HSI Presents Monte Albán Mexico: An Ancient, Cultural, Natural Destination
Mexico is known for its beaches, fruity tropical drinks, and sun. However, one thing many people overlook is that a short trip inland from the beaches is amazing cultural and historical sites. There are 31 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mexico, scattered throughout the country; they include cultural and natural sites that are considered as having outstanding universal value. One of these amazing sites is Monte Albán!
Visible from anywhere in the central part of the Valley of Oaxaca, the impressive ruins of Monte Albán has attracted visitors and explorers throughout the colonial and modern eras. Monte Albán is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site in the southern Mexico state of Oaxasca. The present-day state capital Oaxaca City is located approximately 6 miles east of Monte Albán. One of the interesting characteristics of Monte Albán is the large number of carved stone mountains one encounters throughout the plaza. The earliest examples are the so-called “Danzantes”, literally translated means dancers. Over 300 “Danzantes” stones have been recorded to date and some of the better preserved once can be viewed at the site’s museum. The etymology of the site’s present day name is unclear and suggestions range from a corruption of a native Zapotec name such as “Danibaan” (Sacred Hill) to a colonial-era reference to a Spanish soldier by the name Montalbán or to the Alban Hills of Italy. The ancient Zapotec name of the city is not known as abandonment occurred around 900 AD. Besides being one of the earliest cities of the Mesoamerica, Monte Albán’s importance stems also from its role as the pre-eminent Zapotec socio-political and economic center for close to a thousand years.
If you are searching for a destination rich in history and beauty, Monte Albán, Mexico is the destination for you.
Discover the Most Energetic and Insane Country with Holiday Systems International
New Zealand is often called the most energetic and insane country, they have also been credited with creating bungee jumping! New Zealand offers everything from active volcanoes to skiing on their own Alps mountain range. Wines from New Zealand are among the world’s best and sheep stations draw a crowd where you can see how the sheep are protected while furnishing the wool for your Moreno Wool Clothing. Visit the Milford Sound where more waterfalls occur every day than any other place in the world except Kauai. On Doubtful Sound, enjoy a dinner boat ferry ride of go underground on a two hour tour to see the world famous glowworms that light the ceilings of caves! Visit Christchurch designed after Stratford Von Avon in England with plenty of walkways, streams and scenery. Journey to Mt. Cook (Aoraki) National Park where a short hike to Kia point will give you the greatest view of large glaciers so clean during formation they are blue, Spend a night or two at the lodge and ski, snowmobile or ice climb. Few places in the world can neither capture nor replicate the scenery and clean and fresh environment of this location.
Queenstown offers everything from bungee jumping to jet boat rides, skiing, spelunking, hiking, mountain climbing, sky diving and so much more. This quaint location is a town by definition but has less than 10,000 citizens however, regularly plays host to millions of visitors per year from around the world. Queenstown is full of life, energy, and creativity. This is a town that will ensure you live each day to its fullest.
A plethora of restaurants, shops and bars will satisfy the hunger you’ve worked up once you’ve finished the day’s activities. Day tours can be arranged from Queenstown including helicopter rides to the tops of the mountains, farm stations, bird watching, wine tasking and more.
No matter what you are looking for in a vacation, New Zealand has it to offer!
Discover the “Big Easy” with Holiday Systems International
From its inception, New Orleans has been a very powerful icon. The city rose out of the swamps as an island of civilization amidst the vast reaches of marsh and wilderness. It became a haven for travelers on the Mississippi. Situated at the mouth of the Mississippi River, New Orleans hovers like an overload over almost all river trade throughout North America and is perfectly positioned as a major player in international shipping.
New Orleans is often referred to as simply the “Big Easy”, due to its laid back attitude; the city has also developed a strong tourist image of a party town. However there is much more to New Orleans than just its parties, with major jazz venues, definite Creole influences and a deep history that anyone can appreciate. The city has long been a haven for jazz and blues musicians who wanted a place to hone their craft. Legend has it the earliest use of the Big Easy had to do with the fact that there were so many ways for a good musician to make a living in New Orleans. From performing on the streets and in the parks to playing private parties and in nightclubs, no other American city was said to be so open and so supportive of musical artists. Thus, the Big Easy might have been coined to refer to the ease with which a struggling musician could find work and study music at the same time.
When it comes to the Crescent City it all comes down to the French Quarter. Many of the famed destinations that travelers and partiers alike associate with New Orleans are in the French Quarter from party to history and food that will knock your socks off, the French Quarter is the place to be. The French Quarter consists of 80 blocks and 200 years of history around the lively Jackson Square, which is usually filled with artists, fortune tellers, and street musicians. It’s a great city to walk around.
French Quarter architecture is a mix of Spanish, French, Creole and American styles. Plastered walls and single chimneys reflect laws enacted after fire virtually destroyed the city in 1788 and 1794. Walled courtyards, perfect for French Quarter parties, are a gift of the Spanish influence. The French Quarter is a great place for people-watching and every kind of person imaginable can be spotted on the sidewalks of the Quarter!
Other must experience items in New Orleans are Antiquing on Royal Street, Carriage Rides, Portrait Paintings in Jackson Square, and of course Shopping! New Orleans is a vibrant, old school city that offers something for everyone.
Holiday Systems International says Winter is Wonderful for Fans
The earth beneath us is slowly disappearing and steadily being replaced layer upon layer of white fluffy snow. Fireplaces are aglow and even though the temperatures outside have dropped there is a warm anticipation for sports fans. Winter brings a new and exciting set of sports that aren’t available any of other time of year. One of the greatest things about winter is that the season is so much longer than fall and summer seasons, with the exception of football. The added time gives fans that weren’t quite ready to give up their fall sports time to ease into the season. And what a season it is!
The Winter Olympics includes Skiing, Bobsledding, Tobogganing and so much more. Winter sports aren’t all outdoors take the grace and beauty of figure skating. This year’s 2011 Championships will be held in Tokyo. Of course there is Hockey, and the Canadian Grand Prix to round out winter sporting events. With all of the amazing sports during the winter, it is indeed a wonderful time for fans!
Cruising the Panama Canal with Holiday Systems International
Stand face-to face with the grandeur of the Panama Canal. Whether you cross from Atlantic to Pacific or vice-versa, you’ll encounter experiences that lifelong explorers like Magellan could only dream of. When your ship enters the canal, it will rise 85 feet in one of the legendary Gatun Locks. As you cross the Continental Divide, a journey that took mariners of long ago years to complete, a new world of wonder and amazement awaits you on the other side. Come along for what will undoubtedly be an enlightening and rewarding voyage. You will journey between continents and oceans through the Eighth Wonder of the World, from the beauty and serenity of Fuerte Amador, Panama to the Dutch and Caribbean influence of Oranjestad, Aruba. You may chose to enrich your Panama Canal cruise experience by including shore excursions. Discover the rare beauty of a rainforest canopy aboard an aerial tram or ride the tracks of the first trans-continental railroad. Possibilities about when you journey ashore. Cruising offers you the opportunity to get away from it all, and be pampered in the process. When you’re not relaxing, ore being treated like royalty, you will have a wealth of options for sightseeing, exploring, sports, activities, and of course shopping. Are you ready for an unforgettable cruise experience with Holiday Systems International?
Holiday Systems International Gives You Six Reasons to Visit Aruba
Aruba is an island of spectacular tropical beauty, glittering coral reefs, large rolling sand dunes and fascinating sites. The top six reasons to visit Aruba will not only amaze but give you the vacation of your dreams.
The number one reason is the spectacular beaches. Aruba’s beaches include wide shaded expanses, quiet retreats, busy sunbathing, and water sports Mecca’s. No matter the beach there are spectacular glittering Caribbean views that will surely take your breath away.
The number two reason is the Paradise Beach Villas. Imagine miles of sun -kissed powder-white beaches where the year-round warm and dry climate is caressed by a gentle tropical breeze to create an atmosphere like no other place… and a Resort unhurried by time.
The number three reason is the Fun in the Sun! With an average year-round temperature of 82◦ F and low humidity Aruba is perfect for championship golf courses and exciting land or water activities any time of the year. Check it out to beat the winter blues!
Number four in the list of reasons to visit Aruba an island tour! It’s an island destination that attracts everyone! On this tour get a unique view of the islands most photographed attraction- the Natural Bridge, see the second largest city in Aruba and learn how Baby Beach got its name.
The number five reason is the Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino. Enter a world of unexpected pleasures and perks at the exclusive Aruba Marriott Resort and Setllaris Casino a sanctuary of privilege, they welcome you to access your dreams and nourish your soul.
The final reason is Oranjestad! The capital city, located on the southern coast near the western end of the island, is extremely picturesque with its Dutch colonial architecture in pastel colors.
Aruba is the vacation destination of a lifetime.
Holiday Systems International Presents a Vacation to Australia
G’ Day mate and welcome to Australia! Australia is a country and continent with as diverse a climate as the United States. From Sydney Harbor to Hobart in Tasmania, home of the Tasmanian devil, you can experience vast mountain ranges, swamps, city life, beach resorts, and even famous Outback territories. Enjoy Kangaroo Island where you can spend nights enjoying the sights and sounds of koala bears and kangaroos. Walk the paths about the island, take pictures, and relax with sumptuous food. From there you can visit nature preserves outside Melbourne such as Ayers Rock also know as Uluru a large sandstone rock formation. Uluru is sacred to the Pitjantajara and Uankunytjajra, the Aboriginal people of the area. It has many springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or visit Adelaide the Australian city where there’s always something going on.
In Sydney enjoy the opera house, climbing the Sky Bridge, go off-roading on a four wheel tour or head into the mountains just outside Sydney for Eucalyptus, wines and breathtaking views.
Cairns, a city revered for its Vegas like atmosphere is a vacation city with the concept that occasional work needs to be done. This fun loving area is full of resorts, hotels, bed and breakfasts allowing any type of getaway you desire. Casinos, movie theatres, ocean expeditions, hiking and more await here amongst beautiful scenery.
Other great sites in Australia include the Great Barrier Reef one of Australia’s most remarkable natural gifts. Take a viewing tour to the Great Barrier Reef where you may see giant sea turtles, dolphins, swordfish, whales and an entire ecosystem contained amongst the coral reef itself. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 1,600 miles. Or, travel to exclusive Lord Howe Island which is an entire island of resort comforts where even the sundeck of the hotel moves to track the sun, jus so you don’t have to.
Holiday Systems International Presents Must See Puerto Vallarta Attractions
Puerto Vallarta is caressed by the ocean breeze, nourished by the river waters, decorated by palm trees and millions of flowers, and loved by its inhabitants and visitors alike…Puerto Vallarta has everything to give those who decide to step on its fertile land.
Nightlife: French Mexican celebrity chef Thierry Bloutet, promises a memorable mea in magical surroundings indoors or out at the very popular Café des Artistes. Continue the party at a Vallarta club. Visitors who crave excitement of crowds, dancing all together head for Christine, which flaunts laser shows and roving international DJ’s. For sipping Champagne and dancing on the sand, moonlit Nikki Beach is the sexiest of Puerto Vallarta attractions.
Golfing Championship Courses: If your favorite club is called Big Bertha, you’ll be awed by Puerto Vallarta’s spectacularly scenic championship golf. Many hotels offer golf packages and a golf concierge. Puerto Vallarta’s seven 18-hole courses were designed by the likes of legends; Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Tom Weiskopf, and Robert Van Jaggen are attractions for golfers the world over. Nicklaus’ Vista Vallarta hosts the Puerto Vallarta Championship, A PGA Tour Champions event.
Coasting along Bandera Bay: Puerto Vallarta is set on ocean-deep Banderas Bay, which has water sports attractions aplenty. Surfers are drawn to the tall waves off the nearby beach town of Lo de Marcos. Scuba divers seek out Vallarta waters for their crystalline visibility, black coral formations, and large marine life such as sea turtles and dolphins. Yachting season kicks off with the San Diego to Puerto Vallarta Regatta in the fall and reaches a fever pitch with the Banderas Bay Regatta in March.
Whatever type of vacation you are looking for, Puerto Vallarta has it all.
Holiday Systems International CEO Speaks at ARDA Convention
The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) held its annual convention for 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Holiday Systems International (HSI) was proud to add to its 18-years of industry dedication and commitment by once again sponsoring the Industry Awards Gala and participating as a convention Signature Sponsor, the highest level of annual sponsorship.
Holiday Systems International’s (HSI’s) CEO and ARDA Trustee Member, Craig Morganson, was also an invited moderator of the convention’s Educational Session. “Evolving the Vacation Ownership Value Proposition and Stabilizing Maintenance Fees”. Recognized as an industry expert he joined a distinguished panel in exploring ways the Vacation Ownership product can and should evolve to perform better for our members during today’s challenges. Addressing an audience made-up of Vacation Ownership and travel industry executives, the panel discussed consumer-centric topics including enhancing the value proposition of Vacation Ownership, stabilizing Maintenance Fees for owners, and the importance of customer value in today’s economic climate.
Drawing upon his knowledge from over 29-years in the tourism industry, Craig Morganson tutored, “The customer’s definition of disposable income has changed forever. Now is the time for our industry to look in the mirror and ensure a measureable value to the end-user. The difference between an owner and a retail traveler must be separated by a very thick line. This can be accomplished through the addition of exclusive owner privileges, such as those offered by HSI.”
