Travel Tips for Austria and Germany

AUSTRIA
The world's best music festivals. The world's biggest and most famous music festival is the Salzburg Festival. Other important Austrian melomaniac delights include the Haydn Festival in Vienna and the International Chamber Music Festival. Tickets to the festivals are cheapest if you buy them in Austria. "Tickets for Events in Austria" is an information sheet which is available from Austrian National Tourist Office, tel. (212)944-6880; website: www.austria-tourism.at.
The world's best horsemanship. The 400-year-old Spanish Riding School, located in the Hofburg, trains the noble white stallions that descend from the Spanish horses imported to Austria by Emperor Maximilian II in the 16th century. The horses dance to Viennese music, guided by expert riders wearing the traditional gold-buttoned brown uniform and gold-braided black hat. Performances are held at the school most Sunday mornings at 10:45 a.m. and occasional Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. from March to June and September to December. It's difficult to get tickets; write six months in advance to the Spanische Reitschule, Hofburg, A-1010 Vienna, Austria; tel. (43)1-533-9031.
The most romantic hotel. Less than an hour from Vienna, the Schloss Durnstein, tel. (43)2-711-212, presides over a wide curve of the Danube River. Located deep in the wine district of Wachsu, this magnificent castle is surrounded by distinctive vine-clad hills, age-old ruins and timeless picturesque villages with one-lane streets. According to the legend, it was here that the imprisoned King Richard the Lionhearted was reunited with his faithful minstrel, who had sung his way across Europe searching for his master. Also intriguing is the wine cellar (which can accommodate 8,000 "buckets" of wine), the arch-crossed cobbled courtyard and the 33 rooms all with chandeliers fronting the Danube.
GERMANY
Heidelberg, the most romantic town. Heidelberg is the hub of German Romanticism. Schumann began his career as a Romantic composer in this pretty town and Goethe fell in love here. Heidelberg is also the oldest university town in Germany and the site of scenes from the movie and opera The Student Prince. The best place to ramble in Heidelberg is the Haupstrasse, which is lined with coffeehouses and little shops. Have a drink in one of the cafes beneath the rathaus. Or meander along Philosopher's Walk, where Goethe and Hegel wandered. From the path you'll have a bird's-eye view of the city and Heidelberg Castle. Don't leave town without visiting the Electoral Palatinate Museum, where the 500,000-year-old jawbone of Heidelberg Man is kept.
Germany's best fish market. The best fish market in Germany is held on Sunday mornings in Hamburg. This raucous but fun affair is located by the docks in Altona and begins at 5 a.m.
Worms: the strangest history. The city of Worms has a strange name and an even stranger history. It was named for a legendary giant worm with fangs and webbed feet that lived in the Rhine and demanded human sacrifices. Worms was the fifth-century capital of the legendary Nibelungs. The tribe left the area, according to legend, after the wicked Hagen slew their hero, Siegfried and threw their treasure into the river. A huge statue of Hagen commemorates the story. The town was destroyed in A.D. 436 by Attila the Hun. In the center of the town's old section is the tall, spired Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, built in the 11th and 12th centuries. Worms has a huge statue of Martin Luther; the oldest synagogue in Germany, built in the 11th century and restored in 1961; and the oldest and largest Jewish cemetery in Europe. Tombstones date from the 11th century.
Hitler's favorite hideout. The Kehlsteinhouse (also known as Eagle's Nest), perched on a rocky crag above the town of Berchtesgaden, was Hitler's favorite hideout. No wonder-the view from the hideaway-turned-restaurant is exhilarating. Anyone could develop delusions of grandeur here. Alpine peaks rise above cottony clouds at this level. The snow at their summits glistens in the sun. Below, a thick carpet of dark green pines stretches toward the valley. The road to Eagle's Nest is so steep and dangerous that cars are not allowed to use it; you must take a special bus from the Obersalzberg-Hintereck parking lot. You can dine in the restaurant from mid-May through mid-October.
The world's best passion play. Every 10 years, the world's most moving passion play is performed in the shadows of the Alps in the little artisan town of Oberammergau. From May through September in years ending in zero, local amateur actors put aside their daily professions and devote themselves entirely to the play. Written in the 17th century, it enacts Christ's suffering between the Last Supper and his death. Villagers have performed the play every 10 years since the 17th century, when they vowed they would perform the passion if the black plague ceased. It did and they have. The picturesque Passionsspielhaus (Passion play Theater) can be visited any time of the year. The immense open-air stage holds 700 actors and the theater's wooden benches hold 5,200 people. You can see the elaborate costumes used during the passion play when you visit. Performances begin at 8:30 a.m. and finish at 6 p.m., with a two-hour break for lunch. The best hotel Oberammergau is the Alois Lang. This quiet place has rooms with private bathrooms and three good dining rooms.
The world's best asparagus. Every spring, Germans go stalk-raving mad, gorging themselves on the country's Weisser Spargel, or white asparagus. The German asparagus, introduced 2,000 years ago by the Romans, is plump and ivory white with delicate purple tips. It is prized among epicures, who come from around the world every April, May and June to the world's asparagus mecca. Asparagus is especially big business in Finthen, near Mainz, where all 5,000 inhabitants are engaged in the cultivation of the white vegetable; in Lampertheim, between Worms and Mannheim, where every housewife grows the prized vegetable in her back yard; in Schrobenhausen, the center of the only area in southern Bavaria where asparagus is grown; and in Tettnang and Schwetzingen, known together as the asparagus capital of Germany.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Travel
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Investment Property in Egypt

Egypt marvels at its historical significance in shaping the destinys of modern countries. With natural wonders, like The Pyramids, as its jewel in the Egyptian crown, the country basks in the glory of the world's longest river The Nile. With historic architectural marvels in the country inspiring the modern architects and designers from all over the world, the Egyptian real estate market is destined for massive growth.
Though a Muslim country, this North African nation is more advanced than most of the traditional Muslim countries, and it is this contemporary modern outlook of the nation that attracts property investors from all nationalities and international business houses as well as individuals investors.
Buying Property in Egypt
For quite some time now, Egypt has struggled to find its feet in the vast global real estate market. This has been largely due to lax governments in the countries recent past that failed to realize the tourism potential of the country, nor did they pay attention to developing the investment friendly infrastructure of the country. But things are changing for the better thanks to the recent government initiatives aimed at attracting maximum tourism exposure for the country.
To this end, peace and political stability are the biggest platform from which the Egyptian government plans to launch an aggressive marketing campaign to lure serious real estate and property investments in the country. Egypt has largely remained unaffected by the influence of Islamic fundamentalism that have caused problems for many of the beautiful Islamic countries throughout the Asian continent and now is enjoying a steady increase in its economic development.
In order to reap maximum benefit from the changed global order, the Egyptian government has chosen the path of development through friendly relations with developed countries, like America and the UK. This has resulted in large scale investment queries from several European countries. The Brits particularly like the metropolitan lifestyle of certain cities, like the capital city of Cairo, and the similar culture and traditions due to the country's close proximity to Europe.
The government has also relaxed several rules governing the ownership of real estate and property by foreigners in the country. This has attracted the interest of global real estate players like Dubai's EMAAR and DAMAC groups that are developing major residential townships in the cities of Cairo, Hurghada, and the Gamsha Bay. These townships are expected to bring in lots of investment to the region from every segment of investor. Primarily residential townships, the commercial and industrial aspect from the rising demand cannot be ignored. Thus, there's room for every investor in Egypt!
In addition, the government is also working towards making Egypt one of the top tourist destinations in the world by 2011. The all-round efforts by the government are visible from the collaboration of Egyptian government with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
The best places to invest in Egypt include the coastal resort towns of Alexandria, El Alamein, Ain Soukhna, Sharm el Sheikh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Marsa Alam. You can also look forward to owning 5-star luxury apartments at Hurghada for anywhere between £15K to £25K.
Why Invest in Property in Egypt?
Besides the above-stated factors, there are many other reasons for a property investor to seriously consider investing in the land of Pyramids-
The Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea assure that the coastal lifestyle in Egypt is never short of thrill and adventure. Miles of pristine beaches assure that the place is always bubbling with tourists. Red Sea Riviera represents hundreds of miles of unspoilt desert coastline dotted with a few upmarket resorts. And resultantly, the rental income from resort property is too lucrative for any investor to ignore.
The economy of Egypt is on the upswing thanks to the sustained government efforts. This stability and growth creates a feel-good factor about the country's overall growth potential that drives the real estate investment in Egypt.
The country's climate has everything to lure any would be investor who is looking for a positive return on their investment or a relaxed retired lifestyle enjoying sun during most part of the year.
If you are looking for a business investment property in Egypt, there's good news! The government is placing immense importance to the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and has elaborate plans in place to welcome offshore business houses looking to take advantage of lower standards of taxation in Egypt.
The proximity to Europe ensures cheap regular flights to and from the country to the major European capitals and other international cities.
The country has some of the best hotel chains in the region. The hospitality of Egypt is also one of the highlights for potential investors in the country.
Egypt has no dearth of luxury villas and mansions, if that is what you are looking for. In fact, if you can afford, these luxury properties then it is certainly worth consideration as the can be secured for a comparatively low cost of investment. And considering the high earning potential of property in Egypt, your investment is sure to give maximum return whenever you decide to sell the property.
Property Abroad's directory Les Calvert writes interesting and useful articles on all subjects dealing with overseas property and buying property abroad. With over 400 company websites selling and renting property in almost every country around the world Les is well placed to offer advice on existing and emerging property investments in Egypt Visit their flagship site www.property-abroad.com for more details on buying property in Egypt
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Toronto Attractions and Events Make a Great Vacation

Millions of tourists from around the world travel to Canada to enjoy its culture, attractions, and natural beauty. One of the most popular vacation destinations is Toronto Ontario. Tourists take great pleasure in seeing the sites of downtown Toronto and visiting the various theme parks in the city. Other major Toronto attractions are the CN Tower, Skydome, Harbourfront, Toronto Islands, Toronto Zoo, Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, and the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). Major events draw millions too, including the CNE, Caribana Festival, while the major sports events and theatre event season are ongoing all year.
Canada’s largest city is enjoying a prosperous economy in this last decade and considerable new building and development is occurring in the city.
The CN Tower - World's Tallest Free Standing Structure The CN Tower is undoubtedly the most visited Toronto tourist attraction which recently regained its rank as the tallest free standing structure in the world at 554.3 meters or 1815 feet. The tower elevator ride is an amazing experience for the whole family. Riders can see out any of the three high speed elevators glass walls during the 20 feet per second ascent to the observation level. The observation level has two decks, one with an outdoor observation area which extends right around the observation pod giving a 360 degree panorama of the City of Toronto. There is a glass floor area where visitors can walk out on. It takes a little courage to walk on it and peer down 1100 feet to the base of the tower and into Skydome stadium. On a clear day you can see all the way to Niagara Falls. For the very adventurous, another elevator can take you up to the 1400 foot level. This is the Skypod and you will be really high.
The CN Tower also has an upscale, revolving restaurant which takes dining to a whole new level of experience. The restaurant has the world’s highest wine cellar.
The Skydome, now called Rogers Center hosts the Toronto Blue Jays of the MLB League and major pop music concerts. Tours of the stadium are available. For shoppers, the Eaton Center shopping mall is amazing experience too. It is a huge galleria type mall with a glass ceiling more than 80 feet high. The mall has 4 levels with hundreds of stores and shops serving every imaginable item.
For thrill seekers, Canada’s Wonderland, a giant theme park has 14 roller coasters and many other scary rides. Top Gun roller coaster a twisting, spiraling ride, Vortex Roller coaster which comes out of Wonder Mountain, and the Psyclone, a giant swing are the perennial favorites. WildWater Kingdom also
To see all the sites in Downtown Toronto, you may want to take part in one of the tours offered by a number of tour operators. There are helicopter tours, boat tours, bus tours, walking tours, and even limo tours.
The Toronto Harbor offers tours aboard some interesting vessels. You and your family will enjoy the evening dinner cruises with the colorful backdrop of Toronto’s waterfront, the sunset, and the lights of the downtown Toronto buildings. It is very romantic.
Along the old city streets of Toronto in the summer, you’ll find an interesting array of quaint shops, theaters, and outdoor bistros and restaurants. You’ll easily enjoy a full day of shopping, sightseeing, and casual dining.
Ontario Place is a large entertainment complex at the waterfront with outdoor cafes and a huge IMAX theater. You’ll enjoy strolling at the marinas where yachts are moored.
Just Outside Toronto If the downtown Toronto doesn’t have all you need for a stimulating experience, then everything else you might want is nearby. Niagara Falls is a short 40 minute drive to the south. You can visit Canada’s wonder of the world and visit the Casinos there. Muskoka has been a long time favorite of vacationers from Canada and the US. There are plenty of Muskoka resorts with golf courses, spas and walking trails. This is Ontario’s’ cottage country, a stretch of beautiful landscapes with rock, trees, and rolling hills. The Gravenhurst Boat Show runs every year in early July.
Also nearby is Canada’s longest freshwater beach. For one or two days, you might want to drive north to Wasaga Beach on Georgian Bay. The water is warm and the beaches are safe.
Back in Toronto, there’s more to visit. One architectural masterpiece you won’t want to miss is Casa Loma. Casa Loma is a stone castle not far west of the downtown area. It is filled with fascinating niches for kids to explore and has a magnificent flower garden. This old Toronto Castle has 98 rooms, 30 bathrooms, 25 fireplaces, 3 bowling alleys, a shooting gallery, and a wine cellar.
If you enjoy history, there are plenty of old Toronto buildings and districts which provide a glimpse of life in the past. The distillery district, entertainment district, and the St Lawrence market area are very popular.
The Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame is an exhibit of Canada’s national pastime located in one of Toronto’s old preserved buildings. There are plenty of exhibits showing the great players of Canada's greatest sport. The Hall of Fame building sits at the center of downtown Toronto and is housed within a modern mall which in turn connects to a series of underground walkways that makes access to the downtown core easy on foot.
There are plenty of hotels in the downtown Toronto area, many in the region called the entertainment district.
Toronto is an interesting place to visit with lots of variety to make everyone in your vacation party active and happy.
To learn more about Toronto attractions visit TerrificToronto.com Bay Street SEO Company researches and develops travel and tourism related information sites.
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Adventure Travel in Indonesia

Although the wily jungles of Indonesia are slightly tamer than the days of the Borneo headhunters, there are still many options for the modern day thrill seeker. Whether trekking in the jungles and mountains of the vast archipelago, diving in some of the most biologically diverse waters in the world, or visiting with some of the few remaining tribal groups in the world, Indonesia can still live up to its unfettered past.
From the snow capped peaks of Papua to the smoking volcanoes of Java, Indonesia presents any trekker with a wide array of choices, regardless of skill level. The further a field you plan to go, the more valuable you will find using a tour agency to arrange your trip. Tour agencies often get better deals on national airline tickets and can arrange for transportation and accommodation in areas where such amenities are scarce. Papua, the easternmost province of Indonesia, is unfortunately experiencing periods of civil unrest, so be sure to get updated information if you plan to set off there. The snow covered Carstensz Pyramid, locally known as Puncak Jaya, is the highest mountain in Papua. Please note - the trek up Carstensz Pyramid is for the experienced climber. For those looking for something challenging, but without the need for carabineers, try the third highest peak in Papua, Trikora Mountain. Indonesia requires all trekkers in Papua to obtain a climbing permit, usually arranged by your tour company. Trekking can be combined with a visit to one of the few remaining tribal groups on the island to experience first hand the wonder of what it means to live off the land.
If you like diving, the blue waters of Indonesia, teeming with marine life of all shapes and colors, are not to be missed. Some of the best diving in the world is found in Indonesia and options come in all price ranges, from a quick dip off the coast of Bali to a two week liveaboard that will take you to areas otherwise inaccessible. Among the most popular dive spots for those wanting easy access, as well as beach resorts, is Bunaken Island off the coast of North Sulawesi. Bunaken has suffered some damage to its coral reefs from blast fishing, but much is still alive or recovering through the efforts of local conservation groups. If you prefer a liveaboard, there are many operators to the Komodo Islands, Sulawesi's Wakatobi and Lembeh Strait, Flores, and Alor, to name a few. Shop around for the best price and definitely check up on the company or you might find your accommodations less than desirable. Once you get in the water though, expect to be awed by teeming barracudas, colorful cuttlefish, and mantas.
For the eco-tourist, the options are endless. From orangutan spotting and jungle trekking in Kalimantan to Komodo Dragon watching on the shores of Komodo, options vary by budget and time frame. The orangutan population continues to dwindle every year and some of the money garnered from eco-tourism goes to support foundations and local groups that work to save them. Although the number of visitors is limited each year, tour companies can arrange a visit to the famous rainforest study area of Tanjing Putting National Park and Camp Leakey in Kalimantan (formerly Borneo). A visit to the Ministry of Forestry's feed station might earn you the chance to interact with the orangutans directly. Accommodation and transportation are best arranged beforehand as flights can vary throughout the year. Another popular ecotourism destination is Komodo National Park which includes the three large islands of Komodo, Rinca, and Padar as well as several smaller islands. A visit to this area can be combined with a dive trip as the waters in the reserve are home to an estimated 900-1,000 marine species. The Komodo Dragons themselves, giant monitor lizards, are relatively easy to spot, but you're guaranteed to find them safely with the help of a guide. Accommodation in the National Park is rustic, but the staff is friendly and the food is decent. Foregoing the beaches of Bali may not be easy for some, but the treasures of the other Indonesian islands are not to be missed.
Alex Smith maintains and manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com
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Golf Courses Around The World - Top Travel Spots for Golfers

While golf is not played everywhere (yet), there are many wonderful golf courses around the world to visit – many offering truly unique golfing experiences for the adventurous golfer as well as some breathtaking views for travelers. From America to Japan, there are thousands of great courses to please golf enthusiasts, but where better to start than the birthplace of golf – Scotland.
Seated in the Birthplace of Golf - Scotland Courses
Let us start with the what many would argue is the best golf course in the world - the game was invented and evolved at the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. To get an idea of how amazing it is, listen to the experts – Jack Nicklaus said about St. Andrews, "I fell in love with it the first day I played it. There's just no other golf course that is even remotely close." And Tiger Woods lauded, “Without a doubt I like it the best of all the Open venues. It's my favorite course in the world." With opinions like these from two of the top golfers in history, you can see why this one is not to be missed.
It is no surprise that Scotland hosts some of the finest golf courses in the world. One of the finest of the finest is Cruden Bay. Some say that golf was played on Cruden Bay as early as 1791. Today the course offers many unique challenges to golfers and is set against a gorgeous panoramic view, it was even voted as number 52 in the world by “Golf Magazine.” The course is actually set over the North Sea pipeline – so while you play over their contoured greens, muck of the U.K.’s crude oil supply is running beneath you!
Another great course, especially for tourists, is the Stromness Golf Club located in Orkney. It is not as challenging as many other top golf courses, and it is not even as attractive as most, but is it located just minutes away from the 5,000 year old burial mound Maes Howe. You could make a day of historical sightseeing and a golfing all in the same area.
Longest (and Highest) Links
Golf courses seem to be popping up all the time these days, so the site that holds the honor of longest course is disputed and ever changing. But there are some very notable ones around the globe…
One such contender for the longest course is the International Golf Club in Bolton Massachusetts. While the regular tees already have an impressive length of 6,547 yards, the “tiger” tees boast a full 8,325 yards.
A course in Chine that sits near the Himalayas claims to have a longer course that runs the length of 8,548 yards, but it is hard to measure a course that is situated at an elevation of 10,000 feet in mountainous terrain. So it is still hard.to determine to which course really is the longest.
By the way, of you thought 10,000 feet was a high enough elevation for golfing, take a deep breath and try out the Tactu Golf Club in Morochocha, Peru. This course sits 14,335 feet about sea level – and that is at its lowest point!
The Satsuki Golf Club in Japan is said to have the longest single, stretching the length of 909 yards.
Gorgeous Greens
If you’re looking for a course with some great scenery, you don’t have to look outside of the U.S. Located in Idaho, Hidden Lakes Golf Resort has some of the loveliest scenery you could ask for in a course. Not only does it have bent grass greens and carefully manicured bluegrass fairways, but you can often spot some local wildlife on the course. It is not uncommon to spot a deer or moose grazing just yards away from the links. Hidden Lakes has a log cabin lodge for you to enjoy, and has a new clubhouse, lounge, restaurant, and golf shop. If you want to get away and experience the beauty of nature while enjoying some golf, this highly rated resort is the place for you.
Historical Holes
If you want a golf vacation that’s rich in history, you have a few great options. How about golfing with a view of the Great Wall of China? That’s just what you’ll get when you play at the Beijing Golf Club, located just 30 minutes away from the Beijing International Airport. While Scotland has the oldest courses, India has the second oldest. The Bombay Presidency Club was built in 1827, and the Bangalore Golf Club was founded in 1876.
And this is just the beginning! There are many other winning courses in America, including “Golf Magazine’s” top ten rated courses of 2004: Pebble Beach in California, Pacific Dunes in Oregon, Bethpage in New York, Pinehurst in North Carolina, and Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. Scotland also houses many other historical and lush courses. And while I would definitely recommend making a trip to St. Andrews in Scotland, since it is one of the best courses around as well as the oldest, there are also many other fine courses worldwide just waiting for some traveling golf enthusiasts!
Katya Coen is a regular contributor to Golfing Eighteen, where you will find a wealth of information on golf, golf equipment, courses, and news. Find more on great courses along with beautiful photos on our site!
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Colombia - The Country Of Bright Contrasts

Colombia became a tourist route of a new millennium. Hundred thousands of tourists from all over the world have chosen the travel to the country of fantastic riches for a long time ago. In 2007 main directions for foreign visitors became Bogotá, Cartagena and Medellin. 40,9 % of the profit is from the general number of tourists from Latin America, but the inflow of visitors from far abroad also increase. So, within the first 9 months of the current year the arrival only by air of foreign tourists in the country increased by 14,2 %. Since January till October 780891 persons visited the country. The same index for the similar period of 2006 was 684089 persons. These figures for the minister of trade, industry and tourism Luis Guillermo Plata grow out the transformations, allowed to change all over the world the point of view about Colombia as about the dangerous country.
Every day more and more people get acquainted with the beauty of Colombia, its cultural variety, advantages and cordiality of Colombians. It is a consequence of persistent work of the government concerning the safety of democracy, employment, the infrastructure, growth and legal stability for investors, the minister considers. The purpose of the ministry - to receive 4 million tourists by 2010 - seems to be not already so fantastic as several years ago. According to the statistics of the Service of economic research of the ministry and department of administrative safety (DAS), during September Colombia was visited by 86877 foreigners, having increased the last year's index on 8,75 %.
Bogotá is still the main tourist direction of travelers - it was visited by 452546 tourists. Bogotá becomes a religious, gastronomic and business centre of tourism. Besides, the city is the basic changing unit for the travel to other regions of the country. Cartagena became the second one by the attendance since January till October. It was visited by 11,2 % from the general number of tourists, that is 97644 persons and its popularity has increased on 0,3 % in comparison with 2006. Medellin became the third one by the popularity. It received 78478 tourists, that is on
17,8 % more than the last year's index. Such cities as Cúcuta, Bucarmanga and Pereira also represent the growth by the visiting index . The quantity of tourists from the cruise ships also has increased on 16244 persons or on 48,4 %. From the beginning of the year 43 cruise liners have arrived to the country, 33 of which came into Cartagena, 7 - in Santa Marta and 3 - on the island San Andres.
Iuri Tarabanov writes about interesting travel experiences. His Travel Reservations site is http://www.travelime.com/
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Bali Beaches

Bali is one of the most visited vacation hotspots in the world. Situated in Indonesia, it was once named as the best island destination in the world by Travel and Leisure magazine. It attracts huge number of travelers from all over the world with its fun filled, palm fringed beaches known for having white sand. Bali has a many beaches, all of which are easily reachable from Despansar airport.
The line of beaches on the island of Bali includes Sanur beach, Jimbaran, Soka beach, Nusa Dua, Medewi beach, Lovina beach, Kuta, and Legian beach. Locals and tourists popularly go after Legian beaches, which are famous for their magnificent view of sunset. Surfing is a major activity here and the best waves are a 5 to 10 minute drive from Despansar airport.
Nusa dua beach has a chain of hotels placed on the sandy shores and these hotels provide luxurious swimming experience in protected lagoons, as well as fabulous gourmet food served on site.
Sanur beach is easily reachable from Despansar. Sanur has calm, secluded lagoons, which are favorites for lots of activities like wind surfing, parasailing, and excellent for families.
Between Despansar and Gilimanuk, two wonderful beaches called Soka beach and Mediwi beach are present. Jimbaran attracts many local families and tourists with its beauty and superb seafood restaurants that line along the beaches. Jimbaran is placed on the way from Despansar to Nusa Dua, directly to the south of Despansar airport.
Lovina is the most inspiring beach in Bali that attracts large number of tourists, irrespective of the season. A number of people visit this beach to view schools of dolphins swimming and playing in the waters.
Kuta is home to the whitest beach in Bali, and is just a 5 to 10 minute drive from Despansar. Kuta could be very well called the tourist mecca, because of its shops, pubs, and fully equipped first class hotels. Kuta is famous among skilled swimmers and recognized for its unpredictable underwater currents - novice swimmers should use caution when swimming at this beach.
Bali provides detailed information on Bali, Bali Vacations, Bali Culture, Bali Real Estate and more. Bali is affiliated with Bangkok Airfare.
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World Of Warcraft Quests

When playing the online game World of Warcraft you need to get to know some of the basics about the world and the game play that it allows. It offers multiple professions for the characters and each one of these have certain unique benefits that can be studied and mastered.
When finding wow quests to undertake and complete you gain experience and rewards as you travel through the world. The quests form the foundation of the game and help players to explore the world and this gradually leads them into new areas as they raise the levels of the characters. The quests are a constant source of both risks and rewards for all the players and their characters as they progress through the game. There is a wide range of complex quests that will continually provide the players with engaging and worthwhile challenges and regardless of how often players can be online there are so many of them that the player will always be engrossed in the game. Some of the quests are designed to for an individual player to complete them while others require the participation of multiple players and then there are those that are relatively simple and can be completed quickly and others that can take considerably more time and skill to finish.
Quests are quite easy to find and acquire, mostly players just simply walk up to a non-player character or NPC in the game that has an exclamation point (!) above his or her head and simply talks to them. This exclamation point that is above their heads indicates that a particular non-player character or NPC has a quest available. If they have a question mark (?) above their heads this indicates that the player needs to return to that particular NPC in order to complete their quests. Other indicators are present to let players know that a certain NPC will have quests available in the near future when they are more experience and have attained a higher level. The colour of the mark allows for certain information such as an NPC with an orange exclamation will have one or more available quests and an orange question mark means you and the NPC still have outstanding business. If an NPC has a silver exclamation mark above their head it means they have quests that will be available when your character reaches a higher level.
Quests are themed to specific areas and differ from vicinity to vicinity and many have multiple reward choices for the player to pick from, they can be accepted and completed when the player feels they have the ability, experience, level and time to spend online to complete them.
Once a quest has been accepted it will appear in the players quest log, this log is for the purpose of keeping track of all the quests you have so far encountered and whether they have been completed or not, the quest in the log is colour coded dependent upon the difficulty level of the particular quest. The actual details of each of the accepted quests including the quests requirements, which non-player character or NPC to speak with after fulfilling the requirements of the quest and the reward or rewards that will be available upon completion are easily accessible within the players log. The quests you find can be started or abandoned at any time during the game and they can also be easily be reacquired at a later date if necessary. The quests are divided up within the log and are also listed by region, this is to help players identify which ones are outstanding and still need to be completed and depending upon where the player happens to be in the World of Warcraft they can continue or put it aside until a later time and complete it when they are ready.
Piermon is a published author with many articles that have been produced on a variety of subjects with excellent content and depth. All his articles may be reproduced provided that an active link is included to http://www.wowlevelguide.org/
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Travel Hong Kong: 12 Must See Places

Hong Kong features a diverse mixture of characters as a result of long British occupation and a great Chinese influence. As a state of China, Hong Kong provides a good introduction to who ever wants to know more about China without entering the mainland plus a venue for more attractions with western culture and Asian spirit.
1. Hong Kong Museum of Art – Located at 10 Salisbury Rd Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is open to anyone who wants to take a glimpse of Hong Kong’s culture and history through its large collection of over 14,000 items ranging from calligraphy, paintings, Hong Kong treasure, art objects, antiques, and lithographs. The museum is open from 10:00am-6:00pm daily except Thursday (public holidays not included).
2. Hong Kong Disneyland – The newly open and the first ever Disneyland in Asia offers total fun and excitement for the whole family. The park is divided into four major attractions: Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Main Street, USA.
3. Victoria Peak – Soaring 1810 feet above sea level, the Victoria Peak is premier destination for tourists who want to take a birds eye view of downtown Hong Kong, Kowloon, and Victoria Harbour. Go another step higher and take a 10-minute hike to the actual Victoria Peak.
4. Lantau Island – Travel Hong Kong and take a cruise around the waters of Lantau Island and watch pink dolphins that only live in this waters.
5. Ocean Park – Travel Hong Kong and visit Ocean Park. This is one Hong Kong attractions where you and your kids will have a great fun. The park is one big oceanarium containing Lowlands Gardens where pandas live, goldfish pagoda and butterfly house are located, Marine Land where atoll reef and shark aquariums are found, and Headlands amusement park where you can go and take a ride with cable cars and roller coasters.
6. Water World – Travel Hong Kong with kids would never be so much fun without taking a plunge on Water World. Enjoy wave pools, play area, and water slides.
7. Middle Kingdom – A miniature China that houses Chinese shrines, street scenes, temples, and palaces only at Middle Kingdom.
8. The Central district – If you travel to Hong Kong because you love to shop, you better go to the central Hong Kong district where big shopping malls and several Western designer and signature boutiques are located.
9. Lamma Island - If you want to see a different Hong Kong, try Lamma Island. It hosts several outdoor activities such as swimming and hiking. And if you love to taste fresh Hong Kong seafood in great dining ambiance, Lamma Island is still the preferred place to go.
10. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Sha Tin) – Located at New Territories, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery features Buddha in different poses and colors.
11. Hong Kong Space Museum – See what’s in store for you in the future at Hong Kong Space Museum. The complex offers hundreds of displays ranging from telecommunications, robotics, energy, computers, and physics with hands on experience that will keep you interested.
12. Wet Market – In Hong Kong, everything is fresh. And when they say fresh, they mean it. If you happen to travel Hong Kong to visit a friend or someone you know, come along when they go to wet market where the freshest among freshest seafood are for sale.
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides Hong Kong travel resources on http://www.your-hong-kong-travel.info/
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5 Ways to Save Money Vacationing in Panama

Negotiation
The first thing that strikes a visitor to Panama is a taxi. They’re everywhere in Panama City and if you don’t watch out, you may get hit by one. Take caution when crossing streets where bozo cab drivers and reckless bus drivers always have the right of way. Keep in mind that because taxis don’t have meters in Panama, a ride, anywhere from two to thirty minutes should cost about $1-$2. Be sure to negotiate the fare with your driver beforehand so you’re not gypped at the end.

Restaurants
Panama City is a very cosmopolitan capital and the food/restaurant scene is ever-changing. Ever-evolving. While dining at several of the top, most expensive restaurants in the city can be a fun luxury, try to limit yourself. You’re on vacation and splurging is a must, also try to save money by asking locals where they like to eat. The street food and local establishments here are as authentic and cheap as they get. Grab yourself a roasted chicken or a watermelon water for less than a buck. Chances are, you’ll find your favorite dining experiences not from guidebooks or websites but from asking the people who know the country best. Its citizens.

Public Transportation
Renting a car for long journeys is the safe and comfortable option, but if funds are low, try using the country’s public transportation system. Busses leave from Albrook Terminal to almost every province and cost no more than a bottle of water. The taxi system too is extremely economical and relatively safe, so instead of hiring personal drivers or private transfers, give the busses and taxis a shot.

Hotels
Travel agents are making a comeback and in Panama there are a number of agencies who can find the best rates and availability without any extra fees. This will make the hassle, that is trying to get a room, vanish into thin air as you’re leaving the dirty work to the professionals. They can also book you in advance sometimes at a discounted rate. The last thing you want to do is show up in Panama City without a hotel room because you’ll probably get stuck with the “I’m a gringo and I am desperate for a room” rate which is usually through the roof.

The Unknown
Panama is an amazing country and you don’t can’t be holed up in an air-conditioned hotel suite to experience extraordinary tropical living. Check out areas in the Azuero Peninsula like Chitre, Pedasi, Tonosi, and Santiago where tours, food, and real estate is sometimes a quarter as expensive as the city. The people tend to be more friendly and the experiences seem to be more real. This takes some courage, but venturing into uncharted waters definitely paid off for some great people.

Alan Winters has worked the country for fifteen years and is an expert in Panama travel, Central America and Panama real estate

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Hitting the Language Barrier, Face First in Panama

Just the other day, I overheard him talking to Elida, one of our maids, in a discussion that was characterized-not unlike an independent film-by silence and uncertainty. It very soon became clear that not only was Keenan struggling to express himself but Elida was desperately struggling to understand.

"You, Elida, can clean, below my feet, please?" he said, making a mopping motion that more looked like he was stirring a giant cauldron. He got himself into trouble when he tried describing the mop he wanted her to use.

"You, Elida, can clean below my feet with a tall...pencil...with...hair on the end?" This confused Elida as I presume it would anyone asked to wash someone's feet using human hair and a pencil. In all fairness though, Keenan's Spanish is based on the same round-about approach that we all use some point or another in exploring a second language. It's the strategy of using words and phrases we do know to somehow express the ones we don't.

When his conversations involve strangers, Keenan likes to begin with "yo no hablo espanol", which is like a considerate warning to the chaos out to ensue. This usually buys him some elbow room in the humiliation department but it's his other tactic that really lightens the miscommunication mood.

You see, he's learned several Spanish phrases which are, for lack of a better term, graceless. It is these phrases, such as "I am a meatball" and "Do you need toilet paper" that can turn any awkward conversation, effortlessly into a funny one. He sometimes likes to clarify his slogans (as we've come to call them) with a peculiar twist. "I am a meatball made of cat" he'll throw in there, or "You need toiled paper for your ass?"

The phrases he knows, he knows very well.

He's got a book that's orange on How to Learn Spanish, The Fun Way which I see lying around his bedroom and bathroom, the pages folded over like dog ears. Inside you'll find pages full of vocabulary, such as things to buy in a grocery store, types of vehicles, and various life-ending diseases, throughout which you'll periodically see circles or underlines. I presume, from the strangeness of his selections, that he's probably plotting a new slogan.

Keenan approached the language barrier in Panama going at a top speed and crashed into it full on, smashing his face and knocking out a handful of teeth. He used the blood from this collision to etch several important words like into a notebook which he carries in his back pocket for easy access.

Visit the top Panama Hotel in the entire Republic! Boutique apartments available in the heart of the historic district: the most unique Visit the top Panama Hotel available!

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Baby Boomers - Book Your Travel Online

Baby Boomers are heading for retirement! They are computer literate and familiar with using the Internet. And they will be traveling in large numbers. Add more leisure time to the desire to see the world, and you have Baby Boomers booking online travel everyday. It is expected that up to 95% of all travel will be booked online within a few short years. The Boomers will research their travel needs and then book exactly the travel packages they want—and do it at their convenience from the comfort of their home or office.

Using the Internet to shop, to learn and to communicate has changed the way people think. When it comes to planning travel, with a click of the mouse the traveler can search for the best deals, look at cruise lines, lodging and rental car options. It is possible to visit any city, country, region or attraction in the world. Using satellite technology, one can scan from above, following rivers or forests, finding the location of places of interest all over the world, and learning about the many travel options. Discover modes of travel by air, sea and land that you may not have imagined existed!

Further, you can take virtual tours of hotel rooms, resort accommodations and amenities, and choose locations close to the activities you want to do while on vacation or be near a conference or business location. You can check out golf resorts, cruise lines, hiking vacations, special interest vacations or even volunteer opportunities. Literally, the entire world is open for exploration through the Internet.

For trips abroad, the Internet allows potential visitors opportunities to learn about the countries they want to visit and how to find the packages they want or create their own travel itinerary. There are numerous websites available where travel brochures can be ordered that include tourist information and even maps. Foreign embassies or consulates in the United States are also sources of information about their countries. The traveler may want to check out any travel advisories that are issued by the US State Department for potential hotspots around the world. Requesting literature and doing research ahead of a planned trip can be one of the most satisfying parts of the trip—the anticipation!

To turn travel dreams into reality, the explorer will need to find a comprehensive online travel website. Choose a website which allows for direct contact with the travel agent for advice if needed. Look for FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on the website where many common questions about travel are answered. From honeymooners seeking romance, to seniors visiting the places they have always dreamed of, to business travelers watching the bottom line, to families planning reunions, to those seeking to learn more about a hobby or vocation -- a travel agent can be a vital link to a successful travel experience.

Baby Boomers, use your internet savvy and learn how to book travel online!

For more information about all segments of the travel industry, visit http://www.ChadsTravel.com. This website and online travel agency specializes in saving consumers money on airline tickets, cruises, rental cars, lodging, vacations and much more. Judy Moor is a experienced traveler and author who is committed to trying to make life more meaningful and fun for Baby Boomers, people who travel on business and all others that travel. Be sure to check out her #1 rated work-from-home opportunity too.

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Life In The Hot Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert is the world's largest hot desert and is spread across 8.6 million square kilometers in Northern Africa. The average year round temperature in Sahara exceeds 30°C with the temperatures rising above 50 degree centigrade during summers and the winter temperatures falling below freezing point. With the daily temperature variation fluctuating anywhere between the values -0.5 to 37.5 degree centigrade, the conditions are really harsh and difficult to sustain life and this condition is further deteriorated due to the hot, dusty winds. The high temperatures during summer, scanty rainfall, and freezing winters, along with the severely dry weather make Sahara's weather very inhospitable. As a result, plant and animal population is sparse.

Plants and animals develop certain adaptations in order to adapt to life in the harsh desert conditions.

Desert plants possess very long roots that penetrate very deep into the earth, and their broad leaves are replaced with spines, and thick green stems in desert plants like cactus where the spines help in preventing excessive water loss while the stem performs photosynthesis as well as holds water for a very long time. Xerophytes, grasses, shrubs, and trees comprise the common vegetation in the Sahara desert.

Desert animals rarely come out in the hot sun and instead stay underground during most part of the day and eat such foods which contain a lot of water content. The desert animals are also smaller in size which minimizes water loss from their bodies. The animal species found in the Sahara include the desert hedgehog, gerbil, jerboa, cape hare, common jackal, dorcas gazelle, oryx, dama deer, Nubian wild, barbary sheep, anubis baboon, spotted hyena, sand fox, Libyan striped weasel, the slender mongoose, rattlesnakes, kangaroo rats, kit foxes and numerous species of frogs, toads, crocodiles, lizards, chameleons, skinks, cobras snails, brine and algae shrimps.

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Holiday Travel Tips

If you're going away for the holidays this year, you're probably unhappily anticipating a hike in gas prices, long lines at airport security and delays all-around. According to the Bureau of Transportation, Thanksgiving and the winter holiday season are the busiest long-distance travel times in a given year. While travelers cannot avoid hefty waits at check-in and traffic on the highway, there are plenty of measures to take in order to alleviate any holiday season travel stress.

• Know when to travel: For local excursions, people tend to leave on Thursdays. If traveling over 100 miles away, Wednesday through Sunday are the most popular days.

• About 90% of Thanksgiving travel is through one's vehicle.

• The Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving are the busiest days to travel back home. If you book a flight or drive on Tuesday, you'll avoid a lot of traffic.

• Weather delays don't always depend on where you're flying out of. If you live in Florida but are flying to New York, you may experience delays due to a snowstorm, for example.

• Allow ample time to check in at the airport and make it through security. More travelers means more time to wait as each individual is screened.

• Travel on Saturday as opposed to Sunday. Most people want to make it back for work without sacrificing any weekend time.

• The average age of Thanksgiving travelers is just under 34, as opposed to right above 36 for the Christmas and New Year's holidays, according to the BTS.

• Preview airport restrictions and laws implemented for safe air travel...you cannot avoid them and will save a world of time if you plan ahead.

• Book a trip off-season. For example, go to New England when the leaves aren't changing...you'll save on local bed and breakfasts, whose popularity heightens during the fall.

• Consider booking through an online travel agency. You can find new discounts and sales each day, as well as vacation packages unavailable elsewhere.

The best discount travel online can be found through sites such as Orbitz and Expedia, according to StarReviews.com. If you're an avid planner, you'll be able to customize your own trip homepage, complete with photos, video and comments through Orbitz's TripHub.

If you're like most travelers, saving money is important when going away during the holidays. When booking through Travelocity, you can save just by using a particular credit card. Before the cold weather arrives, consider booking travel online and taking advantages of discount flights and destination-stays.

Kelly Liyakasa is staff writer for StarReviews.com, a site dedicated to giving YOU, the consumer, the best product and web service reviews around. If you like saving time and money by having someone else review leading sites and products, then Visit our site at StarReviews.com

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As The Largest City In The World Mexico City Has More Than A Bit Of Excitement In Store For You

With 25 million inhabitants, Mexico City is the largest city in the world; it's therefore no surprise that it has so much to offer - from intriguing modern attractions to a variety of ancient cultural wonders. The roots of Mexico's capital lie in its historic centre, which is home to a number of museums, galleries and landmarks; visitors can also experience various religious festivities, cultural events and the 'spirit' of the city by spending time wandering through its centre. Some of Mexico City's top attractions include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Templo Mayor and the Catedral Metropolitana, which now dominates the city's main square, the Zacolo. What's more, Mexico City offers an exquisite opportunity for children to partake in its cultural splendour. The Papalote Children's Museum, for example, holds an array of treasures and is one of the most visited scientific museums in the world.

But the cultural wealth of Mexico is apparent in much more than its ancient buildings, museums and galleries; it's particularly evident in the city's traditions and celebrations. Cinco de May, Dia de Muertos, Representación de la Pasión de Cristo and countless other traditions exude the intriguing character of Mexico City to visitors and locals alike.

While in Mexico City, visitors can take their pick from an extensive array of activities. It's particularly worthwhile to tour one of the city's local markets - such as the La Merced and San Juan markets in the downtown area - where you will find a vast variety of fruits, herbs, flowers and regional products. And where better to experience the world-renowned Mexican cuisine than in Mexico City?

Mexico City's nightlife is also something which should not be missed on your trip to the city; with various shows, restaurants, clubs, bars and discotheques around the city, night time adventures are guaranteed to be just as exciting as daytime jaunts. Dance to cumbia, salsa or meringue music, or see a show in one of Mexico City's numerous theatres.

If you'd like to take a break from the bustle of the city, rest assured that you have countless options to consider. Take an Aztec tour just northeast of Mexico City, where you'll experience the Teotihuacan Pyramids and the ceremonial centre - with its palaces, plazas and altars - along the Avenue of the Dead. Or, for a bit of spectacular fun in the sun, head to one of Mexico's many blissful beach resorts and seaside towns. Mexico's beaches are truly stunning: explore junglous regions, take a dip into the crystal waters, or sun-bathe on the vast, golden coastline. If you're after a bit of beach-side adventure, take your pick from a range of activities such as snorkelling, sailing, surfing and more. Cancun, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta are particularly popular destinations for Mexican beach holidays.

If you're thinking about taking a trip to Mexico City, you'll find that getting there is easy; countless airlines and travel agents offer frequent flights to Mexico City as well as various other places of interest in Mexico - so don't delay. With so much to choose from on a holiday to Mexico City - from bustling excitement to nearby quaint villages and serene beach settings - every holiday-goer can fulfil his or her idea of the perfect getaway.

Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist that enjoys travelling.

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Madrid Travel Experience - All Night Out

Madrid is Europe's third largest city and certainly one of the most exciting, exhilarating and fascinating. Your travel agent can show you how to best visit the historic barrios of Malasana, Lavapies, and Chueca, gaze upon the Palacio Real, and if you can handle the bloodsport, attend a corrida at Spain's largest plaza de toros at Ventas for a dazzling celebration of Spanish passion and temperament. Then you can head for Calle Serrano in the Salamanca neigbourhood for some truly upmarket shopping and if you're in the mood for one of the great experiences in the art world, view the over 4,000 priceless masterpieces at the Prado Museum.

One of the finest experiences in Madrid is to savor the superlative tapas bars or tascas (pockets, as they're usually very small establishments) which the city is world-famous for. After all, what would a trip to Madrid be without savoring the tapas, the traditional snack-sized portions of Iberian delectable delicacies? Take a pleasant walk down the Gran Vía and admire the fashionable shops, marvelous theatres and galleries, but prepare your taste buds for a tapas feast!

Your travel agent can inform you that you have hundreds of world-class tascas to visit in your tapeo crawl so you'll never run out of new taste experiences. It might be a good idea to go have a nap in the heat of the day because the movida, or the "wave action" of nighttime starts around 11 pm and runs until dawn! That's the time when Madrileños socialize, dine, drink, play and party. The streets are busier at 3 am than at 3 pm!

Most tascas serve a variety of tapas, but have their own special dishes that they are renowned for. Casa Labro on Tetuán specializes in cod croquettes hot from the fryer. El Oso y El Madroño on Calle de la Bolsa serves caracoles (snails) which will rival anything in Paris. Calle de Casa Criaco's specialty on Calle Mayor is the bouquerones which are anchovies marinated in vinegar. At La Casa Del Abuelo (Grampa's house) on Calle de la Victoria, you can choose from a dizzying array of shrimp and prawn specialties including grilled in their shells "a la plancha" or "al ajillo" which has them peeled and fried in a powerful garlic oil. The house specialty at Tasca La Farmacia on Calle de Diego are the bacalao croquettes, which are big chunks of cod in a béchamel paste deep fried to golden greatness.

The first thing you'll note as you enter La Taberna de Antonio Sánchez on Mesón de Parades is the stuffed head of the bull who gored and killed the founder's son in the ring in 1850. This tasca is a hangout for bullfighting enthusiasts to this very day who will engage in animated discussions of events in the ring the way Americans will argue over football or baseball loyalties. The garlic soup is redolent and satisfying, and the shrimp are succulent and juicy. You may want to taste what may be Antonio's son's revenge on his killer by ordering a tapas made from bull's testicles. Whether or not you're quite up to that "treat" your travel agents can certainly assist you in making the arrangements so you can savor the spectacular tapas tascas of Madrid.

Visit http://www.tripology.com to connect with 3 specialized Travel Agents, perfect for any Trip!

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Old World Historic Destinations

Egypt
Egypt is the cradle of one of the world’s oldest civilizations, rich with ancient treasures, pyramids, tombs and temples. Moreover, it is the fusion of various cultures and religions that survived and co-existed peacefully for so many years that give Egypt its unique identity.

Archaeological sites, Pharaonic tombs, ancient temples, vibrant bazaars and sailing down the Nile are only some of the experiences that will give the traveler an insight into the historically rich tapestry that weaves this amazing country. The beauty of Ancient Egypt, the stunning Mt. Sinai at sunrise, camel trekking into the desert with local Bedouins, donkey rides into the Valley of the Kings makes for some of the most exotic and cherished experiences you will ever encounter. In a journey of a lifetime, indulge into the truly memorable expedition across Egypt’s sandy deserts to the spectacular Gilf Kebir, location of the famous Cave of the Swimmers, romantic and remote landscapes following the great explorations of the Long Range Desert Group and Count Almasy.

While Sinai is an area of outstanding natural beauty, delicate eco-systems and home to many Bedouin villages, a visit to Luxor will take you to the depths of the ancient wonders, Valley of the Kings, and the famous Karnak Temple. The Pyramids, Tomb of Tutankhamum and the wind sculpted rock formations, cliffs with corals and fossils dating back millions of years are some of the other highlights that make Egypt as a tourist destination and truly one of the wonders of the world.

Greece
Greece is the true amalgamation of cultures, colors and civilizations that are not only diverse in nature but rich in history and heritage. Much before most of the world was still trying to break out of its cocoon Greece was known to have already developed its birthright through the elements of chaos, drama, tragedy and democracy. Combined with its deep respect for its ancient traditions, it still believes in the proclivity to partying, an inheritance that has been brought down from the Dionysos.

It is a land of contrasts and ecological value, endowed with a rich and diversified natural environment - legacy of a rare geomorphology. The country’s abundant natural gifts that include thousands of indented coasts, imposing rocky massifs, caves, gorges, lakes, rivers, biotopes of spectacular beauty and unique natural habitats have made Greece a truly unique and popular tourist destination.

Greece is full of ancient archeological sites and monuments of distinctive charm. The rich cultural and historical mosaic has left its impression on every region of the country emphasizing the diverse manifestations of the Greek tradition to date. The Acropolis of Athens, Monastery of Aghio Oros, Temple of Epicurean Apollo, Thessalonica and Monastery of Meteora are the sites characterized as the monuments of cultural heritage. Among its more ancient attractions are the navel of the cosmos at Delphi, fallen columns on the sacred island of Delos, frescoed Minoan palaces on Crete and remnants of Atlantis at Santorini.

China
China situated in eastern Asia and bounded by the Pacific in the East is the third largest country today and one of the four oldest civilizations in the world. It has a written history dating back 4,000 years and boasts rich cultural relics and historical sites.

China claims to be the inventor of the compass, paper and gunpowder as well as having built three ingenious engineering projects 2,000 years ago that include the Great Wall, the Grand Canal and the Karez irrigation systems. Now they represent the rich cultural heritage of this mighty Chinese nation.

It has a 9000 mile coastline where scenic rivers like the Yangtze meander their way from the northern and central mountains to the oceans of the east. The diversity of this nation is vast and unique, in that we see western winds blowing across desert sand dunes, pandas munching bamboo forests in central highlands and rice terraces climbing mountains in the south.

Beijing, one of China’s thriving communities has been confirmed to have existed since the last 3000 years. In the year 1215, it was established as the capital of the newly declared Yuan Dynasty by the Mongol leader Kublai Khan. It was during his rule that the city truly blossomed - imperial palaces were built, streets broadened and temples as well as canals were built. Beijing's major attractions include the Forbidden City, Jing Shan Park, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Mansion of Prince Gong and Hutongs.

The Yangtze River is known as China's "Mainstreet." For thousands of years, this 4,000-mile river provided a vital and only link between China's seacoast and the rich, fertile lands of inland provinces.

China will always be linked to its ancient civilization, friendly people, and many of the world’s most revered treasures, such as The Great Wall, Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses and the Yangtze River. Even today we find impressive architecture and towering skylines in Shanghai and Beijing, luxury accommodations as well as exquisite cuisine.

India
India is a vast country with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse historical background. An amalgamation of different ethnicities, traditions, cultures and languages has manifested into many architectural wonders that makes India the land of the unique and the exotic. Its first civilization flourished almost 5000 years ago along the Indus River. The journey since then has been colored with hundreds of rulers and dynasties helping to shape India as we know it today.

In a country as diverse and complex as India, people here reflect the rich glories of the past, the culture, traditions and values relative to geographic locations and the distinctive manners, habits and food that will always remain truly Indian. The colorful mosaic of Indian festivals and fairs - as diverse as the land, is an eternal expression of the spirit of celebration for the Indian people.

India is set apart from the rest of Asia by the Himalayas, the highest, youngest and still evolving mountain chain on the planet. The subcontinent as it is rightly called, touches three large water bodies and holds every kind of landscape imaginable. An abundance of mountain ranges and national parks provide ample opportunity for eco-tourism and trekking, and its sheer size promises something for everyone.

From north to south India extends a good 2000 miles and represents a diversity that is distinctive and spectacular, ranging from the snow covered Himalayas in the North to the sun-drenched beaches of Kerela in the South, from the Rajasthan deserts in the West to the lush forests of north Eastern India. The Taj Mahal in Agra, Meenakshi Temple in Chennai, Arjuna's Penance at Mahabalipuram, Bharathiyar Illam in Tamil Nadu, the Hawa Mahal, Amber fort and Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, the Ajmer Sharif in Ajmer and many more make up for the unique attractions that India has to offer. Honeymoon getaways, hill stations, pilgrimage sites, wildlife sanctuaries, and beach resorts, there's something for every traveler in India

Italy
Italy has long been recognized as a country full of historical and cultural attractions. Two-thirds of the world's historical artistic heritage is in Italy. Rome, the Eternal City, contains the ruins of the Roman forum and Coliseum as well as the independent state of the Vatican City with its famous Sistine Chapel. Naples is close to the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and Mt. Vesuvius is another famous attraction. Florence has been a centre of the arts since the fourteenth century, and has many museums and art galleries along with the Pitti Palace and Ponate Vecchio. The town of Pisa is home to the famous leaning tower and Sienna with its ancient piazza and cathedral is a must see. The majestic Alps in the north, the soft and green hills of Tuscany and Umbria, the romantically rugged landscape of the S Apennines and the Bay of Naples, dominated by Mt. Vesuvius are some of the world's most famous sights.

Italy is also known as the land of la dolce vita (the sweet life) and is one of the world’s most loved travel destinations. Whether it's culture, gastronomy, haute couture, or simply the art of dolce far niente -- doing nothing and just soaking up the atmosphere - this is a country for lovers of all that is good in life.

William Brister.
http://www.travelonguide.com We have detailed information on various travels to help you to make informed choices to make your holidays easy convenient and pleasurable.

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Guide to Fife, Scotland

Introduction

Fife, often referred to as the "Kingdom of Fife" lies on the east coast of Scotland, north of Edinburgh. The county is immediately recognisable as it's shaped like a dog's head. The southern part of the country was industrialised in the past with many coal mines and factories. Much of the heavy industry has now disappeared. St Andrews and the fishing villages of the East Neuk lie in the north east corner of the county. A great way to see the coast is to walk the Fife Coastal Path.

Getting there

The railway line north from Edinburgh goes along the Fife coast to Kirkcaldy and then the line goes inland towards Cupar and north to Dundee. So the south coast of Fife is ideal for a scenic day trip by rail from Edinburgh. If you want to explore Fife I would advise that you hire a car if you want to fully explore the area. It takes less than half an hour to drive to Fife from Edinburgh Airport.

Culross

Culross is one of those villages where you almost feel like you have stepped back in time. As you walk into the village from the car park you come to the Town House, originally constructed in 1626, although the clock tower was added in 1783. The Town House was the former centre of local government with the ground floor was used as a prison and suspected witches were kept separately in the attic. Outside the Town House is the Tron, the official burgh weighing beam. Many of the streets in the village are still cobbled. It's a short walk uphill to the Study, built in 1610 used by visiting clergy. Opposite the Study is the Mercat Cross, dating from 1588, the site of trading and public announcements.

Culross Palace is close by, resplendent in ochre. It was built in the late 16th century as as home to Sir George Bruce, a wealthy local merchant. The palace and garden have been carefully restored. The garden contains plants which would have been grown in the 17th century, root vegetables such as skirret (a water parsnip), and scorzonera (black salisfy) and fruit trees such as medlar (a small brown apple like fruit, only edible when partly decayed) and quince (a cross between an apple and a pear usually make into jams and jelly). There are lovely views over the garden and palace and out over the Forth Estuary from the top terrace. Sir Bruce stood up on this terrace to observe activity in the harbour, seeing his fortune ever increasing from the export of coal and salt to the Low Countries and the Baltic.

Much of Sir Bruce's wealth derived from the Moat Pit dug to extract coal from under the estuary, the first time that coal was mined from under the sea. A mine shaft was dug from an artificial island created in the water, where ships could dock to immediately transport the coal. The seawater was extracted by a horse driven chain of buckets. Some of the coal was used locally to evaporate water from large salt pans, measuring more than 5.5 metres across, to produce salt. It took 16 tons of coal to produce one ton of salt. Sir Bruce was not the first to mine coal in Culross. The Cistercian monks of Culross Abbey, founded in 1217 started the industry. The monks also produced illuminated manuscripts.

Kirkcaldy area

Kirkcaldy is the birthplace of Adam Smith, founding father of modern economics. I like Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery, it's small but interesting. It is a collection of paintings by the Scottish Colourists and a local history exhibition. Beveridge Park has lovely gardens and boating pond.

Dysart lies to the north of Kirkcaldy. "Sea Beams" by Donald Urquhart, is a new installation at the sea front, with 9 vertical oak beams painted to reflect the varying colours of the sea, part of the Dysart Artworks Initiative. The white houses of Pan Ha' date back to the 16th century but were restored by the National Trust in the 1960s. The Tolbooth at Dysart Crosss was built in 1576 but unfortunately is now surrounded by rather dismal blocks of flats.

Just south of Kirkcaldy are the smaller coastal towns of Kinghorn and Burntisland. Just outside Kinghorn is the statue is memory of King Alexander 111 of Scotland, who fell to his death when his horse slipped on the rocks. Alexander was rushing to his bride, Yolande at Kinghorn Castle. It's said the ghost of Yolande scours the area searching for her lost love. Burntisland was granted status as a royal burgh since 1541 due to the importance of its harbour. You can climb up the Bin Hill just behind the town for some great views.

Falkland

Falkland is a charming village which lies at the foot of East Lomond, one of the three Lomond hills. The village is packed with history and it was named a Royal Burgh by James 11 in 1458. Falkland Palace was built on the site of Falkland Castle in the 15th century. I love the setting of the palace with the contrast of the formal gardens against the back drop of the hill. The Royal Tennis Court built in 1539 for James V, is the oldest tennis court in the UK. It's real tennis that played here with a more complex scoring system than the current game. The score lines are adorned with paintings of crowns. Mary, Queen of Scots, is said to have created a great stir when she abandoned her stiff skirt to don breeches to play here. The court is still used by a local club. The whole village is pretty with restored "Little Houses" used as residences or business premises. There are a couple of good tearooms, Kynd Kittocks and the Hayloft.

I would recommend that you go up East Lomond. Hill It only takes about an hour to ascend and descent as there is a car park with picnic benches and toilets half way up. There' s a good path to the summit and the panoramic views over the Forth Estuary are great. You'll see a brown sign for the car park at the roadside on the A912 just east of Falkland.

Ceres

Ceres is a village in central Fife, a few miles south east of Cupar. It's a lovely village with a stream running through it. The village is very well cared for with flower tubs beside "The Provost", a 19th century carved stone depiction of the last church provost, Thomas Buchanan. Ceres is home to the Fife Folk Museum, which portrays the history of everyday rural life in the area. The museum website appears to be down at present but you can contact them by phone on 01334 828180 to check opening hours.

I was intrigued by the Bannockburn Memorial in Ceres as the Battle of Bannockburn was fought near Stirling, some 50 miles from Ceres. However several men from Ceres did march to take part in the Battle in 1314. The Memorial was erected in 1914 to mark the 600th anniversary of the Battle. The Ceres Highland Games, the oldest free to attend Games in Scotland were established in 1314, to mark victory against the English at Bannockburn, are held on the last Saturday in June. I wonder how those involved in the creation of the Memorial would have felt if they had known of the bloodbath that was to follow in the First World War, starting in the same year?

The Griselda Hill Pottery in the village produces the famous Wemyss Ware, hand painted giftware, best known for its cats. There's a visitor centre where you can watch a DVD about the pottery and observe the potters and painters at work through a glass door. It's a very interesting story as Wemyss ware was originally made in Wemyss on Fife coast between the 1880s and 1930s. One of the painters, Karel Nekola, came from Eastern Europe and his son, Joseph, followed in his Father's footsteps. When the Wemyss pottery closed and the trademark was sold to the Bovey Pottery in Devon, Joseph moved to Devon. where he trained Esther Weeks, who became the Head Decorator when Joseph died in 1952. The production of Wemyss Ware returned to Fife in the 1980s when the trade mark was purchased by Griselda Hill. However Esther Weeks has visited the Ceres pottery and passed on the secret painting techniques. Display cabinet at the Griselda Hill Pottery

St Andrews and the East Neuk of Fife

St Andrews as an interesting history. Evidently the Greek monk St Rule was visited by an angel, wo advised him to remove the bones of St Andrew from Istanbul to the ends of the earth. St Rule followed this advice but was shipwrecked on his journey to the ends of the earth with the remains of St Andrew, on the east coast of Fife, near the present day St Andrews. St Andews Castle was the main residence of the Bishops of St Andrews since the 12th century. It was the administrative centre of the church in Scotland. You can see the notorious "Bottle Dungeon", a pit dug 6 metres into the rock. accessible only by a trap door.

The university was founded in 1411 and is the oldest in Scotland. The heir to the British throne, Prince William, was a student there. He has sometimes been spotted in the local supermarket or playing a round of golf. The 15th century was certainly a very busy time, as it is said that golf was first played in the town. The town now hosts the British golf museum, which is just behind the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse. However there is a lot more to the town than golf. There are two lovely golden sandy beaches, great for an invigorating walk

The area just south of St. Andrews is known as the east neuk of Fife. There are numerous small fishing villages, such as Crail, Anstruther and Elie, popular with artists during the Summer. All the villages are picturesque and as they're close together you can drive from one to the next in a few minutes.

Kellie Castle lies two miles inland from Pitenweem. I haven't managed to see the interior of the castle yet but I love the peaceful walled garden there. The garden was described as " a little pleasance of the soul by whose wicket the World can be shut out" by one of the former owners, Sir Robin Lorimer.

You can read the full guide with photos and accommodation options at http://www.europealacarte.co.uk/Scotland/fife.html Karen Bryan is a UK based independent travel consultant and writer who also blogs about travel in Europe http://www.europealacarte.co.uk/blog

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Booking A Holiday - Tour Or Vacation In Chile

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, I am often asked about the destinations I have been to. I try to give a good opinion on those places and offer some helpful advice. Here then, are my top suggestions for sites to take in during your holiday in Chile.

Parts of Chile are mostly desert and highlands and it in places such as these that you will find San Pedro de Atacama, the El Tatío Geyser, and archaeological remains of Andean Cultures. The country also offers fertile valleys and if it is the night sky that interests you, in the small north region of Chile is great place for astronomical observations. There are several beach resorts and in the centre region of the country you will find the renowned Viña del Mar beach resort. Also in the centre region the Valparaíso, Libertador Gral. Bernardo O'Higgins, Maule, and Metropolitan regions are located.

The South region of Chile a is much greener part of the country where you will find the famous Lake District and the most common attractions are the hot springs and the chance to use the ski resort.

The Aysen regions can be found in the North Patagonia which also embraces part of Los Lagos. South Patagonia on the other hand includes the Magallanes regions and the Chilean Antarctic Territory. Here you will find the unspoiled wilderness and Torres del Paine National Park, Tierra del Fuego, the Magallanes Strait, and Cape Horn.

Within the city of Valparaiso there are a large number of historical monuments one of the oldest is the 'La Matriz del Salvador' church with its slightly slanted tower.

The Palacio de la Monedan is inspired by Neopolitan palaces. It has an imposing neoclassical facade which was originally designed to be a colonial mint. What has given the palace its place in history is the fact that Salvador Allende was killed inside when the palace was bombed in 1973. Guided tours of the Palace are free but you have to request a form at least 15 days in advance to the Administrative Office of the Presidency of the Republic to make a reservation.

The Chilean Patagonia National Park was declared to be a worldwide reserve by UNESCO in 1979 and it is a place of natural beauty. Here you will find the San Rafael Glacier which has existed where it stands for the last 300,000 years. What makes this glacier so magnificent is the stunning blue colours of the ice and the fact that it has regular avalanches making it world renowned. Torres del Paine National Park, which is located in the Chilean Patagonia was declared Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in 1978. The National Park is world famous for being one of the most stunningly beautiful, unspoiled locations on the planet. The park is home to the most awesome mountain range, magnificent lakes and wonderful greenery and I am sure you will agree a perfect destination for the adventurer.

Cape Horn is located at the southernmost tip of South America and is often referred as the far end of the earth. The region is rugged as it is located at the end of the Andes Mountains chain. This stunning Antarctic strait connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans where you can, depending on weather conditions, experience natural sea walls and cliffs that protrude out almost 1,400 feet from the sea. Being in the right place at the right time will afford you the good fortune of witnessing giant slabs of ice breaking off and crashing into the sea below.

Cape Horn is home to an abundance of sea birds, penguins and seals. As above, being in the right place etc. you could find yourself sharing the waters with a killer whale or two!

Stuart Cheese is the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours and, having visited over 110 countries, has a wealth of travel experience. One World Tours / The Holidays in Chile Specialists

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Princess Cruise Lines - A World Leader in Cruise Travel

The Princess Cruise liner was launched way back in 1965 with a one-ship fleet which was entertaining guests traveling to Mexico. Today, the Princess Cruise lines boasts of more than 15 luxury liners which carry more than 800 thousand extremely pampered guests from the entire wide world, calling into some 260 plus ports globally. It is amazing today to see the immense reach, and hear about their impeccable service.

The Many Facets of the Princess Cruise Line Ships

There are many Princess Cruise line ships, which are tailored to the tourist choices, provided they choose one. All the Princess Cruise line ships wear the 'Seawitch' logo. There is the Princess Cruise line grand class, which runs six large cruise ships capable at any given time to cater to more than 2,600 passengers. You will also find an unending list of useful and entertaining amenities.

The Sun class of the Princess Cruise line is said to have set up new rules for the more than 1,950 guests, saying that they could come for meals any time. There are special courses on board which enable you to enjoy the past traditions and transitions of the culture on these ships. Additionally, member of the staff are from all over the world, and are more than happy to tell you about some of their cultural traditions.

The next Princess Cruise line ship we will talk about is the Explorer, which is the tiniest of the lot. This ship carries some 670 guests to an itinerary of fun and frolic which is not always constant. The exceptional versatility of this wonder ship is reflected in the fact that it is one of the very few ships in the world included in the Carnival Corporation.

You will find exciting adventure offers through the advertisement that showcases more than 1,500 excursions in the many ports, a number which is increasing every year. The fact that the Princess Cruise liners are excellent in the market has been observed and acknowledged all over the world.

The liner has so many rewards to be proud off, such as the "Best cruise line," the "Cruise Line of the Year," and the "Client's Favorite." The line has also been highly commended for their different departments which include environmental safety, medical facilities, website reservations, on-board features, and so on.

Whether you are a person who looks at a cruise as the means of entertainment or simply total relaxation, you will not be disappointed when you sign up for this magnificent luxury cruise line. This is one place where you can get pampered and go totally out of control with leisure entertainment.

If you love having fun, if you love the lovely blue-green sea, if you love the seclusion that this place will give you, it will soon consume you and beckon you to come take a cruise and then come back again and again. With the existing competition growing in this area, you will be assured to get all your money's worth with Princess Cruise lines.

Visit http://cruise.every1loves2travel.com for more great resources and articles about cruise vacations, Princess cruises, cruise lines, Caribbean cruises and much more. Discover the world of cruising.

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Paris Travel Guide - A Romantic Break for Couples

From the sweeping boulevards of the elegant 5th arrondissement to a moonlight cruise on the Seine, Paris is undeniably the most romantic city in the world. Picnic under the Eiffel tower, discover the abundant treasures of the Louvre or simply sit in a typical Montmartre café and watch the world go by. In this dreamy city which has inspired artists over the centuries, all that is romantic, prevails. When the sun goes down, this city really comes to life. Whether you indulge in a cabaret dinner at the Moulin Rouge or frequent the typically Parisian bars among locals in the Quartier Latin, Paris' colourful nightlife offers something for everyone.

Of course no Paris travel guide would be complete without mention of Gustav Eiffel's ubiquitous Eiffel Tower. This 325 metre high structure is more than just an icon for the city and arguably for the whole of France, but a breathtaking attraction giving sublime views across the city. Whether mounted by the energetic up 386 steps to the highest platform of the structure or in one of the lifts, this ultimate attraction should not be missed on a trip to the city.

For those seeking a breath of fresh air and relaxation from the hustle and bustle of the city Paris boasts a wide range of parks and green spaces which can be enjoyed at any time of the year. The Jardin de Luxembourg, located in the 6th arrondissement, is at its finest in the autumn months when the park transforms into a splendid palate of russet and crimson. Further out of the city you can marvel at the splendor of The Sun King (Louis XIV)'s ostentatious Palace of Versailles with the famous and recently restored gallery of mirrors and extensive formal gardens. These gardens are some of the most extensive in the world and in spite of the millions of visitors which the chateaus receives every year it is surprisingly easy to find a quiet corner to yourselves, to sit back and take in the exuberant setting. During the summer months there are regular classical music concerts and musical fountain displays which coordinate well-known classical music of the period to the movement of the great water features of Versailles.

For a spot of luxury and unrivaled elegance, stroll down the Champs Elysées to the La Durée tea room, a regular haunt of the refined of Paris since the 19th century where you should sample a range of brightly coloured macaroons: the house specialty. Alternatively, for a taste of Brittany head for la rue Montparnasse (between boulevard de Montparnasse and rue Edgar Quinet) which is brimming with cosy creperies. Whether visiting Paris on a honeymoon or on a romantic mini-break, every Paris travel guide would agree that it is the ideal destination for couples at any time of the year.

Joshua Thorpe is a writer and expert on Parisian life, from museums, gastronomy and festivals to accommodation Paris. He is the publisher of the popular site http://www.all-paris-apartments.com

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Discount Travel and Internet Booking

Discount Travel is the word of the Travel Industry and it has made many Persons who cannot travel otherwise also to travel to distant places. All of us want to travel the whole World and it is impossible for many People who are not that much affluent to spend huge amounts on their Travel.

How can everybody do that is the most asked question? The introduction of discount Travel has made travel easy for many travelers. This allows all the travel lovers to travel without hurting their Bank balance because the Discount Travel has made them travel at a fraction of their original cost, and it has become cheap.

The most important development in discount Travel has probably been the widespread availability of cheap Flights. Many Companies use the yield management system that allows Prices to vary wildly depending on when you book your Flight. If you book far advance your fair will be less. And you can enjoy your Travel at a lower Fare. Booking Online makes it possible to look through all the dates available for Months in advance and choose the one that will be cheapest for you.

Third-party price comparison Websites allow you to then compare the Fares from different Airlines that fly on the route you’re looking for, meaning that you can fly with the cheapest Airline on the cheapest day with very little effort. Regardless of whether you are planning a business trip or a much anticipated family Vacation, the cost of Travel can be significant.

If you learn how to find the best travel deals, then you can put some extra bucks back into your wallet where they belong. Companies understand that while traveling the traveler just need a bed to take rest and nothing else. So they search for cheap Hotels. This is economical and comfortable.

This made the hotel owners to build rooms with a bed or a dormitory. This will be cheaper during long travel. This type of Hotels is called budget Hotels. Budget Hotels are exploding in popularity all around the World, making it cheaper to stay abroad today than it has ever been before in History.

If you like to travel and if you have less money you need not worry because there are lot of agencies which can arrange you for a part time job in the place where you want to Travel. Even students who like to visit a Country go to the Agents and ask for studies and part time job.

So Discount travel along with advancements in the Communication and Travel Industry have changed the Travel Industry completely and has become more Customer friendly.

John Gibb is the owner of discount travel resources For more information on discount travel check out http://www.Discount-Travel-recommendations.info

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Why We Travel - To Find Or To Lose?

The enigmatic question, “Why do we travel” has intrigued thinkers and philosophers through the years and is best answered in the famous words of writer Pico Iyer, when he said, “We travel initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel next, to find ourselves.”

Do we really need to travel that much? If we find ourselves packing our bags and buying tickets, is it because we have to or is because we want to? It is estimated that 600 million people annually get into airplanes and travel.

When did traveling get so tremendously popular? Time was when so few people traveled, that when they did, it made big news. Christopher Columbus, the Italian Spanish navigator, made headlines when he sailed west across the Atlantic Ocean and discovered America. Marco Polo set sail determined to see distant lands and exotic people; he discovered China. His travels across the whole of China became the greatest travelogue of all times. While these two great travelers of their times were busy traveling the world and making history, where was everybody else? Taking a gondola ride to the neighboring island was the furtherest they dared to get.

We’ve come a long way since then. We travel, not to discover anything new (though that would surely be a feather in our collective caps); but to see what others before us have discovered and seen. We travel to snow-clad mountains so we can ski down the slopes and then we travel to sunny Mediterranean countries to bask in the sun. We travel so we can see first-hand the many man-made and natural wonders of the world that so far we’ve only seen in travel books. We travel because we believe that reading about a place or looking at its pictures is a poor substitute to actually getting there and feeling the pulse of the place and absorbing its culture. We travel the whole of India to sample its many different cuisines and then we travel to China to sample a different fare. We leave our televisions at home and travel across the world to catch the live action at the Wimbledon championships or the World Cup.

Most of all, we travel because the world’s become a smaller place. And with travel into Space becoming a distinct possibility, albeit a very expensive one, we’ll soon have yet another reason to travel.

Please visit Your Travel Biz and YTB Travel Network Video

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Booking a Holiday, Tour, or Vacation in Brazil

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to ensure every client has the best tour possible, so here are my top suggestions for sites to take in during your holiday in Brazil.

Brazil is the largest country in Latin America and almost covers half of South America. The whole of the eastern coast of Brazil is lapped by the Atlantic Ocean. The Equator and Tropic of Capricorn cut through Brazil and it is home to varied fauna and flora.

1. This is only my opinion but Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful and spectacular cities in the world. If you have travelled across the world to this the city then visiting the Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pao de Acucar) is a must. This peak is very recogniseable and whenever you see it on TV you instantly know that you are viewing Rio. If you are a seasoned climber then good luck to you, I prefer the gass panelled cable car to reach the top.The Rio-Niteroi bridge is located across the Bayand an awesome place to view Sugar Loaf Mountain. If this is not enough to whet your appetite then how about indulging yourself in the stunning natural harbour and beautiful surroundings such as the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.

2. Iguacu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil, is considered one the great natural wonders of South America. No matter how you choose to spell it you cannot help but be inspired these magnificent falls which change depending on whether it has rained or not. These impressive falls are bigger than the Niagra falls, spread for over 2 miles in the shape of a horse shoe.

3. Salvador Bahia is an exotic tropical city which is near the equator. Here you can enjoy the sandy beaches which are lapped by the warm turquoise waters of the ocean. If you are old enough to remember the young lady eating a coconut chocolate bar, then the beaches here are reminiscent of the taste of paradise.

4. The Amazonas territory is said to be over 95% rainforest, and is so called after the Amazon River.This is also where the highest mountain in Brazil can be found. It is quite something to ponder when you realise that the Amazon rainforest here in Brazil makes up over half of the planets remaining rainforests. The rainforest is truly a most stunning place to visit with it’s flora and fauna and amazing natural beauty.

Brazil is most certainly gem in South America's crown as not only does it offer some of the most awesome array of stunning beaches and, steamy jungles it is home to some of the most spectacular carnivals in the world. This country is so extremely breathtaking and boasts rainforests that have sections that remain to be explored and of course it is all overlooked by Christ the Redeemer.

All that said it is important to consider the weather before planning a trip to Brazil. There are certain regions in the country that could have a major bearing on how you enjoy your trip.

Stuart Cheese is the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours and, having visited over 110 countries, has a wealth of travel experience. One World Tours / The Holidays in Brazil Specialists


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