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Without any exaggeration one can say that the Crimean Peninsula (Crimea) is one of the most dramatically beautiful coastal areas in the world. Does it sound like a commonplace phrase? Yes, it does. But it doesn’t make the Crimean Peninsula less attractive and amazing. Crimea is the easternmost part of Ukraine jutting from the northern coast of the Black Sea. It really deserved its name – “the Earth in Miniature”.

The Crimean Peninsula is not that big: 150 miles at its widest point from east to west and 100 miles from north to south. Its population is 1,994,500 inhabitants (2005). This small peninsula, like our Mother Earth, has accumulated so much of everything that it never stops to amaze you. Let’s imagine that one pretty chilly evening in late spring you get on the train in Kiev and next morning arrive in Crimea’s capital the city of Simferopol.

Do you think you just would have moved from one place in Ukraine to another? No, you would have arrived in a different world. Once you step on Crimean land, you realize it right away. What is that special about Crimea? The list of the Crimean natural and historical treasures can be very long. Let’s mention only few of them.

1. Warm sunny weather. The average amount of sun shine hours per year for Simferopol is about 2490. Compare to 1440 hours in London, 1770 in Paris, 2160 in Varna, 2400 in Barcelona, 2490 in Naples. You can usually swim in the Black Sea from the early May to the mid October.

2. The Crimean Peninsula has more than 300 mi of beaches. It makes the Black Sea a paradise for swimming, yachting, windsurfing, scuba diving, and etc. There is one more excellent news about the sea. There aren’t any sharks and stinging jellyfish in the Black Sea. Isn’t it great?!

3. An incredible combination of varied scenery and climate amazes by its diversity and constant change. Northern and central part of the Crimean Peninsula is plain steppe. While the Crimean Mountains run three ridges from Sevastopol to Feodosia along the southern coast of the peninsula. They protect about a 2 miles wide strip of the Black Sea coast from the strong winds, making a subtropical paradise of beaches, orchards, vineyards and gardens.

4. The Crimean Peninsula has been traditionally a healing place. It is famous for the healing water of the Black Sea, low level of humidity (about 65-70% average), and the special healing mud.

5.There are about 2775 species of wild growing and more than 750 cultivated plants in Crimea. 280 of them are endemic plants (10 per cent of the flora!). Very many species of Crimean plants contain biologically active components of potential medical value.

6.There are about 10,000 kinds of invertebrate and 400 kinds of vertebrate animals in Crimea. Due to its geographic position Crimean Peninsula is a remote area for animal migrations. The diverse Crimean fauna doesn’t have a large quantity of individuals in each species. 196 of them are already listed in the “Red Book” of Ukraine and are protected by the state.

7.Crimea in an ideal place for outdoor activity. Rock climbing has always been the most popular sport in Crimea. Hiking, cycling, and mountain bike tours are available for everybody from 8 to 80 years old. Not to mention more “exotic” kinds of outdoor activity: spelaeology, horse riding, gliding, hang-gliding, and sight-seeing in helicopters.

8.The Crimean Peninsula is famous for its wines. 290 frost-free days allow the grapes to be harvested ripe which adds natural sweetness to the wine. Wine making in Crimea counts many centuries of history and traditions. Crimean wines are bright, mildly ardent, fragrant, and highly valued all over the world.

The history of this land is even richer than its nature. Each area of Crimea you visit reminds you of Crimean history which goes back hundreds and thousands of years. But this is a subject for Chapter # 2 of this article.

If you would like to know more about Crimean Peninsula, please visit http://ukraine-travel-advisor.com/Crimean-peninsula.html

Dina DeVries
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/crimean-peninsula-ukraine-the-earth-in-miniature-part-1-88783.html

Every time an individual goes to the grocery store, the items in the cart may be less, yet the total bill is still higher. Likewise, based upon the prices at the pump, consumers may often wonder if the tank is being filled with liquid gold.

In general, the cost of living seems to be rising faster than the typical household budget can accommodate. No problem! If cash is short, simply whip out the little plastic rectangle from the wallet, and basic needs, and many wants, will not have to be sacrificed to a shortage in finances. Actually, used in excess, credit card debt can fast become a really big problem, and insurmountable financial woes are lurking around the corner.

Used in moderation, credit cards are an excellent tool for making necessary purchases. For example, possessing large amounts of cash seems like tempting would-be pickpockets and muggers to “pick me!” Rather than opening a wallet to reveal the entire vacation budget, travelers often opt to use a credit card for financing the journey. Actually, the practice is a smart idea, under one vital condition: avoid credit card debt; pay the subsequent bill in its entirety.

For the rare individual, a credit card is an excellent means of controlling the budget and earning cash back, or significant travel rewards. Used carefully, a credit card can be implemented for paying all the regular bills, groceries, and gas. Then, at the end of the month, when the bill arrives, the amount is paid in full with a single check or an electronic funds transfer.

Unfortunately, a growing number of credit users are experiencing the financial woes of credit card debt, because the bill cannot be paid in full during the billing cycle. Month after month, the unpaid balance continues to grow, and in no time at all, the card is maxed out. In addition, once someone has one active credit card account, the mailbox is soon inundated with offers for introductory rates on additional cards. Soon, one card-for emergencies only-soon becomes 2, 3, 4, or more cards.

At first, the credit seems like “free” money. With only a signature, a consumer can purchase the perfect outfit, electronic device, or any number of wants. Yeah! Tired of always having to feel deprived, or shopping for sales, the card seems like a dream come true, until the bill arrives, and the person wakes to a real-life nightmare. Now, the budget is even tighter, to included the new credit card bill/bills. Spending is out of control, and the consequences of credit card debt can be devastating.

The consequences are bills, bills, and more bills, compounded by the excessive interest on the unpaid balance. Generally, credit cards charge 18-23 percent interest. While the numbers may seem insignificant at the time, the additional monies owed for the privilege of paying the balance back over a long period can add up quickly. For example, an individual finds a nice television set on sale for $500. Instead of saving and purchasing a set when he/she can afford it, the credit card comes in handy.

Now, assume the credit card company charges 18% yearly interest, and the minimum monthly payment is 10%. An individual will take 2.5 years to pay off the single purchase, which will end up costing a whopping $575. Actually, most credit card providers only require a 2% minimum payment. Refigured, the single purchase will take almost 4 years to pay off, and the interest amount is an unbelievable $198! Free money? Nothing can be farther from the truth.

Credit card companies are not benevolent individuals graciously helping people out of the budget crunch. Like any business, the object is to make money. Instead of kind benefactors, some credit card companies are better described as relatives of loan sharks.

However, instead of breaking a person’s legs if he/she is unable to pay the bill, credit card debt can destroy good credit. Now, the individual will have future trouble purchasing a car, buying a house, qualifying for student loans, etc. For some, bankruptcy is the only way out of credit card debt, and he/she can lose everything.

However, before diving into total depression over credit card debt, observe the light at the end of the tunnel. Free services are available to help people negotiate with lenders to reduce the amount of interest. Also, the debt counselors can consolidate all debts, reducing the interest rates, and bringing the payments down to a manageable amount, with a catch. The debtor is no longer allowed to purchase anything on credit, until the balance is paid. Otherwise, credit card debt will only get worse, with no recourse.

The best advice: do not depend on credit to fill shortcomings in the budget. Instead, refigure the budget, learn to conserve, do without, and save for major purchases. In the event a credit card must be used in true emergencies-like unexpected auto repairs or emergency room visits-pay the bill off as soon as possible, and always pay more than the minimum amount. Also, if the temptation to spend in advance is too strong, cut up the credit cards and throw them in the trash.

In summary, credit card debt is a growing problem. While the convenience seems like free money at the time, the consequences can be financially devastating. Although a credit card is great for emergencies or vacations, pay the balance in full or as soon as possible. Always pay more than the minimum payment requested, and stick to an affordable budget.

Erol Orderland
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/free-money-or-credit-card-debt-128658.html

Once part of the Sumatran mainland, Pulau Weh became separated during a period of seismic activity around 1 million years ago and now lies 20 kilometers offshore from the northern tip of Sumatra. The deep oceanic trenches that surround the island bring nutrient rich waters which in turn attracts large pelagics such as mantas, mola mola and whale sharks when the seasons right.

Overall the island play hosts to a rich collection of diverse Indo-Pacific marine life. Although you won’t see that same diversity of corals as in other parts of Indonesia the fish life here is spectacular in its range. Also ideal for macro photographers you can expect an abundance of rare critters, on the Gapang Beach that sits just in front of the Lumba Lumba Dive Centre its not uncommon to see frog fish, ghost pipefish, snake eels and wasp fish all in the space of hour.

Diving Pulau Weh is also well known for its moray eels which pepper the dive sites, honey comb, fimbriated, giant and ribbon eels all make common sightings. Typical topographical features below the surface include reef walls, sloping house reefs, underwater hot springs and a deep and shallow wrecks.

Banda Aceh is the capital of Aceh and offers some real insight into the way of life of the Acehense. The locals are incredibly friendly and you’ll no doubt get your fair share of smiling faces and greetings as you make your way around the streets. The local markets are well worth a visit, with a whole range of local delicacies on offer. The Grand Mosque is located in the centre of town, you will have to dress appropriately to be allowed into the grounds and there are a number of other monuments worth spending some time at.

To dive Pulau Weh is an incredible and unforgettable experience. Tourism is in its most earliest of stages and the reefs that surround the island are pristine making the trip well worth the journey.

Ben Stokes
http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/dive-pulau-weh-sumatra-indonesia-736894.html

The marvellous resort area of Punta Cana is located in the east of the Dominican Republic.

It is a very popular destination and good choice for couples and families seeking the perfect beach and rest and relax vacation. This region is famous for the European Style hotels and magnificent shopping strolls opportunities for traditional art and typical crafts.

The lovely Punta Cana shoreline is protected by law, making sure that no manmade structure can affect the lush natural beauty of these calm tranquil beaches, which are perfect for water sport lovers, especially for snorkelers and divers.

Punta Cana features Golf courses that are second to none.

Visit Punta Cana and find the best place for vegging out miles of silky fine white sand, deserted beaches with coconut palms. Come here to play in the waves of crystal clear blue waters and have your siesta under a swaying palm on a quaint tropical beach.

Within the Punta Cana areas there are no small villages as such but a lot of shopping plazas have now been built with bars and banks, small supermarkets, coffee shops and gift and clothes shops and pharmacies. Easily accessed by car or a short taxi ride from your hotel you will quickly come across one of the many plazas in the area.

Enjoys an excellent sunshine record. Subject to heavy rainfalls at certain times of year, though holidaymakers need pack little more than light cotton summer casuals for their visit. If you do intend to explore the major cities, however youll find a more conservative dress code.

Please note that June to November is generally the Hurricane season for the Caribbean.

In between soaking up the sun and generally marvelling at your luck at having landed on your feet and the fact that you are staying in such a super resort, strange as it may seem you may experience a yearning to venture out and see what this part of the island does indeed have to offer. There are an abundance of tours and excursions to choose from the very wet and watery to trekking inland a while on a jeep discovery tour. Wet and watery things to do include deep sea fishing, various boat rides from party rafts to cruising up the coast line and then snorkelling over rays and sharks, dolphin encounters in the middle of the ocean, diving and snorkelling tours. Small individual speed boats can be hired for organised fun tours.

Douglas Scott
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/punta-cana-shoreline-is-protected-by-law-131628.html

Malaysia’s waters are so teeming with fish there’s no real need to go into the deep to see them. Here are my favourite snorkelling spots.

The Perhentian Islands
The best snorkelling on Perhentian Kecil is at the northern end of Coral Bay or the northern end of Long Beach. Both are similar in the regards of types of coral and fish, and you should see turtles and rays in both locations. On Besar, Teluk Dalam is the best bay for snorkelling. Sharks are said to frequent the formation of underwater rocks and coral at the westernmost tip of this bay.

Lankayan Island
The Lankayan atoll offers a reef with many beautiful diving spots and opportunities for snorkelling. Good snorkelling can be done in the vast lagoon around the beach, additional snorkelling is possible by boat along the external reef. The place is a paradise for macro photography, as there are lots of small and unique creatures.

Sipadan
Few things beat drifting with the currents on the more exposed sites. There are many turtles to be seen which is why the famous Jacques Cousteau documentary, Ghost of the Sea Turtles, was filmed here. You’ll probably also catch glimpses of barracuda, humphead parrotfish and thousands of friendly reef fish. Hammerheads are sometimes sighted at South Point.

Redang
Tg Mak Cantik located right in front of Redang Reef Resort on Pantai Pasir Panjang has been popular with snorkellers for years. The underwater wildlife on display isn’t as prolific as in the places listed above, but the spot is regarded as one of the most accessible snorkeling spot in Redang. Look out for moon wrasse, scissortail sergeant, redlip parrotfish, virgate rabbitfish, Bleeker’s damsel, eight-banded butterflyfish and maybe the odd turtle.

Tioman
The water around Tioman is absolutely crystal clear. Among the popular snorkelling spots are Renggis Island, Tulai Island, Monkey Bay and Marine Park. You will be mesmerised by the colorful tropical fish and the beauty of soft and hard corals. At most spots, the fish are tame and will approach the swimmers.

Richard Ryan
http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/snorkelling-in-malaysia-676180.html

While most breaks might include fun experiences, beautiful beaches and interesting culture, few can claim to be truly unique. A family holiday in Mauritius is one of the few, with a high population of unique animals and plant life, some of which is on the verge of extinction; seeing something that is nowhere else and might not be anywhere on earth in the near future is a real and tangible thrill to the whole family.

Flora

A family holiday in Mauritius is the perfect opportunity to explore hidden and exotic habitats. The enchanting majesty of the remaining rainforest on the island is a must. Breathtaking buttress roots vie for space with alien plant life, both completely teaming with animal life. Native ebony and palms are locked in a war with introduced plants like Bougainvillea and Guava, creating the kaleidoscope of colour you would expect on an amazing family holiday. Mauritius is home to about six hundred and fifty different flowering plants, most which are extinct everywhere else on earth – the fact that Mauritius is a group of islands being the only thing stopping further destruction.

Fauna

Though the plant life is spectacular, the real jewels in the crown of nature in Mauritius are its array of wildlife. On any holiday to Mauritius you would be hard pressed to miss the plethora of birds, reptiles, fish and mammals that the islands offer. Paradoxically, some of the area’s most famous animal inhabitants are already extinct – most notably the Dodo and the Giant Tortoise. These two bizarre but enchanting animals were inhabitants of the islands until the seventeenth century and are now consigned to local museums. But there are still a vast amount of species to see with your family on holiday in Mauritius.

For the best and most in-depth experience of the variety of fauna available on the islands of Mauritius, spend family holiday time in Black River Gorges National Park. Kestrels, pigeons and parakeets only found in this one place on earth are a mercurial delight, as are the skinks, geckos and boa. The conservation park allows visitors and can provide guides to escort you around and point out areas of interest.

For those less keen on spending their holiday time in Mauritius on jungle exploration, you can also enjoy the wildlife at the beach. The Indian Ocean is the habitat for astonishing and unspoilt coral reef growths. Great riots of colour erupt from the depths every moment; it’s a real treat to see these tropical fish in their natural habitat, and something best shared with the whole family. Mauritius holidays also present you with some extremely rare opportunities; scuba diving further out from the islands can pay natural dividends like glimpsing barracudas or even hammerhead sharks.

A family holiday in Mauritius is educational, interesting, and, above all, fun. Nothing will open your family’s mind like the amazing contact with nature that the islands create. The wide array of indigenous wonder on display is so staggering it will stay with you and your family for the rest of your lives as a cherished memory.

Claire Bryant
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/amazing-wildlife-for-you-and-your-family-to-see-in-mauritius-677807.html

1) Donsol, Philippines

In this little town in southern Luzon just off the coast in a spot where Whale Sharks – the largest fish in the sea come to feed. From here you can go out for a day with a boat and swim with the sharks. As they only feed on plankton they swim close to the surface and swim fairly slowly so you are able to keep up with them. You are only allowed to snorkel with the sharks but it is just an amazing experience to be so close to a shark of this size.

2) Bukit Lawang, Sumatra, Indonesia

In this town in northern Sumatra there is miles of forest which is inhabited with many orangutans, the treks here are great with some of the best guides I have ever used. After only 4 hours into the trek I had seen 8 orangutans and that included a 6 month old baby one.

3) Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The site of Angkor in Cambodia is a must on anyone’s trip to South East Asia. Angkor Way is the largest temple in the world and seeing the sunrise over it is just a view you cannot view anywhere else in this world. You can spend so much time here looking and the vast amount of temples here and never get bored.

4) Full moon party, Koh Pan gan, Thailand

The legendary full moon party has been going on for years starting with only a few people now with a minimum of 10,000 people a month. This party is just a rite of passage for anyone who comes to Thailand to travel. You meet up with so many people and dance the till morning.

5) Motorbike tour round Vietnam

Riding your own motorbike (or if you can’t you can hire a driver) round Vietnam going to villages and towns where no tourists go is one of the highlights of this trip. Do the tour to Dalat on the scenic roads for a truly spectacular view which you can only find in Vietnam.

6) Palawan, Philippines

This Island which is the South West of the Philippines is a hidden gem of all of South East Asia. At any point you will not find more than 50 backpackers on the island and it’s a large island. The locals are the friendliest I have ever met and the beaches are I think the best in the world. Image a cross between the islands around Krabi, Thailand and mix it with Ha Long bay, Vietnam and this makes the coast line of the town of El Nido. There is some of the best diving and snorkeling to be done at the many coral reefs off the many white sand beaches or swim in lagoons with tiny sharks or just relax and soak up the sun. Also the island has the one of the longest underground rivers in the world.

7) Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

This is a must for anyone in the area as it is UNESCO heritage site and is for a good reason.
The bay has close to 2000 limestone islands with of caves to explore and a few lagoons to go kayaking in. When you go out to the bay you go out on a traditional junk ship where you will get your own room and dinner and breakfast served.

Vang Vieng, Laos

This place is just one big drunken haze but is a right of passage for anyone coming to SE Asia. You get a tractor inner tube and float down a river and stop off at bars on route and get free shots of lao lao whiskey and then drink buckets of more lao lao whiskey and coke until 6pm then when you think you have enough you go over to an island which is just bars (smile is the best) until middnight when the curfew kicks in. Try the rope swings at each of the bars. The first bar has the biggest whatever other bars may claim.

9) Gili Islands, Indonesia

The Gilis is made up of three islands, with Gili Trawangan the biggest of all. When I say big it will take you ten minutes to walk the entire length of the main beach. There are no cars on this these islands with only horse and cart to get you around. You come here to relax on the beaches and go diving with sharks and manta ray at some on the best site on Earth.

10) Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is located on the coast and has a pretty decent beach. It is the also the place to come for tailor-made clothes. There are too many tailors to mention here with the main road pretty much consisting of them. You can get literally anything made here all you need to do is take a photo of the item you want and they will make it for you. A good quality suit will cost around $50-$100.

Matthew Coe
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/top-10-places-to-visit-in-south-east-asia-724733.html

North Sulawesi is located within the ‘Coral Triangle’, a territory which spreads from western Thailand all the way through eastern Indonesia. This is where many scientists believe life began in the ocean and it is widely thought that it holds the most bio diverse marine habitats on earth.

For this reason diving in Indonesia has been held in high regard amongst the diving community and North Sulawesi is no exception. To the east of Borneo and below the Philippines, Sulawesi is an oddly shaped island in the Celebes Sea. North Sulawesi refers to the most northerly point. Just a few hundred meters offshore the continental shelf plunges towards the deep oceanic trenches which offers nutrient rich waters. The fact that evolution here has been uninterrupted for millions of year means that the marine life in this particular part of the Coral Triangle is extremely diverse

Bunaken Island lies just a few kilometers offshore, a plateau extends from the island before reaching the drop off which descends to hundreds of meters. Coral life on the wall is extremely dense and different species both hard and soft compete for space. These particular walls have gone some way into making diving in Indonesia what it is today and draw traveling divers from all over the world. Large pelagics like Black and White Tip Sharks, Trevally and Napoleon Wrasse work their way up the reef, whilst Green Sea Turtles lodge themselves into the wall to rest. If you’ve got a skillful guide you might be able to see finger nail size Pygmy Seahorses latched onto Gorgonian Fans, not a common site even when you are diving in Indonesia.

The Lembeh Strait is a complete contrast in bottom topography in comparison to the walls Bunaken Island. Located off the eastern coast of North Sulawesi the Strait is a channel of water that lies between the landmass of Sulawesi and Lembeh Island. The shallow black sand slopes have created a truly unique marine habitat for the dwellers that have adapted themselves supremely to this environment. There are some coral reef formations but these are relatively few and far between. This is where life has come to compete against itself in which evolution has created many weird and wonderful creatures divers refer to as ‘critters’. Mimic Octopus have the ability to take the form of up to ten different types of other species including Lionfish, Snake Eels and Flounder in order to confuse predator and prey. Angler Fish dangle a lure just millimeters from their mouth in order to attract potential prey. Carrier Crabs camouflage and defend themselves by placing Sea Urchins on their shell whilst they make their way from one spot to another.

The contrast of Bunaken and Lembeh make diving in Indonesia even more attractive. For the traveling diver willing to go that extra mile for something special North Sulawesi will excite and intrigue for many visits. For more information on diving Bunaken and Lembeh including travel operators visit
diving asia.

Ben Stokes
http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/the-weird-and-wonderful-world-of-the-lembeh-strait-indonesia-693086.html

Indonesia is an archipelago comprising of over 17,000 islands, a volcanic arc that spreads over two thousand miles from Sumatra in the west to Papua in the east. At the heart of the coral triangle, a region which scientists believe holds the planets highest concentration of marine biodiversity, Indonesia surely plays host to some of the worlds finest dive sites. Of course the quality of a dive is purely subjective but here are my top five for diving in Indonesia.

Pantee Peunateng, Pulau Weh, Sumatra: This high adrenaline dive sites is highly exposed making it an intense experience even when conditions are calmer than most. A fringing reef with dramatic craggy wall sections it has typically strong currents that attract many species of pelagic fish. Black and whitetips are often seen whilst larger fish, attracted by the nutrients brought in by ocean currents include whale sharks, mola mola and mantas. Not for the faint hearted Pantee Peunateng is surely a wild experience

Lekaun One, Bunaken Island, North Sulawesi: The infamous Lekaun dive sites have always been on many a travelers list whilst diving in Indonesia. The reef flat that surrounds the island plunges to hundreds of meters creating a dramatic wall covered in hard and soft corals desperately competing for space. Hunting reefs sharks and trevally can often been seen working their way up the reef, whilst giant green turtles rest in the ledges of the wall.

The Passage, Raja Ampat: One of the more popular dive sites of Raja Ampat and only 5-10 meters deep it forms a river like sea fjord where many passages snake off to meet underwater grottoes. A truly mystical experience this is one of many in the region like it. The tree canopies overhead close above it whilst the sun rays bring out the dramatic colors of the reef.

Hairball, Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi: For macro life there are few places on earth that can compare with the Lembeh Strait. The black sand slope at Hairball plays host to a huge abundance of marine life. On a typical dive here you can expect to find many types of octopus, snake eels, frog fish, star gazers and nudibranchs (sea slugs) where in other parts of the world these sightings would be few and far between.

Langkoi Rock, Komodo: A submerged pinnacle found not far from Langkoi Island to the Southwest of Komodo which makes an exhilarating dive. The walls that surround the pinnacle drop away steeply to great depths. Exposed to strong currents and surge, it attracts many types of shark including grey reefs, white tips, hammerheads and bronze whalers. Many believe it is a breeding ground for many grey reef sharks. Langkoi Rock is a truly heart pounding diving experience. For more information on diving in Indonesia visit diving in Indonesia.

Ben Stokes
http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/indonesias-top-five-dive-sites-694223.html

So I just got done watching Shark Week and I was wondering about those idiots who feel like they must free-dive with great white sharks. I’m not sure what exactly they are trying to prove, I mean a shark does not want to bond or make friends, it just swims and eats right? So it got me thinkin, how many people actually get attacked or killed by sharks when they INTENTIONALLY dive with them, either in cages or free dive?

They are diving with the sharks to research them and study their behavior, very few of them get killed because they are not idiots, they know that the sharks need to be researched and have the general public learn, the shark attack survivors documentary was on not reseachers.