One of the beautiful places to go in the United States is the islands of Hawaii. This place is a tourist delight as you can pamper yourself at a spa and have a wonderful massage that will help you enrich your body, mind and soul. The beautiful surroundings and the service offered at Maui, Oahu and Kauai are the height of luxury. With surfing, snorkeling and deep sea diving, you can revel in the joys of Hawaii. Breathtaking ocean views, gorgeous beachfront locations, the finest amenities that include swimming pools, spas, golfing, shopping, and world-class - Hawaii has it all for travelers.

The Maldives are one of the most expensive and luxurious island destinations on the world. A trip to these exotic islands is not cheap. There are romantic resorts dotted along the shores of the Indian Ocean where the vast stretch of sand is unspoiled by construction or human encroachments. These virgin beaches can be reached by sea plane and you can enjoy the panoramic view from the plane. Maldives also offer massage treatments at the best maintained spas and you can also try your hand at over the sea sailing, water skiing along with dolphins and sea diving.

French Polynesia is steeped in history and luxury. Tall mountains covered with tropical forests this island country remains warm and breezy throughout the year. There are many private resorts and hideaways where you can have privacy away from other tourists. You can explore this virgin island and revel in the pleasures and adventures it offers. It is a perfect getaway for the wealthy and those seeking a luxurious honeymoon.

Finally, there is Mauritius. This island is off the beaten track and its seclusion helps promote its exclusivity. Filled with blue green waters, tall dark mountains, white sand beaches and abundant sunshine, Mauritius is a travelers' delight to unwind and enjoy the pristine beauty of nature. With exclusive villas, private boats, luxury lunches to satisfy all tastes, Mauritius is the perfect haven for honeymooners and sea lovers. Besides the usual sea sports like snorkeling, deep sea diving, surfing and para sailing, Mauritius also offers spas with aromatic massages, parlors to pamper yourself and night clubs where you can dance till the wee hours. With top class service and attention, Mauritius is indeed heaven on earth.

There are plenty of luxury islands in the world. All of these sports offer to pamper you, take care of you, and treat your with sheer luxury. If you want a great travel experience and can afford to spend the money, consider heading to one of these luxurious tropical islands. You'll be able to live like the rich and famous, at least for a little bit.

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

This is a hotel at the center of Old Quebec. The ambiance has a distinctive Gallic charm, superior meeting facilities and exquisite dining opportunities. This is a stately hotel that stands in the historic place of Old Quebec. It is considered a United Nation World Heritage Site.

The location is a walking distance from the wonderful sites of the Old Quebec. If you choose to stay here, you are guaranteed a most memorable and inspiring stay in one beautiful city in the world.

This hotel has a historic European touch but still carries a modern elegance. The amenities covered give an emphatic nod from the guests. Pets are allowed for only $50 per night. Children below 18 years old can stay for free. There are gift shops and newsstands for those who will care to buy some souvenirs, or read the latest news.

The swimming pool is okay for children to use. on top of it is a whirlpool, and sauna also. The garden has a beautiful landscape, and many guests like to stay here in their idle time. There are conference rooms with business facilities like a photocopying machine. There are babysitting or child care services if needed, especially when the adults must run on a very important meeting.

Near the hotel are many sites you might want to visit. Try to go to Valcartier Vacation Village, Citadel, Ste-anne-de-beaupr, Coliseum Quebec Parliament Building, Ile D'orlans, Plains Of Abraham, and MusDe La Civilisation.

Best Western City Center

This is just ten minutes away from the Old city of Quebec. It is at the heart of business community with easy access to the main highway. It is a smoke free property.

The staff practices multilingual speeches such that most foreigners do not have a hard time expressing their needs. Their guest rooms are well furnished with queen sized beds two in each room. The rooms are also equipped with full range modern amenities.

Exercise equipment and spa equipment are all available. There is also indoor pool. There is a dining room in their atrium. There are also convenient venues for shopping and entertainment.

The property amenities include wake up call service, business facilities, a complimentary spa tub, whirlpool, and internet access.

They have a garden where many visitors opt to take their souvenir photos, a business center and concierge desk. The meeting rooms are okay for small group functions.

The in-house restaurant is Restaurant La Serre. On your free time, you may want to go out and explore the city. You can visit Old Quebec, Galeries De La Capitale, Vieux Port/Old Port, Exhibition Centre, Centre De Foires De Qubec, Musum Du Quebec, Palais De Justice, Mus De La Civilisation, Provincial And Federal Buildings, Grand Thtre De Qubec, Hippodrome De Quebec, and Centre Des Congrs De Qubec. Hilton Quebec

This is a triangular 23-storey tower. It stands atop the underground shopping corridors that have boutique stores and nice food courts. The hotel's lobby is very elegant. It has chandeliers and a grandfather's clock. The business center is fully equipped with new amenities.

Their guestrooms are overlooking the magnificent views of the harbor, downtown and mountains. The bathrooms are mirror framed. All amenities are complete from bathroom and standard property amenities. There are also quite a big number of area attractions.

There are many more cheap hotels in Quebec. Explore the whole Quebec and experience nice places to stay.

When shopping, Egypt has it "under one roof", the Khan el-Khalili in Cairo. It is a place where you can experience full onslaught of Egyptian shopping. You can find almost anything here - from cloths, to water pipes, to papyrus. Name it, The Khan has it. So, do expect to spend the rest of your day here, especially if you are the impulsive buyer type. A hundred percent guarantee that you will really enjoy shopping here, and yes, you might even drain your wallet in this area. That is why, for a friendly reminder, use your bargaining skills. Why bargain? Because, The Khan is just like most of the bazaars you will find in any other place in the world. Yet, Egyptians usually call the bazaar as souks. Did I mention that the selection in this place is endless? Yes, indeed!

Egyptian cotton, having been soft and longer lasting, claimed the best in the world. So, never miss the opportunity of buying it in an affordable price in the place where it originated, Egypt. The Khan has different varieties of such cotton. From towels, bed sheets, shower robes to just simple cotton cloths turn into your own fancy. They have it here! And if you want the ones that are made highly for export quality, Wekalet El Balah, Al Azhar Street and El Sadd Street is the place to be. These streets have thousands of Egyptian cotton and to top it off, they specialize in this kind of industry.

From spices to jewelry to perfume bottles, The Khan can provide it for you. Visit the Shobra el-Khema and be amazed with the different bottles made extraordinarily. Some even have intricate designs on it. The bottles come in different shapes, sizes as well as colors.

Now, how can we ever forget the ever most popular papyrus? Guess what, you can also find it here in The Khan. And the good news is, the papyrus artwork comes in all forms and sizes. There are a lot of beautiful papyrus artworks that it will really make it hard for you to decide what to buy or what not. In addition to this, these beautifully made papyrus have signatures of the artists themselves hand-painted on each papyrus. If you will not buy what I just said, why not visit the outside skirts of Egyptian Antiquities Museum and find out for yourself?

And lastly, the hookahs; Egypt is known to have these and yes, again, The Khan has it for you. A variety of glass water pipes or hookahs can be found here. And yes, you will definitely have a hard time deciding which hookah to buy. However, if you will buy one, do not forget the bubble wraps as they keep help keep your purchase in one piece.

There are still a lot of things that you can find in The Khan. So, when visiting Egypt, do not hesitate to visit the place and shop until you drop.

Iloilo has a rich colonial past coupled with a colorful cultural heritage. It boasts of different festivals, historic landmarks, excellent cuisines and delicacies, calming white sand beaches and resorts, and a wide array of recreation and entertainment, to while away the time of tourists and shoppers.

BRIEF HISTORY

Irong-Irongappears in the Maragtas legend of the coming of the ten Bornean datus to Panay who bartered gold for the plains and valleys of the island from a local Ati chieftain. One datu, Paiburong by name, was given the territory of Irong-Irong in what is now Iloilo. For 300 years before the coming of the Spaniards, the islanders lived in comparative prosperity and peace under an organized government and such laws as the Code of Kalantiaw.

In 1566, the Spaniards under Miguel Lopez de Legazpi came to Panay and established a settlement in Ogtong (now Oton, Iloilo). He appointed Gonzalo Ronquillo as deputy encomiendero, who in 1581 moved the seat of spanish power to La Villa de Arevalo, named in honor of his hometown of Avila in Spain. By 1700 due to recurrent raids by Moro pirates, Dutch and English privateers, the Spaniards moved to the Village of Irong-Irong, where close to the mouth of the river they built Fort San Pedro. Irong-Irong or Ilong-Ilong which the Spaniards later shortened to Iloilo later became the capital of the province.

Its capital which is of the same name became a chartered city on August 25, 1937.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

Historical

1. Plaza Libertad - Located in Iloilo City. Where the flag of the First Philippine Republic was raised in triumph after Spain surrendered Iloilo.

2. La Villa de Arevalo - Located 6 km Southwest of Iloilo City. Known as the "Flower Village" of Iloilo.

3. Jaro - Located 3 km From the city proper. Where one can see the old colonial houses of sugar barons.

4. Jaro Belfry - One of the few belfries in the country that stands apart from the church.

5. Santa Barbara Golf Course - Located 16 km North of Iloilo City. The oldest golf course in the country.

6. Muelle Loney - Considered as one of the safest harbors.

7. Molo District - Called " Parian" in the old days.

8. Andonna Creek - Located in Brgy. Siwaragan, San Joaquin, Iloilo. Landing site of the 10 Bornean Datus.

9. Imbidayan Rock - Located in Brgy. Sinugbuhan, San Joaquin, Iloilo. Site of the Barter of Panay.

10. Fort San Pedro - Built by the Spaniards in the early 1600s.

Religious

1. Miag-ao Church - Located in Miag-ao town. Declared as national landmark in 1973 in UNESCOs World Heritage List.

2. San Joaquin Church - The only church in the Philippines sporting bas-relief of historic battle b/w Christians and Moros.

3. Tigbauan Church - Behind the rectory of the church was the first Jesuit school for boys in the Philippines established in 1592.

4. Molo Church - Located 3 km From the city proper. Gothic Renaissance Church made of coral rock.

5. Jaro Cathedral - Located 3 km From the city proper. Seat of the Jaro Archbishopric embracing Western Visayas.

Cultural

1. Museo Iloilo and Antique Collection - Located in Iloilo City proper. Repository of Iloilo's cultural heritage.

2. Rosendo Mejica Museum - Located in Molo, Iloilo City. Repository of valuable memorabilia dating back from the 19th century to the 6th decade of the 20th century.

Natural

1. Sicogon Island - Located 137 km Northeast of Iloilo City. White sand palm fringed island

2. Isla de Gigantes - Located 12 km East of Estancia. Where 15th c. burial caves are found.

3. Mt. Napulac - Located in Miag-ao town. Has virginal forest and abundant wildlife.

Man-made

1. UP in the Visayas Campus- Located in Miag-ao. A thousand hectare school campus; center of fisheries.

2. Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center- A multi-national aquaculture research center; undertakes artificial breeding of prawns and milk fish.

3. Science Centrum- Located in La Paz, Iloilo City. The first dynamic/interactive science museum in Region VI.

Festivals

1. Dinagyang - Celebrated every 4th weekend of January. A colorful festival in honor of the Child Jesus. Iloilo's version of the world famous Ati-Atihan festival.

2. Paraw Regatta - (movable). A race among swift and colorful native outriggers in the strait b/w Iloilo City and Guimaras Island.

3. Feast of Our Lady of Candles - Celebrated every February 2 in Jaro, Iloilo City. Biggest and most opulent religious pageantry in Western Visayas.

4. Pasungay - Celebrated every 2nd Saturday of January. Bullfights staged at the hillside of San Joaquin, Iloilo.

Yeah, that was interesting! Basically, I got caught in the crossfire of the paparazzi and the one and only Lindsay Lohan and her girlfriend, Samantha Ronson, as they were being escorted from their room at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino [in Hollywood, Florida]. I am the Director of Events & Marketing at Passion outside in the club district. It was really something to see how much interest there is from celebrity to celebrity and who is hot at that time and what kind of pull they have in the media.

2) Who are some of the more interesting celebrities that you have booked for the Hard Rock?

In the past four years I have dealt with Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra (and her boyfriend Rob Patterson), Dennis Rodman (on a weekly basis), DJ AM, Diora Baird (Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Brandy Roderick, Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Vince Neil, Tommy Lee, Dave Navaro, Matt Dillon, Lindsay Lohan, Samantha Ronson, Alicia Keyes, John Legend, Tera Patrick & Evan Seinfeld, Ron Jeremy, Tito Ortiz and Jenna Jameson to name a few.

3) Could you describe for us the process that you go through to book someone, like say a Lindsey Lohan, to appear at one of your events (in other words - is there like a celebrity yellow pages that you refer to)?

There are a handful of agencies and celebrity bookers that I deal with out of LA and NY. In the celebrity booking business, it is a pretty close circle of people who know the right people and how to get in touch with them. It's amazing to see how this kind of hosting job has been created and evolved over the past 8 years. One of the most famous clubs in Miami in the 90's called Liquid (which was made famous by owners Chris Paciello, Ingrid Casares & Madonna) had celebrity after celebrity in there every night and no one ever payed them to come in. They just came to be part of the party to see and be seen like everyone else. Now, everything has changed.

Once you agree upon the celebrity and the date you then begin coordinating their availability with their management. Their hours are sometimes extremely tight. For example, they maybe flying back from Europe, or on their way back to LA or NY and they may have to make a stop over [in Miami] first in order to make it happen. Transportation issues are next. Booking flights (class of service), limousines, etc. Then, it's on to booking hotels for the celebrity. I have to find out if they are willing stay at the Hard Rock or are they insisting on staying in South Beach. Basically, it's all about making sure the VIP is comfortable and happy.

On the day of the event I begin the process of physically getting them to the party. Working with local police and security to make sure they get here safely and with out any problems. Once they are inside, I can finally relax. They usually start drinking and then they are on their own.

4) Who was your most demanding celebrity to work with and what was that experience like?

The most demanding and most amount of work has been this latest booking of Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson. We originally had them booked for Valentine's Day on Saturday, February 14th. We spent almost a month promoting the event. We worked really hard and as a result wound up booking a huge crowd. On the morning of the 14th, I was reading one of the celebrity blogs on the internet and learned that Lindsey and Samantha had a fight in the middle of the street (just a few hours earlier) in New York City. I actually thought the fight (and it's publicity) was great for us, because it would add 'fuel to the fire' for our promotion.

Then, I get a phone call at 3 p.m., (they were supposed to arrive at 6:30) saying that they were both "sick" and would not be coming. I had to immediately go into damage control. I had a ton of people (as well as press) coming in to see them that night. I had cancelled all the arrangements (hotel, flights, etc.) that were made on their behalf. It was a lot of work unwinding it all.

We wound up rescheduling the event [to last week] Saturday, March 7th. Both of them came down (as scheduled) and the party went off without a hitch. It was fantastic event and they were both really nice girls.

5) Give us the official description of what it is that you do for Playboy Golf?

Well, I'm the regional event manager for Playboy Golf in south Florida. Playboy Golf is a national tournament that has 25 local tournaments all over the country throughout the year. During the locals, we partner up with some of the best nightclubs, bars, new liquor, hottest car/limo companies, etc. We find a golf course, bring in a sponsor for each hole and find golfers that want to have a great time.

6) I understand that you have local girls that want to get involved with Playboy Golf. Would you explain how that process works?

Sure. We have a casting for "Girls of Golf" where we invite local girls out to the parties and events and give them an opportunity to get involved with playboy. At the end of each golf tournament we select 2 girls to win the local "Girls of Golf" and send them on to the Finals at the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California.

7) What's the criteria that you look for to select the two girls that go to the finals?

We're looking for girls that have a personality and are fun to be around. I have seen some of the most beautiful girls enter the competition that are uptight and boring and it just doesn't work. The golfers, sponsors, playmates and playboy golf staff select the girls by a vote. The judges need to remember you (especially remember your name) in order to vote for you. If you are forgettable they simply won't remember to vote for you.

8) Other than the trip to the Playboy mansion what's in it for the girls who win the finals?

Well, the girl who wins the competition gets two things. First, she get a test shoot for Playboy magazine and second the possibility to become a playmate (and of course an all expenses paid trip to the Playboy mansion).

9) Describe your first experience visiting the Playboy Mansion (in other words what was it like in relation to what you thought it was going to be like)?

I tell everyone that the only way to describe it is whatever you think it is from what you have seen on TV and read about- double it- it's so much better. I'll say this - every man has a check list (a bucket list) of everything that they want to do in their life - have a motorcycle, go skydiving, bungie jump, GO TO THE PLAYBOY MANSION. Once you go for the first time, it's like, OK, I get to check this one off, because I'll never beat this.

10) What's the experience like at the Playboy Mansion and are the parties as wild as I think they are?

They don't let you drive to the mansion. You have to take a bus from the Hotel Roosevelt. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at the mansion gates. The anticipation is kind of like when you were a kid in junior high school going to your first party with girls and no parents around. Only at this party, there are girls walking around naked, with an open bar, and people having sex in front of other people in the grotto while you're hanging out with celebrities, getting hammered and pretending that they're your new best friend.

Are you ready to get in the cave? First, before entering, you must be aware of the safety precautions that come in visiting caves. Be disciplined! Like a student, always listen, trust and obey your tour guides. They will assist your tour inside the cave, and you will be rest assured that your safety is in their hands. But still, your own protection depends on you.

Upon entering, there are some things we need to bring. These things are useful gadgets that will help you enjoy more and will help you in protecting yourselves all throughout the trip.

Things to bring would depend on your planned activities inside a cave. For instance, if your purpose is just to pass the cave in a boat, all you have to bring is a flash light, specifically a miner's headlamp, extra batteries of course, a life vest, knee pads, elbow pads, and of course a helmet, for your head's protection. You may also bring drinking water and some snacks. But hey take care of your trash! You may opt to bring some trash bags.

For more exciting cave exploration, you need to have ropes, elbow and knee pads for added protection incase you fall on rocks while climbing, whistle or any other tool that can be used as warning sign for emergency purposes, helmet, flashlight/lamp, extra batteries, jacket, snack, water, first aid kit, cave maps and compass.

In some recreational caves, cellular phones and pets aren't allowed. You can bring all the necessary things inside, just don't bring things that can cause danger and of course things that will be damaged by water, rocks and mud. In fact, you can also bring cameras for capturing those wonderful sceneries inside. However, in some cases, cave managers provide all the necessary things for their visitors.

In entering caves, visitors are required to wear proper attire. To ensure protection, slippers aren't allowed such that rocks inside maybe so slippery and their edges can cut your feet. Hence, old shoes, preferably a pair of heavy duty boots are required. Old clothes would also do, just also bring extras during the trip.

The city has been desperate enough for changes that would elevate the city to newer setups. Because of this, many tourist attractions were developed.

The first attraction is the section 18 Market which is considered as the major shopping center of the city. This is not just for shopping; it also has several restaurants for dining, chains and cinema multiplexes which are best for evening entertainment.

18 Market is conglomeration of malls, hangout places, eateries and multiple complexes. It has become the favorite venue for many important occasions of the National Capital Regions.

The development in Noida has capitalized on all the demands of consumers. The move to commercialization has paid of really well. At present, 18 Market is flocked by international brands that definitely give a big boost to Noida's tourism. Some of these are Adidas, Blackberry's, Bentley, City Look, Color Plus, Dockers, Ebony, Hallmark, Indigo Nation, and Van Heusen.

There are also food houses like Aroma, Bamboo Shoots, Kebab Factory, Mcdonald's, Pizza Hut, and Fortune cookie.

18 Market has been a great hangout place from all walks of life among the locals of Noida. Because the place has more variety of choices, it has high foot traffic at practically any time of the year. Even the mobile population has been to this place all over the year. The place also has a retail therapy that can fulfill your needs.

Next attraction is the Pragati Maidan which is considered as Delhi's hub. This is the venue for all International Trade fairs. There are lots of exhibitions held here annually. It was founded in 1982 and was opened at the eve of the Asian Games. It has complex and contemporary designs, and surrounded with lush green landscapes. It is divided into several buildings and compounds.

The complex has regular exhibits that you can look forward to every year. These are the Atomic Energy, Defence Pavilion, Nehru Pavilion, the Indira Pavilion, and the Son of India Pavilion. Other famous annual events held here are the India International Trade Fair, New Delhi Auto Expo and World Book Fair.

The India International Trade fair is the best place for all business outsourcing. There are exhibitors that display their products here. The New Delhi Auto Expo is one event that is always awaited with bated breaths. The Wold Book Fair, on the other hand, is a venue for publishers to sell their books and other reading references.

The Pragati Maidan is a favourite venue for various activities like political meetings. Even concerts are done in here. It does not only have a large complex but large landscape grounds also. And surrounding the complex are many small booths where restaurants can setup their food for trade during big events.

The War Memorial is probably the most famous landmark in Noida. It serves as a commemoration of the historic Battle of Patpargunj in 1803. The Indians fought for their right to New Delhi during this time. The site is described perfectly with marked silence as the visitors silently read the names of the battle heroes. They take a moment of silence to pay respects to the loyal warriors who died for their country.

This is a State full of extremes. In the far west the Simpson Desert, with its dunes and inhospitable gibber plains gives way to the Channel Country, an area laced with an intricate web of often dry streams that after heavy rain may spill to cover the land like a vast brown sea.

Eastern Queensland's spine is the Great Dividing Range, a mighty barrier that separates the fertile coastal plain from the vast outback tracts extending to the State's western border. Stretching from Cape York to the southern border and beyond, the Great Divide comprises a series of high mountains, tablelands, and low rolling hills. Here, rainforest gives way to eucalypt woodland, waterfalls fed by tropical rains tumble over rock faces and escarpments, and boulder-studded streams flow through deep gorges.

The coastline is another world. Washed by the brilliant blue waters of the Coral Sea, long sandy beaches fringed with tropical vegetation edge the shores, broken only by rocky headlands and mangrove forests. Lying off-shore is a multitude of islands and one of the world's great natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef.

The second largest State in Australia, Queensland covers an area of more than 1.7 million square kilometres in the north-east corner of the continent. The northern marine boundary, passing within a few kilometres of Papua New Guinea's coastline, includes the 200-odd islands lying off Cape York Peninsula in the Torres Strait; to the east, it includes all the islands within the Great Barrier Reef.

Until 1859, Queensland was part of New South Wales. The first European settlement, a penal colony, was established at Moreton Bay in 1824 and soon afterwards was moved to the present site of Brisbane -- the State's capital city. By 1839 nearly all the convicts had been returned to Sydney and the district was opened to free settlers.

The Brisbane settlement grew slowly at first; when the area was proclaimed the Colony of Queensland in 1859 the population was 23,520. Today, the State has a population exceeding 4 million -- of which nearly half live in the Brisbane-Ipswich urban area.

For the Aborigines -- the original inhabitants of the land -- many parts of Queensland are ritual grounds of sacred Dreamtime legends, and there are important traditional rock-art sites, particularly on Cape York Peninsula in the north. It was in this area that a race of hunters and gatherers came to the Australian continent some 40,000 years ago, coming in across the Torres Strait when it was dry land during the last ice age.

Just over half of the State lies between the Tropic of Capricorn and 10 degrees south of the Equator. Inland, the summers are hot, but on the coastal plain the temperatures are milder -- with far higher humidity. Winters are much drier and delightfully warm, though in the far south, nights can be quite cold with frost appearing on higher ground. Snow falls occasionally in the highlands near the border around Stanthorpe and Wallangarra.

The rainy season falls between December and March-April, and it is during this time that the coast may be lashed by tropical cyclones. Rainfall varies enormously throughout the State, with the heaviest falls on the north-eastern slopes and coast-lands - Tully averages 4550 mm annually and has the reputation of being the wettest town in Australia. Whereas Birdsville in the far west only averages an annual 150 mm - and in drought it might not rain for years.

Agriculture is a major industry. Cattle and sheep graze on the grassy western plains, their drinking water supplied by a myriad bores that tap the vast store of underground water in the Great Artesian Basin. On the fertile tablelands of the Great Divide and the lush coastal plains farms grow a wide variety of produce from cotton to sugar cane, to peanuts, pineapples and a host of other tropical fruit and vegetables. The State is also rich in mineral deposits including bauxite, coal, oil, copper, silver, and gold. Indeed, the discovery of gold in the last century and the subsequent mining in the 1870s-80s did much to establish many of the coastal and inland centres throughout Queensland.

One of Queensland's most important growth industries is tourism. Not only have overseas visitors discovered this favourable holiday destination, but Australians from other States now come in huge numbers. In winter, thousands flock to coastal caravan parks and holiday flats to exchange chilly southern days for delectably warm, sunny weather.

Apart from the lure of a warm climate, people return many times over to Queensland because there is just so much to do and see. Self-drive holidays are probably the most popular, but for those who do not wish to drive, there is a vast number of conducted tours to choose from. Accommodation ranges from remote bush camps to five-star luxury hotels with every type imaginable in between.

1.) Unique history - The Polynesians settled, then abandoned Norfolk Island some 400 - 800 years before the British came. After Cook's discovery in 1774, the British tried to establish not one, but two penal colonies on Norfolk Island. Neither was very successful. Norfolk Island really came into its own with the arrival in 1856 of its third settlement. The 193 men, women and children were from Pitcairn Island, descendants of the mutineers of the Bounty, the most famous naval mutiny in modern history. You can browse through several museums or explore the penal colony's ruins to recapture a bit of the island's beautiful, somewhat brutal, past.

2.) Unique culture - The Pitcairners left their mark on Norfolk Island in unique and interesting ways. There's a general air of friendliness to the island's inhabitants. Everyone and I mean everyone, on Norfolk Island waves as you drive by. You can savor Muddas - banana dumplings - and other local delicacies, created by the Polynesian wives of the Bounty's mutineers. Learn a bit of Norf'k, the native tongue, a mixture of Polynesian and 18th century English, or simply catch it in your ear as a couple of local fisherman discuss the day's catch. Check out the local phone book. The limited English surnames of the Bounty mutineers have created a need to distinguish individuals. Norfolk Island's telephone directory is the only one in the world to list knick names. You can find the number of Loppy, Toofie and Tatie Christian, as well as Hunky, Tardy and Pelly Evans! Every June 8 is Bounty Day, a local holiday commemorating the landing of the Pitcairners.

3.) Location, location, location - Norfolk Island lies northeast of Australia, a short 2 hours or so by air from Sydney. It's even closer to New Zealand. It's a wonder, given the small size of the island, and the large vastness of the Pacific, that Captain Cook ever found the place at all! While close enough to reach fairly easily from either of its larger neighbors, the island's remoteness adds to its charm and character.

4.) Climate -While no island in the South Pacific can be said to a bad climate, Norfolk Island's location gives it a bit of a unique climate. The days can reach 65 to 75, with the nights dropping into the 50's. The sub tropical climate of the island means it gets some 180 days of rain annually, with November as its sunniest, and July providing as many as 21 days of wet weather. You'll want to pack a sweater or light jacket and don't forget the umbrella!

5.) Natural Beauty - Norfolk Island's natural landscape reminds one more of England than a South Pacific island. The shoreline mostly consists of rocky cliffs, with just enough sandy beaches for pleasure tossed here and there. The interior of the island is hilly, with two mountains rising more than 1,000 feet above the sea below. Nearly 1/3 of the island is a national park, with trails for hiking or mountain biking. The entrance to Kingston's harbor is crossed by a coral reef, complete with the wreck of the HMS Sirius. The Norfolk Island pine grows throughout the island, its dark green jutting against gorgeous blue skies above pristine blue waters.

6.) Unique Opportunities - One of Norfolk Island's unique appeals to the traveler is the variety of recreational opportunities. Surfers will find the breakers in Anson Bay to be quite the "thing" even if the rip is a bit nasty at times. Snorkelers and divers will find the crystalline waters around the island to be a "paradise" of local fish and coral. Want to try your hand at the links? Norfolk Island offers a full eighteen holes (alright, nine holes with 18 tees) for your golfing pleasure. Fishermen can try their luck both on and offshore. For a more leisurely pace, try a two hour horse carriage tour of the island. Horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking will get you to the more remote areas of the island, as will several 4-wheel drive/ATV charter tours. Take a walking tour at sunset. Explore a subtropical garden, complete with guard ducks and a gazebo just perfect for a lovers' tryst. Shopping and dining on Norfolk Island are a treat in their own right. (See below.) And why come to the South Pacific and ignore the soft sandy beaches, prefect for a day of lazing about, lolling in the sun. Once the sun goes down, the fun doesn't have to stop. Norfolk doesn't have any night clubs, per se, although some of the resorts and restaurants do offer local entertainment nightly. Whether you're an outdoorsy type, a shopaholic, or you just want to relax and get away from it all, Norfolk Island has a host of choices for you.

7.) A Shopper's Paradise - Norfolk Island's Taylor's Road is a golden mile for shoppers. The island is sales tax, income tax and duty-free, so you can really shop till you drop and not have to worry about fatiguing your wallet. From diamonds to perfume, Italian leather to French fashion, Norfolk Island has it all, and all at low prices. Many items featured in Norfolk's shops aren't as readily available in either New Zealand or Australia, so don't count on finding it "somewhere else." The islanders have their own goods to offer, too. Buy a book on the island's unique culture and history. Read it while sipping a cup of locally grown coffee, or curl up with a glass of Norfolk Island wine. There's a brewery, too, for the more potent potable. All in all, Norfolk Island's more than 70 shops will cater to your every need, desire or whim.

8.) Dining Pleasures - One of the island's first tasks was to help provide the larger penal colony at Botany Bay in Australia with foodstuffs. Norfolk Island still takes its cuisine very seriously. From progressive dinners where diners are treated to different courses in islanders' homes, to cafe's and take-away stands, your choices for a good meal are plentiful and varied. Many restaurants serve local dishes, like mudda and hihi pai. Local seafood and produce still shine brightly on Norfolk Island menus. Portions are generous, so leave the diet at home.

9.) Casual Atmosphere - Nothing about Norfolk Island says formal or fancy. Nothing is hurried or stressful. From the soothing sounds of the waves against the shore as you engage in some morning yoga on the beach, to a quite night before the fire in your cottage, everything about Norfolk Island seems made to iron out the wrinkles and soothe the wearied soul. Norfolk Island has the purest air quality outside of Antarctica, so even the breathing is easier here!

10.) You - You can't afford not to take your next getaway to Norfolk Island. The South Pacific's best kept secret is waiting and watching for you. We're not a spa or a salon. Our healing, relaxing qualities won't wear off after 30 minutes. Our sun-drenched days and cool nights are balm for the soul. Our island is beckoning you, as it did the Pitcairners all those years ago. You owe it to yourself to come to Norfolk Island soon!