If a vacation, as defined by a dictionary is: 'leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure', then one taken in Algarve must be the epitome of that term.

The southern-most region of Portugal, Algarve is a holiday-maker's dream. Wonderful year-round weather, great beaches, fabulous scenery and – best of all – the local people!

Algarveans are a tolerant, laid-back lot, who have seen much change in the several decades since their region started to become a tourist magnet. Some of the age-old ways of life (such as small-scale fishing) continue undisturbed by the leisure-seeking visitors who are drawn to this lovely area.

Most who sample the attractions of Algarve became converted enthusiasts. If you love warm places, sand and sea and generally relaxed holidays, then Algarve is your dream destination.

It's a compact area, only some 90 miles by 30 miles at its farthest extreaties – but it's home to over 100 miles of gorgeous sandy beaches.

While, for those who do not mind leaving the coast behind for a while, the region is steeped in history, and has much to delight the visitor's eye. Much of the Algarve's heritage has been preserved, especially in the profusion of Moorish-influenced architecture on show. And the contrasts, between coast and mountains, sand and greenery, modernity and history, offer visitors many choices of how to spend an Algarve vacation.

The region's ancient past is positively celebrated, and most sizeable towns boast a local museum that shows relics from Roman times – and even earlier.

Algarveans are proud of their distinct culture and some of the diversion on offer to the holiday-maker is even free (concerts and gallery announcements spring to mind from my last visit). Whatever the month of year, there's usually a Saint's day that gives rise to a colorful festival, in which the locals take a whole-hearted part.

Public transport within the region is efficient and cheap, which serves to keep the tourist dollars and Euros circulating, while allowing holiday-makers to sample more than just the tourist areas.

Even a tour of either the western or eastern halves of Algarve can be entered within a single day (though it helps to have your itinerary sorted before you set out). And a meal at an inland restaurant during the return journey to your holiday accommodation will likely prove cheaper than one taken in the tourist-populated coastal areas (a bonus for the more adventurous tourist!).

Am I keen to get back there soon? You bet!

Which leads me to a rather obvious question: why am I sitting here writing this, instead of making a booking with my friendly local travel agent? …

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There are plenty of travel stories about “ugly Americans.” Usually, these travelers aren’t aware they are doing anything wrong while on vacation. But if you aren’t aware of local customs and etiquette, offending those around you may be inevitable. Though you will find that the uniquely Caribbean hospitality and slower pace of Aruba tourism are markedly different than anything in the U.S., adjusting isn’t nearly as difficult as it seems. As you enjoy all of your activities in Aruba, here are some tips to make sure you and everyone else remain happy and comfortable.

As you are traveling to escape the often hectic nature of American life, try to enjoy the more relaxed pace of Aruba. Instead of being pushy and trying to speed up your meals and activities, simply be patient and friendly. Don’t wait until returning home to realize how much you relished these opportunities to relax.

Regardless of where you plan on traveling, engage in some research on local greetings and customs. If you are greeted with a hug or a kiss on the cheek, return the favor graciously. When addressing the staff of any establishment you enter, try to be friendly and always introduce yourself with a “hello” or “good day.” The respect you show towards others will be returned to you whenever you need assistance.

It also isn’t too difficult to be a classy tourist. When traveling to Aruba, pack some business attire along with the swimsuit and sandals. As you wouldn’t wear beach gear to a restaurant at home, you should try to look your best when out on the town abroad. Take your courtesy one step further and try to understand the dining traditions of your destination. It is a good idea to pay close attention to others’ behaviors in formal situations. If you find yourself confronted with unknown foods, try your best to expand your palette. When attending events, be an attentive and appreciative audience member regardless of how much you enjoy a performance.

When traveling to a country that speaks any language other than English, make an effort to learn important phrases. You should be able to understand and return greetings and ask simple questions. When you use English, speak clearly and without slang, paying close attention to other people’s reactions to determine if you are being understood. But do not expect to be accommodated with English translation everywhere you go. Traveling to foreign places always involves a compromise.

If you find yourself staying in someone else’s home or any individual goes out of their way for your vacation, a small gift is always a nice touch. If you are invited to dinner, bring flowers or a bottle of wine. Tokens like these can greatly assist common interactions and even earn you some friends. Obviously, gifts don’t have to be expensive; your good intentions will certainly be recognized on their own.

Be generous with your tips, but don’t overdo it. Most people in the service industry rely heavily on gratuities, yet …

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Have you recently decided that you would like to take a trip to Maui? Maui is often considered one of Hawaii's most beautiful islands. It is a popular destination for those on honeymoons, romantic getaways, family vacations, and even those who are just traveling with a group of friends.

When it comes to vacationing in Maui, you can automatically tell right away that it is a popular vacation destination. One of the reasons for that is because of the cost of travel. It is no secret that it can get quite costly to take a Maui vacation. By the time you figure in your travel arrangements, such as airfare, public transportation or a car rental, and your overnight accommodations, you may already begin to feel the diminishing size of your wallet. That is why a large number of individuals, hoping to take a Maui vacation, end up searching for Maui vacation packages. The majority of the time, you can save a fairly decent amount of money by booking your Maui vacation in the form of a vacation package.

When choosing a Maui vacation package, it is important to remember that Maui vacation packages come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles. Unfortunately, there are a large number of individuals who automatically assume that vacation packages include airfare, overnight accommodations, and little extras, like a free dinner or a car rental. While a large number of Maui vacation packages do offer all of these services, not all do. That is why it is important that you thoroughly examine a Maui vacation package before purchasing one. In fact, you also want to make sure that you read all of the information given to you, including the fine print.

The cost of a Maui vacation package is another important factor that should be taken into consideration when choosing one. When examining the prices of Maui vacation packages, it is also important that you keep the vacation package type in mind. For instance, it is important that you know that a vacation package that does not include airfare should automatically be cheaper than one that does. Many vacationers mistakenly believe that they are getting a great deal on a Maui vacation package; however, many fail to examine the vacation package and all of the arrangements and accommodations that it includes. To make sure that you are really saving money with a Maui vacation package, you will want to make sure that your package includes as many amenities as you need.

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many that you will want to consider, when choosing a Maui vacation package. In most cases, you will find that Maui vacation packages help you and other travelers save money when looking to book a trip to Maui. Of course, with any large purchase, you are advised to know exactly what you are purchasing. Not only will doing so help to ensure that you are getting a great deal, but it will …

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