Archive for May, 2009

Subic Bay Philippines

Sunday, May 31st, 2009

Subic Bay Philippines
For many centuries, Subic Bay was recognized as a deep safe harbour. Realizing Subic Bay?s potentials, the Spaniards used the bay as a port to defend and maintain the Philippines as a part of their empire in the 17th century. In 1885, it was built into a naval base that utilized the safe harbors and natural resources. After their victory over the Spaniards in 1898, a naval repair and supply base in Subic Bay was established by the Americans. It was only reachable by sea until 1932 when the zigzag roads were opened linking Subic Bay and Olongapo to the rest of the Philippines. The Japanese bombed Subic Bay in 1941 and was held by them until the US took back the Philippines in 1945. The naval base was returned to the control of the United States. The two invasions by the Japanese and Americans produced a number of bombed or scuttled naval ships in Subic Bay. Scuba divers from around the world are now enjoying these wrecks in their underwater graveyards. Control and maintenance of Subic naval base remained under the United States despite the Philippines gaining their independence. The United States was given 99 years free access of the facility via an agreement signed between the Philippines and US. With the outbreak of the Vietnam War, Subic Bay became a strategic site in the maintenance of a strong US presence in Asia. In 1991, the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo covered Olongapo and Subic Bay with nearly half a metre of ash. After the Senate of the Philippines rejected the renewal of the US bases treaty in 1992, the Subic Bay Freeport was established after the last of the American naval ships completed its pullout of forces. Since then, Subic Bay Freeport Zone has now become a well-known economic, commercial and tourist hub. It is booming with world class restaurants and duty-free shopping. Subic Bay is situated in Zambales Province on the west coast of Luzon 120 kilometres north of Manila. Mountains with lush jungles bound its coastal area. Mountains with lush dense jungles, suitable for trekking, surround the coastal area. The bay cuts out into the South China Sea. Subic Bay brags of interesting wreck dives. It is home to a impressive combination of wrecks. The six wreck sites have an average depth of 45 ft. Subic Bay boasts of its rainforest and a white sand beach. Its world-class facilities, which include a marina, yacht club, hotels, shopping arcades and food shops, are supported by Philippine tourism. An international airport is another attraction. Nestor Santos is a field reporter for PhilippinesVacation.org, where you can enjoy great articles about the Philippines. If you want to enjoy more articles related to going on a <a href="http://www.philippinesvacation.org">Philippines Vacation</a>, visit the site.
Source: www.ArticlePros.com

Travel Guide Finding a Great Travel Agent
Typically travel agents are reputable, well trained, and professional However there are always exceptions to the rules and not all travel agents are looking out for your best interest Therefore we have compiled a list of a few behaviors to beware of when choosing a travel agent: . .If your travel agency only deals in cash, stay away Legitimate travel agencies will always give you several options for payment In fact it is advisable to use credit cards when making travel arrangements The reason that you would be better off paying with a credit card rather than cash or check is because if something happens with the travel company you are booked with (such as the airline files for bankruptcy) your credit card company will reimburse you If you pay with cash you have no protection Any reputable travel agent would know this and therefore not only accept credit card payments but recommend it If your travel agency does not accept credit cards, stay away! . .Beware of all the hidden fees A good travel agent will tell you up front what all of the fees including taxes, fuel charges, docking fees, and booking fees up front When a travel agent delivers a quote to you it should include all of these fees Be sure to ask if it includes everything before you sign anything If a travel agent tacks on a booking fee after you agreed to purchase a vacation it should be a red flag Also stay away from travel agents that try to charge you more than one booking fee per person There is typically a $20-$40 booking fee per person, per vacation If the travel agent tries to charge each person a separate booking fee for the flight, the hotel, and any excursions you should stay away . .Your travel agent should be very knowledgeable about where you are going You should cut them some slack if they are not experts in some ultra exotic destination, but if you are going to a fairly common destination such as Cancun they should be able to give you information on such things as activities, transportation, past client reviews, and your hotel It is also best to call around to several agencies and find an agent who has been to the destination you planning to go to That way they can even tell you the best places to eat and places to visit while you are there .
Source: www.rsstnx.com

Experience The Quest: Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race
Known as the ?Toughest Sled Dog Race in the World,? the annual Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race annually covers over 1,000 miles between the Yukon and Alaska. Alternating starting and finish lines between Whitehorse, Yukon Territory and Fairbanks, Alaska, this sled dog race is not for the faint of heart! The terrain is some of the most difficult on the planet and the demanding trail constantly keeps sled dogs and their mushers on their toes as potential disasters wait around every turn. This race takes place each February, with the date exact date wavering depending on the weather conditions of the brutal Yukon winter. The trail for the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race is as historic as the sport itself. Originally part of the original Gold Rush trail and the Mail Delivery trails dating back to the turn of the Twentieth Century, the trail is steeped in lore. Most of this trail cuts through untouched wilderness, thought to be some of the last on the entire continent. Lasting approximately two weeks, the mushers enter the race with his or her 14 dog sled team, striving to reach Fairbanks first. The field is diverse and features entries from all over the world, but all the entries have one thing in common?they came to win! If you find yourself in the great state of Alaska or in the beautiful territory of the Yukon this February, do not miss an opportunity to attend the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race! Individuals of all ages are sure to enjoy this unique experience and will remember seeing the running dogs, hearing the crunch of snow, and feeling the overall air of excitement for years to come. Whether you send off the competitors in the tiny town of Whitehorse in Canada?s Yukon territory or welcome the heroic mushers and sled dogs into lovely downtown Fairbanks, Alaska, there are many opportunities to see this race. Many of the race?s checkpoints are accessible by major roadways, allowing visitors from all corners of the globe to experience this race first hand. Discover what goes on behind the scenes at a major dog sled race. This race requires a whole crew of individuals to work diligently while the competitors fly over snow banks. From veterinarians to care for the sled dogs to doctors to care for the mushers to talented chefs to provide all competitors?both animal and human?with quality food, it truly takes a village for the event to get off the ground. Make a trip to Alaska to experience the nonstop action and excitement of the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race! Bring the entire family to cheer on all the competitors and watch as one talented musher and his (or her!) sled dog team crosses into Fairbanks first to be declared victorious! A lifelong Alaskan, Ron Richards invites you to come and see Alaska. Consider visiting Alaska to experience unique adventures. A great way to see Alaska is by taking an affordable <a href="http://www.findanalaskacruise.com">Alaska Cruise</a>.
Source: www.ArticlePros.com


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