malbork, in Poland - originally Marienburg, the Virgin's fortress – is, by comparison, a military machine. It was built to defend the borders of Christendom against the pagan tribes of the north. Building started in the 13th century, but over centuries it was extended outwards from the original kernel, with a huge curtain wall and extensive moats linked to the Nogat river. There are other Polish castles – but this is the grandmother of them all.

Most castles have been added to over the ages and Heidelberg is no exception. Its red sandstone bulk dominates the city from its wooded hill. A quintessential medieval outline, you might think – but in fact its most characteristic architecture is in Renaissance style, added by the Prince Electors of Heidelberg in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Sumptuous ornament and fine classical details betray the fact that the castle was no longer an effective military stronghold, but rather a fine setting for a luxurious palace.

Leeds Castle in Kent shows the same shift from fortress to palace. The original twelfth century castle was a real fort; but when Henry VIII took it over, he transformed it into the fairytale it is now, with huge oriel windows projecting over the lake, and fancy parapets instead of rough battlements. Although the lake was originally a defence, now it forms a romantic setting; priorities have changed.

Castles more or less died out in the sixteenth century. Different, new kinds of fortification were needed once artillery, rather than hand to hand fighting, decided the outcome of wars. But in the nineteenth century, as writers and artists rediscovered the appeal of the Gothic, there was a new interest in castles. Most architects restricted themselves, like Viollet-le-Duc, to restoring old castles. But in just a few cases, they built new ones.

Neuschwanstein in southern Germany is the essence of castleness, distilled and made into a single building. Ludwig II of Bavaria chose the site for its picturesque appeal, on a precipitious gorge with views towards lakes and forests. But its form comes from the imagination; the whole design was based partly on stage sets for Wagner operas. What we see is like a dream of the middle ages – without any of the day to day requirements that a real castle had to fulfil. And what a marvellous dream it is.

If you visited all of these castles you'd have a good idea of what a castle ought to be. But be warned; castles are like chocolate – highly addictive. You'll end up visiting more of them and no doubt you'll end up with a personal favourite.

Mine? Simple. Not one of these great fortresses or palaces, but – a tiny castle in the deep south-west of France; Larresingle. Its simple houses built into the curtain wall, its red tiled roofs glowing against the deep green of woods and fields, make it more of a village than a castle. It's on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela, and it still feels very much the way it would have to a medieval pilgrim.

Andrea Kirkby
www.podtours.co.uk
Let our mp3 guides show you around Europe's rich heritage of art and architecture. Podtours - your personal tour guide!

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