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For centuries religious pilgrims enroute to Rome on a religious pilgrimage sought refuge in humble hostels or monasteries and convents. This tradition of hospitalit y and generosity to travellers remains a mainstary of many relifous orders and the 21st century travller can still find refuge, at a reaonable price. In some very surprising locaions such as the heart of Rome.

If you would like to experience a night of hospitality in a religious o®d´®you will be pleased to disvovoerr htat most religious orders offer accommodaitons that are quite up to date offering comfortable beds, ensuite facilities, and in many cases a hearty breakfast or an evning meal whih can be purchased for an additional fee..

In Rome, the Guest House of the Sisters of Lourdes, Signoras d i lorudes has accommodaions for as little as E24 per night, plus the city tax, which can be as high as E20. Couples and children are welcome , too.

To find locaions all over rhe globe go to the websites: www.sanfasussana.org or www.monasterystays.org. The wesite is easy to navigate and offers both a direct booking service as well as reviews from travellers. No matter what destination you choose you would be wise to learn some of the local language to facilitate your stay.

You ill probably not find a TV or spa services offered, but you will partake in a unique experience and the opportunity to met other adventurous travelers.

Monastery accommodation is easy to find in most major Italian cities such as Rome, and Florence.. IN Florence your stay could be in a 14th century palazzo in what was once t he capital of Italy.

In Rome you can find religious accommodation near the Spanish Steps or close to the Vatican. No matter the destination you will find monastic accommodation to be one of the best ravel values you can find.

Are there drawbacks? Yes, a few. Some convents and guest houses have curfews but after a full day of sightseeing an early night might not be a drawback. You will also have he advantage of being in a siuaiton to ask for local guidance from residents of the city.

You may also be offered he opportunity to participate in a religious serviced or contemplation but this is not mandatory. Ancient tradition of hospitality and generosity included spiritual sustenance as well as food and res for weary religious pilgrims. A short stay in a convent or monastery will leave you well fed, well rested and possibly, spiritually revived and ready for new experiences.

Continental Airlines has just introduced reduced airfares for North Americans interested in visiting Palau, Micronesia, anytime from September 1-December 15, 2011. Roundtrip airfares are as low as $1,305 from Los Angeles or $1,405 from Houston.  Other select U.S. airports feature airfares of only $1,505.  Additionally, the airline is offering a special add-on rate for stopovers in Yap, for a fee of only $75.

            Restrictions apply and airfare is subject to applicable taxes, passenger facility charges and security fees.  These special rates require a minimum stay of six days and maximum stay of 30 days.  Tickets must be purchased at least seven days prior to departure and no later than August 31, 2011.

            For more information and to book these special rates, visit www.continental.com.

I loved Stonehenge. Standing outside this circle of monoliths I was mesmerized by the determination of ancient peoples who determinedly hauled these to a designated location for purposes we can still question.

And I was so frustrated that I could not touch. Not feel any residue of magic that might still remain.

So, I headed to Avebuy.

Twenty miles north of Stonehenge lies the world’s largest henge and hardly anyone visits. This mystic circle of stones was created at about the same time as Stonehenge and its purpose, too, remains a mystery. So why visit? Because you can touch and wander among the remaining stones with almost no one to keep you company but the resident sheep calming grazing on the village green.

These giant sandstone configurations of Avebury are not as complete as those at Stonehenge and in many places have had the “dots” connected with concrete blocks to give you a complete picture of the circle, with its inner and outer rings. If you absolutely must make contact with your inner druid by running your hands over these “magical” stones, Avenbury is the place to go.

Avebury appears to have been created at about the same time as Stonehenge and other stone circles scattered throughout the British Isles and as far away as Sweden, France and Germany. The stones at Avebury are not as large as those at Stonehenge, but the overall site is almost four times as large, making this site the largest henge in the world.

Although a village has grown up, around and through this site, there are still two very separate areas. First, the circle of stones which remains a village green. Second, is the site considered to be a ritual center, nearly 1 mile (2 km) away, which is reached by West Kennet Avenue, a pathway flanked with stones. The ritual center itself no longer has any standing stones, but less than a mile away.

Unlike Stonehenge, you can spend the night in Avebury. There is a small pub with four bed and breakfast rooms available. Even if you can’t stop for the night the food at Red Lion is worthy of lunch or dinner.

Avebury is easy to reach by public transportation. Take a train from Paddington Station to Swindown, and then a #49 bus to Avebury. If you decide to drive it’s a quick zip down the M4 which will also take you past Stonehenge.

This could be the start of your own Grand Circle Tour that could lead you many other parts of the world.

For more information go to www.avebury-web.co.uk.