Probably you have heard about the Amsterdam Red-Light District as this is a very famous section in the Netherlands. Much to your surprise, what you may have heard is true! Here are some facts about the Amsterdam Red-Light District, a place unlike any place else.

The famous Amsterdam Red-Light District covers a large area in the oldest part of the city. It has been servicing the personal needs and desires of locals and visitors for five centuries, and thanks to the old buildings leaning at odd angles overlooking the tree-enshrouded canals that a certain charm tempts you to linger longer in the area. In this district, music of every genre can be heard along the streets from a dozen or more places late at night. And, it is the classier restaurants, redone streets, and revamped facades that transform what once dark and dingy into one of the most attractive parts of town – the Amsterdam Red-Light District.

Prostitution in the District

Did you know that prostitution is legal in the Netherlands? Yes, it is! It is most concentrated in the Amsterdam Red-Light District where it has enjoyed a long tradition of tolerance. It has been reported that since October 2000, window prostitutes have been allowed to legally ply their trade. Much to your surprise, the prostitutes in the Netherlands are also taxpayers. However, discrimination is still very much part and parcel in this kind of trade as a number of the prostitutes reported that some banks even refuse to grant mortgages for instance.

Now, as a legal profession, the government ensures that all prostitutes are able to access medical care and work in better conditions by way of regulating and monitoring working practices and standards. Also, it is worth noting that contrary to the popular belief, the Amsterdam Red-Light District is actually the safest area in the city as clusters of policemen and private bodyguards employed by the girls themselves are always on duty.

The Chinatown

The Amsterdam Red-Light District is one of the few places on earthy where you can authentic and really tasty Chinese food. The restaurants in this district are easy to find as cooked Duck is typically hung in the front window. However, Chinatown in itself is misleading as there are also dozens of Malaysian, Indonesian and Thai restaurants and cafés scattered along the beautiful canals. Besides the restaurants, there are other Chinese businesses in the Amsterdam Red-Light District, including a well stocked supermarket across from the Waag, near the Nieuwemarkt.

The Red-Light District Today

Amsterdam now prides itself on its wholly liberal and tolerant attitude. The city embraces, with the Amsterdam Red-Light District, embraces the fact that people may be into prostitution, pornography and soft drugs. So, instead of criminalizing everything, Amsterdam wears its heart on its sleeve. What you see is generally what you get. So, how do you get to it? The answer basically lies on which Amsterdam Red-Light District you are looking for. There are actually three Red-Light Districts in the city: the main area is in the Walletjes area, the Singel, and de Pijp.

Wondering where to go? Why not try the world of great tropical adventure that Costa Rica offers?

A Costa Rica Caribbean travel offers you active volcano exploration, wild animals, lush rainforests, and great beaches. On one of the ultimate paradises left untouched on this planet, there are no military, no nuclear power plants, lots of culture to offer, and no winter. A democratic society, Costa Rica is known as one of the most peaceful in the world. The last civil war was in 1948, and since then, armed forces have been abolished and the country has been able to avoid such dangers as despotic dictatorships, military coups, terrorism, and all other forms of internal strife.

Not only that, a Costa Rica Caribbean travel guarantees you a friendly atmosphere wherever part of the country you choose to visit.

The name literally means “rich coast” but Costa Rica is rich for far more than its coast. The country is replete with incredible natural beauties and many species of animals, some of them extremely rare and can only be seen if you go on a Costa Rica Caribbean travel.

The flora biodiversity alone is made up of well over 10,000 species of vascular plants and beautiful flowers. And as for tree species, almost 2,000 have been recorded in this small country in Latin America. This makes a Costa Rica Caribbean travel even more exciting, with such fascinating and endless number of natural habitat for various flora and fauna.

Besides land mammals and birds that would make any sane eco-tourism enthusiast go ga-ga over, Costa Rica is also home to 835 species of fish, of which 700 are saltwater fish. Anglers and fishers are going to have an awesome time dipping their poles in Costa Rica’s clear, azure waters to hook any one of these tropical fish species.

But if we focus a minute on the northwest region of Costa Rica, called Guanacaste, where most of the Costa Rica Caribbean travelers go nowadays because of the wide variety of scenery and activities offered, you will realize that there are so many more types of tours you can take. If you want to get really close to Costa Rica and actually see all these wonderful trees, plants, flowers, animals, and fish, then a Costa Rica Caribbean travel is all you need.

There is a wide range of activities to choose from on your Costa Rica Caribbean travel. Most of these depend on the part of the country in which you are vacationing. In the rainforest and you like birds, then bird watching walks with well-informed English-speaking guides or horseback riding are the type of Costa Rica Caribbean travel tours you should take.

You can also take one of those canopy tours, which are popular all over Costa Rica. But if you want the richest and best experience in Costa Rica’s rainforests, then avoid those that go through areas which are north towards the west. Here, the climates are dryer so naturally the vegetation lacks some of its beautiful richness in both density and color.

Called by many as Holland, the city of Amsterdam is the most visited center in the Netherlands. Recent statistics have shown that more than 3.5 million tourists are coming to visit Amsterdam per year. This popularity stemmed from its being a city of tolerance and diversity with all the advantages of a big city, be it culture, entertainment, international restaurants, good transport, and great hotels.

Speaking of hotels, many of the Amsterdam hotels offer the best accommodation, dining and entertainment. Many of the Amsterdam hotels offers discounts for those who wish to spend their holidays in the city. They usually feature up to 75 percent discount in their standard rates. However, it is important to note that Amsterdam is a busy place during weekends, especially during the high season. Thus, it is best that you book your Amsterdam hotel well in advance.

Here is a short list of the most preferred hotels in Amsterdam.

Lloyd Hotel Amsterdam – This hub currently has the most media coverage of all the Amsterdam hotels. It is very well situated, being nearer to the center of the city, with direct public transport connections. The place also has an easy access from the ring-road and from the rooms, lovely views over the fashionable Docklands areas are to be had. In addition, Lloyd Hotel Amsterdam has parking facilities of its own in a parking garage. It also has restaurants, a bar, a soundproof music room, a library and even a “corner” shop. It offers 116 rooms, ranging from one to five stars, and it is these rooms which offer a different experience to its visitors. What’s more, the rooms in this Amsterdam hotel are beautifully finished with the most exciting Dutch designs in the interior of the rooms. All guests can also enjoy a free high speed internet access, other than satellite television with a unique selection of channels.

Piet Hein Hotel Amsterdam – Unlike Lloyd Hotel, the hotel Piet Hein offers you a pleasant nautical atmosphere. It is situated at the Vondelpark in the heart of Amsterdam, only steps away from the Van Gogh museum, Rijksmuseum, the Modern Art museum, and the lively Leidseplein with casino. As you may have noticed, this Amsterdam hotel is actually located at a beautiful spot in the Museum Quarter. You can also enjoy and relax at the open air concerts in the summer, as the Concertgebouw is just within walking distance from this Amsterdam hotel.

The Quentin Hotel Amsterdam – Located in the core of Amsterdam nightlife, The Quentin is known for her unique atmosphere. It hosts throughout the year a number of the city’s young music bands on a regular basis. It is also five minutes walk away from the beautiful Musuemplein, the home of the Rijksmuseum, with the most important collection of Dutch old masters, sculptures, prints and antique furniture. The Quentin Amsterdam hotel is also steps away from the Van Gogh Museum that hosts shows with more than 200 of the artist prime works as well as contemporary artists. The colorful Flowers Market, as well as the Waterlooplein flea market are all within a walking distance and can be easily reached from the hotel.

Looking for a place to stay on your Caribbean vacation, but not sure whether you want to believe the stuff you find on the net?

Your predicament is understandable really. Sad to say but most travel websites you find on the Internet are no more than vehicles for some hotel or other to advertise themselves to unsuspecting travelers. So here you are, reading raves about a certain resort, not knowing that the person writing that rave is actually the same person who runs that same resort. Oh, we’re sure the person is merely saying what he feels to be true, but you have to agree that it’s different when someone else does the writing or reviewing.

What travelers need are independent resort reviews to guide them on places to visit and stay at the Caribbean. Not just lip-service. You want reports and reviews that are heavily grounded on facts and personal experience. You want real people writing about real experiences when they stayed at the places you want to visit. And you want answers to questions you might have, no matter how quirky, because that’s just the way it goes. Travel, after all, is all about personal experience, and you can’t get that if you rely on sheer publicity.

Debbies Caribbean Travel Review page offers you just the kind of personalized resort reviews you’ve always wanted. From hip and trendy places to visit, to luxurious hotels and great value all-inclusives, Debbies Caribbean Travel Review features reports submitted by real persons who have all actually been to the place.

Debbies Caribbean Travel Review page is a resource site containing reviews of the Caribbean islands and their resorts. The site started out with a page that was purely dedicated to reviews on the resorts found in the Caribbean’s Dominican Republic. Later on, as more and more people sent in questions about resorts found in wholly different islands, Debbies Caribbean Travel Review expand to include all islands of the Caribbean. Now, Debbies Caribbean Travel Review has become one of the most popular Caribbean travel portals that vacationers want to check out if they want real opinions of the Caribbean from the traveler’s point of view.

Some of the more important sections on Debbies Caribbean Travel Review are described below:

Special Reviews from Readers

Every so often, Debbies Caribbean Travel Review highlights a special review of a resort submitted by their readers. You can identify this review by the “little Debbie” icon right beside it. The site said that “when you see the little Debbie icon, you know you have found that extra Special Review that makes you say to yourself, ‘I want to stay at that!’ or perhaps a review that describes restaurants, tours, etc. in great detail!”

Joanne’s Bahamas Journal

If you want a truly personal view of the Bahamas, then this section is for you. Joanne’s husband was transferred to the Four Seasons Hotel, in Great Exuma, Bahamas, as Director of Engineering. Her journal shows how she is enjoying herself so far as a Bahamian resident and how she adjusts to her new life.

Photos & Maps of Resorts

Some readers of the Debbies Caribbean Travel Review have sent links to their vacation photos. You can check these out so you get a better feel about places you’re planning to visit.

The term “coffeeshop” was first created by the Dutch habit of running words together, and since its application, it has become synonymous with a special kind of coffee shop. As you may have thought, the Amsterdam coffee shops do sell coffee and have one or more table to sit and drink it, but much to your surprise, the primary commodity in the Amsterdam coffee shops is cannabis, the botanical name for the plant from which marijuana comes. They are now licensed by the local council and subject to regulation; however, a strict minimum age of 18 is enforced.

How the Amsterdam Coffee Shops Work

In Amsterdam, the coffee shops are not allowed to advertise, thus you won’t see a big sign saying “Marijuana for Sale”. So, if you don’t see the dealer’s booth, simply go up to the bar and ask to see the menu. You will be presented with a list of the different grasses and hashes available at a range of prices.

In most of the Amsterdam coffee shops, the cannabis is sold by weight, but there are some that sold it by value. Where it is sold by weight, the prices for the cannabis are usually per gram. There are about 28 grams in an ounce, but there are still other Amsterdam coffee shops that actually sell quarters and eights if you want. On the other hand, where it is sold by value, the menu will present the quantity, in grams, that you’ll get of each variety for a fixed amount of 20 euros, for example.

The Usual Prices

Being a primary commodity in most Amsterdam coffee shops, the prices of cannabis generally vary according to the location and type of the Amsterdam coffee shop. The heart of the city, the Amsterdam coffee shops sell the cannabis with prices that tend to be a little higher especially in places that cater for tourists. That involves both the connoisseur’s shops and rip-off joints. It is also worth noting that the Amsterdam coffee shops are prohibited to promote or advertise their wares and most have removed their menus from their web sites.

The Question on Legality

As you may know, the legal situation of Amsterdam coffee shops selling cannabis is quite complicated. International treaties prohibit the Netherlands from legalizing cannabis, even if they wanted to. However, the possession of a small quantity is considered to be a misdemeanor rather than a criminal offence.

Many of the people in Amsterdam are used to a certain practice in which the possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis is permitted. The people are allowed to purchase five grams at a time, though, so you could be asked to explain if you are carrying more than five grams. But, along with these regulations, the law prohibits the Amsterdam coffee shops from advertising, exporting outside of the Netherlands, using hard drugs, an excess of five grams, an excess of the maximum of 500 grams of stock, and sales to under 18 years of age. Incidentally, the 500 gram stock rule which as long been maintained by the Amsterdam coffee shops, is routinely broken by the busier shops. It is now used by the authorities as pretence for occasional random raids to keep an eye on them.

Perfectly situated midway between Los Angeles and San Diego in southern Orange County, Laguna Beach is a popular weekend vacation in Southern California.  Offering seven miles of coastline with sandy beaches and palm trees, Laguna Beach is the perfect beach vacation getaway.

There are 30 beaches and coves that visitors can explore either on foot or by kayak.  The activities here include sailing, bird watching, beach volleyball, surfing, and even scuba diving.

The Laguna Beach also enjoys warm weather year round with an average high of 69 degrees in January and 77 degrees in July.  Popular activities for the outdoors here include romantic picnics, hiking, cycling, tennis, golf, and even botanical garden tours.

Laguna Beach is also home to an active artist community with almost 100 galleries that showcase art pieces by local and international artists.  There are many festivals here in the summer, some of which are known around the world.

For those who enjoy shopping, Laguna Beach offers a wide selection of unique shops that sell hand crafted jewelry, antiques, and other things that you won’t find anywhere else.

With the perfect weather year round, Laguna Beach in California offers you the perfect location for your beach vacation.  Kids enjoy playing in the sand at one of the several beaches, while parents enjoy sun bathing and taking in the views that  Laguna Beach is very well known for.

If you’ve thought about taking a beach vacation in the near future, Laguna Beach is perfect.  There are several hotels for you to choose from, many of which offer discounts during the year, depending on when you visit.  There’s something for everyone here, even if your family is hard to please.

Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands. It is known throughout the world as one of the greatest small cities in the world. It lies on the banks of two rivers, the Amstel and IJ, and from its canals to the world famous museums and historical sights, Amsterdam has long been considered as one of the most romantic and wonderful cities in the whole continent of Europe.

Established in the later 12^th century as a small fishing village on the banks of the Amstel River, Amsterdam has one of the largest historic city centers in Europe. One of the focal point of interest in this city is the Golden Age of Netherlands that dates largely from the 17^th century. It was noted that at this time, a row of concentric, semi-circular canals were built around the older city center, but this establishment still defines the city’s layout and appearance today. Amsterdam now has fine houses and mansions that are situated along the canals. Most of these houses and mansions are lived in, while others are now offices and public buildings.

The City Government

Amsterdam, as all Dutch municipalities, is governed by a mayor, his wethouders (aldermen), and the municipal council. Nevertheless, the city is subdivided into fifteen stadsdelen (boroughs), which is a system implemented in the 1980s to improve local governance. The establishment of this system is what sets Amsterdam unique from other Dutch municipalities. The stadsdelen are said to be responsible for a number of activities that previously had been governed and managed by the central city. Fourteen of these have their respective council, which is chosen by a popular election. Westerpoort, the fifteenth, covers the harbour of the city and has very few inhabitants. It is also governed by the central municipal council.

The Language

When it comes to language, many of the people in Amsterdam are proud of the fact that just about everyone speaks English. Although many also speak German and French, it is worth noting that in this capital city of Netherlands, it is a tradition that if you are English speaking, then speak English, unless you speak Dutch too because you are more likely to offend than do anyone a favor by trying out your French or German.

There is a common misconception in the language of Amsterdam; one of those is that Dutch is very close to German. The truth is, they are not mutually intelligible: Dutch people have to learn German at school, and in general they speak better English than German. However, Dutch and German are similar in the same sort of way that French and Italian are similar.

The Weather

In Amsterdam, the typical weather ranges from a little around freezing in the depths of winter to typically pleasant sunny days of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius in the summer. There is also a little snow during the winter season. Furthermore, the spring and autumn are pleasant in Amsterdam; however these seasons can be wet, with 100+ mm of rain per month.

Safety and Health

Amsterdam is a safe city, thus there is nothing really to fear from walking in any part of the city. It has been noted that even in the red-light district around the Oude Kerk, tourists are always spotted wandering around. However, as in any large cities in other parts of the world, you should beware of pick pockets. And, don’t try to photograph the women in the red-light district for that would be risky. In terms of water, the water from taps is perfectly drinkable.

With stunning landscapes, crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and a sunny year round climate, the red hot Caribbean has hundreds of exciting destinations for every lifestyle. Below are a few Caribbean travel agency you can check out for some help on your Caribbean trip.

Bluewater Travel

Specializing in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bluewater Caribbean Travel Agency works at finding the best travel rates for your national and international travel. Whether its hotels and vacation villas, bed and breakfasts, and airfares and cruises, this Caribbean travel agency is able to put together the best packages.

To start you off, Bluewater Travel lets you choose what type of package you are looking for. Packages may include airfare, accommodations, car rental, as well as scuba diving, snorkeling, and horseback riding in St. Croix. In addition, their travel agents will also search out other destinations for you.

Travel Impressions

Since 1974, Travel Impressions has been servicing travelers in the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Hawaii, United States, Central America, and South America. This Caribbean travel agency was awarded the ‘Best Tour Operator, Sales and Service’ at the 2005 Travel Weekly’s Reader’s Choice Awards. What they are offering are high-quality, reliable and value-oriented vacation packages.

Travel Impressions offer the latest in hotel promotions, all listed in their Caribbean Promotions page, which is updated daily. So check back here often if you want to know about any changes to that new hotel promo you want to take advantage of.

Funjet Vacations

Funjet Vacations is another great Caribbean travel agency that offers to help you find the best deals in the market. You can search for deals at this agency by using the online form available at their website. Just choose what vacation type you want whether Air and Hotel Package, Air Only, or Hotel Only, your destination, and your desired time of departure. And then, press on Go and this Caribbean travel agency will show you a list of packages that would suit your needs.

The Funjet specials are best value. Currently their list of specials include the following:

• 50 More Reasons to Use your Mastercard, where you can save an extra $50 from your vacation
• Spring Break 2006 is Almost Here!
• Save as much as 33%!
• Las Vegas NASCAR Tickets Available
• Exclusive Savings with Mastercard

Expedia

City breaks, beach holidays, last minute, family deals, ski deals, Easter breaks, and whatever else you can think of – Expedia has it all. This Caribbean travel agency lets you create your perfect trip through their online trip customization tool. Discover the world and spend as little as possible with Expedia’s great hotel and holiday rates. The site even gives you some ideas for your next trip so you never run out of fun things to do on your Caribbean vacation.

CaribbeanWay

When it comes to Caribbean travel agency networks, the CaribbeanWay has one of the most comprehensive set of tools for both travel agents and travelers. This Caribbean travel agency offers Caribbean vacation rentals to their luxury villa clientele in every point of the islands.So if you want a unique Caribbean experience that you will love and never forget, then try CaribbeanWay and choose your island destination.

During the winter months, finding a beach vacation spot can be a little difficult. It doesn’t have to be, which is where this article will really come in handy. Below, you’ll find some resorts that offer a unique twist to your winter beach vacation.

1. Molokai Ranch and Lodge
On a white sand shore on the tiny Hawaiian island of Molokai, guests will stay in comfortable yet unique tents. Each double unit canvas bungalow sits on wooden platforms, offers queen size beds in one unit, twin beds in the other, solar powered lights, and a private bathroom with hot water showers.

The Molokai Ranch and Lodge offers over 54,000 acres, including seaside cliffs with very lush valleys. The outdoor activities here include sea kayaking, cultural hikes, mountain biking, and horseback rides. For the kids, the lodge offers nature walks, horse stables, tidal pools and Hawaiian arts and crafts.

2. Grand Wailea Resort and Spa of Hawaii
Long ago, a big swimming pool was enough to make guests happy. Now days, resorts compete in water activities such as lagoons, waterfalls, water slides, and even lazy rivers.

The Grand Wailea Resort offers several attractions, such as the 4,580 square foot Hibiscus pool, and the 25,700 square foot Canyon Activity pool which is great for families.

3. Atlantis Resort of the Bahamas
In the amazing water fun department is the unique Atlantis Resort and Spa on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Along with the beach, the Atlantis has eleven swimming pools, Mayan Temple water slides, and lazy river rides. The Atlantis also boasts an amazing marine habitat, with exhibit lagoons that house more than 50,000 sea animals.

4. Club Med Punta Cana
Over the last several years, the Dominion Republic has been working very hard to establish itself as a destination for families, with many all inclusives being built. This location has all the perks of a tropical resort plus stand out features that include kids programs, and other attractions that make Club Med Punta Cana one of the most unique beach vacation spots in the entire world.

5. Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands National Park is a very unique vacation spot with white sandy beaches, and
lodging in comfortable tent cottages.

As with the Molokai Ranch, guest cottages are built on platforms and designed to be both attractive and comfortable. Each one has a sleeping area, bed linen, towels, kitchen utensils, stove, ice cooler, and even a private deck.

Water sports for the area include kayaking, wind surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. There is also an outdoor restaurant and a food store for those who want to cook from the privacy of their own room.