However, as I have been discovering in my recent trips, there is more to this tropical paradise than meets the eye.

Today you can also add to my list above, the attraction of a myriad of activities catering to both the action oriented holiday maker and the more staid.

Here is a starter list of 25 new things you may want to try when you are next in Bali:

1) Bird Park
You don’t need to be a bird watcher to enjoy this colourful park. Take a morning off, and discover the beauty of an array of tropical birds Bali has to offer. Even better, arrive later in the afternoon, and enjoy some amazing sun-set melodies. A great choice for enthusiasts and families. (located at Taman Burung – open 08:00 – 18:00 daily)

2) Cruising
Pick a boat of your choice, and head for the high seas! Nowadays Bali has a great selection of safe boats to choose from. Go for a fun filled family outing or go more adventurous with some of the latest cutting edge crafts which deliver the speed. (Bali Hai Cruises, Sea Safari Cruises, Bounty Cruises)

3) Dance Performances
Be enthralled by unique Balinese dances! Try to catch one of each of: Kecak, Legong and Fire Dances, at least. There are dozens of different troupes to choose from, each with their own following. Keep in mind, shows in hotels and tourist restaurants offer vanilla flavour, and sometimes mechanical re-creations of the real thing. Head out to some of the villages, and you will be handsomely rewarded with the authentic fare.

4) Designer Shopping
No, I am not talking about the ‘fake originals’ that litter the streets of many other Asian locations. In the recent years, Bali has attracted some of the most talented original designers, and artists from around the world (both the East and the West). This coupled with the inherent artistic capabilities of the Balinese, means that Bali today enjoys a large number of original designer shops. You can find anything from post-modern lighting installations, to Imperial Chinese style sideboards, and from original water fountain designs to some of the best jewelry designed and manufactured anywhere in the world.

5) Diving
Put your PADI license to use, or if you are a diving newbie, just do it, and get your PADI certificate in Bali! A range of dive organizers for the experienced, and dive schools for the new comers are available to choose from. Some offer PADI ‘Youth Scuba’ courses for ages 5+.

6) Dolphin Watching
Enjoy these all-time favourites in their natural habitat. They are at their best first thing in the morning. Also, the soft hues of the sun-rise provide amazing colours for the photography enthusiasts. However, you will need to plan ahead for this one, since Lovina is in the North of the island, and you will more than likely be staying in a hotel or a rental villa in the south.

7) Fishing
Go after that marlin or try your hand at yellow fin tuna! Most boats provide full tackle, bait and a running commentary, a friendly, giggly banter which makes the day out that much more enjoyable. (fishing boats from Benoa Harbour or Sanur)

Elephant Safari Park
Arguably, one of the best in South East Asia! Great location and landscaped gardens. Don’t forget to do the elephant safari ride.

9) Jet Skiing
Re-create those favourite Baywatch moments! Due to their environmental impact, only available at some selected beaches across the island. (available at Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua).

10) Go-Karting
Only for those who get withdrawal symptoms from being away from the hustle and bustle of big-city life! All the noise, thrills and danger of the real thing! Choice of single or double carts.

11) Golfing
A number of 18 hole courses are available across Bali. As you would expect, each more beautiful than the other. Relax on an easy course, or challenge yourself to one of the more demanding courses designed by professionals. Either way, don’t miss the spectacular views over the Indian Ocean or one of Bali’s great volcanoes. Most courses in Bali are to international standards, and many offer clubhouses and recreational facilities for the rest of the family.

12) Helicopter Tours
Go on, splash out for that once in a life-time experience! Spectacular views over Bali even Lombok. Take in the gentle rice terraces from the best vantage point, or get up close and personal with a volcano! Not cheap, but certainly an experience never to forget. (Air Bali)

13) Horse Riding
Enjoy one of the equestrian centres at your doorstep! Selection of horses, with courses for the beginners. Wonderful escorted tours through the rice terraces and tide permitting down the beach. (Umalas or Saba Bay Stables)

14) Kite Boarding
Some great wind and lift, as well as the equipment for rental is available at Nusa Dua beaches. But make sure you have a great story lined up for your insurance company! Keep in mind, this really is an Extreme Sport.

15) Monkey Watching
Experience mischievous macaques in full action! Also, some good restaurants and eateries nearby. However, be careful of your cameras, glasses and the like! (The Sacred Monkey Forest – Ubud)

16) Mountain Cycling
If you like cycling, why not enjoy a leisurely cycle with views of the Batur volcano! Lots to see, lots to learn, all on two wheels with an experienced guide. (Bali Adventure Tours)

17) Paragliding
Throw yourself off the sheer cliff faces of Uluwatu into the Indian Ocean! As a beginner you can enjoy great tandem jumps with well qualified professionals with great safety records.

18) Slingshot (Reverse Bungee)
Defy gravity Bali style, with some spectacular 50m views! (That is, if you remember to open your eyes!) Not for the faint-hearted. Organisers follow international safety standards.

19) Surfing
If you’ve come with your board you’ll know where to go! If you are keen to learn, there are many schools to choose from, just head for the beach! Whilst Kuta is a good all rounder, Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, and Balangan can provide some great tubes to test the more experienced. (some offer surfing lessons for ages 5+, so the whole family can enjoy surfing all together)

20) Temple Ceremonies
Few visitors to Bali realise that in most instances you will be welcomed to attend local ceremonies as an observer. The great thing is, there is a temple ceremony every single day of the year in Bali, just ask around to find the nearest one during your stay. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to catch one of the Full Moon or Dark Moon ceremonies which attract devotees from far a field and are some of the most colourful events on the island. Please remember that a sensible dress code, and polite/respectful behaviour are essential for continued hospitality towards foreign guests. (Also, please note that women are not allowed in the temples during their menstrual period.)

21) Tennis
Choose from one of many open or some covered courts! Whilst most better tennis courts are located at major hotels, you can use these facilities on a pay-per-use basis. Many will provide a partner to match your skills.

22) Wake Boarding (or Knee Boarding)
Have a go at that double flip, or just learn to stand up! Whilst most beaches are more suitable for surfing, you can enjoy wakeboarding at the Condrad Bali Resort, and surrounds.

23) Waterbom Park
Water slides and rides galore, both kids and adults will have a blast! World class park, with well trained staff. Go early to make the most of your day! (open 09:00 – 18:00 daily)

24) Wind Surfing
Maximise the almost continuous winds found in Nusa Dua or Sanur. You can rent a board, and head out, or take one of the courses designed for beginners.

25) White Water Rafting
A thrilling experience through 8 kilometers of rapids! (believe it or not, still suitable for ages 5+) Organisers follow international safety standards. (Bali Adventure Tours)

Like me, if you manage to fit in five of these activities into your schedule, every time you visit Bali, you will still want to come back for more. Because, at the end of the day, it is the people of Bali, with their welcoming smiles, and willingness to help, which will make mere adventures into even more precious memories.

One final thought. If you are attempting something new, or slightly dangerous, please make sure to check that you are fit/suitable enough for the adventure ahead, and that the organisers have the necessary experience/safety record so as not to spoil your wonderful Bali adventure.

Many happy returns to the Island of the Gods!

Joanna M Lawson is an independent travel writer based in SE Asia and splits her time between London and Bali. Ms Lawson is not directly affiliated with Bali Villa Rental – Mia Villa. To reuse this article you are required to link to the site above.

First off, doing some research first and have an idea of what you want to begin with. You should have it down to at least a certain category of vehicle and preferably down to maybe three or four models. Check the approximate values at a site like kbbdotcom so you have at least some idea of what the vehicle should sell for.

When shopping for a used car it is even more crucial that you shop in the daytime and in clear sunny weather so that you can see any blemishes. I have seen many cars that looked good in the rain only to reveal faded paint and blemishes in the sunlight.

One thing you must realize is that there is no used car factory so you may have to make some compromises. Do not compromise on safety and don’t by a vehicle that has a laundry list of issues that you will have to repair yourself.

You should always take the vehicle for a road test and if at all possible take it overnight. You should then take it to your mechanic and have them check the vehicle out and let you know what they think of it. If it has too many problems pass on it.

Make safety a primary concern. Buy a vehicle that is new enough to include airbags and if possible anti-lock brakes as well.

Another big thing to watch out for especially after the flooding in Louisiana and Mississippi last year from Hurricane Katrina is flood damage. There are many crooks who will buy flood damaged vehicles and have them detailed and cleaned up and sell them as perfect. A flood damaged vehicle will be fraught with problems from engine problems to the electrical system and more. One area that is often overlooked by these crooks is the seat belt retainer cover. If you pull the seat belt all the way out you may find evidence of mildew or even mud!

One of the best things to do also is to go to a dealer who uses the new Carfax system which reports any major issues that vehicle has ever had.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. For the quality car care products,/a> to care for your car go to stopwaxingdotcom

1. Don’t launch before your messaging is ready

I know you are eager to get the product out there, but if your messaging isn’t clear, your customers won’t buy. Ask yourself whether your website headlines support the product’s main benefits. Does your new product make the process faster or easier? Does it help simplify a complex process? What are you really offering your customer that they don’t have now? If you don’t present the message clearly, they won’t search for it and you’ve missed an opportunity.

2. Don’t launch before you have checked your shopping cart

This sounds simple doesn’t it? I assure you that after working with businesses on the internet for over 12 years, it’s not. It’s probably the single biggest reason products fail. Shopping carts are hard, sometimes impossible to buy from. Make it easy! Not only do you need to make sure the cart process is simple to understand, make sure it WORKS. You know this is a problem because you shop on the internet yourself. Make sure this is perfect before you launch. Hit or miss isn’t good enough.

3. Don’t launch before you’ve planned your advertising and PR

Oops, this one can be very challenging. That doesn’t mean you can skip it. You need to have the basics in place. Are you buying an ad in a newsletter? Are you writing an article to submit to content websites? If your budget is limited, it’s ok to start small, but you can’t ignore this completely or you won’t stand a chance.

4. Don’t launch without explaining to your employees what you are selling

This is important. Don’t assume they will know what you have in mind for the product unless you tell them. They are ambassadors to your customers. If they don’t understand the marketing pitch, they can’t explain it to your customers. Don’t assume they’ll read the materials you hand out. Meet with them and discuss it.

5. Don’t launch without planning to send discounts to current customers

Did you forget your current customers? They need to receive special treatment. They are predisposed to buying from you and they could provide good word of mouth. This entitles them to a discount, or special offer. Send them an email or special newsletter with the offer. Make sure you track the results so see how well your message worked with your current customers.

Stephanie Diamond is a 25+ year marketing professional experienced in building profits for online businesses. As Marketing Director for AOL she created a line of products that generated millions of dollars. She founded Digital Media Works, Inc. DigMediaWorksdotcom a marketing and design firm.

Wow, it’s hard to believe the baby you were watching take its first steps is already driving, I know it blows my mind how fast time has gone by and how the baby I could hold in one hand is now 6 feet tall and over 200 pounds! If you are like me one of your big concerns for your child is one of safety. My son is a safe driver, but it is sometimes other people on the road you have to be worried about. Bearing that in mind, I like to go for a more protective vehicle for a first car. I also had a good friend lose their daughter along with two other teenagers in a wreck as passengers in a Honda Civic.

My suggestion is to go with a larger vehicle. I am not telling you to buy them a Hummer or even a Suburban but stay away from the tiny little imports if safety is an issue. In addition, don’t even consider a two seater, the insurance will eat you alive! There are a lot of studies about SUV’s rolling over but I can tell you as one being involved in the automotive industry for a long time, I never saw it happen. I bought my son a Jeep Cherokee. It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to get a vehicle like this either. I paid less than $5,000 for the vehicle I bought my son. As long as you stay away from 4 wheel drive and keep the collision deductible high your insurance will be fairly reasonable as well. My son wanted a Dodge Neon at first, not only was the insurance higher but I would have worried about him constantly.

In general you should follow a few guidelines. Never buy a two seater, stay away from 4 wheel drive vehicles, and don’t buy vehicles with eight cylinder engines. All of the factors I mentioned here will drive up insurance costs.

Some of the cars that I consider to be safer are Volvos, larger and older BMW’s like the 7 series, and even possible the Toyota Camry after 1993. I personally prefer an SUV and recommend models such as Jeep Cherokee, Ford Explorer, and the Toyota Landcruiser.

Do your homework prior to that 16th birthday and you will be better prepared and also get better sleep at night.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get car care products for your car at stopwaxingdotcom