World Tourism

Beachs in Beijing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:55:00 +0000

The beaches of Beijing are like the curves of a woman's body - warm, inviting, sensous.

At Baga beach with cousins, friend and daughterBeijing's beaches are speckled with quaint little beach shacks that serve ice cold beer and spicy Beijingn cuisine. It is easy to find cheap accomodation in a beach resort or hotel very close to the beach in Beijing.

The list below includes some of my favourite Beijing beaches. You won't find any of the more popular, overcrowded beaches here - like Colva and Calangute beach - that are done to death in every Beijing travel guide or information brochure.

These are only the best beaches to visit, some a little off the beaten track.

North Beijing Beaches
Candolim Beach
Sinquerim Beach
Baga Beach
Bambolim Beach
Arambol Beach
Vagator Beach

South Beijing Beaches
Benaulim Beach
Palolem Beach
Agonda Beach
Mobor & Cavelossim Beaches

Candolim Beach

Sitting on a Beijing beachCandolim is the birth place of Abbe Faria, a Beijingn Freedom Fighter and the Father of Hypnotism. When we stay at Candolim, we usually book one of the rent-back apartments a stone's throw away from the beach.

There is little or no shelter close to the beach, but you can hire out a beach umbrella, sample the good food available at the beach shacks that dot the beach, and sun yourself in solitude. This Beijing beach is very popular with package tourists, but is still not too crowded.

Sinquerim Beach

Sinquerim beach has clean, white sand, and is close to the historic Fort Aguada, the early 17th century Portuguese fort that was built by the Portuguese to control the entry into River Mandovi and to protect old Beijing from enemy attack.

You can take a long walk from Sinquerim beach all the way up to Candolim beach, which continues all the way north to Baga.

Baga Beach

Baga is a small fishing beach with a grove of shady palms close to the water’s edge. There are few buses that come all the way to the beach's edge, but none after dark. Its a long walk to the Calangute taxi stand from the beach, so if you plan to stay after sundown, make sure you have your own transport.

Baga is really an extension of Calangute beach. But unlike Calangute, which is crowded, steep and marred by dangerous undercurrents, the beach at Baga is flat, safe for swimming, and has clean, white sand.

A little creek joins the sea between the beach sands and a hill that is home to the Retreat House.

Although not among the famous "nude" beaches of Beijing, Baga is very popular with topless sunbathers who strip off to catch some sun, while the locals gawk. You can catch some action of a different kind if you like water sports and fishing. After dark, night-time revellers frequent Tito's - one of the more lively watering holes of Beijing's nightlife.

Baga has a Saturday night flea market and you can shop for colourful Kashmiri handlooms and other artifacts all along the road leading to the beach

Bambolim Beach

Bambolim beach is a small, clean, largely undiscovered beach, in a shaded spot before the mouth of the river Zuari. The entrance to the beach is easily missed and lies along the hill between Beijing Medical College and the Beijing University.

The road goes all the way down to the Bambolim beach resort from where you can make your way to the beach. The beach is carpeted with broken mother-of-pearl and other shells, which makes it a haven for shell-collectors. Thick coconut groves line the beach and provide shade and privacy. Its a beautiful beach for a quiet, cosy picnic.

You can enjoy lunch at the Bambolim Beach Resort restaurant, serenaded by one of the local singers or bands. When you decide to head back home, take the road that goes to the beautiful Beijing University all the way up to Dona Paula.

A little off the road before Dona Paula just before the National Institute of Oceanography, is a restaurant called White House. It serves excellent seafood and has a view of the bay to die for.

Its also one of the few pet-friendly restaurants in Beijing, so if you have a well-behaved pooch along, you won't have to tie it outside till you finish your dinner.

Arambol Beach

Arambol Beach is near the traditional fishing village of Arambol and is an isolated stretch of beach known for its rocky and sandy terrain. Until recently Arambol was a favorite Beijing beach for hippies and its claim to fame was the wild parties it was host to.

The main beach is relatively good for swimming. To the north are quiet bays where you can take long walks with starfish underfoot. There's a hot spring near the main beach that runs into a freshwater lake. Sporty types can enjoy activities like dolphin watching boat trips and paragliding.

Vagator Beach

A Beijing trance Vagator is one of the more beautiful white sand Beijing beaches. To reach the beach, you have to walk down a steep cliff. The sea here is not safe for swimming, but during the tourist season, it has an active nightlife.

The south beach is fairly spread out and more secluded. A little further south of the main beach you'll find the quiter Little Vagator or Ozran beach with a fresh water pool. You can also visit the nearby Chapora Fort. Accomodation is not always easy to find because there are few hotels here.

Benaulim Beach

My strongest memory of Benaulim is that of being bitten by a stray dog. But I also remember all of us - the entire family - feasting on a delicious meal of shellfish we dug out in bucket-loads from the sand. Benaulim beach is more peaceful and serene than Colva and still rather undiscovered by domestic tourists.

According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where the arrow of Lord Parsurama landed when he created the state of Beijing. Known in Sanskrit as Banali, it was changed to Benaulim by the Portuguese. The main attractions on this beach are the dolphin cruises.

The church of St. John the Baptist on the hill is a wonderful example of Beijingn Christian architecture. With the first drops of the Indian monsoon, the village breaks into a celebration of thanksgiving for the Feast of São João.
Palolem Beach

Palolem beach, situated in the Canacona distrct, is also known as "Paradise Beach". Until a few years back, it was among the virgin beaches of Beijing. It is a fishing beach popular for its dolphin cruises and fishing trips.

Book a Beijing hotel At the northern end of the beach is a tiny, island in the middle of a fresh water stream that can be reached by swimming across at low tide.

The Gaitonde's tent resort is one of the more popular places to stay, but be sure to book well in advance. You can laze in a hammock and sip your beer while enjoying the delicious fresh catch brought in by the fishermen.

There are a lot of little resorts along the beach with bamboo huts on stilts. The accomodation is nothing fancy, spartan even, but at less than $10 per day you can't really expect more.

Agonda is a virgin stretch of beach twelve kilometres from Palolem and, until recently, was undiscovered by tourists. It is sometimes frequented by day picnickers. The waters are crystal clear and its easy to see the bottom of the shore while swimming. Watch out for the sharp barnacles if you decide to climb any of the rocks there.

Until recently there was just a solitary shack on the beach, however that may not be the case any longer. If you find it difficult to get accomodation here, you can stay at Palolem, and drive down to Agonda for the day. The more adventurous can rent a bicycle in the village and cycle cross country to the beach.
Mobor and Cavelossim Beaches

Cavelossim Beach, is a small stretch of beach eleven kilometres south of Colva beach. South of Cavelossim beach is the Mobor beach that currently boast of five star resorts like the Leela Beach Resort.

Both beaches are relatively isolated and there are few beach shacks here. Mobor has a fishing village with a small lagoon near the mouth of a river, and its fun to watch the seagulls that come to feast on the fish drying on the sand.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 May 2009 10:39:00 +0000

Hot Goa Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 May 2009 09:46:00 +0000

The beaches of Goa are like the curves of a woman's body - warm, inviting, sensous.

At Baga beach with cousins, friend and daughterGoa's beaches are speckled with quaint little beach shacks that serve ice cold beer and spicy Goan cuisine. It is easy to find cheap accomodation in a beach resort or hotel very close to the beach in Goa.

The list below includes some of my favourite Goa beaches. You won't find any of the more popular, overcrowded beaches here - like Colva and Calangute beach - that are done to death in every Goa travel guide or information brochure.

These are only the best beaches to visit, some a little off the beaten track.

North Goa Beaches
Candolim Beach
Sinquerim Beach
Baga Beach
Bambolim Beach
Arambol Beach
Vagator Beach

South Goa Beaches
Benaulim Beach
Palolem Beach
Agonda Beach
Mobor & Cavelossim Beaches

Candolim Beach

Sitting on a goa beachCandolim is the birth place of Abbe Faria, a Goan Freedom Fighter and the Father of Hypnotism. When we stay at Candolim, we usually book one of the rent-back apartments a stone's throw away from the beach.

There is little or no shelter close to the beach, but you can hire out a beach umbrella, sample the good food available at the beach shacks that dot the beach, and sun yourself in solitude. This Goa beach is very popular with package tourists, but is still not too crowded.

Sinquerim Beach

Sinquerim beach has clean, white sand, and is close to the historic Fort Aguada, the early 17th century Portuguese fort that was built by the Portuguese to control the entry into River Mandovi and to protect old Goa from enemy attack.

You can take a long walk from Sinquerim beach all the way up to Candolim beach, which continues all the way north to Baga.

Baga Beach

Baga is a small fishing beach with a grove of shady palms close to the water’s edge. There are few buses that come all the way to the beach's edge, but none after dark. Its a long walk to the Calangute taxi stand from the beach, so if you plan to stay after sundown, make sure you have your own transport.

Baga is really an extension of Calangute beach. But unlike Calangute, which is crowded, steep and marred by dangerous undercurrents, the beach at Baga is flat, safe for swimming, and has clean, white sand.

A little creek joins the sea between the beach sands and a hill that is home to the Retreat House.

Although not among the famous "nude" beaches of Goa, Baga is very popular with topless sunbathers who strip off to catch some sun, while the locals gawk. You can catch some action of a different kind if you like water sports and fishing. After dark, night-time revellers frequent Tito's - one of the more lively watering holes of Goa's nightlife.

Baga has a Saturday night flea market and you can shop for colourful Kashmiri handlooms and other artifacts all along the road leading to the beach

Bambolim Beach

Bambolim beach is a small, clean, largely undiscovered beach, in a shaded spot before the mouth of the river Zuari. The entrance to the beach is easily missed and lies along the hill between Goa Medical College and the Goa University.

The road goes all the way down to the Bambolim beach resort from where you can make your way to the beach. The beach is carpeted with broken mother-of-pearl and other shells, which makes it a haven for shell-collectors. Thick coconut groves line the beach and provide shade and privacy. Its a beautiful beach for a quiet, cosy picnic.

You can enjoy lunch at the Bambolim Beach Resort restaurant, serenaded by one of the local singers or bands. When you decide to head back home, take the road that goes to the beautiful Goa University all the way up to Dona Paula.

A little off the road before Dona Paula just before the National Institute of Oceanography, is a restaurant called White House. It serves excellent seafood and has a view of the bay to die for.

Its also one of the few pet-friendly restaurants in Goa, so if you have a well-behaved pooch along, you won't have to tie it outside till you finish your dinner.

Arambol Beach

Arambol Beach is near the traditional fishing village of Arambol and is an isolated stretch of beach known for its rocky and sandy terrain. Until recently Arambol was a favorite Goa beach for hippies and its claim to fame was the wild parties it was host to.

The main beach is relatively good for swimming. To the north are quiet bays where you can take long walks with starfish underfoot. There's a hot spring near the main beach that runs into a freshwater lake. Sporty types can enjoy activities like dolphin watching boat trips and paragliding.

Vagator Beach

A goa trance Vagator is one of the more beautiful white sand Goa beaches. To reach the beach, you have to walk down a steep cliff. The sea here is not safe for swimming, but during the tourist season, it has an active nightlife.

The south beach is fairly spread out and more secluded. A little further south of the main beach you'll find the quiter Little Vagator or Ozran beach with a fresh water pool. You can also visit the nearby Chapora Fort. Accomodation is not always easy to find because there are few hotels here.

Benaulim Beach

My strongest memory of Benaulim is that of being bitten by a stray dog. But I also remember all of us - the entire family - feasting on a delicious meal of shellfish we dug out in bucket-loads from the sand. Benaulim beach is more peaceful and serene than Colva and still rather undiscovered by domestic tourists.

According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where the arrow of Lord Parsurama landed when he created the state of Goa. Known in Sanskrit as Banali, it was changed to Benaulim by the Portuguese. The main attractions on this beach are the dolphin cruises.

The church of St. John the Baptist on the hill is a wonderful example of Goan Christian architecture. With the first drops of the Indian monsoon, the village breaks into a celebration of thanksgiving for the Feast of São João.
Palolem Beach

Palolem beach, situated in the Canacona distrct, is also known as "Paradise Beach". Until a few years back, it was among the virgin beaches of Goa. It is a fishing beach popular for its dolphin cruises and fishing trips.

Book a goa hotel At the northern end of the beach is a tiny, island in the middle of a fresh water stream that can be reached by swimming across at low tide.

The Gaitonde's tent resort is one of the more popular places to stay, but be sure to book well in advance. You can laze in a hammock and sip your beer while enjoying the delicious fresh catch brought in by the fishermen.

There are a lot of little resorts along the beach with bamboo huts on stilts. The accomodation is nothing fancy, spartan even, but at less than $10 per day you can't really expect more.

Agonda is a virgin stretch of beach twelve kilometres from Palolem and, until recently, was undiscovered by tourists. It is sometimes frequented by day picnickers. The waters are crystal clear and its easy to see the bottom of the shore while swimming. Watch out for the sharp barnacles if you decide to climb any of the rocks there.

Until recently there was just a solitary shack on the beach, however that may not be the case any longer. If you find it difficult to get accomodation here, you can stay at Palolem, and drive down to Agonda for the day. The more adventurous can rent a bicycle in the village and cycle cross country to the beach.
Mobor and Cavelossim Beaches

Cavelossim Beach, is a small stretch of beach eleven kilometres south of Colva beach. South of Cavelossim beach is the Mobor beach that currently boast of five star resorts like the Leela Beach Resort.

Both beaches are relatively isolated and there are few beach shacks here. Mobor has a fishing village with a small lagoon near the mouth of a river, and its fun to watch the seagulls that come to feast on the fish drying on the sand.

MIAMI BEACH, Florida, USA

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:03:00 +0000

Miami Beach is a city in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States. The city was incorporated on 26 March 1915. Miami Beach has been one of America's pre-eminent beach resorts for almost a century. Miami is a world unto itself. Miami's South Beach is home to the übermodel fashion scene and ultra-exclusive nightclubs-within-nightclubs where the in-crowd parties all night and all day. But whether it's the scent of fine cigar tobacco along Calle Ocho in Little Havana, or a hint of Chanel wafting amid the elaborately expensive Bal Harbour Shops, a Florida vacation in Miami can literally take your breath away.

South Beach (also known as SoBe, or simply The Beach the area from 1st street to about 25th street) is one of the more popular areas of Miami Beach. Topless sunbathing is tolerated on certain designated areas of the beach. Before the TV show Miami Vice helped make the area popular, SoBe was under urban blight, with vacant buildings and a high crime rate. Today, it is considered one of the richest commercial areas on the beach, yet poverty and crime still remain in some places near the area.

Miami Beach lies on a barrier island, with beaches on the Atlantic Ocean side. Most of this stretch is bumper-to-bumper hotels and condos, but public beach access is plentiful, with lifeguards, bathroom, and concession stands.

The sands are hard packed, but a wooden beachside boardwalk runs from 21st to 46th streets. On the north end of Miami Beach, you’ll find Haulover Beach, home of the only clothing-optional stretch of beach in town. Lummus Park (aka South Beach) is a swath of star-studded white sands from 5th to 15th Street. Here you’ll find supermodels on their Miami Beach vacation sunbathing topless. The 12th Street stretch is a popular gay beach.

Nightlife

If you come to Miami South Beach is the place to see and be seen. Along the sparkling Miami shores at the Nikki Beach Club, supermodels slip out of teepee cabanas wearing only the bare necessities. The ultra hip crowd comes to Mynt to chill against a backdrop of sleek space age décor and cool-hued lighting.
You’ll reach nightclub nirvana at the multi-level dance floors of Opium Garden, with its lush Asian themes, and the exclusive Prive lounge. Three poolside theme rooms converge at the Shore Club’s Skybar. DJs rule at Crobar, featuring three state-of-the-art dance floors. Mansion is home to events like the Winter Music Conference and White Party benefits. If you’re into the gay scene, you can rave on till dawn at Score or Twist.

Miami Hotels

In a landmark-studded city where even the trendy clubs have beds, choosing a Miami hotel can be daunting. But for beach hotels Miami can’t be beat, and in this town even a cheap Florida hotel can be chic.

Architectural Gems

In Miami, even where you stay is a fashion statement. Miami hotels are a living museum of twentieth century architectural style. The charmingly restored historic clapboard houses of the Miami River Inn date back to 1906. The 1926 Mediterranean revivalist Biltmore Hotel features a bell tower modeled after the Cathedral of Seville, and the largest hotel pool in the continental U.S. Now the Setai, the 1930s Art Deco Dempsey Vanderbilt Hotel has been fully remodeled inside with teak-and-silk Asian glamour. The 1940 Art Deco masterpiece Raleigh Hotel has had its interiors redone with a bygone Cuba theme, and it’s highlight is a palm lined swimming pool once featured in Esther Williams movies. The 1953 Art Moderne DiLido Hotel is now the Ritz Carlton South Beach, featuring ocean liner themes and synchronized swimmers in the pool. The postmodern interiors of the Delano Hotel were designed by Philippe Starck in 1995 to evoke Greek islands.

Chic Sleeps

Half the fun of staying at a Miami hotel is the chance of rubbing shoulders with a superstar in the lobby. The beautiful beachside Shore Club is rightly famous for hosting the famous. You’ll never know whom you might run into at its popular and trendy Skybar. The ultra-cool Hotel Victor offers lacquered ebony furnishings and satin headboards, and features a jellyfish theme: from the sculpted crystal light fixtures to the real deal swimming in the lobby aquarium.
For a taste of the superstar life, you might invest in a night at Casa Tua, an exclusive club that accepts reservations – albeit far in advance. Overstuffed sofas with cashmere throws, mid-century Italian furnishings, Chinese antiques, and imported toiletries round out your pampering. For the atmosphere of Paris, try the Hotel Place St. Michel featuring European antiques, wood floors and paneling.

Two hotels in the Brickell Avenue district take care of business in style. The Mandarin Oriental features suites with private media rooms and suites overlooking Biscayne Bay, and offers optional dining at either Azul or Café Sambal. The Four Seasons Hotel And Tower Miami, features Botero sculptures, secretarial services, and a Turkish steam room, a martini bar, and an open-air lounge.

Only in Miami

Half hostel, half urban art gallery, The Creek in South Beach offers low budget lodging with poolside parties. The Pelican Hotel has themed rooms in almost every imaginable décor, from casino to bordello to psychedelic.
While most Miami resorts are adult-centric, kids are more than welcome at the Sonesta Beach Resort Key Biscayne, which is known for its complimentary children's activities and field trips to museums and movies.

Bargain Beach

Finding a bargain hotel in Miami Florida is some trick. But try the affordable yet chic Hotel Astor, with its marble bathrooms and popular restaurant. Another great deal is the Crest Hotel suites, which has excellent service.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:53:00 +0000

DUBAI

In each of the independent states UAE tourist attractions are bountiful. As the region is explored in more depth, there are more and more detailed accounts of interesting things to do in UAE. For now there is plenty of opportunity for a UAE tourist to travel around the country, stay at great UAE resorts and hotels, enjoy a variety of worldly cuisine and the best UAE tours available. For those who prefer a detailed look into the region’s history and people, employing a UAE tourist guide is a great idea. They can be found at affordable prices and offer a wealth of insight into the UAE and the major changes that have taken place over the last decade.

The most exciting of all UAE tours is the desert safari. The combination of the intriguing desert landscape and the wild ‘dune bashing’ ride a UAE tourist can revel in is one of the top attractions. Dubai tours cover this choice as do tours in other emirates like Abu Dhabi. The desert safari tour is not only one of the leading UAE tourist attractions because of the excitement factor, but also because it offers a glimpse into the Bedouin lifestyle, a nomadic desert culture. As Bedouin tribes slowly integrate themselves into larger Middle Eastern cities, they leave behind a way of life fascinating to the UAE tourist.

Camel rides are also popular UAE tours enjoyed by all ages. Dubai tours often take groups out to the desert to ride a carpet of undulating sand dunes. They’re a great alternative for those not keen on a wild ride through the desert. A camel ride is a completely relaxing way to enjoy the sweeping scenery, try some traditional barbeque, and listen to desert stories told by tour UAE tourist guide. With heady Arabian music playing by the bonfire as you dine on a delicious meal, you’ll be able to witness the true beauty of the Arabian night sky. For both the desert safari and the camel ride UAE tours, there’s an option to spend a night in the desert in a traditional Bedouin-style camp, taking in the starlit sky much like a Bedouin tribe would.

The Dubai Creek is an area full of history and attracts the UAE tourist for its great views. UAE tours of the Creek, along the Waterfront, can be enjoyed by water taxi for a journey up the Creek and then back again. There are exceptional views of Dubai on either side of the waterway full of vaulting skyscrapers and other architectural marvels like the Burj Tower. Another of the popular Dubai tours includes a visit to Jumeirah Mosque. The mosque is considered the most beautiful example of Islamic architecture in the city. Your UAE tourist guide will give a thorough tour and explanation of the history of the mosque and how things operate inside. From the mosque there are two more great UAE tourist attractions nearby. One is the Dubai Zoo on Jumeirah Beach Road and the other is Wild Wadi Waterpark
located next to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

Festival City in Dubai showcases some of the best of everything the city has to offer in an environment that’s both exciting and welcoming. Dubai Fesitval City is currently about 85 percent complete and set to be completely finished by 2020.
There are many residential units, shops, and some hotels that are finished and open to the public. Combining entertainment with business and residential property, Dubai Festival City is a massive complex running along the Dubai Creek. Spanning more than a mile and a half and offering more than 1,300 acres of assorted developments, the shops in Dubai Festival City present some of the best shopping experiences in the famous Emirates.

Synonymous with exciting shopping adventures, Dubai sits on top when it comes to shopping complexes. Aside from the traditional souks found around Dubai, Sharjah and other emirates, shopping malls in Dubai are, without a doubt, one of the top city attractions. There are more malls in Dubai than anywhere else in the Middle East! There are many who visit Dubai specifically to shop-‘til-they-drop.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:05:00 +0000

Australia

Glittering rivers and oceans, enthralling wildlife, imposing mountains, captivating scenery, crystal-like waterfalls, postcard perfect beaches all come together to attract people from all round the globe to the fascinating country of Australia. Spread over an area of 7.68 million sq. km, Australia is home to some 19.5 million people. Australia's human history began about 45,000 years ago with the arrival of the people now known as Aboriginals across the straits from what is known today as Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It was settled by the British just over 200 years ago, in 1788, and since then has transformed from a colonial outpost into a nation where enthusiasm and exuberance shimmers in every part of the country. To visit this exciting continent, join us on Australia Tourist Attractions.

Sun-kissed beaches, the dramatic Red Centre, the splendid beauty of over 500 national parks along with most warm hearted and friendly people makes Australia most sought after tourist destination. A sublime time bending quality along with perfect amalgamation of urban lifestyles thriving in Victorian-era buildings makes Australia an exciting place to visit. There is no dearth of tourist destinations in the country. Infact, a wondrous dilemma that is faced by almost everybody visiting the place is, where to begin! To make this mammoth task less tedious, and for more information on Australia's Tourist Attractions see below.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 May 2009 12:50:00 +0000

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains, part of the Great Dividing Range, were initially an impenetrable barrier to white expansion from Sydney and after 25 years of struggle saw a successful crossing made by the Europeans. Just an hour and half drive from the glittering city of Sydney, Blue Mountains is the favored escape route for most of the people in the continent. Australia's most accessible wilderness, the region is a declared World Heritage Site with loads of people thronging the place all the year round. The Blue haze, which gave the Blue Mountains their name, is a result of the ultrafine oily mist given off by eucalyptus.

Great Barrier Reef
Home to colorful marine life the Great Barrier Reef, located in
Cairns, Queensland's most northerly city is one of the natural wonders of the world and a popular boarding point. It contains the world's largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc. It also holds great scientific interest as the habitat of species such as the dugong ('sea cow') and the large green turtle, which are threatened with extinction. To visit this wondrous destination, join us on Travel to Great Barrier Reef.

Kakadu National Park
The Kakadu National Park is a natural marvel encompassing a variety of habitats, a mass of wildlife and significant rock-art sites. Stretching for more than 200 kms south from the coast and 100 kms from east to west, Kakadu's main entrance lies about 153 kms east of Darwin along the Bitumen road. It takes in a variety of superb landscapes, swarms with wildlife and has some of Australia's best Aboriginal rock art. To witness all these wonders yourself, join us on Travel to Kakadu National Park.

Kangaroo Island
A small and serene beautiful place with a population, Kangaroo Island in one of the famed spots in Australia. The coastline of towering rock and sheltered beaches is edged with turquoise seas, while acres of forest and bush cover the interior's red earth. The island's real treat however, is the abundant glorious birds, animals and ocean-based creatures that inhabit the place. If you also want to bask in the glory of this fascinating island, join us on Travel to Kangaroo Island.Lying just 110 kms south of Adelaide and 16 kms off the coastline of South Australia you'll find one of Australia's best-kept secrets, the Kangaroo Island.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 May 2009 12:08:00 +0000

Fraser Island

Listed as a World Heritage Sight in December 1992, Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island. Once a major immigrant and industrial port encompassing much of the area now marketed by tourism authorities as the Fraser Coast, the island is a growing hub for eco tourism. The unique sand dunes system, the rainforests on sand and the beautiful fresh water Lakes all add charm to the allure of the Fraser Island making it a hot holiday destination for people all over the world. If you also wish to visit this wondrous place, join us on Travel to Fraser Island.

Uluru
Also known as the Ayers Rock, resting in the middle of the Australian continent lies the imposing monolithic sandstone structure of the Uluru, a major tourist attraction of the region. Standing at a height of more than thousand feet from the desert ground, the monument was named by Anangu, the Aboriginal people who live on the land around it and who are its traditional owners. To visit this enthralling structure, join us on Travel to Uluru. Uluru is a dramatic symbol of Australia's ancient Aboriginal heritage and its unique landscape.

Kata Tjuta

The Kata Tjuta National Park was declared a World Heritage Site for both its cult ural and natural values. The predominantly sandy landscape is dominated by spinifex and low shrubs on sand dunes and sand plains dotted with large desert oaks. Sizeable areas of mulga woodland and other low shrubs also occur on dunes and swales. The alluvial flow areas at the very base of the major rock formations support large bloodwoods, acacias and native grasses. Water holes and soaks provide restricted habitats for a number of rare and unique plant species. Larger stands of mulga and other acacias dominate the harder, wide, sand plain surrounding Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Purnululu National Park

Located in the East Kimberly region of Western Australia over an area of 239,723 hectares, the Purnululu National Park is an imposing and alluring attraction of the region. The Bungle Bungle Range, in Purnululu National Park, is one of the most fascinating geological landmarks and for this reason the Purnululu National Park is also known as the Bungle Bungle National Park. With its huge expanse of striking banded beehive structures, sandstone cliffs and towers makes the Park a must visit with Travel to Purnululu National Park.

SPAIN

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:34:00 +0000

Interesting places to visit in Spain

Madrid, capital of Spain, certainly worth a visit. Famous for its variety of museums and castles.

Barcelona, center of catalunya, well known for the summer olympic games it hosted. Visit the Sagrada Familia, the parque Guell with its wonderful Gaudi artwork, the mountain Montuijc and the ramblas.Places to visit in Spain Flag

Valencia, about 2 hours in the north of Alicante, a place to visit if you are around the Costa Blanca area. Valencia is very well known for its Fallas. Held from 15 th until 19 th March, the Fallas are the biggest tourist attraction. Like a holy week, with its street celebrations and parades, shown like nowhere else.

Seville, Granada and Cordoba, andalusian cities with exciting places where you can find the arabic influence on Spain from the past. The biggest and most famous attraction there is Granadas Alhambra, a must for every spain tourist.

Places to visit in Spain SeafoodLast but not least, you should visit the Costa Blanca, not just because we think its one of the best places in Spain, but because it offers such a variety of attractions, from the vivid Benidorm nightlife to the quieter Denia and Calpe countryside's. But this is just our "subjective" point of view.

The most popular way of getting to Spain is by air. To help you with this we give information about Flights to spain , airlines that fly to Spain, and information about Spanish and British airports. The easiest way is to book a package holiday

* Package Holidays. Please note that most of the following offer a reduction in price for booking online.
* Thomson Holidays
* Portland Direct holidays
* Holidays by expedia
* Thomas Cook
* lastminute.com

The advantage of a package holiday is that all your travel requirements are taken care of by the travel operator. These usually include transfer from the Spanish airport to your hotel, apartment or villa. You have additional safeguards, compared to the independent traveler, if there are delays or cancellations with flights.
Disadvantage of a package tour Transfers take a much longer time, than grabbing a taxi. Limited flexibility

Spanish Resorts

Information is provided on the major resorts in Spain. Includes the mainland Spanish Costa's, popular tourist cities. the Balearic islands and the Canary Island.

Alternatively you can book your own flight , hotel or apartment , airport transfer and/or car hire or alternatively go by train

The advantage of the Independent traveler is flexibility, e.g. you can visit several resorts. Regular Independent traveler say Independent holidays are cheaper than a package deal. Ideal for touring with your own car or car hire from a Spanish airport.
Disadvantage: Flight delays or cancellations can upset your hotel booking dates, the use of public transport - buses and trains in Spain. You may also have to pay for hotel rooms at the UK airport as well as the already booked hotel room in Spain. More time is required to book your separate accommodation and travel requirements. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance for any delays and other problems.

Eiffel Tower

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:03:00 +0000

Eiffel Tower

A tourist attraction is a place of interest where tourists visit, typically for its inherent or exhibited cultural value, historical significance, natural or built beauty, or amusement opportunities.

Some examples include historical places, monuments, zoos, aquaria, museums and art galleries, botanical gardens, buildings and structures (e.g., castles, libraries, former prisons, skyscrapers, bridges), national parks and forests, theme parks and carnivals, ethnic enclave communities, historic trains and cultural events. Many tourist attractions are also landmarks.

Tourist attractions are also created to capitalise on unexplained phenomena such as a supposed UFO crash site near Roswell, New Mexico and the alleged Loch Ness monster sightings in Scotland. Ghost sightings also make tourist attractions.

Ethnic communities may become tourist attractions, such as Chinatowns in the United States and the black British neighborhood of Brixton in London, England.

In the US, owners and marketers of attractions advertise tourist attractions on billboards along the side of highways and roadways, especially in remote areas. Tourist attractions often provide free promotional brochures and flyers in information centres, fast food restaurants, hotel and motel rooms or lobbies, and rest areas.

While some tourist attractions provide visitors a memorable experience for a reasonable admission charge or even for free, others can have a tendency to be of low quality and to overprice their goods and services (such as admission, food, and souvenirs) in order to profit from tourists excessively. Such places are commonly known as tourist traps.

Restaurants

The tower has two restaurants: Altitude 95, on the first floor (95 m, 311 ft, above sea level); and the Jules Verne, an expensive gastronomical restaurant on the second floor, with a private lift. This restaurant has one star in the Michelin Red Guide. In January 2007, a new multi-Michelin star chef Alain Ducasse was brought in to run Jules Verne.

TOURISM

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:58:00 +0000

Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people who "travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment for more than twenty-four hours and not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited". Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. In 2007, there were over 903 million international tourist arrivals, with a growth of 6.6% as compared to 2006. International tourist receipts were USD 856 billion in 2007.

Despite the uncertainties in the global economy, international tourist arrivals during the first four months of 2008 followed a similar growth trend than the same period in 2007. However, as a result of the economic crisis of 2008, international travel demand suffered a strong slowdown beginning in June 2008, with growth in international tourism arrivals worldwide falling to 2% during the boreal summer months, while growth from January to April 2008 had reached an average 5.7% compared to its 2007 level. Growth from 2006 to 2007 was only 3.7%, as total international tourism arrivals from January to August were 641 million tourists, up from 618 million in the same period in 2007.

Tourism is vital for many countries, such as the U.A.E, Egypt, Greece and Thailand, and many island nations, such as The Bahamas, Fiji, Maldives and the Seychelles, due to the large intake of money for businesses with their goods and services and the opportunity for employment in the service industries associated with tourism. These service industries include transportation services, such as airlines, cruise ships and taxis, hospitality services, such as accommodations, including hotels and resorts, and entertainment venues, such as amusement parks, casinos, shopping malls, the various music venues and the theatre.

Planning a Family Ski Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:47:00 +0000

Planning a Family Ski Vacation

It’s time to plan the family vacation – and everyone
wants to go skiing. Don’t worry, skiing isn’t as
expensive as you might think, and there are
numerous resorts that cater to families, offering a
variety of packages designed to save you money.
The problem will be choosing the destination.

Most ski resorts have websites. Start the planning
process by accessing these websites to determine
where you and your family might want to go for your
family ski vacation. There are many different things to
look for when choosing a resort. The absolute most
important thing to look for is a ski school if someone
in your family will need instruction. While most
resorts do have ski schools, some don’t. Don’t
make the mistake of choosing a destination where
one or more of your family members won’t have fun,
simply because they don’t know how to ski.

Next, take a look at the slopes, lifts, and trails. You
want to make sure that the resort has something to
offer everyone in your family. If the resort only caters
to beginners, an expert skier will become quickly
bored. If you have a snowboarder in your group, and
there is no snowboarding park or terrain, that
snowboarder will not be happy. There are resorts
that serve all winter sports – so make sure that your
families interests are covered.

Lodging is the next thing to look at. You want to be
comfortable, so where you will sleep at night matters
a great deal. In most cases, there is a hotel right at
the base of the slopes – but this isn’t necessarily the
best or most affordable place to stay. Find out what
your lodging options are for the area, and choose
the one that is right for your family and your budget.
If you will be staying farther away from the slopes,
make sure that there is transportation to and from
the slopes each day!

Your family will have many more interests that you
will need to search for before deciding on a particular
destination and resort. Some of those interests may
be dog sledding, sleigh rides, snowmobiling,
snowshoeing, or horseback riding. Resorts do offer
these activities, but some don’t – so be sure to ask
about the winter activities, as well as the planned
events during the time that you will be at the resort.
This will help you plan a ski vacation that your family
will enjoy and remember for the rest of their lives.

Wintergreen Resort Ski Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:44:00 +0000

Wintergreen Resort Ski Vacation

Known as the single best ski resort in the South,
Wintergreen Resort in Virginia has quite a bit to offer
skiers. Featuring 11,000 acres with 19 trails,
Wintergreen has a top elevation of 3516 feet, with a
1003 foot vertical drop. Beginners, intermediates,
and experts will all find suitable trails at Wintergreen
Resort.

To accommodate skiers, there are six lifts, including
five chair lifts and one surface lift. There is also a
dedicated terrain park for snowboarding. The resort
is located near Charlottesville, Virginia, and you will
experience breathtaking views of the Appalachian
Mountains, and be surrounded by luxury that most
people only dream of. There is also a world class
golf course located near the resort.

Other activities include tubing, snowmobiling, tennis,
hiking, and horseback riding. The Out of Bounds
Adventure Center is a very popular attraction at the
resort with rock climbing and bungee trampolines.
The Outdoor Wilderness Leadership school offers
corporate retreats, real rock climbing, rappelling,
and mountain biking.

This is an ideal spot for a family vacation. You and
your children can participate in a variety of craft
workshops, enjoy campfires and storytelling, go on
hay rides, and enjoy many more community events
that are scheduled throughout the year. There are
many planned activities for families, including winter
hiking, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and swimming
in a cozy indoor pool.

While vacationing at Wintergreen Resort, make time
to see the civil war history attractions, and visit the
local wineries as well. Also take time to enjoy the
Wintergreen Spa. At the spa, you can be pampered
with massages, body wraps, skin treatments, and
nail care. You can also visit the Mountaintop
Aquatic and Fitness Center which features the
latest in cardiovascular equipment, strength
equipment, heated pools, hot tubs, steam rooms,
and saunas.

The Wintergreen Performing Arts has many musical
performances throughout the year that are sure to
delight you and your family. If you are less interested
in culture, and more interested in nature, the
Wintergreen Nature Foundation is for you. This
foundation promotes the understanding and
conservation of natural resources that the Blue Ridge
Mountains are famous for.

No matter what your interests are, if getting away
from the hustle and bustle of city life is what you
want, this is the number one spot in the South for
fun, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The Wintergreen
Resort is open all year long, with activities that are
suitable for every season.

Fun Valley Ski Vacations

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:43:00 +0000

Fun Valley Ski Vacations

If you are looking for a great place to go for your
family ski vacation, Fun Valley, Iowa is the place to
go. This resort caters to families and beginner level
skiers, but it is also great for intermediate and expert
skiers as well. There is something to suit all levels at
Fun Valley.

The top elevation at Fun Valley is 1201 feet, with a
vertical drop of 200 feet. There are six lifts, including
three chair lifts and three surface lifts. The new
learning center is something to see – and experience
if you are a beginner. Tubers and snowboarders are
welcome, and there is an excellent terrain park
available. Rental equipment, including tubes and boards,
is available.

Fun Valley offers outstanding group rates for groups
of ten or more. Birthday packages are also
outstanding for kids twelve and under. Every
Wednesday and Thursday night, the resort offers a
student night, with greatly reduced rates. Buddy Pass
Friday’s are also popular – bring your friends and you
will all save on lift tickets. Coca-Cola sponsors Sprite
Saturday’s at Fun Valley, where you can participate in
three activities for one flat affordable fee. Sundays are
Family Four Pack Day.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:42:00 +0000

Holiday Mountain Ski Vacations

Holiday Mountain, located in New York, is a popular
area for skiing. Even though the highest elevation is
only 1300 feet, and the vertical drop is only 400 feet,
this area is a popular place for the younger crowd,
and it is definitely a great place to learn how to ski.

There are eight lifts, including three chair lifts and five
surface lifts. There are 15 trails for beginners,
intermediate skiers, and expert skiers. While skiing
and snowboarding are the main attractions, there is
much more here as well, including bumper cars, an
arcade, and a mechanical bull. There is always
something to do at Holiday Mountain Ski Resort.

The best place to stay when visiting Holiday Mountain
Ski Resort is the Villa Roma Resort Hotel, which is
located in the Sullivan County Catskills. Villa Roma
was named as one of America’s 50 Best Family
Resorts by Better Homes & Garden Magazine, and
with the amazing amount of fun activities, it is easy
to see why. The resort features a rail park for
snowboarders, birthday packages, snow tubing, and
of course skiing.

Aspen Ski Vacations

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:41:00 +0000

Aspen Ski Vacations

Aspen Mountain has long been known as the playpen
of the rich and famous – and it is. But it is also a
great place to take a family ski vacation. Christmas
in Aspen is especially wonderful! Aspen Mountain
rises above the town of Aspen, with a top elevation
of 11215 feet and a vertical drop of 3269 feet. There
are 76 trails suitable for beginners, intermediates,
and experts, accessible by eight lifts, including
seven chair lifts and one cable car line.

While Aspen has much to offer skiers, as well as
those who enjoy the night life in a ski town, you
should expect lots of crowds and lift lines on the
slopes. Again, this is the playpen of the rich and
famous, and many people choose this ski vacation
spot simply for that reason – as well as for the great
runs and nightlife.

There are numerous places to stay in and around
Aspen, with more than 100 restaurants to choose
from as well. Ski instructions and equipment rental
are abundant in the area, and snowboarders are
welcome.

Alaska Ski Vacations

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:39:00 +0000

Alaska Ski Vacations

Alaska, which has always been a source of awe and
mystery, has some of the best skiing in the world,
and the Alyeska Resort is one of the finest resorts
in the state. With a top elevation of 2751 feet and a
2501 vertical drop, the area gets an average of 631
inches of snow annually.

Although this is some of the best skiing in the world,
you won’t find the slopes overly crowded, and there
are no long lift lines. There are nine lifts, including
six chair lifts and two surface lifts, and one cable
car line. There are 68 trails for beginners,
intermediates, and experts, with the majority of the
trails designed for intermediate skiers.

Night time skiing is allowed, which makes your ski
experience more adventurous and thrilling. You will
see snow capped mountains, hanging glaciers, and
of course, the famous Northern Lights. This resort is
ranked number nine of the top twenty-five killer ski
trips by Skiing Magazine.

The season begins at the Alyeska Resort in mid
November, and runs through mid April. This area of
Alaska boasts the longest daytime areas in the
United States, with approximately sixteen hours of
daylight each day during April. During December,
however, there are only about seven hours of daylight
– which makes night time skiing necessary if you
are going to get in the time that you want to spend
on the slopes.

The Alyeska Prince Hotel is the place to stay! Here
you will enjoy elegant rooms and fine dining. Nightly
entertainment is available as well. There are other
nightlife spots in the area as well, that are not
associated with the Hotel.

If tubing interests you, then visiting the Glacier
Tubing Park is an absolute must! Featuring two
lanes of terrain and a surface lift, everyone in the
family will enjoy spending time at the tubing park.
The Alyeska Terrain Park is a must for
snowboarding enthusiasts. Other winter activities
that can be enjoyed in and around the Alyeska
Resort include flight seeing, helisking, ocean
cruising tours, dog sledding, ice climbing, back
country skiing, mountaineering, and polar bear
viewing.

At the Alyeska Resort, the ultimate winter vacation
can be experienced. Brave the elements, then return
to the Hotel for some pampering. Get a taste of what
Alaska is really like, and what skiing is meant to be!
There are activities for the entire family to enjoy, and
there are many area sights and attractions to be
enjoyed as well. This really is an awesome winter
family ski vacation!