Exploring Malta The Maltese Islands are a group of small, barren rocks jutting out of the middle of the deep blue Mediterranean sea. Normally, they would have been relegated to a brief history. Yet, ever since they were first colonised thousands of years ago, they have never been far from the center of attention and have often played a crucial role in history. Their strategic central loacation in the Mediterranean Sea makes up for the lack of resources that nature endowed the rest of the globe. More information can be found at AboutMalta.com. While visiting Malta you might need a car and driver, or a rental a car. Malta is the largest island, of her sister islands of Gozo, Filfla, Comino and other small islands, are strategically placed in the narrow channel joining the eastern and the western basins of the Mediterranean. The result of this has landed the Maltese Islands right in the middle of the most important historic events: the wars between Carthage & Rome, the rise of Islam and the Crusades, the wars between Moslems & Christians, Napoleon's rise and fall, the demise of the British Empire, the fight for democracy against Fascism and Nazism and the Cold War. Travelers can read more about Malta: Travel & History Malta is not only an outstanding vacation destination but also a living museum of Mediterranean history. Few people realize that on such a small cluster of islands one can come across such a wealth of historic traditions. Besides archeological and architectural gems its great attraction are the numerous village "festas" falling mostly during summer. These festivities in honor of the village patron saint are characterized by bands, bright decorations, fireworks and a religious procession where the statue of the patron saint is carried through the streets. At the same time, Malta's many beache resorts and services are a fine place to spend the time waiting for festivals to begin or to have a break from the rich history of this region. Forget the Hotel, get a Rental! Are you looking for something different, maybe looking for more room, or maybe you have a large family and are on a budget. Then maybe a vacation rental might be the answer to your lodging search. Vacation rentals are usually similar to a multiroom apartment with a kitchen. Rentals vary in rate due to location, number of rooms, and included ameniites. Some are "high-end" luxury apartments, but the vast majority are very affordable units. If your looking for discounts at major resorts get this book. Actually you'll find more than just condos, you will find everything from full-size houses to small cottages. With full working kitchens, TV, laundry, and phone. But what you probably won't find, as you would in a hotel is a daily maid. When booking make sure you have a contact phone number you can call 24/7 in the event of a problem. Online resources can help you with your search, sites like KeysForRent.com is one such vacation rental site, and how to avoid Rental Horrors. Before you sign a rental agreement, be sure you understand what it involves or you could end up in a Treehouse. Start looking early so that you can understand the terms and rules, physical layout, proximity to services that you need, cleaning and repair services (if any), local transportation, financial arrangements and obligations, deposits and whatever other details come to mind. Minimize your risk of unpleasant surprises when you arrive and when it's far too late to back out. The Last Battleship The Battleship Missouri is an Iowa-class battleship designed for speed and firepower. Four Iowa-class ships were built during World War II including the USS Missouri, the keel of which was laid on January 6, 1941 at the New York Naval Shipyard. Its armament included the main battery of nine 16-inch guns and twelve 5-inch anti-aircraft guns. The USS Missouri was launched on January 29, 1944 and commissioned on June 11, 1944. It was assigned to the Pacific Third Fleet and cruised into Pearl Harbor on Christmas Eve, 1944. The Missouri was part of the force that carried out bombing raids over Tokyo and provided firepower in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. During the war’s final month the “Mighty Mo” served as Admiral William “Bull” Halsey’s flagship for the Pacific Third Fleet. The USS Missouri secured its place in history as the site of Japan’s unconditional surrender to the Allied Forces on September 2, 1945, ending World War II. The ceremony for the signing of the Formal Instrument of Surrender was conducted by General Douglas MacArthur. In August 1996, the Navy selected the USS Missouri Memorial Association as caretaker for the battleship and Pearl Harbor as its permanent home. On May 4, 1998, the Navy made it official, transferring the Mighty Mo’s care to the Association. Visit the official website. Also don't miss the KH6BB USS Missouri site, this group is restoring the radio room and getting it back on the air. Taking a Cruise.... In the past this was an option only available to the few, but over the last few decades the cruise industry has made this a vacation option that can be considered by everyone. Sites like CruiseLines.us, offer cruise news, information, and links to the major cruise lines. Every day, people are discovering the all-inclusive pleasures of a cruise vacation. More singles, families, couples, honeymooners, second honeymooners and groups of friends are sailing away on the vacation of their lives. You'll find that a cruise ship is like a large floating resort, with all the things a fine resort has to offer and more! You'll may even make new friends who share the same tastes and interests as you. In the past cruises used to depart only from cities like Miami, now they depart from coastal cities around the US, Boston and Seattle Here is some basic advice, never select a ship based on price alone, or just to save a few of hundred dollars. Narrow your search down to one or two ships you're sure you'll love, then start looking for the best rates on those particular vessels. You will find a big difference between the ships run by Carnival Cruises and Cunard Cruises. One of the nice aspects of cruising is that the price of your ticket includes all of your meals and in-between snacks on-board; your stateroom, activities, parties and entertainment; plus, an exciting voyage to some of the most enchanting and culturally-enriching places in the world. The hassles of an ordinary vacation are completely eliminated. Unpack once and your done! Cruising is one convenient package. You don't have to worry about making dinner or nightclub reservations, running to make flight connections as you travel from one destination to another, or packing and unpacking. But some folks aren't that happy about the explosive growth in the cruise business, more. Also, if you have problems while on a cruise try some of these approaches. One of the biggest problems with cruise ships right now is that they are getting way to big! On some of the huge super ships you can get winded just walking from one end to the other! You may want to consider smaller ships, those around 700 feet. If your a Senior, or have limited mobility, you may want to avoid ships over 900 feet. For more info visit this site: Cruise Line Association of America. About South Carolina If you take a trip to South Carolina you'll discover the meaning of southern hospitality. If the SC Upcountry, with its mountains and forest habitat - or the South Carolina Coast, shouldering the Atlantic Ocean and boasting some of the freshest fish in the country, doesn't bring you back to South Carolina then the community and the environment surely will. One of the 13 original colonies, South Carolina has had a rich and varied history. When Spanish and French explorers arrived in the area in the 16th century, they found a land inhabited by many small groups of Native Americans, the largest of which were the Cherokees and the Catawbas. The colony, named Carolina after King Charles, was divided in 1710 into North & South Carolina. Slaves were brought into the colony from Africa in large numbers to provide labor for the plantations, and by 1720 they formed the majority of the population. The port city of Charleston became an important center of culture and commerce. By the time of the American Revolution, South Carolina was one of the richest colonies. Merchants and planters formed a very strong governing class, contributing many leaders to the fight for independence. South Carolina ratified the US Constitution on May 23, 1788, becoming the eighth state to enter the union. By the beginning of the 20th century, South Carolina was starting to recover economically. The textile industry began to develop first, then in the years that followed other manufacturers moved into the state, providing jobs and economic stability. In recent years tourism has become a major industry, as travelers discovered Charleston, the state's beaches and mountains.