Travel for Pennies

The tiny Indian state of Goa is famous throughout the world for its fabulous beaches.  Offering incredible ocean views, a variety of water sports, popular nightclubs, wonderful food and other attractions, the beaches draw thousands upon thousands of holiday visitors each year.

When most people think of a beach, they imagine sand, sun, and sparkling blue water. Maybe they picture scantily-clad sunworshippers and palm trees.  The beaches in Goa have much more to offer.  The larger beaches have shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.  Some of the trendiest nightclubs and lounges are located on beaches. In fact, Goa has one of the hottest nightclub scenes in the world, with theme parties and huge beach raves occuring during the height of the tourist season.

A number of cities have developed around the more popular beaches. Here visitors will find the perfect blending of modern convenience with the natural beauty of the ocean.  Some five star hotels Goa are located on the beach or in the nearby cities, making ocean access (and ocean view rooms) easily accessible to travlers.

One of the benefits of the extensive coastline is the abundance of fresh seafood. Goan cuisine features many curries and stews that showcase shellfish and the freshest “catch of the day.”

Ocean sports are, of course, quite popular in Goa.  Other than monsoon season, divers flock to Goa to explore is amazing shipwrecks and coral reefs.  The multitude of marine species around the area make it even more attractive to snorkellers and divers.  Others prefer to indulge in motorized sports such as speed boating and jet skiing.  Parasailing and windsurfing are also quite popular.

Visitors can choose between exploring an ancient fort, enjoying a delicious Indian meal, or strolling along the beach during a stunning sunset before dancing all night at a hot club.  The Goan coast offer these experiences and so many more.

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Spring is a wonderful time to plan a visit to New York City.  The warmer weather provides an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the many outdoor activities in the city. In addition, there are a number of festivals and cultural events to keep visitors occupied.

Central Park in spring is not to be missed. The temperatures rise, but not to the unbearable levels of summer. The sun comes out of hibernation and trees, plants, and flowers all bloom. The warm weather also makes Time Square, the Statue of Liberty, the Bronx Zoo, and many other New York attractions more hospitable.  Spring is a great time to venture to the top of the Empire State Building or to visit the many parks and gardens throughout the five boroughs.

Shoppers find that New York in Springtime is irresistible. With Fashion Week just complete, the many designer boutiques and flagship stores on Fifth Avenue are teeming with new merchandise. Even if you can’t afford to buy anything, the weather is usually perfect for window shopping.

Accommodations range from five star New York hotels to budget chains and cozy B&B options.  The struggling economy actually translates to some great deals on lodging and airfare as the tourist industry. With a little research, visitors will can find some great bargains when planning a spring trip to NYC.

Theater in New York is in full swing in the spring.  Broadway pulls out all its best productions in the lead up to the Tony Awards, scheduled for June 7, 2009. Film also takes the forefront. The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival takes place March 19-26 and the Tribeca Film Festival gets underway on April 22nd and runs through May 3rd.

The metropolis hosts a plethora of neighborhood festivals and fairs in the spring.  These include food festivals, art events, and ethnic fairs as well as street fairs and parties. These offer an opportunity to be immersed in a specific neighborhood or group as they celebrate together.

Of course, there are countless other things to do in New York. Carnegie Hall, the World Trade Center site, Rockefeller Center, Times Square and the city’s many beautiful museums never lose their appeal.  The restaurants in the city are amazing, and some offer outdoor seating once the weather warms up. The many street vendors seem to multiple once the cold weather passes and a trip to Coney Island is always an adventure.

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