Sunday, December 30, 2007

Shopping in Spain is an adventure

Spain offers all the international brand names you could ever need. But why buy imported goods when Spain has its own specialties? Here are some examples. Spain is a great place to buy leather items, especially shoes. Crafts are famous too. These include ceramic items such as tiles and vases with beautiful designs, often Moorish in origin. Another local craft that's thriving again is lace making.

If you're short on time and want to do all your shopping in one place, you'll find a branch of the El Corte Ingles department store in nearly every town. They sell everything from jewellery to designer clothes, food to to furniture, and so on.

Shopping In Barcelona

Barcelona has undergone sweeping changes in recent years and the shopping scene has been transformed in the process. All the big names are here along with a range of local boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and futuristic shopping centers.

Maremagnum is one of the new shopping and leisure complexes that's proved very popular. Other than its comprehensive shopping mall, it also offers find a dozen cinemas and many restaurants, pubs and discos.

The new boutiques and stores are great places to shop. But to savour the authentic shopping experience, be sure to get away from the haunts of the glitterati and visit the old city. Here you can take a look in Barcelona's oldest shop, Cereria Subira, which first opened its doors in 1761. If candles are on your shopping list, you're in luck, for Cereria Subira is a candle shop. Even if you're not buying, the vast range of candles of all sizes and colours is well worth seeing. Then plunge into the streets around the Barri Gòtic. Here you can browse shops selling everything from fish and herbs to bullfighter's capes.

Shops in Barcelona open around 8 am and they generally close a few hours after sunset.

Shopping In Madrid

As the nation's capital, Madrid not surprisingly offers the best range of up-market shopping outlets in Spain. But these make up just a small proportion of the city's shopping charms. Madrid's 50000 stores also sell everything from paintings and ceramics to guitars and bullfighters' costumes.

If it's designer labels you're after head for the eastern district of Salamanca. Here you'll find the logos of Prada, Armani, and Louis Vuitton, and all the others. More interesting are the boutiques of trendy Spanish designers like Sybilla, Amaya Arzuaga, and Victorio & Lucchino.

When you tire of the brand name stores, the area around the Street Fuencarral is a pleasant one to visit. It's home to a bunch of trendy boutiques selling both men´s and women´s clothes. There's also an indoor market hawking clothing, bags and jewellery. For shoes, head to the Street Augusto Figueroa. It's lined with mostrarios selling designer's shoe samples at half price or less.

Shopping in Spain would be incomplete without visiting one of the street markets. Sunday morning is the time for the El Rastro street market on the Calle de Ribera de Curtidores which is closed to traffic. You can buy everything from squawking chickens to pirated DVDs to antiques and smutty post cards. But be careful, pickpockets abound.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Accommodation for your trip to Germany

With its picturesque landscapes with fairy-tale castles, crystal clear lakes, rustic villages, the hip urban cities with their dynamic valour and of course the famous Oktoberfest, Germany is a place not to be missed. The cities of Berlin and Frankfurt grab you with their grandeur and majestic auras and each city has its own importance and attractions where there is something for everyone. The country also has a number of amusement parks which can be equally enjoyed by both children and adults.

Deutschland hotels range in their pricing structure; you'll find inexpensive hotels to medium ranged hotel rooms to luxurious suites in the finest hotels. Both Berlin and Frankfurt have superb class hotel services. Some of the top class Berlin hotels are Kempinski Bristol Hotel, Swissotel Hotel, Adlon Hotel, Steigenberger Hotel and the Louisas Place (Suite Hotel).

Two very famous 5 star luxury hotels in Berlin are Kempinski Hotel Bristol Berlin and Steigenberger Berlin. These hotels are two of the most luxurious and grand hotels in Berlin, located in the city centre, where you will be greeted by their warm staff and given a very comfortable and memorable service. Hotel Adlon Kempinski is another 5 star hotel in Berlin, which provides a range of services and amenities to its guests. The hotel has extensive car parking facility, and also has a coffee shop and restaurant on premises.

4 star luxury hotels in Berlin include the Park Hotel Blub, Albergo Berlin, Alsterhof and the Best Western President. These hotels offer facilities and services of unmatched quality; from delicious cuisines to room services. 4 star hotels are very popular among tourists in Berlin.

Berlin also has a wide range of 3 star hotels for the economy class traveler. Some popular hotels include the Agon Frankfurter Allee, Agon Olivaer Apart Hotel, Berlin Mark Hotel and the Best Western Boulevard. These hotels provide almost all the necessities needed by the routine traveler and are more pocket friendly.

For all those who want to explore Berlin and yet have a comfortable accommodation at affordable rates, the 2 star hotels are the perfect choices. Namely 2 star hotels include the Hotel Morgenland, Ibis Berlin Fehrbelliner Platz, Hotel Pension Am Park and the Hotel Pension Berolina. These cheap and economy hotels provide a comfortable stay and relaxing environment, and meet all the basic necessities that you'll need to make yourself at home. These cheap Berlin hotels are a simple choice for the budget-conscious traveler.

Be sure to check out a good hotels website to guide you in choosing a hotel room for your visit to Berlin, Deutschland. HotelRabatt.de is an online hotel booking site which provides online booking and reservation for hotels in Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and many other countries and popular destinations worldwide. Visit www.HotelRabatt.de to book a hotel room in advance to book your trip to Deutschland. Secure booking for cheap and luxury hotels is available online and the website is in 5 different languages, which will make it easier for you to book a hotel room by selecting your desired language.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Have you ever experienced the typical Czech Christmas?

If your answer is not, you have a great opportunity to get to know them this year in Prague!

Christmas in Prague belongs to the most beautiful and unforgettable experiences you can ever have. They are connected with a lot of traditions, music and magical atmosphere. The most popular Prague's traditions are the Christmas markets in the main squares in the whole city, but especially in the Wenceslas and Old Town Square. You can see the Old Czech Christmas customs like the floating of walnut shells, the cutting of apple or the pouring of lead that foretell the future according to superstitions. You will find the wonderful smell of mixture of ginger-breads, hot wine and cinnamon all around - surronded by beautiful Christmas Carols. All your senses come surely into theirs own there! This unique Christmas atmosphere is felt in the streets from the last days of November almost till the end of the year. I can strongly recommend renting out a Prague apartment and sense for yourself.

But what if you do not have time to visit Prague? Would you like to have a Czech Christmas at your own home instead then? What about to prepare the typical old fashioned Czech Christmas Eve dinner - fried carp with potato salad? The recipes are very individual and often like family secret, but I can tell you one.

You will need a carp cut up in portions, 2 lemons, 2 eggs, 2 spoons of milk, breadcrumb, vegetable oil and salt and for the side-dish 1kg potatoes, 4 carrots, 3 celery, parsley root, jar of gherkins, 4 onions, salt, 1 spoon of vinegar, 1 spoon of sugar, pepper, 100ml mayonnaise, 100ml natural yogurt and 100ml lemon juice.

First of all prepare the salad. It is always better to make it one day before the Christmas Eve, because it will be even more delicious. Dice all the vegetable and then boil potatoes, carrot, celery and parsley root until tender. Drain liquid and add diced gherkins and onions. After that add the rest of ingredients and mix it well.
When the potato salad is complete, let it in a fridge. When preparing the carp, salt the fish portions, sprinkle them with lemon and let them in a fridge for at least 20 minutes. Dib the portions in egg-milk mixture and breadcrumbs and fry slow in a bigger volume of vegetable oil until the carp is golden brown. Then you can serve it up with the potato salad.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Asia, The Best Travel Destination

If the time has come for your vacation or a holiday getaway, read this article before making your plans. There are many places of great beauty and interest to be seen in the USA and Europe. But, whether transportation, touring, theme park, or food and lodging, it is expensive. This article is written for every traveler, whether a backpacker on a budget, or a first class - five star traveler.

Travel in Asia is inexpensive and opens the door to different cultural experiences. Planning can be for a short holiday, an extended stay, or choices of laying the groundwork for the ultimate stay, retirement. Nowadays, with so many opportunities to make money using the Internet it is not out of the question to "retire" early.

Medical Tourism in Asia growing in popularity. It is high quality and affordable. Just one of International standard hospitals in Bangkok serves 400,000 international patients annually, In the USA cataract surgery for one eye runs around $8,000. At a prestigious International hospital in Thailand cataract surgery can be performed on both eyes for around $2,500. It is possible to have quality medical care, and an Asian holiday, for a fraction of the cost of the same procedure in the USA.

Let us take a tantalizing glimpse at just some of the countries.

Thailand - Land of Smiles. Often referred to as the most exotic country in Southeast Asia. A visit to the Grand Palace in Bangkok for sure. Trips to a floating market or to the Bridge on the River Kwai. From pristine beaches in the Southern Islands to the Northern mountains with its waterfalls, elephants bathing in mountain streams, and Hill Tribe villages.

India - Delhi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. India Gate, an imposing structure, has emerged as one of the most popular tourist spots in Delhi. The Red Fort Delhi, a masterpiece of architecture, is a popular spot. A trip to India would not be complete without a visit to Agra, famous as the site of one of the world's most romantic, graceful and photographed buildings, the Taj Mahal.

Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos - Three small countries neighboring Thailand. Each opens a different world of exploration. Cambodia - the highlight is visiting Angkor Wat, an architectural masterpiece constructed in the jungle in the early 12th century. Vietnam - is a varied country, offering beaches, mountains and hundreds of years of history from the ancient Cham Towers to remnants from the Vietnam War. Laos - savor the crafts, culture and hospitality of Laos with a river trip, visits to ancient temples, gorgeous palaces, and traditional villages.

Nepal - Adventure, travel, trekking, birding, wildlife, and cultural & overland Safaris. Take an air flight along the Himalayas and view magnificent Mount Everest. Nearby, discover the serene beauty of Tibet, the country which inspired the Dalai Lama. .

Indonesia - Jakarta, the capital city of the world's fourth most-populous nation. Bali is Indonesia's main holiday destination. Flores is a pretty lush green island with forests, palm and banana trees, rice fields and many volcanoes. Highlights are the three small offshore islands of "Gillis" that invite snorkeling, diving and relaxing. For hikers, a climb to the top of the volcano Rijani.

Philippines - An island nation comprising over 7,000 islands in the western Pacific Ocean.
Manila, the bustling capital has powerful reminders of the country's past, along with attractive parks, fine museums, and exhilarating nightlife. The Ifugao Rice Terraces
are a testimony to the early technological advancement of the Ifugao people. Take a jeepney ride to the market. Be brave, try balut, a Philippine delicacy. Go diving in the Visayas.

Singapore - Shopping on famous Orchard Road, the dream of every woman. The Night Safari at Singapore Zoo is fabulous. Chinatown, a little glitzy, but you can buy all the souvenirs you want there. Interestingly, one of Singapore's most beautiful Hindu temples is smack dab in the middle of Chinatown. Decide if a Singapore Sling is worth the hype in the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel. There's more to Singapore than urban glitz, like rambling in the rain forest of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

Japan - Tokyo is the capital city and home of the Imperial Residence and Emperor's Palace. Select a popular destination or region in Japan and explore its attractions. Ride the Bullet Train to the magnificent city of Kyoto. Visit Hiroshima and the Peace Memorial Park. Castles, temples, gardens, the list of top destinations in Japan is too long for this article..

Taiwan - Taipei, the country's booming, vibrant capital remains steeped in Chinese, Japanese and native Taiwanese cultures. Some of its most impressive sights include the Grand Hotel, topped by the largest Classical Chinese roof in the world, the Shihlin Night Market, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial with the National Theater and Concert Hall located directly across from each other on the grounds. A popular day trip is Tailuge (Taroko Gorge), considered one of the natural wonders of the world.

Hong Kong - the Pearl of East and jewel of The Orient. Nathan Road is lined with shops, restaurants, nightspots and cheap places to stay. If you're in Hong Kong with the little ones, they'll probably appreciate Ocean Park (aquarium), Water World (swimming pools and water slides), and of course Disneyland. If you're in Hong Kong for more than a few days, then there's plenty of outlying islands to discover.

It is often said that for the traveler that has seen it all and done it all, there is still Katmandu, Nepal. And, that too is in Asia!

If you do not visit Asia, you will be missing not only a paradise of affordable travel, but the chance to see an alternative living location. For retirees, it is luxury living for pennies, not just getting by on their pension. Asia, a paradise experience is waiting for you.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Brittany, the other France

The main point about Brittany is that its not France. Well, at least not France as we are used to seeing it. Cities in the east of Brittany – Fougeres, Dinan, Saint-Malo – do bear the resemblance of French antiquity, which can also be discovered in Burgundy or Aquitaine. By farther to the west the cities become less usual and less typical.

Let’s start with language. There are two languages used in Lower Brittany: guide-boards and signboards are written in French and the Breton language. This old Celtic language has the same routes as the languages on the other side of La Manche (the French name for the English channel) – Scottish and Irish. Houses also look like German ones.

Brittany is the only French province that does not have its own type of wine. Local people drink Celtic beer, which has a specific taste – tastes very different from Czech, Bavarian or British beer. This mead has the name you want to pronounce in a whisper – chouchen. Sparkling cider has the alcoholic content of 8 – 9 %. Well, there is a nice white wine produced in Nantes, which is formally a part of Brittany. But historically this place is Celtic. However, local wine is goes well with local specialties – oysters and mussels. Fourteen kilometers from Saint-Malo there is the world oyster capital – Cancale. Its coast is covered with taverns. You could stay here till the end of your life.

But, let us forget about this until we get older. Now we shall go to the far inland - the true Celtic Brittany. Cross the Paimpont forest (also known as Brocéliande), filled with tales about the Holy Grail, Arthur’s knights and magician Merlin. You could, for example, search for interesting road crucifixes. This is a real Brittany’s feature: many of these granite crucifixes stand next to the churches. Sometimes they form multi-figured compositions, up to 200 stone items.

When finding yourself in Brittany, it is hard to get rid of the impression that these truly Christian sculptures are the successors of ancient pagan megaliths – stone constructions erected 4-5 thousands of years ago. Scientists still dispute about their meaning but one thing that is quite certain is that they had no practical importance and were constructed as religious objects. Megaliths can be found all around Europe, but a great part of them is located in Brittany (Carnac, the small town in the south of the province, has long rows of these stones). Here, like nowhere else, you will feel the connection with time.

The idea that Brittany is located at the edge of Europe makes one feel agitated. It comes as no surprise that the most dashing corsairs come from Brittany. There are even two monuments found not far from Saint-Malo: one Robert Surcouf’s and the other commemorating René Duguay-Trouin. In 1534 the famous explorer Jacques Cartier set off from the shores of Brittany to discover the Saint Lawrence River, named Canada. Though his aim was to reach Asia. The similar story happened to Columbus, but this is another story.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Lotus Temple

Religious Places in Delhi, India

Birla Mandir / Laxmi Narayan Temple -- Also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, it is ideally located in central Delhi (Mandir Marg). This temple dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi and Lord Narayana (Lord Vishnu) was built in 1938 by the prominent Indian industrialist Raja Baldev Das Birla and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. The temple, built in Orissan style, has a large number of idols representing various gods of Indian pantheon. The well-grafted gardens need a special mention.

Bahai's temple / Lotus temple -- The BAHAI HOUSE,called as lotus temple,of worship is a marvel of modern architecture. It is made in the shape of a lotus.it is one of the major attractions for national and international tourists.it repesents the Bahai's faith which is an independent world religion, divine in origin, all-embracing in scope, broad in its outlook, scientific in its method, humanitarian in its principles and dynamic in the influence it exerts on the hearts and minds of men.

ISKCON Temple -- Built on a hilly place in 1998, the ISKCON Temple is a complex of temples. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this elegant temple is one of the largest temple complexes in India. It has a large number of Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna cult followers.

Chattarpur Mandir -- Chattarpur Mandir is located beyond the Qutab Minar in Mehrauli. The temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, is built in South Indian style. The temple complex is spread over a large area with beautiful lawns and gardens. Though devotees visit these temples throughout the year, the main attraction comes during the Navarathri festival, when devotees come from far and near. During this time, there are special bus services provided to the devotees.

Bala Hanuman Temple -- This elegant temple stands on the south-eastern side of Ranmal Lake. The 24-hour chanting of the mantra 'Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram', which has been going on in the temple since August 1, 1964, has earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

Kalkaji Mandir -- Situated beyond the commercial complex of Nehru Place lies this temple dedicated to the goddess Kalika Devi. This domed twelve-sided Shakti Kalkaji temple, also known as Kalika or Kalka Devi lies on the same hill as the Baha'i temple. Its oldest section dates back to 1764 and additions were made in the mid-19th century; yet, most of the building is modern. This popular Kali shrine is at the heart of a village and the Hindu worship of its 'Mahants' (important sadhus) makes a fascinating contrast with the new faith of the Baha'is. Thousands of pilgrims throng the temple, especially in October during the nine days of 'navratra', when a huge fair is held over here.

Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir -- Digambara Jain temple dates back to the time of Aurangzeb's reign and is famous as Delhi's oldest temple. It is situated right opposite the Red Fort, at the entrance of the main road. It was built in 1658 AD, but modifications and additions are going on ever since, and it remains a haven of tranquility amidst the noisy and chaotic main street of Chandni Chowk. The temple authorities also run a Bird hospital & hundreds of pigeons and other birds are there in the temple complex.

Hanuman Mandir, Connaught place -- Situated on the Baba Kharak Singh Road (old Irwin Road) about 250m southwest of Connaught Circus, this temple is of little architectural importance. The residents of Delhi are, however, particularly devoted to it. The original temple appears to have been constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh about the same times as the Jantar -Mantar, but has undergone large scale renewals since then.

Nizam-ud-din Shrine -- This is the tomb of the famous sufi saint, Nizam-ud-din Auliya. Built on the way from Humayun's tomb, the premise of the shrine is a tank, which is surrounded by many other tombs. It is said that there was an argument between the rulers of Tughlakabad and the saint over building this tank. The saint had said that the city of Tughlakabad will never prosper and so did it happen. The tomb has been through several renovations ever since it was built. The present mausoleum dates back to 1562.

The complex of the shrine includes several other tombs, including that of the noted poet Mirza Ghalib (1786-1869), Amir Khusbru and the grave of Jahanara, the daughter of Shah Jahan.
If you happen to be there at around sunset on Thursdays, don't miss out the extravagant performance of qawwali singers that takes place after the evening prayers.
Location: West of Mathura Road

St. James Church -- Located very close to Kashmiri Gate in north Delhi, St. James Church is the oldest church in the capital. It was built by James Skinner and consecrated in 1836. It is designed in a cruciform plan with the entrance towards the west and the altar towards the east (the standard norm in most churches the world over). The dome interestingly is very similar to the dome of Florence Cathedral in Italy that was the first renaissance structure built in the world. Porches on the north, south and the west provide the building with three entrances. The central portion of the church is an octagon with circular columns supporting the dome.

Aurobindo Ashram -- Again in the south of Delhi near the Indian Institute of Technology on the road to Mehrauli it has literature on the life of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and has an ashram where devotees can come to meditate. There is also some accommodation available for devotees of Sri Aurobindo.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Travel Guide -- Rome, Italy

Things to do before travelling to Rome

Book a hotel. Or an apartment, a bed & breakfast, a guest house. Even for the accommodation, advance will be your best friend: first come, first served, as usual. Rome is full of beautiful and comfortable hotels, and many other are flourishing all over the city, especially b&b. But Rome is the destination for thousand of tourists every year and in specific periods all these hotels are not enough to serve them all, especially if they want to lodge in the very centre of the city. Are you one of them? Then surf the web looking for the best accommodation in Rome, centrally located and cheap at the same time…it's going to be tough, especially if you stays in the sites in which you just bought your low cost flight: usually they just want to stay cheap and offer extra low prices, but to do so, they often offer average quality hotels and located at kilometres of distance from the centre.
Book a transfer. Did you choose the train before? Then you're done. Termini Central Station is already in the core of Rome. Just get off the train and enjoy the chaos and the magic of everyday life in the capital of Italy. But if you choose to come by air, well, ther's one more step yo have to take. Because so far you booked your flight to the airports of Rome, Fiumicino or Ciampino, and a room or an apartment waiting for you in the city centre. Well, you miss something in between. Book your car transfer in advance, if you don't want to waste any time queuing for a taxi or getting lost using public transports

Monday, October 29, 2007

MAURITIUS (Ile Maurice)

Heavenly Mauritius

Interesting facts about the island of Mauritius

Mauritius forms part of the Mascarene Islands together with Rodrigues and Reunion. Any group or cluster of islands is called an archipelago. So, the archipelago, here relating to Mauritius, Rodrigues and Reunion was formed by undersea volcanic eruptions. Mauritius and Rodrigues were formed around 10 million years ago and are now volcanically inactive. The island of Mauritius had been created around a central plateau. However, this central plateau reveals the highest mountain in Mauritius, the Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire. This mountain is around 828 metres (2,717 ft) high and stands in the southwest of Mauritius.

Mauritius possesses a tropical climate accompanied by south-east trade winds occasionally blowing over the island. The hot and sunny climatic conditions during the summer are one of the elements that attract a considerable amount of tourists to Mauritius. Normally, the summertime in Mauritius falls between the months of May to November. During the months of November to April cyclones tend to affect the island. On the other hand, winter in Mauritius occurs during the months of May to November. The temperature during this time may attain 15 degrees Celsius or below on the central plateau. But in general, the winter in Mauritius is rather dry and not as harsh as in other countries.

The capital of Mauritius is called Port Louis and is situated in the Northwest. Some other important towns over the island are Curepipe, Flacq, Quatre Bornes, Rose Hill, Vacoas, and Phoenix among others. The natural beauty that surrounds Mauritius is magnificent. So, this may well describe the aspects of the island during the early days of its existence. As time passed by, land was needed for developments and constructions. As a matter of fact, gradually Mauritius somehow lost part of this beauty. But places such as the Black River Gorges still exists and shows a concrete example of the dense forest in its pure nature which hosts various kinds of birds and also unique species of plants.

Furthermore, since gaining its independence on the 12th of March 1968, Mauritius has developed significantly. Mauritius has evolved from a low income based on agriculture to a middle income diversified economy. This diversified economy consists of the tourism, industrial and financial sector. It is important to point out the fact that the economy of Mauritius relies upon the textile, sugarcane and tourism industries. However, different sectors are also developing as well. Additionally, Mauritius can be proud to have attained the second highest incomes per capita among African countries. Sugarcane plantations may account for around 90 percent of cultivated land in Mauritius and may bring about 25 percent of the country’s income, although the sugar industry is in serious jeopardy because of world sugar market changes. The government of Mauritius focuses on bringing foreign investment to the island. The government of Mauritius is also investing in the banking sector.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

BILLABONG BIG WAVES TEAHUPOO TAHITI

Traveling to Tahiti for Romance or Honeymoon

In Tahiti a dream comes true. Heavenly beaches, fantastic resorts, excellent 5 star hotels, everything to make your vacation one that you will never forget. It is the perfect getaway for romance and even a honeymoon.

There are so many activities to choose from, like, taking long walks in the evening on the beach, visiting the local villages, sight seeing, scuba diving, surfing, horse back riding or just a private moment. Tahiti is the greatest island of French Polynesia.

Diving activities: Traveling here is wonderful for diving with the many varied sites and depths for the beginner to the most experience. The islands offer many drop-offs, wrecks, caves and even sharks.

Tahiti being your first stop in French Polynesia (unless you travel by boat), offers easy conditions and is the ideal place for rehabilitation dives. If you have enough time, I recommend you venture to the peninsula (Tahiti), one hour drive from Papeete, where you will discover a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere. The rich and various underwater activity and sceneries are competing with some of the most well-known and best rated destination sites in the world.

For the beginner, scuba diving is always the best alternative if you want to explore nature's beauties...and maybe lost treasures...

With over 800 marine species, French Polynesia is a unique travel destination for diving. Its 118 Islands offer unlimited resources, in a huge underwater environment.

Lagoons' crystal waters, impressive underwater cliffs, the amazing Big Blue of the Pacific Ocean are as many environments as there are exciting, surprising and unforgettable dives. It's live entertainment on a natural big screen! From beginners to advanced divers, there are diving sites suitable and safe for anyone.

The Society Islands, very popular with tourists, offer a large range of dives, usually easy-graded, nonetheless amazing (Anau and its mantas in Bora Bora) In the Australes, not frequented as much by tourists, you may cross path with the impressive whales (Rurutu) In Northern part of French Polynesia, the wild and unspooled Marquesas shelter giant mantas, hammer head sharks in its caves. Many unforeseen and surprising encounters. Wherever you dive in French Polynesia, you'll be surrounded by many varieties of fauna and flora, like barracudas, hump head wrasse, butterfly fishes, and huge gorgonian.

Just open your eyes and the show begins! Taking underwater photos and videos is a real pleasure because visibility is usually good, even excellent, especially outside lagoons and in passes where it can reach 50 meters plus. Be aware that the electric power the guides have with them might not be compatible with your own equipment (flash, battery charger). Don't forget to protect them from all external factors like sun, wind, sand, salt or water. Very few diving centers have photo and video equipment for rent. Some of them have good quality disposable underwater cameras for sale.

You can have your films processed in Tahiti? However, delay may be long, and prices might be higher than in your home state. The islanders strongly recommend the greatest care when you're shooting manta ray or a close up on the coral. Other divers will follow, and if you found the underwater environment in a pristine condition, it's because divers before you paid attention and respected it. Don't forget, you might return in a near future. Respecting the environment must be your first priority, to decide on your shooting.

More to come about traveling to Tahiti.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

What the Netherlands is famous for

Tulips – this is one of the things that come into mind when we think about the Netherlands. From the end of March till the end of May the Keukenhof flower garden (located near the town of Lisse) gathers visitors for the most fantastic flower show in the world. Flower plantations stretch all over the coast. In spring the whole district is covered with a multicoloured carpet more than 17500 hectares big. Almost half of it is tulips.

First tulip bulbs were brought here from Turkey and Central Asia. Netherlands, with its sandy coastal soil, proved to be ideal for tulip planting, and pretty soon these flowers got extremely popular – one bulb could cost as much as some mansion by the Amsterdam canal. Later the flower market fell into decay, but in the 18th century it was in bloom again. Nowadays the Netherlands is the world’s largest flower exporter. There are more than 7,5 billion tulip bulbs gathered in the country every year, and a great amount of them is sold abroad.

The Netherlands is also renowned for its excellent cheese; it’s the largest cheese exporter in the world. The most famous cheese sorts are Edam and Gouda, both produced of cow's milk. One of the most famous local cheese markets is found in Alkmaar, opened every Friday morning from April till October. The market still follows the rules of 1672, and the trade is carried out according to the ancient traditions: first the customer chooses sort of the cheese he wants to buy and then the seller and the client clap each others hands (one after another) until they agree upon the price. After the bargaining is over, cheese is brought to the weighing house (Waag).

Clogs. Initially clogs (wooden shoes) were traditional Dutch footwear worn by the common people. Only the richest citizens could afford more expensive and convenient shoes. Still, the Netherlands produce more than 3,7 million clogs a year. Citizens don’t wear them any more, but people working in the country sometimes do – they are warmer and drier than simple rubber boots. Former clogs were also a part of traditional clothes by which people could define where a person comes from. Most beautiful clogs are produced in Hindeloopen, Friesland.

Windmills. During the Roman times the Dutch coast was covered with sand drifts and vast swamps. Long time has passed since this place was turned into the wonderful “water country”. For years and years people were struggling to drain the territory and much contribution was made by the windmills. Now many of them are found in Dutch villages and cities.

Windmills were invented in the middle of the 16th century to help pump the water up to the higher level. This was a true break-though which helped manage with the disaster. From this point people could causeway the territory around the lake, pump water from it and start cultivating the soil. Sometimes the mills were built in a row, forming a staircase.

The worse the situation with the territory was, the more windmills were built. Many of them were erected south-east of Rotterdam since the district, Albrandswaard, is edged with the Rhine inflows. When these measures were not enough, people started creating reservoirs. One of the most famous Dutch reservoirs is found in Kinderdike. The reservoir is really huge and surrounded with 19 windmills, which makes it a spectacular view.

Monday, October 15, 2007

National Parks of New Zealand


Undoubtedly, among the things you should come to New Zealand for are its national parks, which occupy the country’s one third. New Zealand’s stunning mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and waterfalls are something you aren’t used to seeing while traveling around Europe and Asia. It is no wonder why director of the world famous “Lord of the Rings” chose this country to shoot his film here – its islands do really look like a wonder land, inhabited with fabulous creatures. There are 14 national parks in New Zealand, but I’ll list only the ones I find most interesting.

Let’s start with the south. The most interesting park of New Zealand, compared to no others is, without any doubts, Fiordland National Park. Its boundless and truly wild territory is full of wonderful gorges and rocks, unusual animals and birds, beautiful and astonishing plants. You can get to the Fiordland by its Milford Road running from Te Anau. The only park that could compete with Fiordland is Kahurangi National Park in the island’s north. The park is an excellent place to get yourself acquainted with wildlife – here you will see impetuous rivers, huge platens, mountain flowers and coastal forests. But don’t be afraid to get lost, since the park is equipped with numerous footpaths and roads which will make your walks safe. Another park in the island’s north is Abel Tasman National Park, with mild climate all year round. The park attracts those fond of beach resorts, as it is famous for its sandy beaches and intricate granite rocks. A travel path on the park’s coast will make your walks easy and pleasant.

If you prefer active rest in the mountains, go to the Southern Alps and walk around the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, located in the island’s centre. Another spectacular place here is Arthur's Pass National Park located north from the Mount Cook and lying on a historic path, connecting Canterbury (in the east) and the wild Western shore. Magnificent mountains with steep rocky slopes won’t leave you untouched. Westland/Tai Poutini National Park stretches from the highest peaks of the Southern Alps to the remote western beaches. In the south of the Southern Alps, not far from the coast by the Fiordland border there is a Mount Aspiring National Park. If you want to see the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand, Nelson Lakes National Park stretched along a 102 thousand hectare territory is waiting for you. In addition to various large and small lakes, the park will meet you with its beechwoods, rocky mountains and mountain streams. If you are making a visit to Greumouth or Westport, don’t forget about the Paparoa National Park lying between them. The park presents almost all the ecosystems of New Zealand, from mountain peaks to the coast.

North Island. Egmont national park is easy to reach, that is why this is one of the most visited parks of New Zealand. It is located in the west coast not far from New Plymouth, Inglewood and Opunake. The largest park in the North Island is Te Urewera National Park, located far from the built-up areas. It is huge and difficult to traverse, but still it attracts the most active tourists. Wonderful lakes and forests are filled with the ancient history. Tongariro National Park offers most interesting spots – active volcanos, deserted mountain plateaus and calm lakes. South from the mainland there is a small Stewart Island, 85 % of which is occupied with Rakiura National Park.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Things To Do In Las Vegas - For Free!

Things to do in Las Vegas that are absolutely FREE! You can find them inside the Casinos and on the Strip, as well as all around the town. There are many Family oriented shows that are enjoyed by young and old alike. If you ask the "locals", they'll tell you where to find the best shows! But I'm here to do the same thing. So, hang on, here we go...

But, there are many great freebies outside of the Casinos too!

One of the great shows that is available free to families is the Fall of Atlantis Show at Caesars Palace, located next to The Cheesecake Factory. This particular show is a laser, water, and light show that features wonderful animatronics action. Also notice that the show's platform is actually a salt-water aquarium. You can see divers feed the fish each day at 1:15 and 5:15 while another staff member is on hand to answer any questions you may have about the show and the facility. You can actually take a tour of the facility at 3:15 each day. Enjoy watching the gods as they entertain you rather than us entertaining them. At the west end of the mall is the Festival Fountain show, featuring an animatronic discussion between Bacchus, Venus, Apollo and Pluto as well as a laser light show.

The Cambridge Community Center offers a free movie with popcorn each Saturday at 1:00. They show a different movie each and every week, and your children under 12 must have an adult with them - that means with them beside you, you can get in for free also. You can check out the posting on Friday to see what's playing.

Another great Las Vegas freebie is daily performances by the Hawaiian Marketplace Island Performers. You can catch these shows throughout the day from 11:00 am until 10:30 pm and feature wonderful dances that will remind you of the islands. See hula dancers, fire and knife dancers, musicians, lei makers, and animatronic birds. The performances take place at the Hawaiian Marketplace, and they too are Free. The market is made up of several stand-alone cart vendors surrounding nine anchor stores that offer a variety of clothing, gifts and souvenirs. The market is covered by an awning, which helps to keep things a bit cooler.

I know you're an Elvis fan, so be sure to see Pete Vallee perform as Big Elvis. This show is free, and the crowds get huge as his reputation for vocal talent is matched by his heartfelt renditions of Elvis' ballads. A collector of Elvis memorabilia, Pete admires his namesake and tries to stay true to the King's persona as a man who loved and was loved by his fans, and maintained a sense of loyalty to them. When Pete sings, his fans come alive and the party begins.

Pete's repertoire includes an abundance of Elvis tunes, as well as Louis Armstrong, some country, gospel and other favorites. He is currently appearing at the Barbary Coast on "the Strip" Tuesday through Friday from 3 - 6 pm.

M&M's World uses ingenuity and a whole lot of sugar to make an impression on Las Vegas. It's a sweet place to visit. More importantly it is a free place to visit. This museum is open Sunday through Thursday from 9 am until 11 pm and Friday and Saturday from 9 am until midnight. This really is a neat attraction to visit and is much more than initially meets the eye. Take a stroll, look around and make sure you see all there is to see or you just might miss something fantastic.

Can you believe: four floors of retail space devoted to our favorite chocolate-covered candies? It just doesn't get much better than that! Located in the Showcase Mall, the mouth-watering exhibit features Red, Yellow and the rest of the brightly colored gang on everything from T-shirts and golf-club covers to calculators and martini glasses.

The attraction features a 3-D movie theater, the films rotate and viewers are rewarded with a surprise treat as they exit. There also is a wall of M&M's, displaying the sweet treat in nearly every color imaginable, from aqua green to gold. But perhaps the most exciting exhibit in the attraction is the M&M Racing Team area. The exhibit is centered on a replica of #38, the M&M's sponsored race car driven by Elliott Sadler in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.

Need more sweets? Go visit the Ethel M's Chocolate Factory. The admission for this self-guided tour is free as is the first sample, but who can eat just one chocolate? Be sure you take some souvenirs with you because if you don't you'll be very sorry later that night when your memory kicks in and your mouth kicks on. In addition to the chocolate factor is the Botanical Cactus Garden that is open from 8:30 until 7:00 daily. Another great thing to see on this particular tour is the Living Machine, which has waste-consuming ecologies that turns 32,000 gallons wastewater each day into water that is clean enough to use for irrigation purposes.

The Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History, which is located on the University of Nevada Las Vegas Campus, is another place to go and learn while being entertained. Admission is Monday through Friday from 8:00 until 4:45 and on Saturday from 10:00 until 2:00. Admission is free and the museum is closed on all state and federal holidays. This museum offers a great display of Western culture and the history of ancient Mexico.

Where else in Las Vegas can you learn about the native cultures of the southwest United States and view Navajo weaving, jewelry and basketry; Hopi kachinas, basketry and pottery; and Southern Paiute basketry and archaeological objects without paying admission?

Is there another museum in Las Vegas where you can view a comprehensive collection of objects representing nearly every culture of Pre-Columbian Latin America? And where else might one see a cohesive collection of Guatemalan costumes and an extensive collection of Mexican masks and then wander to view reptiles native to our region, all for free?

No matter what your specific interests are there are plenty of wonderful things to see and do in Las Vegas that do not put a strain on the pocketbook at all.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Canary islands

Tenerife, the Canary Islands

Tenerife, in the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa, although belonging to Spain is a popular destination for holidaymakers worldwide. Here we take a look at what makes Tenerife so popular. Tenerife is the largest (2034sq km) and highest (3718m) of the Canary Islands.Mount Teide is Spain’s highest mountain. The South of Tenerife, particularly Playa de las Americas, is famous for it's nightlife scene. The South has both superb dark and golden beaches attracting many tourists, whilst the North of Tenerife is built around the thriving capital city of Santa Cruz. Tenerife has an estimated population of 655,656.

Tenerife is an island with a real ‘north-south’ divide in more ways than one.Party animals head south for sizzling beaches and the hottest nightlife in the Canary Islands, whilst in the North of the island even the sun takes it easy! The resorts of Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos have all but merged to form one big tourist destination. Puerto de la Cruz is lusher, quieter and cooler and popular with the older crowd. Golf courses, yacht marinas, conference centres, theme parks, beaches... Tenerife offers a complete range of leisure activities to satisfy all kinds of tastes.

There are lots of beaches in Tenerife. The most popular are along the South coast: 'Los Cristianos' and 'Las Américas' with grey sand and surrounded by hotels and apartments. Going up along the east coast is 'El Médano', a long bay beach preferred by windsurfers because of its strong winds; and more to the north, the 'Teresitas' beach with white sand imported from The Sahara.

The Orotava Valley serves as an example of the north's fertility extending to the limits of 'Las Cañadas' Park on the west shore of the Island. It's completely covered with banana plantations and orchards. There are also many golf courses on the island such as Golf del Sur, Amarilla Golf and Country Club, Abama Golf Resort .. Mt. Teide is Spain's highest peak and the most visited tourist attraction, you can take a cable car to the top of the dormant volcano. Tenerife has to offer. But there are many more. Situated just above The Tropic of Cancer, about 200 miles from the North African coastline; Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, an archipelago that was formed almost six million years ago when the earth was still being formed from constant volcanic action. Tenerife was itself the result of three land masses being fused together and thrust up from the seabed over eons, and Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain has become the focal point of this island.

There is very little modern history relating to Tenerife, and most that is recorded covers the most recent five hundred years. Tenerife is well documented in naval battles history, and has connections with Christopher Columbus, the Malmsey wines that were once produced on the island and exported throughout Europe during the 15 century, and the Guanche race that lived on Tenerife about this time. The Spanish Crusades brought Christianity to Tenerife, before continuing onto South America, and it was the Italians who first introduced The Carnival to the island. The Carnival that is celebrated each year on Tenerife is now the largest in Europe and only second in size to the one in Rio de Janeiro.

The island of Tenerife has long been known as a holiday retreat, but since the construction of the Reina Sofia airport in the south of the island, and the development of Playa de Las Americas, Tenerife has become the European winter holiday playground for millions of Northern Europeans. With almost 8 million tourists visiting Tenerife each year, it is not surprising that there is a massive self-catering holiday market, and with the majority of tourists choosing the south and west coasts of Tenerife for their holiday, Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Americas are at the top of most peoples list when deciding on a destination. The local Town Councils have ensured that tourist needs are considered when making planning changes, and together with new pedestrian streets and wide roads, several beaches have been formed during the past few years. Making new beaches on Tenerife is no easy operation, and the Los Cristianos "Las Vistas Beach" was formed over a two year period with sand literally hovered off the ocean floor. The Island of Tenerife with 7 championship golf courses has become a winter hot spot for many golfers, who are only too pleased to swap three jumpers and an umbrella, for a summer shirt, plus- fours and a factor 50 sun cream. Within 20 minutes drive of Playa de Las Americas; there are 5 superb championship golf courses, plus a 9-hole course at Palm Mar.

At 3,718 metres high, Mount Teide is without doubt the focal point of Tenerife. It is at the centre of one of Spain's great National Parks, and if you are arriving on the island by air during daylight hours, it is impossible to miss this spectacular volcano. Mount Teide is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island of Tenerife, and during the winter months, thick snow sometimes covers the mountain, while the beaches on the south coast are crowded with sunbathers.

With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, it is no small wonder that Tenerife has become known as the Fortunate Isle. Tenerife is full of colour nearly all year round, with bougainvillea and hibiscus splashing a variety of reds, yellows, purple and orange, and when coupled with all the aromas that you associate with tropical climates, words like paradise and fortunate are often used to describe Tenerife and the other Canary Islands. For many tourists, lying on a sun bed by the pool or on the beach reading a book is their idea of a perfect relaxing holiday, but for many, the need to stimulate the mind is paramount, and here on Tenerife, there is multitude of interesting things to do to fill your holiday time.

Los Cristianos & Playa de Las Americas; Los Cristianos has matured during the past 40 years, and what was once a small fishing harbour with a few houses that served the local hillside communities, is now a major holiday resort with an international flavour in shops and restaurants. Los Cristianos is some 18 km from the airport and there is a new dual carriageway that connects the town centre with the TF1 motorway. Many of the streets close to the beach have been made pedestrian friendly, and wheelchair access ramps
are at most junctions. The Fred Olsen fast ferries that connect Tenerife with the neighbouring islands of La Gomera and La Palma, leave Los Cristianos at regular intervals throughout the day, and on occasions, some cruise liners drop anchor in the bay and arrange excursions for their passengers. There are two very good beaches that serve the residents and tourists, and the promenade is lined with gift shops, restaurants and bars. With safety in mind, there are first-aid posts and regular police patrols, plus toilet and changing
facilities. The Los Cristianos harbour is the starting point for many sea excursions, and there are two large beach areas lined with sun beds and parasols. The beach promenade is quite level and where there are steps; ramps have been formed for pushchairs and wheelchairs. In the town centre, there is the usual church square with several tapas bars and other shop units. Playa de Las Americas has risen from a desert waste 40 years ago, into the most popular winter- sun holiday destination in Europe. Playa de Las Americas has something for everyone, be it sandy beaches, luxury shopping malls, 5* golf, all night discos or simply a McDonalds' beef burger. At only 10 minutes drive from the Reina Sofia airport, Playa de Las Americas is to sun and fun seekers, what Las Vegas is to gamblers. There are excellent beaches with safe swimming zones, and from the Puerto Colon Marina, where there are some superb ocean going cruisers, there is a variety of boat excursions and water sports that can be reserved. Fañabe is the most recent area of Playa de Las Americas to be developed. Only a few years have passed since the last bananas were harvested, and now multimillion Euro hotels like the Bahia Del Duque and the Sheraton La Caleta hug the Adeje coastline. Hollywood style shopping malls with luxury goods and fine restaurants await the millions of tourists who flock here every year, 5* golf is close by at the Adeje 18-hole championship golf course, or the Las Americas 18-hole course, plus the wide avenues abound with pavement cafes that serve a variety of cafes and liqueurs. So book your flight and join Bill Clinton, Robbie Williams and Jennifer Lopez in holidaying in Tenerife.

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Singapore!!

Entertainment in Singapore

Singapore is one of the most unusual cities in Asia. Old colonial districts and ultra modern skyscrapers, temples and green parks, lively commercial streets and one of the largest sea ports in the world – all this is concentrated on a small territory.

Singapore is the city-state located in the southern part of the Malay Peninsula, Southeast Asia. This is one of the richest, the best organised, the most effective countries in the world with a high quality of life. Singapore is often called an island “of 1000 commercial centers”. Despite its hot climate, it’s a true tropic heaven for many tourists.

The name “Singapore” derives from two Sanscrit words (singa and pura) and means “The lion city”. The city was founded in 1819 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, who worked for a British company. The company decided that this was an ideal spot for a trading post and a settlement to be built here. They say that the city is still filled with the spirit of past.

There are numerous attractions to observe in Singapore, such as the Victorian-style Empress Place Building which comprises a museum, art galleries and a luxurious restaurant, Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall, City Hall and Raffles Hotel known for its posh decoration (which, by the way, is mentioned in some local proverbs). Attractions you are also advised to visit are: St Joseph's Institution, Singapore Art Museum, Statue of Thomas Stamford Raffles by Thomas Woolner, National Museum, numerous skyscrapers such as Singapore Land Tower or Art Deco Caltex House, picturesque “boat districts” like Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, turned into fashionable entertainment and shopping centers, and a famous Orchard Road – a “skyscraper street” with its Istana palace and Chettiar Hindu Temple. There are also Singapore Botanic Gardens found in Orchard Road western part. The gardens are a place to find yourself in a tropical forest and enjoy the gardens’ landmark – Orchidarium, with more than 60 thousand orchids growing on its territory. Singapore’s neighbourhoods, like China town and Small India, are also curious places to visit.

There are also lots of parks in the city. In addition to green plantations, the parks accommodate various entertainment and sports venues, the most prominent of which are Telok Blangah Hill Park, Tiong Bahru Park and Pearl's Hill City Park.

South of Singapore one will find several beautiful islands which are also worth visiting. The most visited island is Sentosa. This is a playground for all ages, with a huge choice of parks, attractions, sports grounds and other attraction spots like Fort Siloso, Volcanoland attraction park, famous musical fountains, the Rare Stone Museum, Maritime Museum, Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom, Underwater World oceanarium with a clear underwater tunnel 100 meters long and a dolphin lagoon, Cinemania, Tang Dynasty Village, Carlsberg Sky Tower – the largest Singapore observation tower, numerous gardens with fountains and more than 3 km of white sandy beaches.

Each year approximately 12,6 million tourists come to Singapore. Nowadays the city offers about 95 hotels, and by the year 2008 there will be about 114 of them here. As seen from the numbers, tourism is an important source of revenue for Singapore.

Thursday, October 4, 2007

African Safari Is Affordable For You

An African Safari is the vacation of a lifetime. Make sure you choose your tour company wisely as there is a lot of difference between tour operators. Looking for great value? Ask a travel agent to keep an eye out for African Safari special offers to find exclusive tours at unbeatable prices. Or if you have some extra time, surf the internet for a few weeks before booking so that you get a good idea of the tours being offered. Safaris, aside from the airfare, are not much more expensive than other guided tours unless you take the luxury option, and it's bound to be an unforgettable vacation.

Safaris to the Kruger Park, which is roughly the size of a small country, are always popular. This area of Africa has seen human habitation for roughly 40,000 years. Indigenous populations coexisted in balance with the local game, but after Europeans arrived and began to hunt for trophies, game populations declined drastically due to the uncontrolled slaughter despite hunting laws introduced to South Africa in 1858.

The area first became protected in 1989, just before the Boer War, after a campaign by Paul Kruger to establish the Sabi game reserve between the Sabi and Crocodile rivers. After the Boer War ended in 1902, the James Stevenson-Hamilton was appointed warden of the Sabi Game Reserve, and formal protection and rebuilding of game stocks was instituted. Stevenson-Hamilton became determined to protect the area permanently by making it a national park. After much lobbying, he succeeded. The national parks act was passed in 1926 and the Sabi and Singwitsi reserves (by then the Transvaal Game Reserve) became the Kruger National Park.

It took a few years before visitors discovered the park. In 1927, a total of 3 tourist vehicles ventured into the park, bringing in an income of 3 pounds. By 1930, there were 900 vehicles roaming on the 500 kilometres of new roads in the park, and staying in the huts and tents that could accommodate up to 700 people. Stevenson-Hamilton was an outdoorsman who disapproved of luxurious facilities, and he attempted to maintain a rustic atmosphere. However, when he left, accommodations were upgraded and the park became a reknowned destination for tourists from all around the world.

By 1955, visitors flocked to the park in numbers exceeded 10,000 a year, prompting extensive development of roads and tourist services along with the fencing of the park boundaries. During peak holiday season, such as Christmas, Easter and July, the park can be quite crowded. There is now a daily limit to number of visitors, so if you must travel in peak season, reserve well ahead of time.

Adjacent to the Kruger on its Western Boundary are a number of private game reserves, including the Sabi Sand, Timbavati and Manyeleti. Kruger Park Safaris offer a huge variety and density of wildlife, as well as a wide range of safari experiences. You'll never be able to see the whole park in just one tour. Safaris include everything from tented walking safaris and self-driving safaris to ultra-luxurious fly-in safaris. Kruger Park holds hundreds of lodges for different tastes and budgets.

The Kruger Park is a year-round destination, but there is a seasonal difference in climate. The dry season (winter) is usually between May and August, although rainfall starts declining in April and is still fairly low in September and October. This is the best season to see game, as permanent waterholes attract animals, the vegetation becomes thinned out, and trees have fewer leaves to obstruct the view. Winter has warm days and chilly nights. The average maximum temperatures is around 24 degrees in winter, and the average minimum is about 8 or 9 degrees, although it can drop as far as 5 degrees. It is important to bring along a warm jacket for early morning and evening game tours.

The wet season (summer), is from November to March. This is when the Kruger Park receives most of its rainfall, usually in dramatic afternoon thundershowers. The weather is hot and balmy, with Average maximum temperatures of about 30 degrees Celcius, with an average minimum of 20 degrees. The summer grass and foliage becomes lush and green, and while this makes for beautiful scenery, it can also make game viewing difficult. Also, animals no longer concentrate around waterholes because there are now widespread sources of water.

However, for birdwatchers, the wet season is the ideal time to visit the Kruger Park, as this is when the migrating birds arrive, and when all the local birds are at their most active. The Makuleke region of the park is renowned for its many species of birds, and visitors may see exotic specimens such as Scarlet Chested Sunbirds, Broadbilled Rollers, Redheaded Weavers, Wattle-eyed Flycatchers and owls, such as the Pels Fishing Owl, the Scops, Whitefaced, Pearl-Spotted and Giant Eagle Owls.

The wet season is also the best time to see baby animals, as most animals calve at the beginning of the rainy season to take advantage of the lush grazing grounds.

Luxury resorts in and around the Kruger Park are not cheap, but offer services such as massages, reflexology and room service for guests who like to remain within the bounds of civilization while still having an opportunity to take day tours and see game.

Overland Safaris in a tour group are the most economical way to see Kruger Park. These group tours are a great way to meet like-minded eco-tourists and enjoy a genuine outdoor experience. Both camping and hotel options are available.

The bush of the Kruger Park can also be experienced on hiking tours. These walks are conducted in parts of the region not accessible to vehicles, including the spectacular Lanner Gorge.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

New Zealand

Holidaying In New Zealand

New Zealand's wild, elemental beauty made it the perfect locale for filming Lord of the Rings. For this is a raw land of sheer mountains, icy glaciers, swift flowing rivers and geysers that spout from the hot earth.

Auckland:city of sails

New Zealand's largest city, Auckland sprawls scenically around a range of inlets and bays. Lapped by the waters of the Pacific, Auckland has a distinct seafaring air to it.

transport:getting there and getting around

Auckland is New Zealand's centre for international flights. You can take direct flights from here to all Australian airports, the US west coast, many Asian destinations, and London and Frankfurt. There are also a wide range of domestic flights.

Regular bus services connect Auckland with major towns and tourist attractions. And there are morning and overnight trains to Wellington daily.

Auckland is a sprawling city so walking is not convenient. Car hire or cycling are the most convenient ways to get around.

climate
Auckland's coastal location keep temperatures lower than the in the hinterlands. Temperatures hover in the mid-20°s in summer and it rarely freezes in winter.

accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Auckland Hotels

Events

Summer is the time when Auckland comes to life though there's something happening all year round.

*In January there are the Open Tennis Championships.
*Also in January is the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, commemorating the arrival of Captain Hobson in New Zealand.
*Pasifika Festival in March celebrates Polynesian culture through music and performances at Western Springs.
*Ellerslie Flower Show at the Botanic Gardens in November showcases the city's blooms
*The Auckland Cup is held at Ellerslie Race Course December.

Wellington

As New Zealand's capital, Wellington is home to the imposing administrative buildings of government. It's an attractive city with a splendid harbour and terraced hills.

transport:getting there and getting around

Air New Zealand offer direct domestic flights between Wellington airport and most major centres, including Auckland, Christchurch

Regular ferry services connect Wellington with Picton on the South Island.

Wellington is an important junction for bus travel, with buses north to Auckland and all major towns in between. Wellington has a train station, an efficient local bus system, many car-hire companies, and taxi services.

climate:
Wellington's coastal location gives it the reputation for being windy.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Wellington hotels

events
As the nation's capital, Wellington is the centre for a host of cultural and sporting events

* Wellington Cup Week in January features racing, live music, fashion in the field, celebrity judges.
*February New Zealand International Arts Festival
*New Zealand Festival (Biennial)

October is a busy month with Wellington Fashion Festival and Wellington International Jazz Festival.

Christchurch:springboard into nature

The South Island's largest city, Christchurch is traditionally a springboard for forays into the nearby mountains, plains, beaches and lakes. However, Christchurch has many attractions of its own to offer.

transport:getting there and getting around

Christchurch is the main international gateway to the South Island. Flights connect with Australia and a few other countries. The airport is about seven miles from the city centre. There are also trains and a cheap and efficient bus service.

accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Christchurch hotels

events:
*February Christchurch Festival of Flowers - an international floral celebration in the garden city.
*August Christchurch International Jazz Festival - a celebration of jazz, wine and food featuring international and local talent.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Walt Disney World Promo 1970's

A Travel Guide To Walt Disney World

Disney vacation is one of the most fun vacations to plan.Knowing what a Disney Vacation has to offer,will help you get in on some of the best packages available.You can have a travel agent do the bulk of it for you, or do it yourself.

I would like to give some tips to others on how to go about planning a vacation to the Happiest Place on Earth. First, before deciding anything else, you must decide which date you would like to be at the Disneyland Resort.The date is important, depending on what you would like to do while there.

The busiest times at a Disney park are Spring Break, summer, and the week between Christmas and New Years. While busy time periods cause longer lines, they also have fewer attractions down for rehabilitation, and more parades and shows will be scheduled. For the less busy times of year, the queues will be shorter, but entertainment may just be held on weekends, and more attractions will be down for rehab in the slow season.

All of this must be taken into account when you decide on your travel dates. If you want to see all of the entertainment, and ride every ride, then summer, Spring Break, or Christmas week would probably be your better choice.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas the parks are less busy, but it is a great time to go because most entertainment and attractions will be up and running in preparation of the busiest week of the year. If your goal for a Disney Vacation is to simply be there, see and do as much as you possibly can in a short period of time, you may want to choose a less busy time of year.

Once again, a great time would be between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Disney is a totally different place in the Christmas Season, with all of the wonderful decorations. Spending a magical time like Christmas, at a magical place like Disneyland Resort is an incredible vacation.

By the first week of January the decorations come down, and the crowds stay light, but Haunted Mansion and It's A Small World are usually scheduled to be refurbished, to removed the holiday overlay. If rides and shows are not important to you, this is the perfect time to go on a Disney Vacation.The dream of a Disney Vacation is one which is in the minds of children and adults alike.

If you go without a plan, although you'll still have a relatively good time, you'll find that you spent much more time, effort, and money, than you would have if you had planned for that dreamed of Discount Disney Vacation. The plan doesn't have to be elaborate, but you should do your "homework" and "know before you go."

Walt Disney World, Orlando, caters for kids large and small, mom, dad and everyone else you can think of. Booking a vacation at a Disney resort is very definitely fun for all the family.And give you memories that will last a lifetime. Apart from the usual rides, shows and well-loved Disney characters, there are plenty of attractions designed to entertain adults. Disney is pretty good at arranging activities so that mom or dad - or both - can get time off to have a look around, so why not spend some time in the France pavilion. Disney's designers have lovingly recreated the streets of Paris for you to enjoy a real romantic break.

You can shop in chic boutiques, offering very nearly all the designer goods you would find on the Champs Elyses. And when you're exhausted after a busy morning hitting the cash registers, you can chill out at a variety of authentic Parisian cafes and restaurants. Those of an adventurous turn of mind could explore the possibilities for excitement presented by one of Disney's Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Disney's very own small-scale safari park is populated by genuine animals for the African savannas - take a guided drive to see the giraffes and hippos, and you'll be transported in an instant to the endless grasslands of the Masai Mara. Both these activities, of course, offer possibilities for the whole family.

If you're an independent and outdoors type, you might like to consider the Fort Wilderness campground.You can take your own tent or RV, or stay in one of the campground's self-catering cabins. The campground is a miniature vacation destination all to itself - there are activities for kids, trails to hike, and fun sing-along campfire evenings, for you to get to know your fellow campers.

If you want to stay in more solid accommodation the first level is one of Disney World's 'Value Resorts.' The All-Star Music Resort, for example, is a great hotel and entertainment center.Like all of Disney's resorts of all levels; it is themed - the theme in question being, of course, music.

The Disney Corporation takes its theming very seriously The All-Star Music Resort allows you to enjoy music of all styles from country to jazz, and even has a pool shaped like a grand piano Like all the Disney World resorts, Value Resorts are within easy striking distance of all the central Disney World attractions, and transport there and back is completely taken care of.

The next level up are the Disney Moderate Resorts.Rooms are a little more spacious than those at the Value Resorts, and the range of facilities on offer is a little wider. The Caribbean Beach Resort, to take an example, has some room service - there's none in Value Resorts - and a variety of other small perks and features not available to Value guests.

If you want to sample the very best Disney has to offer, you should book a place at a Disney World Deluxe Resort. Deluxe guests get the best rooms, world-class restaurants, concierge and bell service and access to spas, health clubs and even a business center and wi-fi internet access for those who just can't bear to be away from their desk.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Beautiful Croatia

CROATIA

One of the hottest vacation spots in Europe right now is Croatia. Gone are the wars of yesteryears, what you see right now instead is crystal clear waters, breathtaking mountains and lush forests. The climate in this area is Mediterranean which makes it perfect for vacations all year round. Having a land area of 56,000 square kilometers assures visitors to Croatia of many activities from its sandy beaches in the Dalmatian coast to its beautiful mountains.

When you plan your next vacation, make sure to consider Croatia. For tourists who want to visit, you might need a visa as well as your passport. Make sure to check out with your local Croatian embassy for the necessary documents needed to enter the country. Once all your documents are in order then you are all set to travel to Croatia.

Getting to Croatia by plane is the fastest and most convenient way to travel. The international airport located in the capital city of Zagreb handles many flights from major European cities and North America as well. A typical flight from London to Zagreb would take about 2 hours and 30 minutes while a flight coming in from New York would take as much as 10 hours. If you are coming in from Italy then you could take the ferry service that links Italy to Croatia. Riding the ferry would make you experience the cool Mediterranean air and see the sparkling clear waters Croatia is famous for. Buses and trains are also available linking Zagreb and most Croatian towns to major European cities.

Make sure to register with the local police once you are in your accommodations in Croatia. Most commercial accommodations like hotels and hostels automatically register their guests but private accommodations do not, so make sure to register yourself to avoid paying heavy fines or being deported.

The capital city of Croatia which is Zagreb would be your first stop in Croatia. There are a lot of sights to admire in Zagreb. Museums, cafes and art galleries are what make this city famous. The Banski Dvori or presidential palace is also located in here. Don’t fail to visit St. Mark’s Church, a gothic designed structure with colorful roof tiles.

Moving farther from Zagreb is Pula located in the Istrian Peninsula. If there is only one place in the Istrian peninsula you have to visit then it has to be Pula. The sixth largest amphitheater is located here. It was built by the ancient Romans and is now a favorite venue for concerts. Another tourist attraction in Pula is its famous beaches. Here you would experience the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean.

If you are into water activities then head out to the Dalmatian coast. There are lots of islands in this area that have excellent resorts catering to tourists. Many activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and fishing are readily available for you to experience.

The food in Croatia is mainly regional, meaning it varies from region to region. The coastal regions of Croatia specialize in seafood dishes and Italian pastas while those in the continental areas it is influenced by heavy Slavic meals.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Explorer of the Seas 9 Night Caribbean

All About Caribbean Cruises


Caribbean cruises are the most popular of all cruise destinations. And there are good reasons that they are the cruise destination of choice. Caribbean cruises offer you intriguing ports of call, beautiful white sandy beaches with azure blue water, all while enjoying the supreme service aboard your magnificent cruise ship. Caribbean cruises offer many activities for all age groups, so it makes a great family cruise vacation. And don't worry about cruise terms, we've included it here.

During family cruise vacations there are activities all day long and they're free. You have already paid for it in the price of Caribbean cruise. You get all your meals, your cabin, and entertainment included in the price of you family cruise vacation. This is one of the many reasons Caribbean cruises are such a great value.

The best aspect of Caribbean cruises is that once you board your ship you unpack once for the entire trip. No schlepping bags from airport to hotel over and over again. You will be in a new island almost every day with the travel between each port done at night, while you sleep. What could be easier?

Most of the top cruise lines offer Caribbean cruises. Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, Holland America and Carnival all offer a great variety of Caribbean cruise vacations. There are very formal Caribbean cruises or the fun and casual party cruise. Caribbean cruises are good if you are looking for adventure, golf or scuba cruises. Or maybe you would like to go on a relaxing cruise to enjoy the sea on a sailing cruise. You could plan a Caribbean cruise as a second honeymoon, even the first honeymoon, or a family reunion, or a special anniversary. You don't even need an excuse to take a Caribbean cruise, do it just for fun. Or do it because there is five feet of snow and you need to see the sun and the sand.

Be sure to inquire about any discounted cruises for special groups, like teachers, police or fireman, or nurses. Many times a cruise line sees a certain cruise at a certain time of the year is filling up slowly so they offer special discounts to these groups. And if you belong to one of these groups band together, says as teachers from Pennsylvania and get additional discounts.

Now that you have decided to take a Caribbean cruise here is a glossary of terms used on Cruise ships. It's the cruise terms or cruise lingo.

* Aft is the rear or near the rear of the ship
* Amidships is the middle of the ship
* Bow is the very front of the ship
* Bridge is the navigational control center
* Colors are the national flag flown by the ship
* Deck Plan is an overhead diagram of the cabins and the public rooms
* Dock is where your ship will "park" when in port
* Forward faces the front of the boat
* Gangway allows you access on and off the ship
* Knot is a nautical mile
* Leeward means out of the wind
* Pitch is how much the ship will roll (not very much, if at all)
* PAX is cruise terms for passengers
* Book a cruise is to make a cruise reservation
* A Cruiser is you, the passenger
* Port is the left hand side of the ship while facing forward (bow). Easy to remember since port and left have four letters
* Stack (sometimes called smoke stack) is the ships "chimney"
* Starboard is the right side of the ship while facing forward (bow). .
* Stateroom or berth is your cabin
* Steward's are personnel on the ship for your cabin and dining room
* Stern is the very back of the ship
* Daily Activity Log lists the various activities on board
Now that you can know your Cruise terms, all you have to do is call your cruise travel agent and book one of the many Caribbean cruises that are offered. Book as a family cruise vacation, your honeymoon or anniversary or just because you want to experience Caribbean cruises.

Happy Cruising!

Monday, September 24, 2007

Royal Caribbean Cruise

Caribbean Cruise Holiday Of A Lifetime

Caribbean cruise vacation is the ultimate deal and if you have not tried it, now is the time to be treated like royalty while you spend times on the idyllic tropical islands. There is no vacation that offers more and since there are numerous packages to choose, spends time selecting it. The trip can be made with your family, by yourself or your partner. Irrespective of whom you go with, there is lot of activities to while away your time.

Caribbean cruise holiday is a combination of amazing entertainment, wonderful activities and an opportunity to visit the idyllic Caribbean. Cruising can be for extended period and it is up to your budget, choice of locations and preferences. Give yourself the opportunity to experience the vacation of a lifetime.

Cruising has become widespread and cruise liner has grown considerably but each vacationer has diverse need so there are many different packages for each and a holiday is a time for unwinding, enjoyment and revitalization. Cruise liners are aware of it and have different packages to cater for diverse crowds so the vacation can meet their needs of a dream holiday.

There is a right fit for every vacationer and the right programs, meal and entertainment are designed to cater to them. Go to your nearest travel agent to find the right cruise package and always covey your requirements so that he/she can suggest the ideal vacation. Before making the trip, it is wise to find out more so as to select the right package. Comments and reviews can be found online but a check with your local travel agent is advisable.

As the Caribbean cruises travel to most parts of the Caribbean, with different price package for each itinerary together with the duration and the number of places visited. Caribbean cruise holiday usually range from three, five, seven and could be up to ten days. Seven days are the choice pick as you will have enough time to unwind and reinvigorate as well as exploring the islands.

You can begin by slowly marking out those cruise liners not suitable for you and choosing the right Caribbean cruise package, for instant, if you are getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life to unwind and recharge yourself so eliminate those that promise party carnival. But your ideal vacation is partying by the beach or the deck pool and even in disco, and then chooses one with plenty of such activities.

Booking a Caribbean cruise vacation during the peak period must be done ahead although there are plenty of cruise liners, getting your choice package may not be possible. Go to your nearest travel agent for the best deal and even discounts but you can go online of the cruise liner official website and some may have instant access to assistance to select the best packages.

Preparation of a Caribbean cruise vacation requires a lot of thoughts and a passport is required. Included is the need to consider various parts of your itinerary such as airline bookings as well as lodgings plus the booking of your cruise trip. Various other considerations have to be taken into account such as reserving of special occasion onboard the vessel. It can be for anniversary and they have available items and packages to enrich your trip.

Besides the usual, you need to pack suitable attire for formal evening, fun on the beaches as well as deck pool. For formal evening, gown is necessary for women and tuxedo for men so that you can be seen in your finest. Other Caribbean cruise may offer formal night and you need to be prepared for it. Give yourself sufficient time to pack, keeping in mind the diverse programs arrange for you.

Even if you intend to bring along your children on a Caribbean cruise holiday, there are plenty of programs to occupy them and they will not have a dull moment. Different types of activities are planned for them so that you can spend the time to do what you like. There are trained staffs to look after them so you can put your mind at ease while you are enjoying and relaxing with your spouse.

For couples, you can take a romantic Caribbean cruise vacation and you will have the holiday you look forward to. Moments spend watching the sunsets and sun shines will enthrall you as there is no place better that a tropical dreamland to share your romantic adventures.

On the other hand, you can take along your whole clan, for instant uncles, grandma, etc. With the plethora of activities, everyone will be entertained and relax. Plenty of movies, music plus entertainment, deck full of meals and fine dining; and programs to cater to diverse needs. A Caribbean cruise holiday is the ideal one for family as no one will be left out of the planning.

With possibly everyone look after and all activities to cater to different crowds, be it entertainment or meal, there is no better vacation than the Caribbean cruise holiday. Plan ahead and arm yourself with all the necessary information so that you cruise holiday will indeed be the best you have encounter

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Visiting France: Paris And Nice



For a holiday you will always treasure, be sure to visit France. With so much to offer within one country, France hosts the most tourists than any other country in the world. From romantic, cultural Paris to the heights of the snowcapped French Alps to the southern sizzling beaches. France hotels can add to the splendor of your trip with an amazing selection that can be found with ease on the internet.

Paris: fashion capital of Europe
Surrounded by style and romance you just cant help fall in love with Paris. Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, street café’s and fashion boulevards, a boat trip on the River Seine there is so much to see and experience.

Transport: how to get there and around:
The main airport which greets most visitors to Paris is Charles de Gaulle. Paris can also be reached with ease by train from surrounding countries and many destinations within France. If traveling from the UK the ferry is also an option.

Getting around Paris is best on foot, it’s a great place for walking and sightseeing. If your not feeling so energetic there is a metro system.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Paris.

Weather
Paris is fortunate to be situated in a basin so has little rain compared with the rest of the country. Generally the weather in the capital is temperate.

Attractions & Events
Parisians love to celebrate, here are just a few events you should look out for.

* The glamorous Paris Fashion Week showcases the latest designer spring collections in March.

*Bastille Day is a special day for the whole country. The French National Day is celebrated in Paris with style on the 14th July with parades, parties and fireworks.

*The International Photo Fair is also worth a visit and takes place in November.

Nice: treasure of the Côte d’Azur
Nice has a special ambiance and charm that attracts a great number of visitors to walk through its old cobblestone streets. Nice offers history, culture as well as the modern delights of shopping and night life. Add to this the long stretch of beach and you have a great holiday combination.

The temperature in Nice makes the pebble beach a great spot to relax. The waters are warm, clear and inviting and are just a pebbles throw away from neighboring St Tropez and Cannes.

Transport: how to get there and around:
Traveling around France is easy using the impressive, fast rail system. You can get to Nice by train and bus or if traveling from further a field, the International Airport is just 6 km’s from town. Ferries are also an option, they run to Corsica.
Getting around Nice is easy on foot, it is pleasant to walk around and explore the sights.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of Nice hotels

Weather
Summertime in Nice can be scorching up to 40 C. Typical climate however can be described as Mild, averaging 15 C. Winter is also mild with lowest temperatures being around 5 C.

Attractions & Events
*Nice holds an annual carnival during the latter half of February. The lavish street parades end with a fabulous fireworks show.

*During June, the city hold religious processions and prayers for patron saints St John and St Peter.

*July is for music lovers as the worlds finest Jazz players meet in the city for the Nice Jazz Festival.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

How to Find Cheap Flights!

3 Ways to Get the Lowest Airfare Possible

The easiest way to break the traveling budget is with your flight. It's hard to find the lowest airfare out there these days, especially with the myriad of companies trying to tell you that THEY have the lowest airfare prices, or know where to find them. Lucky for you, there are several ways to take a bite out of the cost of flying. Here are some tips and techniques to make sure you are getting the lowest possible airfare. Please note that the advice given here is just that: advice. Companies mentioned are not better, or worse, than any other organization out there that claims to offer the lowest airfare possible.

Lowest Airfare Technique #1: Courier It

Without a courier, many important packages that are working their way through the flight system would be stuck in customs an awfully long time. Therefore, courier companies "hire" people to transport their packages for them in a set. All that you have to do is forfeit your baggage space, and you can receive some of the lowest airfare prices available. There isn't actually a "payment" that is exchanged here; you are providing a service, but in return you are only getting the lowest airfare that the company can afford. Also, scheduling can be a bit of a pain in the butt - you may have a quick stopover in one place you wanted to visit, and days in another that really doesn't interest you. Plus, can you imagine flying to Paris with only your overnighter bag? Those with light luggage and really flexible schedules may love this option, though.

Lowest Airfare Technique #2: Bid

Online services like Priceline can be risky. However, if you are willing the tradeoff of 'maybe' getting a ticket with some amazing deals, it's a great route to go. The idea behind these types of companies is that you post a bid on their web site for the lowest price you are willing to pay for airfare. Then, you wait. Once you've bid, its set in stone; if someone accepts the bid, you are required to follow through. If no one does, then you're off the hook (although also without your lowest airfare!). I would recommend this option only to people who have highly flexible itineraries.

Lowest Airfare Technique #3: Special Offer Pages

Every airline has a 'special offers' page on their web site. Do you check them out regularly for the lowest airfare deals before booking a flight? If you bookmark all of the airlines catering to your geographic area, and any areas that you plan on traveling to, many of these 'special fares' will be better (in most cases, much better) than any search engine lowest airfare peek-a-boo that you do. There are several finer points to watch with these lowest advertised airfares, though; look for hidden charges, read the fine print, make note of any restrictions, and take action quickly (because most of these special offers are a limited time only).

Monday, September 17, 2007