Countries

Top Things To Do In Thailand

Author: Jeremy | Category: Thailand, Travel Deals | Tags: Bangkok, holiday, Phang Nga Bay, thailand

Knowing the top things to do in Thailand will allow you to keep your itinerary in order before you hop on the plane. While Thailand’s claim to fame is the pristine Maya Bay of Koh Phi Phi Leh Island which was once featured in the movie “The Beach”, there’s certainly more to this charming Southeast Asian country than this beautiful beach. Here are some of the top things to do on holidays to Thailand:

Explore Bangkok. The capital of Thailand, Bangkok, should be the first place you head out to once you reach Thailand. While it’s a modern, metropolitan city, it is rich in cultural and historical heritage. Tour around the city and take time to visit some of the city’s well-known attractions such as the Grand Palace.

Take a historical trip. Bangkok is not the only place you can learn about the history of Thailand. The former capital, Siam, and other cities such as Ayutthaya and Sukhothai are great stops if you are interested in learning about the history of Thailand.

Beaches. One of the top things to do in Thailand is going to the beach. Thailand’s beaches have lured millions of visitors every year from all over the world, since the 1920’s. Hua Hin is the country’s oldest beach resort discovered by King Rama VII.

Topping the list of popular beaches in Thailand are Phuket and the Maya Bay in the Ko Phi Phi Leh Island, which gained fame thanks to the movie “The Beach”.

Visit the waterfalls. Waterfalls can be found all over the country. Among the most popular are the Heo Suwat Waterfalls in the Khao Yai National Park and the Erawan Falls of Kanchanaburi.

Marvel at the gravity defying limestone formations of Phang Nga Bay. This bay between Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi has some of the most spectacular sights in the world, particularly the limestone formations that seem to defy gravity. You can join one of the day tours which will allow you to explore the area, or book in one of the hotels and inns available in some of the nearby larger islands.

07 Nov 2013

Top Reasons To Visit Mauritius

Author: Jeremy | Category: Mauritius, Travel Deals | Tags: Africa, holidays, Mauritius

Great weather and some of the best beaches in the world are some of the top reasons to visit Mauritius. Located off the southeastern coast of Africa, this island nation lies in the Indian Ocean, where warm waters and rich and exotic marine flora and fauna make it one of the best honeymoon and vacation destinations in Africa.

But there is more to holidays in Mauritius than pristine beaches with powder-fine white sand and turquoise waters. Here are some of the top reasons to visit Mauritius.

Cultural diversity.The country’s populace is made up of several ethnicities: Indian, African, Chinese and European descent. This cultural diversity results in an interesting fusion of cultures which is evident in their cuisines and infrastructures.

Dodo bird. Mauritius is known to be the home of the now-extinct dodo bird. Discovered in 1505 by Portugese explorers, the dodo bird became their fresh source of meat when Mauritius was established as their stopover point for the spice trade. Later on, the introduction of other domesticated animals such as monkeys and pigs, along with rats that escaped from the ships significantly reduced the numbers of dodo birds in the island as they ate their eggs. In more or less a hundred years after is discovery, the dodo bird became a rare species. The last of its kind was killed in 1681.

Today, you can see the reconstruction of the dodo bird from its skeleton in the Natural History Museum in Port Luis.

Se’ga demonstrations. If you enjoy dancing and world music, the Se’ga demonstration is a must watch spectacle. It’s part opera and part group dance and may even require audience involvement. Se’ga dance is performed without the feet leaving the ground. Instead, the whole body should move.

The performance is vibrant, colourful and a sight to watch.

Ile aux Aigrettes. One of the top reasons to visit Mauritius is its majestic green landscapes, lush with flora and fauna. The recently restored Ile aux Aigrettes has once again become home to the Kestrel and Pink Pigeon when the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation has turned back the hands of time in the island and restored it to its original state. Non-native plants and animals were removed from the island.

06 Nov 2013

Top Things To Know About Visiting Barbados

Author: Jeremy | Category: Barbados, Travel Deals | Tags: Barbados, beach, holidays in barbados

It is important that you are acquainted with the top things to know about visiting Barbados, to avoid any hassles and confusions if you plan to have a vacation in this popular destination in the Caribbean. This island off the northeast coast of Venezuela is often called “Little Britain” as it has been a British colony for a long time.

Today, most people would often associate Barbados with beaches and the pop singer Rihanna who was born here in 1988. So whether you’re here for the beaches or because you’re a big Rihanna fan, here are some of the top things to know about visiting Barbados:

Camouflage is strictly prohibited in Barbados. As a matter of fact, it is illegal to carry accessories or wear clothing (be it swimwear or casual wear) with camouflage material and print. So leave behind your camouflage coloured bikinis and tank tops at home to avoid trouble.

It’s always sunny. As Barbados is located near the equator, Barbados is a little sunnier than you’d expect. So you need to arm yourself with the needed protection against UV rays. So don’t forget to bring sunscreen and protective clothing.

Also, make sure any treatments, whether orally taken or topical, won’t cause photosensitivity or sensitivity to sun exposure.

Bug spray is also important. At night time, you need to protect yourself against mosquitos and other bugs, so it is important to bring bug spray with you if you travel to Barbados.

Beware of the manchineel tree. One of the top things to know about holidays in Barbados is that you need to watch out for the manchineel trees. They don’t bite though, but touch any part of the tree and you’ll end up with blisters and allergic reactions. Don’t even think about taking shelter under the manchineel tree either when it’s raining as the water dripping from the leaves may also cause blisters. These trees are often marked with a red ring around the trunk or a signage and they bear fruits which resemble yellow apples. You can find these trees near or in the beach as these prevent sand erosion.

Never explore the beach on barefoot. Sure, the feel of sand between your toes can be such an exhilarating experience. But if you step on one of the sea urchins washed up ashore, you’d have to spend the rest of your vacation with a swollen foot until someone is brave enough to pee on it.

05 Nov 2013

The Best Activities for Kids in Dubai

Author: Jeremy Albelda | Category: Travel Deals, United Arab Emirates | Tags: Dubai, Family, Kids, Package Deals, Resorts, UAE

Located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates. Millions of tourists visit Dubai each year for its unique culture and amazing experiences. Rated as the best place to live in the Middle East, Dubai has become a transport hub known for its skyscrapers and high-rise buildings. There are hundreds of attractions to visit in Dubai, but here are a few family-friendly places for the kids.

Wonderland

With a name like Wonderland, there is no question as to why this attraction is tuned for kids. Built in 1996, Wonderland is structured around a Caribbean theme and is separated into three divisions: Splashland, Main Street, and Theme Park. With over 30 rides covering 22 acres, Wonderland is full of attractions involving water, including a water cinema and water mist shows. Children can also ride the swing chairs, go-karts, and carousel. Wonderland is open every day of the year and can be found at www.wonderlanduae.com

The Dubai Mall

For an adventure indoors, vacationers can visit the enormous Dubai Mall. The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest mall and welcomes over 100 million visitors each year. All amongst thousands of shops and restaurants, the mall also features an indoor theme park, 22-screen cinema, and a giant aquarium. The indoor theme park, Sega World, is specifically designed for the enjoyment of children. The Dubai mall is open 7 days of the week and can be found at www.thedubaimall.com

Children’s City

For a more educational visit, the Children’s City centers all its attractions for a hands-on, learning experience. Kids can explore the human body, nature, science, and Middle Eastern culture. There is also an interactive flight simulator! The Children’s City is located at the Dubai Creek Park in Bur Dubai and is open 7 days a week. More information can be found at www.childrencity.ae

Atlantis Resort

Atlantis hotels have been placed worldwide with attractions for the entire family. The Atlantis Resort is located on the western shore of Palm Island and offers a variety of stunning views and attractions. The Dubai Atlantis Resort allows visitors to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat. Another way to get wet is to visit the Aquaventure. This water park features 42 acres of water slides, rivers, and rapids. For those wanting to stay out of the water, The Lost Chambers is an underwater aquarium with over 65,000 marine animals on exhibit. The Atlantis Resort is open 7 days a week and can be found at www.atlantisthepalm.com. You can find some good deals for That Atlantis Resort and other Dubai holiday packages with free half board by just doing a little research on the web.

There are hundreds of exciting activities to do in Dubai. As a cultural center of the Middle East, Dubai offers everything a visitor could want from adventurous outdoor attractions, to fine dining restaurants in the world’s tallest structures. When visiting Dubai, be sure to maintain a cultural respect for the city. Specific dress codes for women and no public displays of affection are requested. There you have it, just some of the best activities for kids in Dubai. Enjoy your next trip there!

05 Nov 2013

Geneva’s Secrets: Get To Know Them Before 2014

Author: Jeremy Albelda | Category: Switzerland | Tags: Europe, Geneva, Outdoors, Parks, Switzerland

Geneva is a spectacular city situated at the foot of the Alps, along the banks of Lake Geneva. Not only is it one of Europe’s most visited cities, but it is also the home of the United Nations. Famous for its diversity and tolerance of different cultures, it has become the playground for the rich and famous, and because of its status as a tax haven, millions of people flock there every year for its amazing selection of luxury stores. If you’re thinking about visiting Geneva next year, here are some of the best attractions you simply must experience.

Jet d’Eau de Geneve

This is one of the most iconic monuments in the city, with the water founding shooting water over 140 meters into the air! Funnily enough, it was never meant to be a water fountain. Originally it was a security valve at the city’s hydraulic power station. Engineers were forced to install the valve due to too much pressure being placed on the system, and this marked the birth of the spectacular fountain. Soon enough, the water feature became a tourist attraction, and the valve was moved nearer to the lakeside. Since its opening in 1951, the Jet d’Eau de Geneve has poured over 500 litres of water every second into the sky, at over 100 miles per hour!

The Reformation Wall

This wonderful feature is a monumental homage to the Protestants that reformed Europe, and it can be found in a beautiful park near to the Place de Neuve. John Know, Theodore de Beze, Guillaume Farel and Jean Calvin are carved into the wall, and along the sides are the people that carried the Protestant reforms throughout Europe. The motto for the Reformation Movement was ‘light after darkness’, and this can be found carved into the wall too.

Geneva’s Parks

There are a number of fantastic parks in Geneva, and you could easily lose track of time wandering through them. Not only are they a great place to bring the kids if you’re holidaying with your family, but many of them offer amazing views of the city, as well as the Alps.

If you’re into mountaineering, the Alps are pretty close to the city, just remember to pack your boots…

The Palais des Nations

The Palais des Nations is the diplomatic centre of Europe, and it also represents Geneva internationally. This huge structure was built between 1929 and 1936, and it has been the headquarters of the United Nations ever since the body was created. Over 25,000 delegates from countries all over the world pass through this building every year, and the Palais des Nations is home to countless pieces of artwork too. Open to tourists every day, it is an essential architectural must-see when visiting Geneva.

Mont Saleve

Nick-named the city’s ‘local mountain’, this amazing natural attraction is very accessible by car, and the view from the top is phenomenal. There are countless activities for children, and lots of nature to discover too. From rock-climbing to paragliding, Mont Saleve is a hotspot for adrenaline junkies, and in the winter you can even ski here!

If you’re planning to head to Switzerland, it would be smart to do some research on translation services in Switzerland to get your important documents translated before your travels.

04 Nov 2013

The Best Time to Visit The Falkland Islands

Author: Jeremy Albelda | Category: England, Featured | Tags: Argentina, England, Falkland Islands, History, Island, Islands, South America

Before getting into the information regarding the best time to visit the Falkland Islands, one must know a few very important things about this archipelago. First of all, though it may still be a British territory, this archipelago is pretty much isolated from the rest of the world. Its location is somewhere further south from Argentina, which makes it truly remote and figuratively invisible in the world map. In fact, no one would have probably heard of this archipelago if not for the unfortunate war between the British expeditionary special force and Argentinian military that occupied the island. The casualties in the 1980’s Falklands War have amounted to about 900 souls both among the British and Argentinian forces. Secondly, due to the isolation of Falkland Islands its civilization is only limited to the basic necessities of life. Anyone looking for five-star restaurants and shopping malls should never choose this place for a vacation. However, nature lovers truly find this archipelago a unique paradise.

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03 Nov 2013

Top Tourist Attractions In Maldives

Author: Jeremy | Category: Maldives, Travel Deals | Tags: Chagos Archipelago, holidays, Maldive Islands, Maldives, Minicoy Island

The top tourist attractions in Maldives will charm their way into your heart. Maldives has so much to offer with its 200 inhabited islands and 80 more which are chiefly used as resorts. Hundreds more are waiting to be rediscovered by curious travelers in what is regarded as one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world.

Maldives or the Maldive Islands lies on the Indian Ocean between Chagos Archipelago and Minicoy Island, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It is the smallest Asian country in both population and land area. Despite Portuguese and Dutch occupation, Maldives remained a free nation for most of its history. Today, the islands are best known for their stunning white sand beaches and colorful reefs that teem with marine life.

#1: Male

No other place can rival the vibrant atmosphere of Male, capital of Maldives. Surely it deserves a place on the top tourist attractions in Maldives. The city is home to beautiful gardens and elaborate mosques.

One of the main tourist spots in Male is the National Museum. The structure itself was formerly the Sultan’s Palace. Thus, sultanate relics such as statues, thrones, and other antiquities are displayed on the museum. The Huskuru Miskiiy is another main attraction in Male. Also known as the “Friday Mosque”, it originates from the 17th century and features a golden dome. More intriciate details like carvings can be observed from its interiors.

#2: Thinadhoo

Thinadhoo stays true to the essence of an island getaway with its greenery and lack of pollution. The trees provide shade from the heat of the sun and the beaches are just as gorgeous as anywhere else in the Maldives. Besides swimming, tourists can enjoy snorkeling around the island on Maldives holidays.

#3: Seenu Atoll

The atoll comprises of 23 islands. There are about 25 premier diving spots throughout the atoll. Divers will have the chance to see white-tip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, eagle rays, manta rays, green turtles, and other exotic marine life especially in Muduka and Makunda. Adventurers are also drawn to Seenu Atoll because of its water sports activities. It’s no wonder that it is included in the top tourist attractions in Maldives.

03 Nov 2013

Top Destinations in Guernsey and Alderney

Author: Dan | Category: England | Tags: England, Guernsey, Island, UK

It is easy for potential visitors to be attracted to the top destinations in Guersney and Alderney. These archipelagoes are an example of how small cities and towns assert their independence and earned it through sheer development and political stability. The same can be said about San Marino (in Italy), Monaco (France) and Gibraltar (Spain). But the closest resemblance to the political situation of Guernsey and Alderney is the Island of Manx. Both territories are under the protection of United Kingdom and are also located close to the motherland territory. Guernsey and Alderney, also known as the Bailiwick of Guernsey, is located along the English Channel – the broad saltwater stream that separates United Kingdom from France. It is natural to assume that this territory also has a strong French influence.

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11 Oct 2013

Top Destinations In Azerbaijan

Author: Dan | Category: Azerbaijan | Tags: Azerbaijan, City, History, Middle-East, Nightlife

The top destinations in Azerbaijan are iconic places worth visiting around the Caucasus highlands that practically demarcates Europe and Asia. As far as basic history is concerned, this country was once a tributary state of the Soviet Union. During its collapse in 1991, the country has faced another “adversary” much closer to home – Armenia. This neighboring nation has supported a separatist region named Nagoroh-Karabakh. This succeeding conflict took out 20% of Azerbaijan’s total territory. While the nation undergoes a certain difficulty in sustaining the 800,000 more refugees since the 1994-ceasefire, its people were able to assert their own cultural identity like never before. For a country that is predominantly Shia Islam, they are almost twice as liberal in their lifestyle than most Arab nations. This was all due to the extensive influence of secularism by the Soviet regime.

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11 Oct 2013

Travel Escapes: Belgrade!

Author: Dan | Category: Featured, Serbia | Tags: Architecture, Belgrade, Drinking, Food, History, Serbia

Belgrade is quickly entering the limelight shared by exciting European travel destinations such as Berlin, Paris and Prague. Complimented by the Sava/Danube River that flows through the capital, the city’s non-stop nightlife, fascinating history and delectable traditional restaurants have been attracting thousands of visitors since Serbia’s tourism boom during the past decade. Perhaps best known for the Yugoslav crisis during the 1990s and Nato’s bombing of Belgrade in1999, which among other buildings left the Police & Army Headquarters desecrated. The remnants of the bombings and Serbia’s eventful past propels Belgraders of all ages to treat every night like a Friday night shaking off the past.

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09 Oct 2013