Travel

Top 25 Beach Destinations in the World

2012-04-25T01:51:00.001-07:00

What makes this little Caribbean island the Travelers' Choice top beach destination for the second year in a row? Families love it for its uncrowded beaches at... more »

Don't miss these Providenciales beaches

Princess Alexandra National Park

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The Tuscany

“Spectacular”

Price per night: $635 - $1,150

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2Palm/Eagle Beach, Aruba

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Inhabited since the year 1000, Aruba is an island rich in history and culture. Eagle Beach is an idyllic Caribbean beach, with white sands and turquoise waters, and... more »

Don't miss these Palm/Eagle Beach beaches

Palm/Eagle Beach accommodations travelers love

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Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts Aruba

“gorgeous adults-only resort with a beautiful private beach”

Price per night: $311 - $451

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3Tulum, Mexico

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Tulum is relaxation and romance with an ancient angle. Guests can enjoy modern takes on traditional Mayan massage and spa treatments, or sunbathe on gorgeous... more »

Don't miss these Tulum beaches

Ziggy Beach

Boca Paila

Tulum accommodations travelers love

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Cabanas La Luna

“Excellent setting and service in a rustic environment”

Price per night: $100 - $500

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4Negril, Jamaica

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Sure, you can leave the sunny sands in favor of a crocodile watch or horseback ride, but when the main strand is called Seven Mile Beach, it's clear what draws most... more »

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Half Moon Beach

Negril accommodations travelers love

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Catcha Falling Star

“Couldn't have been better!”

Price per night: $105 - $215

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5Saint Pete Beach, Florida

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Sugary-white sand, dolphins frolicking just off shore and eight major barrier islands make St. Pete Beach a postcard-perfect seaside destination. Situated on a... more »

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Pass-a-Grille

Saint Pete Beach accommodations travelers love

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TradeWinds Sandpiper Hotel and Suites

“Great overall !”

Price per night: $144 - $248

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6Boracay, Philippines

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At only 4.5 miles long, Boracay is small enough to navigate by rented bicycle or motorbike. But don't let its small size fool you—you'll have several excellent... more »

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Boracay accommodations travelers love

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Shangri-La's Boracay Resort & Spa

“pure luxury”

Price per night: $465 - $655

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7Cancun, Mexico

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It’s not just for spring-breakers. Cancun, with its golden beaches and perfect climate, is the premiere coastal destination in Mexico. And while there is certainly... more »

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Playa Delfines

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Le Blanc Spa Resort

“A small paradise”

Price per night: $99 - $623

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8Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

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This is what Caribbean postcards are made of: 25 miles of white sand, swaying coconut trees and crystal-clear water. An affordable tropical getaway, Punta Cana is... more »

Don't miss these Punta Cana beaches

Macao Beach

Bavaro Beach

Punta Cana accommodations travelers love

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Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club

“Great week with the family”

Price per night: $895 - $1,763

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9Miami Beach, Florida

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At the shore in Miami Beach, visitors can swim, surf and jet ski in the warm and crystal-clear Atlantic waters. You can also nap on the white sands, work on a tan... more »

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South Beach

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King & Grove Tides

“Classic, refined, elegant Miami style”

Price per night: $341 - $1,235

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10Varadero, Cuba

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Cuba's top beach destination sits on a 13-mile-long peninsula with powder soft sands lapped by waters of the Kawama Channel. Resort hotels teem along the shore that... more »

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Varadero Beach

Varadero accommodations travelers love

Iberostar Varadero

“IBEROSTAR VARADERO ALLLLL THE WAY!!!”

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11Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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Myrtle Beach boasts some of the best beaches on America's East Coast, which are distinguished by panoramic views of the Atlantic, calm waters and soft white sand... more »

Don't miss these Myrtle Beach beaches

Myrtle Beach State Park

Grand Strand

Myrtle Beach accommodations travelers love

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Hampton Inn & Suites Myrtle Beach / Oceanfront

“Great family hotel”

Price per night: $143 - $251

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12Playa del Carmen, Mexico

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Playa, as locals call it, is located on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, about 40 miles south of Cancun. Discovered by those craving white beaches, gentle surf and... more »

Don't miss these Playa del Carmen beaches

Boca Paila
Central Playa del Carmen Beach

North Playa del Carmen Beach

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Banyan Tree Mayakoba

“Stunning Place”

Price per night: $470 - $1,032

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13Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Virginia Beach has all the elements of a classic seaside resort: gorgeous beaches, a lively boardwalk, plenty of restaurants and nightspots, and amusement rides... more »

Don't miss these Virginia Beach beaches

First Landing State Park

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Belvedere Beach Resort

“I will never stay anywhere else!”

Price per night: $110 - $220

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14Oludeniz, Turkey

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The waters surrounding the small village of Oludeniz are an achingly beautiful gradient of blue. Sapphire meets seafoam green at the shoreline, where stretches of... more »

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Blue Lagoon (Oludeniz Beach)

Oludeniz accommodations travelers love

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Club Belcekiz Beach Hotel

“Relaxing, enjoyable hotel in a perfect location”

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15Honolulu, Hawaii

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Honolulu is a legendary surfing destination. But even if you don’t know a boogie board from a surfboard, you’ll find a beach here that appeals to you (and, if you... more »

Don't miss these Honolulu beaches

Honolulu accommodations travelers love

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Outrigger Reef on the Beach

“Aloha first time to Oahu”

Price per night: $247 - $383

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16Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

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This Red Sea resort town on the tip of the Sinai peninsula offers world-class diving with spectacular reefs, magnificent drop-offs and shipwrecks waiting to be... more »

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Sharm El Sheikh accommodations travelers love

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The Royal Savoy Sharm El Sheikh

“Excellent place for a luxury break”

Price per night: $203 - $368

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17Daytona Beach, Florida

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Ever since a multi-million-dollar clean-up and renovation of its beachfront area, Daytona Beach has seen more families coming to relax on the beach, stroll the... more »

Don't miss these Daytona Beach beaches

Ponce Inlet

Beach at Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach accommodations travelers love

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Nautilus Inn

“great hotel nice and quiet”

Price per night: $99 - $139

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18Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Its stretch of gorgeous beaches, great swimming, nearly year-round sunshine, and close-to-ideal climate are Fort Lauderdale's biggest attractions. Stroll down Las... more »

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Fort Lauderdale Beachfront

Fort Lauderdale accommodations travelers love

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Alhambra Beach Resort

“Unbelievably Good”

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19Lahaina, Hawaii

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Ka’anapali Beach in Lahaina is one of Maui’s best—spend the day in the surf and sand, then return at sunset to watch the beach’s spectacular cliff-diving ceremony... more »

Don't miss these Lahaina beaches

Kahekili Beach

Lahaina accommodations travelers love

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Honua Kai Resort & Spa

“Excellent Choice”

Price per night: $282 - $384

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20Cayo Coco, Cuba

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Treat yourself to the good life at a Cayo Coco luxury resort. Here in the islands called Jardines del Rey (King's Gardens), picture-perfect skies meet powder-white... more »

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El Senador

Cayo Coco accommodations travelers love

Melia Cayo Coco

“melia cayo coco”

Price per night: $190 - $250

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21Marsa Alam, Egypt

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The sands of the Arabian Desert spill into the Red Sea at Marsa Alam, creating a utopian setting for a Middle Eastern beach vacation. Colorful coral reefs and... more »

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Marsa Shoona Bay

Marsa Alam accommodations travelers love

Iberotel Coraya Beach Resort

“ANOTHER GREAT HOLIDAY AT THE CORAYA BEACH”

Price per night: $86 - $140

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22Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

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Cabo San Lucas is one of Mexico's prime resort destinations. Located on the Baja Peninsula, Cabo boasts perfect weather and stunning beaches for water sports... more »

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Cabo San Lucas accommodations travelers love

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Capella Pedregal

“Luxury Resort - Reasonable Price”

Price per night: $595 - $2,052

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23Rio de Janeiro, RJ

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From its bustling beaches to the outrageous Carnival, Rio de Janeiro is a city that knows how to entertain, day or night. Travel through Tijuca National Park to... more »

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Rio de Janeiro accommodations travelers love

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Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel

“We loved it”

Price per night: $301 - $616

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24Icmeler, Turkey

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Don’t expect a booming nightclub scene in Icmeler—but for the travelers who’ve discovered this Turkish beach resort, that’s a huge plus. Take a boat trip to a... more »

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Icmeler Beach

Icmeler accommodations travelers love

Hotel Aqua

“great hotel fab location and very clean”

Price per night: $161 - $390

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25Port d'Alcudia, Spain

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Velvety white sand stretches along five miles of gentle waters in Puerto Alcudia, making it one of the longest beaches in Majorca. Go for a quiet stroll around the... more »

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7 of the World’s Most Interesting Museums

2012-04-25T01:41:00.001-07:00

There are many museums across the world that feature different types of art, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre. However, some museums focus on other topics rather than art.

While some of these museums may have some art pieces in them, they’re focused on different historical objects. These are among the most-visited and interesting ones you’ll find across the world.

1. The Musical Instrument Museum, Brussels, Belgium

(photo by infomatique)

This museum was established originally to display instruments to students belonging to the nearbyBrussels Royal Music Conservatory. It’s filled with an excellent instrument collection and the building itself is quite impressive. It’s an art nouveau structure which was constructed back in 1899. There’s a restaurant on the building’s top floor with a quaint terrace which provides spectacular views of Brussels.

2. The VasaMuseet, Stockholm, Sweden

(photo by wm_archiv)

The Vasa was a Swedish ship that sank in Stockholm Harbour in 1628 after sailing for less than a mile on its maiden voyage. The ship sat under the water for 333 years before being brought back to ground in 1961. The ship now sits on display in the fabulous VasaMuseet Museum, which is the most popular in Scandinavia visitor-wise.

3. The Egyptian Museum, Cairo, Egypt

(photo by zoonabar)

This wonderful museum is home to the world’s most complete collection of Egyptian artifacts. It features treasures King Tut’s tomb as well as a large collection of items from some of the nation’s famous Pharaohs. In total, there are more than 120,000 items on display. These include tiny statues and Egyptian mummies.

4. The Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo, Japan

(photo by ctsnow)

This museum sits in Ueno Park, and represents the first ever museum established in the country. Ithouses a wide collection of archaeological objects and Asian art. The museum is housed in a complex that has 5 separate buildings. You’ll see things such as ancient military armor and samurai swordsalong with decorative pieces including sculptures and screens.

5. The British Museum, London, England

(photo by mp4 )

This museum was established in 1753 by Parliament. There are some art pieces in the British Museum, but it’s probably more well known for the fantastic archeological collection on display. Ithouses the famous Rosetta stone as well as the Parthenon Sculptures. The architecture of the museum is also quite impressive and the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court is Europe’s biggest covered square.

6. The National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C., USA

(photo by yotut)

This magnificent museum belongs to the Smithsonian and features the biggest collection of spacecraft and historic aircraft on the globe. It’s one of the world’s top-visited museums as well. You’ll find some fascinating items here such as the Wright brothers’ original airplane as well as the Spirit of St. Louis, which was flown by Charles Lindbergh. In addition, Apollo 11’s command module is on display.

7. The Lower East Side Tenement Museum, New York City, USA

(photo by mhowry )

This museum honors the plight of many immigrants who arrived in New York City many decades ago. The Tenement Museum is located in an old original New York City tenement building which was discovered late in the 1980s. Guides take you through the cramped and dark living spaces to show what the conditions were like for many immigrant families before New York implemented housing laws.

thanks from www.thetravelerszone.com

25 Beautiful Places to Visit in your Lifetime!

2012-04-25T01:37:00.002-07:00

Grand Canyon:

One of the beautiful places of the world, Grand Canyon is the steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River in Arizona State of United States. The powerful sources that cause an impact on the Grand Canyon is erosion, first is by water and second is by wind.

Nearly 5 million people visit the 1 mile deep Grand Canyon every year. Planning a vacation to the Grand Canyon national park provides a great relief for you and your family.

The best time to visit Grand Canyon is during the summer, fall and mild spring, but most locals agree that winter is the great time to visit. There are various camp grounds both on the top and floor of the Grand Canyon. Camping at the floor of the Grand Canyon needs a permit from the country office.

Great Barrier Reef:

This is the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem. It is one of the top beautiful places to visit in Australia. You can see it from the outer space and it is the world’s largest single structure, which is made of living organisms.

The reef supports 10,000 species which consists of 1500 types of fishes and 200 kinds of birds. This beauty inspires many of the travelers to visit the place.

Florida:

This state built its entire identity with tourism. This is the south eastern state in the US. It is one of the wonderful places. Florida is also called as the Sunshine State. Central Florida is conquered by Orlando and it is well known coterie of theme parks, sea world, universal studios, Disney world, and many more attractions to tourists.

The South Island:

The South Island of New Zealand is characterized by grand open landscapes. The island is well known for spectacular fiords, large beach forests, golden sand beaches and broad plains. Everybody can enjoy the travel to south island.

The south island has ten national parks. These parks incorporate world heritage sites, lakes, glaciers, fiords, native forest, coastline, and world class hiking tracks. The fabulous scenery across the south land attracts many people to plan vacation to this beautiful place.

Cape Town:

Cape Town is situated at the tip of the African Continent. The only way to understand and enjoy Cape Town is by experiencing the unique range of multicultural lifestyles and scenic national surroundings for yourself.

During the summer season, Cape Town is filled with holiday makers enjoying the hot weather, sunny beaches and beautiful scenery. So, if you want to spend your time during holiday season, it is best to make reservations as soon as possible. Before reaching the place, have a rough idea about the places around Cape Town, which you want to visit.

Golden Temple:

This temple has a glorious setting and it exists in the middle of the large blue sacred pool. Don’t miss the peaceful and interesting ritual that goes inside the two-story golden temple. When you take a tour to India, you should visit the golden temple.

Las Vegas:

Las Vegas is the largest city in the state of Nevada. This is commonly referred to as entertainment capital of the world. The city has great casino hotels and creates a fantasy like atmosphere. Las Vegas is a great travel destination for honeymooners and travel addicts and is more exciting than a party bingotournament on your computer.

A trip to Vegas is usually a trip to “the strip”, about 20 long blocks of neon lights, public drinking and casinos.

Sydney:

One of the beautiful places in the world, Sydney is the economic powerhouse of Australia. The place is full of sun-drenched natural attractions, delicious and daring restaurants, dizzy skyscrapers, friendly folk and wonderful shopping, so most of the travel addicts want to visit the place. You can take a trip to Sydney at any time of the year.

New York:

New York is the USA’s largest metro area. The city is a great center for fashion, culture, finance, research, media, food, art, and trade. The city consists of 5 boroughs and each is differentiated by its own culture.

New York is cinematic. Every year this is a backdrop for about 200 movies.

Taj Mahal:

According to most of the travelers, Taj Mahal, most beautiful building, in India is one of the great wonders of the world. This is a hybrid of many artistic styles. Once you visit Taj Mahal, you can enjoy various places near it.

The river side behind Taj Mahal provides a wonderful environment. You can enjoy greatly along with your family.

Canadian Rockies:

Canadian Rockies is one of the most beautiful places on earth. This place has potential outdoor opportunities and world class resorts. Visit the two national parks of Canadian Rockies and find why most of the travelers choose Canadian Rockies as their home away home [Canada Travel].

This place offers you the best of the best. It offers you the hikes that you don’t want to miss, scenic drives and many more natural highlights. You can go for the vacation even along with your children.

Winter is a great time to enjoy the place. During this time, you can try sports like skiing, snowshoeing and then relaxing around a roaring fire on every evening.

Uluru:

Uluru or Ayers Rock in Australia is one of the world’s great natural wonders. Planning to visit this place is a great way to explore and experience the cultural and physical significance of this Australian icon.The rock is at its visual best at sunrise and sunset. Most of the travelers like to climb the rock by using an ancient aboriginal trail.

Chichen Itza:

Chichen Itza is a Mayan word. Chichen Itza is one of the largest archeological cities of Mexico and one of the Seven wonders. It is the most visited tourist destination. Travelers like to visit Chichen Itza as a day trip. If you want to enjoy all the activities near by Chichen Itza, it takes 2-3 days stay.

Before entering into the Chichen Itza, you will come across an informative museum, clean rest rooms, a dining room, few vender stands and gift shops. You can visit the site at any time of the year.

Machu Picchu:

It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This is mystical place and a great spot to divinity. It is the Peru’s most popular place, so most of you like to see the place. People of Machu Picchu feel that they are the creators of god. This place offers you strange forces of nature that permit the individual to attain a contrary cosmic state.

The place is located at 2300 meters above the sea level. So, you can enjoy the vicinity of the place. One day is enough to visit the spots around Machu Picchu.

While planning to visit Machu Picchu, you need to understand a little about the geography of this area, because the location is remote and inaccessible.

Niagara Falls:

Niagara Falls can be accessed from both the American and Canadian side, but the best view facing the falls is completely from the Canadian side. When you take a trip to Niagara Falls, don’t forget to take a ride on the famous maid-of-the-mist boats. You won’t get the entire experience of Niagara Falls until you ride one of these boats.

It is the foundation for many interesting places to see and things to do. If you love beautiful landscapes, romantic getaways, family adventures and vibrant nightlife then Niagara Falls is the best place to visit.

Petra:

Petra, one of the seven wonders, is fabled rose red city and is a well known earliest Nabataean city in the south Jordan. If you have decided to travel to Jordan, then Petra is at the top of your priority list. The solid red stand stone buildings in Petra are unlike anything that you have ever seen before.

One full day is enough to see everything around Petra. This town offers you a wide variety of hotels to fit your budget.

The Pyramids:

Pyramids and wonderful temples are the great things to enjoy in Egypt. Travel to Egypt offers you the nature and desert treks, fishing, golfing, scuba diving and birding groups. You can choose the places like Sinai coasts or red sea to relax.

Winter is the best season to go for a vacation to Egypt. March-May and September-November is the best time to enjoy the warm days of Egypt.

Venice:

Venice is one of the Italy’s beautiful places. You will be surprised by hearing how the city is built up. The city is built on 317 small islands and has 150 canals which are connected through 409 bridges. During the spring time, Venice is completely filled with tourists. At that time it is very difficult to find the accommodations.

Maldives:

Maldives is a great place for tranquil tropical islands, palm trees, white beaches and brilliant turquoise lagoons. Maldives is a group of 1190 coral islands. This place is a great destination for scuba divers.

Visiting Maldives between December and April can makes you to spend some extra hours of sunshine. Also this is the main season for tourism.

Great Wall of China:

The Great Wall of China is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is the travel icon of China and is one of the most popular travel vacation destinations in the world. It took hundreds of years for its construction. When you have decided to travel to China, don’t forget to see the wall.

Victoria Falls:

Victoria Falls was also one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is the most beautiful waterfalls in Africa. This is a cheap travel destination and is full of fun. Those who want to try for adventures will find plenty of activities like elephant safaris, bridge swinging, water rafting and so on [Adventure travel].

There are two sides of the falls, one is Zambia and the other is Zimbabwe side. Both sides are awesome and are a year round destination.

Hong Kong:

One of the beautiful places in the world, Hong Kong, an oriental pearl, is simply amazing. It will be very hard for you to find a more exciting city other than Hong Kong. The best thing about being in Hong Kong is getting confused and fired by the confluences and contradictions of a Chinese city with multi Asian and western elements.

The best period to take a vacation to Hong Kong is in the months of October, November and most of December.

Yosemite National Park:

Yosemite is located on the western slopes of Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is one of the nation’s most famous national parks in US. Yosemite Valley is the most famous destination in Yosemite. Every year more than 4 million people come to visit Yosemite Valley. It is packed with restaurants, shops and campsites.

This has hundreds of miles of hiking trails. You will find a great variety of wildlife along with mule deer, black bears and various bird species. When you plan your vacation to Yosemite, you can enjoy various activities like hiking, skiing, camping, snowshoeing, horse riding and bicycling.

Hawaii:

Going for Hawaii vacation will make you feel very happy by the beauty and hospitality. They want to do the things that they would not do at home. The beautiful Hawaii islands offer you to see world famous beaches closely; offer you peace and calmness somewhere off the beaten path.

During winter season, Hawaii is fully packed with tourists. When you visit Hawaii, don’t forget to enjoy the activities like: Seeing Molten lava flow at Kilauea volcano, hiking through Waipio Valley, visiting the largest Hawaiian religious temple Puukohola Heiau and playing in the snow atop Mauna Kea.

Paris:

It is the most beautiful place and also the capital of France. Springtime is the best time to visit Paris. Paris is the city of life, love and light. You will find romance and magic when you visit Eiffel tower to Mona Lisa and from the bustling Champs Elysees to the winding streets of Montmartre

Thanks from www.thetravelerszone.com

ASEAN National Flower

2012-04-25T00:44:00.004-07:00

Brunei Darussalam

The Simpor (Dillenia Suffruticosa) tree has large bright yellow petals and large leaves. When fully in bloom, the petals spreading out like an umbrella. The image of the Simpor flower is found on the Brunei one-dollar bank note. It is also widely used in Brunei in art design for traditional handicrafts. The Simpor is commonly found along the rivers in Brunei, especially the Temburong River, and also at swamp or white sand areas. Most parts of the tree have multiple uses, for instance, the treatment of wounds.

Cambodia

The Rumdul (Mitrella Mesnyi) bears a small yellowish-white flower with a single alternate leaf. The flower produces a distinctive fragrance which is prominent in the evening. Due to its attractive scent, the Khmer women had often been compared to the Rumdul flower during the ancient times. The Rumdul tree, which grows to a height of 8 -12 meters, can be seen almost everywhere in Cambodia, and is often planted as a decorative tree in public parks.

Indonesia

The Moon Orchid or Angrek bulan (Phalaenopsis Amabilis) is one of Indonesia’s three national flowers. The other two are Jasminum sambac and the Rafflesia arnoldii. The Moon Orchid is one of the longest blooming orchids. The inflorescence are branched and can last from two to six months before dropping. The Moon Orchid usually blooms two to three times a year once it has reached maturity. It thrives in moist temperature so it is widely found in the lowlands of Indonesia.

Lao PDR

The Dok Champa (Plumeria) is the national flower and official symbol of Lao PDR. The waxy flower with a sweet scent can be found in many colors: red, yellow, pink and multiple pastels. For the Lao people, Dok Champa represents sincerity and joy in life. The flower is often used as a decoration in ceremonies or made into a garland to welcoming guests. The Dok Champa blooms everyday and lasts a long time. The trees are planted throughout the country and in particular, can be seen near the monastic areas.

Malaysia

The five-petaled Bunga raya (Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis) has been Malaysia’s national flower since 1960. Symbolically, the five petals of the bunga raya represent the “Five Principles of Nationhood” – Malaysia’s national philosophy in strengthening national unity and tolerance -- while the red colour represents courage. The flower can be found throughout the country and parts of the Bunga raya’s shrub have medicinal and cosmetic uses.

Myanmar

The Paduak (Pterocarpus Indicus) blossoms in tiny fragrant yellow-gold flowers after the first showers in April, coinciding with the Myanmar New Year festival. Once in bloom, the entire tree turns gold overnight. The Myanmar people regard the Paduak tree as the symbol of strength and durability. The beautiful flower also signifies youth, love and romance. The flower plays an indispensable part in traditional and religious ceremonies. The Paduak can be found throughout the country. The wood of the tree is also used for making furniture.

Philippines

The Sampaguita Jasmine (Arabian Jasmine) was adopted as the national flower of the Philippines since 1934. The Sampaguita bears a white, star-shaped flower which blooms for the full year. The flower opens at night and lasts for about one day, producing a unique sweet scent. For the Filipino people, the flower is the symbol of purity, simplicity, humility and strength. Its blossom is celebrated in Philippine legends, stories and songs. It is believed that the flower was brought from the Himalayan areas to the Philippines in the 17th century.

Singapore

The best known orchid in Singapore is the national flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim. The orchid is a hybrid and was named after its breeder. The orchid bears an exquisitely beautiful (purple) color and shape. It blooms throughout the year. Its unique features won it the status of the official national flower of Singapore, over forty contenders, in 1981. Vanda Miss Joaquim is commonly planted in Singapore.

Thailand

The Ratchaphruek (Cassia Fistula Linn) tree bears beautiful yellow cluster-shaped flowers. The Thai people regard its yellow hue as the colour of Buddhism and the colour of glory. Ratchaphruek blooms annually from February to May and symbolises the unity and harmony of the Thai people. While the flowers are blossoming, the tree sheds its leaves, leaving only bright yellow flowers hanging on its branches. The Ratchaphruek is widely known in Thailand and is grown in abundance along the roadsides.

Viet Nam

The people of Viet Nam regard the Lotus as one of the four graceful flowers and plants, along with the pine, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. Known as the ‘flower of the dawn’, the Lotus is found throughout the country at lakes and ponds. To the Vietnamese, the lotus is the symbol of purity, commitment and optimism for the future. The elegance of the lotus is often cited in the Vietnamese folk songs and poems.

Champa National Flower of Laos

2012-04-22T01:06:00.000-07:00

Dok Champa(Plumeria) is the national flower and official symbol of Lao PDR. The waxy flower with a sweet scent can be found in many colors: red, yellow, pink and multiple pastels.

decoration in ceremonies or made into a garland to welcoming guests. The Dok Champa blooms everyday and lasts a long time. The trees are planted throughout the country and in particular, can be seen near the monastic areas.

It is widely known as Frangipani around the word, "Kalachuchi" in the Philippines, "Kembang Kamboja" in Indonesia, "Dead man's fingers" in Australia.

What is it called in your country?