What to Do on a Scottish Holiday

There are certain things no Scottish holiday is complete without. These experiences are readily available throughout the country so you quite simply have no excuse not to give them a go.

Ceilidh Dancing

A holiday in Scotland needs to include at least one ceilidh. But what is that you may well ask? Well, a ceilidh (pronounced 'kaylee') is a traditional Scottish social event that involves dancing to Gaelic folk music.

The ceilidh tradition has not died out with the advent of modern nightlife. Scots still enjoy the dances, and hold them at functions like weddings, family celebrations, and graduation balls. It is popular for men to wear kilts, and for girls to wear skirts or dresses.

Many children are taught the basics of ceilidh dancing at school, while others learn through attending events such as those mentioned above. Ceilidh bands usually have a member who doubles up as the master of ceremonies, and leads the dances.

Ceilidhs are not limited to private functions, however. Some clubs and pubs throughout the country will host regular dance nights to keep the tradition going. So be sure to bring along a pair of dancing shoes.

Visit Ghillie Dhu in Edinburgh or Sloans in Glasgow. Smaller towns and cities will also host regular ceilidhs. Just ask around for information.

Deep Fried Food

Visitors to Scotland should not leave prior to trying out at least one "chippy" or takeaway. Deep fried food extends much further than the traditional British fish and chips. In Scotland you could be in for a deep fried Mars bar treat, deep fried burgers, sausages and even pizza. Colloquially these are sometimes referred to as "heart attacks in a bag" though most of the time they come served in polystyrene boxes...

Takeaway food is particularly popular among school children at lunch times, which is an alarming trend. It is not uncommon to see queues form outside chippies in the evening hours, especially at weekends. Many people stop off for a deep fried meal on their way home from a night out. If you cannot stomach it in the middle of the night, a greasy fry up works wonders the next morning. While you might not be able to get chips in the early morning, you can get equally greasy food in the form of full Scottish breakfasts and bacon rolls.

Once you have had your fair share of deep fried food, and danced your socks off at a ceilidh, you'll be happy to experience true Scottish hospitality at a Glasgow city hotel, guest house in Skye, or hostel in Aberdeen.

Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles here to find out more.

View the original article here

Lads' Summer Holiday Tips

So you saw The Inbetweeners movie and decided a lads' holiday is in order? The travel industry is forecasting a surge in popularity for Malia and Magaluf this summer. Malia on the Greek island of Crete is where the film was set, and Magaluf in Spain is where the film was actually shot.

South European resort areas are popular destinations for groups of men aged 18 to 30 looking for sun, sea, sand and clubbing. If you are looking for a little something different this summer, consider a city break in places like Krakow in Poland, Dubrovnik in Croatia, Tallinn in Estonia or Munich in Germany. There you will still have the chance to spend a lot of time outdoors and clubbing, but you are more likely to meet actual locals rather than others on holiday. Cities also have a larger variety of activities on offer that don't all revolve around nightlife and meeting members of the opposite sex.

Holiday Activities

You could be doing a whole host of activities on holiday. Just make sure you set your alarm clocks in the morning and avoid spending the day cooped up in your hotel room. While the hotel pool may be tempting, did you really travel there to just lie sprawled on a sun lounger all day? Any destination has at least a few sights to see, and many things to do.

A lot of the most popular activities at seaside resorts are water sports. From water skiing to surfing to rafting, you are bound to find something for every guy in the group.

If you want to avoid water for a change, or if you have chosen to visit a city, check out some of the local visitor attractions. Museums and historic sights can be really interesting to discover. For example, the Soviet Museum in Tallinn is home to a fascinating exhibition of what life used to be like under Soviet rule. There are loads of great photo ops.

While abroad, be sure to give local cuisine a go. Unfortunately, the most popular resorts are known for bad international food so you might have to venture off the beaten track to try something truly authentic. This is another reason why cities are a good choice as you can find a larger array of eateries to choose from that serve more than burgers, and fish and chips.

In Poland, for example, you should definitely try pirogi or dumplings with fillings from cottage cheese to sauerkraut.

What to Pack

Wherever you go in the summer, sunscreen is a must. You do not want to end up red as a lobster like some of the boys did in The Inbetweeners. This is in no way a flattering look...

Pack a fair amount of toiletries and cologne. Summer weather can mean having to take two showers a day, particularly if you have planned a night out.

This is also a reason to pack more clothes than you would expect to wear. Fortunately, most hotels have laundry facilities so you can wash some items if really needed, but it is always best to plan for the worst.

Shorts are a good choice for daytime but some clubs have strict dress codes and may not let you in dressed in shorts. Throw a few pairs of chinos in your suitcase. They can be dressed up or down to suit any setting.

Checked mens shirts are still very much bang on trend this summer. Denim shirts and Hawaiian-print inspired shirts are also in. For daytime polo shirts are a fashionable choice.

And do not forget a pair or two of swim shorts, and a towel!

Last but certainly not least, put together a first aid kit. Painkillers are an absolute must if you exaggerate with the partying but still want to do something during the day. Pills to settle your stomach could also come in handy. And single guys should always remember condoms to avoid accidents.

Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles here to find out more.

View the original article here

Travel Russia

Traveling a country so big and so diverse as Russia can be quite a task. So many climatic zones, so many different cities and cultures... It is highly advisable to seek advice from a travel professional who would tell you how and where to go with minimal cost.

Russia is a country with ancient history and tremendously rich culture. Some of its architectural, historical and cultural monuments are enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the historic center of St. Petersburg, the Moscow Kremlin, Red Square, palaces and park complexes, the historical monuments of Novgorod, the historical and cultural complex of Solovki, Trinity-Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad, the white stone monuments of ancient Vladimir-Suzdal and the cities of the 'Golden Ring of Russia', and the Kizhi State Historical-Architectural and Ethnographic Museum Reserve.

If you have a look at the Russian Federation, which occupies a sixth part of the earth, it is easy to notice that its sights are so diverse that they go beyond our imagination and resemble no other countries. The people, who have seen a lot and have been to many places, will certainly confirm that it is next to impossible to see all the sights Russia, so great is their number.

The territory of Russia admits more than 100 nature reserves and national parks, the great rivers, like the Volga, the Lena, the Amur, the largest and deepest lake Baikal, the alpine peaks of the Caucasus and the Caucasian Mineral Waters resorts, the volcanoes and geysers of Kamchatka. The resorts on the Black Sea, the Kremlin, Red Square, the mausoleum of Vladimir Lenin, the Armory, St. Basil's Cathedral, the Tretyakov Gallery, Borodino Panorama, and Andrei Rublev museum are perhaps the most attractive places in the eyes of tourists.

He, who has at least once been to Russia, will never forget the Hermitage, the Russian Museum, St. Isaac's Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress, the Alexander Nevsky Monastery, the unique museum called the Museum of Curiosities, and unsurpassed palace-park ensembles of Peterhof, Pavlovsk, and Pushkin. Russia is also famous for its ancient towns and the cities of the famous 'Golden Ring'. They include Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Pereslavl, Vladimir, Rostov, Suzdal, and Sergiev Posad.

The sights that have always been popular among international guests include the Historical and Architectural Museum in Smolensk, the Kremlin and the palace of Ivan the Terrible in Vologda, the Kizhi Museum of Wooden Architecture.

Moscow is the capital of the country and its largest city, but the heart of Russia is truly St. Petersburg. In Moscow, one will find unique attractions, as the Triumphal Arch on Kutuzov Avenue, the Tretyakov Gallery, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Pushkin Museum, Epiphany Cathedral and others.

St. Petersburg is often called Venice of the North due to its tremendous historical and architectural heritage. Its Kazan Cathedral, Isaac Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood, Alexander Nevsky Lavra are unique architectural monuments and places of worship. The city's attractions include the Palace Square with the Winter Palace and the Alexander Column, the Admiralty, Smolny Palace, and the Summer Garden. Tourists often walk along Nevsky Prospect, Kazan Cathedral Street, and Architect Rossi Street. Many tours lead to Ostrovsky Square, the Russian National Library, Arts Square with the building of the Russian Museum, the St. Petersburg Academic Theater of Drama, Summer Gardens, the Field of Mars, and the Engineers' Castle.

The city's monuments of Classicism and Empire include the Academy of Fine Arts, Admiralty, the Mountain Institute, Narva Gate. St. Petersburg's famous bridges are true works of art and samples of engineering excellence. To commemorate the victims of the siege of Leningrad during World War II, the architectural memorial at Piskarevsky cemetery was created in the 1960-s. The suburbs of St. Petersburg are famous for Peterhof, Tsarskoye Selo, Pavlovsk, and unique palaces and park ensembles of the 18th-19th centuries.

Have plans to visit Russia? First, see our list of trusted Russian Travel Agents or tour operators for Russia to get professional advice.

View the original article here

Ideas For Spending the Queen's Jubilee Weekend in London

Where better to spend the Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend than London? The capital will be transformed into a great big festival space with events big and small taking place throughout. The country's even been allowed an extra bank holiday this year!

One of the highlights of the celebrations is The Big Jubilee Lunch on June 3rd. The Big Lunch is an initiative that's been around for a few years now to encourage community spirit and develop friendly relationships among neighbours. People are invited to host neighbourhood lunches and barbeques in a venue of their choice be it the street or local park. The lunches are likely to unfold into street parties in later hours of the day. If you're lucky enough to have friends in London, see about joining them in their neighbourhood for a spot of bonding with the locals.

The Diamond Jubilee Pageant will take place on the Thames, also on June 3rd. The big boat parade will feature up to 1000 boats from the UK, Commonwealth states and other countries around the world. The central boat will be the Royal Barge, upon which the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will take centre stage, waving at onlookers on the river bank. Wake up early so as to get prime position on the river bank. It'll be an exciting procession to see!

On Monday the 4th June the BBC will host a concert at Buckingham Palace. Tickets are available to the public by ballot. Many famous British artists like Andrew Lloyd Weber and Gary Barlow have been involved in setting the programme and composing a special song to honour the Queen's 60-year reign. If you miss out on tickets, the concert will be broadcast at various locations throughout the city so find somewhere to enjoy the show with your friends and family.

Monday is also the day of Jubilee Beacons. Thousands of beacons are expected to be lit across the country, including the Channel Islands, as well as the Commonwealth with the Queen herself lighting the National Beacon. Why not light your own beacon?

Tuesday will see the culmination of the celebrations. The Queen will be attending a service at St Paul's Cathedral, two receptions, and lunch at Westminster. She will proceed to Buckingham Palace in her carriage, where she will make a Balcony appearance upon arrival. There'll also be a flypast. Again, make sure to get to the Buckingham Palace area early to secure a spot from which to observe the action.

To find out more about all officially scheduled activities, visit the dedicated Diamond Jubilee website.

Thankfully, London is home to thousands of hotels, hostels and guest houses so you're still in with a chance of snapping up some accommodation. You're most likely to find free rooms at a big, chain-owned London hotel. Alternatively, look for a place outside London that's just a short train journey away. It will be nice to escape the hustle and bustle for a few hours in the evening.

Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles here to find out more.

View the original article here

Some General Facts About Marbella

There are several restaurants in Marbella. Some of them are awesome. The children menus are 4.95 Euros but the drinks are three Euros. You can find awesome food quality. The service is nice and the staff is hardworking and pleasing. You can see that the décor is nice and you can buy a good quality burger. You will also find excellent desserts also.

In Puerto Banus there is a nice restaurant which is near the Central Square. Fresh ingredients are utilised in this restaurant. The ingredients are made in front of you by the Chef. The children's menus are six Euros. Terra Sana is a restaurant which has nice décor and ambience. You can relax here and find that the service is splendid. The menu choice in the restaurant is awesome. The food presentation is great.

There are nice cakes such as the cheesecakes and the carrot cake. The desserts are expensive and the portions are huge so you can share them. The main courses are prices evenly. There are splendid smoothies. You will find a nice restaurant Trader Vics Polynesian in Puerto Banus. It is just splendid. There is awesome décor in the restaurant and the service is great. The cocktail presentation in the restaurant is attractive and great. The food is a bit expensive. The nice choice would be to have a celebratory meal in the restaurant.

You can find live music in the Albert restaurant in Cabopino. It has nice décor. You can find another restaurant and that is Cabopino. This restaurant has soothing music at the end of the week. The music is live at the end of the week. The bill will come in a shoe that is shaped like a high heel. The service is awesome and the prices are great.

Marbella is a great center for tourism. It has two splendid resorts both having amazing Marbella apartments available to rent. You will also come across Marbella Spa and Wellness centers. There are hot springs in Marbella and this increases the number of tourists who come to Marbella.

Marbella caters to both tourism and health. There are some nice beaches and great spas where you can relax and reduce fatigue and stress. Many problems such as that of anxiety can be overcome by these beaches. Spas are specially designed for the elderly and also for different age groups. They give a nice combination of health treatments and leisure. The accommodation in Marbella has the facilities of the spa.

Marbella is a fantastic resort which has splendid beaches. It is known as the jewel of the Spanish coastline. You can do the exploration of the coastline with this awesome location. You can find a Spa here, it is called the Buchinger Clinic. There are 12 health treatments and also cosmetic services. There are centers of hydrotherapy and thalassotherapy here. There are so many services provided in Hotel Incosol. Several treatments are also provided here. Natural and conventional methods are followed in Spas like Sauna, Jacuzzi, gym and massages are facilitated in the accommodation at Marbella.

It is suggested that you have a nice time in these accommodations. Marbella boasts of a great road and transport system that provides transportation. You can opt for short trips to enhance your pleasure. You can also avail the facility of a car hire from the Malaga airport. If you happen to get this facility you can explore the hidden corners of the city.

Adam Antcliff - Aspiring To Become A Writer Of Some Description One Day

View the original article here

Puerto Rico Travel Experiences and Attractions

Finding the right travel agent in Puerto Rico is an essential part of preparing a trip to this beautiful country. A professional travel agent can be of great help in issuing a visa, arranging air flights and many more elements of a smooth journey.

In Puerto Rico, there are many places worth visiting. Arecibo Observatory, the Gulf of Mosquito Bay, Vieques Island are among the most popular attractions of the country. The capital city of San Juan is justly considered one of the most interesting historic places of Puerto Rico. The city is famous for its colonial past. Across the north side of Old San Juan, there stretch stone walls, forming a strong defensive system. The remains of defensive structures are still well preserved, including the fragments of the city walls and El Morro and San Cristobal shafts that give a hint about the original grandeur of this castle. Even now, Old San Juan seems young and well-preserved, despite the fact that the capital will soon celebrate its 500th anniversary.

The capital of the country is decorated with one of the most impressive religious monuments on the island, the Cathedral of San Juan, a genuine and rare example of medieval architecture. Ponce, the second largest city in Puerto Rico, is also very interesting due to the charming atmosphere of a rich colonial city. There is a beautiful historic area, decorated with the houses of the old architecture and an elegant church, painted in the Spanish style, as well as the characteristic stone fountains.

Ionospheric Observatory in Arecibo is one of the most important experimental centers, and here is the largest radio telescope in the world. Funded by the University of Cornwall and the U.S. government, it used to search for extraterrestrial life. In addition, tourists here are attracted to the first-class museum of science and space, located right under the impressive dish telescope.

The Castle Castillo de San Felipe del Morro is one of the most recognizable sights of Old San Juan. Construction of the fort began in 1539 at the entrance to the bay of San Juan and was completed only in 1589. The fort was used as the basis for the protection of the bay of San Juan. El Moro remained an important military base for a long time until the Second World War, when there was built an American military bunker. Then the castle and its surroundings were declared a National Park and a World Heritage Site.

The second largest island of Puerto Rico, Vieques, is located to the west of the main island and belongs to the Virgin Islands. Unique coves and beaches of the island make it a great place for diving, snorkeling or simply walking in a rowboat. Due to its geographical position and the climate, the bay of Vieques is one of the most bioluminescent bays in the world.

The National Reserve of El Yunque is also known as 'The Anvil'. It is one of the largest reserves of tropical forests, preserving intact primeval nature of Puerto Rico. The reserve is located in a two-hour drive from San Juan. Here you can walk through the rainforest trails, go to a waterfall and just relax in the pristine nature.

Culebrita Island is located on the north-west of Puerto Rico. Culebrita is a small coral island, which extends for only 1 mile in length. The beaches of the island, and especially Flamenco Beach, are attractive to tourists. The white sandy beaches are washed by clear water with a blue tint, which creates the image of a tropical paradise. One of the main attractions of the island is Playa Tortuga. The beach is named after the sea turtles that use its sands for laying their eggs.

The most famous caves of Puerto Rico are Rio Camuy Caves, some of the largest cave systems of the Western Hemisphere and the third cave system in the world. The caves are located in Camuy Park and are available for weekly night tours. The park is equipped with picnic areas, walking trails, tourist locomotive and a gift shop.

Find the list of travel agents in Puerto Rico or contact one of Puerto Rico tour operators to prepare an effective and low-cost tour.

View the original article here

Best Carry on Luggage - How to Purchase With Confidence

Business travelers have a much greater need for carry on luggage than the average recreational traveler.  With the many carry on options available in the market today, how do you make the choice that works best for your traveling needs?  This article will provide you with important information to make your next purchase at a decent price.
Luggage size:  Many people purchase their carry on luggage without any consideration about the size or style of the bag. Business travelers have completely different needs and requirements than do recreational travelers so the size of your bag can definitely be significant.  Business traveling is generally  1-3 days and does not require larger capacity bags as would the non-business traveler.  It's generally wise to stick with the lighter weight bags that either have rolling wheels or backpack carrying straps.
Hard shell or Soft shell:  For the purposes of business and recreational traveling the best choice would be the soft-sided luggage.  It's compact, light weight design makes it the perfect choice for business people who predominantly carry on their luggage.  Soft-sided bags are generally manufactured from a rugged nylon fabric that's available in many colors.  Soft-shell bags are very light weight and easy to manipulate through busy airports and narrow airplane aisles.  Hard-shell bags have their place among travelers and are most often preferred by long term travelers who have fragile items that need the extra protection of the hard-sided design.
The most popular type of carry on baggage on the market today would have to be of the wheeled variety.  This type of carry on has become very popular of late among business class travelers as well as recreational travelers that are planning a trip of short duration.  Wheeled carry on luggage has provided today's traveler the carry on bag they've grown accustomed to with the convenience of rolling your bag through the airport instead of having to carry it.
When making purchasing decisions about carry on bags, don't compromise on quality.  You will be much happier with the bag that gives you years of service over the cheapest bag on the market that may last one or two years.  Spend the extra money and get a product that is well constructed and comes with a guarantee of satisfaction.
Being able to secure the contents of your carry on is significant for many business travelers. This is one area where hard-sided luggage rates higher than soft-sided luggage because of the ability to secure the contents in a case that would be reasonably difficult to penetrate, as apposed to its soft-sided counterpart.  Obviously a soft- sided bag has its limitations regarding the level at which it can be secured, so you should keep this in mind when deciding which bag better suites your needs.
Does your new carry on luggage come with a warranty against manufacturers defects?  Well if it doesn't you should probably opt for a different bag.  Make sure the manufacturer covers the bags components such as zippers and wheels.  These are the most likely source of problems if your going to have any, and make sure the manufacturer offers a "money back guarantee" if you are not satisfied with your purchase.

Shopping online is a great way to purchase your next piece of carry on luggage.  You will find competitive pricing, as well as a great selection of the most modern bags on the market.  Most online retailer's offer a guarantee of satisfaction, if for some reason you are not satisfied with your purchase send it back for a full refund.

Jeremiah J. Johnson invites you to visit his site where you will have the ability to research the most current carry on luggage available on the market. Many brands have detailed reviews which allow you the advantage of research prior to your purchase.

View the original article here

If You Are Looking For A Different Kind Of Vacation That Will Inspire You Then Take A Trip To Nepal

If you are one of those people for whom vacations are a rare and far fetched commodity then you would want them to be perfect. This article will provide you with a good option to plan your perfect holiday. If you are looking for culture, peace and beauty then Nepal is the place for you. Being one of the most beautiful countries of South Asia, Nepal offers you exactly what you need. The most distinctive feature about this trip will probably be the hidden beauty incorporated in every street and corner of the place. It will almost be like a treasure hunt. For the inspiration that lies in Nepal can be found nowhere else because the people found in Nepal can be found nowhere else. Nepal is offering to give you what no other holiday spot probably ever did: inspiration.

Containing the Himalayas and Mount Everest, the most famous and highest peak in the world, Nepal is one of the most diverse of all countries in the world due to varying altitudes and geography. While there are many worth seeing spots in Nepal a few hold special significance. If you take a trip to Nepal make sure you visit the places mentioned below. In fact write them down at the top of your list.

Among these awesome places are Durbar square (Kathmandu), Swoyambhunath also known as the monkey temple and Pashupatinath temple.

Another interesting activity which is big in Nepal is trekking. Trekking in Nepal can prove to be wondrous for those of you who are more adventurous. Therefore, if you are looking for some adventure and excitement on your holidays devote your vacation to Nepal this year. However the non trekkers out there need not be disappointed. Nepal seems to have something in store for everybody. You can also claim your due share with Nepal holidays. Trekking is no compulsion. You can always move about in the city and witness painted elephants roaming about. The cities offer no less entertainment than the mountains and hills.

It's not just Mount Everest which is the talking point of the country. Nepal is also the owner of the top eight mountain ranges in the world. 'Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder', this phrase fits perfectly here. Nepal has beauty, which is waiting to be discovered and explored.

The country's increasing inclination toward tourists is no bad thing either. Nepal has grown to become very tourist friendly over the years. What could be better than having a beautiful country in the ever beautiful and exotic Asia and more importantly, one who wants you to came and visit too. With the rising conflicts and chaos seen on TV about Asia it is time you take the reigns in your own hands and explore the beauty lying underneath yourself. In a nutshell Nepal holidays are willing to inspire and influence you in ways not many other places in this world can. This is definitely worth some attention and consideration. Take a trip to Nepal and you will be inspired.

It can be really confusing knowing where to take your next holiday as there are so many choices. If you really want to be inspired then Nepal Holidays will do that for you and more. When people think about Nepal they often only remember Mount Everest but there is far more than that to a country that steeped in history and tradition. Open your mind with a fascinating trip to Nepal.

View the original article here

Gatlinburg, Tennessee - A Piece of History

With an estimated population of 8,000 in 2011, the small city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee carries a rich history that reaches back to the pre-Civil War era. Along with being a popular vacation resort, Gatlinburg is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Many historic buildings dating back to the area's first settlers still stand in present-day Gatlinburg.

With the abundance of trees and forests in the area, the lumber industry became a prime source of income for the city. In an effort to preserve Gatlinburg's natural landscape, state government instituted the founding of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

First Settlers

Gatlinburg, Tennessee was home to the Native American Cherokee Indians when then the first settlers arrived at the start of the 1800's. The Ogleby's -who eventually changed their name to Ogle--were the first family to settle in Gatlinburg. Originally from Edgefield, South Carolina, William Ogle began the building of a cabin then traveled back to Edgefield to bring his family to Gatlinburg.

A malaria epidemic in Edgefield claimed the life of William Ogle leaving his wife Martha and seven children to make the journey to Gatlinburg. Martha's brother, Peter Huskey went along with the Ogle family to become the first official settlers in the city. The family built a second cabin near what's now known as Baskins Creek and Little Pigeon, which still stands today at the center of Gatlinburg.

Ten years after the arrival of the Ogle's, more settlers moved into Gatlinburg in an area that came to be known as White Oak Flats. Most of the new settlers were veterans from the War of 1812. As a reward for their service, these veterans received land deeds to 50-acre tracts of land in the Gatlinburg area. Many descendants from this group of settlers -the Reagans, the Ownbys and the Bohanons-still live in the city of Gatlinburg to this day.

Civil War Era

Around the mid-1800's, a Baptist preacher by the name of Radford C. Gatlin set up a general store and post office in White Oaks Flats shortly after settling in the area in 1854. With the founding of the first post office, the city then took on the name of Gatlinburg, so named after the Baptist preacher.

Interestingly enough, Radford C. Gatlin was a contentious figure and was eventually run out of Gatlinburg in 1859, just before the start of the Civil War. A family feud between the Ogles and the Gatlins over re-routing the town's main road became a source of controversy between Gatlin and the townsfolk. As the Civil War ran its course, Gatlin became known as a Confederate sympathizer in spite of the town's pro-Union stance. This coupled with his feud with the Ogle's resulted in the Gatlin family leaving town.

In spite of their pro-Union stance, Gatlinburg tried to remain neutral during the war much like its neighboring Smoky Mountain communities. For a brief period, a Confederate troop -led by Colonel William Holland Thomas-laid claim to Gatlinburg in an attempt to protect the natural salt peter mines near the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Colonel Thomas' company was eventually run out by federal troops sent down from Knoxville Tennessee.

Gatlinburg Developments

Gatlinburg's lumber industry grew by leaps and bounds during the late 1800's and into the early 1900's. The Little River Lumber Company, founded by Colonel W.B. Townsend and a huge local sawmill, owned by Andrew Jackson Huff generated a steady stream of income into the town. During this time, tourists began to frequent Gatlinburg drawn by the writings of authors, Mary Noailles Murfree and Horace Kephart who wrote extensively on the beauty of Gatlinburg's natural landscapes.

Concerns surrounding the lumber industry's effects on Gatlinburg's forest lands led conservationists to petition Congress to protect the city's natural resources. Congress eventually passed the Weeks Act in 1911, which allowed the federal government to purchase land for the purpose of preserving the environment. In 1926, the government purchased 76,000 acres of land from the Little River Lumber Company. By 1934, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was founded.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee's tourist industry took off during the 1920's and 1930's leading to the opening of tourist resorts, such as the Mountain View Hotel and the LeConte Lodge. To this day, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains a popular tourist attraction in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is a very unique vacation destination that is fun for the whole family. With so much to offer you never run out of activities and nature to see. There are numerous hotels, lodges, cabins, resorts and condos to choose from. Plan your Gatlinburg vacation today and see this unique piece of Tennessee history.

View the original article here

South Korea Tourism

To arrange a good and memorable trip to South Korea, it is advised to read travel guides about this beautiful country, and then contact a local travel professional who may help you organize this tour in the most effective way for reasonable money.

South Korea has a lot of natural places to be observed and historical landmarks to enjoy. The country plays an important role in the protection of the heritage of world culture and natural attractions. Apart from that, it is considered a hospitable place for foreigners and a perspective tourism destination.

In the south-east of the country, one will find Bulguksa monastery and the Seokguram cave temple adjacent to it. Another noteworthy place is Temple Jongmyo, located in Seoul, where memorial tablets of the monarchs of the Joseon Dynasty are stored.

Seorak Mountain is a part of the Diamond Mountains, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. Hallasan mountain is the extinct volcano. Both picturesque places are loved by numerous international visitors. The city of Gyeongju is known for its Tumuli Park, Onyn Five Tombs, Chhomsonde Observatory, the tomb of General Kim Yu Sin, and Mount Namsan with the ruins of pagodas and monasteries. Gyeongju National Museum and the resort on Lake Pomun offer wonderful recreational opportunities.

Ganghwa Island in Korea is known for its historical monuments and beautiful nature. Among the main attractions of the island one should name an altar built by Tangun, the legendary founder of the nation, the fortress walls, the ancient furnace for the production of celadon built in the 13th century, and Chondynsa monastery. The beaches of the eastern coast of Korea are known for weak currents and are considered the best in Korea.

Korea will surely capture your imagination with plenty of Buddhist monasteries and temples, palaces, exquisite statues, which have ancient and rich history. Seoul is perhaps the main place for tourists, with its National Museum, the Institute of Korean classical music named Sejong Cultural Center, Hoam Center for the Arts, Namsan Tower, and Korea House. In the capital of Korea one can visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, known as The Palace of Radiant Happiness, and one of the five palaces in Seoul. The main palace was built by the founder of Joseon dynasty, King Lee Sung-Te, when the state capital was transferred to Seoul. On the palace grounds, there is the National Folk Museum with a rich exposition, which introduces you to the history, culture and traditions of Korea.

No less interesting is Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul, which consists of the king's residence and Secret Garden. Built in 1405, it is the only palace that has preserved the architectural style of the Joseon Dynasty. Secret Garden is a place for entertainment of the ruling dynasty: the nature has harmoniously created its 300-year-old trees, the pond and the pavilion.

In Incheon, it will be interesting to visit the Munhaksanson castle, the Confucian school, founded in the era of Chosun, Songdo Yuvondzhi Park with two artificial lakes, a good artificial beach and various kinds of marine entertainment.

In Busan, one can see sights such as the old fortress, the biggest one in Korea, the Thedzhonde marine park, which is located on the island. Haeundae Beach is considered the most famous beach of Korea and is located not far from the city center. Tongdosa Temple is one of the largest Korean churches, which contains the relics of Buddha.

In Daegu, one can see the beautiful Temple of Haeinsa, which was founded by two monks in 802. The monastery stores Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete surviving collection of Buddhist scriptures in East Asia.

To prepare a better trip to South Korea, review the list of South Korean travel agents or tour operators for South Korea.

View the original article here

A Trip To Jordan For Your Next Holiday And You Will Be Amazed And Thrilled By What You See There

Are you looking for an exotic place to spend your holidays at? If so, then Jordan deserves some attention from you. Sandwiched between Saudi Arabia and Israel, Jordan is one of the most historically fascinating places in the world. It offers great sights in the form of landscapes for the keen eye. In recent years it has become quite an attractive place for tourism. The only problem you can face if you are planning this kind of holiday is the vast number of places that demand a visit. The popular areas in Jordan are truly captivating and are the most fulfilling for the visitor. If you like travelling and have been to many other places before, you will not believe the kind of mark these Jordan holidays will leave on your mind. It is bound to be an experience of a lifetime.

With so much to do, a limited number of days may not seem enough to completely discover a place like Jordan and time management and sight-seeing could be a problem. Therefore, listed below are the must sees to help you with your priority list of sights and places to visit. The first area to visit on your list should definitely be Petra. It is the most famous and valuable landmark of Jordan. This place is assumed to be as old as 1200 BC. It was built by the Nabateans and consisted of an entire network or web of tunnels. It can be seen now that men of that time, or at least the Nabateans, were intelligent people being quite advance and organized in their way of living. All the interesting facts about this place and the ravishing beauty make this place one of the most interesting areas for a tourist to want to visit.

Next in these exciting Jordan holidays of yours you should stop at Wadi Rum. Wadi Rum is also called the Valley of the Moon. Khaz'ali Canyon is the most special place in Wadi Rum. The cave walls host many old imprints of antelopes and humans of those times. The Dead Sea being one of the saltiest bodies in the world should have a spot reserved on your list. It is a good place to have your skin cleansed by the natural salts and the amazing water. The low shores add another interesting bit to the whole scenery.

A few tips before you set out on this experience of a lifetime are mentioned below:

• Tipping is big there. It is a part of the culture; therefore keep some extra money with you just for tips.
• Do not forget to bring your camera along. The sights are worth watching.
• Have some money on you for shopping. Tourists are prone to the attractions of the goods there.

The weather should also be kept in mind. January is the coldest month while august incorporates the peak of summers. Therefore, plan you holidays accordingly. All in all, if you are looking for some quality time with your family or friends or even yourself, you should grace the Jordan soil for it is quite something.

Before you decide on your next holiday destination you should really think about taking a trip to the wonderful country of Jordan. For lots of help and advice on Jordan holidays http://www.worlddiscovery.co.uk/destinations/jordan-holidays_12.htm is a good site to visit and has lots of useful information. There are so many things to do and see in Jordan that you will have to manage your time very effectively so that you can fit it all in. You will never regret taking a holiday in Jordan.

View the original article here

Syria Travel Itineraries

Syria travels require a lot of careful planning and preparation, and it means that it is better to give it to real professionals who can organize your trip to Syria in the best way, in terms of quality and money.

Syria is an extravagant tourist destination for lovers of rich history, unique culture and unconventional climate.

Damascus is one of the oldest cities in the world and the oldest capital. The unique Old Town preserves the ancient planning of its territory and is famous for dozens of interesting cultural, historical and architectural monuments, such as the medieval madrasas and markets, the Basilica of St. Zacharias, rebuilt later as the Umayyad Mosque. This is the largest mosque in the world, with mosaics of gold. A separate room in the mosque is the place where the hair from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad and the head of Hussein, the fourth son of 'righteous' Caliph Ali, are kept.

Another popular place is the chapel of St. John the Baptist, which houses the head of the saint. Tourists also like the Straight Street, the underground church of St. Ananias, the Tower of Bab Kisan.The palace of Qasr al-Azem is the residence of the governor of Damascus, one of the best examples of late-Islamic architecture, and a popular place for shooting films on historical subjects. Another attraction of the capital city is Bimaristan, the hospital and academy of medieval Damascus. Now it is the Museum of the History of Medicine. The Mausoleum of Salah ad-Din is the tomb of the 12th century, where the ashes of the legendary Sultan, who began the expulsion of the Crusaders from the Arab East, are kept. The cemetery of Bab al-Sagyr has preserved the tombs of many famous characters of Islamic history. The National Museum in Damascus has a collection of unique artifacts of ancient civilizations from Mesopotamia to Phoenicia, a collection of Provincial antique art, and the frescoes on Old Testament stories. The Military Museum in Damascus has one of the world's richest collections of ancient and medieval weapons.

Aleppo is the second largest city of Syria and one of the oldest settlements, which is related to the story of Abraham's life. The local ancient dam in Harbake is a magnificent construction, which served to create an artificial lake in the desert. The Citadel of Aleppo, situated on a high artificial hill, is the best example of medieval fortification architecture. The Museum of Aleppo displays the impressive exhibits from the excavations of the ancient Mesopotamian city, a large number of sculptures and reliefs that once decorated the portal of the royal palace in Aramaic Guzane. The area around Aleppo is unique. More than a hundred settlements related to the 4th-6th centuries can be seen here. Some are in good condition, so that it seems as if the owners left them not so long ago. Ancient houses, basilicas, farms, monasteries, watch towers, tombs of very different forms, public buildings, oil presses are only some of the city's historical sights.

Palmyra is a rival of Rome in the East, the capital of the ancient state, located in an oasis in the desert. The best attractions here are Bela temple complex, the well-preserved Baal Shamin temple, a great Colonnade with inscriptions commemorating the legendary Queen Zenobia, the theater, the fortified Roman camp, and the valley of the tombs with several dozen burial towers.

Other destinations include Maaloula, Kanavat, Hama, Marie, Ugarit, and a picturesque little island of Arwad. The most interesting and beautifully preserved places to visit are the castles of the 12-13th centuries, built by the Crusaders. The best seaside resorts can be found in Latakia, which is known for warm azure water, a long tourist season, and relatively cheap recreation.

See the list of Syrian travel agents and tour operators for Syria to have an excellent tour package and great time.

View the original article here

Myanmar Proposed Travel Itineraries

In the heart of Asia, there lies a small country called Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). It is the country of Golden Pagodas and rich Buddhism tradition. The article below suggests some possible routes which allow to see all of Myanmar.

Myanmar is called 'Land of Golden Pagodas', of which there are about two thousand here. In fact, the whole state is one vast archaeological reserve, which has well preserved traces of ancient civilizations. Myanmar has been the place of the mighty empires. Bago, Bagan and Mandalay used to be the capitals of this country, and these ancient cities are full of traces of former greatness. In Myanmar, a hundred temples have survived, but even more are in ruins. Collapsed walls and debris of giant statues in jungle make an indelible impression on all tourists. A boat trip on the Irrawaddy river with sparkling golden pagodas on its high banks is one of the most memorable things in life.

The usual route across Myanmar takes only eight days - from Yangon, the present capital of Burma, to the ancient city of Bagan, Mandalay, Nyang-Swe and Lake Inli. Traveling from city to city is usually done by place, but the opportunities for transportation are vast. One can, of course, go by train or bus, or even rent a jeep and go straight through the jungle.

Yangon is called the 'Garden of the East'. This city is like a huge park with ponds and natural lakes, ancient pagodas and colonial mansions. In Yangon, there are a few tourist 'gems' worthy of attention. First of all, one should mention the grand Shwedagon Paya Pagoda, built 2,500 years ago. Its 98-meter spire weighs over 60 tons and is decorated with 1200 diamonds and gold plates. The temple is famous due to the fact it stores as many as four hairs of Buddha, and they are shown to the people. There is still another rarity here - a giant statue of the reclining Buddha, which is at least a thousand years old and used to be hidden in the jungle. When the British engineers worked at railway connection near Yangon, they needed to make a mountain tunnel. On closer inspection, the 'mountain' turned to be a statue, and the hole for the tunnel happened to be the mouth of Buddha. The statue was restored and is now shown to tourists. In Yangon, there are some interesting national museums, which display a golden eight-meter throne, which formerly belonged to the Burmese kings.

Bagan is the ancient city known for 4,000 ancient Buddhist temples, which are all different in their architecture. They were built by about 40,000 monks and an equal number of slaves brought here. Climbing to the 'top' of any of these churches, one can see the panorama of towering steeples, palms and pagodas. Bagan is a constant place of archaeological excavations.

Mandalay is perhaps no less interesting for tourists. There are two shrines of Buddhism here, including Mahamuni, the four-meter statue of Buddha made of metal and coated with gold, and the famous Kuthoda pagoda with the legendary marble book, which is about the size of an adult person and contains the main rules of Buddhism written on 792 pages. Mandalay has many attractions including Shvenando Palace, Mandalay Hill, and ancient cities of Amarapura, Sagaing and Ava located nearby.

In Nyang Shwe, one can see Inle Lake with floating artificial plantations, where peasants grow tomatoes and papaya. In the middle of the lake, there is the Monastery of Jumping Cats, where only six monks live today. The monastery is a popular place of training cats, which then perform various stunts and take part in performances for tourists. Right there, in the center of Lake Inle, floating market is arranged once every five days. Tourists go there by boat to buy souvenirs, papyrus, fruits, mats embroidered with gold and silver threads and other things.

Other cities and towns of Myanmar are no less popular. Rangoon is known for many interesting Buddhist monasteries. For example, Shwe Dagon monastery is one of Buddhist pilgrimage centers. Bagan is a unique ghost town in northern Myanmar, famous for its temples.

Travelers who plan a trip to Myanmar are advised to look at the list of Myanmar travel agencies or tour operators for Myanmar.

View the original article here

Find an Agent for Bermuda Travel

A good Bermuda Travel Agent can solve many of your problems if you are preparing yourself for a trip to this country. These may include such key trip elements as getting the visa, buying air tickets etc.

Bermuda islands have been discovered by a Spanish explorer Juan Bermudez. British admiral. The people, left by Somers in the island, must have inspired Shakespeare to write the play 'Tempest'. These islands, that once were known only due to cedar forests, have become a large resort area, known for its coral reefs, beautiful pink sand beaches, gardens, quiet coves and clear water.

The capital, the largest city and the commercial center of the picturesque Bermuda is Hamilton. It is also the place of the local government and commercial institutions of the country. Named after Henry Hamilton, the Governor of Bermuda, the city began its development after it became a new port for the ships on the route between the coast of the New World and Europe. Now it is a small town with the population of 15 thousand people, which is constantly clogged with tourists.

The city center is located along the harbor and is marked by old Victorian buildings, overhanging verandahs, limestone fences, apricot orchards and the blue sky. Most of the city's interesting places can be walked to on foot, but walking is not the best way to travel here because the roads and the streets of the old quarters are quite narrow and seldom equipped with sidewalks.

The main attractions include Hamilton's neo-Gothic cathedral Bridge-Holy-Trinity, the building of the Cabinet, the House of Assembly and the pentagonal Fort Hamilton. The latter is an impressive building, situated on a hilltop with magnificent views of the harbor of Hamilton and beautiful gardens.

One more cultural center of the city is the Bermuda National Gallery, whose exhibition includes the works of the local artists and the masterpieces executed by such European masters of the 17th-19th centuries as Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds. A rather good art collection is stored in Desmond Fountain Gallery on Front Street. Behind the building of the Municipality, there is Victoria Park, created in honor of Queen Victoria. Now the park is a favorite destination for a variety of musical performances. Nearby is the marina of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.

Not far from here, one will find the entrance to the famous Crystal Caves. The place is also known for a large subterranean lake with crystal-clear water. It is the largest underground lake in Bermuda. Around the capital, there are also many interesting places. One of them is the widely known reserve Blue Hole Park, and the Bermuda Botanical Gardens with more than a thousand varieties of plants.

St. George is one of the oldest capitals of the British colonies and one of the most colorful cities in the New World. In December 2000, St. George was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its old quarters, narrow winding streets and historic buildings attract the attention of thousands of tourists from around the world. The main attractions of the city belong to the middle of the 18th century. The heart of the city is Royal Square, the Town Hall, and the State House Residence. The locals call it 'Buckingham'. The residence is considered one of the oldest British buildings in the New World. Another sight in the city is St. Peters Church. The city is rich in museums, such as the Historical Museum and the St. George Tucker House Museum with a magnificent collection of silver, china and antique furniture.

Finding the right travel agency in Bermuda is a good idea if you want to have a quality trip. Also, Bermuda tour operators can be instrumental to book a hotel, find tour guides, or purchase air tickets.

View the original article here

Qatar Tour Guide

To visit Qatar, first look at the description of attractions and places where to go and decide on your possible itinerary. Secondly, find a trusted travel professional to arrange your tour.

Climatic features contribute to the outlook of Qatar and help preserve its historical and cultural monuments. The main attraction of the country is its rich history, as evidenced by ever expanding archeological excavations, which reveal traces of ancient civilizations on the Qatari territory. Milder, than in neighboring countries, Islamic traditions, unique culture and magnificent products of local artisans contribute to the positive image of an important tourist destination.

Al-Doura has earned an unenviable reputation as the most depressing city in the world, but it is completely wrong. Located in highly arid climate, a relatively young capital of Qatar has a very picturesque bay. Many houses are built in traditional Arabic style and are originally designed on the basis of maximum adaptation to local climatic conditions. These settlements create a unique urban style. Older neighborhoods are framed with blocks of ultra-modern houses with glass windows, avenues and palm alleys, which have grown over the years of the 'oil boom'.

The sights of the capital are considered to be numerous. They include the "Old Town", Fort Doha, the Government House, the City-Center-Doha complex, shopping malls, Corniche quay, the Palm Island entertainment center, the Alladin Kingdom amusement park, the Aquarium, the Zoo, and, of course, the traditional eastern markets and many smaller markets mostly on the outskirts of the city.

Special attention is drawn to the museums of the capital. In recent years, the ancient land of Qatar finally began to open its secrets to the researchers, and this area can truly be called another cradle of the development of humanity in Asia. Qatar National Museum is housed in the palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed. The main exhibition of the museum is a two-level aquarium with local underwater fauna. No less interesting are the materials about the Arab maritime expeditions, and the period of discovering a sea route to India by the Europeans. Here one will find the information about the traditional methods of astronomical navigation, ancient mariners, the history of the formation of Islam, astronomy, industry and the traditions of the people of Qatar.

The Museum of Weapons is based on the collections of Sheikh armory of all time. The Ethnographic Museum of Qatar displays the life of Qatari people before the oil boom and presents some rare exhibits, including a 'wind tower', which used to be a traditional form of housing with a unique system of natural ventilation and air conditioning, so indispensable in the hot region. Fort Doha is another museum, largely repeating the exposure of the National Museum, and offering a good exposition of the country's traditional crafts, including carving, stamping, carpet-making etc.

Fort Umm Salal Mohammed is a small snow-white building with two towers and a small mosque with an old minaret, which has only recently been restored. One of the reasons for visiting this place is a feeling that Umm Salal Mohammed is situated in a different world and in another dimension - so fantastic is the contrast of the azure sea, the sands of the desert and the brick walls of the ancient fort.

Umm Salal Ali is the most famous archaeological sight of the country. The mounds, which are now studied by archaeologists, are very old and probably date back to the third millennium BC. The small town of Al Khor is an open-air museum consisting of many mosques scattered throughout the town, old towers and traditional buildings. One of the reasons for stopping in Al Khor is an extremely picturesque view of the ocean.

Browse through the list of Qatar travel agents or tour operators in Qatar to get valuable advice on best destinations, itineraries and travel plans.

View the original article here

Oman: What to See and Where to Go

Oman is a Middle East country with climate and traditions typical for this region of the plant. Hot climate, rich natural resources and friendly people living here make this country a wanted travel destination.

Oman is a country with diverse natural resources: mountains, waterfalls, deserts and dunes, oases and sandy beaches. Unique arid lands of northern Jabal, the green pastures of Dhofar, the sea of sand in Rub al-Khali, Umm al-Sami salt plateau, dusty rocks and more than 2 thousand kilometers of coastline are a wonderful set of tourist attractions for numerous visitors. Oman is really unlike the countries of the Arabian Peninsula.

Its coastal waters are rich in marine fauna. There are also a few hundred kilometers of picturesque sandy beaches, well known outside the country. And, of course, Omanis themselves are ancient and distinctive people, known for their rich traditions and hospitality.

Muscat is the most visited city in Oman. A truly unique city with mosques and traditional buildings that neighbor with the modern business area. Stretched along the coast for about 200 kilometers, it used to be a small town in the Upper Bay of Khor Muscat. Gradually, Muscat has become one of the most beautiful cities in the Arab world, absorbing a lot of old coastal settlements.

The main attractions are the fragments of the old city walls, Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali, both built in the 16th century, Fort Matruh, the fort of Beit al-Falaj, the old city gate, the palace of al-Alam and many others. Scattered throughout the city, a great number of mosques are worth being visited by the guests from other countries. It is surprising that in Oman one can also find carefully preserved religious monuments represeting other cultures of the world. In Muscat alone, one can see Hindu and Buddhist temples, the Portuguese Church, the Catholic and the Protestant Church.

Special attention should be given to the museums of the capital. Omani museums have good historical expositions, and the best known ones are the Museum of Natural History, the Oman-French Museum, the Museum of Omani Habitat in Fort Jalali, the National Museum, the Military Museum at Fort Beit al-Falaj etc. Unique oriental flavor can be felt in the markets, such as Matruh and many smaller markets and private shops throughout the city. Compared with other cities in the Arabian Peninsula, Muscat is surprisingly rich in vegetation. It is known for having a lot of parks and beautiful gardens, as well as amusement parks for children and grown-ups. The city even has an indoor skating rink. Not far from the capital one can visit medieval fortresses, hot springs, an aquarium, a yacht club, a sailing club, and a diving center.

To the north of the capital, between the sea and the mountain range of Jebel Hajar, there is the fertile Batin valley, which is the breadbasket of the country. The region's capital is one of the oldest cities in the world, the city of Sohar, famous for its fortress built in the 9th century. Many old buildings, the tourist bazaar and the famous fish market decorate the narrow streets of the old city and are its main sights. This land is famous for its landscapes and is often called the greenest corner of the Arabian Peninsula. Musandam is a northern enclave in Oman, recognized as the area of picturesque mountains and bays, extremely popular with tourists. Interior regions of Oman are famous due to many ancient fortifications and severe nature. Dhofar is the most southern and the most unusual province of Oman, where coconut palm groves, cacti, and mangroves, arid plateaus and rich gardens, desert sand dunes and salt lakes are neighboring on the picturesque coastline.

Review the list of Oman travel agencies or tour operators in Oman to get the most of your trip to this country for less money.

View the original article here

All Inclusive Holidays: Heaven or Hell?

When it comes to booking a holiday, is your idea of heaven sitting by the pool and not having to worry about a thing or does the idea of a holiday based in one place seem like your idea of hell?

All inclusive holidays have been in the news recently and the majority of the articles sought to illustrate how these types of holidays cause damage to the community outside of the hotels walls. Prominent travel writer Simon Calder has been quoted as saying that such holidays are the "the devil's work" and are destroying communities.

Simon Calder is entitled to his opinion but people do have the right to choose what type of holiday they go on. Demand for such holidays has soared in recent years as families try to budget for a holiday and travelling on an this basis allows people to do this whilst also allowing people to relax away from stressful jobs at home.

It could be argued that the rise in all inclusive holidays is due to marketing from travel companies swaying consumers to go on fully inclusive holidays but I would argue that it is the consumer's demand which has lead to the rise in this type of holiday. I am also confident that First Choice would have been brave enough to launch an all inclusive only model on a hunch that all inclusive holidays would account for 50% of holidays taken by British tourists.

Although I enjoy watching Simon Calder on Saturday morning television and he is paid to give his personal opinion, I think that he has never been inclined to take an all inclusive holiday in the same way that some people may never be inclined to back pack around Cambodia. Surely there must never be a right or wrong way to take a holiday and all that matters is that the person who booked the holiday gets the experience that they would like from it?

Back to the opening question, do you never take all inclusive holidays so that you can explore the local area during day and night time or do you always take them safe in the knowledge that you know what you are getting during your holiday?

What we must remember is - the choice is yours! I hope that everyone enjoys their holidays this year if you are lucky enough to be going away to get some sun.

Peter Warsop is a Director at Alihoco.

Looking for all inclusive holidays? Visit Alihoco for the UK's widest choice of all inclusive holidays

View the original article here

The Brazilian Population - What Is Happening With the Population of Brazil?

1. Most Populated - Sao Paulo is the richest and most populated of all the states in Brazil, with almost 40 million residents. The vast majority of the Brazilian population in this state is inside the city of Sao Paulo, which has more than 10.6 million citizens.

2. Large Numbers of People - Even though Brazil has a large number of people, its one of the most densely populated countries in the world. This is because the bulk of the population lives in a reasonably small quantity of cities. Because of that you'll find large areas that are uninhabited. More than 83% of Brazilians reside in urban places, one of the highest rates of urbanization in the world.

3. Least populated - Roraima is located in the northeastern part of Brazil inside the Amazon area and has the smallest population within the nation. The population of this state is just 400,000 and has the fewest cities with 15. Many of the Brazilians that live here are in safeguarded nature reserves. These legally recognized reserves total over 45% of the land inside the state.

4. Population Increase - Statistics show that in between 1940 and 1970, the population of Brazil grew since the mortality rates declined. Although birth rates didn't increase, the population continued to drastically increase until 1970. The average life expectancy rose steadily from 44 to 54 and then to 76 in 2007. These figures increased the total population and every 10 years when the census is carried out the population increases even more.

5. Population Distribution - While the population in Brazil is large it doesn't feel overcrowded because of the uneven distribution of people. A vast majority of the Brazilians live close to the coast which leaves the interior of the nation open and spacious. There have already been some changes in the past few years and far more people have moved further inland. However, a lot more people have come to the cities and ensured the densely populated areas remain full.

6. Economic system and poverty - The economy in Brazil has improved drastically over the past few years and has begun to be far better financially. Nevertheless, there's a large number of the Brazilian population who live in poverty. You will find definite social class boundaries throughout the nation. The wealthy Brazilians stay in their areas, whereas the middle class men and women feel they can mingle with everyone.

Joel Higginbotham currently lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and created his website http://www.brazilcultureandtravel.com/ to give everyone a taste of this amazing country. For more interesting Brazil facts click the following link to discover more about the friendly Brazil people.

View the original article here

School Trips - Broadening Sporting and Artistic Horizons

As an education professional, it isn't always easy to know what new experiences to open up to your students in order to on-develop their artistic and sporting skills. School trips are often seen as having an important part to play in that process - but which ones?

The performing arts

Developing an awareness of the performing arts, such as dance and drama, often involves considerable effort. Yet these sorts of disciplines can involve a high-degree of self-confidence and self-expressionism on the part of participants, and that may be easier to achieve in situations where they are being exposed to a wide variety of experiences.

One way to achieve that is by taking students on school trips to participate in a series of intensive coaching and development sessions run by top coaches. The concentrated focus of energy on technique development and participation may yield huge benefits. Equally importantly, lifting students out of their comfort zones and putting them into a new and stimulating environment may shake out some of the cobwebs of over-familiarity and complacency that many professionals in education will recognise as an occasional issue.

For example, dance tours may be arranged to places like Lake Garda in Northern Italy, where expert coaches concentrate on diverse genres such as hip-hop, jazz, break dancing and fusion. Alternatively, perhaps the tour may be concentrating on drama and visiting cities such as Prague or Berlin. There, the concentration may be on developing study and awareness of things such as street theatre and outdoor performance, visual theatre, practitioner studies [on people such as Brecht], or cabaret.

Sports tours

Similar logic may apply in areas of sport, and sports tours may help to develop the abilities of a wide range of students. Based in major UK and European destinations, these tours concentrate on a range of major sports - including football, rugby, lacrosse, hockey and basketball. Specialist coaches will explore a range of techniques, some of which may not have been seen previously by the students. Not only is coaching arranged but the students also get the opportunity to participate against local sides in competitive matches.

Broader studies

Another advantage in being taken out of your normal cultural environment for enhanced studying is that it provides the opportunity to take in something of the local society and major tourist spots. For example, students visiting Lake Garda on school trips involving performing arts or sports tours, might be able to break up their coaching sessions with a visit to Venice and the chance to explore the city's glories. This helps the students become more rounded individuals and it may play an important part in their emotional maturity and development.

Specialised tours

Specialist school trips providing sports or drama tours are available to a number of destinations. Finding out a little more might be the first step on the road to a unique education experience for your pupils.

Aiden Armstrong works for Pavilion Tours, a specialist travel service for schools, colleges and youth groups offering school trips with a focus on sports, adventure, performing arts and geography. Pavilion Tours offer both local and international tours covering a variety of programmes.

View the original article here

Tips for Visiting the Doge's Palace in Venice

One of the top places to see in Venice is the Doge's Palace, or Palazzo Ducale, on Saint Mark's Square. For centuries the Doge's Palace was the home of Venice's ruler, or Doge, and the government headquarters of the Venice Republic.

Because of its popularity, the Doge's Palace can be very crowded during the day so the best time to visit is usually at opening time, 8:30 (or 9:00 in winter), before it's filled with tour groups. Early morning is also a nice time to see Saint Mark's Square without the huge crowds.

The Saint Mark's Museum Pass includes admission to the Doge's Palace, the Correr Museum , the Archeology Museum, and Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana. To save time, you can buy the museum pass before your trip through Select Italy.

For those age 65 or older: A reduced ticket price is available for seniors, so be sure to ask at the ticket window.

For a more in-depth look at the palace, book the Secret Itineraries Tour. It includes secret passageways, prisons, and the famous Bridge of Sighs.

Doge's Palace: What to See | History | Information

View the original article here

Making the Move Internationally

The process of moving to Israel can and will likely be very complicated. There are many aspects involved whether your status is Oleh Hadash or Toshav Hozer. Once you make the decision to relocate back to the Holy Land, it is important you make the effort to learn about the different components to ensure things go as smoothly as possible. This article will cover some fundamental aspects you should know about.

Aliyah

Making Aliyah refers to the process of immigrating to the Promised Land. Literally, it means to "go up" or "to ascend."It is a basic belief in the Zionist ideology and an aspiration of the Jewish people since the Babylonian exile. While it is a dated belief, it applies today to all those emigrants who are ready to return, or those coming home for the first time. Although there was a decrease in past years, the number of immigrants are rising again. Proof of this lies in the growing number of companies providing services like shipping to Israel.

There are many challenges to making Aliyah and relocating. More than immigration itself, it is also about integration - into the community, society, and daily life in general. There are two categories for people moving back: Oleh Hadash and Toshav Hozer.

Oleh Hadash

This is the term for new immigrants who have been in the country for less than a decade. This is the case because it usually takes that amount of time before a person fully assimilates into society. You will carry this status while in the learning process and establishing your presence. Upon ten years of residency, your status becomes just Oleh. You become eligible for other residence terms when hitting the 15 and 30-year milestones.

Upon arrival in Israel, you will receive the Teudat Oleh - a document proving your status. This document entitles you to certain rights and a wide range of benefits. Some of the benefits you can expect include financial assistance and Hebrew learning courses.

Toshav Hozer

This is the term for returning residents who were outside of Israel for more than two and less than six years. The journey back to the Promised Land is of great importance to Jewish culture and it is because of this that people of this status receive many benefits. If you are moving to Israel under such conditions, you can import your personal items and household goods tax-free. The government recognizes two categories under Toshav Hozer: two-six years and those in excess of six years.

Shipping to Israel

A big part of making the move is the shipment of all your personal items. This includes everything from small personal trinkets to household goods and even your car. There are intricacies that go into the shipment of each, and it is important you work with a company who will cover not only shipping your items, but educating you as well.

Relocating to Israel is a major life decision. Work only with a company who will allow a smooth transition for you in terms shipping your items and preparing you for the life ahead. Only a select number of companies offer such services for clients moving to Israel, and it is important you find those particular companies to work with.

View the original article here

Cayman Islands Travel Advice

Visiting Cayman Islands can be an easy thing if you choose the right approach to selection of travel agents. They can be instrumental in dealing with such important issues as visa, air flights, and land handling.

Cayman Islands is a British archipelago of three islands (Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac) and dozens of reefs and islets in the northwestern Caribbean Sea. Georgetown is the capital of the island country and the main port area, which is located on Grand Cayman.

The Cayman Islands are a really exotic land with extraordinary natural beauty. Virgin jungle is carefully preserved due to a system of well-kept parks. The beaches are almost the best in the world, and the water there is unusually blue and very clean. No wonder that the Cayman Islands are one of the world's centers of fishing and diving. The islands are literally buried in tropical foliage. Wonderful climate and first-class reefs make this site one of the best corners of the world for tourism, yachting, surfing, and scuba diving.

The Cayman Islands' capital, Georgetown, is a colorful modern city that is full of contrasts. Its attractions include the historic center that has been unchanged since the 18th century. The old town is built of limestone and coral blocks, the houses are similar to tropical bungalows and colonial mansions. Thousands of tourists walk around the town from shop to shop, where they can find almost everything from modern electronics to Cuban cigars and jewelry.

The Georgetown National Museum of the Cayman Islands is located in the old building. This building is over 150 years old, and it used to be a court, a prison, then a dance hall, and finally a temple. After the restoration in 1990, it became a museum, the best in the Caribbean, because it contains more than four hundred thousand exhibits. The former prison dungeons now house gift shops. Of special interest is also the building of the Legislative Assembly, a modern building in the form of a truncated pyramid. The main street, Cardinal Avenue, has an infinite number of duty free shops. On North Church Street, there is the Maritime Museum of the Cayman Islands with its unique cybernetic system, a kind of automated tour guide, telling about the past of the Cayman Islands. On Courts Road, one can visit Cardinal Park with a private collection of plants and animals living on the islands. It will also be interesting to visit the National Gallery that hosts a large collection of works by both foreign and local authors.

The traditional life of the islanders can be better seen when you visit resort towns East End, Savannah, and Northside. Tourists will find the Caves of pirates where Drake was supposed to hide his treasures. The owners of this territory throw some old coins in the caves to heat up the interest of the tourists, but nothing has been heard of the pirates' gold. In the Cayman Islands, one can also visit the turtle farm that annually produces thousands of sea turtles. In the eastern part of the island of Grand Cayman, there stretches the Botanical Park of Queen Elizabeth II, a place of concentration of about three hundred varieties of shrubs and trees. The park is full of beautiful orchids, which bloom from May to June, parrots and iguanas, which are difficult to see among the wild vegetation. In the heart of the island, there are paved hiking trails leading through the carefully protected relict forests.

Little Cayman is a place for lovers of solitude and pristine nature. The island is overgrown with mangrove forests, which are home to dozens of species of exotic birds. The island is equipped with excellent diving sites for a beach holiday. On the southwest side of the island, one can admire the splendor of the azure Caribbean Sea. The most famous of the local beaches on Grand Cayman is the Seven Mile Beach with excellent service and facilities for all kinds of water sports and snorkelling.

Visit the page about various travel agencies in Cayman Islands to get qualified assistance. Tour operators in Cayman Islands can be very useful to find the best local professionals in the travel industry.

View the original article here

What's Really Happening With Travel Websites And Online Hotel Discounts

Whether on vacation for fun or traveling strictly for business, paying the highest prices for your hotel room is surely not tops on your list of priorities. For that reason you should always do a proper amount of research before actually booking your hotel reservations. By reviewing the various online booking websites you usually will find discounted room rates for your next stay.

Internet Booking Websites

With the advancement of technology today, the majority of all travel options such as hotel reservations, as well as flight and train tickets, are found online. Most of these websites list all of the necessary information you will need before beginning your travels. You can even save the best deals you find for all of the places you will be travelling to.

It couldn't be any easier to reserve your room, as you can perform the task right from your laptop while seated at your living room couch. The best way to approach this is to search out hotels that are reputable which offer a wide variety of options, choices, and prices for your designated stay. Also, be sure to find and know the refund and cancellation policies of both the online booking website and the hotel itself, in case of necessary changes to your schedule.

Finding Special Room Rates Online

Some of these discount hotel deals are best found by comparing one site to another. There are now also sites which will do all of the comparing for you from one main booking portal. These online rates are usually always lower than what you will get if decide to book directly from the hotel itself.

So Many More Discounts Are Available

Most hotels offer business class, government or military, senior citizens, and auto club discounted rates. So before embarking on your next trip make sure you carry the proper identification and any relevant documents to confirm that you are indeed qualified to receive these discounts at the lower rates.

Another excellent method for receiving the cheapest room rates is by reserving in groups, such as multiple families, traveling groups, business, sports teams or college trips. You will find these discounts being offered to entire groups and are an excellent way to take advantage of more discounts.

Find Reviews Online

By finding and reading reviews on forums and travel website portals you will get a clear picture of guest's experiences at the hotel of your choice to know the pros or cons. Most testimonials from customers can be trusted for their authenticity but always be a little skeptical of extremely bad or good reviews, as these could be placed online by people who have motives other than expressing their honest opinions.

You will never get the cheapest hotel room rates if you wait until the last minute to book and don't shop around. Do your research online and get discounted hotel room rates the next time you travel for business or for pleasure.

My name is Anthony Matthews and I will show you what to look for when booking motel or hotel rooms for your next business trip or vacation. I also own a website which provides information on everything you should know before choosing hotels in Watertown NY and Motels In Watertown NY to get the best value, service, amenities, location, convenience, and much more.

View the original article here

Nepal Travel Attractions

Nepal is a country in Tibet, featuring mountains, valleys, clean air, crystal springs and amazing feeling of loneliness. Buddhism temples are scattered all around the country and they attract curious travelers from all around the globe.

The main attraction of the country is its nature. In Nepal, one will find the highest summits of the world, the famous mountains as well as thousands of picturesque places. No less popular is rafting and canoeing down the mountain rivers. The history and culture of Nepal are no less popular. Monasteries, temples, festivals and ancient religious ceremonies, the country's rich history, the unique mixture of nationalities and religions - that is another interesting image of the country.

The most popular part of Nepal is Kathmandu Valley. The main cities of the country are located here: Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. Kathmandu is a big enough city and the capital of the country. Narrow streets, unusual architecture, hundreds of temples and stupas, everlasting fragrance of incense and the weird rhythm of life. There is little space in the small valley, so it is difficult to say where one city ends and another one begins. And at the same time, the surrounding hills are green with various plants, and there is the Nagarjun Reserve nearby.

There are hundreds of attractions in the city, including the wooden Kasthamandal temple, the Jagannath Temple, Maru Ganesh, and many other sights. Attention of the tourists is often attracted to the famous Swayambhunat stupa, 'The Temple of the Apes', founded more than two thousand years ago. The center of the city, Palace Square, is surrounded by 50 churches and palace Nautalle. The grand palace Singha Durbar and the residence of the King of Nepal are the object of pride of the people. The surrounding area hosts a lot of places of worship, where one can wander for hours. Tamelo tourist quarter is famous for its many shops with souvenirs and luxurious hotels. In the vicinity of the city, there is the famous Vishnu statue in the center of the pond with a cascade of fountains. The National Museum od Nepal has a good historical collection and a fine collection of weapons. The mountain resort of Nagarkot is an ideal place to stay in solitude and think about the meaning of life.

Buddhist temples and monasteries are the main landmark of the neighboring city of Lalitpur, which is often called the 'beautiful city'. Mahabihar monastery is one of the main sights here and the place where the kings of Nepal were crowned. Mahabodhi temple is a copy of the temple in India, where Buddha got enlightenment. Here one will also find the only zoo in the country, as well as numerous jewelry and art studios.

Bhaktapur is another ancient capital of Nepal, known for its architectural monuments and inhabited mostly by Hindus. In Bhaktapur, there are more than a dozen Buddhist temples, the beautiful palace of Malla dynasty, the famous Golden Gate, and many other sights.

Pokhara is the second most important city of Nepal on the shores of beautiful Lake Feva-Tal. Pokhara is well prepared to welcome the tourists. Countless hotels and resorts, restaurants and shops stretch along the entire coast of the lake. There is a Hindu temple in the middle of the lake, and on the opposite bank there is a magnificent stupa and monastery. In the south of the country the town of Lumbini is situated. It is considered to be the birthplace of Buddha. Many Buddhist temples are built here in different architectural styles, representing Buddhist countries. Another interesting place is Martha, Tibetan place, famous for its orchards, apple pies and cider, as well as temples. After the annexation of Tibet by China, many refugees have settled here, bringing their traditions and customs with them.

A visit to Nepal can be a success if you do good preparation and contact one or several Nepal travel agents or tour operators for Nepal.

View the original article here

How to Use Anguilla Travel Agents

Visiting Anguilla can be a lifetime experience if you prepare well for this trip and contact local travel agents in Anguilla to request a tour offer which would cover all essential trip elements.

Anguilla is a coral island in the Caribbean Sea. The dominant vegetation of the island is shrubbery. Anguilla has many lagoons with sandy beaches. There are many small islands and reefs near the coast, and they are usually uninhabited. The average annual temperature is seldom lower than 27 degrees Celsius.

Every tourist will find it useful to know that Anguilla is a heavenly place to relax. The island, located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, is a part of the Lesser Antilles. It is famous for turquoise lagoons and bays with beaches sheltered by coral reefs.

If you are interested in the history of the island, it has been rather turbulent. The island was originally inhabited by the Arawaks, and then it was inhabited by the Spaniards. All local residents, as it was usual in those times, became slaves.

Due to the fact that the island of Anguilla is a coral island with poor soils, the Spanish interest in it was not a special one. After the Spaniards, the island became a British colony. The residents were engaged in the cultivation of tobacco and cotton, but the income from this activity was trivial.

In 1967, Anguilla, Nevis and St. Kitts were united in the Federation and became associated with the UK government. Like all small states, Anguilla tried to become independent, but all the attempts have been suppressed.

Today it is the overseas ownership of the UK. Having survived so many conquerors, the island is famous for its great variety of religious cultures and ethnic groups. Valley is the capital and only city in Anguilla. A few old buildings and alleys, that is all what is in this small town. The oldest church is Wallblake House. The peculiarity of this structure is the gable decorated as the ship. There is also the National Trust Museum, whose collections are constantly updated. It is necessary to visit the fishing village of Island Harbor. It is marked by the identity and commitment to the simple ways of fishing. Everyone can take part in this simple craft. The natives of the Arawaks have left a wonderful hieroglyphics on the rocks and in caves, and they are worth seeing.

But how can one relax in Anguilla, except the suggested cultural program? The island is considered an elite resort of the same level as the resorts of the Cote d'Azur in France. Excellent service and exclusive conditions for attracting famous people make the island a well-known destination. Anguilla is very popular with sailors, since the boundless sea is a great place to participate in the sailing regatta. Large regattas are held during the first week of August, during the Carnival or summer festival. And of course, the sea around Anguilla cannot be imagined without diving, windsurfing and other sports. Here one can view the coral reefs with just a pipe and a mask.

Since there are no sunk ships in the area, the atmosphere has been created for guests artificially. Many ships were sunk, and they are considered absolutely safe objects for diving. The coral reefs are rich in marine life and present a bright and diverse underwater world that leaves a lot of vivid memories.

One of the best places for diving are Marine Park Stoney Ground and Bay Harbor. For the lovers of natural tan in each area of the body, there is a nudist beach. For those wishing to improve their health during the vacation to Anguilla there are lakes with a high degree of salinity and spa resorts.

About 70 local restaurants offer exquisite Anguilla culinary delights. The island is generally considered the capital of the Caribbean in terms of the culinary. On the whole, recreation on the island of Anguilla is perfect for lovers of the sea and beach holidays.

Review the list of Anguilla travel agencies to get professional advice on preparing your trip to this country. More practical tips and tour offers can be obtained from Anguilla tour operators.

View the original article here

Philippines As Travel Destination

To enjoy a good and memorable trip to Philippines, it is advisable to do two things: 1) get a clear picture of what you would like to see 2) find a reliable travel professional who would help you organize an effective tour.

The Philippines is an attractive Asian country with lots of natural and man-made sights. The most popular place is surely its capital, Manila. Manila is located on the shores of the bay. Stretching for tens of kilometers, 'Greater Manila' is a complex conglomerate of seven cities-satellites and a dozen small ones, each with its own characteristic appearance. In total, the city has more than 680 square kilometers and is historically divided into several areas.

The old district of the capital is called Intramuros. Here one will find the fortress walls of the 16th century, whose total length reaches a few kilometers, visit art galleries, restaurants, museums, and an aquarium. The city has miraculously survived the fierce bombardment in 1945, so Manila Catholic Cathedral opposite the fort, the Cathedral of St. Augustine, the oldest stone church in the Philippines, the adjacent museum of religious art in the old monastery of the Augustinians, the Museum of the Casa Manila, a shopping center and many colonial buildings have been preserved and provide adult tourists with a handful of places of entertainment.

Rizal Park is known for a planetarium, different concert venues, the pavilion of orchids, the park of butterflies and the monuments to Filipino heroes. Ermit district can be called the 'tourist belt' of the area, and most hotels are concentrated in this part of the capital. Trendy restaurants and bars are scattered in downtown Manila and in more distant places. It is interesting to see the church of Malate, the alley on Robinson Place and Harrison Plaza square in front of the Rizal Memorial Stadium. The National Museum of the Philippines offers a rich collection of geology, biology, ethnography, and history of the country.

The district of Makati is the financial center of Manila. The sights of this region may include a lot of skyscrapers. Quezon City invites the tourists to see the Capitol, the Colosseum and a beautiful zoo. In Kalookan City, one will see the only in the Philippines railway station.

In the vicinity of the capital, there are a lot of interesting places, including the lighthouse at Cape Boheador and textile workshops in Paoay. In Manila Bay, there is the tragic Corregidor island, notorious for heavy fighting during the Second World War. Enormously popular is Laguna province, where there are a lot of hot sulfuric springs and spas. Picturesque rice terraces, beautiful serpentine zigzag roads, Sino-Philippine 'Pagoda of Friendship', and magnificent beaches make the Philippines diverse and intriguing. Baguio City Mountain Resort is located 250 kilometers north of Manila in the province of Benguet. This is the 'summer capital' of the country, famous for its mild climate and clean air. The attractions include the summer residence of the government, Church Bells, beautiful crystalline arrays of surrounding rocks and tombs in the surrounding mountains. Near the coastline, there lie 'a hundred islands' (actually, there are about 400), framed by white sandy beaches and extensive coral reefs.

To the south of Manila, there lies the picturesque ridge of Tagaytay, where tourists will admire the national park and the unique Volcano Quezon Taal, the smallest active volcano in the world. Another volcano, Banahao, is the place of worship of the locals. The magnificent Basilica of Sep-Martin-de-Tours is considered a national treasure in Taal. Nearby, at the foot of the volcano Makiling, is the famous Hidden Valley, numerous cavities with hot mineral water, waterfalls, hundreds of hot springs and luxurious vegetation.

Review the list of Philippines travel agents or tour operators in Philippines to make your tour an experience of a lifetime.

View the original article here

Cruising for Cetaceans - Whale Watching Australian-Style

If you're planning a whale-watching cruise in the near future, Australia should be on your short list of destinations. Few places worldwide can offer the frequency or variety of whale watching opportunities that are found in Australia.

Your whale watching trip criteria should include the chance to see many different types of whales. The most predominant species in Australia's territorial waters are humpbacks, southern right whales, and orcas (though these are not technically whales at all, we'll include them in the discussion - they are magnificent to see in the wild!). These are not all of the species you can find here, as Minke, fin, Sei, Bryde's, pygmy, sperm, pilot, melon, and many species of beaked whales also have Australia in their annual migration path.

Whale watching in Australia varies depending on the location. For example, southern right whales are most frequently seen around the southern coastal waters of Australia, and not usually found to the north. Humpbacks, the most famously vocal singers of the cetacean family, are usually seen off the eastern and western coasts, while orcas can be seen all around Australia. For further refining your plans, consider the following:
New South Wales - Humpback whales are most commonly seen from the coast here from June through December.
Queensland - From July through September, humpbacks predominate in this area as well. The neighborhood of the Great Barrier Reef often hosts dwarf Minke whales.
Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia - Your whale watching trip is most likely to run into southern rights in the waters off of these states.
Western Australia - Head toward Western Australia for a whale watching cruise that may encounter southern right whales, humpbacks, and even the enormous blue whales. Blues were hunted nearly to extinction, and remain endangered, but their population is making a comeback.

While Australia was a major force in the whaling industry from the late 1700's until 1978, the nation's territorial waters now form the Australian Whale Sanctuary. There are strict regulations in place to protect whales at all locations around Australia, with protective borders extending from the coast out to 200 nautical miles or more (370 kilometers plus). Boats cannot deliberately approach closer than 100 meters to any whale, and must exercise a high level of caution within 300 meters of any whale. It is also not allowed to touch or feed whales inside the sanctuary.

Whatever your specific destination, whale watching trips in Australia are sure to provide ample opportunity to see and document the ocean's most majestic creatures.

Learn more about the joys of whale watching at http://www.planetwhale.com/

View the original article here

Travel Agencies in Vietnam

Visiting Vietnam with a travel agency is a good idea. A travel professional can give you a valuable advice on what cities to visit, what monuments to see, what travel guides are the best to accompany you.

Vietnam is considered one of the most popular destinations in the south-east of Asia. Hanoi, the capital of the country, is an ancient city, the political, economic and cultural center. The city began its rapid development in the 11th century, when the Emperor Wan Li Kong, moved his capital to the citadel of Thang-Long. Today it is one of the most interesting cities in Asia, with its wide avenues and European-style skyscrapers, numerous lakes, parks and fountains interspersed with hundreds of colonial houses and pagodas.

Downtown areas of the city have been turned into a huge shopping district. The capital is literally full of historical landmarks, including the Temple of the White Horse, the Flag Tower, the largest lake in the capital, Ho Tay, with many buildings of the era of emperors on its shores. The Temple of the Rising Sun and The Forbidden City are perhaps the two most romantic places adored by tourists. The remains of the ancient defense system of the capital, and the complex of monuments of An-Duong Vuong will please the admirers of historical sights. The Cathedral of St. Joseph, Kwan-Su Pagoda, as well as numerous bridges are some of other popular places.

The monuments of later periods include the Temple of Literature, the Presidential Palace, the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, and a network of tunnels used during the Vietnam War as a shelter from air raids. Very original and numerous are the museums of Hanoi, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Ethnographic Museum, the Museum of Folk Architecture, and the Army Museum. It is worth visiting the Municipal Puppet Theater on Lake Hoan-Kem and the Hanoi Municipal Theatre. In January, one can witness the famous festival of spring flowers.

Halong Bay is famous as 'the place where the dragon descended into the sea'. Perhaps it is the most important and beautiful sight of the country listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is an amazing complex of 3,000 tiny rocky islands that are picturesquely scattered in the sea and surrounded by tiny beaches and quaint caves and grottoes. Of special interest is Vandong, an ancient trading port in South-East Asia, as well as numerous historical sites scattered throughout the bay.

Hue is the capital of the last emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. It is one of the cultural, religious and educational centers in Vietnam, as well as one of the most interesting cities in the country. Here are restored imperial palaces, the walls of the citadel Kinh Thanh, the palace of Thai Hoa, the Museum of Emperor Bao-Tung Wat Ku with a small military museum. Da Nang lies in the heart of the country, in a picturesque setting on the rugged coastline. It is a major industrial and commercial center, one of the main ports of the country.

Nha Trang is a beautiful seaside resort, situated almost in the center of the country, in the province of Khanh Hoa. Despite the proximity of large industrial enterprises, Nha Trang is one of the best places in the country. The symbol of the city is a huge statue of Buddha.

Ho Chi Minh City is one of the largest cities of Indochina and a significant trading port. During its development, it experienced many difficult years, as reflected in the architecture and numerous monuments of this great city. This is a noisy, bustling and ever-dynamic center of the south, the economic capital and cultural center of Vietnam. Its streets are a myriad of markets, shops, cafes and hawkers selling their wares on the sidewalk.

Vietnam Travel agents can organize a perfect tour in this country because local professionals are available to provide all required services with decent level of quality. Tour operators in Vietnam know the country and can assist in designing your itinerary in the most effective way.

View the original article here