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Travel today is more accessible to the masses than ever before. People around the world are traveling and vacationing at an ever increasing rate. This increase has made some of the world’s most fashionable resort areas a trendy vacation spot. Among the most popular holiday travel options are the Riviera Cruise Vacations.

French Riviera

In the past, we have heard of the glamour and pizzazz of the French Riviera. Situated on the Mediterranean, The French Riviera is blessed with beautiful beaches - a prerequisite for a ‘Riviera’ resort.

One of the most glamorous ports in the Mediterranean is Cannes. This world renowned port famous for the International Film Festival was once a small fishing village owned by monks.

Further up the coast, on the Bay of Angels, is the capital of the Riviera, Nice. Here one can experience some of the best restaurants. While wandering past the high-class apartments, hotels, and cafés, one can get magnificent views of the Mediterranean.

North of Nice on the Mediterranean is the municipality of Monaco. Of course, we all know the name Mont Carlo as the home of chic casinos, luxurious hotel resorts and fabulous beaches. Monte Carlo increased in stature in the 1950’s when Grace Kelly became Princess Grace of Monaco after marrying Prince Ranier II.

Many of the large main cruise lines and smaller local cruise lines offer cruises that start, finish or visit ports in the French Riviera. For a sampling of itineraries options see the link to our articles in the ‘Bio’ section at the bottom.

Italian Riviera

At the top of the ‘boot’ of Italy just east of the French Riviera and you’ll find the Italian Riviera. Situated on the shores of the Ligurian Sea, the Italian Riviera is glamorous but in a distinctly old-fashioned way. The rustic and provincial are blended together with the elegant and chic as cosmopolitan cities and small towns come together.

Portofino is one of the most photographed villages on the coast of the Italian Riviera. Many of Europe’s wealthy visit this small harbor even though there is little to do there. And unless you are traveling on a larger budget, you may want to stay elsewhere and day-trip to Potofino. Hotels, restaurants, and cafés are very expensive ( a beer here may cost you EUR8!)

Genoa (or Genova in Italian) is a very busy and sprawling city, not what one might expect in this largely old and quaint Riviera. The city does however offer visitors numerous sightseeing adventures from ancient hill top fortresses to magnificent palaces.

San Remo, the largest resort in the area is also considered the capital of the Italian Riviera. It offers visitors world class hotels, and a romantic setting with its exotic gardens. And oh yes, the famous casino!

Visitors to the Italian Riviera can opt to stay in cities, towns and villages including Lerici, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portovenere, Rapallo or the villages that make up Finale Ligure. Or, visitors can stay on their cruise ships and explore the area on day excursions.

For more information regarding Italian Riviera cruises see the link to our articles in the ‘Bio’ section at the bottom.

Mayan Riviera

As more cruisers and vacationers travel the Caribbean, the Mayan Riviera is becoming better known and extremely popular. The beautiful sand beaches, the sun and the sapphire clear waters make for a dream vacation. Running form the city of Cancun on the Mexican Caribbean to the Mayan Ruins of Tulum, the Mayan Riviera draws snow-birds to its mystic and paradise-like shores. The waters around the coral reefs of Cozumel are a delight to snorkelers.

The area is quickly being built up with more and more lavish resorts. Many all-inclusive resorts have been constructed and more are being planned.

In contrast to the luxurious resorts, is the ancient city of Tulum whose ruins are a must-see for anyone slightly interested in history and archeology? Dating back as far as 600 A.D. you can witness the pyramid shape of El Castillo or the ruined magnificence of the Temple of the Descending God.

The Mayan Riviera has become a very popular Caribbean cruise destination as well. To explore the Mayan Riviera cruise options see the link to our articles in the ‘Bio’ section at the bottom.

Mexican Riviera

Mexico’s Pacific coastline offers vacationers yet another Riviera to explore. The rich culture of the area is witnessed by the Quebrada cliff divers of Acapulco and the cobbled streets of Puerto Valllarta.

One can enjoy the atmosphere of the Mexican Riviera by day and by night. Dancing to the salsa, or dining and enjoying the areas bold flavors you won’t want to miss a step.

The long sandy beaches of Mazatlin will certainly be drawing you nearer. As will the deep water lagoons and the relaxed, laid back atmosphere of Zihuatanejo.

Can you feel being drawn towards a Mexican Riviera Cruise? See the link to our articles in the ‘Bio’ section at the bottom for more information.

American Riviera

Having a number of nicknames - both good and bad - Miami is also dubbed the American Riviera. Known as the ‘cruise capital of the world’, Miami has a lot to offer cruise vacationers on a post- or pre-cruise visit.

World renowned beaches, fantastic nightlife, a Latin flavor and wonderful and unique culinary experiences bring vacationers from all over the world to this American Riviera. Enjoy in-line skating along the beaches on Ocean Drive. If adventure is on your vacation agenda, visit the near-by Everglades Safari Park, the only subtropical preserve in North America.

Miami is the jumping point for some of the most desirable cruises in the Caribbean - including some of the Mayan Riviera itineraries. (As a matter of note, the Santa Barbara area of California also lays claim to the American Riviera nickname.)

No matter what your picture of a Riviera should be, there is at least one place in the world that will accommodate. And to top it all, many of the world’s top cruise lines offer fantastic cruises to these destinations aboard their magnificent and luxurious cruise ships. Enjoy the opulence and luxury while experiencing the Rivieras of the world!

Brian A Schmidt is the author and web publisher of a1-discount-cruises.com, your #1 source for cruise information, romantic getaways, cruise wear and great deals! Visit A1-Discount-Cruises to access some of the best deals on-line for cruises, cruise wear and romantic getaways. For more information regarding the various riviera cruises see Romantic Getaways Articles. Please feel free to contact us with your comments or questions.

The Boston Terrier has been called the ultimate family dog. Many owners say that your family is not complete until you have a Boston Terrier or two. And it’s easy to see why owners give glowing reports of the interactions between their Boston Terriers and their children. Not only will your children benefit from this playful and cuddly furry playmate - they will have a loyal friend for life.

Boston Terriers are intelligent, friendly and outgoing. They love to be around people and will benefit from a loving family “pack”. Typically eager to please these dogs are so lovable you won’t want to consider another breed. If you have young children and intend on buying or already own a Boston Terrier, here are some rules about making the relationship between the children and the dog as trouble free as possible.

1. Good socialization means a good family dog.

Boston Terriers are easy to socialize. Take your puppy with you in the car or out on errands whenever you can. The puppy should get used to being around people and other dogs. Although it is not recommended that you take your puppy into public places before they have received all their vaccines - you can take your puppy in the car with you when you fetch the children from school.

2. The dogs may not be treated aggressively

Children need to be taught not to tease or bother the dog while eating. Any dog gets aggressive if disturbed while eating and this has resulted in many tragic bites. Letting your children feed the dog is a great way to get them involved in caring for your dog. If your dog does growl you should discourage him by saying “No” and making it clear that growling is unacceptable behavior.

3. A few sessions with a dog trainer are a good idea

Even if your Boston Terrier is well behaved; a dog trainer can reassure you all that your dog is aware of the boundaries in your family.

4. The puppy may not bite the children - even playfully.

Teething puppies are no problem; their gentle little bites don’t hurt now - but they will when your dog gets teeth! Rather encourage a policy of “no bite”. Offer toys and other appropriate outlets for the play bites.

5. Make the boundaries clear

As with any dog - boundaries are the key. Your puppy should not be allowed to roam the house freely until he is properly housetrained. This is a fun process in which you can involve the children. The puppy will need to be taken out every time he needs to go and the children will benefit from taking them outside and waiting until they have done their business.
Following these tips should assure you of a family friendly Boston Terrier.

Having a dog in the house, particularly a Boston Terrier - can be a wonderful positive experience for your children too. Your children will learn many valuable life skills from their dog. They benefit by learning the value of respect. They learn responsibility (children should be encouraged to take part in caring for the dog too). In addition they will learn patience, kindness and compassion. Your dog will develop a special relationship with your children. Boston Terriers are generally content to be played with. If socialized correctly they are tolerant and will even allow the kids to play dress up with them.

The positive effect a dog can have on your family is amazing. Boston Terriers are intelligent and child friendly. Proper training and teaching children to respect and love the dog will ensure your Boston Terrier becomes a valued part of your family.

Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide