Author Topic: ~ Travel Guide ~  (Read 30959 times)

Offline MysteRy

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #15 on: November 08, 2014, 07:12:47 PM »
Turkey Travel Guide


Cappadocia in Turkey


Turkey is a Eurasian nation. This country is spread across the Anatolian peninsula in the southwestern part of the continent of Asia and the Balkans in the southeastern part of Europe. Turkey shares its boundaries with eight other nations. This includes Bulgaria towards the northwestern side and Georgia towards the northeastern side. The country of Greece is towards the western part, whereas Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Iran are towards the eastern part. The countries like Iraq as well as Syria are set towards the southeastern side of this nation. The Mediterranean Sea lies towards the southern side and the Aegean Sea lies towards the western side. The Black Sea is set towards the northern side of this country.

A visit to the country of Turkey will be exciting for travelers and tourists who visit this country from all across the globe.


Map




Getting In

The modes of transportation available to the tourists for getting to Turkey are plane, train, bus, and boat.

Plane
The national airlines of Turkey, Turkish Airlines, would help you to reach the country from locations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. The foreign airlines which would help in getting to Turkey are Aeroflot, Air France, Air Malta, Austrian Airlines, Blue Air, British Airways, Czech Airlines, Kenya Airways, LOT Polish airlines, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines System, Singapore Airlines, Germanwings, Iran air, Air Arabia, Condor airlines, and Air Berlin. Some of the major international airports located in Turkey are the Ataturk International Airport, the Esenboga International Airport, the Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, the Erkilet International Airport, the Adnan Menderes International Airport, and the Antalya International Airport. The tourists getting to Turkey by air, are likely to land at any one of the airports mentioned. The major international airport of Turkey though, is the Ataturk International airport.

Train
You can also reach Turkey from Europe by train. The journey though, would take a lot of time and could also be uncomfortable. Operating rail networks exist between Hungary and Romania, and Turkey. You can reach Turkey from Budapest in Hungary via the TransBalkan. The same train connects Bucharest in Romania to Turkey, along the way. The journey would take two days. It would also be necessary to bring your own food provisions since no meal facility is provided in the train. From Pythion and Thessaloniki in Greece, you can avail of a train for getting to Istanbul in Turkey. Other countries from where getting to Turkey by train is possible include Bulgaria, Syria, Tabriz, and Iran.

Bus
It is also possible to reach Turkey by bus from Bucharest in Romania. The bus would take you to Istanbul in Turkey. A bus is also available from Sofia in Bulgaria to Turkey. Buses are also available from the countries of Greece, Iran, and Syria, which would take you to Turkey. From Iran, it would take two days to reach Turkey by bus.

Car
Drive to Turkey in your car from Central Europe. It would not be too difficult to enter Turkey by car, provided you have prior permission and all the necessary and relevant documents with you.

Boat
From the islands of Greece ferries are operated which would help in reaching Turkey by water. This would give you a very pleasant view of the country you are planning to spend your holiday in.


Leisure

The tourists in Turkey can try out adventure sports like horseback riding, mountaineering, skiing, etc. You could also indulge in traditional sporting activities like swimming, tennis, football, etc. Turkey is a sports loving nation; a thing which can be understood from the fact that the country has an article, connected to sports, embedded in its constitution. So if you happen to be a sports lover too, then you are likely to find it wonderful in the country.

Nightlife in the country is very much active and would surely contribute to your time of entertainment and leisure in Turkey. The numerous bars, discos, nightclubs, etc., ensure that the tourists have great fun in the country. Istanbul is the place in the country where you are likely to get a wide range of options to choose from. Alcoholic beverages like wine flows freely at the various nightclubs and pubs in Turkey.

Indulging in some shopping in the country. The carpets of Turkey are well known throughout the world and are must-buys while holidaying in the country. You could also try and visit the place where the Turkish carpets are made. Some of the other items which you could purchase include ceramics, leather items, spices, etc. The numerous restaurants in the country offer the tourists the best of the Turkish cuisine.


Places To See

Visit these places while you are holidaying in the country:

Hagia Sophia

The Blue Mosque

Topkapi Palace

The Turkish and Islamic Art Museum

Grand Bazaar

Ephesus

Pamukkale

Olympos and the Fires of Chimaera

Goreme Open-Air Museum

Derinkuyu and Kaymakli (Underground cities)

Troy


Tips

The people of Turkey have a friendly and helpful outlook to the tourists who visit their country. But this friendliness should not be taken for granted at any cost. Cracking jokes against things which they hold dear to themselves should be avoided. One of the things which the people of Turkey have the highest regard for, are symbols of nationalism like the national flag.

Respect the traditions and practices of the Islamic people in the country. Keep in mind the fact that the people of Turkey pray five times in a day. Also, be careful of your body language when you speak to any of the locals in the country. No hands on hips or any rude gestures. Take off your shoes while entering the house of any of the residents of Turkey. The people of the country would excuse the errors that you commit while in the country, owing to the fact that you are a foreigner. However, deliberate errors become very difficult to pardon.

Carry proper documents while traveling within the country. You never know when you could be required to produce them. A good alternative would be to carry a photocopy of the documents, instead of the originals. The police of the country are quite friendly and helpful, if you do not rub them the wrong way by being argumentative and rude.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #16 on: November 08, 2014, 07:20:43 PM »
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Travel Guide


Burj Khalifa, world’s tallest tower ever built, located at Downtown, Burj Dubai.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is located in the Middle East. The UAE shares its borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman. Abu Dhabi is the capital city of UAE. The nation achieved independence from Britain on 2 December, 1971. UAE is a conglomeration of seven emirates namely Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras-al-Khaimah, Dubai, Umm al-Quwain, and Fujairah. Arabic is the official language of United Arab Emirates. English, Hindi, Urdu, and Persian are also widely spoken languages in UAE.

One may visit UAE anytime between the months of November and April. Any other time of the year would be uncomfortable for the visitors because of the intense heat. If you happen to be at UAE during the month of Ramadan, be careful about observing the restrictions imposed during this time of the year. The major airports of UAE are Dubai International Airport, Sharjah International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport. Don’t try to get to UAE by bus or car if you are planning for a long UAE holiday. Visitors entering UAE by land can stay for only 2 days and are required to leave by that time. The best way to travel within the UAE is by car.


Map




Getting In And Around

This country in the Middle East is not very difficult to access, especially with so many modes available to access. Apart from flights other feasible options to get into this country are cars and boat services. The country has no network of rails to access this country. The close and neighboring countries of UAE can have a ready access to this country with the help of cars and boats, but for the distant travelers, flights are the best option.

Airways
The airways are the best way to reach the country. The visitors can fly safely to this country by choosing from a host of airlines available and drop at the international airports scattered throughout the country. You can board the flights to the United Arab Emirates and you will surely land in some of the best airports in the country like, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Ain International Airport, Dubai International Airport, Dubai World Central International Airport, Sharjah International Airport, etc., from most of the countries. You must know that unless you belong to South America, you can avail a number of quality flights like, Air France, Air India, Aeroflot (Moscow), British Airways, Cameroon Airlines, China Airlines, EgyptAir, Gulf Air, Iran Air, Iraqi Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Kenya Airways, Lufthansa, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, etc.
United Arab Emirates boasts of having a good network of flights operating in all the major parts of the country. Its official airlines like Emirates, Air Arabia, Etihad Airways offer good connectivity to all the important cities like, Abu Dhabi – Ajman, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, etc. The fares may not be cheaper, but it provides a comfortable journey across the country. You can count on the service and hospitality of these airlines. The swift and hinderless journey around the country is possible with the help of a large number of domestic airlines available. You will find some impeccable service from all the airports located around the country.

Bus
Reaching here is also possible by availing buses. The bus service between Dubai and Muscat in Oman, operates regularly and transports people between these two countries. Buses also operate daily between Dubai or Abu Dhabi and Oman. They also serve the people of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Owing to the fantastic conditions of the Highways, roads are always accessible and provide a smooth journey for these neighboring countries. The visitors from these countries can always have the privilege of hiring a car and drive in this country. The roads are mostly safe and offers unhindered traveling.
For roaming around the country, the buses are a convenient option. You will find public bus services run by the Dubai Municipality. There are three types of bus passes. Besides, Intercity bus service operates within Dubai. There is also an Inter-emirate travel can be taken from Dubai only.

Boats
Though the scope is far more limited as compared to flights, buses and cars, yet the boats are also a fine way of reaching United Arab Emirates. Boats maintain a link between Sharjah and Bandar-é Abbas in Iran; which takes 12 hours. The tourists can easily ride on to the bigger boats or Dhows, which travel as far as Tanzania and India. Apart from these, there are no notable modes of transportation which can reach you to this country.
United Arab Emirates is also gifted with the boat service operating efficiently in most of the part. The water taxi has grown quite popular. You will be able to ride them at the meeting point of Al Sabkha and Bani Yas Roads on the Deira side of the creek. The boat services, may have a limited destination, but are quite cheap and efficient. It also gives you the chance to discover this country in a different way. If you have enough time you can venture by traveling in these boats.

Taxi
You will be able to get into some Taxis, which are in are plenty and comparatively cheap. Though some of the cream colored taxis are official and metered, most other taxis in Dubai do not have meters and its better to negotiate the fare before you ride them. The taxis are quite a comfortable way of touring across the country. Dubai Transport, Cars Taxi, and Golden Taxi are some of the popular taxi operators in the country.

Cars
The cars are considered a popular mode of transport. Most of the tourists prefer to hire cars and enjoy a smooth ride along the smooth and broad roads of the country. The cars can be hired in some of the renowned places like Europcar, Hertz, Patriot, etc. If you are willing to buy a car, you can assure yourself of getting both new and second-hand cars worthy of your money. A valid international driving license, your national driving license, two photographs, and your passport must be submitted by the car hire company, henceforth they will issue UAE driving license.


Leisure

Entertainment in United Arab Emirates is a surely a bliss in disguise. The country has innumerable elements of entertaining people and is nothing less than a brim-filled excitement. The tourist are sure to spend some fun -filled days as the country displays some great architectures, sights, and many other wonders of the world. The country has amusement parks, beaches, museums, rock pools, creeks, forts, souks (markets), etc., which are worth admiring. When it comes to entertainment, the visitors will be flooded with various options. The hunger to see more and witness some elegant structures will be mostly satisfied once you venture into this country. Jumeirah Beach, H.H. Sheikh Saeed House, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort, Hatta Rock Pools, Wild Wadi Waterpark, Godolphin Gallery, Bastakiya, etc., are the treasure upon which the visitors can count on.

If you visit Abu Dhabi, you will get to see a lot of greenery everywhere. You will also see some lovely fountains, swathes of neon light, and spectacular sculptures. Cultural events in Abu Dhabi are really worth witnessing. Throughout the year, this city hosts a number of events which reflects the culture of the country. A variety of entertainment options are found in the capital city of Dubai. Don’t dare to miss out the Bastakiya District (has many historic buildings),Burj al-Arab hotel(a 5-star deluxe hotel, with a unique shape of a boat’s sail),Gold Souq in Deira (can be described as a startling place to visit, where the streets are filled with open display of gold), Mall of the Emirates (the world’s largest indoor ski slope), The Dubai Mall, etc.

Entertainment is not confined to these two cities only. The emirates of Sharjah also provide some form of leisure as you can spend some best moments by staying at the beach resorts. The Heritage District of Sharjah city is known for the Sharjah Fort Museum and Islamic Museum, where ancient grandeur is still preserved. The people can go for Jet Skiing in the Khalid Lagoon. The lovers of water sports can watch the F1 Boat Races, which takes place on the man-made island in the Buhaira Corniche sometime around December. Jebel Hafeet, the second tallest mountain in the United Arab Emirates (1350 m), gives you the privilege of getting spectacular views during the sunset. If you visit the Camel Souq in the Meyzad area, you will witness that hundreds of camels are brought together to buy and sell. Al Ain Oasis, the biggest oasis in the region has thousands of date palms. You can simply walk along the roads which run through the oasis. Here you can spend a wonderful evening, sipping coffee in the cafes located in the center.

Camel race track at Al Labsa is where a number of camels race. You can be an exciting spectator among others. The sandy Islands of Umm Al Quwain are surrounded by dense mangrove forests. These beautiful islands are separated by a series of creeks. The place provides enough opportunities for water-skiing, wind surfing, kayaking, and jet-skiing. The water parks and aquariums are also worth visiting. Before you visit this country, be prepared to spend a good amount in buying things as the country is famous for shopping. Be there in Dubai to have a unique shopping experience, especially during the annual shopping festival, from mid-January to mid-February.


Places To See

Here are some of the tourist attractions in UAE:

Wild Wadi Water Park, Dubai

Dubai Museum, Dubai

The Emirates Golf Club, Dubai

Arabian Wildlife Center, Sharjah

Al-Hosn Palace, Abu Dhabi

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #17 on: November 08, 2014, 07:24:19 PM »
Vietnam Travel Guide


Cau Hai lagoon (Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam)

Vietnam is a tourist’s paradise as it is a country overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of natural setting. The Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south, and almost the entire coastal strip filled with brilliant green rice paddies attended by women in conical hats, make it a must-visit destination. There are some divine beaches along the coast of the country while the inland is full of soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense, misty forests. Vietnam is a land of opportunity and traditional charm and rare beauty. It is very rapidly opening up to the outside world and attracting more and more tourists.

Tourists planning a visit to this adorable land should make it during the Tet Festival (late January or early February). Though travel (including international travel) becomes very difficult, hotels are full and many services close down for at least a week at this time, it is also possibly the best time to enjoy the fun and frolic of the New Year. Vietnam is increasingly one of the great winter-sun destinations. Vietnam is rich in culture, has some excellent beaches, great cuisine, friendly people, and shopping destinations. Vietnam is witness to the two French colonial cities which are very attractive and interesting and the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Though Vietnam was torn by the terrible war with the USA, it is fast approaching the status of a developed country.

As Vietnam is mainly a Buddhist country, most of the festivals of Vietnam are according to the lunar calendar, which changes every year. The Tet Festival, the most important annual event of the country, is one of the not-to-be missed events. Besides the Perfume Pagoda Festival, Vietnam’s longest festival, a pilgrimage to Huong Pagoda, one of the holiest places in the country is most cherished. In the month of April, there is Thanh Minh [Holiday of the Dead] where people go to the cemeteries and temples to pray for the souls of deceased relatives. During mid-August, Trung Nguyen [Wandering Souls Day] is a custom when people invite the souls of ancestors back to their families.

Though the war relics can be depressing, the Vietnamese have closed that chapter of superpower stupidity and readily accept Americans and French in their country. The best way to visit this country is by flight.


Map




Getting In And Around

Over the years, Vietnam has evolved as one of the eminent tourist destinations of the world and it gets best reflected through the constant influx of tourists in Vietnam from all corners of the world. Transportation in Vietnam is one of the greatest assets of the country and the travelers are allowed to enjoy a hassle free trip in Vietnam. Since Vietnam is well connected by air, rail, and road transport, therefore, the tourists can conveniently get around in Vietnam.

Airways
The most popular option for reaching Vietnam is undoubtedly the airways as a host of international airlines operate regular flights at the three international airports of Vietnam, viz., the Da Nang International Airport, Noi Bai International Airport, and Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Thai Air Asia, Air Dream, Air France, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, China Southern Airlines, EVA Air, Hong Kong Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air Lao Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Pacific Airlines, PMT air, Royal Khmer Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International, Tiger Airways, Uni Air, Uzbekistan Airways, and Vladivostok Avia are some of the premier airlines that operate in the international airports of Vietnam.
The fastest means of transportation for getting around in Vietnam is by opting for domestic flights. The travelers can explore the numerous premier tourist destinations of the country by availing numerous flights provided by the Vietnam Airlines, a full-service airline and Pacific Airlines, a recently-launched low-cost carrier. Vietnam Airlines is the national airline of Vietnam and it operates regular and scheduled flights from the various domestic airports of Vietnam.

Trains
The travelers can also opt for trains for getting to Vietnam and they can find trains from Beijing, in China and reach directly at Hanoi in Vietnam. Traveling by trains is a bit expensive, but undoubtedly it is the most comfortable way for getting around in Vietnam. A 1,723-kilometer major train line runs between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and the Reunification Express runs on this route and halts at all the major destinations in between. The greatest advantage of traveling by train is that you get to see a lot of countryside.

Bus
Long-distance bus services connect most cities in Vietnam and thus buses have gained huge popularity as one favorite choice of transportation in Vietnam among the tourists. Public buses operate between the cities’ bus stations while the open tour buses are run by a multitude of tour companies and these are particularly availed by the visitors in Vietnam, as here the tourists are not only allowed to travel at a huge discount rate, but it also drops the visitors at their desired hotels and often the tourists get down at the doorstep of their hotel.

Car
Another popular choice for getting to Vietnam is to travel by road and Vietnam shares four border crossings with Cambodia, three border crossings with China and six border crossings with Laos. So the travelers can easily arrive in Vietnam by traveling in long distance buses or cars and reach Vietnam by crossing any of these borders.
Since international driving licenses are not accepted in Vietnam, therefore, there are no famous car rental companies in Vietnam, but hiring a car is not at all a problem in Vietnam and the hotels usually make the required arrangements so that their guests can rent a car and travel on their own in Vietnam. Another popular option for transportation in Vietnam is traveling by motorcycle taxi as these are not only highly cheap, but also allows the tourists to get down at most of the places within the city. If you have any fascination for biking, then you can simply hire cyclo or motorbikes and start exploring the innumerable tourist attractions of Vietnam on your own.

Boat
Traveling by boat can be a fantastic experience, so you do not dare to miss out this opportunity in Vietnam while touring.


Leisure

As Vietnam is gradually evolving a paradise for the holiday goers, therefore, there are numerous options for fun in Vietnam. Be it celebrating a festival, hitting the innumerable nightlife destinations, shopping or simply opting for the plethora of adventurous sports, Vietnam never falls short of choice for leisure. One of the most popular choices of entertainment is to hang out in the nightclubs, bars, pubs, and casinos where one gets to catch a glimpse vivacity and cheerfulness of the Vietnamese people. For a rocking nightlife in Vietnam, the visitors are offered with a plethora of choice to visit various bars, pubs, clubs, and karaoke bars, which play both English and Vietnamese music.

Most of the popular nightclubs in Vietnam are in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. Some of the nightclubs even specialize in providing excellent live music as well and some of the bars offer games of pool. Some popular and contemporary nightclubs and bars in Vietnam are Modestos, Apocalypse Now, Wild Horse Saloon, Saigon Saigon, Shark 2000, Cheers, Underground, and Blue Gecko Bar. Nightspots in Vietnam offer a sizzling array of variety and make a constant effort to cater to the requirements of people with varying tastes and preferences. The bars and pubs serve both local and foreign alcohol and charge no entry fee, but in the nightclubs it is customary to pay the entry fees. Vietnam also has a vivacious culture for music, which is another popular source of entertainment while touring in Vietnam. You may also participate in sports and while traditional Chinese shadow boxing or tajiquan, badminton, volley ball, table tennis, and mini-soccer are some of the conventional sports played in Vietnam, but martial arts and soccer are the all time favorite sports of the Vietnamese people. Since the country takes pride in its 2,121 miles of coastline, the various water sports have attained enormous popularity and the exotic beaches of Vung Tau, Vietnam, and Nha Trang, provide the perfect opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. Other popular Vietnamese sports are hiking and horse riding in the spectacular countryside. Vietnam received international acclaim for chess, kungfu, and shooting. Vietnam started to make its first significant mark in the international sporting arena with its first silver medal won at the 2000 Sydney Olympics by Hieu Ngan Tran for martial art tae kwon do. For many of the visitors, shopping is undoubtedly the most fascinating choice of entertainment as their vacation hardly gets complete without taking gifts and souvenirs for their near and dear ones.

The best gift items in Vietnam primarily include articles made of lacquer, especially paintings, wooden screens, reed mats, earthenware, fine embroidered items like wall hangings, draperies, robes, oil paintings, silk paintings, carpets, jewelry, and leather goods are widely available in the innumerable shops with which the streets of Vietnam remains packed. Some of the premier souvenir shops in Vietnam include Thao Nguyen in Ho Chi Minh, Precious Qui in Ho Chi Minh, Nga in Ho Chi Minh, Art Tunnel in Hanoi and Kids and Stone in Hanoi. While shopping in Vietnam, don’t forget to buy the national garment Ao Dai or you can also collect the famous pointed hats of Vietnam.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #18 on: November 15, 2014, 01:16:31 PM »
Egypt Travel Guide


Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Egypt is one of the most magnificent countries in the world which takes pride in its rich history. The magnificent Nile Valley, to the long stretches of deserts to the lush oases, to the fascinating underwater life of the Red Sea, to the exotic Mediterranean beaches, all make Egypt a happening destination. Egypt is the sixteenth most densely populated country in the entire world and the second most populated country in Africa.

The best place to start your trip is Cairo, which is the capital of Egypt and it is completely stuffed with numerous sightseeing attractions like Pyramids, the Sphinxes, the Egyptian Museum, and such others. Egypt is immensely popular for its rich ancient civilization and is the abode of some of the most ancient and important monuments of the world, which comprises of Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza, the southern city of Luxor, Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.

Map



Getting In

Considering the huge size of the country and varied physical features, it is always better to make an initial plan on the destinations you are willing to visit. The varied options available to get into Egypt,depends a lot from which country you are willing to travel. Generally almost all the countries have a direct access to Egypt, yet some have to travel to other countries to reach this historical place. Getting to Egypt,is possible through planes,cars, buses and boats. Leaving aside some inaccessible areas of Egypt, getting to any part of the country does not call for much difficulty.

The most popular option to reach Egypt is to fly down directly at the Cairo airport. Egypt’s national air carrier is Egypt Air and Air Sinai. Most of the international travelers come to Egypt through Cairo. aAvail of the services of some of the world class flights like Egypt Air, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, American Airlines, Fly Emirates, etc. Loads of other airlines connect Egypt with their respective places. Having some efficient International Airports like Cairo International Airport, Luxor International Airport, Aswan International Airport, Hurghada International Airport, the tourist can afford the luxury of dropping at any one of them. A large number of flights from across 70 destinations come in this country.

Other good options of reaching Egypt is to take a car. As gases are cheap, the traveling becomes cheap as compared to the flight fares. When you choose cars as a mode of travel, be sure that you have ample time in hand. Egypt can easily be reached with the help of some luxurious and super fast buses available from the countries like Israel and Jordan. To have a wonderful voyage to Egypt, you should take the boats from Sudan, Jordan, Sinai, and Saudi Arabia. Ferry ticket to Egypt ranges between $50 to $60.

Transport

Egypt is proud to have a multiple choice of transport with in the country. Covering an area of 1,001,449 sq km, the country always required swift transport facilities. Being considered as a important cultural and economic hub of the Middle East, there is always an extra pressure on the transport sector. As a mild tourism policy is formulated from the part of Egyptian Government, it encourages a large number of tourists every year. This important center of politics and social mingling has extensive connectivity of roads, railways, and also airways, to reach you safely to your desired place.

The government owned Egyptian national Railways operates all the trains in Egypt for the domestic purpose. Different types of trains like Express, Speed, Turbine, Nevertiti, Sleeping, and Ordinary are available according to the needs and convenience of the travelers. Trains connect to the cities like, Cairo, Alexandria, Aswani, Asyut, El-Sad-El-Aly, Luxor, etc. Tourists are advised to collect their tickets from numerous counters of the Ramses station in Cairo. It will be better to avail the first class tickets to make your journey comfortable.

Domestic airlines are also available for the people to travel all around the country. Domestic Airlines will take you to closest to your concerned place like Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Alexandria, Hurghada, etc. The flights are comparatively cheap and offer a good range of facilities to the passengers. As it is a big country, most of the visitors prefer to travel in flights, in order to have a quick access to their places of attractions. Taxis are another convenient and safe way to travel. They can be easily hired from any part of the country. To avoid some fake taxi operators, it is advised to hire those taxis that have the official markings on them. If you plan to move around Luxor or Cairo, it will be interesting to explore various things while traveling in a taxi. The drivers often act as a guide. They always remain formally dressed and can even be hired for a whole day.

Leisure

This desert dominated country of Africa, does contain sufficient elements of entertainment and fun for the people. Historically known as the land of the mummies, it helps in stretching the imagination of the foreigners regarding the ancient civilization. Egypt is renowned throughout the world for the Great Pyramid. While upper regions of Egypt shelter some beautiful temples, the western desert provides a distinct beauty to the tourists. Traveling along the Red Sea Coast will offer some exotic beach resorts and marine life.

Moving around the capital city of Cairo will captivate you as you discover some exquisitely built Giza Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum. The oasis town of Siwa is an ideal place if you are looking for a strange desert beauty. Visiting Alexandria will enthrall you with fantastic architectural beauty in the form of Graeco-Roman Museum, Roman Amphitheater, Alexandria, National Museum, etc. You may enjoy diving in the Red Sea coast and Gulf of Aqaba. An unforgettable Voyage on the Nile River will give you a strange sensation.

A visit to the temples dedicated to Pharaoh Ramesses II(Abu Simbel), Lake Naseer of Upper Egypt, and many more attractive destinations can be made for an enlightening experience. This culturally fertile country indulges in all sorts of amusements and activities to keep you rocking. Both the traditional and contemporary music is melodious and will compel you to dance with the tune. Encounter some lavishly celebrated carnivals all over the country. Some religious festivals like mulids and other festivals like shom en nisim, are a must see in your destination priority. It is suggested to visit Cairo Opera House to watch some fine art performance and display of art and nurture your hidden artist within.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #19 on: November 15, 2014, 01:24:03 PM »
Kenya Travel Guide


Amboseli National Park , Kenya

Kenya is situated in the Eastern Africa and it is surrounded by Ethiopia in the north, Somalia in the northeast, Tanzania in the south, Uganda in the west and Sudan in the northwest and Indian Ocean running along the southeast border of this country. Discover the numerous attractions of Kenya, which is the country with a sizzling variety of landscapes and cultures. Kenya offers the perfect retreat for the weary travelers with its plethora of magnificent natural wonders like the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria, Lake Naivasha, and Mt. Kenya– the second highest peak in Africa.

There is no doubt that January and February are the two months in which the weather is perfect for the travelers to get around in the various parts of this beautiful country. The tourists usually fly down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport of Nairobi, which is the center of East African air transport and it enjoys excellent transport links with most of the major cities of Europe and USA.

The perfect place to begin your sightseeing trip in Kenya is the capital city of Nairobi. However, Mombasa, Nakuru, Lamu, Nyeri, Nanyuki, Kisumu, Kericho, Naivasha, Mount Kenya N.P., Lake Naivasha, and Malindi are premier sightseeing destinations in Kenya and without a visit to these places your visit to Kenya remains incomplete. So if you are planning your next trip, then don’t hesitate to make Kenya your next dream destination for a fabulous vacation with your near and dear ones.

Getting In

The different ways of getting to Kenya are listed below:

Plane
The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the Moi International Airport, and the Eldoret International Airport are the three major airports of Kenya. The national airlines of Kenya, Kenyan Airways, operate from locations in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some of the other airlines with flights to Kenya include Air India, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabian Airways, Egypt Air, and South African Airways.

Boat
You may also choose to travel to Kenya by boat from Tanzania. The cruise would reach Kisumu from Mwanza in Tanzania.

Bus and Car
Kenya is well connected with its neighboring countries by road. It is also possible to reach Kenya from countries like Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Somalia by car or bus. The Akamba Bus service plies buses to Kenya. This bus service operates from Arusha in Tanzania to Nairobi, Kenya. It also operates from Kampala in Uganda to the capital city of Kenya. You can hire a car or drive one yourself. In either case, be careful while getting to Kenya by car, from the neighboring countries.

Train
No trains are available for reaching Kenya from its neighboring countries. The railway network in Kenya offers only intra-country traveling. The trains run almost to the entire length and breadth of the country.
You must keep in mind the formalities required for getting to Kenya by air, land or sea, namely visa and passport requirements.

Transport

The different modes of transportation in Kenya are listed below:

Planes
Planes are the fastest means of transportation in Kenya. Nairobi boasts of four airports, namely, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the Wilson Airport, the Eastleigh military airport, and the Kisumu airport. The Wilson airport is one of the busiest airports of Africa. The Moi International Airport, located in Mombasa, is another important airport of Kenya.

Bus
Traveling by bus can be comfortable only if you choose your bus wisely. Bus journeys during the night are avoidable. The Citi Hoppa is one of the recommendable bus services which plies through the most important places in Kenya.

Matatu
You also have the option of matatu, which is a minibus having seating arrangements for about 14 passengers. These buses usually run for short or medium distances. One point of concern for the tourists, who select this mode of transportation in Kenya, is the way the buses are driven. Earlier, the matatu carried more passengers than the number of seats available. Due to strict government action, that practice has been stopped. Now passengers are not supposed to travel in these buses without wearing seat belts.

Train
The Lunatic Express starts from Mombasa and ends its journey at Kampala, Uganda. In between it covers Nairobi.

Cars
Cars in Kenya can be hired on a rental basis. Jeeps or large cars would make the trip highly convenient. Central car hire offers quite comfortable cars on hire.

Leisure

The country is ideal for outdoor activities. You could try out activities like hiking, climbing, horse riding, cycling, golfing, etc. You could also try out water sports like scuba diving, fishing, rafting, snorkeling, etc. Bird watching is also a nice way of spending your time in Kenya, which boasts of over a thousand species of birds.

You may also indulge in shopping. Local items act as good memorabilia for your trip and include items like artifacts, clothes, carvings, and jewelry. You can bargain as much as you like in Kenya.
In fact, bargaining in the shops is a very common occurrence in the country. So, do not hesitate to bargain.

Visit the nightclubs, casinos, or movie theaters in Nairobi are also some entertaining options available for the visitors. Hollywood films as well as Hindi films are shown in the theaters. You could also visit the numerous dance clubs located in Mombasa and in Nairobi. Some of the hotels in Kenya offer live entertainment for the guests including tribal dances.

You could also visit some of the major tourist destinations and attractions located in Kenya. Some of them are listed below:

The Masai Mara National Reserve
Mt. Kenya
Tsavo East National Park
Amboseli National Park
Tsavo West National park
Lamu
Mombasa

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #20 on: November 15, 2014, 01:29:58 PM »
Madagascar Travel Guide


A Landscape from Madagascar, Africa

Madagascar or Republic of Madagascar is an eminent island nation in the Indian Ocean, which is situated at the southeastern coast of Africa. The national language of this country is the Malagasy language.

Madagascar, which is the fourth largest island in the world, is the paradise of nature lovers and as this magnificent island nation is the abode of the five percent of the world’s plant and animal species. Madagascar is comprised of six provinces: Antsiranana, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Antananarivo, Fianarantsoa and Toliara, and Antananarivo or Tana, as it is popularly referred is the capital city of Madagascar and is located in the central highland region of the island.

The best time to visit the spectacular island of Madagascar is during the winter months, when the climate is highly pleasant. Air Madagascar, Air France, and Inter Air have regular flights to Madagascar and traveling by sea can be another option for those travelers who want to experience something different.

Various sightseeing destinations of Madagascar such as Antananarivo, Mahajanga, Morondava, Nosy boraha, Canal des pangalanes, Antsirabe, Toamasina, Perinet, Taolanaro, Isalo, Tulear, and Anakao. These places in Madagascar attract thousands of tourists every year from different corners of the world.

Getting In

Madagascar is a fascinating country, which is secluded and tucked in the east coast of Africa and its capital city is Antananarivo. The increasing popularity of Madagascar to the international travelers as a peaceful refuge has led to the development of transportation options for reaching Madagascar and presently there are few international airlines which operate regular and scheduled flights to and from Madagascar. The air travel not only saves time of the passengers, but also makes it extremely comfortable for those travelers who are planning to pay a visit to Madagascar.

The Air Madagascar, Air France and Inter Air provide regular flights to Madagascar and particularly Air France offers direct flights from Paris to Madagascar. The national airlines of Madagascar and Air Madagascar operate flights from Johannesburg in South Africa and Nairobi in Kenya and InterAir has flights only from Johannesburg. The price of air tickets to Madagascar are also inclusive of airport departure tax. From the year of 2003, the Air Madagascar offers twice weekly service from Bangkok to Antananarivo and Air Madagascar is also providing a weekly service between Nairobi and Antananarivo for the convenience of those thousands of travelers who visit Madagascar to spend a blissful time with their family and friends.

For those travelers who want to try out something different can opt for waterways from Toamasina on the east coast and Mauritius, but traveling by waterways is definitely an unusual option.

Transport

With the highly advanced means of transport, the visitors usually get numerous options for getting around in Madagascar.

The internal flights and the national airlines of Madagascar operate several domestic flights at reasonable price to all the popular destinations of the world and there are also numerous domestic airlines that connect most of the cities and towns of Madagascar. Apart from air travel, traveling by trains is also a good option. There are three rail lines in Madagascar: Antananarivo-Ambatondrazaka via Moramanga; Antananarivo-Antsirabe, and Fianarantsoa-Manakara. The train is not only the fastest way to travel, it also allows the travelers to gaze at the surrounding landscape that will cast a spell on the passerby.

If you want to travel in a very comfortable way, then you can avail the taxi-be. You can also opt for buses, which are frequent in Madagascar. Traveling by boat is the most thrilling choice for those travelers who want to enjoy something unusual and exciting.

Leisure

Madagascar has evolved as one of the popular tourist destinations among the leisure travelers of the world and the visitors are provided with innumerable options for entertainment in Madagascar. Whether someone is interested in hitting the nightclubs, participating in various adventurous sports or relishing a vigorous shopping spree, Madagascar offers it to all its visitors. The tourists usually head for the night clubs to unwind after a long hectic day of getting around in the numerous sightseeing destinations of Madagascar and there are a few discos in Madagascar and some of them have bands while others have solo musicians. Casinos are the most popular options for enjoying a great night out in Madagascar and most of the major towns of Madagascar also have cinemas and theaters that perform in almost all parts of the country. If you want to try out something different, then you can opt for beautiful dance performances by the traditional dance troupes of Madagascar.

For those who are a bit adventurous can enjoy various sports activities as a popular option. Water sports can also be very exciting and river-rafting, scuba-diving, Water-skiing; sailing and diving are the water sports usually tried out by the tourists. Trekking and hiking trips are frequently arranged by the tour operators in different parts of the country and for those who are interested in group sports can try out golf, football, basketball, and volleyball.

Shopping is the most attractive option as there are innumerable items that can be bought during the vigorous shopping trips in Madagascar. Handicrafts, zafimaniny marquetry, silverwork such as mahafaly crosses and vangavanga bracelets, jewelry made from shells and precious stones; items woven from reeds, raffia and straw; antemore paper decorated with dried flowers; and embroidered items are the specialty products that are sold in the various markets of Madagascar.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #21 on: November 15, 2014, 01:34:21 PM »
Mali Travel Guide


Djenne Mud Mosque, Mali

Mali is one of the most charming countries in Africa and it is surrounded by Mauritania, Algeria, Nigerja Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinee Conakry, and Senegal. With its ancient cities along the Niger River and historical remnants of the pre-colonial African civilization makes Mali, the ideal tourist destination for many travelers.

Mali is attaining increasing popularity among the travelers from different corners of the world due to its slow, laid back ambiance, its friendly people and loads of exciting activities that will meet up to the expectations of the visitors with flying colors.

The best time to visit Mali is during the months of November to January, as it becomes very tiring to get around Mali during the hot and humid summer seasons. You can also reach Mali by flying directly to the Bamako Airport. Mali is well connected with most of the important cities of the world.
The beautiful country of Mali offers a blissful retreat to the tourists with its unique mélange of bizarre landscapes, beautiful artwork, spectacular mosques made entirely of mud, pink sandstone villages, and long stretches of undulating deserts. The premier sightseeing destinations of Mali are Gao, Timbuktu, Djenne, Mopti, Segou, Bamako, Dogon Country, Bandiagara, Niono, Kita, Sanga, and Djiguibombo.

Getting In

Being the seventh largest country of Africa, Mali offers various modes of transport to enter the country. Starting from a wide range of flights to trains, and from cars to buses, the visitors can have the privilege of availing any or all of them. This country has been inviting people from various parts of the world, and thus they have made enough provision for them. You may also choose the boat service to reach Mali.

The country has a ready access to some of the best international flights like Air France (Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Bamako), Royal Air Maroc (Morocco to Mali), Point Afrique (from Paris and Marseilles to Bamako, Mopti and Gao), Air Senegal, Air Mauritania, Tunisair, Air Afriqiyah, and many others. There are also world-class airports such as the Senou International Airport, the Gao International Airport, the Mopti Airport, the Kayes Airport, the Timbuktu Airport, etc., where the tourists are expected to drop. The visitors are noted that there’s just one train line between Bamako and Dakar (capital of Senegal), that operates every week. But, it is not a favorable mode of transport.

Europeans can cross the straits of Gibraltar, Morocco, Western Sahara, and Mauritania via car to reach Mali. The tourists can also enter the country crossing Western Sahara along the coastal road. Surfaced roads are found all the way from Europe to Nioro du Sahel. The African visitors can easily get access to Mali by bus. The visitors from cities like Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire, Lomé in Togo, Dakar in Senegal, and Accra in Ghana, can have a convenient journey. Even most of the European countries can use a number of public transport like buses and bush taxis from Europe to Mali. Boats are a cheap mode of transport. Mali has the Senegal River and the Niger river that are navigatable for almost all the time of the year. Apart from some caution given to the travelers during the winter months, the boat service from Senegal and Nigeria is quite good.

Transport

The visitors get an easy access to their favored destination with the help of the different modes of transport. The buses, taxi brousses, cars, planes, boats, and many other local transport facilities are really efficient. Domestic flights are the most widely-used transport to move around the country.

The domestic flights have a regular connection with the cities like Mopti, Timbuktu, Kayes, Yelimané, Gao, Kidal, Sadiola, and others. Among all, the Domestic Airlines Société Transport Aerienne (STA) and Société Avion Express (SAE) are the two most popular, and efficient carriers which the tourists can opt for. Traveling by air in Mali is swift, but offers an expensive ride as compared to any other transport. It is more or less acceptable to travel around Mali by boat, however, the service might get interrupted during the rainy season. When the big boats are not available, the visitors can have a ride in a pinasse (large motored boats). Navigation is possible all the way from near Bamako to Gao.

The country has a good range of bus services. The main cities like Bamako, San, Segou, Mopti, and Gao are connected via bus. The bus service is truly outstanding, and it is better to make the reservation several days before the tourist season. You may also rent a car. The roads are mostly in good condition. One leads into the Northern cities like Bamako, Kayes, Segou, San, Mopti, Gao, etc., while another goes from Bamako to Sikasso and on into Ivory Coast. Another slow, yet effective transport facility in Mali is the “Taxi – Brousse”, the bush taxis. They are the main link between the towns, which are not well connected via bus. Mali has some typical native vehicles, which may not be very comfortable, but serves the purpose.

Leisure

The scenic beauty, desert landscapes, ancient architectures, festivals, events, etc., provide a large number of options to utilize your vacation in full vivacity. The country, although has the drawback of being mostly covered by deserts, also has some fine tourist destinations, that appeal a lot to us. Bamako, the capital city of Mali, is notable for being home to various interesting places such as the Bamako Grand Mosque, the Muso Kunda Museum, the Bamako Regional Museum, the Bamako Zoo, the Bamako Botanical Gardens, and the Point G hill, containing caves with rock paintings. Its a learning trip for the tourists, as they get to know about Malinese art, whose collections are kept in the Mali National Museum.

There are some artistically rich cities like Djenne. The city’s potential cannot be judged from its small size. This scarcely populated city has some great attractions that includes the Tomb of Tupama Djenepo, the remains of Jenné-Jeno, a major city from the 3rd century BC until the 13th century. The city is also notable as it becomes an island when the rivers rise at the end of the rainy season. The tourists can also see some best pottery works once they visit the city of Segou. Mopti is another popular tourist destination, as it has an active river port, a mosque, and small fishing villages. Attractions in Mopti include Mopti Grand Mosque and the nearby Pays Dogon.

Visit the country during the Desert Festival. The festival offers a nonstop gala of music and dance, along with a camel race. Kayes, the city of western Mali, is home to some of the best tourist spots of the world. Fort du Médine, the falls of Félou (4 km), the falls of Goulina, the Manantali Dam, Lake Magui, and Lake Doro, etc., are sure to give you a thrilling experience. The travelers to this country can look forward to have an activity-filled holiday with rock climbing generally done in the town of Sibi. The country also has a wide range of National Parks, Marine Park, etc.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #22 on: November 15, 2014, 01:40:21 PM »
Mauritius Travel Guide


Landscape from the Exotic tropical island of Mauritius

Mauritius is one of the most premier tourist destinations in the whole world. It is popularly referred to as a tropical paradise and it is the most accessible island in the Indian Ocean. As soon as you step inside the fascinating country of Mauritius, you are bound to remember the famous comments of Mark Twain in which he says that God created Mauritius and then Heaven. Mauritius is comprised of two islands and the bigger one is known as Mauritius. The capital city of Port Louis is situated here. The other island is Rodrigues which is located at a distance of 500 km from the bigger island.

Travelers from all over the world are keen on making Mauritius their next dream destination and want to spend some idyllic time with their friends and family.

Mauritius offers loads of exciting activities to entertain the visitors and the months from December to March will be perfectly suitable to enjoy the numerous outdoor activities and explore the numerous attractions of Mauritius. Though there is the option of arriving in Mauritius by cruise ships, but the most popular option is to fly down directly to Mauritius.

The premier tourist destinations of Mauritius are Rose-Hill, Rodrigues, Curepipe, Grand Baie, Port Louis, Mont Choisi, Black river gorges national park, Flacq, Mahebourg, Chamarel, Casela, and Riviere du rempart.

Getting In

You may reach Mauritius via different transportation options:

Plane
The country of Mauritius has only two airports namely, the Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport and the Rodrigues Island Airport. The Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is located at a distance of 26 miles from the capital city of Mauritius, Port Louis. The national airlines of the country, Air Maldives, operates flights to Mauritius from international destinations in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It also operates flights from Australia to Mauritius. The major foreign airlines operating flights to Mauritius are Austrian Airlines, Air France, Air Europe, British Airways, Condor, South African Airways, Emirates, and Air India. Virgin Atlantic operates flights to Mauritius from the city of London.

Boat
A less preferred way to reach Mauritius is by boat. The ships, Mauritius Pride, and the Mauritius Trochetia, sail to the islands of Reunion and Rodriguez. The ships also sail to Madagascar.
The tourists, upon their arrival to Mauritius, have to provide the immigration officials the full details of the place where they are supposed to accommodate themselves in the country. Otherwise, instead of getting to Mauritius, you stand the risk of being packed back to the country you have come from. Further, if you are coming from a region which is highly affected by the disease malaria, you may be required to submit blood samples to the authorities.

Transport

There are several options to travel around Mauritius:

Planes
You may use the services of the Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport and the Rodrigues Island Airport to get around the country. It will take you about a one-and-a-half hour to reach from one airport to another by national airlines, Air Maldives.

Bus
Another mode of travel in Mauritius is the bus. The bus services located in Mauritius are the National Transport Corporation, the Mauritius Bus Transport, and the United Bus Service. The roads in the country being well maintained, getting around the country by bus should not, ordinarily, pose any sort of discomfort.

Cars
Cars are good options of transportation in Mauritius. A highway exists from the north of the country to the south. You could get a car for yourself on a rental basis. The prices of the cars vary, depending on the model required and the car rental company you choose. The cars are driven on the left side of the road. You need to be at least 23 years of age to be able to drive in Mauritius. Do not forget to wear your seatbelt while driving. Also, remember to bring your driving licence to the country.

Boat
The ferries operated by the company Coraline provide services from Port Louis Harbour to the Rodriguez Island and also to the Reunion Island. The company owns two ships, namely the Mauritius Pride and the Mauritius Trochetia. You could also travel to Madagascar by these ships. But, the ships sail on a weekly basis.

Taxis
Taxis are another mode of travel in Mauritius. The metered taxis would take you to your destination, including the hotel you could be staying in. You may, if you feel like, pay an additional tip to the taxi driver.

Leisure

Mauritius being the land of fantastic beaches, offres several water sports like diving, sailing, surfing, snorkeling, etc. Those who are not into water sports of any kind, do not have to worry. They can try out other adventure sports like horse-riding, trekking, golfing, biking, etc. In fact, you could travel to almost any part of the country by cycling and even race with others.

Those who do not want try out sporting activities may visit the numerous bars, restaurants, discos, and nightclubs located in the country. If you do not want to ride horses, then how about just watching racing horse-riders? Yes, horse races are held during the winter months in Mauritius, between May to December. Champ de Mars, Port Louis, is the place in Mauritius where these horse races are held.

The tourists can go on cruising trips or travel by air in helicopters. The cruise boats usually provide services and facilities like lunch, music on board, etc. Diving, swimming, or simply sunbathing are some of the activities that you could try out while on a cruise trip. Grand Bay and Caudan Waterfront are the two places where the cruise trips are offered. The helicopters, on the other hand, provide some of the best visuals that a tourist could expect to see in Mauritius.

The hotels in Mauritius also provide ample facilities for your entertainment and leisure in Mauritius. The facilities include golf courses, restaurants, bars, discos, football grounds, tennis courts, etc. The hotels would also arrange for excursions of the visitors. A large number of the hotels have arrangements with the company MTTB-Mautourco, which arranges adventure sporting activities of the guests. Some of the adventure sports that the company facilitates are kayaking, hiking, safaris, and mountain biking.

You could also pay a visit to some of the famous tourist destinations in Mauritius. Some of them are listed below:

  The Grand Bay
  Port Louis
  The Chamarel
  The Black River George Park
  The Pamplemonsses Garden
  The Ile Aux Cerfs

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #23 on: November 15, 2014, 01:45:55 PM »
Morocco Travel Guide


Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco, Africa

Morocco is the most strict and disciplinarian country of North Africa. Hounded by foreign invasion, Morocco has incurred the taste of multi-faceted community. Though primarily consists of Jews, Morocco has also sheltered many other ethnic groups like Christians, Islams, Pagans, etc. Maintaining the Constitutional Monarchy, this country is the 5th largest economic power of Africa. With a population of more than 40 million, this country is full of wildlife activities. The tourists can go for trailing, mountain biking, skiing, windsurfing, bird watching, etc. The people of Morocco are lovers of nature, so the spirit of adventure is inherent over there. Having its capital in Rabat, the country recognizes Arabic as its official language.

Morocco is blessed with a Mediterranean climate with mild winters, but relatively hotter summers. This country is rich in terms of bird reserves, with around 487 species of birds found all around the country. Besides its excellence in handicraft products like carpets, it has also achieved much of its fame by producing some exquisite products of ceramics. The visitors can buy them from the shops located in the sophisticated markets. The country has one of the largest phosphate mining industry of the world. The tourism industry is counted as a large source of revenue for the Government. The visitors’ search for quality and authentic dishes ends here. The spicy foods and marvelous sights account for the large number tourists every year.

While planning to visit Morocco, make yourself prepared for some terrific adventures along with some tempting and intoxicating places to relax. The best time to visit Morocco is the early summer months, when the days are warm and nights are mild, with a rare chance of rainfall. There are a large number of hotels, self-catering Guest Houses, and camping sites available in Morocco, which assure you of a cozy time. All the major hotels are located near the airport, for the convenience of the tourists. Almost around 70 international airports are scattered in the different cities of Morocco with Al Massira and Sale Airport being the important ones. They welcome flights from all over the world with a strict vigilance kept on Visas and other individual details.

Within the country, the railways are extensively used, which also connect Algeria and Tunisia. Some good highways are there, which can be accessed by sports car and other local transport.

Getting

Morocco is a magnificent country in North Africa, which takes immense pride in its long stretch of beautiful coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. It also shares border with Western Sahara in the south, Algeria in the east, and the Spanish North African territories of Ceuta and Melilla on the Mediterranean coast in the north. The growing popularity of Morocco to the international travelers as a premier holiday destination has led to the development of numerous transportation options for reaching Morocco and presently there are few international airlines which operate regular and scheduled flights to and from Morocco. The most popular as well as the most convenient way of reaching Morocco is definitely by opting for air travel. It is not only the fastest mode of transportation, but also makes it extremely comfortable for those travelers who are planning to pay a visit to Morocco as it saves a considerable amount of their time and they can easily spend this time in exploring the numerous attractions of the country.

The travelers usually get flights from New York, Montreal, and various other European cities to Casablanca and along with regular flights, the visitors can also avail seasonal charter flights to Agadir. Easyjet is an airline, which provides flights at budget cost from London to Marrakech and Fes and reputed international airlines like British Airways also provides regular flights to Morocco. Because of the agreement signed between the Moroccan government and Ryanair, this airline also offers scheduled flights from Barcelona and London. Atlas Blue, another budget airline which forms a vital part of the Royal Air Maroc, also provides flights to Morocco. Jet 4 You, another new low cost carrier, offers extremely cheap tickets from both France and Belgium.

Another popular option for reaching Morocco is by traveling in car and the best road link is from southern Spain or France. It is chosen by the travelers who have a preference for the car. If someone is interested in traveling to Morocco by rail, then he or she can catch trains from London Victoria to Gare du Nord in Paris, and then Gare d’Austerlitz to Algerciras, and then avail ferries to reach Morocco. Tangier, Casablanca, and Ceuta are the premier ports of Morocco and many ferries connect to Morocco, mainly from Spain. Ferries from France also go to Tangier predominantly from the port of Sète near Montpellier and Port Vendres near Perpignan.

Transport

For getting around Morocco, the most preferred choice of transportation is the train, and if you travel by trains you will get familiar with the sociable and friendly aspect of the Moroccan people. When you meet the native Moroccans in train, they will be pleased to offer you with loads of advices that will be of immense help to you on your tour in Morocco. The Moroccans are very hospitable by nature, so don’t get surprised if you get invited to some of your co-passenger’s home.

The major cities of Morocco like Marrakech, Meknes, Fez, Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, and such others are all connected by reliable rail links and normally there are numerous trains every day to and from every major town and if you want to travel at night, then there is also a night train between Marrakech and Tangier.

Like other countries of the world, domestic flights are not a very popular here. However, Royal Air Maroc, which is the national airline of Morocco, provides superb, but a bit expensive network to most of the major cities in Morocco. Buses are another popular option of traveling in Morocco. Almost every major city in Morocco has a central bus-station where the tourists can purchase tickets to travel from region to region. The travelers also have the option to choose the luxury buses, which are equipped with air-conditioners and televisions. The tourists can also avail local buses for getting around in Morocco and by traveling in these buses the visitors get loads of scope to catch a glance of the beautiful countryside and rustic villages of Morocco. The route from Rissani, Erfoud, and Er Rachidia to Meknes and Fez are a somewhat long and run through the Middle and High Atlas, but is particularly charming. Luxury buses which are operated by CTM are not only inexpensive, but also offer a far better traveling experience than local buses.

The travelers can also opt for traveling by taxi as taxis are pretty popular in Morocco and there are two sorts of taxis in Morocco: petite taxi – which are used only within the town and the grande taxi are exclusively used only for trips between towns. The cost of traveling in petite taxis is moderately reasonable and these taxis are metered ones. The grande taxi is basically shared long-distance taxi, which has got a fixed rate for definite route and the driver usually stops and picks up passengers like a bus. The grande taxis are usually available near the main bus stops and the charges can be negotiated before the journey starts. While sharing a grand taxi with others, always keep it in mind that the drivers can cheat you by charging you higher than other local passengers, so definitely be cautious before paying your share. As the main road network in Morocco is in a perfectly sound condition and the main cities are connected by toll expressways, you may also choose to travel via car. If you want your own conveyance, then you can simply hire a car in Morocco and most worldwide rental networks have their offices in Morocco and there are also numerous local rental companies.

Entertainment

The Agadir, Casablanca, Fès, Marrakech, and Rabat are the premier clubs in Morocco, which arrange pony treks in the Middle Atlas every year. The exotic beaches of Morocco not only offer safe swimming, but are also renowned for providing scope to enjoy a dazzling array of water sports and diving, whitewater rafting, and deep sea fishing are some of the popular water sports that are tried out by the thousands of visitors every year. If the visitors are keen on enjoying various natural and cultural sights of Morocco, then they can simply opt for are 4-wheel-drive trips, but the best way to gaze at the beautiful natural wonders of Morocco is by walking.

The visitors will come across several beautiful local handicrafts items at fixed prices in the co-operative shops of Moroccan craftspeople, which are operated by the state. Other shopping items include leather, tanned and dyed in Fès; Copperware; silver; silk or cotton garments; and wool rugs, carpets and blankets; but it is important to bargain. In the south, the travelers will find Berber carpet auctions and particularly in the Marrakech, Taroudannt, and Tiznit; but it is best for the visitors to be assisted by guides if they are keen on making good buys.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #24 on: November 15, 2014, 01:50:42 PM »
South Africa Travel Guide


A Natural Landscape from South Africa

South Africa tours offer an enigmatic experience. This country is situated at the southernmost edge of the African continent and in its north there is Botswana and Zimbabwe, it is bounded on the northeast by Mozambique and Swaziland, while Namibia is there in the northwest. The Indian Ocean washes its shore on the eastern side, on the southern part there is the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, and the Atlantic Ocean is there on the western side.

Here, you will find a variety of land forms like desert dunes, Savannah, subtropical forests, and white-sandy coast. You can indulge in exploring wildlife, which is considered the best in Africa. The place is full of penguins and elephants as well as 1000 bird species, while Western Cape has the richest floral kingdoms in the world.

South Africa travel cannot be complete without going to Cape Town, where you will find the Table Mountain. This is an integral part of the nature reserve and here you will find wooden paths which allow you to roam without causing any harm to unique plant life. Here Dassies (rock Hyrax), which resemble giant guinea pigs, are found lazing on the rocks in the sun. The Cape Town has a laid back attitude of the city.

Map



Getting In

Reaching South Africa is always convenient for the visitors as there are plenty of options of getting into this country. This southern part of the continent is vast in size, and thus provides a lot of opportunities to the tourists. Major modes of transportation to this country are flights, cars, and boats. Those willing to reach this country will be most benefited if they board various flights available.

You can avail some of the international flights like 1Time (Durban, East London, Johannesburg), Air Botswana (Gaborone, Maun), Air Mauritius (Mauritius), Air Namibia, British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam), LTU International (Düsseldorf, Munich), Lufthansa (Frankfurt), Malaysia Airlines (Buenos Aires-Ezeiza, Kuala Lumpur), Nationwide Airlines (Durban, Johannesburg, Kruger-Mpumalanga Int’l, Port Elizabeth), Qatar Airways (Doha), Singapore Airlines, South African Airways (Durban, Frankfurt, Johannesburg, London-Heathrow), South African Airlink (George, Kimberley, Nelspruit, Upington), South African Express (Bloemfontein, East London, Gaborone, Maputo, Port Elizabeth, Walvis Bay, Windhoek-Hosea Kutako), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul-Atatürk), connecting the international airports of the country. These flights are quite efficient and affordable.

Some other major flights which operate from the country’s largest international airport called the O.R. Tambo International Airport. The tourists who are availing the flights like Air Comores International (Moroni), Air France, Air Madagascar, Cameroon Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Ghana International Airlines, Iberia (Madrid) TAAG Angola Airlines (Luanda) TAP Portugal (Lisbon) Thai Airways International, etc., will safely reach to this famous airport of Johannesburg.
Use car service from the neighboring and other African countries to reach here. South Africa has a number of land border posts maintaining a constant connection with the neighboring countries. The visitors can use some of the frequently used border posts like, Botswana border (Skilpadshek,Maseru Bridge), Lesotho border, Mozambique border (Lebombo), Namibia border (Nakop and Vioolsdrift), Swaziland border (Oshoek), Zimbabwe border (Beit Bridge), etc. Those having an adventurous bent of mind can blindly opt for traveling into this country with the help of cruise ships. The country offers some fabulous large cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises, which takes the visitors to Cape Town. There are some other options left by availing RMS St Helena. This passenger/cargo ship is the last and unique working Royal Mail Ship, which stops in Cape Town before it moves on to St Helena. The cruises traveling to this country may be a bit expensive, but they are an ideal way to reach this beautiful country.

Transport

This vast country has gathered much admiration for having an excellent system of transportation within the country. A whole range of domestic airlines serves a good number of domestic airports of the country. Airlines like, 1Time (Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg), South African Airways (Cape Town, Johannesburg) South African Airlink (Port Elizabeth), South African Express (Johannesburg, Durban), Comair (Johannesburg), Kulula (Johannesburg), Nationwide Airlines (Johannesburg), are efficient in transporting people to their preferred destinations. All these flights are well maintained and offers frequent arrivals to these major cities. The tourists can look forward to a comfortable journey once they ride into a car. The country has generally left open three options for the travelers. The tourists can either hire a car, buy them, or buy a car with a guarantee that the rental company will buy back your car at the end of the contract. There are many highways connecting the cities and larger centers like the N1 (running from Cape Town through Johannesburg and Pretoria up to Harare, Zimbabwe), the N2 (running from Cape Town to Durban), and the N3 (between Durban and Johannesburg) smooth, which gifts you a great driving experience within the country.

The scheduled bus services ply between Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and other cities (with stops in between), as well as provide connection to the neighboring countries. The main bus companies which the tourists must get in touch are: Greyhound, Intercape Mainliner, Translux, SA Roadlink, City Bug, and Lowveld Link. Baz Bus and minibus taxis which offer a good service and connects the cities like, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, etc. The trains are another way of getting around South Africa. Spoornet is the national rail operator, which provides both Budget passenger services and Premier Class service to all the passengers. While the Budget passenger services connect with the major South African cities (known as Shosholoza Meyl), the Premier Class service operates between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Apart from the national rail operators, there are other commuter trains found in the larger cities of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and East London. These trains run by MetroRail and can be considered quite swift and safe. There are some mid-range trains like Bushveld Train Safaris, Shongololo Express, etc. The tourists can take a ride on Splurge trains like Blue Train, Rovos Rail, etc.

The travelers can also rent Motorhomes, which gives you the liberty to move around as well as a place to stay wherever you are. This is very useful if you undertake Safaris. With such a countless options opened before the travelers, they will be happy to move to any part of the country, with a least effort.

Leisure

South Africa provides an impeccable blend of exclusive sights, varied landscapes, and other basket full of entertainment options for the tourists to live every moment with grace and fun. The country with its diverse culture, varied scope of activities, makes it an exciting place to be. While you are in this country, gear yourself to have some inexplicable surprises ready to tickle your senses. This place renowned for its wines and gold, will intoxicate you with its natural beauty. Starting from Heritage Sites, to diverse flora and fauna, from mountains to coastlines, the country has not missed to include some of the best tourist spots under its fame. The country is divided into various cities like Durban, East London, George, Johannesburg, Kimberley (known for its diamonds), Nelspruit, Pietermaritzburg Polokwane, Port Elizabeth, and Upington, which has a great potential to become great tourist destinations.

Some of the well sought after destinations for the tourists are: The Augrabies Falls, The Blyde River Canyon (third largest Canyon in the world), The Tugela Falls (second highest waterfall in the world, located in the Drakensberg), The Garden Route, The Whale Coast along the Overberg Coast from Hermanus past Gansbaai to De Hoop Nature Reserve, The Drakensberg mountain range, etc. These natural wonders will make you marvel at them. The tourists willing to sharpen their hiking skills must go ahead in the Drakensberg mountain range. You may choose to try out some of the fascinating water activities like swimming and scuba diving in the places like Durban and Port Elizabeth. If you want to go surfing, come to Jeffreys Bay. The country with a coastline of 2,798 km, is home to a number of good beaches.

South Africa will not let the lovers of architecture to go back empty hearted. Some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites are also located in South Africa. Some places like The Cradle of Humankind (a large collection of caves rich in hominid and advanced ape fossils), Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned), The Cape Floral Region in the Overberg, Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park, Mapungubwe Kingdom, Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park (rich in biodiversity and rock art), Vredefort Dome (contains the remnants of the largest and oldest meteorite impact crater) are the places which cannot be missed out. Some of the must-visit destinations of the country include the Cape Town (famous landmarks Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope are located here), The famous Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek, The semi-desert Karoo, and the famous ostrich farms near Oudtshoorn. It is a gross loss to miss out visiting the Big Hole in the diamond city of Kimberley. This country of the African continent often indulges in some kind of events and festivals occurring for almost throughout the year.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #25 on: November 15, 2014, 01:56:22 PM »
Seychelles Islands – Travel Guide


Landscape from the tropical paradise called Seychelles Islands

The Seychelles is a group of about 115 islands which lie 1600 km off the coast of East Africa.
These islands fall into two distinct groups. Inner Islands of Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, and Anonyme, fall within the relatively shallow Seychelles plateau, four degrees South of the Equator. The Outer Islands are further divided into five groups: The Amirantes Group lies 230 km distant from Mahe, The Southern Coral Group, Alphonse Group, Farquhar Group, and the Aldabra Group. It is a beautiful tourist destination.

Seychelles enjoys a tropical climate all through the year. When the North West trade winds blow between the months of October and March, the sea is generally calm and the weather is warm and humid.

The Seychelles is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean and Mahé is the principal island consisting of an area of 142 sq km along with the islands of Praslin, La Digue, and Silhouette. Mahe is situated about 1,600 km off the east coast of Africa. It would be a delight for the tourists to know that the Seychelles Islands are the highest point of the Mascarene Ridge, which is an Indian Ocean ridge running in a generally north-south direction. Rugged crests, towering cliffs, boulders, and domes contribute to its great natural elegance. In between the rock relief are pockets of laterite soil of a very thin nature, which can be easily eroded.

Mahé is full of white sandy beaches filled with corals and shells known locally as plateaus though they rarely achieve a height of more than 10 ft above sea level. The coralline Seychelles is on the other hand low-lying, rising only a few feet above the surface of the sea. Seychelles is a land of fine beaches, turquoise seas, and warm weather, which attracts visitors to a great level. Seychelles is also a place rich in rare plants which flourish nowhere else on the planet. There are around 81 species of rare plants that belong to the tropical forests. Among these the coco-de-mer (sea coconut), native to Praslin, which grow in the Vallée de Mai is worth watching.

The Seychelles, besides being a natural beauty is a major attraction for birdwatchers. Mainly terns nest on these islands and the fairy tern is the best. As more island sanctuaries and nature reserves were set up, much has been done to make the Seychelles a paradise for birds and for those tourists who would love to watch them.

Getting In

Seychelles is an enchanting tourist destination often visited by tourists. The only option for most tourists, trying to reach Seychelles is by air.

The national airlines of Seychelles, Air Seychelles, founded in the year 1977, operates flights from international locations in Asia, Africa, and Europe. The same airlines would help you in getting around the Seychelles. The African locations from where Air Seychelles operates are Johannesburg and Port Louis. The Asian destinations of the national airlines of Seychelles include Male and Singapore. The European locations, from where reaching the Seychelles is possible, are Frankfurt, London, Paris, and Rome.

The tourists arriving in the Seychelles, by the national airlines of the country or by any other airlines, are likely to land at the Seychelles International Airport, which is located in the island of Mahe. Other airports of the Seychelles include the Praslin island airport, the Bird Island Airport, the Desroches Airport, and the Fregate Island Airport. The national airlines of Seychelles operate flights to all the mentioned airports in the Seychelles.

The frequent flyer program of the national airlines of the country is the Seychelles Plus. You need to be at least 12 years of age to be eligible for the Seychelles Plus program. Those who want to holiday in the Seychelles, quite regularly; it is advisable to become a member of this program. The foreign airlines, which you could avail of, for reaching Seychelles are listed below:

Air Austral
Air Mauritius
Condor Airlines
Emirates
Kenya Airways
Qatar Airways

Transport

The different modes of getting around in Seychelles are listed below:

Planes
The national airlines of Seychelles, Air Seychelles makes getting around in Seychelles as smooth and comfortable as possible. The national airlines of Seychelles connect most parts of the country by air. Some of the domestic destinations of Air Seychelles include Mahe, Bird, Denis, Fregate, Desroches, and Alphonse.

Helicopters
The company Helicopters Seychelles would take care of your needs of traveling in Seychelles. The company operates flights to the islands of Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, etc. The helicopter rides would no doubt provide you with the best view of Seychelles from the air.

Cars
Cars are also a good option to travel in Seychelles. Mahe and Praslin are the two places in Seychelles where you can obtain a car on rental basis. The rent for hiring a car for a single day is not too much. During the peak season, you would find it difficult to hire a car. You need to be at least 21 years of age, to be able to rent a car in Seychelles. Taxis are also available in large numbers in the country. Again, Mahe and Praslin are the areas in Seychelles where the taxis are available. Remember that vehicles are driven on the left side of the street in Seychelles.

Boat
Ferries connect the islands of Praslin and Mahe in Seychelles. The journey would not take more than an hour. Schooners are also available which connect the islands of Praslin and La Digue. Ferries can also be availed of to get to La Digue from Mahe. This particular journey would take you about three hours. The Windward Islands is a very popular yacht charter company which, apart from the Seychelles, operate in other countries like the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, etc.

Bus
The SPTC (Seychelles Public Transport Corporation) connects the islands of Praslin and Mahe by bus. The buses are available at regular intervals of 15 minutes and ply from morning till evening.
Out of the modes of getting around in Seychelles mentioned, the planes are the fastest and the most convenient. Driving a car would give you the independence of deciding where to go and when to stop. If you travel by bus, you are likely to see many places in Seychelles, where you might feel like breaking your journey and spending a few quiet minutes. This is possible only if you travel by car. You can stop at a place you like and then continue your journey. The helicopters and the boat rides would show you the best of the country of Seychelles.

Leisure

The numerous beaches in Seychelles make the land a tourist’s paradise. The island of Mahe itself boasts of about 70 beaches. The amazing diversity of plant life in Seychelles would also prove very interesting for the tourists to study. The coco de mer palm trees with its 18 kg fruits amaze many visitors of Seychelles.

You could also try out water sports like water skiing, sailing, fishing, scuba-diving, etc. The island of Desroches in Seychelles is perfect for the activities mentioned. The best time of the year for snorkeling in the Seychelles is during the months of April, May, October, and November. The underwater life in Seychelles is amazing to behold. The St. Anne National Marine Park is one place in the Seychelles where you can try out snorkeling. Do not forget to take some photos while you are underwater in Seychelles. Visit the country during the time of the SUBIOS underwater festival, which lasts for a period of three weeks. Over 100 species of corals and more than 900 species of fish attract marine professionals from all parts of the world.

Dining in the Seychelles is as good an experience as in any other part of the world. The international restaurants present in the Seychelles have on their menu, most cuisines of the world, including traditional Seychelles cuisine. The food and drinks of Seychelles would prove very enjoyable for you. The active nightlife of Seychelles makes you get the most out of your tour to the Seychelles. The hotels in Seychelles would take care of your evening entertainment with music and dances. The Beau Vallon Bay Hotel and the Plantation Club are the two places in Seychelles, which offer casinos for their guests. Shopping is also a way of passing your time of entertainment and leisure in Seychelles. You can purchase handicraft items from the many of the stores located in the country, selling the same. The handicrafts, which you can buy include articles of textile, wood, jewelry, pottery, etc. The major shops in Seychelles accept credit cards as mode of payment. The tea is a popular beverage in the country and can also be purchased from the shops in Seychelles.

The tourists in Seychelles can also visit the following places of interest:

Victoria
Seychelles Natural History Museum
National Museum of History
National Botanical Gardens
St. Anne Marine National Park
Vallee de Mai
Black Pearl ltd
Beau Vallon Bay
George Camille Gallery

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #26 on: November 15, 2014, 02:03:36 PM »
Tanzania Travel Guide


Lake Malawi in Africa

Tanzania is located in the eastern region of Africa. It shares its borders with Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Congo, Burundi, Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi. The Indian Ocean also borders the country. Dodoma is the capital city of Tanzania, and Dar Es Salaam is the commercial capital of the country.

The country achieved its independence from Britain on December 9th, 1961. The official languages of Tanzania are Swahili and English. Arabic is also spoken widely in Tanzania. Tanzania is divided into 26 regions or “mkoa” like Arusha, Dodoma, Dar Es Salaam, Kigoma, etc.

The best time to visit the country is between May to July, or you could also go between the months November to March. Try and avoid going to Tanzania during the rainy season, which begins from April and lasts for a month.

Some of the tourist attractions in Tanzania are:

National Museum, Dar es Salaam
Serengeti National Park
Mikumi National Park
Selous Game Reserve
Gombe National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
Mount Kilimanjaro

Getting In

Tanzania can be accessed not only with the help of flights but, trains, buses, etc., are available to the outsiders with the help of which the people can connect with this country.

The country with its two international airports of Julius Nyerere International Airport and Kilimanjaro International Airport, is responsible for maintaining relations with a lot of other countries on the globe. The international airlines which frequently brings the foreigners from the distant countries are: Air Comores International (Moroni), Air India (Mumbai), Air Malawi (Blantyre, Lilongwe), Air Tanzania (Moroni, Entebbe/Kampala, Johannesburg, Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Mtwara, Zanzibar), Air Zimbabwe, British Airways, Comores Air Services (Moroni), Coastal aviation (Nairobi (private charter) Addis Ababa (private charter)), Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (Maputo, Pemba), Precision Air (Bukoba, Kigoma, Kilimanjaro, Mombasa, Musoma, Mwanza, Nairobi, Shinyanga, Tabora, Zanzibar), Qatar Airways (Doha), Safari Air Cargo,Yemenia (Sana’a), Zambian Airways, Air Kenya (Nairobi), Swiss
International Air Lines (Zürich), Gulf Air, (Abu Dhabi, Muscat), etc.

Tanzania is a vast country that can be directly accessed with the help of the train network connecting this country with various other neighboring countries. The two train lines, TAZARA (Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority) and T.R.C (Tanzania Railway Corporation) are the main railway operators, which offers a much cheaper journey to this country. While The TAZARA line operates between Dar es Salaam Tanzania and Kapiri Mposhi Zambia, and crosses the border at Tunduma to Zambia, the T.R.C. runs through Coastal Region, Tanga to Moshi and other destinations.

The people belonging to the neighboring countries can easily take a ride to this country with the two main roads of “Dar es Salaam to Mbeya” road (A7/A17) and the “Dar to Arusha and the Serengeti” road (B1). While the “Dar es Salaam to Mbeya” road takes you to the Southern Highlands through the towns of Morogoro, Iringa and Mikumi National Park, and near Selous and Ruaha NPs. The “Dar to Arusha and the Serengeti” road (B1) will take you to the Northern Circuit by the towns of Tanga and Moshi, and Mount Kilimanjaro, Saadani, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti NPs. Buses are also the main option available for the tourists.

The tourists from Nairobi can catch the bus down to Arusha (considered as a great base for Mount Meru and Ngorongoro Crater). The noted bus operator of the country is Scandanavian. This operator also has a frequent service to Lusaka, Zambia. Apart from Scandinavian, Tawfiq Buses are notable as they connect Mombasa with Tanga and Dar in Tanzania. The people from Malawi, Uganda, Rwanda, and Dar can easily board their bus to Tanzania.

Transport

Traveling within Tanzania can be quite irritating because of the poorly maintained public transport system of the country. If you travel by train or bus in Tanzania, on most occasions, you won’t be able to reach your destination on time. Flights or ferries can also be availed of to visit various important places within the country. To cope up with this, the country has a provision of a good network of rail and airways to access to the different parts of the country. This East African country has better options of domestic transportation than many other African countries.

The most safe and fast mode of travel in Tanzania is definitely the domestic flights available at quite a good number of airports in Tanzania. Air Tanzania, Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, and ZanAir, are some of the airlines which connect to almost all the important places of the country like Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Mtwara, Mwanza, Zanzibar, etc. These services may be a costly affair, but the tourists can assure of a safe and unhindered journey. The travelers can board these flights from the airports like the Kigoma Airport, Arusha Airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport, Mtwara Airport, Musoma Airport, etc. It will never be a problem to fly from Mount Kilimanjaro to the lovely beaches in some couple of hours.

Apart from the 1st class air-con buses, operating along the Dar-Moshi-Arusha route, all other buses takes a lot of time to reach its destinations. The country has an extensive network of roads connecting with the countries like, Kenya, Zambia, Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda. Thanks to the poor road condition that the buses feel it difficult to travel swiftly, especially in the rainy season. The visitors can avail the “intercity buses”, which are comparatively a better service provider. They also serve complimentary drinks and biscuits. Most tourists prefer the Scandinavian Express, which operates in downtown Dar.

A large number of shared and Private taxis are available at every corner of the country. The fare can fluctuate, so it’s better to negotiate it before having a ride on them. Local buses, locally known as (Dalla-Dallas), are also available, but its efficiency can be questioned. The journey in these buses are not very comfortable, though very cheap. The trains are also considered a comfortable option of traveling around the country and exploring its beauty. The local trains often tend to be overcrowded, much behind the scheduled time. The visitors can have a convenient long distance travel as the trains are equipped with bedding and a small restaurant. It will be prudent to book the coaches well in advance.

The country has a good number of ferries and boats which will take the tourist to some remote islands. The most common ferry service operates from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria and a few offshore islands. They generally sail between Itungi and Mbamba and leaves for other Tanzanian regions. The tourers must have an ample time in their hand, as the ferry service is a slower mode of transportation. During the rainy season, it is not much effective. Though you can have some taste of adventure, while you board on these ships, yet it is preferable to travel short distances.

Tips

This country of East Africa is a breeding ground of a large number of wildlife, which is rarely found in any other countries. Most of the visitors consider this to be a place, which has still retained its simplicity and wilderness, along with the modern touch. It is advisable to take a trip to this country either in the rainy season between June and August, or the winter months of January and February.

Do not to miss out on any of the favorite tourist destinations like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Ruaha National Park, and Selous Game Reserve. The Zanzibar island has beautiful beaches and historical Stone Town. Zanzibar is noted for scuba diving and swimming with dolphins. The visitors must make it mandatory to visit the Mafia Island Marine Park, which offers some fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling. Before climbing to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, make it sure that you are assisted by an experienced guide. Although the food and living facilities are up to the mark, yet it will be better, if you avoid the small eateries located in the tribal areas, which are prone to be contaminated. Moreover, you should not dare to drink the tap water very frequently, as you can buy the bottled water from local shops.

The country is comparatively safer than most other African countries, but be convinced that you are safe while you visit any isolated areas. It is not very pleasant to walk along the road as Tanzanian roads have very few sidewalks. The citizens are mostly honest. The country is not a country full of diseases, except certain concern for malaria, typhoid, and cholera. The tourists need not worry in case they fall ill, for every city and town have an efficient medical facilities readily available to the tourists. Dar es Salaam has some developed clinics having all modern medicines and well known physicians. For any complicated surgery, they might have to move to Nairobi or Johannesburg. The tourists must beware of some poisonous and life-taking insects and animals, such as Black and Green Mambas, scorpions, spiders, stinging ants, centipedes, lions, sharks, etc. So while walking through high grass, especially in the remote areas, be cautious of any unexpected encounter with these harmful creatures.

The tourists must wear modest or conservative dresses in general, and especially in Zanzibar, which is a conservative Muslim society. Clothes with too much revealing, should be avoided. The local Masai people are quite entertaining for the tourists. These mostly modest people, expect the same kind of modesty and politeness from the tourists. They are often approachable incase you need any aid, but one thing you must understand that as they are needy, they expect some kind of remuneration in exchange for their work. While you are in this country, you must not encourage bribery.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #27 on: November 15, 2014, 02:09:20 PM »
Uganda Travel Guide


Lake Bunyonyi at Uganda, Africa

The phrase ‘Pearl of Africa’ was coined by Winston Churchill for Uganda, describing the stunning location of the country in the Equator. The safari destination of Uganda is nestled on the verdant forests of the islands in Lake Victoria.

Charming sights greet your eyes when you arrive here. Get enamored by the sprawling green golf course culminating to the lakeshore as well as a botanical garden which is 100 years old. The atmosphere filled with the chatter of acrobatic monkeys and chirping of vibrant tropical birds. Uganda houses the most diverse African fauna, which includes endangered species like the mountain gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) and the common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes).

The south-west part of the country is a radiating side of the Great Rift Valley, which is still an active volcano. The most sought after activity here is Gorilla tracking as various troops of gorillas are spotted in three different locations. You would also find lions prowling in the lush greenery in the morning, afternoon is spent in tracking chimpanzees, and the very next day you embark on an expedition to see the streams full of hippopotamus and crocodiles. Uganda tours are indeed a thrilling experience.

Getting In

The best way to reach Uganda is by plane. The Entebbe Airport is the main airport of Uganda. It is the hub for Ugandan air travel. Many flights to Uganda as well as other cities in Africa operate from here. There are direct flights to and from Johannesburg, which run three days a week on South African Airways. Also, flights directly come to and from Uganda to London every alternate day on British Air. Emirates offers flights from Entebbe to Dubai via Nairobi and Addis Ababa on Airbus A340S. This continues further down to Europe, North America, and Asia from Dubai. Ethiopian Airlines is another airline that offers service to Addis Ababa via Boeing 737s. Kenya Airways and KLM Airways fly daily from the Entebbe Airport to Amsterdam via Nairobi or directly. This shows that getting to Uganda by plane is quite conducive and easy from any part of the world. Several taxis and minibuses ply between the Entebbe airport and Kampala. However, in reality very few travelers think of getting to Uganda by
plane because most flights to East Africa from Europe and North America use Nairobi as their gateway.
Reaching Uganda by train is not a feasible idea as presently there is no passenger train service to or in Uganda.

Traveling to Uganda by car is hardly possible, though some people do try to come to the country by car from the very nearby areas.

Reaching Uganda by bus is another option for travelers. There are several bus companies in Uganda which offer direct lines between Kampala to Nairobi, Kigali, and Dar-Es-Salaam. There are also facilities of night buses from Kampala. Tourists can take a (matatu) or bus up to the border and walk to the other side of it. From the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, most people travel by bus to Uganda. The border posts used by most tourists travelling by bus from Kenya are Malaba and Busia. The route to Uganda from Tanzania goes through the Kagera salient on the western side of Lake Victoria. It is between Bukoba and Masaka. From Rawanda the main crossing point is between Kabale and Kigali, which is via Katuna (Uganda) and Gatuna (Rwanda). Besides, there are direct buses that operate from Kampala and Nairobi daily. Such a journey takes around 12 to 14 hours.

Intercity travel in Uganda is mainly by the boda boda – small mopeds, motorcycles, bicycles, or scooters with cushions on the back. They are quite cheap and are mostly used by locals. However, these boda bodas are accident prone. So, be very careful while on it with all the enjoyment kept aside. Uganda has a good and a balanced bus system. They normally leave Kampala early in the morning. Getting a seat in these buses is quite a task as many people avail them and they remain overcrowded. Both buses and taxis in Uganda run along most of the roads between cities, but they are not on fixed schedules. They leave the terminals only when they are filled up.

The best way of transportation in Uganda especially near Kampala and the neighboring towns is by the minibus-type taxis called matatus. This is the most efficient and cost-effective method of transportation in the urban areas of the country. However, they are crowded, cheap, frequent, and stop very often. They move along fixed routes. They are not marked with destinations, so tourists have to listen to the destinations that the drivers shout out. Taxis, called special-hire taxis, are also available in most of the towns. The drivers are generally aware of the time and length of the journeys. So, to get that idea you have to ask them.

Leisure

Mountain climbing and hiking are a major part of entertainment in Uganda. The ‘Ruwenzori’ or ‘Mountains of the Moon’ lie along the western border of Uganda. The main summit of mountains is Margherita that rises out of the Stanley Plateau, the largest glaciated area on the continent. To its west is the endless expansion of the DRC jungle and to the east one can see the mists and clouds that rise up over the Lake Victoria basin. The animals that one can watch in these areas are Chimpanzee, Blue Monkey, Ruwenzori Colobus, Red Forest Duiker, Hyrax, and Leopard. These are the most common large mammals of Uganda. Some elephants and buffaloes can also be found. Uganda is most popular for its mountain gorillas. They can be seen mainly in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks.

Fishing also falls in the category of things to do in Uganda. There are 84 islands adorned with forests in Uganda of the Ssese group. These beautiful islands are scattered like green jewels on the waters of Lake Victoria that stretches to 55 km. from Entebbe. Only the largest of the islands have any development of any kind. The rest remains virgin with all the tropical forests full of birds and monkeys, white sand beaches, and crystal clear water.

In Uganda one can get to see over 1000 species of birds. With the help of custom built safari vehicles the bird guides will show you all the sights and sounds of Uganda, a lifetime experience.

If you like driving in the spree for adventure, then this is the right place for you. 4×4 off-road and defensive driving courses are available on the markets. The site contains 4WD resources, forum, online driver support, classifieds, and much more.

ou can pay a visit to the National Parks and Game Reserves of the country namely, Kibale Forest N P, Lake Mburo N P, Mgahinga Gorilla N P, Mt Rwenzori N P, Mt Elgon N P, and Murchison Falls N P.

Places To See

Tourist hotspots in Uganda are:

Kampala, a vibrant city
Entebbe on the shores of Lake Victoria
Jinja
Kabale
Kisoro
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Kabelaga National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kibale Forest National Park
Ssese Islands

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #28 on: November 15, 2014, 02:17:01 PM »
Zimbabwe Travel Guide


Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is full of scenic beauty and here only you would find the spectacular Victoria Falls, splendid wildlife preserves as well as medieval remains of Great Zimbabwe along with the vibrant city of Harare. Zimbabwe travel guide offers description of this landlocked country nestled in south-central Africa between the Zambezi River in the North and the Limpopo River to the south.

The topography of Zimbabwe is mostly rolling upland and there is high plateau area known as Veld. The region of high plateau ultimately ends to Udizi and Inyanga mountains and here there is Mt. Inyangani which is the highest peak. Then you have the middle Veld ranging from 610m to 1,220 m height and Low Veld, which comprises of low-lying stretch of sandy plains in the basins of the Zambezi and the Limpopo. Zimbabwe travel guide offers more details of the relief and the presence of great rivers which are used for navigation. Zimbabwe comprises of following regions like Manicaland, Mashonaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland and Midlands. Victoria Falls is a cherished tourist destination here in Zimbabwe located in the western edge of the country. For updated details on getting in, sleeping, dining at various tourist destinations , Zimbabwe travel guide is your indispensable travelogue .

You can also visit Great Zimbabwe where there is the archeological relics of an ancient city of South Africa ancient city which was constructed entirely of stone. In fact the word ‘Zimbabwe’ literally means ‘house of stone.’ For spending days amidst scenic beauty of the nature the Eastern Highlands is an ideal choice where you will find mist covered mountains. Then you can also visit Lake Kariba or go and see the intricate rock formations at Matobo . If you are planning holidays in Zimbabwe then Zimbabwe travel guide offers all the information of visa information,accommodation, dining , tourist attractions etc. of Zimbabwe .

Visa Info

Zimbabwe Travel Guide provides important details on Zimbabwe visa information. The following nationals do not require a visa for visiting the country: Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Canada, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Fiji, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Leeward Islands, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, Namibia, Nauru, Samoa Western, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Swaziland, Sweden, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia.

The nationals of the following countries could also be issued a visa on arrival to the country provided they pay the fees for it: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Cook Islands, Denmark, Dominica Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (South), Kuwait, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Palau Islands, Palestine (State of), Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico (USA), Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, USA, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom, Vatican, Virgin Islands (USA).The nationals of the other countries would require a prior visa before visiting the country of Zimbabwe. Another important visa information is that the cost of the visa would depend on the type you require. The visa usually remains valid for a period of 6 months. The different types of visa which the Government of Zimbabwe issues include single entry visas, double entry visas and multiple entry visas. It would take
two days, at the very least, before your application for visa gets processed.

Another Zimbabwe visa information is that you would be required to submit the following documents at the time of applying for your visa:

Correctly filled visa application

2 photograph (passport sized)

Passport (Valid for a period of 6 months beyond the date on which you intend to return)

Proof of funds (to meet expenses in the country)

Return ticket

Visa Fee

Self stamped envelope (in case of postal applications) For further Zimbabwe visa information or for passport details get in touch with the Zimbabwe embassy nearest to you.

Getting In

Getting to Zimbabwe,is quite easy as compared to other South African countries. This landlocked country of South Africa ,is surrounded by Botswana to the southwest, Zambia to the northwest, and Mozambique to the east and north. The country has considerably a good connectivity with almost all the major destinations of the world. The various way to reach this country is by air and land. Owing to a good number of trips undertaken by the tourists, this country has developed its network of transportation in the recent past.

The most feasible way of Getting to Zimbabwe is by boarding on to some of the world class flights to Zimbabwe. The country boasts of having four international airports scattered in various cities. The capital city of Harare has the main international airport,where flights like,Air Botswana,Air Malawi,Air Namibia,Air Zimbabwe (Beijing, Blantyre, Bulawayo, Dar es Salaam London-Gatwick,Victoria Falls.),British Airways,Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa) Kenya Airways (Nairobi),Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (Maputo),South African Airways (Johannesburg),TAAG Angola Airlines (Luanda),Zambian Airways (Lusaka), maintains a regular connection with this country. The trains offer an adventurous ride for Getting to Zimbabwe. The train from Bulawayo to the Victoria Falls offers a unique experience of traveling to Zimbabwe.

The other important way of Getting to Zimbabwe,is by availing a car. Owing to good number of smooth roads and highways,the country is easily accessible by car from the neighboring countries. The N1 highway from South Africa will take you from Cape Town via Bloemfontein and Johannesburg/Pretoria right to Harare. Apart from that the nationals of Botswana,Mozambique and Zambia can also get into this country through roadways. To enjoy a wonderful journey across the national parks,then you must board on to the regular deluxe bus services which operates from Johannesburg to Harare. There are frequent bus services from Johannesburg to Bulawayo.

Transport

Zimbabwe Travel Guide informs you about the various options of transportation in Zimbabwe. The different modes of transportation in Zimbabwe are listed below:

Planes
Transportation in Zimbabwe by air is facilitated by the national airlines of the country, Air Zimbabwe. Air Zimbabwe operates international as well as domestic flights in the country. The locations in Zimbabwe where the national airline of the country flies to are Bulawayo, Harare and Victoria Falls. The other domestic airlines of Zimbabwe include Air Zambezi, Airlink Zimbabwe, Avient Aviation, Mid Airlines and Zimbabwe Airlink. Some of the airports in Zimbabwe are listed below.

Harare International Airport
Victoria Falls Airport
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport
Kariba Airport

Train
A popular mode of transportation in Zimbabwe is by train. Extensive rail connections exist between the cities of Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Mutare in Zimbabwe. The train journeys do not cost much and night journeys are quite frequent.

Bus
Another popular form of transportation in Zimbabwe is by bus. As far as the buses are concerned, express and local are the two types of buses which ply in the country. Most of the locals of the country travel by the local buses, which are quite cheaper than the express buses. On the other hand, the express buses are known to run on time and hence are more dependable. But if you want to mix with the locals of the country and are quite comfortable with the idea of traveling in crowded buses, then local buses would be the right choice.

Car
The roads in Zimbabwe are good enough for the tourists to have a good driving experience in the country. The highways in the country stretch to a length of more than 18, 000 kilometers. In the national parks and the wildlife reserves, maneuvering a four-wheeler would be an enjoyable task. Remember to take your driving license with you while going to Zimbabwe. Also keep in mind the fact that the left hand side of the road is made use of by the drivers on Zimbabwean roads.

Staying Here

Zimbabwe travel guide gives detailed information about the various options of accommodation in Zimbabwe. The land of Zimbabwe with its thriving wildlife and culture is definitely a place that you should go to for a never before holiday experience. Given below are the details on what type of accommodation you could find in the country.

Hotels
Zimbabwe boasts of some very good hotels ranging from the most luxurious to the budget friendly. Hotel accommodation in Zimbabwe is readily available for the tourists. But it would be necessary to book your rooms early if you are going to Zimbabwe during the peak holiday season. The payment for your stay in the hotel has to be made by foreign currency or by using your credit card. The hotels would not accept local currency, even if you can provide proof of having obtained the local currency through the proper channels. The grading system provides a nice way of deciding on your hotel accommodation in Zimbabwe. The country of Zimbabwe follows the common 5 star system. Higher the stars, higher would be the services and facilities provided by the hotels in the country.

Games Reserves and National Parks
Some of the game reserves provide luxurious accommodation in Zimbabwe. Cottages, lodges, etc. are offered by the national parks located in the country. These cottages and lodges come with all necessary facilities and services which ensure the comfort of the tourists. But here again you would be required to make your payments by foreign currency rather than the local Zimbabwean currency. United States Dollars are what is preferred throughout the country.

Leisure

As Zimbabwe is gradually making its presence felt as a paradise for the holiday goers therefore there are numerous options for entertainment and leisure in Zimbabwe. Be it celebrating a festival, hitting the innumerable nightlife destinations, shopping or simply opting for the plethora of adventurous sports, Zimbabwe never disappoints anyone when it comes to choice of entertainment and leisure in Zimbabwe. One of the most popular choices of entertainment and leisure in Zimbabwe is to hang out in the night clubs, bars, pubs and casinos where one gets to catch a glimpse exuberance and cheerfulness of the people of Zimbabwe. The most happening night out destinations of Zimbabwe are mostly confined to the cities and the major cities of Zimbabwe accommodates nightclubs, cinemas and repertory theaters.

One of the traditional options of entertainment and leisure in Zimbabwe is to enjoy safari tours and the tourists can hire boats for day or the entire week at Lake Kariba and its banks are full of wild animals like elephant, buffalo, rhinos as well as other animals. Canoeing safaris usually stretches from 3 to 10 days and are especially popular between the months of April and November along the Zambezi River along the Mana Pools flood plains.Those travelers who could still retain their untamed wild spirits can participate in a host of adventurous sports as one of their favorite choice of entertainment and leisure in Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls, the world famous tourist destination offers the world’s highest bungee jumps and the travelers can also enjoy excellent opportunities of whitewater rafting in the Zambezi Gorge and the best time for white water rafting is during the months of July and August as the river remains at its wildest best in these tow months. If you have any fascination for canoeing and
kayaking then you can practice it on the more subdued river stretches above the numerous turbulent waterfalls falls. Zimbabwe also allows the travelers to enjoy hiking and trekking in the verdant countryside at the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe is also renowned for offering excellent freshwater fishing and the most amazing locations for fishing in this country include being Lake Kariba the Zambezi River above the Victoria Falls, the streams of the Eastern Highlands and the innumerable lakes of Zimbabwe but if any when is willing to opt for trout fishing then he or she will require to get a permit. Other spectator’s sports like cricket, golf and football are of immense popularity in Zimbabwe and cricket and football are the national sports of this country.

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Re: ~ Travel Guide ~
« Reply #29 on: November 15, 2014, 02:22:12 PM »
Austria Travel Guide


Landscape from the Austrian Alps

Austria Travel Guide gives tourists all over the world an overview of the country of startling contrasts from the Austrian Alps in the west to the Danube Basin in the east. Austria is not only famous as one of the world’s premier skiing regions, but also for its historical buildings, world-class museums and galleries, breathtaking scenery, magnificent mountains, and established hiking trails. Visitors who come here in search of culture and those in search of scenery are left spellbound.

In addition to natural beauty, Austria contains numerous architectural riches, including the once-powerful Hapsburgs who dominated central Europe for seven centuries. Austria is a testimony to this past. Its capital, Vienna, is magnificent with its ornate Opera House and the former imperial residences. Austria’s other cities are also part of a historical magic, notably Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. It has stunning Baroque churches set before the backdrop of snow-covered peaks and Innsbruck, in the center of the Austrian Alps.

There are places in Austria which are worthy of artistic acclaim. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Austria, in particular, Vienna became one of the major centers of the cultural renaissance. The musical achievements of this period are particularly notable. This fact, in its cultural history, still resounds. Remnants of Mozart’s legacy are everywhere. However, Austria has also appealed to artists like Klimt and Schiele, composers Mahler and Schubert, writers Rilke and Schnitzler, psychologists Freud and Rank, and philosophers such as Husserl and Wittgenstein.

The country is an example of striking contemporary architecture along with engineering, invention, and design. It also portrays a modern and efficient social system. Austria has a reputation for music, literature and the arts. One is just as likely to find Alpine New Wave punk-rock as one finds yodeling. In terms of gourmet culture, the legendary Gemütlichkeit, a relaxed enjoyment of life, is evident in the cafes. The art of coffee-drinking has been raised to a high art. Many Heurigen, where the latest vintages are accompanied by vast quantities of food are seen in several places. Nightlife in Austria is versatile that offers laid-back taverns and beer gardens and trendy clubs and dance venues packed till the late hours.

Map



Getting In

The different ways of getting to Austria are listed below:

Plane
International airports in Austria are located in the cities of Innsbruck, Linz, Klagenfurt, Graz, and Salzburg. If you are reaching Austria from outside Europe, then you are most likely to land at the Vienna Airport. Many of the major cities of Austria are located at some distance from Vienna. Thus, to reach those cities quicker, it would be better if you take the flight to Munich rather than Vienna. The national carriers of Austria, Austrian Airlines, operate to and fro from the major US cities. British Airways also have flights connecting North America and South America to Austria.

Train
Reaching Austria by train is possible from some of the neighboring countries. If you are in any one of the following countries, Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Romania, Hungary, or Germany, then you could use the Austrian national rail network, Austrian Federal Railways, to reach Austria. Just keep in mind that Austrian Federal Railways operate only from particular cities of the mentioned countries.

Bus
Reaching Austria would be cheaper if you travel by bus. But the drawback is that it would take you much longer to reach Austria and it would also be quite uncomfortable. Eurolines and Busabout would help you to reach Austria from some of the major European cities. Busabout would take you only to the capital city of Austria, Vienna.

Transport

The different modes of transportation in Austria are listed below:

Cars
Driving in Austria can be as pleasurable as anywhere else in the world because of the fantastic roads. It will be a very hard task to find an Austrian citizen who doesn’t love driving their car. The only problem which you might encounter in Austria while driving is finding space for parking your car. This problem intensifies in some of the major cities of Austria. Even if you find parking space, it will cost you much and, on most occasions, you will get the space for not more then 90 minutes. If you are planning to drive a car in Austria you would have to buy a Vignette, a type of toll, which permits you to drive in Austria. These are easily available at border crossings and gas stations.

Public Transport
You may also choose to travel via train. Train timings can be relied upon and discounts are also offered. The journey will be quick and full of comfort. You can travel to cities like Prague, Berlin, Venice, Warsaw, and many more by train.
You could also try out cycling in Austrian cities through permitted routes.

Leisure

Austria Travel Guide provides complete information on entertainment and leisure in Austria. Once you are in Austria you could try out some of the winter sports like skating, tobogganing, and of course skiing. Austria is a sports-loving nation and, as such, it offers the tourists a wide range of entertaining options. You could try out sailing and canoeing on the rivers, mountaineering, hiking, or even cycling through certain places in Austria.

More conventional form of sports like football, volleyball, swimming, athletics, and basketball can also be played at the various sports club in Austria. In Vienna, you can immerse yourself in some wonderful forms of music like jazz, classical, opera, folk, etc. You can also pay a visit to the various museums, concert halls, theaters, etc., present throughout Vienna.

Interested in ballroom dancing? Then be at Vienna between the months of December and March. During weekends, the night life in Vienna becomes interesting. People can found in the clubs, pubs and discos till 4:00 a.m. Salzburg and Innsbruck also offer the same modes of enjoyment.

See the list below to find out some special events that take place in Austria on particular months during the year :

The Hot Air Balloon week, Igls, in February.

Impulstanz, Vienna, a dance festival that takes place between July and August.

Pflasterspektakel, Linz, in July. A festival of mime, acrobatics, and magic.