Vacations & Holiday News

Travel-lovers around the world have no doubt seen stories about the Best Job in the World in the last few weeks. The vacant position is to be the “caretaker” of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland in Australia, undeniably one of the most beautiful areas on the world – and the six month job comes with a A$100,000 salary and not too many strenuous duties. Of course, it’s all a marketing promotion put on by Tourism Queensland, but the “job” itself is genuine and so it is no surprise that the whole campaign has aroused a lot of interest.

How People Applied for the Best Job in the World

Applications for the position just closed on Sunday, and until then, the method of application was to submit a one-minute video as your application for the position. The requirements were relatively simple – some experience in tourism or traveling would be well-regarded, but most important were that you would be willing to do plenty of swimming and snorkeling and keep a blog and video log of your experience on Hamilton Island and the surrounding islands, during the various escapades planned for you during the six months by Tourism Queensland.

The application process was not without its controversies. One video application showing a woman who got a tattoo of the Great Barrier Reef turned out to be a “fake” video, or at least an example put together by Tourism Queensland and only acknowledged as such later. This week, when applications were due to close, the Tourism Queensland server crashed under the load of thousands of people trying to upload their video applications and many people were unable to submit their application by the deadline. They ended up with 34,000 applications but immediately rejected 4,000 of them for technical reasons, such as video applications being longer than the minute allowed.

What Happens Next?

So, sadly, if you wanted to apply for this job, you’re too late – all you can do now is observe the rest of the process. On March 2, a shortlist of 50 applicants will be announced – although how they will so quickly whittle over thirty thousand down to fifty is a bit of a mystery. Eventually, eleven candidates will be flown to Queensland for interviews and then a public voting process will decide the eventual winner.

With the whole process intended to bring publicity to the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland, it seems safe to say that it’s already been a great success – and it will be interesting to see the blog and other publications of the winner over the rest of the year.

Check out our most popular travel posts.

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Best Job in the World on Great Barrier Reef

Related posts:

1. Scuba Diving Options on the Great Barrier Reef …
2. Great New Hotels for 2009 Travel-lovers around the world have no doubt seen stories about…
3. Six Flags Great Adventure Travel-lovers around the world have no doubt seen stories about…

Original post:
Best Job in the World on Great Barrier Reef

The Atlanta Thrashers is one of the famous names in the history of hockey. The Thrashers are actually a National Hockey League (NHL) team that is based in Philips Arena in the city Atlanta, Georgia. They have played a lot of hockey championships in Atlanta and the world and greatly won several titles. Today, the Atlanta Thrashers are a name worthy of fame.

The Franchise History

The Atlanta Thrashers are actually one of the National Hockey League's newest teams. The origin of the group can be traced back to the time when Atlanta was awarded an NHL franchise in 1997 to replace the Atlanta Flames, which left for Calgary in 1980 and became the Calgary Flames. The newly formed team first selected Patrik Stefan with their first number-one draft pick in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, and it was in October 2, 1999 that they have played their first game and lost 4-1 to the New Jersey Devils.

In September 2003, the Atlanta Thrashers was sold to a group of executives by Time Warner, along with the Atlanta Hawks, a professional basketball team. From then on, the Atlanta Thrashers shared the arena with the Hawks. That same month, an unforgettable tragedy happened when the star forward Dany Heatley crashed his Ferrari in a one-car accident that seriously injured Heatley and killed the Atlanta Thrasher's center Dan Snyder, who was then a passenger in the car. Because of that accident, the Thrashers dedicated their 2003-2004 NHL season to Snyder's memory. During that season, the team wore black patches with Snyder's number, 37, on their jerseys.

In their short history, the Atlanta Thrashers have actually never made the playoffs. Their best season so far was the 2003-2004 NHL season where out of 82 games, they won 33, lost 37, tied 8 and had overtime losses in four games.

The Atlanta Thrashers today play in the Southeast Division of the NHL's Eastern Conference, and they are currently coached by Bob Hartley. It is interesting to know that the team name and logo came from the brown thrasher, the state bird of Georgia.

Recap of the 2003-2004 NHL Season

In the history of the Atlanta Thrashers, the 2003-2004 NHL season was by the far the most successful. The team was then led by captain Shawn McEachern, and with the memory of Dan Snyder on their mind, they jumped quickly out of the gates with some notable highlights. It is interesting to know that during that season, Ilya Kovalchuk scored 8 goals in the first 7 games, including two hat tricks, one in a 7-2 rout of the Chicago Blackhawks, and another in a come from behind victory against the Nashville Predators. Also, come from behind victories became a standard sight throughout the season, including the team's wins from games against the Los Angeles Kings and the New York Islanders, as well as the shocking upsets against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Ottawa Senators, and the Boston Bruins, among others.

While clearly the Atlanta Thrashers playoffs hope were done for that year, they still played on and ended up finishing second in the Southeast Division and 10th in the Eastern Conference, only a handful of wins away from the playoffs. And, despite the tragedy that happened to their teammate Dan Snyder, the Atlanta Thrashers moved on and ended up doing relatively well, and their future certainly looks bright.

View original here:
Atlanta Thrashers

If you love warm sunshine, friendly people and good food, then Mediterranean travel is for you. The Mediterranean region encompasses twenty one countries so you will find a wealth of things to do and see. Mediterranean travel can take you from the beach to the mountains to the desert. When most people think of the mediterranean, they picture sailing the Greek isles or sunning themselves on a warm Riviera beach on the Coast of Italy. But if its beautiful beaches you are looking for from your Mediterranean travel, then you don't have to contain yourself to these two areas. France has some of the most spectacular Mediterranean beaches you will see during your Mediterranean travel. And let's not forget about Spain, hot and spicy.

But you Mediterranean travel can take you to beaches in Israel and Lebanon. You Mediterranean travel can find you on beaches on the coast of Africa. Your Mediterranean travel can even take you to the beach resorts of Croatia and Bulgaria. all of the Mediterranean beaches have their own charm and since you can be in so many different countries during your Mediterranean travel, you can get a real smorgasbord of cultures. One of the great things about the Mediterranean being such a mixed bag is the food.

Every country on your Mediterranean travel route will have its own special cuisine. Of course, being on the sea, there will be plenty of fish and seafood dishes. But each country adds its own flavor. The seafood dishes in France will vary greatly even from its neighbor, Spain and certainly from what you will sample in Africa or Bulgaria during your Mediterranean travels. The Greeks will have their own take on it too so your Mediterranean travel can really be a cornucopia of great dishes. The Mediterranean vegetables, herbs and spices really lend a distinct flavor to dishes prepared in each country. So try them all during your Mediterranean travel.

the Mediterranean is steeped in history. It was the cent of the Roman universe. So there is a staggering amount of breath taking historic sites to see during your Mediterranean travel. The Greeks gave birth to civilization and no Mediterranean travel would be complete without a visit to at least some of the many ancient ruins in Greece. But history abounds throughout the region so your Mediterranean travel can be very educational. Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East can all be part of your Mediterranean travel and you could spend a lifetime studying all the history of this spectacular and diverse region.

Original post:
Mediteranian Travel

You wouldn’t know it today, but Anaheim, California was actually founded by a group of farmers, grape farmers actually. Today the city is a hoping metropolitan area that is best known for its attraction parts, Disneyland being the most famous. But there is a lot more to do in Anaheim than just hang out with the big mouse. Use one of the following weekend getaway solutions to take advantage of your time and get the most out of Anaheim.

For the golfers in the group, escape the synthetic fun of the amusement parks and get back to nature. Anaheim has two noted golf courses, Anaheim Hills and Dad Miller where you can wile away the hours soaking in the sun and natural beauty of the original rolling hills of Anaheim. Anaheim Hills takes full advantage of the unspoiled land by using the undulating hills, rambling stream, and ancient trees to their advantage and possibly your disadvantage. Dad Miller is a bit less challenging with an easy walking course that appeals for those looking for a relaxing day on the links. Take a couple of days and play both courses, you can even spend your evenings practicing on the lighted driving range.

If you’re a baseball fan, or if a family member is, then the Anaheim Angels offer some unique opportunities for sports fans. Throughout the year there are clinics for budding players and aspiring coaches so baseball enthusiasts can get a hands on feel for how the game is played and the myriad of rules underpinning every move. It’s a rare opportunity to spend your time not only watching an exciting game, but actually becoming a part of it. Who knows, your kid may pick up some tips that can change his or her life.

Looking for a retreat away from everything, the closest thing to a romantic bed and breakfast in Anaheim is the Lemon Tree Hotel. It’s not exactly a quaint, family run B&B but it does have its charm. Not only are there hotel rooms but there are apartments with kitchens for those people looking to spend a little more time in the area. The Lemon Tree refers to itself as a boutique hotel with an Australian flare, but guests will take greater note of the amenities that make you feel at home while away from home.

Shoppers planning on a weekend getaway with a retail theme then the downtown area is where you want to be. With a number of hotels to choose from you can find one close enough that you can literally roll out of bed and begin shopping and not stop until the stores kick you out. Look to find the best shopping at The Block at Orange where it’s nonstop shopping with lots of stores you’ve heard of and some you’ve never experienced. Fashion Island has more than 200 boutiques with enough variety to keep you entertained all day. The Ultimate Shopping Resort boasts more than 280 high end stores for those willing to dump a lot of cash on retail items. And Downtown Disney gives you a little bit of everything and a whole lot of mouse.

If you’re thinking that you can turn Anaheim into your private oasis, then you’ll want to visit the Anaheim Hilton. One of the only local spa facilities that offer accommodations as well. The Hilton features a 25,000 square foot spa & fitness center with a full gym worth of fitness equipment, there are group classes in spinning, core training and yoga, an indoor pool/spa, a full basketball court and proshop. If you think the Hilton is a great place to stay, but not the best place to spa, don’t despair, the town is sprinkled with day spas that give you a taste of different techniques and treatments.

But if you’re coming to Anaheim, you probably really only want to do one thing, and that is experience as many Disney creations as possible. So dive in and experience the world that Walt created.

Disneyland is the ultimate vacation for kids of all ages, even those that are just young at heart, over 500 million visitors can’t be wrong. The park is so much more than originally planned as now it is a resort that lets you enjoy the magic 24 hours a day. From mythical places and imaginary creatures to honest to goodness incredible sights and sounds, Disney is an entertainment heaven for visitors.

If you’re traveling with children and want them to get the most out of your trip to Disneyland, stay at the Disneyland Hotel which keeps you closest to the action that your children will cherish. It’s the vacation that future dreams are made of and past memories that are held on to for a lifetime.

For a different sort of Disney vacation, maybe to those who have been to the magic kingdom too many times, give Disney’s California Adventure Park a whirl. This new take on the magic of a Disney experience still gives you exciting rides and interesting shows, as well as the ubiquitous parade, but the theme is a little different, and isn’t the theme what a theme park is all about anyway? Disney’s California Adventure Park focuses on the history of California with an emphasis on the gold rush, the golden era of Hollywood and the nearby ocean’s appeal.

And, as mentioned before, Downtown Disney is a happening hotspot for an older crowd. The shopping is obviously divine, but there is more to the downtown than simply stores. You can find some of the best dining options around and then stumble in to the House of Blues for live entertainment or head to the AMC theaters for a night of cinematic adventure.

It’s amazing to think that Anaheim was once a peaceful area full of flourishing vineyards but times have changed and Anaheim was definitely moving with the times. If you’re escaping to Anaheim for a weekend getaway you can find a few things to do that will appeal to everyone, but your best bet is really spending the time at a Disney concoction as it really is Anaheim’s most famous landmark.

photo credit: digging90650 photo credit: harry525

Looking to keep up to date follow our travel news.

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Weekend Getaways in Anaheim

Related posts:

1. Expo Zaragoza 2008 Opens This Weekend You wouldn’t know it today, but Anaheim, California was actually…
2. Disneyland at Halloween You wouldn’t know it today, but Anaheim, California was actually…
3. Mickey salutes the military with discounts You wouldn’t know it today, but Anaheim, California was actually…

See the original post here:
Weekend Getaways in Anaheim

If you are looking forward to lakes, beaches, mountains, cladded slopes, medieval towns, architecture, castles, museums and skiing, all at one place, Le Marche is the perfect place to be this vacation. This travel destination is mostly the agricultural area that is covered with greenery. Situated in the very heart of Italy, this place is truly a wonder.

Go here to read the rest:
What Most People Like To Do In Le Marches Posted By : Andrew Gibson