Travel Vacation Blog

An Overview of Asia

2009-12-14T21:25:00.000+08:00

Asia is the largest continent when measured by landmass and human population. Following is an overview of Asia.

Asia is considered one of the seven continents. This continental definition, however, is far broader than many people think. Under the seven continent methodology, Asia stretches from Japan in the East through Russia in the West. It encompasses Saudi Arabia and everything above Asia. While it doesn’t always make practical sense, there is no denying this definition of Asia makes it the home of over 60 percent [4 billion] of all humans. China and India, of course, are the locations of a vast majority of these people.

In modern times, geographers recognize there really is no dividing line between Asia to the west and Europe to the East. This has resulted in the entire area being called Eurasia, but thousands of years of terminology aren’t about to pass into antiquity. Today, most people refer to Europe as a continent so far as it extends to the Ural Mountains in Russia. Everything to the east of that mountain range is considered Asia. For instance, Israel is considered a country in Western Asia!

Russia has even picked up on this theme with the two heads on the national flag. The west facing head refers to the European part of Russia while the East facing head refers to the Asian part of the country. Within Russia, it is almost as if there are two countries with Moscow and St. Petersburg having heavy European influences. Cities in the Far East, such as Vladivostok, are much more oriented to China and such.

To resolve the boundary issue, the powers that be have started defining Asia subcontinents. The areas are:

Central Asia - Kazakhstan Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

1. East Asia – China, Japan, Mongolia, Taiwan, North and South Korea.

2. North Asia - Russia.

3. India Subcontinent – India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.

4. Southeast Asia - Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar [Burma], Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

5. Southwest Asia – The Middle East including Turkey, Iran, Cyprus, Israel, Lebanon and sometimes Egypt.

Given the problems defining the boundaries of Asia, you can imagine it is also difficult to define certain characteristics regarding the continent. After all, life in Turkey is much different than in China. Conversely, customs in India are completely different than those in China. In fact, most people living in Asia take offence when someone uses the word “Asians” to refer to them. The word implies a similarity among all people in Asia, which simply isn’t true.

Economically, things are a bit easier to categorize. The largest economy in Asia is China as a measure of gross domestic product. Officially known as the People’s Republic of China, this country remains communist in name only when it comes to economic issues. With massive economic growth over the last 10 years, China is the second largest economy in the world after the United States. Another heavily populated area, India, is now the fourth biggest economy in the world, while relatively small Japan is the third. Put in practical terms, Asia is home to three of the four biggest economies on Earth. The three dominant financial centers are Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore.

With so many countries, it is hardly surprising to find a wide variety of religious practices in Asia. There are a wide variety of belief systems, but Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam have the largest number of adherents.

Figuring out exactly what constitutes Asia is largely a matter of opinion. Among many assertions about Asia, the undisputable one is it is the home to the largest percentage of humans on the planet.

Top Five African Safari Destinations

2009-12-14T21:15:00.001+08:00

Any vacations in Africa will not be complete without going on a safari to experience the wild animals and the peace and tranquillity of the bushveld.

But there are literally hundreds of national parks and wildlife areas in Africa that you can travel to. And some are definitely better than others when it comes to providing the potential for a great safari holiday.

In my experience, and in the general consensus of the wildlife tour industry and other sources such as the first hand accounts of safari trips in the travel diaries at African Safari Journals, here are the top five safari vacations in Africa:

1. Tanzania - Serengeti

During the annual migration, when the wildebeest and zebra pack up and leave their grazing areas to find fresher ones, the Serengeti is an astonishing place to be.

It's a very good safari vacations in Africa destination at other times of the year too but the migration has been ranked by many as one of the wonders of the natural world.

Hard to beat in the safari stakes.

2. Kenya - Masai Mara

If you want to see the big cats, this wildlife park is hard to beat. Lion, leopard and cheetah abound and they are relatively easy to spot because of the grassland vegetation which means you get unrestricted views for miles around.

Another big plus is the fact that going off-road is allowed as long as you are not making new trails of your own. This is one of the few vacations in Africa parks that still allows this and it is a big advantage because the animals will rarely oblige you and stay next to the major roads.

The only downside here is that because of it's popularity there are a lot of people around so if you want to spend time in isolation with nature this is not the place to go.

3. South Africa - Kruger National Park

For sheer variety of species no other place in Africa can come close to the Kruger Park. And because it is so large (larger than Wales) it has a number of different ecosystems that you can pass through in your search for animals and birds.

It is one of the best managed parks in Africa and the accommodation and infrastructure is superb.

4. Botswana - Selinda Reserve

Seasoned safari travellers rate this reserve in north Botswana extremely highly and they return to it again and again, drawn by the very high concentration of wildlife, high standard of accommodation, service and exclusivity.

5. Zambia - South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa is a diamond in the rough, just waiting for enough exposure to bring it to its rightful place at the crown of vacations in African wildlife destinations.

But for the moment it's relative isolation as one of Africa's best kept secrets is part of it's rustic charm.

It has a reputation as one of the best places in Africa to see the elusive leopard and it is the birthplace of the walking safari.

Shopping

2009-12-14T20:27:00.005+08:00

Accommodations For the 2010 Winter Olympics

2009-04-05T00:47:00.003+08:00

Chances are that if you're visiting Vancouver, British Columbia between February 12-28 or March 12-21, 2010, you have one objective: to witness the amazing spectacle that is the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games...

And while you may not find yourself actually within the inner sanctum that is the Athletes' Village, numerous Vancouver and Whistler vacation rental properties are guaranteed to put you close enough to the Games' various venues to almost hear the cheering from your Jacuzzi tub. A group of new and/or improved venues pepper the lower mainland. Here's where to book your winter vacation if you're looking to join the applause at the podium:

Just 14 kilometers south of the City of Vancouver, Lulu Island is home to Richmond, a thriving suburban sprawl on the banks of the Fraser River that includes the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Nestled amongst rich farmlands, this community's attractions include the fishing village of Steveston, walking trails atop the area's network of dykes and the largest concentration of Pan-Pacific culture anywhere in BC. It's also home to the Richmond Olympic Oval, the official venue for the Speed Skating events. This event centre features 2 international-size ice rinks, a 200 meter running track, 8 gymnasiums and over 23,000 square feet of fitness centre.

Over a quarter of the 2.4 million people who call Greater Vancouver home reside in the City. This thriving metropolis crackles with life, whether you're here for the Robson Street shopping, the Granville Street club scene, the trendy Yaletown martini crowd, Gastown's Old World charm or Stanley Park's lush vegetation. It's also home to some of the world's not-to-be-missed festivals including the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Vancouver International Jazz Festival, the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival and the Symphony of Fire. But for several weeks in the winter of 2010 it will be the centre of Olympic Figure Skating, Short Track Speed Skating, and the most popular Canadian Winter Olympic event, ice hockey! Count on The Pacific Coliseum (the previous home to the NHL's Vancouver Canucks) and GM Place (the Canuck's current home) to provide some of this Game's most memorable moments.

West of Cambie Street, the 70 or so blocks between Richmond and Downtown constitutes Vancouver's West Side. Home to the trendy Kitsilano Beach neighbourhood, Broadway's Greektown, the quaint village centre of Kerrisdale, the riverside stables of Southlands, Pacific Spirit Regional Park and of course, the University of British Columbia (UBC), the list of activities is endless, whether dining, shopping, beachcombing or nature-rambling. Two important Olympic venues call this area home. Just a short walk from the beautiful sunken gardens of quarry-turned-nature-sanctuary, Queen Elizabeth Park, is the Vancouver Olympic Centre, home to the Curling and Wheelchair Curling events. This venue includes an ice rink, aquatic centre, library, and gymnasium and of course, half a dozen sheets of curling ice. On the campus of UBC itself is Thunderbird Arena (on the site of the existing Thunderbird Winter Sports Complex). This facility will cater to Ice Hockey events as well as Ice Sledge Hockey.

Just across the Lions' Gate Bridge lies North Vancouver. Once known as the forestry town of Moodyville, this burgeoning city's most popular activities revolve around the alpine destinations of Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour and Cypress Bowl. Cypress Bowl in particular is positioned to be an Olympic hub with the Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding events taking place at its $16.7 million facility that comes complete with a new in-ground half pipe, a freestyle aerial and mogul site and a parallel giant slalom course as well as a snowmaking system.

But the epicenter of all events snow oriented is the resort town of Whistler only two hour drive north of Vancouver via the Sea to Sky Highway. With over 8 thousand acres of skiable terrain, over 200 runs, 38 lifts, 5 snowboard parks, 2 super pipes an 11 kilometer run and over five thousand feet of vertical drop, North America's premier alpine destination was the deal-sealer that won Vancouver its Olympic bid - and that was before the addition of the 3 stadium, 1 square kilometer 12,000-person capacity Whistler Olympic Park that services the Cross-Country Skiing, Biathlon and Ski Jumping events. Blackcomb, Whistler's sister peak, also plays home to the world-class Whistler Sliding Centre, home to the Bobsleigh, Luge and Skeleton events. Now imagine all this set around a European-style pedestrianized village with over 100 bars, nightclubs and restaurants and you might be getting the idea...

No matter what neighbourhood you decide to call home during your Vancouver Olympic excursion, the city's extraordinary transit system will connect you with all the venues, parks and event centres with relative ease. Translink's city bus service connects the city with Vancouver's outlying municipalities including Richmond, Delta and Ladner with special ferry service to and from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal which services Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The Skytrain, which came into existence as part of another international Vancouver event (Expo 86) is currently the world's longest automated light rapid transit system, servicing 50 kilometers east of the city centre courtesy of two lines (the Expo and Millenium Lines) and stopping at 33 stops throughout the municipalities of Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and Surrey. By the time the Games commence, the new Canada Line will be running north to south, connecting Richmond and Vancouver International Airport with the rest of the transit network. Trips to the North Shore (including North Vancouver and West Vancouver ) are possible thanks to the Lions' Gate Bridge, a suspension bridge that spans the First Narrows of Burrard Inlet and also the Translink Seabus consisting of 2 double-ended catamaran ferries that seat up to 400 passengers. Trips leave frequently and take all of 12 minutes, departing from the downtown waterfront and arriving at the Lonsdale Quay on the North Shore. For those heading to Whistler, the Sea to Sky Highway has undergone recent expansion making the winding, once-nail biting route a safe, wider highway with medians, hard shoulders and additional lanes. Greyhound buses also leave regularly from the Pacific Central bus depot on Main Street. And for an exceptionally romantic adventure, the Whistler Mountaineer train takes a long and lazy route as it winds along the glistening, gorgeous Howe Sound.

Wherever you stay, however you get there, the XXI Olympic Winter Games are the experience of a lifetime. Vancouver and Whistler are ready to put you up!

Source of accessvacationgroup.com

Planning the Best Golf Package Holiday

2009-03-29T23:51:00.004+08:00

As each year comes and goes, more and more people are taking tours and summer trips. In fact, many of the "package holidays" trips will be with family, a special partner, or with friends. However, no matter who you vacation with, the destination can be very hard to choose. In fact, many times it is hard to find a place or certain packages that everyone will enjoy; especially if you are an avid golfer!

If you are a golfer, you may want to vacation at a golf resort; which can easily be found throughout the world. In the United States, there are also a large number of resorts to choose from. However, many of the golf resorts are only open in the spring and summer months. Many of the resorts can be found in Arizona, Nevada, Florida, Carolina's, California and Texas.

Although the focus at the resort is golf, there are also many additional activities that can be found, as well; which may be important when with a family. When going to a resort with a family that doesn't like golf, it is very important to have additional activities available to them. For them, you may want to make sure there are amusement parks or beaches nearby. If you are interested in staying at a resort that is close to a beach, then staying at the Myrtle Beach Golf Resort would be great! This resort is great for the entire family-a golf course and beach!

Along with researching for other activities nearby for the family, you will also want to book a golf resort with the entire family in mind. One resort that is great for the entire family is the Marriot Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa; which is located in California. The resort offers tennis courts, swimming pools, a water slide, spas, and kid's camps. When choosing a golf resort, you will want to look at the cost, as well. In fact, the cost of the resort should be just as important as the activities that you will be doing. When traveling with family or other people that do not golf, you should then look for resorts or golf courses that offer discounts, as well.

For many people, the main reason why they stay at a golf resort is for the purpose of relaxation and golfing. Usually, the cost to stay at a resort will include the use of the golf courses. Included in the golf course cost, many times golfing, golf cart use, and private lessons are included. Also, if you are with people that do not golf, then they should not be charged for the golf services. In fact, many of the United States golf courses will not charge full prices for those that do not golf.

If you are on a budget and interested in vacationing at a golf resort, there are many ways that can save you money. One of the best ways is to search online for resorts that offer coupons or certain golfing packages. In fact, many of the packages can be found on the internet through many different discount traveling websites. Along with using the internet, you may also want to use your local travel agent, as well.

Top Rated US Cities

2009-03-29T18:18:00.002+08:00

There are several top rated cities in the US worth visiting. They can be found in different states of America such as Minnesota, Colorado, Texas and Kansas. Beautiful scenery, reasonable housing prices and top ranking schools make them one of the most habitable places in the US.

Plymouth, Minnesota belongs to the top one hundred most livable places in the US of 2008. Housing is reasonable. A two-bath and the usual three bedroom house is $350,000. There are 50,000 job opportunities for the residents. The city has many beautiful lakes appropriate for water skiing, boating, and fishing.

The Mall of America, US biggest shopping center is just a short drive from Plymouth. Plymouth also boasts of its cultural activities and summer concerts usually hosted in an al fresco amphitheater, the Hilde Performance Center. Fire and Ice Festival is held every February incorporating sports activities such as bowling, basketball and mini-golf - all performed on ice!

Fort Collins, Colorado is also worth visiting in America. There is a bike lane in every new road of this rocky mountain city. There are more than two dozen eateries and four microbreweries located in the old town district of the city. The brand new cancer center of the city will soon be home to the award-winning Poudre Valley Health System as part of its excellent health care services.

Bioscience and technology companies maintain its high employment rate here in Colorado. The Colorado State University has beautiful scenery in the middle of the town. A solar energy project will soon be started downtown through a financial grant of the Department of Energy.

In Naperville, Illinois, the downtown area is packed with restaurants, merchandise stores and shopping centers. Mean games such as slip and slides are suitable here in its big front yards. The famous Riverwalk is approximately a two mile brick trail that chases the course of the DuPage River. Its closeness to Chicago is a bonus point though most of the companies offer ample job opportunities within the city. Hennen's American Public Library rated the city's public library as the best in America among small cities.

Round Rock, Texas is also one of the top rated cities of US. It has excellent schools, affordable housing, and a computer-producing industry that make it one of the most habitable cities in the nation. Texas State University campus and the three medical centers are the city's pride. Round Rock is the home of the young league baseball team-- Round Rock Express, shopping malls, and beautiful, long lakes. Eight-hundred acres of open area and two golf courses are the residents' favorite places.

One should also find time to see Overland Park, Kansas. It is close to Kansas City of Missouri. Their housing is very reasonable and there are many job opportunities for the residents. The schools here are one of the best in the country. The city is famous for its Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. The city maintains a nature-friendly environment despite modernization.

Also visit Echo Park just 2 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles with its hilly terrains, making it unique among the neighborhoods. This place possesses a lively mixture of culture, commercial activities, architecture, income and socio-civic endeavor. Its historic architecture, diverse topography, and the citizens' relentless efforts to protect their historical art community are plus points in maintaining a sense of place and eclecticism of Eco Park. The neighborhood's most attractive area is the Angelino Heights near the Echo Lake.

Holiday Apartment

2009-03-29T17:59:00.001+08:00

Holiday apartments are one way to find a convenient place to stay when you are traveling for the holidays. These apartments are usually for rent from the owner for an agreed specified time. It is easy to find apartments for rent during holidays. Most apartment owners find it easier to list their home with a company that already has an internet site that is used just for the purpose of showcasing rental properties, but there are some out there that like to manage the rental themselves.

You will find listings for both types of management on the internet. The internet makes searching, finding and comparing Holiday apartments easy. Whether you look on an established rental site or and individuals webpage, you should be able to see a picture of the apartment(s) that is for rent. These pictures should give you a good idea of what the apartment looks like. The pictures should showcase everything. On that same webpage there should be a written description of the property as well as where the property is located, and what is in the surrounding area, and what types of activities might be available near the apartment.

Most holiday apartments are already supplied with everything you will need for your stay. The apartment will of course have the base amenities like couch, chairs, beds w/linens, bathroom w/linens, pillows, etc... Many will come with other items such as BBQ grill, TV, microwave. Some apartments will accept pets, but it is best to verify this first. If you would need any type of disability access you should ask and make sure the property has what you need available. You might also ask to see if it is recommended you get a car or if everything is within walking distance of the apartment. You might also ask what restaurants are close by or within a short distance that you could visit. If you think you might need medical assistance, you might ask where the nearest doctor's office would be located.

Booking the holiday apartment is usually a simple process and can be done online or through the person responsible for renting the apartment. When your vacation time comes there is usually a greeter at the apartment with the keys and any other vital or pertinent information you will need for your stay. If you ask, some apartment rental companies have pickup/drop-off service from the airport during your stay. All usually can be arranged for beforehand to make your vacation experience exceptional. When you stay is completed, you just pack your things and close the door behind you. Most likely it will have arranged with the rental agency or owner for you to leave the key inside the apartment.

The rental market for apartments and other type vacation properties is a very successful business. But like all business, they also rely on the recommendations and referrals from their customers. If you are happy with your stay at the holiday rental make sure that you tell them that you enjoyed your stay.

Budget Travel Bargains

2008-11-06T22:40:00.000+08:00

Where To find Budget Travel Bargains?

There is only one reliable place to find good budget travel and that is online. The internet has opened up a whole new universe of travel for those who are stuck on a pretty tight budget. Not everyone can afford to go on a month long vacation to the South of France but most of us can make good solid use of budget travel.

When you do your travel shopping online you will find that you can afford much more than you thought you could. It is easy to find some good budget travel on the internet these days. All of the travel companies are throwing out some good packages for people with not much money to spare and some of the budget travel packages even include some meals. That is my idea of full service travel plans!

When it comes to budget travel you do have to watch out for a few things. For example, what kind of trip do you want to take? When it comes to budget travel the airlines can vary drastically. Some of the budget travel airlines are great, they are friendly and they are clean and fantastic, others, well, not so much. You should take some time to research about the different companies you are considering for your budget travel before you actually book anything. This will make a huge difference in the kid of trip that you end up being able to take.

Online you will be able to find all kinds of consumer reviews about budget travel companies, airlines and even cruises. Read through these carefully to find some great budget travel ideas. With these useful tips you will learn the best places to go for budget travel and the places and companies to stay away from in your traveling. There is no better, more reliable source for info than from people who have been in your shoes. They have nothing to lose by telling the truth so they do, they will tell it just like it is and that is what you need to help you make the right budget travel decisions.

Chances are that if you do all of your planning and booking online your budget travel is gong to be even cheaper. This is simple to do as well. Most of the major travel companies have everything you need online and they walk you right through it all. And if you have any trouble just contact them and they will help you out. There is nothing simpler or faster than booking your budget travel online these days. That is why the business is booming the way it is.

Each and every year the budget travel industry online grows and grows and it is not showing any signs of slowing down in the near future, that is for sure. So the next time you want to take a trip check out budget travel online and see where that takes you.

Budget Travel

2008-11-06T22:37:00.001+08:00

Enjoy A Great Family Vacation Without Spending A Lot

Some of the most memorable activities your family can do together is to go on a family vacation. For most families finding the money to enjoy a yearly vacation can be difficult to achieve, one of the ways you and your family can enjoy a vacation together is to look into budget travel options.

There are two major strategies that can help families enjoy a yearly vacation together, one is to find budget travel deals that are significantly less than retail travel prices, the other strategy is to set up a travel budget in order to plan and save money through out the year for a vacation.

Regarding budget travel, it is easier than ever to find great deals for family travel. In the last decade, the internet has helped many families plan, compare prices, and ultimately save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on their travel expenses. If you are looking for a quality vacation at a low cost, you can usually find many attractive offers online.

Setting up a travel budget is another strategy. Budgeting is an easy and effective way to plan, organize and control your finances in order to save for the things that are most important to you and your family. For instance, you can set up a travel budget focusing on a yearly family vacation. Depending on your specific family needs, you can decide to put away as little as $20 each week or as much as several hundred dollars each month in order to save enough money at the end of the year to go on a quality family vacation.

Creating a travel budget should be the cornerstone of any family vacation. A budget helps you focus on the things that you would like to do most and in many cases gives you the discipline to save more money that you would normally be able to.

Cheaper Air Tickets

2008-05-10T23:30:00.000+08:00

1. Subscribe to newsletters.
Most of the airlines enable signing-in to their e-mail newsletters, where they inform about their sales, offer special discounts to the subscribers, or announce their new routes. Thanks to that you can buy the cheapest tickets before they are all sold-out or get great discounts on services related to traveling such as hotels and car rentals.

2. Wait for sales
It is not always true that the earlier you buy the air ticket, the cheaper it is. Airlines offer more flights in sales during spring and autumn, when is the low season, and you can get budget tickets just few weeks before your departure. However, attractive summer flights are rarely put on sale, as there is big demand for them, and it is always better to book them as soon as possible.

3. Be flexible.
Postponing your departure or arrival date by one or two days can bring you much better air ticket price. Usually the most expensive are flights on Sundays, Mondays or Fridays, whilst air tickets for Tuesdays and Thursdays tend to be cheaper.

4. Check other fees connected with the air ticket.
Even though you pay only a little for the air ticket, the final price for your trip can be pretty high. Some low-cost airlines charge you for every piece of checked baggage or they fly to airports far from the city centers. If you require special services such as skies transportation or accompanying minor child, price will increase substantially. Only after counting up all the costs, you will see if the bargain price pays off.

5. Buy the air tickets directly.
If you buy the air tickets directly at the airline's website, you can save fees paid to different intermediaries or fees for booking via airlines' call centers. Moreover, airlines sometimes offer their best budget tickets only through their websites.

Cheaper Air Tickets

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2008-04-04T00:00:00-07:00

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All About Bukit Besi and World Information Resources in Malaysia

Travel Scholarship

2008-02-21T18:00:00.006+08:00

Podcast Documentary Scholarship, 2008

Do you dream about being an intrepid journalist seeking out stories from remote parts of the world? Then here is the opportunity for you!

WorldNomads will send one exceptional student on assignment to visit a Fred Hollows eye camp in remote, Cambodia. You will receive training from ABC Radio Journalist and Executive Producer, Tim Latham. Staying at the eye camp for three days witnessing sight restoring cataract surgery to local villagers and gaining special access to interview The Fred Hollows team and local villagers, you will seek out your own unique story to be recorded on your new mobile digital recorder.

Post assignmnet you will enjoy a 6 day Intrepid Tour of Cambodia' to delve deeper into their rich history and culture. The Scholarship covers airfares from your nearest international airport to Phnom Penh, mobile digital recorder, travel vaccinations, visa costs and per diems.

Once you have returned home, you'll create a 10 - 15 minute Podcast Documentary which World Nomads will submit to a number of international radio programs, podcast channels and partner sites such as Intrepid Travel, The Fred Hollows Foundation and Lonely Planet, giving you the chance to have your story heard by thousands of travellers.

What you'll be doing

We'll fly you in from your country of residence and you'll have to be available to be in Cambodia between February 16th and February 28th 2008.

Prior to leaving you will be mentored by journalist Tim Latham to guide you in how to approach finding your story.

In Cambodia, you will be given unique access to interview members of The Fred Hollows team and be assisted by a translator to interview patients and local community members.

Post assignment you will enjoy a 6 day Intrepid Independant tour.

You will keep a daily diary about your time on the trip and upload this plus pictures you've taken to your World Nomads travel journal.

On your return you will receive further mentoring from Tim Latham to assist in editing together your story. You will then upload the 10 - 15 minute documentary podcast to the World Nomads web site within 2 months of your return.

Most of all, you'll be experiencing what it's like to be journalist in a remote location in one the most beautiful and friendly countries in the world.

Where you'll be going

You will fly to Phnom Penh in Cambodia and travel by 4WD to the Kampong Thom Province. This is the real deal! Travelling to a remote area involves a full day's journey on dirt roads, not for the faint hearted!

You will stay in a basic hotel in Kampong Thom Province and travel daily to and from the remote eye camp in the Baray District. (approximately 2 hours each way, so you must be prepared for some rustic travel!).

Your Intrepid tour travels from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap taking in all the sights including the magnificent temples of the Angkor Complex.

Who can apply

To be eligible you have to be a journalism, media, radio, arts/communications student at a recognised educational institution and speak fluent english.

Minimum age 18.

You should be a mad-keen auteur with a lust for adventure and a desire to enhance your journalism skills.

You must be prepared for lots of overland travel in rustic conditions!

A Guide to London

2008-01-26T19:42:00.000+08:00

London is the largest city in England covering over six hundred square miles, and is home to seven and half million people. London has fantastic transport links, the underground train network known as the Tube is the largest network of its kind in the world interconnecting 12 different lines.London has four major airports; Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and London City Airport which offer flights to an endless list of destinations. Heathrow will open a new terminal in 2008 to become the Worlds largest airport.The city offers many attractions and is a popular hotspot for tourists from across the globe.

Visitors have a huge choice of attractions including the London Eye a 135 meter tall observation wheel, Madame Tussauds a huge wax museum with accurately sized sculptures of celebrities and famous characters, and Buckingham Palace home to the Queen to name just a few.London also offers a wide range of museums and almost all are free to visit including the Natural History museum and the Science museum.For sports fans London is home to thirteen football league clubs including European giants Arsenal and Chelsea. The city also boasts four rugby union clubs and a rugby league team in Harlequins RL.

London will also be the host for the 2012 Olympic games which will see further development into sports facilities to accompany the recently completed new Wembley Stadium home to the England national football team.London is a shopper’s paradise with many renowned fashion designers owning flagship stores in the city including Thomas Burberry and Vivienne Westwood. There are numerous department stores from the world famous Harrods to the massive Hamleys toy store. London is also the host of many street markets including Camden, Greenwich and Convent Garden markets.

For those wishing to explore the delights outside the city the chic coastal resort of Brighton is 50 miles south, whilst further North is the picturesque city of Oxford. Car hire is available throughout the city at reasonable prices for day or short-term rental.It’s fair to say that London really is one of the Worlds greatest cities and whether it’s you first and twentieth visit you won’t be short of things to do.

About A Guide to London: http://sixt.co.uk/

A Taste in Kuala Lumpur

2008-01-26T19:21:00.000+08:00

City Park Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Strategically positioned, it gives its guests absolute comfort and convenience for a great Malaysia travel experience. Also, the hotel provides fine and cozy rooms furnished with practical yet modern amenities for total relaxation, ease and pleasure.

Kuala Lumpur is considered the focal point of new Malaysia. Aside from its natural charm and vibrancy, the city is also rich in cultural heritage and natural resources. Here, Malaysia’s past and present cross over, bringing together the country’s quaint and modern society.

Kuala Lumpur offers sceneries and attractions to both locals and tourists, allowing them to find touring the town an invaluable opportunity while making them appreciate the country as a whole.

Lake Gardens is just one of the must-visit destinations in Kuala Lumpur. With its unsurpassed beauty featuring Malaysia’s wide array of plants and animals, one will surely be mesmerized that one glimpse of this spectacular place will not be enough. Indeed, visitors find themselves coming back for a next round of fascinating sightseeing.

Another hot spot in the city is the vivacious Central Market where guests discover variety of customs and traditions of Kelantan to Serawak. It offers everyone fun learning experience about local crafts and cultural practices with entertainment on the side.

Situated atop a hill at Jalan Travers is another must for every traveler. The National Museum is considered the entry point for most of the visitors as it provides an interesting and informative introduction to the history and culture not only of Kuala Lumpur but the entire Malaysia as well.

In the hub of these tourist spots lies City Park Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Strategically positioned, it gives its guests absolute comfort and convenience for a great Malaysia travel experience. Also, the hotel provides fine and cozy rooms furnished with practical yet modern amenities for total relaxation, ease and pleasure.

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2008-02-03T00:00:00-08:00

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Links for 2008-02-01 [del.icio.us]

2008-02-02T00:00:00-08:00

World Vacation | Travel Information Resources
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All About Travel

2008-01-26T17:31:00.000+08:00

If you are going to take a trip, this is the right place to browse. Our members have travel information for around the world. Make reservations for motels, hotels, cars, trains, planes, cruises, resorts, and vacation packages. If you are planning a trip, we have all the tools you need, including travel destination guides to many cities around the world. NEW! We now have last-minute vacation bargains!

The Most Popular Beaches in the World

2008-01-25T13:58:00.000+08:00

Vacation Destinations

2008-01-25T13:43:00.001+08:00

Whether your idea of a vacation is lounging in the sun or exploring ancient ruins, every year millions of people are forced to choose how exactly to spend their days away from the office. From time-tested US vacation destinations like Las Vegas or Washington DC to exotic lands like India or South America, you'll have plenty of options to wade through before you make a decision.

Domestic travel is often the cheapest and most convenient type of vacation. US vacation destinations can be found in any state, from the coasts of Maine to the tender plains of the Badlands to the raucous nightlife of Hollywood – more people travel within the nation’s borders than anywhere else. While standard vacation destinations like NY or Chicago got to be the norm for a reason, the less traveled path in America make for pleasant trips also.

Ever since Easy Rider, the appeal of the open road has been palpable. Freed from responsibility, one can drive as far or as short as they want, taking time off to explore, rest or just admire the countryside. Route 66 has long been one of the most popular road trips, but for a more distinguished trip, head down south. Here you can stop at popular US vacation destinations like New Orleans, Savannah Georgia or one of the nation’s fastest growing tourist spots: Charleston, South Carolina. Combining southern charm with 19th century architecture and a burgeoning beach resort atmosphere, Charleston has quietly become one of America’s great vacation destinations.

Across the Rockies, ski runs get their fill of tourists from Idaho to Utah. These great vacation destinations lose only a little of their fun as the weather turns to spring, and Utah also offers the wondrous Bryce Canyon, perfect for hiking or just taking in the colored rocks beneath the setting sun.

For great vacation destinations south of the border, there’s always something to do in Central American hotspots like Costa Rica and Belize. Bordering the Caribbean, with picturesque white sand beaches, plus rain forests boasting the world’s most active and diverse wildlife, these are the perfect vacation destinations for those who want to spice up their travels with a dose of adventure. Whether you are going into the jungles, sipping tropical drinks in classy lounges or listening to monkey calls while relaxing on the beach, Central America has a new fascination around every corner, and is one of the more budget-friendly vacation destinations in the Northern hemisphere.

If you want to really immerse yourself in Latin American culture, though, head further south into the rainforests of Brazil. Even if you thought Costa Rica was adventurous, you’ve experienced nothing like the Amazon. One of the great vacation destinations in South America, there’s a reason that millions come here every year. Add this to a week in Rio de Janeiro, and you'll have a trip that will stay with you the rest of your life.

Preparing To Travel

2008-01-21T16:49:00.000+08:00

The world has changed a lot in the past century. Thanks to the invention of airplanes and high-speed trains, today's world is wide open to travel. In a day's time, we can travel to the other side of the world without using our entire life's savings. We also have a number of options open to us to help us plan our travels, and choosing wisely can help save time and money.

1. Travel Agents. Many people have the misconception that using a travel agent entails paying a fee. Nonsense. In actuality, most travel agents receive commissions from the vendors (airlines, hotels, tour agencies); they are the ones paying the fee, not you. A travel agent has access to deals that often are not available anywhere else. He or she can help take the headache out of planning, allowing you to sit back and relax while the logistics are plotted out. Another bonus is that travel agents often include travel insurance in their packages, to ensure that you are getting what you paid for.

2. Internet. With the widespread use of the world wide web, travel prices have gone down considerably. Using travel sites like Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity, buyers can find lower rates than ever before for airfares, hotels, and package deals. The downside? Truly finding the best travel deals often requires a lot of time and patience as you compare rates with other sites and with direct booking. Another downfall is that you can't always find availability at these lower rates, but it is nice to plan right at home.

3. Guidebooks. Tried and true, travel guidebooks are a traveler's best friend. Seasoned travel writers research and compile guidebooks based on their own experiences, and who better to give advice than someone who's been there, done that? Depending on your preferred level of luxury, you are sure to find a guidebook to meet your needs. Best of all, travel guidebooks are often available at your local library-for free!

4. Booking Direct. Sometimes travel companies will offer special deals to customers who book directly. This is especially true with tour and cruise companies who advertise travel deals to repeat customers. You can often find rates as low as half-price (or lower) if you book at the last minute. If you have the flexibility and the determination, this may be the way to go.
In any case, travel opens up our eyes to worlds our forefathers never could have dreamed of visiting. Whether you travel around the globe or just a city away, a little careful planning and an open mind can allow for an experience of a lifetime. Happy travels!