SAGON

See Britain in Style by Land, Sea and Air

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 07 May 2011 16:48:00 +0000

Britain is a wonderful country to tour no matter how you do it. But if you’re on board the luxurious British Pullman train of the Orient Express; or behind the wheel of an ‘E-Type’ Jaguar; or enjoying the maritime delights of the Hebridean Princess cruise ship, then touring reaches an altogether more sublime level. Here we suggest some of the most stylish ways to travel around the country, by road, rail, sea and air.

Quality comes at a price, of course, but true style and luxury is always worth paying a little extra for. Go on, indulge yourself in Britain – you know you deserve it!
By road…
There's nothing quite like motoring along Cornwall and Devon’s country lanes at the wheel of a classic car such as the 'E-Type' Jaguar. With its soft leather seats, walnut dashboard and polished chrome, it makes country driving a joy. Tuck a picnic hamper into the boot and away you go. Cornwall Classic Car Hire knows all the best stately homes, beaches and gardens in this lovely area of South-West England and can set you off on the right road. Their route suggestions will take you to some of Cornwall's famous gardens, for example - Tregenna Castle, Trelissick or St Michael's Mount - they all flourish in the temperate climate created by the Gulf Stream. Most splendid of all is the global garden of the Eden Project, where trees and plants thrive inside giant ‘biomes’.

Or choose from the classic 1950s and 60s sports cars meticulously maintained by Rambling Roadsters. An MGA 1600 Mark II or a 1964 Alpha Romeo Spider are ideal for tours around the Heart of England: the company will plan your route through charming Cotswold villages or farther afield, building in visits to motor museums, race meets, even the Morgan factory for those interested.

Maybe you have an eye for fine cars but prefer to sit back and be driven? There are a number of chauffeur-drive companies that operate fleets of air conditioned vehicles - Mercedes Benz Saloons, Jaguar XJ6s, Rolls-Royces and Daimler limousines. Cars and uniformed drivers are available for tours of the UK or just for a few hours. Ride in style to a day at the races, or the summer season events at which Britain excels, such as the Henley Royal Regatta or to the opera at Glyndebourne. Your chauffeur can provide both the picnic hamper and the chilled champagne, so all you need think about is enjoying yourself.
By sea…
Cruising is synonymous with luxury and, in the scenic waters of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, no vessel is better known than the Hebridean Princess for its fine furnishings and extraordinary level of service. Relax on a ship that is small enough to recreate the feel of a country house party - a luxurious lounge, peaceful library and formal wood-panelled dining room are some of her delights. Then go on deck or to the cosy Look Out Lounge to be reminded of the spectacular Scottish coastline. The Hebridean Princess will bring you to fascinating and remote locations where only private launches normally moor and you'll explore beautiful gardens, atmospheric castles, thriving towns and deserted beaches.
The Heritage of Scotland tour, for example, winds through the Inner Hebridean islands of Syke, Mull, Coll and Iona, visiting Dunvegan, Brodick and Eilean Donan castles, with a finale at Duart Castle hosted by Clan Chief Sir Lachlan MacLean.
By air…
By making use of a rented helicopter you could have lunch in Southern England and play golf in Northern Scotland in the afternoon. Or do a whistle-stop tour of the whole country in a day or two. Atlas Helicopters and Rotary Aviation are two companies offering point-to-point air transportation, allowing you to fit more into your day.
For something a little different, you could take off from water and see the lochs and glens of Scotland from a seaplane, before an exhilarating, spray-filled touch-down on the country’s largest inland water. Operated by Captain David West, a commercial pilot with 25 years’ experience, Loch Lomond Seaplanes’ choice of pleasure flights starts at a down-to-earth £110 per person.
By rail…
The British Pullman of the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, plus its sister trains the Northern Belle and the Royal Scotsman hark back to the golden age of rail travel when a journey was all about being pampered and cosseted. Built as 'Palaces on Wheels', the trains offer superb cuisine, elegant décor and an attentive crew. As well as an Observation Lounge, the Royal Scotsman offers superb overnight accommodation and its tours of Scotland, with side trips to castles and distilleries, and opportunities for golf on celebrated courses, are the nearest you’ll get to cruising on land.

The British Pullman’s day excursions – to historic cities such as Bath, Cambridge, York and sporting events – are accompanied by fine dining with plenty of champagne. Each carriage is an original art deco masterpiece restored by renowned designers such as Rene Lalique. On arrival, a well-informed tour guide will bring you to the main points of interest and there will be free time before boarding the return train for a sumptuous four-course dinner and a leisurely ride home. The Northern Belle offers similar excursions, departing from Manchester, Liverpool and York.
Luxurious accommodation
No matter which form of transport you choose, there is no shortage of top-class accommodation to complete your luxury package. Choose from castle hotels, country house hotels, state-of-the-art destination spas or golfing resorts.
There are few experiences that compare with staying in a castle that has been luxuriously refurbished. Langley Castle near Durham is one of the oldest. It dates from 1350 and is a fine example of a medieval fortified castle. Wherever you stay, expect spectacular views over deer parks, lakes and golf courses and superb modern cuisine. If you're feeling adventurous, some properties, such as Myers Castle in Fife, Scotland, can serve you a formal medieval banquet.
The von Essen collection of privately owned country house hotels includes stately homes and manor houses such as Cliveden, beside the River Thames in Berkshire and New Park Manor, a former royal hunting lodge in the heart of the New Forest. Partake in such country pursuits as falconry, clay-pigeon shooting, horse riding and fly fishing, or try transportation ‘Jules Verne-style’ in a hot-air balloon!
Many of Britain's finest hotels combine luxury with some of the best golf in the world. St Mellion in Cornwall, Celtic Manor in Wales, the Belfry in Warwickshire and the Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews, the home of golf, are some of the top resorts. Why not charter a helicopter and tee off on a different championship course every day?

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 May 2011 12:38:00 +0000

With nothing but beautiful forestry visible from above, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India present an ideal island getaway. Not only is the scenery on the island breathtaking, but there is a wide variety of marine life underwater as well.

While the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the southern hemisphere, the weather is ideal for visiting throughout the year. The ideal time to visit the islands is during the winter season when many different festivals and celebrations are being held.

There are two main venues for reaching the islands. Airplane transportation is available, and flights can be booked through Indian Airlines or Jet Airways. It is also possible to charter a ship to transport oneself to the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

As with any island resort, there are plenty of tourist attractions to visit during the trip. Beautiful beaches and perfect swimming conditions offer a perfect spot for tourists to enjoy themselves, while monuments and museums offer an opportunity to learn more about the island’s interesting history.

For those looking to satisfy their stomachs, the Andaman and Nicobar islands offers something for every palate. Not only will all the regular choices be available through restaurants and hotels, but excellent local Indian food can also be found. A wide variety of accommodation options exist for tourists, including everything from renting an entire house to an economical hotel room.

Overall, the Andaman and Nicobar islands are a great venue for vacation during the winter seasons, offering an island getaway to those who have grown tired of the subzero temperatures back at home.

Bangkok, Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 May 2011 12:37:00 +0000

Bangkok, Thailand is one of the most popular tourist cities in all of Asia. With its low retail prices and beautiful tropical plant growth, Bangkok is the perfect city for a backpacking adventure or upscale retreat. A trip to Bangkok will be most enjoyable when visited between November and February. Bangkok is well-known for its heat, but during these months, the temperature is significantly cooler. Bangkok also experiences much less rain during this time of the year.

To reach Bangkok, it normally requires two to three connecting flights. Most routes to Bangkok run out of the major airports (LAX, DFW, DIA, etc.). Once you’ve reached one of these airports, you will fly to Osaka or Tokyo, which takes twelve to fourteen hours. The last flight from Osaka or Tokyo to Bangkok runs between four and six hours. Once in Bangkok, the city provides many transportation options, including boats, taxis, and of course, tuk-tuks.

f you’re looking for great Thai food, look no further than Bangkok. With its balance of the five fundamental flavors (spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter) Thai food has a dish to offer for people of all different tastes. Bangkok is full of interesting places for tourists to visit. It is best known for its street markets, beautiful temples, delicious restaurants, and

bustling nightlife. There are a wide variety of hotels in Bangkok, including some of the top rated in the world. The price for hotels varies greatly depending on quality, ranging anywhere from $45-$300 per night. Most of the upscale hotels offer a full spa service in addition to sleeping accommodations.

Goa, India

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 May 2011 12:34:00 +0000

Known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” Goa may be less well-known than many tourist attractions, however, it can be a very enjoyable and relaxing vacation. Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt of Konkan. Goa has a tropical climate which is characterized by its balmy weather. Humidity is relatively low between September and March, the month in which Goa receives the most rainfall. Goa Airport is located in Dabolim. The airport is approximately twenty miles from the capital city of Panaji.

Panaji is the heart of Goa. It offers plenty of accommodations, including inexpensive, mid-range and five star hotels, along with homes and rooms available for long-term rental. Once you are settled into your hotel, Panaji and Goa offer a variety of activities, including bird and crocodile watching, casinos and river cruises. Panaji also has a very active nightlife. Discos are the center of nightlife in the city. Discos provide dancing, alcoholic beverages and a great atmosphere for individuals and couples alike. Shopping is a very popular tourist activity during the day. Panaji offers both traditional open air markets and modern shopping malls.

Goa offers a delicious variety of cuisine. Fish, curry and rice are the three staples of Goan food. Seafood is another popular option throughout the state. Whether it is clams, lobsters or crabs, Goan chefs prepare many delicious and unique dishes. So the next time you are planning a vacation, whether for yourself or your whole family, consider the giving unique and laid back atmosphere of Goa, India a try.

Hongkong, China

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 May 2011 15:10:00 +0000

Hong Kong is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Hong Kong offers a mild climate from September to the end of February. From May to mid-September, Hong Kong has a rather warm and humid climate. Eighty percent of Hong Kong’s precipitation occurs between May and September. Hong Kong can be accessed easily from any location in the world. Its International Airport is one of the largest in the world, and offers twenty-four hour a day service. Once in Hong Kong, there are a variety of hotels, ranging from modest to luxurious, that can accommodate you and your family. Hong Kong is a compact city, which means that regardless of where you stay, you will not be far from great shopping, food and other attractions.

On the subject of shopping, Hong Kong offers a variety of stores, shopping malls and markets. These shopping locations offer all kinds of products, ranging from traditional Chinese art to upscale fashion and jewelry. In addition to great shopping, Hong Kong offers some amazing tourist attractions, including Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay and Ocean Park. After a full day of shopping and sight-seeing, you and your family will have worked up quite an appetite. Hong Kong boasts over nine thousand quality restaurants. Ranging from Chinese food to familiar Western favorites, Hong Kong has a restaurant for everyone. Some of the best food in Hong Kong serve specialty food such as Cantonese, Chiu Chow, Hunan, Szechuan, Peking, Shanghainese or Chinese Vegetarian.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:15:00 +0000

While it is not able to boast the best tourist attractions, the city of Kuala Lumpur more than makes up for the lack of sightseeing by offering visitors more a very economic vacation option. Those looking to experience new tastes and spend time buying souvenirs will have a great time in this Malaysian vacation spot.

Since the main attraction of the city is actually the exciting metropolitan area, a visit to Kuala Lumpur is evenly enjoyable all year long. The weather is normally fair during most of the year, so a visit to this Malaysian hot spot is relatively easy to fit into any schedule.

There are many ways to enter the city. A plane can be taken to fly directly into the city, along with buses, trains and automobiles, which can be used to get into the city from other locations in Asia. It is also possible to dock into Kuala Lumpur via a boat. As mentioned before, the experience of the culture of the city is the biggest attraction for tourists in Kuala Lumpur. However, the Petronas Twin Towers, the second tallest building in the world, is a also a fun tourist hotspot to visit.

High-quality Chinese cuisine is in store for all visitors to Kuala Lumpur. There are many of restaurants that serve local food in a variety of price ranges, so you will always be able to find a delicious meal that fits your budget. Once dinner is over, there are plenty of topnotch hotels to choose from to accommodate you and your family during your time in Kuala Lumpur. As with the food, there is a wide range of hotel prices to fit every budget.

Although you will not be able to any find beaches or ancient statues in Kuala Lumpur, it is still a great vacation spot for anyone that is looking for a fun atmosphere and delicious cuisine.

Phuket, Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:57:00 +0000

The number one tourist spot in Thailand, the island Phuket, is located in the southern regions of the country. Bolstered by a lively atmosphere and terrific surroundings, Phuket is a great spot to spend some quality time.

During the summer season, it is common for much rain to fall during the evenings. This is caused by the monsoons which appear all throughout this region of Asia. For this reason, it is best to visit Phuket during the winter season. The climate is warm all throughout the year, so there is no need to worry about the cold. A train trip into this island is possible, which offers a scenic, albeit not quick, route. Planes are flown in constantly from other big cities in Asia, and it is also possible to get onto the islands via bus or boat. One of the most fun and unique activities to do while in Phuket is to take a ride upon an elephant. There are not many areas in the world where this can be experienced, and all the elephants are trained and completely safe. For another fun option, the water surrounding Phuket provides space for plenty of enjoyable activities.

If you are looking for cultural and unique food, you will probably not find it in Phuket. Instead, Phuket mainly serves dishes that cater to their tourists, with an occasional Thai dish thrown in to spice up the menu.

A great deal of hotels and resorts exist to meet your accommodation needs. The prices and quality of these accommodations vary, but there is something for everyone.
For those looking for a calm and warm place to visit in the winter, Phuket is a great choice. Although it is not rich cultural activities, Phuket offers many original attractions and plenty of fun.

Republic of Maldives

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:36:00 +0000

The Republic of Maldives is nation composed of less than one percent land and over ninety-nine percent sea. Because of this, Maldives has a very tropical climate. April is normally the hottest month, while December is the coolest. January to April are the driest months in Maldives, while the period between May and October receive the most rainfall due to the southwest monsoon. Maldives can be accessed via airplane or ship. Upon arrival in Maldives, visitors receive a free thirty day visa, so you only need a passport in advance to enjoy the beauty of Maldives. Maldives offers a variety of all inclusive resorts. These resorts offer great food, accommodations and entertainment at a reasonable price. The resorts are beautifully built, and providing a relaxing atmosphere for your vacation.

When you’re not enjoying the posh accommodations of your resort, Maldives offers a variety of activities. Whether you’re enjoying your honeymoon or taking a family vacation, Maldives offers activities for everyone. The island is well-known for its scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing and fishing. Whale and dolphin watching is also another popular tourist activity. Due to its location, Maldives offers some of the best seafood restaurants in the world. Chicken and beef curries are another popular dish throughout the island. An interesting island custom is tipping, whether in restaurants or at the airport, is strongly discouraged. One important note for adults is alcohol is not available in the capital city of Male. Locals do not drink alcohol at all. However, the tourist resorts offer many bars and nightclubs.

Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 10:42:00 +0000

One of the most diverse locations in all of Asia, Singapore offers a cultural blend that is unlike any other location. Combined with the warm climate and a festive atmosphere, it is easy to see why Singapore is the number one vacation option for many individuals and families.

Singapore features a very moist and warm climate throughout the year. While it may seem ideal at first, it can get quite uncomfortable during the summer when the temperature is at it’s warmest. Therefore, it is usually best to visit during the fall and winter seasons.

Since it boasts one of the most well-known harbors in the world, arriving to Singapore by sea is no problem. Taking an airplane or arriving through a land-based vehicle is also an option that many visitors choose to use.

If you are looking to do some sightseeing, Singapore offers a variety breathtaking skyscrapers and lush gardens, along with many enjoyable parks and zoos throughout the city. If you are looking to relax, there are also many spas and beaches that can cater to your every need.
Drawing from the Chinese, Indian and Malayasian cultures, Singapore offers visitors a variety of cultural tasting options. There are also many restaurants that serve home favorites as well, including Mexican, Italian, and American food.

Many of the accommodations offered in Singapore are geared towards backpacking visitors without much money to spare. For those looking to be spoiled by a five-star hotel, the Raffles is one of the most popular hotels in the world.

Singapore is one of the best travel destinations in the world. Not only will you get to experience a new and exciting culture, but you will also have plenty of attractions to visit during their stay.

Sri Lanka

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 10:05:00 +0000

Inhabited by approximately twenty million individuals, Sri Lanka is an island located in the Indian Ocean.

Reaching There: Served by over thirty airlines and many popular cruise lines, Sri Lanka is easily accessible by air or water. Once on the island, travel is normally done via trains or taxis, which is very affordable and efficient.

Accommodations: Sri Lanka offers several different types of accommodations. For short trips, visitors can choose from hundreds of quality hotels. For longer visits, you may prefer to stay in one of the many guest houses or holiday homes on the island.

Best Time to Visit: Southwestern Sri Lanka is most pleasant to visit between November and April, while the northwest is most enjoyable between May and October.

What to do: Sri Lanka offers a variety of fun and exciting activities. For a slower paced day, Sri Lanka has many heritage sites, places of worship and museums. Sri Lanka also has many adventurous activities. For beach and water enthusiasts, there are plenty of opportunities for diving, wind surfing, rafting and paragliding. The island also has many exotic animals, which makes it the perfect place for a photo safari.

Food: Sri Lanka has a rich food tradition. Most foods are extremely spicy and take some form of curry. Curries may include fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats. One of the specialties on Sri Lanka is a basic curry which contains coconut milk, sliced onion and green chili. The curry is complimented with aromatic spices including cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, saffron and aromatic leaves. In addition to the traditional island food, many Chinese, Indian and Japanese foods are available throughout the island.

Borneo - Exotic Island Paradise

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 10:02:00 +0000

SABAH is Malaysia's premier nature adventure destination situated in the northern tip of Borneo Island, the third largest island in the world. Sabah is popular for its wildlife conservation attractions, rain forest, surrounding nature and islands, beach resorts, tropical white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and its warm and friendly people. If you are thinking of visiting Borneo, these places of interest and activities will whet your appetite!

Mount Kinabalu
Let me begin with my favorite place and definitely not to be missed if you are visiting Borneo, Mt. Kinabalu (4,093m). It is the summit of Borneo
and the tallest mountain in South East Asia. This mountain is sacred to the locals. Thousands from around the world have trekked to its peak. At the feet of this mountain is Kinabalu National Park, a botanical paradise where rare plants are found: rare orchids, nepenthes pitcher plants and the rafflesia, the largest flower in the world.
Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
If you haven’t heard yet, the most popular native of Borneo is the Orang Utan. The world-famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre enables visitors to come in close contact with these amazing animals. This sanctuary allows visitors to witness an exciting conservation programme in action. Set in 43 square km of beautiful rainforest, the sanctuary helps once captive Orang Utans learn to fend for themselves in the wild. Watch how these orphaned Orang Utans being taught to climb, and then go to a platform where you can witness them coming in from within the forest for their daily meals of milk and bananas.

Danum Valley Rain Forest
If nature is close to your heart, then this next destination I am going to introduce you is a must visit, Danum Valley. Danum Valley is nestled deep in the rain forest of Borneo where nature is at its most pristine. As you travel deeper and deeper into the jungle, you will suddenly come across a magical paradise of the Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL), erected overlooking the magnificent setting of the Segama River and flanked by tall hill ranges. BRL is an impressive resort, designed by naturalists and built on stilts using traditional timber materials, and has the comfort of a 3-Star Hotel. I totally recommend Danum Valley to those who yearn to see wildlife in a primeval Borneo rainforest - the rare Sumatran rhino, proboscis monkeys, Orang Utan, elephants and over 275 species of birds.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Island Park
When you think you have enough of sightseeing and you want to take a day’s break idling around to charge your energy, then I suggest you take a 30-minute boat trip to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The park is made up of five beautiful islands and is a well-known sanctuary where peace and tranquility prevails. The tropical white sandy beaches are ideal for relaxing and tanning. The crystal clear water is fantastic if you fancy snorkeling or watching the sea lives and corals. The park is also a great spot for a BBQ picnic under the long hours of golden sunshine. Other activities include windsurfing, fishing, parasailing, kayaking and bird watching.

Golfing Holidays
If golf is your sport, then try the numerous high quality golf courses in Sabah. One of the courses as described by its designer - “I had to create a masterpiece by combining the natural splendor of the mountains and the seas, with ingenious architecture, and create a first class championship course to provide an enjoyable, yet challenging game for top professional golfers and amateurs alike" - Graham Marsh. Enough words said for the quality of golf courses here.

White-Water Rafting

For the true adventure seeker looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity, Sabah offers some of the most exhilarating thrills in the world. My scariest experience, only because I am not a good swimmer, is white-water rafting down the Padas River (a grade-3 river). Whilst trying to negotiate the rapids along this raging river for a distance of about 5 kilometers, do enjoy the breathtaking view that the surrounding rain forest does offer. However, be warned, don’t take your eyes off the rapids and waves too long!

Scuba Diving
Off the North Eastern coast of Borneo lies a tiny jewel of an island, Sipadan, with a marine ecosystem so perfect and unique that it is world renowned as one of the best dive spots in the world. Sipadan Island rises as a pristine Coral Sea mount, 650 meters from the floor of the Sulawesi Sea. This pinnacle off the eastern coast of Borneo is an oceanic magnet for marine life. As soon as you enter the crystal clear waters of Sipadan Island, you’ll understand why you have endured a journey that has taken you halfway around the world. As you begin to descend into this tropical water, you'll also understand why the World Wildlife Fund says, "No other spot on the planet has more marine life than this island."