02 May
Vancouver Tours Blog

A Luxury Train Journey Through South Africa

A luxury train may not be everyone's idea of ​​the perfect way to compliment a South African safari, but for those who know for that romantic and by-gone elegance, a luxury train journey could offer the ultimate in resplendent and regal travel. South Africa's most famous rail journeys are aboard the iconic blue train and along the rovos rail network which transport guests across a wide range of country and offering multiple itineraries.

Conveyed in style and comfort through some of the country's most enamoring and striking landscapes safely and securely and away from the clamor of hectic road travel. A train promises you peace of mind and decidedly more glamorous way to travel. The beauty of a luxury rail journey is that instead of interrupting a more archetypal safari experience, 4x4ing through the undergrowth, it acts as the ideal supplement. What you might not expect from a rail journey, typically rigid and regulatory circumstances, is the incredible flexibility that a luxury train offers.

Both the Blue Train and Rovos Rail offer guests a great deal of choice not only in regards of service but also in relation to timings and routes including tours along the renamed Cape Town to Pretoria route, up to Zambia Falls and along the stunning garden route. Journeys can consist of a shorter one way 27 hour Cape Town to Pretoria (or Pretoria to Cape Town) tour or a more extensive trip which can include a return journey.

Rovos Rail itself consists of two beautifully restored trains which boasts some of the most spacious suites in the world; five star luxury cruising through the South African countryside without interference. Capable of accommodating 72 passengers the trains feature 20 coaches including two luxurious dining carriages, a lounge and observation carriage. Such is Rovos' pursuit of refined and luxurious travel the private company has even built and restored a private central train station and locomotive yard solely for the service.

The Blue train is a symbol of endearing opulence in South Africa, its unmistakable royal blue paintwork gleaming in the sunshine as it coasts through the valleys, savannahs and plains. Kings and presidents have journeyed through South Africa aboard the Blue Train and that air of prestige still clings to it today. Such are the standards attained on board this moving five star hotel that all guest rooms are suites with a selection of luxury and deluxe options available. The glorious wood paneled carriages have been beautifully designed to reflect the glamor of a forgotten age and through the train including the dining and club cart this sense of grandeur is maintained. Each passenger coach enjoys its own private butler who will endeavor to attend to all of the needs and wants of the exclusive clientele you will be part of.

A luxury train journey is a wonderful way to encounter the glory of South Africa and what more befitting way to explore this nation than by traveling with all the pomp and grandeur of a refined rail trip.

Source by Jamie D Richardson

23 Nov
Vancouver Tours Blog

Cruise to Galapagos – A Mesmerizing Journey

Cruises are much different from travelling in passenger jets or trains perhaps because they offer a fun and memorable adventure. A cruise to Galapagos Islands is no different with a constantly pleasant weather, breathtaking natural beauty, scenic landscapes, green rainforests and sandy white shores. Galapagos is the name of a group of thirteen islands situated 600 miles west of the Ecuadorian Coast in the Pacific. These islands are listed among the World Heritage Sites being a sanctuary for endangered and some very rare animal species.

Because of the preserved natural habitat of endangered species that the islands have managed to maintain, a cruise to Galapagos is as popular among wildlife enthusiasts as it is among nature lovers. Cruises offer something unique to everyone; the thrill of sailing through the calm, azure waters of the Pacific, the overwhelming sense of excitement and the amazing panoramic view of all the thirteen Galapagos islands.

Cruises have formal dinners every evening where you can partake in various festivities such as balls, karaoke contests, a magic show, or even an act of stand-up comedy. Or you can just enjoy the assortment of delicious dishes that are served at your table. Cruises also have buffets once every week that allow you to eat as much as your heart desires. Some cruisers even have their own casinos where you can try your luck with cards and jackpot slot-machine.

Most people who cruise to Galapagos like it because of the chance to lounge on the spacious sundeck and bask in the tropical sun. Others rub on sun tan lotion as the tropical sun is perfect for getting that tan you have always wanted. Swimming pools and wading pools are a common feature that is available to the passengers all the time and Jacuzzis offer a refreshing massage on days you feel lethargic and are drained of energy.

Fishing is another common recreational activity as the seas of Galapagos thrive with big fishes that make an easy catch if you have the right bait. Catching your own meat to eat only adds to the thrill and excitement of cruising. When on a cruise to Galapagos Islands, it is customary for cruisers to dock at all thirteen islands of the Galapagos allowing visitors to experience first-hand the natural beauty and curious wildlife of the islands that are renowned throughout the world.

Even without the casinos, luxury suites, swimming pools and evening entertainment, the overall experience of the cruising through the calm cerulean seas of the Pacific is as good a reason to go on a cruise vacation because of the tranquility and relaxation. So you might want to make the right choice next time you have a tour guide in your hands.

Source by Rick John Patrick

31 Aug
Vancouver Tours Blog

Napa Wine Tour: A Beautiful Journey Into The Dreamland Of The World's Best Wineries

A tour to Napa valley is a dream come true to every food connoisseur. It is an exciting holiday destination and is also America's capital for gourmet wine and food. For a wine connoisseur and person who loves exotic holiday destinations, a Napa wine tour is an exciting trip that should be included in his / her travel itinerary.

Napa valley is located in California. It is the second most visited tourist destination after Disneyland. This valley offers panoramic views and is one of the best places to unveil the tradition of wine making. This would be a unique opportunity to outlook the best wineries in the world surrounded by natural beauty, luxurious spas and the finest restaurants. Napa valley tour also provides you a chance to pay a visit to the historical treasures of Napa valley like Beringer Vineyards, the oldest operating winery in this valley and the home of Christian Brothers which is now the American Culinary Institute.

To know more about the cutting edge technology in making wine, you must also visit the Robert Mondovi winery. It is suggested that you customize your tour package, if you are really looking for a strictly personal experience at wineries. This option can provide you a chance to meet a few small family-owned wineries of Napa valley, where the owner can guide you and provide information about the vineyard and the process of making wine. Napa valley tours also offer a single day package and you also have the facility to extend this trip into an enjoyable stay.

Several types of accommodations can be availed and accommodation can be arranged easily with the help of a tour guide. If you are planning for a long Napa valley tour, then you must visit some beautiful small quaint towns such as Yountville, Oakville, Calistoga, Rutherford. Calistoga is a famous tourist spot for medicinal waters and spa treatments. One of the latest tourist attractions is the American Center for wine, Arts and Food, where you get a chance to know about the latest wine making techniques and can also purchase the best wine. Napa wine tour is a must for those who want to make a career in wine industry.It also offers a peak into the world of wineries and the processes involved in making a glass of delicious rich wine.

These winery tours also offer tasting sessions of wine, where a winery personnel can help you understand the color, texture, aroma and the taste of wine.

This tour is a must for a regular tourist and also for people who are seriously interested in making a career in wine industry. Although Napa valley is fabulous throughout the year, the best time to plan your trip to this wine country would be during the season of grape picking and crushing.

Source by Prathima Varma

31 Jul
Vancouver Tours Blog

The Journey from a Nursing Student to NCLEX Exam and Being a Licensed Nurse

Nursing has always been at an urge of a regular change over the years. Institutions collaborate with the top health care organizations and make sure that the students are provided with the best education to meet the skills currently required.

The collaborative effort finally arrives to a test which nursing students have to pass – the NCLEX RN or RPN exams. This step is as important as the education and the practice. Once a nurse passes these tests, she/he receives the nursing license.

For an entry-level nurse, the competence and the skills are needed to be assessed and evaluated. Passing the exam ensures that the nurse is capable of performing as a health care professional safely and skillfully.

to be assessed and evaluated. Passing the exam ensures that the nurse is capable of performing as a health care professional safely and skillfully.

The journey will go as follows-

  1. Apply to a college.
  2. The college will inform if you’re eligible to attempt the exam. In case you’re an international student, you’ll require completing an assessment by the National Nursing Assessment Service.
  3. The next step involves registering with Pearson VUE and pay the required fee.
  4. Finally, schedule a time and set the Pearson VUE exam location.

As of now, there are 12 certified Pearson Professional NCLEX RN and RPN test centers available in Canada.

Alberta

1. NCLEX Calgary Test Center / Pearson Professional Centers – Calgary
2. NCLEX Edmonton Test Center / Pearson Professional Centers – Edmonton

British Columbia

3. NCLEX Surrey Test Center / Pearson Professional Centers – Surrey
4. NCLEX Vancouver Burnaby Test Center / Pearson Professional Centers – Vancouver

Nova Scotia

5. NCLEX Halifax Test Center / Pearson Professional Centers – Halifax

Ontario

6. NCLEX Hamilton Test Center / Pearson Professional Centers – Hamilton
7. NCLEX London Test Center / Pearson Professional Centers – London
8. NCLEX Ottawa Test Center / Pearson Professional Centers – Ottawa
9. NCLEX Toronto Midtown Test Center / Pearson Professional Centers – Toronto
10. NCLEX Toronto West Test Center / Pearson Professional Centers – Toronto (West)

Quebec

11. NCLEX Montreal Test Center / Pearson Professional Centers – Montreal

Saskatchewan

12. NCLEX Saskatoon Test Center / Pearson Professional Centers – Saskatoon

Once you’re done with the exam, the concerned regulatory body will provide you with the results and will inform whether you successfully completed the NCLEX RN or NCLEX RPN or not.

Are you seeking a bright and successful career as a nurse in Canada? The Mission of INSCOL Canada is to provide academic and career progression to Internationally Educated Nurses. For more information, you can visit – http://www.inscol.com/canada/.

Source by INSCOL