NetTravel Quest

Malta - A Popular Tourist Attraction

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:03:00 +0000

Valletta, Malta's capital

Malta has 7000 years of rich history so here you can visit many popular attractions including Pre Historic Temples, forts, museum, churches and much more. For art lovers, there is a huge artistic collection at the National Museum of Fine Arts to explore. You can also view more contemporary work at St Johns Cavalier Art Centre.

Valletta -“a city of palaces built by gentlemen for gentlemen” is the capital of Malta. The main tourist attractions of Valletta are Manoel Theatre & Manoel Theatre Museum, National Museum of Fine Arts, War Museum, St. Paul’s Anglican pro-cathedral, St. Augustine’s parish church, Valletta Waterfront, Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and many more.

Another popular island of Malta is Gozo which is Malta’s sister island and famous for their natural and alluring beauty. It is also very popular for those who really love nature. Crystal clear blue sea, beaches, natural valleys, gardens and beautiful flowers give a never forgettable experience. Visitors make their tours more enjoyable with various water sports, swimming, boating, golf and horse ridding.

Accommodations in Malta and Gozo make the tours of Malta more cheerful. Spacious and decorated apartments, private villas, modern farmhouses with natural beauty, guest houses, penthouses etc. are available for peaceful and cheerful rental vacations in Malta.

Apartments, villas and farmhouses also offers self catering facilities where you can spend your vacations in a feel like home environment.

All these accommodation facilities are so affordable so that one can stay here for a long time. Here along with short term, long term accommodation facility are also available so that if your wish you could stay for a long time in this wonderful place.

Valletta - View from the sky

You can also enjoy the taste of traditional dishes of Malta including local bear, tomato and wine sauces with pasta and fresh fish.

So visit Malta and Gozo at least once because here there is something for every one.

Malta-lets.com offers affordable and peaceful accommodation facilities in Malta including villas, penthouses and apartments in Malta.

Visit today for Malta farmhouse at special prices.

Author: Tejrin Raghav

Travel To Wonderful Copenhagen

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:39:00 +0000

When you think of Danish author and poet Hans Christian Andersen who was noted for his children's stories, wonderful Copenhagen comes to mind.

Copenhagen is Denmark's capital and is one of Europe's oldest cities with a royal touch. The Danish monarchy is the oldest in the world.

The city lies in the centre of the most dynamic region in Europe, the Øresund Region.

From Oct 1-9, 2009, Copenhagen was the venue for the 121st IOC Session and the first IOC Congress of the millennium. The Copenhagen Olympic Festival, which offered a wide range of cultural and sports activities, drew many tourists to the chic and exciting city.

Credit: lyng883

The statue of The Little Mermaid, situated on Copenhagen's waterfront, is a national landmark and synonymous with Denmark.

Hans Christian Andersen wrote the fairy tale of The Little Mermaid in 1837. The statue is a top tourist attraction in Denmark and one of the most photographed statues in the world.

Rhodes Holidays - Places Of Interest

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:55:00 +0000

Rhodes sunset - Credit: Romtomtom

In the ancient world, Rhodes was seen as the island of the Sun God Helios, who crossed the firmament with his team every day. The bronze statue, the “Colossus of Rhodes”, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world. Today, Rhodes with its 2000-year history is a fascinating mix of beaches, nature and testimonials.

Rhodes City (Rhodes)

A walk through the old town of Rhodes is at the same time a ramble through the thousands of years of history of the city - from the Archaeological Museum with its ancient statues, graves and ceramics, you can go down Street of Knights to the Palace of the Knights dating from the Middle Ages which has not suffered any damage to the present day. Not far away you will find modern boutiques, bars and cafés which invite you to pass away the time and take a stroll.

The formidable city walls from the 15th Century are an impressive sight. You can walk along part of them to enjoy a wonderful view of Rhodes old town. The Turkish quarter with its oriental mosques, in which time seems to have stood still, is also worth seeing. In the tangle of small alleyways you will stumble again and again across quaint nooks and crannies, but the old town is at its most beautiful in the early evening when the dwindling sunlight lights up the streets of houses dating from the Middle Ages in gold.

Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes)

Butterfly Valley is a narrow, lush forested valley through which a beck runs - this idyll is ideal for walking and taking a picnic. At its upper end there is an 18th-Century monastery which is worth a brief visit.

Those visiting the valley, however, generally have other reasons. The “Valley of the Butterflies” is not so-called for no reason - thousands and thousands of rare harlequin butterflies with their red and black wings live here. It is, however, not always possible to see them. You will mainly come across them in the summer months between June and August - in late summer they lay eggs, in April the caterpillars hatch which transform in June and spend the summer in the valley. Why this species of butterfly has come to settle in this area of Rhodes can be explained by a botanical particularity - amber trees, whose aromatic resin attracts the harlequin butterflies and on the bark of which they feed, only grow in this area of the country.

The Lindos Castle was built by the Knights Of St. John some time before 1317 on the foundations of older Byzantine fortifications.- Credit: bazylek100

Lindos roofs viewed from the citadel.- Credit: bazylek100

Historical: Lindos was built by the Dorians in about the twelfth century B.C. Rhodes sent nine ships to help out in the Greco-Trojan War and these were probably from Lindos. Lindos became the centre of maritime trade in the area and was very prosperous.

Lindos

A stay in Lindos in undoubtedly one of the high points of a trip to Rhodes. The fact that this settlement has been constantly inhabited since the ancient world is unsurprising when you consider the scenic position of the village between the hills and the sea. The whitewashed houses form an arch around the hill, which is crowned by the Acropolis surrounded by an enormous wall from the Middle Ages which can be seen from the village.

On the way to the Acropolis, you may easily get lost in the maze of alleyways and in many places stumble across well maintained silicic mosaic floors with splendid patterns. The so-called captain houses from the 18th Century, which are decorated with complex façades, are famous. At the excavated site at the highest point of the Acropolis you will find the Temple of Athena Lindia, which was meant to replace the old wooden temple and which was constructed in the 6th Century BC under the rule of Kleoboulos. Here, you can walk over the terraces, pass by an Exedra from the 3rd Century BC, through an impressive portico and the gateway which forms the entrance to the holy temple area.

St Paul Bay, Lindos - Credit: bazylek100

Thari Monastery (Moni Thari)

The Thari Monastery, a Byzantine gem, lies south of Laerma in the middle of the island. It is run by a few monks who have their own radio and TV programs. It was empty until well into the 1980s when Abbot Amfilodios first gave it a new lease of life. The monastery goes back to the 13th Century and was built on the site of an even older building.

The basic legend says that a Byzantine princess from Constantinople suffered from an incurable illness and almost died alone in the woods of Rhodes. The mild climate and the bubbling springs in the area cured her and she founded a monastery to show her thanks. She determined the site for this by throwing her ring - the monastery was to be built where her ring was found. The church is worth a visit due to its frescoes with scenes from the Old and New Testament, which mainly originate from the 16th and 17th Century, although some date back to the early 14th Century.

Ancient Kamiros - Credit: Shadowgate

Kamiros

The ancient pottery town is admittedly one of the less important ancient sites on Rhodes, but is nevertheless worth a visit. The picturesque Kamiros, nestled between green hills not far from the western coast of the island, is the smallest of the three ancient sites of Rhodes but lost its importance after the merger in 408 BC of the separate site with the capital Rhodes City.

Kamiros is a homogenous Hellenistic settlement whose inhabitants were farmers and craftsmen, often potters which gave Kamrios its far-reaching reputation as a pottery town. Ceramics from Kamiros were exported nearly everywhere in the world known at the time. The architectural uniformity of the town is due to the fact that the entire town was completely rebuilt shortly after a serious earthquake in 226 BC which flattened out the town. It was finally abandoned after another earthquake in 142 BC, after which the population lost their destroyed town.

Ataviros

At 1,215m, Ataviros is the highest mountain in Rhodes. The ascent is extremely hard and you should allow approximately 7 hours to get there and back and make sure that you have good footwear with you. It is best to start the walk from the tiny village of Embona. The otherwise sparse mountain is covered in spring by a gory sea of white and blue sage, light-blue anemones and pink rockroses - a sight to sweeten the tiring walk. If you can reach the summit, the breathtaking view of the island and the sea is worth it.

Here you can also see the scant remains of a Zeus Sanctuary from Mycenaean times. A gruesome legend surrounds this - the altar is said to have been designed in the form of a bronze bull in which people were locked away. Then a fire was started and those inside died a painful death. The priests of the sanctuary interpreted the screams and cries for help of those sacrificed as an oracle. Even today inhabitants of the village tell this story at the foot of the mountain.

Epta Piges tunnel - Credit: Shadowgate

Epta Piges

The “Seven Springs” are a waterfall which is formed from the meeting of several springs to irrigate the Kolymbia plain. Here you will find a tavern which will tempt you to while away long periods of time with its tables under the shade of donated sycamores and numerous peafowls which form a tryst.

Epta Piges is a popular place for the residents of Rhodes, who like to bring picnics here, particularly in the summer months. It is pleasantly cool here even in the height of summer thanks to the water and close-by pine forests. It is hardly surprising that legends claim this place was a favourite with nymphs. A 150m long water tunnel links the beck to a lake. Only the courageous should take this route to the lake, since the tunnel is pitch black. For those less adventurous there is also an overground route, but it is slightly longer. Fans of rare plants will also appreciate this area, as light-blue mandrakes, for example, grow here which have a human-like figure and are said to have had magical powers in the Middle Ages.

Embona

Embona is one of Rhodes' largest mountain villages and is the wine capital of the island. At the entrance to the village you will find the Emery winery, which produces excellent wines and can also be visited on weekdays - with wine tasting included, of course! Its fame is due to the Athiri grape, which thrives wonderfully on the small terraces on the western slopes of Ataviros and has been cultivated since ancient times. Attempts to cultivate this type of grape outside Rhodes have always failed.

Due to its famous wine, the village has been taken over by mass tourism. Not a day goes by without the arrival of coaches of tourists. Many of the local taverns offer Greek evenings with folklore dance shows. Those wishing to have a slightly quieter visit to Embona should take a short walk to the quieter and more traditional part of the village where you can buy rugs and weaved goods which are made in nearly every house in Embona.

About The Author: Nikki McCowan is an online Brand Manager and owner of http://www.lastminutetraveluk.co.uk Last Minute Travel UK is one of the largest affiliate based holiday websites, serving hundreds of customers each month.

Destination Australia: Land of Oz

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 07:17:00 +0000

By M Witt

A holiday itinerary to Down Under (that's Australia, mate) that takes in the major cities will mean advanced planning on your part, especially if you are seeking budget rates at hotels.

Be it in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth or Darwin, smart budget travellers will first check out travel and tourism websites for the right information, make their bookings before flying off to Destination Australia.

There are a number of such holiday websites on the Internet for you to consider and make price comparisons and other information you may need before your trip.

Cheaperthanhotels.com.au is one such website that have the information if you're looking for cheap accomodation in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and Darwin. They offer advance discount contract rates, so you save money and secure your hotel reservations. So how about an Australian adventure that will remain as fond memories?

The Land Of Oz

The Australian continent offers a remarkable landscape. If you are travelling to see some of the great Australian tourist locations you will not be disappointed.

Main entrance to Surfers Paradise in Queensland
photo credit: C.y.flo

Queensland
The Great Barrier Reef is one location you will not want to miss. When you think of lazy holidays on sunny beaches, Queensland's regions such as the Gold Coast - a holiday spot of wonderful contrasts - and Whitsundays come to mind. Surfers' Paradise is a favourite for many who are looking for an enjoyable time on its famous beach. In these places you will find the perfect clime and seaside towns that give you the experience of relaxed Australian culture at its best.

Known as the Sunshine State, Queensland offers a rich, diverse experience for vacation trippers. From pristine beaches to lush rainforest wonderlands, you can consider it an ultimate holiday destination. The state capital Brisbane is the third largest city in Australia.

New South Wales

Sydney's Opera House at dawn
photo credit: brentbat

NSW is Australia’s most diverse state. The state capital, Sydney, is the country’s largest and most cosmopolitan city and it boasts the world famous Opera House which is a sight to behold. It is one of five World Heritage sites. The vibrancy of Sydney with its spectacular beauty will stretch your imagination. From shopping to dining and other activities catering to all your desires will leave you breathless in Sydney.

Like the other Australian states, NSW can boast its own sparkling beaches stretching from north to south, a vast, colourful outback, Australia’s highest mountain offering every type of snow sport, and meandering waterways.

Victoria

Yarra River, Melbourne
photo credit: MD111

In size Victoria is a small state but it has some of the best sightseeing and most fascinating places in the country. There are surprises everywhere. Melbourne, the state capital, is a great place for those who love food and wine - a paradise for the connoisseur. It is an exciting, multi-cultural city with a rich heritage and culture. There are great sporting, fashion and cultural events. Be the adventurous type and discover the eclectic boutiques in the city.

Discover the beauty and diversity of Victoria's regions - From towering rainforests, ski resorts and endless golden bays, to craggy ocean cliffs, rolling green hills and red sandy deserts. Victoria was the main attraction for thousands of gold prospectors in the mid-19th century because of its goldfields, and today the gold mining towns are modern cities.

South Australia

Shades of autumn ...Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens,Adelaide Hills
photo credit: wodjamiff

The state is wine country. South Australia carries on the tradition of more 160 years of winemaking that began in 1841 when the first vintage was recorded in the Adelaide Hills.

Vintage at Tilbrook Estate near Lenswood, Adelaide Hills (right)
photo credit: michaelmajor

From Shiraz in the Barossa, Riesling in the Clare Valley to the big reds of the Coonawarra, it's a great sparkling journey across some of the most famous wine regions in the world. Adelaide itself is a vibrant southern city with great cultural events going on and shopping buffs will not be short of places to go.

One of the best places to be is Kangaroo Island which is just a "stone's throw away" from the coast of South Australia. The island is seven times the size of Singapore. This unique place is a microcosm of different landscapes and environments, with desert dunes, stunning beaches, forests, and farmlands.

Kangaroo Island was voted top tourism and environment island in the world by National Geographic Traveler magazine for its natural attractions and sensitivity to the environment.

Sealed with a kiss
- on Kangaroo Island
photo credit: alumroot

Western Australia
For the authentic Australian experience visit Perth, Australia's western gateway and the capital of Western Australia. It's a great place to start your holiday. Perth City has an easygoing lifestyle. Experience the beauty of Swan River and the inner-city parks and get that easy, peaceful feeling like having a cold beer on a sunny afternoon at an open-air pub.

In WA, as in all the other states, fantastic beaches abound and amazing marine adventures are just waiting for you. For entertainment and other activities, there's plenty of nightlife, bustling markets, inner-city parks and outdoor dining.

Western Australia's history is tied to the ocean. It is a land of great contrasts. The state boasts a rugged and beautiful Outback - from the vast open Nullarbor plains to the colourful marine wonderland of Ningaloo Reef. It's the best of both worlds.

Swan River with Perth's skyline in the background
photo credit: martinschreiner1

Tasmania
Tasmania is a green island of wild, mountainous and beautiful landscapes, separated from mainland Australia by the 240 kilometres (150 miles) stretch of Bass Strait. Hobart, its capital, enjoys a busy arts scene, thanks to its creative arts community. The city folks are friendly displaying a relaxed lifestyle. Settled in 1804, the town grew rapidly as the clearing house for British and Irish convicts. Its place on the Derwent River became the perfect protected deepwater harbour, and now every December and January it welcomes weary and exultant contenders from the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Hobart, Tasmania - a view from Mt Wellington
photo credit: Wormey

Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is a land that is full of surprises - from the lush rainforests of Kakadu and Katherine to the arid red plains of the Red Centre in Alice Springs and the great rock, Uluru (Ayers Rock). Darwin, the state capital, enjoys influences that are as much Asian as they are western with dozens of nationalities sharing an easy-going lifestyle.

The Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Northern Territory
photo credit: zinnie

The state is one of the most sparsely populated regions, spanning more than 1.4 million square kilometres from the centre to the northerly coast of the Australian continent. It's a place where ancient woodlands meet sandy beaches and escarpments tower above lush billabongs. If you are a photography buff, you will not want to miss some great shots while watching the sunsets and the storms that are something of a local pastime.

Cool time at the Lichfield National Park, Northern Territory
photo credit: Kaptain Kobold

Swine Flu: A Travel Advisory

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Sat, 16 May 2009 08:51:00 +0000

People wearing masks in Mexico City - Credit: hmerinomx

The swine flu is spreading to more countries around the world with the number of confirmed cases surging to more than 1,000, according to the World Health Organization.

Although most of the deaths took place in Mexico - a top tourist destination - WHO experts had suggested that the flu virus (H1N1) "is transmissible enough that we will expect to see continued community level outbreaks and regional spread."

Health officials have warned of a "second wave" of the virus which could be far worse.

The latest WHO data revealed 7,520 people in 34 countries were confirmed to have caught the influenza A (H1N1) virus, up 1,000 from Thursday (May 14, 2009).

The US has reported two more deaths, bringing the number of fatalities to five. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said only four states - Alaska, Mississippi, West Virginia and Wyoming - are still free from the outbreak.

Fresh updates of flu cases continue to trickle in with health authorities in Malaysia confirming two cases of influenza A (H1N1) virus on Friday and Ecuador had discovered its first case in the port city of Guayaquil.

However, some three weeks after warning against non-essential travel to Mexico, US officials are planning to relax a travel advisory to the Central American country where the flu first broke out.

Popular tourist destination Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Credit: Wonderlane

The swine flu outbreak had ravaged Mexico's vital tourism industry and cost its economy billions.

WHO has declared the level of alert to Phase 5, one step short of a pandemic declaration.

Tourists Flock To China's 'Birds Nest'

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:36:00 +0000

The 2008 Beijing Olympics is over but still huge numbers of tourists from all over China are flocking to see and experience the "wonder" of the country's Olympic symbol - the Birds Nest stadium.

Breathless in the City of Lights

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 02:34:00 +0000

credit: 'Solar ikon'

Romancing Gay Paree Paris, the capital of France, is a dream city to visit. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. More than 40 million tourists visit the Paris Region every year, 60% of whom are foreign visitors.

There are numerous iconic landmarks among the city's many attractions, along with world-famous institutions and popular parks.

Paris, situated on the river Seine, is also popularly known as the "City of Lights" literally translated from "La Ville-Lumière" (The Light City). The nickname derives from its fame as a centre of education and ideas and the city's early adoption of street lighting.

As one of the world's leading business and cultural centres, its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities.

Your vacation in Paris can be an unforgetable experience. Here Charlie Reese provides an itinerary guide for those who are planning a Parisian holiday.

credit: agaw.dilim

Your Very Own Paris Vacation

The City of Lights offers a lifetime of touring. Paris is one of the most famous and beautiful of European destinations. Were it not for budget and time constraints, any visitor to Paris will tell you it becomes tempting indeed to just keep wandering the more than 600 square miles that is Paris.

This most beautiful and fascinating city seems never to run out of attractions, both famous and relatively unknown. The trouble with compiling a list of places to visit in Paris is that you almost always leave something unseen. Your vacation time is always limited by that return flight ticket. Most of us lucky enough to visit Paris must wisely organize our activities around a set amount of time.

Whether you have just a few days, a week or a month, you're well advised to get a detailed travel guide, which details as many of your touring sites as possible. Sure, no matter how short your visit, you must make time to tour the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. These destinations are must-do's, a perhaps once in a lifetime opportunities. However, when push comes to shove, a comprehensive guide to places to visit in Paris may leave you breathless.

credit: jmsuarez

The city of Paris dates back to Roman times, with streets of cobbled stone still intact, which you can still walk today. For example, Rue Mouffetard today hosts a lively neighborhood of bistros, exotic dining, tiny and exquisite shops and the famous marketplace. Rue Mouffetard is also one of the original streets leading south to Rome. Walking this area of the Left Bank is a fascinating mix of history and modern life in Paris. A thorough exploration of just this small district of Paris can take weeks. When you comb the guide books for your discriminating list of places to visit in Paris, you'll soon see the futility in trying to do it all.

For the most satisfying personal experience, you'll want to combine the major attractions with your particular list of your subjects of interest. Granted, the museum buff can make an itinerary which attempts to hit all the major museums in a week. Your head will be spinning at the end of that week.

One approach that can prove to be satisfying to the first time visitor to Paris is to dedicate at least a third of your time to walking tours. Before you firm up you list of places to visit in Paris, buy at least one travel book devoted strictly to walking tours. Such tours are laid out in a step by step fashion, designed to make your walking itinerary hit as many landmarks, hot spots, interesting shops and restaurants as you might in a single day.

credit: dalbera

About the Author: Charlie Reese enjoys giving tourist and free fortune and tarot readings advice on his meaning of each tarot card website daily.

Eight Tips On Dealing With Jet Lag

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:15:00 +0000

Credit: Todd Huffman

Jet lag is an awkward side effect of jet travel when you cross too many time zones for your body's liking. Face it, most of us have enough problems when we shift just an hour to daylight savings. Follow these tips on avoiding jet lag to help reduce the effects.

Not all these tips are relevant for every trip, especially if you're traveling on business at short notice, but at least some of them should be useful for you.

1. Adjust your sleep time

Start helping your body clock to adjust to the new time zone by changing the times that you go to sleep at night and awaken in the morning. You'll start to become accustomed to the new times. Make the adjustment about an hour each night.

2. Set your watch

As soon as you board your flight, set your watch to the new time. We look at our watches an amazingly high amount of times, so adjusting the time as soon as possible will help your mind realize that it's changing clocks.

3. Drink water. Lots of it

Sure, you can ask the stewardess for water but they have hundreds of other passengers to look after as well. Buy a bottle of water once you've passed through airport control and drink plenty of water during your flight.

4. Say no to coffee and alcohol

They both act as dehydrators. So they'll help to dry up your body even more than the flight already does. Soft drinks or water are to be preferred.

5. Get some rest on the flight

Depending on how enthusiastic the cabin staff are, this may be easier said than done. And if that child behind you rocks your seat once more, then that's another story. If you get the option, a window seat or one in the center of a block of seats will minimize the number of people who need to ask you to move out of their way. Noise canceling headphones aren't standard issue on many flights, so if you are a regular traveler then treat yourself to a set. They really do cut down the disturbance of engine noise.

6. Go walkabout occasionally

OK, this is at odds with getting rest. But sitting down for hours on end isn't a good idea either. Walk up and down the aisles a few times. Not so much that you're pacing them but certainly go for this exercise a few times on a long flight. Just be certain not to time your expedition for meal or drinks or duty free services.

7. Adjust to your new time zone on the plane

If it's daytime at your destination, stay awake. If it's night where you are going, get some sleep. You can catch up on the in flight entertainment when you've got a bigger screen and better sound. Start adjusting as soon as you can.

8. Keep adjusting at your destination

Even if you've been on a plane for hours and hours. The sooner you start adjusting, the better. So if you arrive in the dead of night, get to sleep. A dose of melatonin may help here - it's a natural sleeping aid that's already produced by your body.

About The Author: Trevor Johnson writes about travel. Get more help on how to cope with jet lag including various jet lag remedies at http://www.squidoo.com/copewithjetlag

10 Wonderful Places To Visit In Hong Kong

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:01:00 +0000

Credit: skyseeker

Hong Kong is one of the favorite tourist destinations in Asia. This country is known for its wonderful shopping experience as well as the modern way of living. If you are going to visit Hong Kong, prepare yourself for a wonderful blending of Western and Eastern cultures.

1.) Repulse Bay

Credit: Dennis Wong

So far, this is Hong Kong’s most famous beach. Here, you will get to see the Chinese Pavilion that is home to statues of the traditional Chinese gods. This is also a wonderful place if you want to have a leisurely stroll and immerse yourself in Hong Kong sights and sounds.

2.) Stanley Village

Credit: yeowatzup

This is a very popular seaside village, and many tourists flock here yearly. You can find here a very trendy shopping center as well as the infamous Stanley Market where you can find lots of bargain items. This is also a good place for you to buy your souvenirs.

3.) Ride the Peak Tram

This is the best way if you want to reach the area called the Peak. Once you are in the Peak Tram, prepare yourself for the dizzying sights below and enjoy the seven-minute ride to the top. If you are afraid of heights though, this ride is not for you.

4.) Victoria Peak

Credit: yeowatzup Credit: Stephen AU

This is where your Peak Tram ride ends. Once you reach Victoria Peak, be enthralled at the wonderful sight of the city below, especially if you visit Victoria Peak at night when Hong Kong city lights are brightly shining. You can also find excellent restaurants here, and what better way to enjoy dinner than having a beautiful sight at the same time?

5.) Party in SoHo

Credit: jaaron

If you want the best of the modern world, then come to SoHo. In this place, you will surely enjoy the many international restaurants and bars that are located here as well as the shops. Be prepared for the night of your life here.

6.) Ride the Ngong Ping 360

Like the Peak Tram, this is not for those who are afraid of heights, but to those who are not, then be prepared for this beautiful cable car ride towards the Giant Buddha. During this ride, you will get fabulous 360-degree views of Hong Kong’s rugged terrain and the sea. The wonderful sight of the fertile valley below is truly something.

7.) Visit the Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Buddha

Credit: laszlo-photo Credit: bchow

Your ride on the Ngong Ping will take you to these two tourist attractions. Here, you will get the chance to visit the Po Lin Monastery and enjoy its unique structure. Plus, you will also be fascinated by the seated Giant Buddha.

8.) Take a Walk on the Wisdom Path

Credit: dawvon

Credit: Marcel Ekkel

This is surely something that a tourist must do when in Lantau Island, Hong Kong. This is also called the Heart Sutra. Here, you will see wooden pillars where the prayers are written, and what is interesting about it is that the pillars are arranged in the infinity symbol.

9.) Tai O Fishing Village

Credit: yeowatzup

For a firsthand experience of Hong Kong culture, visit the fishing village of Tai O. You will surely become fascinated with the houses that are built on stilts along the creek. The families who live here are said to be direct descendants of the first settlers of Hong Kong and are called the Hanka People.

10.) Enjoy Causeway Bay

Credit: bchow

If SoHo is not enough for you, then you must definitely visit Causeway Bay. Here, you will definitely enjoy its malls as well as little shops and boutiques. If you want more bargain items, then definitely go to Causeway Bay’s street markets.

Credit: hern42

Credit: Vick the Viking

About The Author: Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/hongkong to view or share Hong Kong travel videos.

Holidays In Orlando, Florida

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 18:07:00 +0000

photo credit: yeowatzup - Disney World

photo credit: Seansie - Pink Flamingos

photo credit: Seansie - SeaWorld

photo credit: d4rr3ll - Magic Kingdom

photo credit: Kamoteus - Universal Boardwalk

photo credit: supervillain - Orlando Sunset

ByTerry Hely

A little known citrus farming center called Orlando was paid a visit the 1960s by a gentleman called Walt Disney who started buying land on the outskirts of the town.

The remainder of that story is now history and by 1971, that land had become Walt Disney World. Today, Orlando has a resident population of approximately 200,000 people and visitor numbers swell that figure into the many millions.

The words "Orlando, Florida" immediately conjure up images of fairy tale palaces, thrill rides, theme parks and Disney characters loved the world over. The combination of the "big 3" Orlando entertainment parks of Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios have no equal anywhere else in the world.

Located on the the outskirts of Orlando, the towns of Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee are home to most of the major entertainment park attractions.

It's no surprise that the accommodation industry generates a major portion of the Orlando economy and that it employs a high percentage of the local population.

The nearby towns of Winter Haven and Altamonte Springs offer a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Orlando and the parks. Their quiet rural charm and sedate pace provides a glimpse back to the time before the area became the home of the world's best known entertainment parks.

Orlando Hotels And Resorts

Orlando has more beds to service the tourist industry than any other USA city except for Las Vegas. Orlando is the fifth most popular USA city for travelers visiting from overseas. It is not surprising that the accommodation industry represents a major portion of the Orlando economy and employs a high percentage of the local population.

Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to Orlando accommodation and every taste is catered for in every price range. From themed luxury hotels, fantasy resorts, exclusive golf resorts, condominiums, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, backpacker hostels to luxury villas, it's all available in and around Orlando.

The parks have several entrances which can be separated from each other by quite a distance, so selecting accommodation near the best gate for you can be an important consideration. Orlando accommodation is often named for proximity to a particular theme park (Universal) or a particular gate (main gate east etc)

Orlando Transport

At least 35 airlines and just as many charter operators fly into Orlando International Airport with the bulk of these flights being Delta which accounts for around 25% of the flights that originate in approximately 160 different cities.

Other airlines serving Orlando are America West, American, Air Canada, British Airways, Continental, Northwest and US Airways. The Orlando Airport website provides and excellent page about airport shuttle services and city transport.

Amtrak is the USA rail service and it operates to and from Orlando with connections to many of the surrounding towns such as Kissimmee, Sebring, Winter Haven, Sanford and Ocala.

The I Ride trolley service is an excellent way to get around the International Drive Resort precinct. The LYNX bus service covers the downtown Orlando metropolitan area and surrounding cities.

The main highway through Orlando is I4, running directly from downtown Orlando to the Disney area. If you plan on driving in Orlando, be prepared for traffic, especially at rush hour.

About The Author: Terry Hely writes destination guides that are valuable resources for planning vacations and travel. Find out more about Orlando vacations from his page at http://www.go-florida.net/orlando-florida.htm

Thailand Vacation: Tips and Customs for Travellers

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 06:46:00 +0000

Credit: Bangkok's Floating Market - CYeong

Credit: Kanchanaburi War Cemetery - CYeong

Credit: Bridge on the River Kwai - CYeong

A friend of mine who is a photographer recently came back from a holiday in Bangkok and he has kindly given his blessing to use some of the pictures he took during his Thailand tour. They are some interesting shots of tourist spots that most visitors would not like to miss when they are in Thailand where most of the people are Buddhists.

Some of the wonderful pictures he took include the floating market in Bangkok which is a perennial favourite with a lot of foreign tourists. By the way, Bangkok with its many canals is also known as the "Venice of the East". The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the famous Bridge on the Kwai River (remember this war movie?) are also interesting pictures which bring back nostalgic feelings, especially for those who have connections with the soldiers and others who lost their lives during the war.

If Thailand is going to be your next holiday destination, travel writer Christopher Snyder has some useful tips and customs for you to follow when you are rubbing shoulders with the gentle and friendly Thai folks.

Credit: Elephant Ride - CYeong

Credit: Night in Bangkok - CYeong

Travel Tips and Customs
By Christopher Snyder

After living in Bangkok for over a year I have learned many things about the Thai People that I wanted to share with other foreigners living or vacationing here should know. The first thing you have to accept is that eastern culture is different. The people in the east are less emotional and more polite and while they know westerners are different, they often are uncomfortable when we stray from their norms. The things I found to be important are listed below in order of importance:

1. Be Polite - Thai people hold being polite above all else. Their very language has politeness built into it. If you follow what is considered "common courtesy" you will be fine.

2. Thai King - The Thai People Love their King, King Rama IX. Never show any type of disrespect to him.

3. Be Quiet - Loud people are considered impolite. Speak softly and do not laugh loudly. Of course there are the common places such as bars that being loud is appropriate.

4. Watch where you walk - The side walks in Bangkok are uneven and full of obstacles, pay attention. Oh, the streets have many stray dogs; the dogs are not aggressive but do leave landmines on the sidewalks.

5. Taxi drivers (enough said) - Most taxi drivers are fine. Generally, it is always better to use the metered taxis. Tuktuks are always more expensive and with Bangkok traffic you could be breathing in a lot of smog on the way. If you are going a significant distance negotiate...

6. Body Odor - Thai people almost never smell badly and they find it offensive if others do.

7. Movie Theater - After the advertising and right before the movie a tribute to the Thai King Comes on and everyone stands in respect.

Following these tips will allow you to have more fun in your stay in Bangkok, allowing the locals to be more comfortable with you and give you a better understanding of how things functions in Thailand.

(For further information go to Asia Travel Pages)
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Snyder

Update - Be forewarned: Just in case you noticed a similar article including photos on some other blogs, you can be sure it's the work of some scrappers. This site carries the original article and pictures. Where we use the work of others, we credit them.

Mexico Holidays and Packages

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:50:00 +0000

Tulum Beach, photo: CasaDeQueso

Yucatan Peninsula, photo: Stillframe

Riviera Maya, photo: Andi y su desvan

By Maria Thomas

Mexico - a country with a turbulent history - encompasses fantastic legends and lore. Its culture with its Spanish connection has its own indigenous appeal. That appeal has infiltrated into its art, design and architecture.

From museums and opera houses to tranquil beach resorts, travellers in Mexico will definitely not ask for anything more. Over 500 festivals and holidays are celebrated annually throughout Mexico City and nearby towns showcasing deep historical ancestry.

Chichen Itza's Kukulcan Temple, photo: kyle simourd

Mexico is one of the most admired tourist spots.

The first name that comes in mind is Riviera Maya. Due to its lush jungle, landscape, shoreline and history, Riviera Maya has a variety of attractions to entice travellers. Playa del Carmen, a major town in the region and runs along the beach offering tourists prominent hotels, it also provides the shoppers an array of colourful local handicrafts to meet the latest trends in European fashions. Next comes the Yucatán Peninsula, an archeological goldmine, situated on the Gulf of Mexico's southern shore. It was the center of Mayan civilization throughout their rule.

Playa del Carmen, photo: meowfang

Los Cabos at dusk, photo: dro!d

The beach resorts outside the capital city is one of the places that people who travel to Mexico will surely enjoy. The beach destination is also regarded as the most accepted option for a romantic honeymoon getaway.

Acapulco is one of the popular tourist spots where you can enjoy fishing as well as water sports. Acapulco is also noted for its hotels, casinos and beach resorts. Mazatlan is also an admired tourist destination, a place where pre-Lenten carnivals and fishing tournaments take place. One can also find in Mazatlan an observatory and one of the tallest lighthouses in the world.

Other beaches that travellers in Mexico should not miss are the Cancun Island, the Puerto Vallarta and the Los Cabos.

Mexico is one of the most important museum destinations in the world.

Museums that travellers in Mexico should visit are the National Museum of Anthropology, Museum of National History, Snail Museum, Technology Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. Children will also enjoy the Mexico City Zoo and the Papalote, a children's interactive museum.

Travelling to Mexico will not be complete without visiting the Basilica de Guadalupe, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Chapultepec Castle. The monuments abound in the Paseo de la Reforma are Angel of the Independence (the symbol of the country's national identity), Cuauhtemoc Memorial and the Diana Cazadora (the statue of Diana the Huntress).

The Zona Rosa or the Pink Zone is an ideal shopping paradise covering boutique squares, shops and hotels. The Alameda Park is also a shopping district, which borders the Palace of Fine Arts. Travellers can find the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon in Teotihuacan that face each other, providing a great view of the surrounding regions from the top.

Mexico is one of the most popular vacation destinations of North America. Winter is the best time for a tour to Mexico, as majority of Mexico is positioned in the tropics, making weather somewhat reliable and the months of July and August inevitably avoidable, when temperatures may not drop below 90F at night. Great waves, sea caves and the closeness of many interesting locales strengthens the lure of this western peninsula.

About the author: Maria Thomas is a owner of the Holidays with best bargain from Online travel agency Bargain Holidays with World Wise Travel, Online travel Agency an independent, online travel agency. We deal with all the major ABTA and ATOL bonded tour operators and all the major airlines

Article Source: EzineArticles

How To Search For Last Minute Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:45:00 +0000

From top:
Big Ben
photo: andylay

London Bridge
photo: slideshow bob

Lincoln's Inn
photo: daleng

Guard on horseback
photo: robmc

A complete guide to buying last minute holidays. Tips & advice on how to get the best travel deals, when to buy, what to buy and where to go.

By Jez Rourke

When you are looking for holidays, you know that you are often up against the clock. There might be several situations in which you have waited until the last possible second to get your holiday planning and booking done, and you will find that if this is the case, you are often going to be flustered and not quite sure how to get the best deals. You might even be kicking yourself for not doing it sooner. However, you shouldn't fear. You can get good deals on your holidays, even if you wait until the last possible moment to plan for them.

First of all, don't automatically take the highest bid because you feel you have run out of time to wait for a lower one. Even if you are planning your holiday for a time that is only several days away, you still might be able to find good deals but only if you are vigilant and are willing to search multiple places. You might be surprised at what you can figure out, and it just might be that you end up with a good deal after all.

Next, make sure that you are checking for local cancellations. This is one of the best ways to get great deals on your holiday, even if they are last minute deals. Often if, you are looking to get a room somewhere or to do something that might be sold out, you will be able to purchase cancellation rooms or spots right before you intend to go. This means that even if you haven't planned very far in advance, you might still be able to get the most out of your holiday as well.

Another excellent secret to getting good deals is to stay local. Often, you will find it easier to get late deals on things if you can do them locally. You will find that you are able to get the most out of your holiday, even if you aren't going very far away from home. This might indeed be the best way that you can be a success when it comes to your holidays and to your destinations.

Remember, just because you haven't planned ahead doesn't mean that you aren't going to get a good deal on your holiday. If you are patient and follow through on your inquiries, and if you are willing to wait for cancellations, as well as if you plan a holiday for a place near to you, you will still be able to find lots of good deals, even at the last possible moment.

About: directline-holidays.co.uk searches all the major holiday companies to find you the best deals on last minute holidays.

Alicante Welcomes You To Spain

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:21:00 +0000

Alicante beach
photo credit: Zador Spanish Schools Spain

By Keith Barrett

For many visitors to Spain's popular Costa Blanca coast, Alicante is the first location in Spain that they see. Those who take the time to investigate soon realise that there is more to Alicante than its airport.

Benidorm is the key attraction here for plenty of visitors, with its party atmosphere that has been attracting tourists for many years. Those who choose to stay in Alicante itself have plenty of things to do and see.

The city dates back to Roman times and still has remains from that era. There is also, of course, a much more modern side to the city. La Zona and El Barrio both offer exciting entertainment right into the evening, while the beaches are surrounded by bars, restaurants and more.

Alicante has a number of excellent restaurants, specialising in rice and fish dishes, with paella being popular with both locals and visitors.

Elsewhere, the city's marina provides an excellent experience - a great place to relax and enjoy a meal, making use of the shady outdoor eating to avoid the heat of the day.

Mediterranean cusine
photo credit: Zador Spanish Schools Spain

The old town offers both history and culture. Wandering around this area, known locally as El Barrio, time almost seems to stand still. You can enjoy strolling around, taking in the pleasant atmosphere of this intriguing city, the second largest in the Valencia region of Spain.

Fortunately, it's never been easier to enjoy the delights of Alicante. Flybe, the budget airline, are really starting to specialise in providing cheap flights to the likes of Alicante and other European resorts.

Alicante promenade
photo credit: Zador Spanish Schools Spain

Flights depart frequently from many of the UK's regional airports, including Southampton and Exeter down on the south coast.

About the author: You can find the latest Flybe flight information and more of Keith Barrett's travel articles. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.

Article Source: EzineArticles

Have Blog, Will Travel

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:12:00 +0000

Travel around the world with NetTravel Quest...

Seeing places and meeting new faces. This is a traveller's blog that will provide insights and useful information about favorite destinations that are marked on the roadmap in your mind.

As the journey continues, you'll discover in words and imagery that there are still wonderful and delightful destinations that are begging to be discovered - by you, the worldly traveller.

Explore remote locations and exotic hideaways. Enjoy the natural beauty of majestic landscapes, seascapes, flora and fauna. Wildlife, too.

Experience local cultures, fill in the portrait of people in their environment...in the city and out in the countryside.

Enjoy local cuisines. Get a taste of the local flavor. And more.

Take a global journey with this blog...and see the world!