There’s nothing more invigorating than a dip in a cool, blue spring on a sultry summer day.  And there’s no shortage of springs in north Florida, which has one of the highest concentrations of first-magnitude freshwater springs in the world.  Why not combine a trip to one of Florida’s natural springs with your stay in a Florida Hostel.

IchetuCknee Springs, just north of Fort White in Columbia County, is always a winner. Information: (386) 497-4690; www.floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings/. But if you don’t like crowds or want to try something new, check out these hidden gems:

In the depths of Troy Springs just outside of Branford, you will find the remains of the Civil War-era steamboat Madison, which was scuttled in the spring run in 1863 to keep it from being captured. Swim, snorkel or scuba dive in the crystalline blue, 70-foot-deep spring waters, or paddle a canoe or kayak across the spring mouth to get a glimpse of the wreckage. The park has picnic tables, restrooms, a walkway and a riverside dock for canoeists and boaters on the Suwannee River.  Located off County Road 425, 1.3 miles north of U.S. Highway 27. 674 N.E. Troy Springs Road, Branford.  Information: (386) 935-4835, www.floridastateparks.org/troyspring.

Hart Springs outside of Bell in Gilchrist County is one of the largest spring-fed swimming areas in the state. The county-owned park features a half-mile boardwalk through the pristine cypress hammock, a volleyball court, boat rentals, RV and tent camping, covered picnic areas, and two air-conditioned pavilions for family gatherings. 4240 S.W. 86th Ave., Bell.  Information: (352) 463-3444, www.hartsprings.com

Juniper Springs, with its clear blue waters and generous swimming area, is one of the hidden gems of the Ocala National Forest. Visitors can camp, swim and canoe at the site, which also offers canoe rentals, restrooms, concessions, a visitor center, museum, picnic facilities and showers.  Juniper Springs is five miles west of the junction of State Roads 19 and 40 on the north side of State Road 40. Information: (352) 625-0546; www.floridaparks.com/floridafederalpark.

Rainbow Springs State Park, the state’s fourth largest spring, is southwest of Ocala and feeds into the scenic Rainbow River. You can swim or paddle in the cool spring waters, picnic in the park, take a hike or go birding along the nature trails.  Information: (352) 465-8555, www.floridastateparks.org/rainbowsprings.

At HostelTraveler.com, we’re known for helping you get the most out of your travel spending.  Visiting hostels and traveling the world is our passion, and may be yours too.  However, with today’s rising cost of energy, we also want to share some tips on saving money on travel, whether it’s to the far reaches of the globe, or only around the corner from your home.  So, if you’re in the mood for a “stay-cation” this season, here’s how to squeeze more energy out of the gas you buy.

DRIVE MORE EFFICIENTLY

Drive Sensibly: Aggressive driving wastes gas. Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can lower your gas mileage.

Observe the Speed Limit: Exceeding 60 mph can lower your gas mileage. The more miles over 60 mph you drive, the lower your gas mileage can be.

Avoid Excessive Idling: When you sit in traffic or in line idling, your car is getting 0 miles per gallon. Try to avoid peak rush hours or long lines to maximize your gas mileage.

Use Cruise Control: Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.

Remove Excess Weight: Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. For example, an extra 100 pounds can reduce your MPG.

Use Overdrive Gears: When you use overdrive gearing, your engine speed goes down. This will save you gas and reduce engine wear. 

KEEP YOUR CAR IN SHAPE 

Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned: Proper maintenance can improve gas mileage.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated: Keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure and your gas mileage will also improve.

Check and Replace Air Filters Regularly: Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your gas mileage.

Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil: Improve your gas mileage by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. Also, look for motor oil that says “Energy Conserving” on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives. 

PLAN AND COMBINE TRIPS 

Travel with Less Cargo: A roof rack or carrier provides additional cargo space; however, a loaded roof can decrease your fuel economy. Reduce aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel economy by placing items inside your trunk whenever possible. 

Commute: Stagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours. Consider telecommuting (working from home) if your employer permits it. Take advantage of carpools and ride-share programs to cut weekly fuel costs in half as well as to have access to HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes if your area has them. Or, consider public transit if it is available.

Las Vegas is a feast of architectural curiosities, vintage neon, modern design, and street theater. Simply walking the Strip is an artsy experience, though you’ll also want to explore some of the city’s interesting museums and galleries.  Delve into Las Vegas’ quirky history at the Liberace Museum, which pays homage to the late, great showman and displays his costumes and pianos, including a rhinestone-encrusted Baldwin grand. The Neon Museum celebrates the city’s iconic signs, and while the facility is a work in progress, you can take a walking tour along Fremont Street to view restored gems like the 1966 Aladdin’s Lamp from the Aladdin Hotel.

For culture with an international flair, visit the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum in The Venetian, where masterworks from New York’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the State Hermitage Museum of St. Petersburg, Russia, are displayed

in special exhibits.  American Modernism is the focus of an engaging show at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (through October 15, 2008), which features works by 20th-century greats like Georgia O’Keeffe.

Contemporary artists strut their stuff during First Friday celebrations, a once-a-month art event in Las Vegas’ historic downtown neighborhood. Galleries, shops, and restaurants welcome visitors as street performers add a festive ambiance.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, while Las Vegas is renowned for its man-made wonders, the great outdoors is equally enthralling.  From desert terrain to deep canyons to resplendent lakes, the region is a haven for nature lovers.

Nearby Mt. Charleston (35 miles) is part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and is a splendid spot to hike, camp, ski, and go birding. Look for wild horses, burros, and hummingbirds while taking in the panoramic views.  Even closer to the city (13.2 miles) is Red Rock Canyon with its breathtaking, other-worldly sandstone formations. Try the 13-mile scenic drive or get your adrenaline pumping on a rock climbing excursion along one of the designated and rated routes.

To experience the mesmerizing desert up close, travel a little farther (60 miles) to the Mojave National Preserve, a 1.6 million-acre park that’s home to sweeping sand dunes, twisting Joshua trees, and mesas of spring wildflowers (when there’s adequate rain). Death Valley National Park (135 miles), another desert wonder, is the lowest point.

Dear Fellow Travelers,

Just a quick post to let you know to stay away from traveling with TAROM Airlines.  Recently, I took a trip from Bucharest to Suceava (ie northern Romania) and was charged an extra 20 EURO’s cause they didn’t have me in on their computer.  After coming back to the States, I called the travel agency that I booked the flight with and they told me it was Tarom’s fault and that they had had problems with them before.  To boot…they charged me an extra 20 EURO’s for my baggage being overweight….which it was…but didn’t really make my day either!!!

Travel by the train system is good, but if you are in a hurry, make sure you get on the one that is high speed and provides a sleeper train.  I took the slower one back from Suceava to Bucharest and it took me about 6 hours…which by plane would be only an hour…and by car probably only 3 hours….The train likes to make many stops!!!   Feel free to email me for more info on travel and/or anything about Romania.  I have many connections and information….Happy Travels…..rjgeraghty3@juno.com.  Please put HOSTEL TRAVELER in Subject Line so I won’t delete.

One of the oldest tourist destinations on Earth, Egypt has been enticing visitors to explore its wonders for thousands of years. Travelers come here to marvel at such triumphs as the Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and the rock-cut sun temple, Abu Simbel. But monuments are not all Egypt has to offer. In the 21st century, Egypt tempts visitors with the legacies of ancient history and so much more: In Cairo, medieval mosques and ancient, Coptic churches are interwoven with the skyscrapers of modern life; on the Nile River, luxury cruise vessels pamper guests while winding their way through the timeless Nile Valley; and along the seacoasts, sumptuous beach resorts and  exquisite coral reefs draw divers and snorkelers from around the world.

The city of 1,000 minarets, Cairo unfolds along both banks of the Nile River with a staggering mix of history and cultures. The immensity and diversity of the city is astonishing, making it easy to understand why Egyptians think of their capital as the “Mother of the World.”

Cairo’s Europeanized city center is filled with broad streets and rococo apartment buildings that reflect the style of late-19th-century Paris.  The Islamic Quarters is a fascinating jumble of medieval lanes, bustling bazaars, and wondrous monuments; and the Coptic quarter is Cairo’s oldest inhabited section on the east side of the river.

No visitor to Cairo can miss a day trip to the three Great Pyramids and lion-bodied Sphinx, just beyond the outskirts of Giza City. You can explore inside the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the largest and oldest of the three, in the morning or afternoon and witness the magical Sphinx Sound and Light Show in the evening.

The world’s longest river, the Nile is the timeless lifeblood of Egypt. Nearly all of Ancient Egypt’s cultural and historical sites lie along the banks of this almost mythical river. A cruise down the Nile-whether for a few hours or a few days-is a magical journey through 5,000 years of history and the highlight of any Egyptian itinerary.  If you have time, a 7-day cruise is the best way to soak up your surroundings and fully explore the magnificent monuments and temples en route. Set sail from Luxor or Aswan and retrace the routes once taken by Egypt’s great kings and queens. You’ll pass the great Pharaonic temples of Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo; Luxor’s Karnak and Luxor temples; and the legendary Valley of the Kings.

If your schedule is tight, half- or one-day cruises are available from spots all along the Nile. You’ll enjoy spectacular views that are only visible from the water and the onboard

guide will point out the highlights.  Cruises are also available on Lake Nasser, south of

Aswan. These three- or four-day excursions offer one of the best ways to visit the breathtaking Sun Temple of Ramses II, Abu Simbel, as well as some otherwise inaccessible sites.

While many travelers may associate Egypt with its vast tracts of arid land, divers from around the world look at the country’s palm-fringed coasts as the star attraction.  On the Sinai Pensinula, with its sun¬kissed beaches and luxury hotels, resort areas cater to both experienced and novice divers. Nuweiba is a good spot for beginners and snorkelers. Dahab is known for the difficult Blue Hole and Canyon. And Sharm el-Sheikh, at the tip of the peninsula, offers some options for beginners, though the best known sites (such as Pas Mohammed Reserve) are for experienced divers only.

The Red Sea Coast, especially the town of Nurghada, is also renowned for its dive sites. The Red Sea boasts a truly unique ecosystem with more than 250 species of coral and 1,248 species of fish, many of which exist no where else in the world. There are some shore dives here but most sites are accessible via daylong boat trips or extended dive safaris.

Thanks to India’s popularity with both the international business and leisure crowds, its major cities all house a number of sophisticated, modern hotels catering to the demanding traveler. Providing the perfect launch pad from which to explore the thriv­ing metropolises, these accommodations offer the latest high-tech amenities, luxury touches and attentive service, all presented with patented Indian flair.

As the center of the country’s film and fashion scenes, and its commercial hub, Mumbai is a city that’s always on the go, and its top hotels reflect this high level of energy and style. All the five-star brands have a presence in town, and a number of these hotels are flagships or historic properties. Opened in 1903, the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower combines Moorish, Oriental and Florentine architecture with stunning panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. The Oberoi, Mumbai also boasts sea vistas, along with a Banyan Tree Spa to pamper guests. Set among 11 acres of gardens, waterfalls and lotus pools, The Leela, Kempinski is a haven near the Central Business District, while Starwood’s two city hotels - the towering Grand Central, Mumbai and lush oasis, The Maratha ­ each melds aspects of India’s colonial past with the latest technologies.

Technology is what has earned Banga­lore its moniker of India’s Silicon Valley, and the city’s hotel scene has risen to the title. Hidden away on nine verdant acres, which include a private lagoon, The Leela, Bangalore marries ornate domed ceilings and grand archways with essential busi­ness services and 21st-century creature comforts. At The Taj West End, 20 acres of landscaped gardens pay tribute to Bangalore’s other nickname, the Garden City; here guests luxuriate in plush Heritage Suites and stellar cuisine, like the exotic Vietnamese served at Blue Ginger. Fine dining and understated luxury are also the hallmarks of The Oberoi, Bangalore, where the 30 new suites boast flat-screen televisions, walk-in closets and separate steam cubicles in the bathrooms.

India’s new urban style is likewise embodied by The Park hotels, an Indian-based chain that’s brought world­class boutique chic to the city centers. Boasting contemporary design and art pieces along with innovative cuisine and hot nightlife, The Park has proved a popular choice with both business and leisure travelers in cities like Banga­lore, Chennai, New Delhi, Kolkata and Visakhaptanam. It’s not unusual to find today’s Indian city streets lined with shops by marquee international brands; everything from iconic British department stores to shops selling designer sneakers are popping up in all the metropolises. Yet the posh shopping centers and boutique streets also boast an impressive array of local names. Whether designing clothing, jewelry, accessories or home goods, a new crop of Indian designers have made their mark by mixing Eastern materials with Western techniques and sensibilities. The result is stylish, high-quality goods that transcend trends, and instead evoke traditional Indian motifs while still seeming very now. Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore in particular are the best spots to pick up some of these new designer souvenirs.

The luxury of the Raj era lives on at India’s magical palace hotels, which re­create the sumptuousness of the past while offering the latest modern-day accents. Known for its abundance of lavish palaces, the state of Rajasthan is home to the larg­est number of these standout royal retreats.Once the home of the Maharaja of Jaipur, Taj’s Rambagh Palace welcomes guests to 85 richly decorated rooms and suites, along with majestic gardens. Also in Jaipur, The Oberoi Rajvilas re-creates the grandeur of the Rajput princes with 32 acres of pavil­ions, reflection pools and private court­yards, surrounded by luxury tents and villas.

In nearby Jodhpur, Taj’s Umaid Bhawan Palace is set in what was once one of the largest private residences in the world. Today guests enjoy 64 lavish rooms, as well as extensive grounds and public spaces designed by Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester in a mix of Eastern and Western styles. Balsamand Lake Palace, also in Jodhpur, is a former summer palace of the Marwar regime that’s set on a 13th-century man-made lake. Suites and deluxe rooms are furnished with antiques and medieval Rajasthani fabrics, while horse-drawn carriages and vintage car rides heighten the nostalgic vibe.
After extensive renovations, the 18th­ century fort palace of Devi Garh - tucked into the Aravali Hills near Udaipur - has been transformed into an all-suite luxury hotel with a stunning antique-meets-mod­ern design. Local materials like marble and semiprecious stones mix with contempo­rary furnishings, colorful accents and clean lines to create a unique heritage hotel that exemplifies the New India. A full-service spa offers treatments and packages with a holistic bent, while a fine-dining restaurant and lively bar-both boasting sweeping scenic views-provide the backdrop for memorable holiday evenings.

Nearby in Udaipur, the sprawling Oberoi Udaivilas’ cluster of domed, white build­ings sits on the banks of Lake Pichola. Rooms boast private walled courtyards or private pools, along with views of either the lake or a neighboring wildlife sanctuary. Lake Pichola is also home to the Taj Lake Palace - although this hotel sits in the lake instead of on its shores. Called the floating palace, this romantic white marble and mosaic structure celebrates bygone eras with Royal Butler service and rooms opulently decorated with murals, rich fabrics and claw-foot bathtubs.

Finally, the Pink City of Jaipur is home to Samode Haveli, a heritage hotel set in the former manor house of the Samode royal family. Built over 150 years ago, the property now features 29 individually designed rooms furnished with antiques and old family portraits; the Maharaja and Maharani Suites take the opulence one step further with mosaic-covered walls. Fans of heritage properties will also enjoy the majestic Palace Hotel (known as Bikaner House) in Mount Abu.

At one time, train travel used to be the preferred means of transport of gentlemen and ladies-a luxurious, comfortable way to get to your destination. This tradition continues in India, where it’s possible to experience weeklong stays on trains that have been restored to include all the detail and ceremony of the locomotive’s heyday. Must-see Rajasthanl cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur are on the agenda of The Palace on Wheels, which features actual coaches that were once used by the fabled Raj rulers.

In between visiting historic sites and exploring the cities, guests enjoy top­notch cuisine and accommodations on the train. Following the route of the legendary Marathas, in the state of Maharashtra, The Deccan Odysseys 21 coaches house guest suites, a business center, lounges, a bar, dining cars and even a beauty parlor, Ayurvedic massage center and gym. Patrons disembark in such cities as Goa, Mumbai and Pure to experience a variety of cultural activities.

Perhaps not the Last Crusade, there are many other adventurous destinations that may be worthy of those with the bold spirit of Indiana Jones.  And, wip and fedora are optional.

Consider in the South of France, Apt Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Anne d’Apt), which is a former cathedral, and national monument of France, in the town of Apt in Provence.  Now the church of Saint Anne, the former cathedral was the seat of the bishop of Apt until the French Revolution.

According to historic accounts Saint Anne was the mother of the Virgin Mary, who in turn was the mother of Jesus Christ.  Saint Anne’s life of service to God did not end with the one great gift of her daughter.  According to legends of an early account of her life, when her husband Joachim died, Anne married his brother Cleophas, with whom she had another daughter. This child was also named Mary and became the mother of James the Lesser, Joseph the Just, Simon, and Jude. Anne later married again and had another daughter who gave birth to James the Greater and John the Evangelist.

Saint Anne did not live to see the torment and execution of Christ.  However, even in death she continued to play an important part in the lives of early Christians.  Sometime after the resurrection of Christ, Mary Magdalene, her brother Lazarus, and other apostles were driven from Jerusalem because of their faith.  They journeyed by boat carrying the remains of Saint Anne and set ashore in Marseille, France. Her remains were taken farther inland from the coast to what is now France, where they were concealed in a crypt. These events were transcribed in the Martyrology of Apt, dating from the second century.

Charlemagne consulted the text in an attempt to locate her body nearly seven hundred years later. All efforts appeared to be in vain until the reconsecration of the Cathedral of Apt. During this ceremony, a fourteen-year-old deaf mute began striking the main altar with his staff, greatly disturbing those in attendance, including the emperor.  Charlemagne was so impressed with the determination of the boy to draw attention to the altar that he gave orders to open its stairs after the mass.  An underground door sealed with stones was uncovered.  When these were removed, the boy led the group through the underground catacombs of the church to a wall, which he also struck with his staff.  The company eagerly broke through the wall to find a crypt containing a casket of cypress wood.  Inscribed on it were the words “Here lies the body of Blessed Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary.”  Charlemagne had the recollection of these events written up, notarized, and sent to the pope in Rome. The original papers of this corre­spondence are still in existence today.

Because of these events, the Cathedral of Apt became an important pilgrimage site, and the cult of Saint Anne spread throughout France, becoming particularly strong in Brittany. Many Breton legends claim Saint Anne as a Breton queen who escaped a brutal husband. One legend sup­poses that angels led her to a ship that landed in Jerusalem, where she gave birth to the Virgin Mary.

Book youth hostels and cheap hostels in advance before you commence on your voyage. Advance booking can save you from a lot of trouble and will also save you lot of money. Book your hostels accommodation through hosteltraveler.com and get access to unique youth hostels and cheap hostels.

These youth hostels are not only affordable but also are more fun as compared to other types of accommodation. You might run into other backpackers at these cheap hostels that sometime make the trip more fun. Almost all the basic facilities are available at these hostels and that too at reasonable price. Because of this a number of backpackers prefer staying at these youth hostels. The experience of staying at these cheap hostels is unique and adventurous in itself.

Apart from the element of uniqueness, the budget is another issue that should be considered before you book your accommodations. These hostels are affordable and help you to save money that can further allow you to enjoy a pleasurable trip. Get the best deals on these accommodations through www.hosteltraveler.com which is a highly popular website with backpackers. You can get a list hostels available in different parts of the world. You can also get travel tips from the other travelers and know more about the place you are traveling to.

You can save more money and enjoy a good trip by traveling sensibly. The best way to travel within your budget and still enjoy your trip is by opting for staying at hostels as opposed to hotels. The cheap hostels and youth hostels are inexpensive as compared to hotels and at the same time, these provide you with all the basic comforts. A number of backpackers are staying at these youth hostels that allow them to save money and enjoy a pleasurable trip. The cheap hostels provide you with the basic amenities at low prices.

To know more about these youth hostels or cheap hostels and to make your booking at these hostels, you may log on to www.hosteltraveler.com. The website is very popular with backpackers is it provides with the best hostels and other accommodation and also provides more information on it. You can log on to the website and book your youth hostels in advance that can again save you money and save you from trouble later. The website can provide you with a list of cheap hostels in almost all places around the world. Log on to the website to interact with other backpackers and know more about these hostels.

Do you love traveling in style but limited budget stops you from doing so? If so, then you need not worry anymore as by choosing hostels accommodation you can travel within your budget and that too in style. The youth hostels and cheap hostels are very popular with the backpackers as these hostels do not charge much and at the same time, provide them with all the basic comforts. The youth hostels allow them to travel in style and enjoy their stay.

You may also opt for these cheap hostels or youth hostels so that you may not have to worry about spending more than you desire. The best option would be to opt for online booking or advance reservation facility so that you don’t have to face unnecessary problems later. One of the most popular websites that provides you with online booking or reservation facility is www.hosteltraveler.com. It is hugely popular among backpackers and is known to provide information on the best hostels all around the world.

Just log on to the website and select the region or regions you would be traveling to. The website would provide you with a list of cheap hostels or youth hostels and would provide you information related to it. You can select the hostels that fit into your budget and also provide you with good facilities. You may consult the ratings given by the other backpackers and decide accordingly.