Traveling Information

Travel In Mauritius

2009-09-03T06:14:00.000-07:00

Mauritius is a fascinating, world-in-one-island slice of paradise. Its very name of conjures up images of tropical luxury and stupendous extravagance. While in many destinations famed for cobalt-blue seas, white sandy beaches and luxury hotels, you may eventually find yourself wishing for something to do besides sunbathing and swimming, it’s often hard to know what to do next in Mauritius. The island is loaded with historic sights, cultural diversity, geographic variation and almost limitless activities to distract you from the daily grind of beach and pool. But perhaps its single biggest asset is the relaxed charm of its warm and welcoming people.

With world-class hotels offering the best service in the Indian Ocean and a renowned gastronomy as well as top spas and golf, Mauritius also offers more to do than many tropical islands, with trekking, mountain climbing and ecotourism playgrounds. And with its signature sunny days, the world's third largest coral reef surrounding a turquoise lagoon and silky, blonde, sandy beaches, this island certainly comes close to paradise.

Mauritius is the most developed of the Mascarene Islands, but with a bit of effort and resourcefulness you can escape the crowds and find your own patch. The smells, noises and bustle of the mercantile capital Port Louis, Africa’s wealthiest city, are never far away, while the busy garment markets in the Central Plateau towns of Quatre Bornes and Curepipe and Black River Gorges National Park's dramatic virgin forests give the lie to Mauritius being just another beach destination. But what beaches! From the stunning sand-rimmed lagoons and popular wide public beaches to the picturesque islands off the country’s coastline, there’s truly something for everyone here. Add to this the joys of Chinese, Indian, French and African cuisine, the rousing beat of séga music and the infectious party spirit of the locals, and you soon understand why Mauritius really is so many people’s idea of paradise on earth.

Travel In Kuala Lumpur

2009-08-24T01:11:00.000-07:00

Kuala Lumpur is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — consider printing them all.
Kuala Lumpur [1], or simply KL, is the capital of Malaysia. Literally meaning "muddy estuary" in Malay, KL has grown from a small sleepy Chinese tin-mining village to a bustling metropolis of around 6.5 million (city-proper population of 6,700) in just 150 years. With the world's cheapest 5-star hotels, great shopping and even better food, increasing numbers of travellers are discovering this little gem of a city.

Districts

Kuala Lumpur is quite a sprawling city and its residential suburbs seem to go on forever. The city also merges with the adjacent towns of Petaling Jaya (originally developed as KL’s satellite town), Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang and Port Klang, creating a huge conurbation called the Klang Valley.

The city can be divided into the following areas, each of which offers a particular attraction or activity.

City Centre – This is the traditional core of Kuala Lumpur where you’ll find the former colonial administrative centre, with the Merdeka Square, Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Selangor Club. This district also includes Kuala Lumpur’s old Chinese commercial centre which everyone refers to now as Chinatown.

Golden Triangle – The area of Kuala Lumpur located to the north-east of the city centre, the Golden Triangle is where you’ll find the city’s shopping malls, five-star hotels, Petronas Twin Towers and party spots.

Tuanku Abdul Rahman – Rarely visited by tourists, this is the traditional colourful shopping district of Kuala Lumpur north of the city centre that moves into high gear when the festivals of Hari Raya Puasa (Eid ul-Fitr) and Deepavali approach. Located just beside the Golden Triangle (northern neighbour) with many popular budget accommodations. The gigantic Putra World Trade Centre & the traditional Kampung Baru food haven are among the most important landmarks.

Brickfields – This area, located south of the city centre, is Kuala Lumpur’s Little India filled with saree shops and banana leaf rice restaurants. Kuala Lumpur’s main railway station – KL Sentral – is located here.
Bangsar and Midvalley – Located south of the city, Bangsar is a popular restaurant and clubbing district while Midvalley, with its Megamall, is one of the city’s most popular shopping destinations.

Damansara and Hartamas – Largely suburban, these two districts to the west of the city house some interesting pockets of restaurants and drinking areas. This district virtually merges into the northern part of Petaling Jaya.

Ampang – Located east of the city, Ampang is home to Kuala Lumpur’s Little Korea and most foreign embassies.

Northern suburbs – This huge area to the north of the city is home to several attractions, such as the Batu Caves, the National Zoo and the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia.

Southern suburbs – This district may not interest travellers much, although Kuala Lumpur’s main stadium at Bukit Jalil and The Mines theme park are located here.

Understand

Founded only in 1857 as a tin mining outpost, Kuala Lumpur is fairly new as far as Malaysian cities go and lacks the rich history of George Town or Malacca. After rough early years marked by gang fighting, Kuala Lumpur started to prosper and was made capital of the Federated Malay States in 1896. Malaysia's independence was declared in 1957 in front of huge crowds at what was later named Stadium Merdeka (Independence Stadium), and Kuala Lumpur continued as the new nation's capital. The economic boom of the 1990s brought KL the standard trappings of a modern city, bristling with skyscrapers and modern transportation systems. Like most of Malaysia's big cities, about 55% of Kuala Lumpur's population is of Malaysian Chinese descent.

Travel In Rome (Italy)

2009-08-19T01:26:00.000-07:00

No other city comes close. It may no longer be caput mundi (capital of the world), but Rome is an epic, bubbling-over metropolis harbouring lost empires. One visit and you’ll be hooked. Rome has a glorious monumentality that it wears without reverence. Its architectural heirlooms are buzzed around by car and Vespa as if they were no more than traffic islands.

The city bombards you with images: elderly ladies with dyed hair chatting in Trastevere; priests with cigars strolling the Imperial Forums; traffic jams around the Colosseum; plateloads of pasta in Piazza Navona; sinuous trees beside the Villa Borghese; barrages of pastel-coloured scooters revving up at traffic lights as if preparing for a race.

People in Rome encapsulate the spirit of the city. Pass a central café and the tables outside are animated with people, downing fast shots of espresso and sporting big black sunglasses. They are neither posing nor hung over. Nuns flutter through the streets, on the trip of a lifetime or secondment from the Philippines, bustling across the road before treating themselves to an ice cream. Churches fill during Mass, and the priests, dressed in purple, cream or red silk (right down to their socks), read the rites to a hushed congregation (mostly from out of town).

Here the national preoccupation with the aesthetic fuses with incredible urban scenery to make Rome a city where you feel cool just strolling through the streets, catching the sunlight on your face outside a café, or eating a long lunch. It’s a place that almost encourages you to take things easy. Don’t feel like going to a museum? What’s the need when it’s all outside on the streets.

Travel In Switzerland

2009-08-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

Small, mountainous and wealthy, with a population of just 7.5 million, Switzerland is renowned for its enviable quality of life in a country that ticks along like clockwork. Its products are sought after the world over, from its delicious cheese and chocolate to luxurious watches whose timekeeping is as sharp as a Swiss Army Knife, another popular export from this sophisticated Alpine nation.

Switzerland's famed political neutrality, financial power and isolated location, ring-fenced by breathtaking mountains, have enabled it to play a safe but central role in European affairs. The conveniently central location in the middle of Europe has also made Switzerland a favourite meeting place for conventions and international conferences - Geneva, for instance, is home to the United Nations.

Switzerland is not only a place for professionals, though. As a stylish tourist destination it offers such top ski resorts as Zermatt, Verbier and celebrity-studded St Moritz, while the white peaks of mountains set against blue skies make a wonderful backdrop for summertime hiking. The ancient capital of Berne provides superb opportunities for sightseeing, shopping and traditional folk entertainment while the largest city, Zürich leads the way in arts, design and nightlife, from opera and world-class theatre to stylish bars and nightclubs.

Switzerland's unique political model is based on consensus-building, and, considering that the country consists of several culturally different groups speaking different languages (Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansch), its peaceful domestic situation is admirable. And while the Swiss in practice have been neutral in foreign affairs for several centuries, they are increasingly willing to get more involved in world affairs and deploy the skills in democracy and diplomacy they have developed domestically on the international stage. Switzerland finally joined the United Nations in 2002, and signed the Schengen treaty in 2005, showing their support for the European Union.

Travel In Taiwan

2009-08-07T01:53:00.000-07:00

Taiwan is one of the most unsung tourist destinations in all of Asia, its modern emergence as an economic and industrial powerhouse still overshadowing the staggering breadth of natural, historic and culinary attractions this captivating island has to offer.

A fascinating mix of technological innovation and traditional Chinese and aboriginal cultures and cuisines, Taiwan is one of the only places on earth where ancient religious and cultural practices still thrive in an overwhelmingly modernist landscape.

On any given day, the casual visitor can experience this unique juxtaposition of old and new, witnessing time-honoured cultural practices while still taking in technological milestones such as the world's tallest building, Taipei 101, and the new High Speed Rail that links the island's two largest cities.

Beyond the narrow corridor of factories and crowded cities along Taiwan's west coast is a tropical island of astounding beauty, with by far the tallest mountains in northeast Asia and some of the region's most pristine and secluded coastline. Add to this the impressive array of cuisines - with specialities from all corners of China as well as authentic aboriginal and Japanese fare - and you've got one of the world's most well-rounded and hospitable holiday destinations.

Travel In Argentina

2009-08-05T04:42:00.000-07:00

Argentina, (officially Argentine Republic; Spanish "Republica Argentina") is a large, elongated country in the southern part of South America, neighbouring countries being Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay to the north, Uruguay to the north east and Chile to the west. In the east Argentina has a long South Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Understand

Argentina is the second-largest country in South America, and the eighth-largest in the world. The highest and the lowest points of South America are also located in Argentina: At 6,960m, Cerro Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the Americas while Salinas Chicas, at 40m below sea level, is the lowest point in South America.

At the southern tip of Argentina there are several routes between the South Atlantic and the South Pacific Oceans including the Strait of Magellan, the Beagle Channel, and the Drake Passage as an alternative sailing around Cape Horn in the open ocean between South America and Antarctica.

The name Argentina derives from argentum, the Latin word for silver, which is what early Spanish explorers sought when they first reached the region in the sixteenth century.

History

Following independence from Spain in 1816, Argentina experienced periods of internal political conflict between conservatives and liberals. In the first decade of the 20th century, Argentina became the richest nation in Latin America, its wealth symbolized by the opulence of its capital city.

European immigrants flowed into Argentina, particularly from Italy; by 1914 nearly 6 million people had come to the country.

After World War II, a long period of Peronist rule in subsequent governments was followed by a military junta that took power in 1976.

Democracy returned in 1983 after the abortive attempt to wrest the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) from United Kingdom sovereignty.

A painful economic collapse at the turn of the 21st century devalued the Argentine peso by a factor of three and ushered in a series of weak, short-lived governments along with social and economic instability. As of 2006, the country has stabilized under President Nestor Kirchner, and the economy has begun to recover.

Black River

2009-08-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

Black River is a district of Mauritius on the western side of the island. Famous areas include Tamarin Falls and the Chamarel coloured earth. The district capital is Bambous. Previously it was Tamarin. It is the third largest District of Mauritius in area, but the smallest in terms of population. It contains much of Mauritius' unique tropical forests, including those found in the Black River Gorge. During winter deer hunting is practised in the forests.

The name Black River derives from the fact that it is the driest district of the island. This region receives less rainfall than the others.

And this has become its advantages: Several fisherman villages have been progressively converted to tourist areas. For example, Flic en Flac, Tamarin and Le Morne.

Tamarin is the only area where surfing is possible during the month of July and August.

Flic-en-Flac is the longest beach on the island and certainly one of the most beautiful ones. Being on the west coast it gives view to beautiful sunsets.

Le Morne has become famous because of the mountain where, during colonial times, runaway slaves used to hide and to kill themselves when they were to be caught. Efforts are being made by local authorities to get Le Morne inscribed on the World Heritage List. Just like recent (and successful) efforts for the Aapravasi Ghat.

Le Morne's unique constant wind effects makes it a top kite surfing/wind surfing destination. Frequently both board and kite manufacturers can be seen trialing their next generation equipment in this prime location. The wind is prevalent through the winter months (May-Sept). On occasion, with the right waves conditions, the reef outside Le Morne can be surfed

Le Coco Beach Hotel

2009-08-03T05:19:00.000-07:00

Le Coco Beach Hotel is an exciting new beach resort hotel situated at Belle Mare, on the east coast of Mauritius. Set in its 80 acres of tropical garden, landscaped by Watson Grohavaz, of Lost City fame, along 1 km of white beach and secluded coves, it offers, among other things, an unprecedented array of outdoor and indoor sporting and leisure activities in a colourful, happy and lively atmosphere. 138 Standard Connecting Rooms, 66 Standard Rooms, - 86 ground floor, 47 first floor Villa Rooms. All guest rooms have twin or double beds, private bath, shower and toilet, hairdryer, electric shaver point (110/220V), satellite TV, video channels (English, French, Italian, German) telephone air-conditioning, and a private balcony or patio. 50 of the rooms also have a sofa which converts into a supplementary bed.

Agalega Islands

2009-08-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

The Agalega Islands are two islands in the Indian Ocean, lying 1,100 km (700 miles) north of Mauritius at10°25′S 56°35′E / 10.417°S 56.583°E. The islands, governed by Mauritius, have a total area of 24 km² (North Island 14.3 km² and South Island 9.7 km²). The official figure of 70 km² appears to high in comparison with satellite images.

The North Island is home to the islands' airstrip and the capital of Vingt Cinq and village of La Fourche, while the South Island has the village of Sainte Rita.

The islands are known for their coconuts, the production of which is the main industry, and for the Agalega Island Day Gecko. At one time, no coinage circulated on the islands; all payment was by government-issued vouchers and debited directly from the inhabitants' salaries.

Like other Mascarene islands, it may be that it was known to Arab and Malay sailors, but no written records that confirm these claims have been found so far.

There are three different explanations for the name Agalega:

One hypothesis has it that the Portuguese explorer Don Pedro de Masceranhas named Agalega and the island of Sainte Marie (off the east coast of Madagascar) in honor of his two sailboats, the "Galega" and the "Santa Maria" in 1512, when he discovered Mauritius and Réunion Island.

Legends such as "White Horse carriage" and "Princess Malagasy" buried on the island or the coded language of "Madam langaz Seret" followed an oral tradition since the time of slaves. This language is a mixture of French and Mauritian Creole where every syllable is doubled with the first consonants replaced by the "g" (eg "French" becomes "frangrançaisgais"). The origin and purpose of this language remains unclear.

Today, the population is around 300 people (Agaléens) who speak Creole and Catholicism is dominant.

Travel In Rome

2009-08-01T04:19:00.000-07:00

Rome is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — consider printing them all.

Rome, the 'Eternal City', is the capital of Italy and of the Lazio (Latium) region. It's the famed city of the Seven Hills, La Dolce Vita, the Vatican City and Three Coins in the Fountain. The Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Understand

Situated on the River Tiber, between the Apennine Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, the "Eternal City" was once the administrative center of the mighty Roman Empire, governing a vast region that stretched all the way from Britain to Mesopotamia. Today it remains the seat of the Italian government and home to numerous ministerial offices. The metropolitan area is home to around 3.3 million people.

The abbreviation "S.P.Q.R" is ubiquitous in Rome, short for the old democratic motto "Senatus Populusque Romanus" (Latin) or "The Senate and People of Rome" (English translation).

History

Rome's history spans over two and half thousand years, starting as a small Italian village to the center of a vast empire, to the founding of Catholicism to the capital of today's Italy. Rome's history is long and complex; below is merely a quick summary.

Rome is traditionally thought to have been founded by the mythical twins Romulus and Remus, who were abandoned as infants in the Tiber River and raised by a mother wolf before being found by a shepherd who raised them as his own sons. Rome was founded as a small village sometime in the 8th century BC surrounding Palatine Hill, where the Roman Forum is currently located. Due to the village's position at a ford on the Tiber River, Rome became a crossroads of traffic and trade.

Travel In Russia

2009-07-31T11:07:00.000-07:00

Russia officially known as the Russian Federation (Russian Росси́йская Федера́ция, transliteration Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) - is the world's largest country spanning Eastern Europe, and northern Asia, sharing borders with Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia and North Korea.

Russia is the largest country in the world by far; spanning eleven time zones, its territory covers nearly twice as much of the earth as that of the next largest country, Canada. Despite its massive size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either too cold or too dry) for agriculture. Instead it has huge reserves of some of the world's most important resources (oil, gas, coal, platinum, gold, chrome, asbestos). Mount Elbrus (Gora El'brus), at 5,633 m, is Europe's, and Russia's, tallest peak.

Russia has both extensive coastlines bordering the Arctic Ocean and Northwest Pacific, as well as smaller coastlines on the Baltic, Black and Caspian Seas. Russia is bordered by Norway and Finland to the northwest, Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, and Ukraine to the west, Georgia and Azerbaijan to the southwest, Kazakhstan, China and Mongolia to the south, and North Korea to the southeast. The American state of Alaska lies opposite the easternmost point of Russia across the Bering Strait.

Russia also administers the exclave of Kaliningrad Oblast on the Baltic coast located in between Poland and Lithuania.

History

Although Russia is a very old country founded during the Middle Ages, it was not considered part of mainstream Europe until the reign of Czar Peter the Great who ruled until 1725. He was a Europhile with an empathy towards Western culture and the first Czar to visit 'Europe proper'. There is a story that while visiting Greenwich Palace in England, he was told that he looked as though he had been dragged through a hedge backwards. His reply was that he had, and in a wheelbarrow!

Travel In Singapore

2009-07-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

Cultural melting pot and dazzling example of the region's economic successes, wealthy Singapore assails the senses of the first time visitor.

It's popular to dismiss Singapore as a kind of Asia Lite - blandly efficient and safe, a boringly tasteless, disciplinarian and unadventurous place where citizens are robbed of their cherished freedom to spit on the street and chew gum. Utter nonsense.

The former British trading post and colony has carved a unique niche for itself in its two short centuries of existence, nowadays offering a vivid combination of ultra-modern skyscrapers, remnants of tropical rainforest and colourful ethnic urban areas, each with a character very much of their own.

One of the most noticeable features of this tiny but bustling city-state is its cleanliness - indeed, it is sometimes criticised for its many seemingly petty regulations, such as the banning of chewing gum - but crime is virtually unknown, and it is one of the world's safest places to visit.

Despite its rather sanitised reputation, though, Singapore is anything but dull. The visitor is spoilt for choice, for things to see and do, and in terms of vibrant nightlife, its rich cultural mix, and a whole planet's worth of culinary experiences. Singapore is a veritable feast for the senses, a heady mixture of the familiar and the exotic.

It suits all budgets, too, presenting a happy collision of opposites - grand and expensive at the famed Raffles Hotel, but low-key and cheap (but good) in the food markets of Bugis Junction and Clarke Quay.

Travel In Paris

2009-07-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

For other places with the same name, see Paris (disambiguation).

Paris is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — consider printing them all.

Paris, the cosmopolitan capital of France, is - with 2.2 million people living in zone 1 (Central Paris) and another 9.9 million people in the suburbs (la banlieue) - one of the largest cities in Europe. Located in the north of the country on the river Seine, Paris has the reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities, brimming with historic associations and remaining vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design. Dubbed the City of Light (la Ville Lumière), it is the most popular tourist destination in the world.

Paris, the city of life, love, and light. From the Eiffel Tower to the Mona Lisa, from the bustling Champs Elysées to the winding streets of Montmartre, you'll find magic, romance, and history as you sip a café au lait, stroll manicured parks, and watch the sun set over the Seine.

History

Paris started life as the Celto-Roman settlement of Lutetia on the Île de la Cité, the island in the Seine currently occupied by the Cathédral de Nôtre Dame. It takes its present name from name of the dominant Gallo-Celtic tribe in the region, the Parisii. At least that's what the Romans called them, when they showed up in 52 BCE and established their city Lutetia on the left bank of the Seine, in what is now called the "Latin Quarter" in the 5th arrondissement.

The Romans held out here for as long as anywhere else in the Western Empire, but by 508 CE they were gone, replaced by Clovis of the Franks, who is considered by the French to have been their first king. Clovis' descendants, aka the Carolingians, held onto the expanded Lutetian state for nearly 500 years through Viking raids and other calamities, which finally resulted in a forced move by most of the population back to the islands which had been the centre of the original Celtic village. The Capetian Duke of Paris was voted to succeed the last of the Carolingians as King of France, insuring the city a premier position in the medieval world. Over the next several centuries Paris expanded onto the right bank into what was and is still called le Marais (The Marsh). Quite a few buildings from this time can be seen in the 4th arrondissement.

West Indies Travel

2009-07-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

For comfortable and memorable West Indies it is important that to have all the necessary travel information and West Indies travel tips. The tip helps to organize the tour so that you can enjoy to fulles.

Adequate information on West Indies travel ensures a safe and relaxing experience in the country. If you see West Indies is a group of numerous small islands which are classified into three major groups the Bahamas, the Greater Antilles and the Lesser Antilles.

With numerous tourists coming to these islands West Indies travel information has become all the more relevant so that you can reach the islands safely without facing any problems.

The best way to enter the country is by air travel. The country has three popular international West Indies airports namely Piarco International Airport, Grantley Adams International Airport and Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The airports offer world class facilities. Various flights from major parts of the world come to the airport everyday.

Traveling to West Indies is easiest from North American side as there are innumerable flights to West Indies in addition to Caribbean Airlines. Numerous flights operate from the United States in addition to various European airlines that operate daily to the West Indies. But there are no direct flights from many countries like Australia, New Zealand and from Asian countries to all Caribbean islands so those who wan to travel from these places have to take connecting flights from Europe or North America.

Government spends a lot on developing the local transportation of the country so that transportation in West Indies could be more convenient.

Travel In Sri Lanka

2009-07-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

Travel to Sri Lanka and make your dream Holiday come true! Holiday in Sri Lanka is ideal if you're looking forward to have fun, enjoy the sunshine and frolic in white sandy beaches. If you want to do bird watching, see wildlife paying a visit to Ceylon (as Sri Lanka known in back in time) will be a holiday you'll never forget. If you want to try out eco tourism tour, Sri Lanka is a marvelous place to spend your vacation. Sri Lanka is one place where you could be in harmony with nature like in no other place. By spending your holiday in Sri Lanka you'll get so much of entertainment out of cheaper trip. A Holiday in Sri Lanka means that you'll have loads of fun, experience a unique culture & heritage at a very affordable price. www.triptosrilanka.com , Sri Lanka Travel Directory is the web site giving the most comprehensive information on Ceylon. So if you are thinking of a Vacation in Sri Lanka you have come to the right place! At www.triptosrilanka.com you can find information about hotels in Sri Lanka, travel agents in Sri Lanka and about interesting topics like beaches in Sri Lanka, wildlife of Sri Lanka and bird watching in Sri Lanka.

Vacation in Sri Lanka would mean that you'll get to see beaches of Sri Lanka, wild life in Sri Lanka and much more like bird watching tours out of one cheaper trip. We can help you to plan your trip to Sri Lanka in a way you could experience the beauty of Sri Lanka. Since we have access to the necessary resources like travel agents in Sri Lanka, hotels in Sri Lanka, we could provide services which you met your requirement. Like if you want to try eco tourism or experience a unique south Asian culture you should visit Sri Lanka and we'll help you.

Sri Lankan Beaches are the most picturesque in the world. Soft sound of waves lapping in to the beach, endless strip of white sandy beaches contrasting with deep blue waters, coral reefs that are home to many types of tropical fish best describe what you will find when you visit Western & southern coastlines of this beautiful country. You could socialize with the warm friendly people out there and groove to the sunny vibes emitting from this beautiful tropical culture. For more info

Wild life in Sri Lanka is something you shouldn't miss out. This beautiful island is home to many types of exotic tropical fauna & flora. Bio diversity of this country is really rich, which makes this country a nature lover's paradise. For more info History of this country spans over a period of 2000 years, which is livid with many a colorful incident of regency and their doings. Times of wars, events of religious significance, coups and trysts with foreign elements color the odyssey of checkered history of "Serendib" as this island was known then. Many monuments pertaining to Buddhism & Hinduism, monuments built for aesthetic, medicinal purposes and for no other reason but to showoff the mightiness of the rulers were erected during the time of kingdoms like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Yapahuwa, and Kandy etc.

All right enough said, start packing your luggage to have the most wonderful time of your life. Have a nice trip!

Brazil Travel Guide

2009-07-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

Brazil is the biggest country in South America. It borders every other country of the continent except Chile and Ecuador.

Brazil is very much a country of contrasts. When someone hears the word Brazil, one thinks of the great Amazon forest, fantastic beaches, great soccer players, Carnival time - and that's all. Well, Brazil, the most important country in South America, certainly has MUCH more to offer - warm people, great cities with everything from slums to high technology, a wide range of weather patterns, an awesome mixture of cultures and races - and much more!

The most visited places in Brazil includes Fernando de Noronha Island, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo (the two bustling megacities of the south-east), the more relaxed city of Salvador in the northeast, or the old colonial towns of Ouro Preto and Olinda. For natural beauty, try a visit to Iguacu Falls. If you have the chance the best time to visit is Carnival.

There is nothing in the whole wide world like Carnival in Rio. Brasilia, the capital city of the country, is known by its great architecture. It is a planned city.

The most up-and-coming resort in Brazil is now the small friendly Praia de Pipa, in the NE of the country; serviced by international airports at Natal and Recife, this small town is popular with both Brazilians and foreign tourists. The laid back attitude of the open and friendly locals make this a welcome change to some of the more recognised but less safe and inviting destinations.

In Southern Brazil you can visit the state of Santa Catarina, which is visited every year by people who prefer not too crowded spots like major cities or places where all tourists go. Small beaches like Mariscal, Garopaba, Taquaras or Estaleiro beach are not too far away from medium size cities, so they provide all necessary structure, but at the same time still conserve their natural enchantments. Praia do Pinho (close to Balneario Camboriu - the most important touristic spot in southern Brazil) is the paradise for naturists as it is the first official nude beach in Brazil (http://www.praiadopinho.com.br). Many options of adventure activities such as rafting, diving, fishing, trekking are aso available in this beautiful region.

Travel In New Zealand

2009-07-29T02:42:00.000-07:00

New Zealand is a unique land of breathtaking scenery. Craggy coastlines, sweeping golden beaches, verdant rainforests, snow-capped alpine mountains, gurgling volcanic pools, fuming active volcanoes, flashing fish-filled rivers and glacier-fed lakes compete for attention, all beneath a brilliant blue sky. Pair this with a thriving indigenous culture, bustling cosmopolitan cities, traditional towns and friendly people with a distinct lust for life and you have an outstanding and unusual combination.

New Zealand is spread over several small islands. The more developed North Island is home to the main cities, whilst the vast empty spaces of South Island are best for escaping the crowds. Tiny, undeveloped Stewart Island is reminiscent of how New Zealand must have looked before the arrival of people.

Getting around is easy as the country has a modern and efficient transport network, quiet roads, plenty of flights and two stunningly scenic rail journeys. The plant and animal life are also excellent offering opportunities to see the varied birdlife (including kiwis), seals, dolphins and whales.

Enjoy the chance to explore two of the richest New World wine regions on the planet, taste wonderful cuisine, stroll on moody beaches, tramp through the national parks or over alpine passes on well-maintained, beautifully sited tracks.

The country is also perfect for every kind of outdoor activity. Not surprisingly, some of the world's most cutting-edge adventure activities originated in New Zealand. Try bungee jumping, caving or white-water rafting. Or if that is not your bag, immerse yourself in culture in the museums and galleries of New Zealand's main cities - Auckland, Christchurch and the capital Wellington.

New Zealand was first settled at least 1,000 years ago by the Polynesian Maori, a well ordered tribal society. The first European arrival was Dutchman Abel Tasman in 1642, although it was not until the voyages of Captain James Cook, in 1769 and 1779, that the islands were charted and explored.

Since then the country has developed into one of the cleanest, greenest, most popular places to live and visit. Tourist numbers rocketed around the release of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which showcased New Zealand's fantastic scenery to a worldwide audience.

Travel In Nepal

2009-07-29T02:35:00.000-07:00

Nepal is a landlocked country in Southern Asia, between China and India. It contains eight of the world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest - the world's tallest - on the border with Tibet. It recently was declared a republic and has abolished the monarchy.

Regions

Nepal is divided into five development regions, from east to west:

Eastern Nepal – Everest region, Arun valley, Kanchenjunga, Ilam.
Central Nepal – Kathmandu and Langtang region.
Western Nepal – Pokhara and the Annapurna region
Mid Western Nepal – Dhaulagiri Himalaya, Dolpa, inner Terai valleys and Jumla.
Far Western Nepal – Mahakali river.

These are further divided into fourteen administrative zones called 'anchal'.

Other regions (most of these are popular names, not official district/region titles): Annapurna, Everest, Kathmandu Valley, Langtang, Mustang, Terai

Cities and Towns

Kathmandu – capital and cultural center of Nepal
Pokhara - Picturesque lake-side town, and the base for many activities. Great live music scene, with plenty of cool bars and hotels. Fast becoming the destination of choice for travelers due to the scenery, adventure sports and nightlife.
Bhaktapur – well-preserved historical city, center of Nepali pottery making.
Biratnagar – this city is in eastern Nepal near Dharan and famous for political reason.
Birgunj – business gateway between India and Nepal. It is in mid-southern Nepal.
Janakpur - a historical religious centre and home to the 500-year old Janaki Temple.
Namche Bazaar – a Sherpa settlement located in the Solu Khumbu region - popular with trekkers
Nepalgunj – the main hub for the Mid- and Far-Western Development Region. Bardiya National Park is close-by
Patan – sister-city of Kathmandu and metal working center

Climate

Nepal has a Monsoonal climate with four main seasons - though traditionally a year was categorized into six distinct climate periods: Basanta (spring), Grishma (early summer), Barkha (summer monsoon), Sharad (early autumn), Hemanta (late autumn) and Shishir (winter).

Below is a general guide to conditions at different seasons:

Heavy monsoonal rains from June to September - the rains are generally lighter high in the Himalayas than in Kathmandu, though the mountain peaks are often lost in cloud.
Clear and cool weather from October to December - after the monsoon, there is little dust in the air so this is the best season to visit the mountains.
Cold from January to March, with the temperature in Kathmandu often dropping as low as 0°C (32°F) at night, with extreme cold at high elevations. It is possible to trek in places like the Everest region during the winter, but it is extremely cold and snow fall may prevent going above 4,000 - 4,500 meters (13,000 - 15,000 feet). The Jomosom trek is a reasonable alternative, staying below 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) with expected minimum temperatures about -10°C (14°F) (and much better chances of avoiding heavy snow.)
Dry and warm weather from April to June - there is an abundance of blooming flowers in the Himalayas at this time, with rhododendrons, in particular, adding a splash of color to the landscape. Terai temperatures may reach or exceed 40°C (104°F) while Kathmandu temperatures are about 30°C (86°F).

Travel In Egypt

2009-07-29T02:26:00.000-07:00

Egypt (Arabic: مصر Misr / Másr; more fully, the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: جمهوريّة مصر العربيّة Gomhuriat Masr Al-Arabiah) [1] is in north-eastern Africa with its capital located in its largest city, Cairo. Egypt also extends into Asia by virtue of holding the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt is bordered by Israel and the Gaza Strip to the north-east, by Jordan and Saudi Arabia to the east (across the Red Sea), by Sudan to the south and by Libya to the west. The country is bounded by the Mediterranean and Red Seas (to the north and east respectively) and geographically dominated both by the Nile River and its fertile well-watered valley, and by the Eastern and Western deserts.

Egypt is perhaps best known as the home of the ancient Egyptian civilization, with its temples, hieroglyphs, mummies, and - visible above all - its pyramids. Less well-known is Egypt's medieval heritage, courtesy of Coptic Christianity and Islam - ancient churches, monasteries and mosques punctuate the Egyptian landscape. Egypt stimulates the imagination of western tourists like few other countries and is probably one of the most popular tourist destinations world-wide.

History

The regularity and richness of the annual Nile River flood, coupled with semi-isolation provided by deserts to the east and west, allowed for the the development of one of the world's great civilizations. A unified kingdom arose around 3200 B.C. and a series of dynasties ruled in Egypt for the next three millennia. The last native dynasty fell to the Persians in 341 B.C., who in turn were replaced by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. It was the Arabs who introduced Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century and who ruled for the next six centuries. A local military caste, the Mamluks, took control about 1250 and continued to govern after the conquest by Egypt by the Ottoman Turks in 1517. Following the completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt became an important world transportation hub, but also fell heavily into debt. Ostensibly to protect its investments, Britain seized control of Egypt's government in 1882, but nominal allegiance to the Ottoman Empire continued until 1914. Partially independent from the UK in 1922, Egypt acquired full sovereignty following World War II. The completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1971 and the resultant Lake Nasser have altered the time-honored place of the Nile River in agriculture and the ecology of Egypt. A rapidly growing population (the largest in the Arab world), limited arable land, and dependence on the Nile all continue to overtax resources and stress society. The government has struggled to prepare the economy for the new millennium through economic reform and massive investment in communications and physical infrastructure.

Italy Travel Guide

2009-07-29T02:23:00.000-07:00

Italy is a beautiful country but is one of those countries which you probably have some questions and preconceptions, before your coming to this special country. A place of olive oil, pasta, wine, mafia and sunshine, roman ruins and renaissance palaces, Italy has a lot to give its tourists. Although some of these conceptions are amazing and interesting, it would be a shame if that was the only thing you come away with. Italy is certainly much more complex and stimulating than these concepts.

Italy is a country full of interesting things for the casual tourist and the educated tourist, it has deep Roman Catholic roots. The tourists can stay weeks in important tourist centers without reason to feel bored, but it is equally simple to get off the beaten track. In the north, next to the Alps and the landscapes of the Po river, many cultural gems and highly developed industrial cities fascinate. In this exciting country the people live the "la vita Italiana".

Lombardia is the capital of Milan, city of business organization and haute couture, the tourist can easily stay weeks without being bored. Bergamo is only an hour of distance and has an upper Old Town. On every corner you will observe something new. Venice and Verona are the most famous tourist attractions in the north-east of Italy, maybe you can think about romantic love affairs here.

The people can discover easily the beautiful landscapes of Italy, Verona province may be the more fascinating. Many persons say that the north-west of italy is a paradise for every culinary interested traveler. For the people who adore the wine, Piemonte is related with Barolo and Barbaresco, the most famous wines made out of the Nebbiolo grape. Turin is the capital of Piemonte, this city provides more than just a starting point to visit these wine regions. Lots of tourist attractions like museums, modern art, music and book fairs make of this city, one of the notable Italian cities concerning cultural life. At the same time it is a booming industrial and multimedia city.

Travel In India

2009-07-29T01:36:00.000-07:00

India is the largest country in the Indian Subcontinent and shares borders with Pakistan to the west, China and Nepal to the north, Bhutan to the north-east, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Indonesia lie to the south-east in the Indian Ocean. It is the seventh largest country in the world by area and, with over a billion people, is second only to China in population. It's an extremely diverse country, with vast differences in geography, climate, culture, language and ethnicity across its expanse, and prides itself on being the largest democracy on Earth.

Regions

India is administratively divided into 28 states and 7 union territories. The states are broadly demarcated on linguistic lines. They vary in size; the larger ones are bigger and more diverse than some countries of Europe. The union territories are smaller than the states—sometimes they are just one city—and they have much less autonomy.

Cities

Below is a selection of nine of India's most notable cities. Other cities can be found under their specific regions.

Delhi — the capital of India for a thousand years and the heart of Northern India.
Bangalore (now Bengaluru) — The garden city, once the sleepy home of pensioners now transformed into the city of pubs, technology and companies.
Chennai (formerly Madras) — main port in Southern India, cradle of Carnatic Music and Bharatanatyam, home of the famous Marina beach, Automobile Capital of India and a fast emerging IT hub.
Jaipur — the Pink City is a major exhibit of the Hindu Rajput culture of medeival Northern India.
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) — the cultural capital of India, Kolkata is home to numerous colonial buildings. It is known as The City of Joy.
Mumbai (formerly Bombay) — the financial capital of India, "Bollywood" (Indian Film Industry) hub.
Shimla — the former summer capital of British India located in the Himalayan foothills with a large legacy of Victorian architecture.
Thiruvananthapuram (formerly Trivandrum) — capital of Kerala and gateway to the sandy beaches and backwaters of south west India.
Varanasi — considered the most sacred Hindu city, located on the banks of the Ganges, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities of the world.

Understand

Befitting her size and population, India's culture and heritage are a rich amalgam of the past and the present: From the civilizations, fascinating religions, variety of languages (more than 200!) and monuments that have been present for thousands of years to the modern technology, economy, and media that arises as she opens up to a globalised world, India will never cease to awe and fascinate the visitor.

Travel In Maxico

2009-07-29T01:29:00.000-07:00

Mexico (formally the United Mexican States) is a country in North America, lying between the United States of America to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast. Its extensive coastlines include the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Mexico has nice and warm people, unique food, art and archeology, pyramids, museums, Haciendas, 6,000 miles of shoreline, superb architecture and 21 century cities, weather from snow mountains in the Sierras, to rainy jungles in the Southeast and desert in the Northwest, lots of golf courses throughout the country, excellent fishing, world top destinations like Acapulco, Cancun, Cozumel, Los Cabos, and Patzcuaro. Mexico is ranked 7th major destination for foreigner visitors, according to WTO.

Understand

Mexico is one of the most popular tourist countries on earth (over 20 million foreign visitors last year). Much of the tourist industry is centered around the beach resorts as well as the altiplano in the central part of the country. Visiting the northern interior allows visitors to get off the beaten path a bit. American tourists tend to predominate on the Baja peninsula and the more modernized beach resorts (Cancun, Puerto Vallarta), while European tourists congegrate around the smaller resort areas in the south like Playa del Carmen and San Cristobal de las Casas.

Climate

Varies from desert-like regions on the northwest part of the country (cities like Hermosillo, Ciudad Juarez, or Los Cabos); and temperate in the northeastern part (cities like Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo, Ciudad Acuña), but note that much of the northern Mexican territory gets rather cold during the winter with average day time highs from 8C (39F) to 12C (59F), overnight lows average around -4C (24F) and snow is sometimes frequent in certain northern places like (the Sierra Madre of Chihuahua, Durango, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and northern Tamaulipas) but can also occur at higher altitudes in the temperate forests in the central part of Mexico. Also, northern Mexico gets very hot during the summer with sudden violent storms in the afternoon, with heavy rain and hail, also an isolated tornado can occur with these storms but rarely, and the temperatures during the day can quickly exceed 39C (100F). The Bajio region is semiarid (cities like Aguascalientes, Leon and Zacatecas); and temperate forests in the central part of the country {Mexico City, Toluca}, and tropical rain forests in the south and southeast regions like (Chiapas, Cancun). During hurricane season, hurricanes are common in the coastal cities specially those near the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

Landscape

High, rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus; temperate plains with grasslands and Mezquite trees in the northeast, desert and even more rugged mountains in the northwest, tropical rainforests in the south and southeast {Chiapas, Cancun} semiarid in places like {Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosi} and temperate coniferous and deciduous forests in the central part of the country {Mexico City, Toluca}.

Holidays

January 1st
February 2nd: The Candelaria Virgin Day, celebrated in many places around the country (not an official holiday)
February 5th: Constitution Day(1917)
February 24th: Flag Day (not official)
March 21st: Birth of Benito Juárez (1806). 2006 was the bicentennial year.
May 1st: Labor Day.
May 5th: The Battle of Puebla against the French army, 19th century. (Not an official holiday)
September 1st: Dia del Informe. Although no longer official, it is still important as it is the day in which the Mexican President adresses to the Nation of the progress his administration on a yearly basis. Every President makes six Informes
September 16th: Independence day (celebrates the start of the fight for the independence from Spain in 1810, achieved until September 27th, 1821).
October 12: Discovery of America (Descubrimiento de America)(not an official holiday)
November 2nd: Day of the dead (Not an official holiday)
November 20th: Revolution day (1910)
December 12th: Virgin Mary of Guadalupe Day. Unless is not official, is one of the most important Mexican Holidays
December 24th: Christmas Eve (Not an official holiday, but usual full non working day or only half day)
December 25th: Christmas
December 31st: New Years Eve (Not an official holiday, but usual full non working day or only half day)

Easter is widely observed nationwide, according to the yearly Catholic calendar (the first Sunday after the first full moon in Spring). Actual non working days may shift to the Monday before the holiday, so check an up to date calendar.

Time

Mexico observes daylight savings time (DST) the same way as the USA did pre-2007, from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October. This now includes the tropical regions of southern Mexico as well. Note there will be several weeks each year when the U.S. is on DST, but Mexico is not. The state of Sonora south of Arizona, does not observe DST since Arizona doesn't have it either.

Welcome to Pakistan 's most comprehensive travel & tourism.

2009-07-29T00:57:00.000-07:00

A warm welcome from Pakistan Travel & Culture Services. Thank you for visiting this web site. Year 2009 is seen as new beginning in Pakistan where an elected democratic government is doing all it can to bring the country to peace. We at Travel & Culture remain ever more attentive and energized in 2009.

Pakistan may be not much think-able for many travelers due to bad image created by local and international media, but there is a lot of interest to Visit Pakistan. Pakistan is the real India where every thing began, the Indus civilization, the scripts of Ragveda, Buddhism and the very language Sanskrit. Interestingly enough Pakistan has several World Heritage Sites which are still unexplored.

We are also a land of the highest mountains of the world. Pakistan is very safe to visit in the south Sindh province and in the North west Hunza Gilgit and Skardu Areas in fact you don't even need to travel/fly to the troubled areas of Islamabad, Lahore or Peshawar you can come to Hunza valley from China by road Check Visit Pakistan from China

Please find below the pages for Tours for Pakistan. We also book hotels, conferences and meetings in Pakistan

Visit Pakistan from China 3 days to 20 days packages for visiting Pakistan via china

14 Days China Pakistan Silk Road Tour

New Tour of Pakistan The new Tours of Pakistan keeping the security situation in mind.
Muslim Art & History Tour: A Tour that will take you to the history of Muslim art & architecture in Pakistan. Pakistan's province Sindh is gateway to Islam in the East.
Archeological Tour: Indus civilization to Gandhara civilization a tour that will take you in depth of the archeology of Pakistan (7000BC to 8AD)
Buddhist History: Buddhism was propogated in Pakistan Ashoka was born and ruled in Pakistan Although Buddha never came to this region Buddhism developed here.
North Pakistan Tour South Pakistan Tours A detailed tour of Pakistan from high mountains to the history & archeology of the south
Cholistan Camel Safari: Visit the desert of Cholistan on back of camel normally suited for Winter
Thar Desert & Thatta Tour: A desert that has history colors, culture and music plust the mystic Thatta and the Banbhore the gateway of Islam
Nanga Parbat Trek: Trek around the Nanga Parbat (8125 meter) 9th highest mountain in the world
Jeep Safari: Visit the mountains of Pakistan on 4WD jeep with camping and easy walks.
Deosai Planes: Jeep safari in the Deosai planes
Rakaposhi Trek: Trek around Rakaposhi 27th highest mountain in the world
K2 Concordia Trek: A trek that is dream of a trekker around K2 the 2nd highest mountain in the world.

Travel In London

2009-07-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

London is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — consider printing them all.
Noisy, vibrant and truly multicultural, London is a megalopolis of people, ideas and energy. The capital and largest city of both the United Kingdom and of England, it is also the largest city in Western Europe and the European Union. Situated on the River Thames in South-East England, Greater London has an official population of roughly 7.5 million people — although the figure of over 14 million for the city's total metropolitan area more accurately reflects London's size and importance. London is one of the great "world cities," and remains a global capital of culture, fashion, finance, politics and trade.

History

Settlement has existed on the site of London since well before Roman times, with evidence of Bronze Age and Celtic settlement. The Roman city of Londinium, established just after the Roman conquest of Britannia in the year 43, formed the basis for the modern city (some isolated Roman period remains are still to be seen within the City). After the end of Roman rule in 410 and a short-lived decline, London experienced a gradual revival under the Anglo-Saxons, as well as the Norsemen, and emerged as a great medieval trading city, and eventually replaced Winchester as the royal capital of England. This paramount status for London was confirmed when William the Conqueror, a Norman, built the Tower of London after the conquest in 1066 and was crowned King of England in Westminster.

London went from strength to strength and with the rise of England to first European then global prominence, the city became a great centre of culture, government and industry. London's long association with the theatre, for example, can be traced back to the English renaissance (witness the Rose Theatre [1] and great playwrights like Shakespeare who made London their home). With the rise of Britain to supreme maritime power in the 18th and 19th centuries and the possessor of the largest global empire, London became an imperial capital and drew people and influences from around the world to become, for many years, the largest city

in the world.

England's royal family has, over the centuries, added much to the London scene for today's traveller: the Albert Memorial, Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Royal Albert Hall, Tower of London, Kew Palace and Westminster Abbey being prominent examples.

The City and Westminster

If you ask a Londoner where the centre of London is, you are likely to get a wry smile. This is because historically London was two cities, a commercial city, and a sepa

rate government capital, Like New York and Washington, or Sydney and Canberra.

The commercial capital was the City of London. This had the dense population, and all the other

pre-requisites of a medieval city: walls, a castle (the Tower of London), a cathedral (St. Pauls), a semi-independent City government, a port and a bridge across which all trade was routed so the Londoners could make money (London Bridge).

About an hour upstream (on foot or by boat) round a bend in the river was the government capital (Westminster). This had a church for crowning the monarch (Westminster Abbey) and palaces. As each palace was replaced by a better one, the previous one was used for government, first the Palace of Westminster (better known as the Houses of Parliament), then Whitehall, then Buckingham Palace. The two were linked by a road called the "Strand", old English for riverbank.

London grew, west and east. The land to the west of the City (part of the parish of Westminster) was prime farming land (Covent Garden etc.), and made good building land. The land to the east was flat, marshy and cheap, good for cheap housing and industry, and later for docks. Also the wind blows 3 days out of 4 from west to east, and the Thames (into which the sewage went) flows from west to east. So the West End was up-wind and up-market, the East End where people worked for a living. You now have a two-centre city, with the area in between known confusingly as the "West End". Except now the docks have closed, and been replaced by developments like Canary Wharf, making parts of the East End as expensive and full of offices as the City.

Weather

Despite a perhaps unfair reputation for being unsettled, London enjoys a dry and mild climate on average. Only one in three days on average will bring rain and often only for a short period. [2] From June through to September average daily high temperatures peak at over 20C with July and August the warmest months at 23C [3] while London's highest temperature since 2000 was recorded one August at 38C. This means London can feel hot and humid in the summer months. Winter days are rarely cold and frost is rather rare, and while sunshine is at a premium and wet days are more common, the average daily maximum is 8C in December and January, making London milder than most nearby continental European capital cities.

Travel In Turkey (Istanbul)

2009-07-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

this is a great way to start your holiday in Turkey or if you are just passing through this exotic city. Because we believe that you have not seen Turkey if you haven't seen Istanbul. Istanbul is a city which re-creates itself all the time. Istanbul's streets reflect the European and Turkish and Balkan and Middle Eastern way of life, all coming together in a strange but beautiful harmony. You may extend your stay and request further information about our tours to highlights of Turkey from our office in Sultanahmet.

Irresistanbul
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival to istanbul atatuk airport, you will be met by us and accompanied during your transfer to your hotel. You have the afternoon and evening free to relax and/or check out the city. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 2: Istanbul
We will leave hotel in the morning to visit the sultanahmet square and the spectacular Blue Mosque decorated with beautiful 17th century Iznik tiles. Then stroll around the historical Hippodrone where chariot races were once held. Continue with the hagia sophia / St, Sophia and Museum . An early Christian church, later converted to a mosque under Ottoman rule, this magnificent temple now serving as a museum with all the artefacts from the Byzantine era intact, is especially famous for its mosaics. After lunch, we will visit the Topkapi Palace museum the residence of the legendary Ottoman Sultans, now converted into a museum. It consists of several exhibition halls, such as the Treasury, the porcelain section, Armoury and Holy Relics. We will complete this historical day with a visit to the Grand Bazar and return to the hotel for overnight.

Day 3: Istanbul
We will take a morning ferry ride to Buyukada, the biggest of the Princes which used to be the summer resort for the wealthy non-Muslim community. There will be a tour of the Island by horse drawn carriages, a wonderful patio lunch and free time to do shopping, walking around the island (where there is no motor vehicles traffic). Or, you may just lie down in the sun and relax. A ferry ride in the evening will take us back to the city and drive to our hotel for overnight.

Day 4: Istanbul
We will take you to Spice Market, still in use as one of the world’s largest spice bazaars since 1665. Next, we will board the ferries across the Bosphorus which will take us to both European and Asian sides of the city. This beautiful voyage will take you along the shores of Bosphorus and you will see the Rurnelli Fortress from the 15th century as well as the seaside summer palaces and unique wooden houses of the area, as well as the natural beauty of the forests above. The last stop on the cruise is the fishing village of Sariyer, close to the Black Sea. From there on we will drive you by coach via the world’s only Intercontinental Bridge Bosphorus Bridge to take you to Camlica Hill on the Asian side. Camlica is the highest tip in Istanbul where you will enjoy breathtaking views of Istanbul. We will visit the Beylerbey Palace, the summer residence of the royal Ottoman family with original furniture and magnificent gardens. After the tour, you will be transferred your hotel.

Day 5: Departure transfer
Breakfast at hotel, check out and transfer to Istanbul International Airport.

Spain Travel Guide

2009-07-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

Spain is more than bullfights, flamenco dancers and crowded beaches. It's a spectacular and diverse country, the north resembling the rolling, green hills of Ireland and the south giving you a taste of Moroccan landscapes and architecture. Its tremendous history is reflected in its prehistoric cave paintings, Moorish palaces, crumbling castles, Roman ruins, Gothic and Renaissance cathedrals as well as some very distinctive modern architecture. The uniqueness of Spain lies in the separate kingdoms which made up the original Spanish nation. These regions remain diverse in their language, culture, cuisine and art. They include: Andalucía, Aragon, Asturias, Basque Country, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castilla La Mancha, Castilla León, Catalonia, Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Madrid, Murcia, Navarra and Valencia. Areas of interest are not limited to each region.

Beaches
Excellent and quiet beaches can be found near Malaga, Huelva and Almería in the south as well as near the coasts of La Manga, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and Euskadi. If you do enjoy extremely developed resort towns, there are plenty of crowded beaches on the Costa de la Luz and the Costa del Sol. Interesting is the harbour of Almerimar with cosy bars, just south of El Ejido (Almeria).

Very unique architecture can be found in Córdoba, Salamanca, Granada, Toledo, Madrid... The visionary architecture of Antoni Gaudí and the Picasso museum are in Barcelona while Madrid is home to Spain’s top three art museums.

Countrysides
If you would rather get some fresh air, Spain is filled with opportunities to visit wildlife parks as well as trekking. The Pyrenees, especially around the Aragón area, are the best areas for trekking. Andalucía has its Sierra Nevada mountain chain with luxurious skiing resorts near Granada. Ski-sports are possible from November up to May. Between Guadix and Baza (famous horsemarket) one can find cave-dwellings, cave hotels, and beautiful natural parks. North and between these towns still are unexplored desert sceneries, with hamlets not even found on maps! The highway infrastructure in this "wild" part of Andalucia is excellent.

Social culture
Spanish people are very open-hearted and comunicative. You won't have any problems to get to know someone, especially in the big cities like Madrid or Barcelona. It's often said that the Spanish living room is the bar where the people usually spend a lot of time in the mornings and in the evenings.

Sydney Travel Guide

2009-07-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

Australia is a land of contrasts - topographical, cultural, physical, meterological and visual. About 40,000 years ago, the Aborigines were the first to settle. They lived as hunters and gatherers for this entire time, living with a close link to nature, although backburning and other poor agricultural techniques have since been realised to have caused significant deforestation, salinification of the soil and elimination of much of the natural diversity of the landscape. Such a poor ability to interact with nature, despite it being so important, helps explain why much of Australia is now unsuitable for sustaining life. Interestingly, this provides one of the few examples of where the native population damaged the land more than later waves of settlers. Their way of living developed into a complex culture based on oral tradition and intricate social bounds, which was almost destroyed by the second wave of settlers, who were able to populate the land with much more success.
Australia is a nation in its own right, it is also a technically a continent, with large differences between regions. It has a reputation as a land of leisure, with sun, sea and an enviable 'Crocodile Dundee' outdoor lifestyle, but this is just a very narrow conception of a continent. The reality however, is that most people work all day, and then spend the weekend running around trying to pack life into the 2 days on the weekend. Only the homeless and tourists have time to sit around on the beach, or laze away days watching sport on TV.

One of the states is the island state Tasmania of which one fifth is World Heritage area. Each state has its own national parks with their specific character where you can indulge in bush-walking or maybe even rock-climbing. When you’re interested in the miracles of water-world, you can’t miss out on the Great Barrier Reef on the east coast, the main reason for many travellers to visit Cairns. The Wet Tropics of Queensland comprise dense rainforests and foaming waterfalls. Rare species of animals can be spotted in the famous Kakadu National Park as well as ancient aboriginal art. These old drawings can also be seen in the Namadgi National Park.

Good places to set off for exploration of the great outdoors are big cities such as Canberra, Darwin, Adelaide and Perth, that all have interesting sights and a good cultural atmosphere as well. Of course, Australia is surrounded by sea, so good swimming and surfing beaches are more rule than exception, generally these beaches will be full of only tourists, especially during the week. So fun can be had watching people who haven't heard of sunscreen yet turning into lobsters, or getting trapped in the surf. North of Brisbane, is the Sunshine Coast one of the many stretches of coast where you can find excellent beaches, South of Brisbane is the better known Gold Coast, famous for being home to Australias equivalent of trailer park people and teenagers who can't afford a holiday somewhere better. Don’t forget the smaller historically interesting Alice Springs, or William Creek [the most isolated town in Australia] that will lead you right to the famous Ayers Rock.

Deserts, rainforests, big cities….and just when you thought you’d caught a glimpse of the versatile character of this fascinating continent, you forgotten about Melbourne and the excellent skiing opportunities in the Alpine National Park. Another good option is the Snowy Mountains area in NSW.

Nyuto And Tsurunoyu Onsen Guide

2009-07-28T06:26:00.000-07:00

Nyuto Onsen is a collection of onsen ryokan in the mountains of eastern Akita Prefecture. The area is known for the hot spring baths found at its eight ryokan, some of which are quite traditional and rustic. With a history of over 300 years, Tsurunoyu is Nyuto Onsen's oldest and most famous inn.

The name Nyuto Onsen means "nipple hot spring" and comes from the suggestive shape of nearby Mount Nyuto rather than the milky/cloudy appearance of the area's hot spring water. All the hot spring baths in Nyuto Onsen belong to ryokan, and are not only available to staying guests, but also to day trippers during certain hours and against a small admission fee. Most of the ryokan feature mixed gender outdoor baths, and all have various gender segregated bathing as well.

Part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Nyuto Onsen is a 30 minute bus ride into the mountains above the picturesque caldera lake Tazawako, the deepest lake in Japan. A few other hot spring towns and hiking trails are also found in the area around Tazawako and Nyuto Onsen.

Tsurunoyu is the oldest operating ryokan of Nyuto Onsen. Its rooms date to the Edo Period (1603-1867) and offer a rustic and authentic stay without plumbing or electricity. The large, mixed gender outdoor bath is iconic of the region, and there are single gender indoor baths available, as well.
A more recent addition to Tsurunoyu, Yamanoyado is located along the road to the original inn and includes all the comforts of a modern ryokan. Yamanoyado's baths use water from the same source as Tsurunoyu, and guests additionally have free access to the original inn's famous baths 1.5 kilometers away.

Shanghai Travel Guide

2009-07-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

In China there is a saying that 'Xian has witnessed 2,000 years of history, Beijing has witnessed 1,000 years of history while Shanghai bears witness to the last 100 years.' For anyone who is interested in the history of modern China, Shanghai serves as an ideal starting point. Regarded as the 'Oriental Pearl', the city has a unique and important place in modern China and its rich heritage is worthy of exploration.

Yesterday's Shanghai

Shanghai, Hu for short, is situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, a position that led to frequently unwelcome intervention from foreigners seeking to impose their exports on the Empire during the nineteenth century. However, in the 1920s and the 1930s, Shanghai became an important international trade center. With its advantaged natural conditions, rapid development and splendid oriental culture, Shanghai was famed as the 'Oriental Paris' and attracted many entrepreneurs and established businesses. In addition, many foreign scientists, literary figures and artists chose to live, give lectures or just experience the Chinese charm in Shanghai. They included Albert Einstein, Bertrand Russell, Bernard Shaw and the poet RabindranathTagore, to name but a few. However, by the middle of the 20th century, the glory of the city was in decline.

Today's Shanghai

Having suffered the ravages of war, turmoil and economic crisis, the fortunes of Shanghai have been revived thanks to the great Reform and Opening Up since 1978. A favorable national policy, efficient administration, regular market mechanism and a large number of talents have come together to enhance by leaps and bounds the city's economic development in recent years.

Now over 300 of the world's top 500 enterprises have opened branches in Shanghai, while many have their research and development centers or headquarters there. Pudong New Area has developed in just five years, and Lujiazui in Pudong has become one of the foremost world class financial and trade zones in Asia. Skyscrapers such as Jinmao Tower and Shanghai Global Financial Center dominate the skyline, while landmark constructions like Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Pudong International Airport and Shanghai International Convention Center offer the finest and best of modern facilities.

These economic achievements are due to Shanghai's progress in the fields of politics, finance, trade, culture, science and technology. Various important international events have held in Shanghai, including political conventions, commercial conferences, academic forums, sports events, cultural exhibitions, film festivals and fashion shows.

Shanghai's rapid development has come as a great surprise to many in China and has international recognition. Shanghai has grown from a provincial city into an international metropolis on par with New York and Paris in just ten years. No other city in the world has done this - it is unique!

Hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world throng to Shanghai to see for themselves its great economic impulse, distinctive attractions and to savor its blend of Eastern and Western cultures. In the eyes of westerners, Shanghai has special oriental charm; while in the eyes of Chinese, Shanghai has a fresh western style. The old say that Shanghai is modern and fashionable, while the young say that Shanghai is old and reminiscent. Wherever you come from and whoever you are, you will find Shanghai an ideal tour destination.

Besides, there are places well worth a visit in the suburbs such as Qibao Ancient Town, Zhujajiao Water Town and Chongming Island for in addition to its modern facets, the city has a wealth of more ancient Chinese traditions. Dining will be one of the most enjoyable aspects of your Shanghai trip. In addition to Shanghai dishes, restaurants in the city offer a wide variety of foods from other parts of China as well as a number of foreign countries.

Shanghai is a shopper's paradise. There are various bustling commercial streets and shopping centers waiting for you. These include Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road, North Sichuan Road, Xujiahui Shopping Center, Yuyuan Shopping City and Jiali Sleepless City.

Holidays in Lanzarote

2009-07-28T06:18:00.001-07:00

The Spanish owned island of Lanzarote is situated hundreds of miles south of the Iberian Peninsula – just off the coast of Morocco in West Africa. Creating a climate that is characterised by virtually non existent rainfall and year round sunshine.

These climatic conditions made the island an obvious choice for the development of tourism during the 1960´s and 70´s. Growing in popularity to the point where in excess of 2 million visitors per year spend their holidays in Lanzarote.

Lanzarote´s Main Attractions

During the first half of the 18th Century Lanzarote was decimated by massive volcanic eruptions. Which completely remodelled much of the south of the island. Wiping out villages and farms – and replacing them with lava fields and over 300 new volcanoes.

This other worldly terrain is now Lanzarote´s biggest visitor attraction. As close to one million tourists travel through the Timanfaya National Park to view this surreal scenery up close every year.

Lanzarote is also an island of contrasts though. As the north is green and verdant by comparison. Home to palm packed valleys and picturesque little villages such as Haria and Maguez. Whilst beach lovers can take their choice from over ninety stretches of sand. Some of which, such as Famara on the North West coast and Pagagayo in the south, are regarded as amongst the best in the Canaries.

Travelling Around The Island

There is a public bus service on Lanzarote. But it only offers a regular and reliable service between the three main resorts of Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. Which is little help for visitors who want to explore the island.

Bike hire is possible, but Lanzarote´s steep and mountainous terrain can make this arduous. So most visitors opt to hire a car or book a guided tour by coach instead.

Dubai – Understanding The Cities Background

2009-07-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

Dubai is a city everyone knows today as being a centre of wealth, grand designs and the exotic, but there are several theories as to how it was originally named. Some say it is a combination of the Farsi words for two and brothers, and others believe its name came about as its souq was similar to a famous market called Daba, although this word also means ‘to creep’, which could be a reference to the flow of the Dubai creek inland. However, I like to believe it came from a word meaning Money, as people from Dubai have always been seen as wealthy due to its roots as a trading centre.

Back in the 18th century, Dubai was little more than a fishing and trading village, but in 1833 the Al Maktoum family settled in the area and the young Sheikh Maktoum bin Buti and his acute leadership skills transformed the village into a busy coastal town. Access at the time was via donkey and camel across the land, or via small boats called Abras which were used to ferry people to and from ships in the bay. Whilst a fairly basic infrastructure, it served its purpose well and gave birth to a reputation as a successful trading area. With a thriving port and a bustling market, Dubai’s residents enjoy a higher standard of living than their neighbours.

Interestingly, although a lot of people believe Dubai is built using the wealth generated from oil, the main revenues are actually from tourism & real estate. The total revenue generated from petroleum and natural gas is a modest 6% of Dubai’s estimated £25 billion economy. It has no doubt provided a solid foundation for the city, but great leadership is clearly what got Dubai to where it is today.

Holidays in Dubai are perfect for sun worshippers and those looking for an exotic break, and top the charts of United Arab Emirates holidays. For the cheapest Dubai holidays try a price comparison website.

USA Experience 64 Day Trailblazer

2009-07-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

This 64 day tour is the ultimate North American experience. This trip is jam-packed with cities, national parks, beaches, deserts, adventure activities, dude ranches, Disney, and a taste of Canada! Cover 33 states and see all the highlights of America on this mother of all road trips.

Overview:

Location:

USA and Canada

Duration & Price:

from £3259. Full price list

Deposit:

£195 (balance due 12 wks before departure)

Accommodation:

See itinerary

Meals:

$10 per day contribution to food kitty

Dates:

Please see prices below for start dates.

Info Pack:

This trip has been specially designed to run at a consistent but relaxed pace with plenty of free days built into the itinerary to allow each group to change the tour to suit their specific interests.

After departing the Big Apple, we begin our tour in America’s capital, Washington D.C. Learn the country's history by visiting museums, monuments, memorials and the Mall. Travel south to experience the charm of Charleston South Carolina before heading into the warmth of the Florida sun, sand and sea. Soak up the rays on the beach at St. Augustine, splash in the surf of the Florida Keys, wonder at the wildlife of the Everglades, and discover Disney world. The city of jazz is next, New Orleans situated on the Gulf Coast. You may never want to leave this eclectic city but 4 amazing days and nights in the great state of Texas await you.

The National Parks of New Mexico and Utah are next. You will roam through the mountains of Colorado and the Indian Lands of Arizona. Go on a jeep tour with the Navajo Indians in Monument Valley, before exploring the sheer splendour of Grand Canyon National Park.

Then cool off in the clear blue waters of Lake Powell, with time to rest and relax. Hiking and photo opportunities abound in the jaw dropping Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks of southern Utah.

Canyon dust gives way to desert glitz when we journey to Las Vegas. Catch a show, a limo or a casino and let the neon and nightlife dazzle you. Travel to mellow out in Southern California's playground, San Diego, Sea World Adventure Park, the world renowned Zoo and beaches beckon before heading up the coast to the City of Angels, Los Angeles.

Travel north along the Pacific Coast to Yosemite National Park where you have the opportunity to hike among the giant sequoias and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevadas. Then on to San Francisco - Fisherman's Wharf and the delights of Chinatown. Nightlife, baseball, cable cars and shops fill your visit. Next we travel onto Redwood National Park before hitting the streets of “the Emerald City” Seattle.

We now cross into Canada to the great city of Vancouver then head on the Yellowhead Highway and the fantastic scenery of Banff National Park and Lake Louise in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Walk on the Columbia Icefields or canoe on a wilderness lake.

On to the beauty of Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks complete with a variety of wildlife and steaming and spouting geysers. We then journey to the rodeo town of Cody Wyoming and the cowboy town of Deadwood. See the presidents at the famous Mt. Rushmore National Monument and the Native Americans' tribute to their past, Crazy Horse Monument. Travelling East through the Black Hills and the Sioux Indian territory of Badlands National Park, we reach the "Windy City" of Chicago, famous for music, museums and Lake Shore Drive.

Around the Great Lakes to the thundering power of Niagara Falls, where you will embark on the Maid of the Mist cruise to get you up close and personal with this great natural wonder. We leave the Great Lakes and travel to the smaller but picturesque Finger Lakes, before winding back up to where it all began, New York City.

Please note that this tour starts in New York or Los Angeles and may run in either direction.

Optional Activities: Canoeing, whitewater rafting, airboat tour, EPCOT centre, snorkeling, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, New Orleans jazz clubs, Mississippi steamboat ride, Southern Mansion Tour, Smithsonian National Museums, Grand Canyon scenic flights, Monument Valley guided jeep tour, Sunset Sailboat Cruise, Western horseback riding, blues club, baseball game, mountain biking, Grand Canyon IMAX theatre, Las Vegas clubs and casinos, Las Vegas limo, Aerial Tramway ride, swamp tour, San Diego zoo, Western rodeo (seasonal), Lake Powell Waverunners, San Francisco cable car, Sears Tower, sand dune buggies, Buffalo Bill Museum, and more.

What’s Included in the Programme

Services of a tour leader
All camping fees and equipment
Transportation
Admission to Disneyland
Admission to Carlsbad Caves
Admission to Monument Valley Tribal Lands
Crazy Horse Monument
Admission to Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist cruise
Admission to all National Parks and Monuments

What’s Not Included in the Programme

International Flights
Hotel accommodation of nights noted (H)
Travel Insurance
Spending Money
Food (kitty will be collected USD$10 a day)

Africa Travel Guide

2009-07-28T04:10:00.002-07:00

Africa
Africa is the land of magic charms, tribes, mysterious voodoo, wild animals, gold and diamond mines etc. It is a paradise for hunters as well as animal lovers. Africa has famous Sahara desert, river Nile, Mount Kilimanjaro. If one side of Africa is desert, the other side compensates with amazing greenery and waterfalls. Africa definitely quenches the adventure thirst in you. Experience the legendary tom-toms and exotic smells in the land of Africa.

Travel to Africa
The airlines that serve in and around Africa are TACV (Cape Verde) that has weekly direct flights to Boston also fly to South America and Europe, EgyptAir (Egypt) that has domestic services and also flights to Europe, the Middle East, India and Thailand, Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopia) that serves Europe, Middle East, Asia, US and 20 countries in Africa.

Attractions
Africa is the best destination for those who dare to explore. What attracts tourist to Africa is mostly the safari. The Best safari destinations are Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. You can get real close to the wild animals and take plenty of photographs. You are most welcome to taste some rare meat prepared in traditional African style. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have much developed tourism oriented facilities. Africa has lots to see like pyramids, ancient architecture, mountains and places we heard from The Holy Bible.

Language
Almost 2000 languages are spoken in Africa. The languages like Swahili, Arabic, Hausa and Yoruba are the main languages spoken in Africa. Other languages spoken are Laal, Shabo and Dahalo. English is spoken by the minority in the southern tip of Africa.

Shopping
The happy news is that you can barter and bargain while shopping in Africa. Give away your old sneakers and you can get good wooden carvings. But just make sure not to buy anything illegal like ivory products, hide or even tortoise shell products. Africa is the only place where you can get souvenirs at lower prices. You can also buy Swakara-hand-crafted gold,diamond and semi-precious stone jewelry aswell as coats,leather, suede, ceramics and crafts.

Destinations in Africa
Cameroon
Cameroon is a miniature of Africa offering tourists to see desert, golden beaches, mountains, rainforests and even volcanic mountains. The wildlife is scattered throughout the country. The Maroua plain fringed with beautiful Mandara Mountains from which river Benue flows, bamboo forests and small villages here and there is a picturesque view.

Carnival Cruise: Cruise Vacation with the Most Popular Cruises on Earth

2009-07-28T04:10:00.001-07:00

To ensure that the expert will not deceive you, call the cruise line and make comparisons about how it is the actual value for the rate that your cruise line to you. Make sure that the rate already includes taxes and port charges.

Most of the cruisers in the Caribbean often choose to travel a longer one on the island. They want to maximize their stay in place because they will spend another season in the Caribbean they visit. Some day trips in the Caribbean will allow you to take a glimpse of the cultural wealth of the Caribbean. You will also learn about the history and types of people who are in the Caribbean.

For most cruise vacationers, no matter how much cost they will have a cruise vacation. However, for some, it’s really important to save money. So, if you are one of those people, now you know what to do to reduce your expenses.

Lastly, the Caribbean cruises are also best for the family. You can spend the holidays with your child’s school Caribbean cruises. This is a good time where you can bond with the family and sometimes to spend time with them because they enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean islands.

Thailand Experience

2009-07-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

On this programme, there are so many different experiences. You will have the chance to bathe in waterfalls, learn how to meditate and stay in a Buddhist temple, relax on stunning beaches, trek jungles or teach English in schools.

Overview

Location:

Sing Buri province, Thailand

Duration & Price:

from £879 now £791 Full price list

Deposit:

£195 (balance due 12 wks before departure)

Accommodation:

Included

Meals:

Included

Dates:

2009: Starts every Friday

Thailand Experience highlights include:

Two nights in Bangkok Orientation including a Thai language and cooking lesson
Live with monks for one night at their temple Teach children English, go trekking with a local guide or experience Muay Thai
A six-night stay on the beautiful Island of Koh Samet

You can tailor the experience too. In week 3 there is an option to either volunteer on a community project, take a week trekking in the jungle & rainforest of the Phutoei National Park or learn some Muay Thai. You can also tag on extra weeks to your Thailand experience by choosing from a range of extra volunteer options (teaching English, caring for children in an orphanage, or helping hill tribe communities). See itinerary for full details of what you can do.

What’s Included in the Programme

Two-night twin-share stopover in Bangkok with breakfasts and airport pickup
Orientation including a Thai language and cooking lesson
Live with monks for one night at their temple
Teach children English or go trekking with a local guide
Six nights on the beautiful Island of Koh Samet
All food and accommodation through the four weeks plus transfers

What’s Not Included in the Programme

Tourist visa (you will receive a free 30 day visa on arrival, the 60-day tourist visa costs £28 / 32€ / $40)
Travel insurance
Flights
E-mail and telephone calls

New Zealand’s tracks less-travelled

2009-07-27T07:29:00.001-07:00

The Milford Track gets all the press - and consequently has the most expensive license - but there’s plenty of other wondrous ways through New Zealand’s wilderness.
View from the Hollyford Track

View from the Hollyford Track

The Hollyford track takes you through beech forest into the true Deep South of New Zealand and onto the West Coast beaches, remote and wild . It was one of my first tramps I took with my Dad, so it’s special to me. I had new boots and didn’t load my pack correctly so I got blisters all over my feet. But the smell of the beech forests, the untamed West Coast beaches and the amazing clear air of the Deep South - it’s got to be the best in the world - made it all worthwhile.
Walking along the Hollyford Track

Walking along the Hollyford Track

I also loved doing the Able Tasman at the tip of the South Island, which is easier then the Hollyford. There are plenty of good huts, the beaches are wonderful, and the walking isn’t hard. You can also kayak alongside the route of the track as the sea is generally calm all year long.
1500-year-old rimu tree on the Hollyford Track

1500-year-old rimu tree on the Hollyford Track

In New Zealand we call it tramping rather than hiking, and most New Zealanders do it by themselves rather than going on guided tramps. However, on the Hollyford it pays to go guided as it’s a hard tramp and you need to organise getting to it and out again. Or you can do as I did and go with someone who knows about tramping. The Abel Tasman’s a very accessible hike: if you have a reasonable fitness level you’ll be fine.
On the Hollyford track

On the Hollyford track

The best time of the year to go tramping is in late spring and summer - that way you’ll avoid the worst of the rain and mud (some parts of the Hollyford can get bogged down in winter) and you’ll be able to swim the beaches along the Abel Tasman (the West Coast beaches along the Hollyford, however, are pretty wild and woolly even in summer!).

Want some help getting out there? Check out these tours with our recommended partners.