Travel and Destinations

Scottsboro, Alabama is the home of one of the largest trading days in the region. First Monday Weekend is held each month starting on the Saturday before the first Monday of the month. This huge event is held in downtown Scottsboro in the area around the Jackson County Courthouse Square.

First Monday in Scottsboro goes back more than 100 years. It began in 1902 as Horse Swapper’s Day. After a rather slow beginning, the event was eventually changed to Market Day to give area farmers a place to sell and trade their goods. Over the years the variety of vendors increased and so did the crowds. Today First Monday in Scottsboro is a massive trading weekend.

First Monday has had to adapt to changing times. Many vendors who had full time jobs were unable to participate only on Mondays, so the event is now held Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Sundays generally bring out the largest crowds. Labor Day Weekend is usually the biggest and best weekend with thousands of people in attendance. Many vendors are regulars who reserve their spaces from month to month. Vendors are expected to set up at least one day of the weekend.
Today no horses or other animals are swapped on First Monday. What buyers will find are handmade crafts, furniture, antiques, baskets, plants, clothing, and food vendors. The atmosphere is fun and festive, and people enjoy browsing among the booths. All kinds of treasures await those who attend First Monday.

Located in northeast Alabama, Scottsboro is situated on Lake Guntersville, the Tennessee River’s largest lake. Downtown Scottsboro has an attractive historic district, filled with a variety of shops and restaurants. Courthouse Square, containing the Jackson County Courthouse, is the centerpiece of downtown. Local highways and Interstates serving the Scottsboro area are Interstate 65 and U.S. Hwy. 72, making it easily accessible to the many local attractions and fun things to do. Read the rest of this entry →

Adventure holidays are always a lot of fun. Imagine climbing mountain peaks, water rafting in crispy waters, skiing in beautiful snow clad mountains; all these make for a fun filled adventurous trip! So if you are thinking about planning for an Adventure tour, there are many tourist operators who have specifically designed tours for having fun filled adventurous activities. You can visit the splendid mountains of the Swiss or start trekking the beautiful mountains of the Himalayas. The options are open to you. Read on to know more about the various packages that are available to various destinations all over the world.
When you are planning for an Adventure tour, the first and foremost thing that you would want to keep in mind is your safety.

You definitely need to be in the prime of your health before venturing into a trip. This is a very important note because many Adventure tours will have a lot of quite dangerous and demanding activities like trekking and mountain climbing and you need to be fit to take part in all these activities! The next thing you need to do is pick the right package. The duration and cost of the package is something that you need to keep in mind.

Make My Trip is a tourist operator offering some of the best Adventure tours to the Himalayas. The package duration is for 7 nights and 8 days and you will start off from Delhi, the capital of India. The package cost is Rs 24,000 which is inclusive of a return air ticket to Delhi. Ladakh is one of scenic hill stations in the Himalayas; the best place for having Adventure holidays. You will get to stay at some specified hotels for 6 nights and a one night stay at the Nubra Valley. Meals are also covered within the package.

Make My Trip also offers a wholesome Adventure tour to South Africa. The African Safari costs about Rs 124,990 per person for 8 nights and 9 days. You get to stay at Cape Town for 3 nights and 2 nights at Sun City and Mabula and also one night in Johannesburg. An economy class airfare is valid for the whole duration of the tour. Travel insurance is also covered within the package. Read the rest of this entry →

Are you looking for cheap air tickets to Abuja, Lagos and other African destinations? With the FIFA World Cup happening in Africa, you may well assume that getting cheap flights to any of African destinations is beyond apprehension. But until you go online, visit a reliable portal that is reputed for offering international cheap flights and cheap air tickets for domestic destinations in Africa, you will only stay behind with surmises. Abuja flights, Lagos flights, and air tickets to other destinations are so cheap that you can plan your visits not only once but quite often. And business travelers do gain a competitive advantage with this facility.

Ever since the FIFA has been announced to be hosted in Africa, influx of tourists to this continent has increased like never before. Leisure travel freaks also started exploring many a city that carries a legacy of the ancient civilization. You will get all the natural wonders here right from exotic beaches to mesmerizing landscapes, lakes, hill stations, wild life, and what not! Abuja and Lagos have emerged as tourist hotspots of late. Get cheap Abuja flights and Lagos flights and give your vacationing spree a new twirl. The payment gateway is safe in a reliable online booking platform. Once you make the payment, you get an electronic receipt and your printer will let you get it in print form.

Abuja is the capital of Nigeria, the former capital being Lagos. Located in the center of Nigeria, Abuja was established as a planned city in the 1980s; a good infrastructure is what you can witness in this city. With Abuja as a fast developing business hub, it witnesses influx of business tourists round the year. And there is no dearth of Abuja flights as well; the cheap air tickets makes the entire trip cost effective. Read the rest of this entry →

Foreigners need to apply for visa in Chinese consulate in foreign countries when they want to come to china for travel. A group consisting of more than 9 people can apply for the tourist visa for groups. Foreigners leaving for Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Xiamen and other cities in Special Economic Zone, just need to apply for SAR tourist visa from visa-granting office of the above cities. People heading for Hainan Province for business, travel or visiting relatives could temporarily ask for entry visa in Haikou or Sanya if they stay there less than 15 days. Foreigners in Hongkong who want to travel Shenzhen don’t need to ask for entry visa if their Shenzhen tours last less than 72 hours.

When applying for visa, the following procedures are needed. First, offer the valid passport or other credentials which can replace passport. Second, fill in the form of applying for tourist visa and hand in a bare-headed photo of 2 inches. Third, submit the relevant certificates of the reasons for entering or transiting the country. Foreigners with tourist visa can only pass through the ports designated, where they should accept the inspection from the frontier inspection office, show the valid passport for checking, and fill in the Arrival card. Only after the frontier officers have checked all the certificates and approved can foreigners enter the country.

In China, foreigners could travel the places which are open to them using their valid passports. Traveling with their self-prepared vehicles should get the approval of the authorities concerned before entering the country. The self-prepared vehicles include bicycles, motorcycles, cars, ships, and aircraft etc.

Foreign tourists should not enter areas which are not open to them and the violators will be severely punished. Foreigners entering the areas which are not open to them for business should apply for Travel Permit for Foreigners from the local bureau in charge of entry and exit visas. When applying for Travel Permit for Foreigners, they should show their passports or other valid credentials and the official letter about the heading for reasons. Only after filling in the form of applying for Travel Permit for Foreigners and being approved could the foreigners enter the places. They should use the Travel Permit for Foreigners and passport at the same time. Foreigners with tourist visa of China should not perform religious propaganda, make illegal interviews and so on. The one who breaks the rules will be punished. Chinese government will protect the legitimate rights and interests of foreigners’. Meanwhile, foreigners should obey Chinese laws and respect Chinese customs.

Foreign travelers can travel China within the valid time granted on the visa. When the deadline of the visa comes, foreigners can apply for an extension if they want to continue to travel China. Before the deadline of the visa, foreigners should exit the country after filling the Departure card, being inspected by the frontier officers after travel, and then exit the country.
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So you want to travel Europe on a budget. That’s good, because Europe is well suited for the budget traveller. Sure, it’s got its five star hotels and all the rest of it, but I guarantee you that you’ll get much more of a flavour of the countries you visit if you stay economical in all you do. Don’t believe me? Well, try chartering your own jet and travelling that way, staying in VIP accommodation in each city. You’ll not want for room service, but you’ll not run into anyone interesting or taste the great street food available in Europe!

Your accommodation is obviously an important part of your travelling. Hostels and cheap hotels differ enormously from country to country so I’d suggest checking the relevant travel book (either Lonely Planet or Rough Guide) before you set off. These books are great in that they are totally hinest about what the traveller can expect in each destination. As a rule of thumb though, you get what you pay for up to a point, beyond which point all you’re paying for is exclusivity. By which I mean that a lot of budget places have excellent food and accommodation, so long as you choose right.

In terms of travel, rail is a great option fro when you’re on the mainland. A rail trip between countries is one of the coolest experiences a traveller can have. Getting on a train in one country and getting off in another is surely a novel experience for much of the world’s population – especially those of us from large countries or island countries.

Between land masses, ie over water, boats are a great option, pretty much the equivalent of rail – you are passing directly over the surface of the earth, and have time to take it all in and feel like a *real* traveller. There are a great many ferry routes in Europe, and ferries are also a great way to relax and take a bit of time to chill. The ferry also has the plus point of being a fairly quick access type of transport, so no interminable waiting around like at an airport, and also much less restrictive in terms of your luggage allowance.

So there it is – budget doesn’t have to mean anything other than maximum experience and maximum fun. Europe is an unforgettable experience – even for Europeans just visiting new parts of Europe. It’s also a must-do, so it’s even better that it’s a must-do that can be done without breaking the bank. Read the rest of this entry →

Egypt holds a great deal of fascination for the traveler; it is a convergence of Asian and African cultures, of ancient grandeur and sleek modernity, of languages and customs. There is so much to see, do, and experience when visiting; knowing the best time to travel to this kingdom in the desert is essential so you can have the experience you’ve always dreamed of.

Timing a vacation is one of the most difficult aspects of any trip: you want to be able to enjoy lovely weather while avoiding the thickest crowds and preferably paying lower prices for your accommodations, food, and attractions. Because Egypt is such an immensely popular destination, and because of the extreme climate, there is a window of time during which you should visit most of the country. Unfortunately, because this is the peak time, you will find more crowds and higher prices.

The high season runs from October to May, with December through February being the best time to travel in Upper Egypt. The temperatures are much milder in the winter: in the evening, the mercury can plunge to 32 (0 C), and during the day, it can climb to 65 (18 C). Cities such as Luxor and Aswan are best visited during this time, though the beaches on the coast can be too chilly for sunbathing. They’ll be quiet though!

Summer in Upper Egypt can be unsafe for those unused to desert heat: Luxor, Aswan, and Cairo heat up to over 104 degrees F (40 C); heat, combined with dust, pollution, and noise makes it unbearable to most people. Summer is a great time to bake on the beaches of Sinai, the Red Sea, or the Alexandrian Coast. Temperatures are still scorching but you have the moderating effect of the sea. Schools and universities have let out, and most Egyptians try to take their vacation. Visitors from neighboring Arab countries stop over to escape to the relatively mild temperatures of Egypt’s coast. You will find the beaches very crowded and noisy. Hotel rooms will have to be booked in advance, and you will pay a premium.

A trip during March to May or September to November offers a great compromise for those who want to visit Upper Egypt and the coast without having to fend off thronging crowds.
Besides the seasons, the holy month of Ramadan is also a major factor in your travel plans. During this month, many businesses are closed during the day as Muslims fast all day. Read the rest of this entry →

Home of the Space Needle and cloudy weather, citizens of Seattle are dedicated to living life to the fullest. Many of them are part timers, freelance IT consultants or chefs at an organic restaurant. A great place to spend a weekend, day or longer, this city offers plenty of things to do on holiday.

For the early bird, making a trip to Pike Place Market to watch the ‘flying fish’ early morning will be a rewarding experience. A visit to the new Olympic Sculpture Garden on an afternoon will provide some great opportunities to take pictures. Enjoy an evening ferry ride to Bainbridge Island and take in spectacular views across the waters. And for the night owl, who likes to mingle with the locals, will enjoy a pub crawl along Georgetown.

Yet another attraction in Seattle that is ideal for the whole family is the Seattle Aquarium. A hands on interactive centre that is dedicated to the preservation and breeding of marine life, along with the beauty of the Puget Sound. There are several exhibits to seen, such as the Window on Washington Waters, Life on the Edge, Life of a Drifter, Searching for Sixgills, Pacific Coral Reef, Ocean Oddities, Birds and Shores, Puget Sound Fish, Underwater Dome and Marine Mammals.

Window of Washington is a giant fish tank that holds 120,000 gallons of water and sports a glass that is 12 and a half inches thick, to ensure safety. Modelled after Neah Bay, visitors can watch shoals of salmon, sea anemones and numerous other occupants of the bay water area. Encounter some of the rarer species of the ocean world when you visit the Ocean Oddities. Here, visitors will find such creatures as potbelly seahorses, cowfish, pinecone fish and the flashlight fish.

Visitors to Seattle Aquarium can also witness feeding and training times. Starting from morning and carrying on till afternoon numerous animals are fed, such as the Octopus at 4:00pm.
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Everyone enjoys the opportunity to go camping. Everyone needs to be aware of some simple tips or advice that should be heeded before going camping in the wilds. Camping in Australia can be one of the most enjoyable activities you might decide to pursue. The unspoiled and beautiful country provides many different types of places to enjoy when you go camping.

You should always try to find places that have an existing campsite or camping ground. These locations have areas that will have a durable surface to place tents on. The site should be positioned at least two hundred feet from another campsite, water, and other trails. To help keep the camp grounds clean, bring trash bags to collect your garbage and litter. You should always leave the site at least as good as you found it if not better. Think of the next person who might want to enjoy the site.

Using a camp stove can have less of an impact on a camp ground than a campfire may. Be sure to follow all the restrictions and recommendations for building a campfire if you choose to use this method. Clear the ground around the campfire to help prevent any sparks from igniting the area around your campfire. Always ensure the fire is out when it comes time to leave the fire, whether it is time to sleep or if you are just leaving the area.

Use caution when using toothpaste or soaps around the campsite because many of these materials may harm the wildlife in the area. Bottled water is a great way to ensure you are not polluting the area with dangerous chemicals. People may not enjoy latrines but they need to be taken care of to ensure that the waste do not harm the wildlife in the area as well. Be sure to bury the latrine when leaving the campsite.

Finally, make sure to plan for trouble. Expect the worst, but enjoy the fun you can have by being ready when camping in Australia. Read the rest of this entry →

Atlanta, Georgia is among the most excellent places I’ve visited. Other than being one of the most populated cities in the U.S., Atlanta is the third biggest city, and is identified as the prime business city and transportation hub in the country (it includes the busiest airport too).

When it comes to tourism, Georgia’s capital city even offers a great deal to boast about. The truth is, a lot of the Atlanta attractions are even identified across the world. It is the location where the global home office of Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, and AT&T are situated. Apart from that, there are also tour choices for the Atlanta Zoo, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, The Atlanta Botanical Garden, the Atlanta History Center, the High Museum of Art and an inside CNN Studio Tour,

One very well-known spot among Atlanta attractions is The High Museum of Art. So what’s with this particular tourist destination that basically takes in a massive number of guests everyday?

Listed here are three simple elements about The High Museum of Art which makes it stand out amidst other Atlanta attractions.

• The High Museum of Art is identified as the major art museum inside Southeastern portion of the United States. It is a division of the Woodruff Arts Center (along with the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Young Audiences and also the 14th Street Playhouse).

• “The High” as it is commonly referred to, is home to over 11,000 pieces in its permanent collection. Inside its walls are works of 19th and 20th century American art; European art; decorative arts; African American art; modern as well as contemporary art; photography and African art.

• On top of all of these, The High is a powerful promoter in encouraging self-taught Southern artists. The museum also includes a curatorial division that is particularly dedicated to the area of self-taught art — a distinctive feature among North American museums. The museum furthermore hosts an annual motion picture festival and several special season art exhibitions through numerous global artists.
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The Golden Triangle Tour Include a Trip to Delhi-The Capital of India, Agra-Home of the Taj Mahal and The Pink City of Jaipur
Delhi, Capital of India, Located on the banks of the River Yamuna. Today Delhi is a major cultural, political, and commercial center of India. Delhi has the fine blend of old and new, ancient and modern in every stream of life. A melting pot of cultures, religions and castes makes Delhi a diverse place. The rulers left behind their trade marks in the architecture. Delhi currently has many renowned monuments and landmarks such as the Tughlaqabad Fort, Lodhi Gardens, Purana Qila, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s tomb, Red Fort, India Gate, Raj Ghat, Akshardham Temple, Bahá’í Lotus temple, and the Magnificent President’s house (Rashtrapati Bhavan).
Agra is a Ancient City on the Banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh State of India. Agra was the capital of the Mughal Emperors From 1526 to 1658 and remains a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era buildings, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Other Famous Monuments are Jama Masjid, Chini Ka Rauza, Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb Known as Baby Taj, Sikandra – Akbar’s tomb.
Jaipur also popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan state, India. Jaipur is considered by many urbanisms to be one of the best planned cities Tourism is a significant part of jaipur’s economy. Some of the world’s best hotels are located here. Attraction Places of Jaipur are Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Birla Temple, Jantar Mantar.

Golden Triangle Tours offer a great feast for visitor’s eye. The package of Golden Triangle Tours Packages of North India is a fine blend of enjoyment with relaxation. And probably this circuit offers the best range of accommodation as well. Read the rest of this entry →

The Golden Triangle Tour Include a Trip to Delhi-The Capital of India, Agra-Home of the Taj Mahal and The Pink City of Jaipur
Delhi, Capital of India, Located on the banks of the River Yamuna. Today Delhi is a major cultural, political, and commercial center of India. Delhi has the fine blend of old and new, ancient and modern in every stream of life. A melting pot of cultures, religions and castes makes Delhi a diverse place. The rulers left behind their trade marks in the architecture. Delhi currently has many renowned monuments and landmarks such as the Tughlaqabad Fort, Lodhi Gardens, Purana Qila, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s tomb, Red Fort, India Gate, Raj Ghat, Akshardham Temple, Bahá’í Lotus temple, and the Magnificent President’s house (Rashtrapati Bhavan).
Agra is a Ancient City on the Banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh State of India. Agra was the capital of the Mughal Emperors From 1526 to 1658 and remains a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era buildings, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Other Famous Monuments are Jama Masjid, Chini Ka Rauza, Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb Known as Baby Taj, Sikandra – Akbar’s tomb.
Jaipur also popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan state, India. Jaipur is considered by many urbanisms to be one of the best planned cities Tourism is a significant part of jaipur’s economy. Some of the world’s best hotels are located here. Attraction Places of Jaipur are Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Birla Temple, Jantar Mantar.

Golden Triangle Tours offer a great feast for visitor’s eye. The package of Golden Triangle Tours Packages of North India is a fine blend of enjoyment with relaxation. And probably this circuit offers the best range of accommodation as well. Read the rest of this entry →

Buenos Aires is a vast city, one of the biggest in South America. Famous for its tango and never sleeping population, it has a lot to offer.

What makes Buenos Aires so special is that the city is split up into many different areas and neighborhoods that each retain their own atmosphere and culture.

Much of the divide is along old class lines, with the leafy areas of Palermo and Recoleta normally home to the wealthy and the urban chic area of San Telmo and colorful La Boca for a more working class population.

However, as the city grows and new immigrant arrivals are not so easily divided as they once were, the city is becoming more and more cosmopolitan with areas offering something for everyone.

The public transport system in the city can be pretty complex, with buses running to all destinations and the necessity to have the exact change for the bus, when change is actually impossible, makes travelling around pretty difficult.

One of the best ways to tour the city is by bike. More and more Porteños are buying bikes and using them to explore the increasing number of cycle lanes that are popping up around the city.

However, tourists are also taking an interest in this increasingly easy way to explore the city.

There are a number of tour companies that offer the bike tours that take in a number of different areas.

Bike Tours

One of the main tours by bike is the Buenos Aires Urban Biking Tour to the South. On this tour you are able to discover the city’s historical, social and architectural contrast by passing through new Puerto Madero area, the coastal ecological reserve, La Boca, San Telmo and finishing in Plaza de Mayo.

The Buenos Aires Biking Tour to the North enables you to explore the more expensive areas of the city passing through the leafy Barrio Parque area, Palermo Woods and Palermo Soho and Recoleta, famous for the cemetery of Argentina’s elites (including a memorial to Evita).

One of the newest tours that has recently become popular, is exploring the city by night. Buenos Aires being a city that never sleeps, this is the ideal way to go people watching.

The Porteño Nightlife goes though the neighborhoods of ritzy Recoleta, the classic quarter of San Telmo, and through the new area of Puerto Madero. Without taking part in a lively pub crawl, this is the way to experience the different atmospheres and flavors of Buenos Aires.

If your wanted a break from the city you can go a explore the northern delta region of the city in the Tigre delta cycling tour. The tours leave from the downtown Retiro area of Buenos Aires and use the local train service to take you to the northern suburbs.
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Ladakh also called the ‘Land of High Passes’ is a region in the state of Jammu and Kashmir of northern India. It lies between the Karakoram mountain range in the north and the Himalayas to the south. The Indian portion of Ladakh comprises of Leh and Kargil districts. Leh, the capital of Ladakh is the largest district of India situated at height of 3500 meters.

Leh Ladakh is a wonderful tourist destination to explore where mountains dot the landscape and the warmth of the Ladakhi people delights you. The dry hilly landscape of Ladakh is often described as a moonscape for its unmatched beauty.

Leh Ladakh in Trans Himalayan region of India is the most impressive range of the world and is a storehouse of adventure sports. The most preferred adventure sports include mountaineering, jeep safari, trekking, cycling and river rafting.

The Indus River forms the backbone of the Ladakh. Most major historical and current towns- Shey, Leh, Basgo and Tingmosgang are situated close to the Indus River. The Ladakh range has no major ridges or peaks.

The picturesque landscape of Ladakh has numerous places of attraction. Popular tourist places are Leh, Drass Valley, Surn Valley, Kargil, Zangskar, Zangla, Rangdum, Padum, Phugthal, Sani, Shyok Valley, Sankoo, Salt Valley and several popular trek routes.

The most alluring area of Ladakh is central Ladakh with a large number of monasteries and villages. The main attractions are the nine storey Leh Palace, the palace museum of Stok, Hemis, Thiksey, Chemrey, Phyang, Lamayuru, Spituk, Ridzong, Alchi Monasteries and Villages of Basgo, Nimoo, Sankar, etc.

The sky high mountains are worshipped by the local people as the homes of the Gods. Ladakh is also rich in wildlife and is home to many rare animals and birds. The culture of Ladakh exhibits strong resemblance with the Tibetan culture and therefore Ladakh is sometimes called “Little Tibet.”

Leh is also a beautiful destination and one of Central Asia’s most scenic and atmospheric towns. It is the center of Tibeto-Buddhist culture for ages. It is one of the few remaining abodes of Buddhism in South Asia. The must visit places in the landscape of Leh are the Buddhists Gompas or Monasteries which provide the focus for the faith of the highly religious Buddhist people.

Leh Palace, former home of the royal family of Ladakh, is a distinguished monument and a historical building. Though in a ruined state, it offers a grand view of the Leh Town.

The colorful annual festivals with masked dances and prayer ceremonies add more fun and joy.

Leh Ladakh is a perfect place to witness the unparalleled beauty of the nature. Ladakh – The ‘Roof of the World’ awaits you. Read the rest of this entry →

The Himalayan Mountain ranges stretch for 3,200 kilometers around India’s Northern frontiers and the rivers gushing forth from these mountains provide the ideal backdrop for white water rafting, India. There are quite a number of rivers in India, which are being used for the purposes of white water rafting, which is called so because the water is foamy white and you are on a raft that will take you through the water at good speed. It’s an adventure sport like no other and everyone can enjoy it and have a guaranteed exciting time.

The White Water Adventure

So, what does white water rafting, in India entail? Well, it’s pretty simple really! You are put inside an inflatable raft or it could even by a white water kayak and you are taken over the roaring waves and swirling river water that is moving at breakneck speed and thus offering you the excitement that will last a life-time. All around is water, white water on account of foam and froth and the natural coloring of the water, and hence its known as white water rafting.

Every year thousands of adventure sports enthusiasts make their way to India to be a part of the white water rafting, India experience.

The Experience of White Water Rafting, India

Why do so many people, make it a point to go white water rafting in the many rivers that afford this sport. The reason is the EXPERIENCE. It’s simply out of this world. When you are standing on the shores of the river, waiting to board the inflatable raft, you can hear the thunder of the river which comes at you like a deafening roar and you can also see the white foam of the river, it’s crashing waves, and can just about feel the raw power exuded by the river. The excitement will build even more when you board the inflatable in calm water and your anticipation with soar as the boat will make its way down the river. Slowly and surely you will get a feel of what is to come and after a time you are surrounded by the waters of the rivers that are doing all that they can to overturn the boat. For one moment, you are sharply taken downwards and the next moment your boat goes upwards and ever onwards.
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While Asia is a beautiful and exciting place to visit, travelers must be wary of their surroundings at all times. With many parts of Asia being overcrowded and busy, tourists should be always be alert to nearby pickpockets, beggars, and con artists. It’s important that you recognize areas where you should be especially cautious during your trip to Asia. Areas such as bus, subway or train stations are all highly susceptible to questionable behavior, seeing that crowds can help conceal any suspicious activity. Also, regions where the household income is generally lower should be traveled with caution. Many parts of Asia are known for their open night markets where they sell traditional snacks or hand made crafts. These places are usually crawling with pickpockets who prey on unsuspecting foreigners.

Asia is also notorious for beggars that crowd the streets. Travelers will undoubtedly encounter a handful of these while on a tour of China. Naturally, many visitors pity these beggars and willingly donate money, but they should be advised that most of these beggars are in fact con artists who choose to beg and will even force children to do the same. Many actually make good money from begging compared to local standards. Some of these beggars will employ obnoxious or intimidating behavior to persuade you, but don’t indulge them; it will only encourage their actions.

Some general safety tips to remember:

* Try to use purses or bags with zippers instead of open ones.
* Avoid putting cell phones, cameras, passports or other important items in your rear pocket or in other easy to reach pockets.
* Pay attention to your items at ALL times, including when you stop to take a photo, drop something, use the restroom etc.
* Wear your backpacks or bags in front of you, not towards the back.
* If you choose to give to a beggar, be discrete about it. Don’t make yourself an easy target for additional beggars.
* You don’t need to be too charitable with beggars; given them just 1 yuan is already very generous in comparison to what the locals earn. Read the rest of this entry →

The capital city of India has myriad surprises in store to quench the tourists’ thirst for something unique and different. Right from historical monuments like Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Purana Qila, Humayun Tomb to the beautiful surroundings in and around the India Gate, administrative buildings, real estate examples, shopping centres and more, New Delhi has everything.

With the Commonwealth Games approaching round the corner, city reviews – New Delhi are filled up with information about the developments taking place to beautify the city, the construction of sports complexes, renovation of monuments, and related paraphernalia. These city reviews on New Delhi also serve as genuine information material for tourists who are completely new to the capital. Tourists can collect the A-Z of information about New Delhi such as tourist spots, cheap and best shopping areas, good restaurants, hotel accommodations, nightlife, and more. So, if you are visiting the capital for the first time, read the city reviews and take delight in exploring and feasting your eyes.

New Delhi is the shoppers’ paradise. There are a number of areas for shopping in New Delhi. For fashionable attire and footwear, you can opt for Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar markets. Those who love art and crafts of different states can visit the emporia at Baba Khadag Singh Marg. If you love pottery, paintings, shawls, Crafts Museum on Mathura Road is your ultimate option. Besides Sunder Nagar, Chandni Chowk, Dilli Haat, Janpath, Palika Bazaar, and Khan Market, there are countless malls where you can get products of leading brands. Once you are done with the shopping, dining in the restaurants in Delhi will give you a different feel. When it comes to taste and variety, restaurants in New Delhi cater to the taste buds of all.

Another aspect that needs special mention about New Delhi is its nightlife. The rocking crowd of Delhi enjoys life to the fullest, partying throughout the night during weekends. Djinns, Buzz, Geoffrey’s, India International Centre, Windsor Place, Cavalry Bar, Civil Lines, Rick’s, Blues, Gola, Tuskers, India Habitat Centre, Golden Dragon are few of the most happening joints of nightlife in New Delhi. Read the rest of this entry →

As both the ancient birthplace of the worlds three major religions and a young, thriving modern society, Israel offers its visitors the best mix of old and new, historical and contemporary, natural and state of the art. Tourists come to Israel to discover the wonders of Biblical buildings and antiquities, to experience the beauty of natural sand, sea and mountain views, and to enjoy luxurious spa centers, hotels and entertainment. Tourists come to Israel to explore their personal spirituality and religious heritage. Tourists come on a one-of-a-kind trip to Israel to marvel in the diversity of peoples, landscapes, histories and leisure options that co-exist in this small, but fascinating country.

It is this unique combination that makes Israel an ideal destination for incentive travel. With all of this variety packed into just over 8,500 square miles of land, groups are able to maximize enjoyment with limited travel time and minimal movement between hotel accommodations. Groups touring around Jerusalem will relish a day soaking up the unique aura of Israels spiritual and political capital, home to the sites most holy for Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Less than an hours drive away, those touring Tel Aviv have a wealth of cultural opportunities at their fingertips, including beautiful beaches, designer shopping, exceptional architecture, a variety of chef restaurants, art, music and much more. Incredible day trips from either city will take your group for a float in the unforgettable salty waters of the Dead Sea, to reach the top of Mount Masada for a breath-taking desert view, or to enjoy an all-natural mineral bath in the incredible desert oasis at Ein Gedi. Or, for an entirely different vantage point, groups touring Israel can drive northward to marvel at stunning, green mountains during a jeep tour of the Golan Heights, or to taste the savory flavors of food and wine made at local Israeli wineries. And, all of this can be done without packing to leave the comfort and convenience of a single, luxurious, and centrally-located hotel.

This same combination of convenience and luxury is also true of Israels conference and events venues. In addition to the elegant, yet standard, facilities found in most Israeli hotels, local venues can also be found in every corner of the country to create the most unique and unforgettable events imaginable. Relish in Israels one-of-a-kind spirit by mixing old and new at an event or conference. Suit the specialized needs of any travel incentive by experiencing the many faces of Israel. Arrange an authentic Bedouin dining experience in the desert, a private dance cruise across the Sea of Galilee, an elegant themed dinner in a Jaffa art gallery or a folk night featuring the best of traditional Israeli food, music, and dancing. Israel offers an unlimited mix of style, history, convenience and diversity. Read the rest of this entry →

The very name Dubai transports one to a land of skyscrapers and beautiful edifices that are true examples of modern architecture. This most popular destination in United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a glamour and lucrative hub for many. Also deemed ‘Pearl of the Persian Gulf’, Dubai is home to exotic beaches and scenic locations. To cater to the increasing tourists’ influx, there are countless Dubai hotels for every pocket and taste. You may enjoy staying in the 30th floor or the ground base either in luxury hotels or cheap hotels. Dubai hotels also comprise of a number of five star hotels. Business executives, diplomats, foreign tourists fill the accommodation of these luxury hotels almost round the year. Once you have booked your flights tickets to Dubai it is equally important that you book your accommodation too.

Searching of hotels one by one soon after you land in Dubai may prove troublesome. Many of the luxury Dubai hotels are displayed in travel portals and in the respective corporate sites. Bookings can be done online; the earlier you book the more are the chances of availing offers and discounts. Besides, your stay is confirmed and hence you won’t face any accommodation problems once you land in the city.

UK also attracts visitors from across the world round the year. So, it is a common phenomenon to see UK hotels being cent percent full. You will find here both cheap hotels and luxury hotels. It all depends on how much you want to spend as well as your preferences. The many islands, beaches, historical monuments, and culture will make you fall in love with the sovereign state. As aforementioned, log in to a travel portal, view the best UK hotels, compare facilities and prices, and book your stay. Read the rest of this entry →

Packing is a big deal when you travel. It should be well planned so that we can carry as many things as we required. If we pack our things well organized, we can avoid carrying too many bags. As the luggage increases, your responsibility of monitoring your luggage will also increase. Hence, I would like to give you few tips how wisely you can arrange your things and carry a compact luggage. I have listed out these tips based on my traveling experience and I hope it helps all type of travellers.
1. Before start your trip, you are advised to scan all your important travel documents and store it on your email account. It will help you even if you lost your documents and you can approach the embassy with the scanned copies in order to apply for the original one.

2. Split up your valuables such as bank cards, cash, and travelers’ cheque and keep them in different pockets and in your bags while packing.

3. To pack small items and toiletries, you can use nalgene or small bottles. We have strong and waterproof bottles in market. You can carry preferably the transparent bottles. You can repack all the shampoo or lotions so that you can avoid taking big bottles.

4. Place the lighter items at the bottom and heavier ones on the top while you packing things. It will make your bag feel lighter. This is the smart way of packing. Preferably, you can dump all your dirty clothes at the bottom.

5. Carry few plastic bags especially for toiletries. In this way you can counter leaking. You can use them to keep your dirty clothes, your garbage etc. You get plastic bags with zip lock these days.

6. Also pack everything in clear plastic bags separately according to the items. Before packing in your backpack or suitcase, pack your items such as underwear, T-Shirts and shorts etc. in separate transparent plastic bags so that you no need to search for anything. If you pack everything transparent, you can unpack them easily during the custom checks. But you should not dispose them lying around, if you are traveling in a forest or hill stations or any restricted places.

7. Pack only what you use and avoid taking too many clothes, if you are traveling for many days. It is advisable to wash them in between and use the same what you carried.

8. If you are traveling to the beach, pre-pack whatever you require at the beach into a beach bag which is available in your backpack or suitcase.

9. If you love taking suitcases, a piece of cardboard will help you divide separate sections and organize your things in a proper way. It will also helps during the airport inspections.
10. It is important to take flashlights or torch while traveling.

11. Keep your shoes and old socks into airtight plastic bags with zip lock in order to make your bag clean and odor free.

12. Use your carry on bag to keep any medication and important papers. This will be useful on long flights with multiple stopovers. Especially if you flying via London, LA or any major airports, your bags tent to get delayed or lost long haul during the custom inspections. Hence, you can continue with your medications.

13. You can apply rolling techniques in packing. Some bags will allow more if you roll your clothes instead of folding. In such cases, you can use tissue papers and roll your clothes to avoid get wrinkled. Read the rest of this entry →

Summer is here and this is the time for sun, sand and surf. Those of you who are planning an exotic getaway vacation far from the madding crowd, brace yourself for a Spanish summer.

If you love the sea, then you will love the Mediterranean beaches. The long coastline and the blue water make the beaches seem like heaven on earth. You can get a tan, take a dip in the water and those who want more adventure can go for scuba diving. Some of the best beaches are Playa de Estorde, Playa de Conil de la Frontera, Playa de Bayas, etc. Each of these beaches has its own natural beauty. Some have wonderful white sand whereas some are surrounded by natural forests. All of the beaches are clean and a good time is guaranteed.

Beaches are just one of the many attractions of Spain. There is no way you can leave without visiting the largest city in Spain, Barcelona. And if you are there and happen to miss visiting Sagrada Familia, that will be considered as a crime. Just kidding. Sagrada Familia is one of the prominent symbols in the city. Designed by famous architect Antoni Gaudi, this place is visited by a large number of visitors from far and wide. This is a unique structure and each part of it has a symbolic meaning.

If you wish to see more of Gaudi, then Le Pedrera is the place to go. Some say it is indeed his finest creation. Le Pedrera is a tall building with numerous arches and roves that has strange shaped chimneys. The roof and the attic of the building are open for visitors where they can see other works of Gaudi. You can get a great look of the city from the roof. Both Le Pedrera and Sagrada Familia have been declared as world heritage sites by the UNESCO.

Now who can miss the great museum of Picasso? This is another must visit place in Spain. Located in one of the oldest streets of Barcelona, this museum interlinks at least five urban areas of the city. Here you will find many of the early works of the renowned artist along with some of his masterpieces.
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