FTC Forum
Special Category => பயண கட்டுரைகள் - NATURE AND TRAVEL => Topic started by: MysteRy on September 10, 2014, 09:31:22 PM
-
India Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/India-e1365162205189.jpg)
Taj Mahal in Agra, India
India can be called a world in its own with so much to see and get acquainted with a civilization, which is the oldest in the world. When you have come to India, you should be assured of one fact here you will find unity in diversity. Get acquainted with this culturally rich land which has got nature’s blessing in abundance. It is known to all that India is gifted with enthralling beauty of nature and has maintained rich cultural heritage. Ultimately a bulk of tourists alight on the ground of this graceful country every year.
India is a tourist’s dream come true for more reasons than one. India has the majestic Himalayas forming a crown in the north, the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean washing its shores on three sides. The Indian deserts are filled with stunning palaces, lush greenery, and placid lagoons that seem to possess magic of their own. India is noted for the hospitality of the people who speak 1,500 different languages.
On your tour to India you may visit the world’s largest delta, Sunderbans with mangrove forests and royal Bengal tigers or pay a visit to the temple city Varanasi. Explore the royal grandeur and saga of the bygone era in the palaces of Rajasthan with a stunning backdrop of the Thar Desert. You can go for scuba diving and snorkeling in the Andaman Islands and the Lakshadweep.
Tourists may be greeted in an unusual way and you may be surprised by the crowds at Pushkar or the crowded streets at the metropolis Mumbai and Kolkata. But the visit is worth it when you see the breathtaking Taj Mahal in Agra, Red Fort in Delhi or for that matter Hawa Mahal in Jaipur. You will have a lot of memories to take back home. The top destinations in India are Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur, Bangalore, Agra, Kerala, Goa, Rajasthan, and Uttaranchal, etc.
Map
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/india/maps/india-map.gif)
Geetting In And Around
One may reach India by airways and railways. India has several international airports in metropolitan cities of Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Chennai. Apart from them there are some other international airports in Bangalore, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Amritsar. The tickets for flights from Delhi are inexpensive. For the citizens of neighboring countries flights are convenient. From Kathmandu the most convenient overland route to Delhi and other northwestern regions is Sunauli. It is wise to choose Birgang to cross the border and enter the eastern region to spend holidays in India.
India has two peninsula ports open in Mumbai and Chennai for passengers. Thus, you can also choose to travel to India via waterways. Travelers coming from Nepal or Pakistan have the convenience of trains and buses for getting here. Two trains run between India and Pakistan: the Samjhauta Express from Lahore to Attari near Amritsar in Punjab and the Thar Express from Munabao in Rajasthan to Khorapar in Pakistan. A train from Khejuri in Nepal arrives at Jaynagar in Bihar. But because of the absence of onward connection in Nepal, travelers generally take to flight or bus. Apart from railways, you may reach India by car as well. The Attari/Wagah border is the only cross border point. If you have your own car, a Carnet de Passage must be with you while crossing the border.
There are numerous choices for getting around this country. Domestic airports are scattered all over the peninsula. The most important Airlines in India are: Air India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, and Alliance Air. In recent years the Government of India liberalized Indian Aviation rules for private airlines. Consequently, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, and Air Sahara are treading the overseas routes. These airlines connect more than 80 cities across the country.
India has the longest railway network. The rail lines cover an area of 63,000 km. Railway transportation is operated by Indian Railways. Rail lines connect India with its neighboring countries as well. Metro rails in metropolitan cities are a cheap and one of the best means to travel in India. Trams are frequently used to reach nearby areas.
After railway, buses are the cheap and easy mode of traveling. Bus services are provided by both private owners and the government. Buses for long distance are also available. India carries the dignity to possess a huge network of highways covering about 65,569 km. A majority of the roads are in a vehicle-friendly condition.
Vans, taxi, cars, and rickshaws are easily available to take you to various places within the city or town.
Leisure
India is a wonderful mixture of various cultures and traditions. You are sure to get a glimpse of the sundry color of Indian culture during your tour to this land of sublime beauty. Strolling idly or lying on the golden or gray palmy beaches of Kerala, Mumbai, and Goa can give you the best of leisure you wish to have. Juhu and Chowpatty beaches of Mumbai are regarded as the best for leisure beach tourism. Goa also boasts some wonderful beaches such as Anjuna Beach, Calanguate Beach, Baga Beach India, and Kovalam Beach.
India is a land of festivals. So tourists can get true entertainment through the celebration of these grand festivals. Holi, a grand festival of colors, is celebrated with full enthusiasm in Mathura. The Pushkar fair of Rajasthan attracts many foreign tourists.
India boasts of rich art which includes architecture, literature, music, dance, cinema, and radio, etc. You can go to any stadium and enjoy classical dance or music performances. Besides these there are organizations such as Mahindra Club and many more which entertain their customers by organizing various events such as face paintings, storytelling, balloon toys, and treasure hunts.
If you are desirous to enjoy a hot night full of music, dance, merriment, and revelry, the best option is to go to nightclubs or pubs. Some well-known nightclubs of Bangalore are: Jockey, Styx, Athena, Tuscan Vern, DownTown, etc.
Places To See
The list of interesting places in India is endless. However, some of the must-visit places include:
Ladakh: A place where you can feel peace and contentment amid breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.
Kashmir: The heaven on earth.
Manikaran (Himachal Pradesh): A Sikh temple with hot water springs.
Golden Temple (Amritsar): Also known as Harmandir Sahib is a Sikh Temple made of gold and is surrounded by a pool of nectar (holy water).
Haridwar: A Hindu place of worship sited on the banks of the sacred river Ganges.
Agra: A place famous for the monument of love – the Taj Mahal, and several other tourist destinations such as Fatehpur Sikri, Sikandra, Agra Fort, etc.
Rajasthan: With its royal heritage of various palaces and forts, including the Chittorgarh Fort, Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jaisalmer Fort, Keoladeo National Park, etc., the state of Rajasthan is a perfect showcase of the stately lifestyle of the Kings and Queens of the past.
Gir Forest National Park (Gujarat): Encounter Lion – the king of the forest at Gir.
Delhi: The heart of India is home to several tourist places, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, Old Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, Iskon Temple, Lodhi Gardens, World of Wonders, etc.
Mumbai: Mumbai, the film city, is famous for the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Essel World, Juhu Beach, etc.
Khajuraho temples (Madhya Pradesh): The temples associated with erotic art have a profound meaning. Explore the mysteries of these ancient temples.
Orissa (Odisha): Konark Sun Temple is a 13-century temple located in the state of Orissa. Other famous places in Odisha include Jagannath Temple, Lingaraj temple, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Dhauli, and Rajarani temple.
Tips
Follow these tips to make your tour to India a memorable one:
Wear comfortable clothes as summers are very hot and winters are pretty cold in India.
Even though most of the Indians speak English language, yet it is suggested to keep an English to Hindi dictionary handy. In the Northern part of India, Hindi is the second most spoken language.
The shopkeepers levy hefty prices. Try to bargain while shopping at the local shops. In the branded showrooms, the prices are same for all.
India has become unsafe for women. It is best to stay in groups rather than walk alone.
Prefer to travel in private taxis or tourist buses rather than picking the local transportation as it is unsafe for tourists. Some nasty folks try to fool the tourists or make fun of them. It is best to stay away from them.
In certain places like Goa beaches, etc., you may see vendors of various age groups selling jewelry claiming it to be real crystal, do not buy anything from them unless you are sure of the quality as most of the times it is fake. It is best to buy certified gems, etc., from reputed jewelers. The best places to buy jewelry in India are Surat (Gujarat), Kasol (Himachal Pradesh), and Hyderabad.
-
Malaysia Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/malaysia-e1365162905491.jpg)
Crystal Mosque at la Terengganu, Malaysia
Malaysia is one of the most fascinating countries in the Southeast Asia. The vibrant Malay culture is an intriguing intermingling of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures. Malaysia is one of the premier holiday destinations in the world, which is situated in the center of the South-East Asia and this beautiful country is geographically segmented by the South China Sea into Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. Malaysia is a land rich in biodiversity. Interesting species of flora and fauna can be found in the rivers, highlands, mangroves, coastal areas, and swamps. The beauty of this country led to the filming of the Oscar-winner “Indochine”, the Hollywood blockbuster “Anna and the King”, etc.
Chinese New Year, Good Friday, Malaysia Water Festival, Wesak Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Independence Day, Hungry Ghost Festival, and Malaysia Day are some of the interesting festivals celebrated in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia and it is the perfect place to start your sightseeing trip in Malaysia. You can make a trip to Malaysia at all through the year, but it is best to avoid the rainy season in November to January. Malay is the official language of Malaysia. English is the second major language spoken in Malaysia. There are 137 other languages spoken in Malaysia, some of which are Iban, Dusunic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Fuzhou, Tamil, Thai, Malaccan Creole, Chavacano, etc.
Map
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/malaysia-travel-map.png)
Getting In & Around
Malaysia is an enchanting tourist destination and here you will get ample scope for a memorable holidays. You can reach Malaysia by plane, train, bus, by boat, and even by walking.
By Air
You can easily reach Malaysia by air from all around the world. The Senai International, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur International are three prime airports in Malaysia. For traveling within the country, Malaysian airlines offer arguably the lowest fare. The Berjaya Air operates flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It has its own airports on the resort islands of Pangkor, Redang, and Tioman.
By Train
You can reach cities in peninsular Malaysia by rail route from either Singapore or Thailand. Malaysian Rail offers daily train service crisscrossing the entire length of the country. The trains which connect Malaysia and Thailand are Direct sleeper train services, managed by the State Railway of Thailand, which links Bangkok and Butterworth near Penang. The Malaysian Railways run trains between Hat Yai and Kuala Lumpur. You can also avail train from Singapore, which is also the southern terminus of the Malayan Railway network. The route between Kuala Lumpur’s LRT and monorail systems, as well as the express ERL services between KLIA and Sentral Station are noted for their speedy journey. There is a government operated KTMB, which offers inexpensive and generally dependable services around Peninsular Malaysia. Tourists use the Jungle Railway services to reach Taman Negara National Park (Jerantut) or the Perhentian Islands.
By Road
Malaysia has a sound highway network and there is the North-South Expressway from Singapore reaching the Thai border. There are buses/coaches which ply between Malaysia and Brunei, Indonesian Borneo, Singapore, and Thailand. The bus service between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur is very comfortable. In fact, the luxury of these buses is at par with the first class air flight. You can also cross borders by road as it is allowed from southern Thailand and Singapore into Peninsular Malaysia, as well as from Brunei and Kalimantan (the Indonesian side of Borneo) into Sarawak. You will require an International Drivers Permit (IDP).
The left driving is followed here and you need to be though extra careful while choosing the option for transportation in Malaysia by road, as in big cities like Kuala Lumpur you may face reckless motorcyclists, and immense traffic jams. Though outside the cities conditions are much better. You can also take a taxi for getting around.
The reliable bus companies such as Transnasional and NICE/Plusliner offer services getting around the country. It is advisable you should use 24-seater “luxury” buses for long-distance travel.
An amazing option but it’s true, you can also walk using the Causeway between Singapore and Johor Bahru at the southern edge of Malaysia. Distance can be covered by foot in/out of Thailand at Wang Kelian and Padang Besar, Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah), Pengkalan Hulu (Perak), and Rantau Panjang (Kelantan).
By Boat
Ferries link various points in Peninsular Malaysia with Sumatra in Indonesia and southern Thailand, Sarawak with Brunei, and Sabah with East Kalimantan in Indonesia, and Mindanao in the Philippines. You can also avail luxury cruises, which ply from Singapore and sometimes Phuket (Thailand) to Malaysia.
Entertaiment Options
There are a host of options for entertainment in Malaysia, the fact is which one you want to choose, or you want to try all of them. Ranging from bustling nightlife to activities like golf, diving, whitewater rafting, river safaris and cruises, cave exploration or mountain climbing and angling, bird watching, and Paragliding.
If you have the fascination for a rocking nightlife, then come to Kuala Lumpur at Bangsar, or at Phileo Promenade. You will find here pubs, karaokes, and night clubs jam-packed even on weekdays. You can also try out Hard Rock Café KL, which is located at the Ground Floor of Concorde Hotel, if you love hard rock.
You may also visit the Sunway Lagoon. This is the focal point for fun and revelry and it also has the record of being the country’s first international standard water theme park. This combination of Water Park and the Adventure Park has some thrilling rides. The Toboggan, Double Twister, and surf pool can be enjoyed in the water park, while in the adventure park,there is Sky Flyer, Runaway Train, and the Flying Carpet.
Mines Wonderland is a dream come true as here you can experience snow in the tropical weather of Malaysia. It is spread over 150 acres and offers snow, sun, and beach – all in one location. This is definitely not to be missed while on tours of Malaysia.
Some other options for fun in Malaysia are:
Golfing holidays are a rage with the tourists, as there are several world class golf courses here
Malaysia’s marine parks are ideal for diving and offer marine sights to the world.
Whitewater rafting in the Padas and Kiulu rivers.
River safaris and cruises are another mode of entertainment in Malaysia and you can enjoy enchanting rides at Melaka, Kuala Berang in Terengganu and Taman Negara, and Lake Chini in Pahang and Sarawak.
Cave exploration is an added attraction and here you can discover caves dating back to the Stone Age. They are Gua Kolam in Perlis, Gua Tempurung and Kundu in Perak, Batu Caves in Selangor, and Gua ikan in Kuala Krai, Kelantan
Mountain climbing at Gunung Jerai in Kedah, Gunung Korbu’in Perak, and Gunung Tangsi in Negeri Sembilan for beginners, or mountains of Sabah and Sarawak for challenging climbs.
Or indulge in bird watching and find Mountain Peacock Pheasant, or a Malayan Whistling Thrush
Bag some prize catches like Giant Snakehead, the fast running Malaysian Jungle Perch, the GiantFeather back, and the elusive but powerful Malaysian Mahseer, or the Black Marlin. Yellowfin Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, and Dogtooth Tuna on angling tours.
Enjoy interesting rides at Legoland Malaysia or the Lost World of Tambun amusement parks.
Watch interesting marine exhibits at the Aquaria KLCC.
Places To See
The most interesting places to try out in Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur are:
Cameron Highlands: Malaysia’s most expansive hill station where the temperature hardly goes below 10 degrees or above 21 degrees celsius.
Penang, Langkawi: A tropical paradise kissed by the bright sun rays and gently touched by the waves of the Andaman Sea.
Kuching: Visit Mount Santubong, Kuching Cat Museum, Bako National Park, and Fort Margherita in Kuching.
Kuantan: Teluk Cempedak, Chini Lake, Darul Makmur Stadium, Berkelah Falls, Batu Hitam beach, and Sultan Ahmad Shah State Mosque are the major tourist places in Kuantan.
Kota Bharu: Explore Istana Jahar, Temenggor Lake, Jalan Pantai Cahaya Bulan, Muzium Diraja Istana Batu, and Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah, on your tour to Malaysia.
Peninsular Malaysia is the most renowned among visitors and the peninsula is further divided into the East Coast and West Coast by the famous Titiwangsa mountain range. The West Coast is comparatively more developed and cosmopolitan and holds more attractions, while the East Coast takes pride in its simple rustic charm.
Tips
Follow these tips for a nice experience:
Pack light clothes as the weather is warm and humid year round.
Not all taxi services are good. Check online reviews before you land in Malaysia. The taxis of Kuala Lumpur rank on the list of the world’s worst taxi service providers.
Instead of bacon, most of the restaurants serve thin slices of pork. You must reconsider your option of munching bacon.
The Langkawi, Tioman, and Labuan are duty-free islands. Taxes are waived off on hotels and selected goods.
The UK travel advisory has mentioned about the mosquito-borne diseases as the latest threat to health in Malaysia.
There is a threat of terrorist activities, including kidnapping and criminal acts on the eastern coast of Sabah. Specifically, the islands near the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines are the terrorism-prone areas.
-
China Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/China.jpg)
Dignity Copper Lion in Forbidden City, China
China is a reflection of antithetical qualities as it is antique as well as avant garde, bourgeois as well as innovative, and above all rural as well as urban. It is getting developed at a rapid pace and has become one of the top tourist destinations for its rich heritage plunged in antiquity, dazzling skyscrapers, and colossal cityscape. Politically a communist state, China leads the population chart of the world. With countries like Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, bordering China, its population comprises of Taoists, Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians. Filled with numerous local dialects, this Republic of China has Mandarin as its official language. Beijing, being the capital city of China, is the cultural center. The city of Shanghai, renowned for its riverside scenery, is also an important economic hub of the country where shopping is an experience.
This multi-cultural abode went through a great economic expansion in the recent past, but has a major percentage of its population living below the poverty line. The sophistication and affluence of the urban sector are amalgamated with the roughness and rusticity of others. The local people are prone to break the laws of their country, even going to an extent of pushing, shoving, and showing general disregard towards others. Spitting and smoking almost anywhere, sneezing without covering mouth, staring, loud conversations, and calls of “hello” are a common sight in China.
It is best to visit the country during the spring when China experiences a mild climate. As the spring festival is a major festival of China, it is apt to prepare in advance. China follows a strict policy while issuing visas, but it is necessary to get your visa before traveling.
List of major Chinese holidays:
Chinese New Year or Spring Festival falls during January-end and continues till mid-February.
The Qingming Festival is celebrated generally from April 4 to April 6.
Labor Day or May Day is celebrated on May 1.
The Dragon Boat Festival begins on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, generally during May through June.
Mid-Autumn Day (the Moon Cake Festival) is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. It generally falls in October.
National Day of China falls on October 1.
Map
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/china-travel-map.png)
Getting In And Around
Transportation in China was very poor in the ancient times. People in China mainly traveled on foot. Thus, the speed was very less. Gradually the country saw the face of trains, planes, ships, buses and bikes. With such an aggressive effort since 1949 by the Chinese government, a comprehensive transportation system was created in China which consisted of railways, highways and airplanes. Today, China herself has an efficient transport network where people can avail various forms of vehicles to reach their destination.
Airways
Visitors to China most often take the air route. There are three ways to fly. One can either take the economy, business, or the first class. The difference is in price and obviously the level of comfort. Particularly, the busy periods are usually when Chinese students are flying home for the summer, flying back to universities around the world after the summer or around Chinese New Year (early February). Tickets at these times are often hard to get and/or more expensive.
Tiger Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Air Asia offer low-priced flights from Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila) to various destinations in southern China, including Xiamen, Jinghong, Guangzhou, Haikou, and Macau. Europeans have several options such as British Airways, Air France, etc. to access this country while Americans may choose North American Airlines, Continental Airlines, etc.
Besides, Oasis Airway offers cheap, no-frills flights between Hong Kong and Europe, currently to London, with fares starting at $1000 HK ($125 US) one way, $6600 HK ($825 US) for business class. The country’s own airlines are also growing rapidly and working hard to become highly competitive in both service and pricing. They include China Southern, China Eastern, and Air China.
The country also boasts of domestic airports. Check Airports in China Map and find important information regarding getting in China through airways.
Railways
Right from walking to taking the world’s first magnetic levitation train, the Chinese are the masters of movement. China’s International Railway services are available to destinations in Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, Hong Kong SAR, North Korea, and Vietnam. The train facilities like Trans-Siberian Railway from Europe and other trains are available from Central Asia. The train is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to travel some of the long distances. It is used widely by the local population. There are 4 classes on Chinese Trains: Hard Seat – which is used by a large percentage of the population as it is probably the cheapest way to travel in China. Soft Seat – which is available on the intercity lines and provides a better level of comfort. Hard Sleeper – There are six narrow bunks in a compartment that has no door, so there is no privacy. Food trolleys pass back and forth along the train so it is possible to eat quite cheaply. Soft Sleeper – There are four bunks in a compartment which has a door for privacy. These are mostly liked by tourists. Finally, Beijing’s main train station, which is located in central Beijing offers routes all over China and international trips. Regular rail service links mainland China with Hong Kong. There are also rail routes from Nanning in Guangxi province into Vietnam via the Friendship Pass. There is another rail link between Kunming in Yunnan province and Hanoi via Hekou and Lao Cai. Moreover, there are four weekly connections between the North Korean capital Pyongyang and Beijing. Have a look at the Railway map of China. China has around 20 chief domestic railway routes.
Bus Transport
People of Nepal and Pakistan can avail the developed bus service to China. Traveling by road is the best and most unique way of learning about the country. China’s long distant bus system has several advantages, the main being that it goes almost everywhere, even to the most remote regions, especially in the west, which are often inaccessible via train or plane. Besides, bus tickets are often easier to purchase than train tickets as there are many buses. Almost all major cities and towns have long distant bus stations and tickets are sold at the bus station itself and need not to be booked in advance. Ticket prices are fixed according to the condition of the bus. Bicycles are another mode of transportation in China and in fact an excellent method for getting around China’s cities for sightseeing. China had 500 million bicycles by 1987. China, in fact, is characterized by this mode of transport. It is the part and parcel of the life of the people. Tourists who come to the country generally do not miss this. Recently, “mountain” bikes have become more popular. Check out the Road Map of China to know about various routes.
Waterways
You can also reach China by the way of international ferry. There are ferries from Japan and Korea, more specifically. There are around 130 ports in China that are open to foreign ships. Some of the chief ports are: Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shijing, etc. Boats are also accessible by the countries like Japan, South Korea, etc.
Leisure
With China’s entry into the World Trade Organization and its continued and rapid economic growth, entertainment and leisure in China continues to have rapid growth and development. To address this growth, China has recognized the need to develop its entertainment infrastructure to an international standard. Entertainment in China includes options such as television, motion pictures, theme parks, sports events, and resorts. Besides, emphasis is also given to the tourist attractions for drawing more tourists.
Many historians believe that football originated in China. Other popular sports include martial arts, table tennis, badminton, and more recently, golf. Basketball is now popular among young people in crowded urban centers. In Taiwan, baseball is more popular due to American and Japanese influences.
There are also many traditional sports. Chinese dragon boat racing takes place during the Duanwu festival. In Inner Mongolia, Mongolian-style wrestling and horse racing are popular. This appears to be very interesting to a tourist browsing through the interiors of the country. In Tibet, archery and equestrian sports are part of traditional festivals. China, in fact, has become a sports power, especially in Asia. The 2008 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, were held in Beijing. Board games such as International Chess, Go (Weiqi), and Xiangqi (Chinese chess) are also common and have organized formal competitions.
The other forms of enjoying in China include shopping, relaxing in the various resorts, and dining. Shanghai is the hottest shopping arena for tourists.
Places To See
China has some amazing tourist destinations:
The largest wall: The Great Wall of China.
71-meter-tall statue of Leshan Giant Buddha.
Forbidden City that delves into the mystery.
Terracotta Army evokes eerie.
Jin Mao Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding cities.
Hong Kong’s highest mountain peak: Victoria Peak.
The Shaolin Temple where Shaolin Kung Fu masters are created.
The Hainan Islands are a group of small white sand islands.
The historic sites of Tiananmen Square, Potala Palace, Mogao Caves, Temple of Heaven, Eastern Qing
Tombs, and Historic Centre of Macau.
For a different experience, cruise the Yangtze and the Li Rivers.
Tips
Break the language barrier by bringing English to Chinese and Chinese to English pocket dictionary. You may download the Chinese language app for travelers.
A Shanghai Taxi driver prefers coins while in northern and western China, the vendors accept only paper money.
The public toilets in China are not equipped with toilet papers. You should carry your own supplies.
In China rice is usually served at the end of the meals, considering it to be a filler. If you need rice along with your main food, order it by saying mifan mashang (rice straight away).
-
Hong Kong Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/Hong-Kong-e1365161693947.jpg)
Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong at night.
Hong Kong is a place which is a merger of varied culture and here you find Cantonese traditions with prolonged British influence as well as connections with China .
Explore the effervescence of this place with a feel of an urban landscape. You will find here trendy shopping malls, and boutiques juxtaposed with old world charm . You also find here lush greenery and hiking trails making the city complete holiday destination. The plus point of this tourist destination is sound transport network , efficient customer service, and of course its jet speed.
This Oriental Pearl has the convenience of modern living as well as memories of days of yore. When you discover its tourists hotspots like the spectacular Ocean Park, or the vantage point of Victoria Peak or the stunning Repulse Bay, you feel as if you have arrived in dreamland.
Hong Kong consists of four parts Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and the Outlying Islands. Hong Kong Island is the hub for economy, politics, entertainment, and shopping. Kowloon is a prospering region; and here there are Causeway Bay, Wan Chai , Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, and Mong Kok.
These are always buzzing with activity. The New Territories and Outlying Islands lets you explore the tranquility and scenic beauty of Hong Kong. Imagine having Yum Cha (tea and dim sum) in the bright morning or spending moon lit night on the top of Victoria Peak. Go on an exciting harbor cruise, and mingle with the shoppers in the various malls and markets around the Tsim Sha Tsui . Pamper your taste buds with delicacies at dai pai dong or take an enchanting boat cruise on a sampan or high speed ferry.
Map
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/hong-kong/maps/hong-kong-map.gif)
Getting In
Hong Kong enchants tourists not only with various tourist attractions, shopping extravaganza but getting to Hong Kong is also very easy, and you can reach here by air, train and even on a bike from neighboring places.
Reach Hong Kong by Plane
Hong Kong International Airport is a focal point connecting to different parts of the world . You have here direct flights to Hong Kong from across the globe. Majority of the cities in Oceania, Europe and North America are all linked with minimum one daily flight and thus Sydney has 6 daily flights, London 11(1 to Gatwick), Frankfurt 2, Paris 3, Amsterdam 2, Los Angeles 4, San Francisco 3, Vancouver 3, New York 3, Chicago 2 and Toronto 2 flights connecting to Hong Kong.
Reach Hong Kong by Train
Kowloon Canton Railway(KCR) has the option of regular Through Train service operating between Guangdong Province, Beijing, and Shanghai. The KCR also offers domestic rail service from the Hong Kong boundary with Mainland China.
To get the timetable and fare information you can see the online directory of the Kowloon Canton Railway. You should be informed of the fact that train service between Hong Kong and Mainland China ends before midnight because the Lo Wu border is closed at midnight.
Reach Hong Kong by Bike
If you want an innovative way to reach Hong Kong then come here on a bike . This is much of an attraction for cycle tourists, and there are the cross border arrangements from the Mainland China. You have 4 checkpoints on the Hong Kong – Shenzhen boundary, namely Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, Man Kam To, and Sha Tau Kok.
Reach Hong Kong by Ship
The ships arriving Hong Kong anchor at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, which is in close proximity to Hong Kong’s cultural and shopping hub.
Transport
Transportation in Hong Kong is very sound and here you will get so many options that it becomes very difficult to choose which one is appropriate for you. Centamap helps you in deciding the location while the Octopus payment card is the base of the public transport system. This is a multi-utility contact less smart card. You can use it while traveling by MTR, KCR, as well as in some bus routes.
Subway or underground railway is the most swift mode of travel. You have here Mass Transit Railway (MTR) which is an underground network . This network has five lines and the Tsuen Wan Line is most important while the Tung Chung Line) is the fastest route to Lantau.
If you want to enjoy sightseeing along with traveling then go for Peak Tram operated by Hong Kong Tramways. These are slim double-decker city trams moving on the north coast of Hong Kong Island. They have a flat fare of only $2 and you will find that this is the cheapest way of sightseeing tour.
If you are located in the south side of the island and Lantau then transportation in Hong Kong by huge double-decker buses is a good option.
You can enjoy sightseeing sitting on the first seats of the upper deck. Various bus operators here are Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB), Citybus, New World First Bus, and New Lantao Bus.
There are a large number of ferries plying between the many islands of Hong Kong. The most popular is the Star Ferry, don’t miss the route between Kowloon, and Central where you can enjoy spectacular views.
Traveling in Hong Kong by taxi is very convenient option and here the Taxicabs are quite spic and span and efficient . Also, there is a cable car service to Ocean Park located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, and Ngong Ping Skyrail on Lantau.
Leisure
For entertainment there are a lot of exciting options in Hong Kong, like a pulsating nightlife, going on a luxury night cruise over Victoria Harbor or rocking the night at the pubs, bars, nightclubs.
You can opt for Lei Yue Mun Seafood Village Dinner Cruise, which is a 5-hour trip beginning at dusk. You will tour the seafood bazaar at Lei Yue Mun Seafood Village, runway of the old Kai Tak airport and shop in the Temple Street Open Market after feasting on sumptuous seafood banquet. There are other luxury cruises like Star Ferry’s Harbor Tour with A Symphony of Lights, Pearl of the Orient Dinner Cruise, and Tsing Ma Night Cruise. You can also go for an exciting cable ride to the Victoria Peak.
You can also visit the bars and pubs in east Tsim Sha Tsui, Lan Kwai Fong, and Wan Chai. The most famous one is Lan Kwai Fong. You can taste wide range of beer, alcohol and wine which are indeed a connoisseur’s delight.
Then there are excellent nightclubs full of life like the western or Chinese night clubs . The ambiance is suitable both for business and family get together and here you can enjoy singing, acrobat, folk dances, and Cantonese Opera.
Another option is the discos which capture the attention of the youth with pulsating music, lights, and trendy décor. And some of the places you can hit for a rocking night are Cyber 8 Discotheque Pub, Club Ing, Kara OK bars, California Red – Red Box.
The options doesn’t end here only you also have the choice for seeing a good movie here. There are more than 100 cinemas screens which show the latest movies from across the globe. You can go and watch one at JP Causeway Bay or UA Times Square, Chinachem. Tsim Sha Tsui , an enchanting night park with astounding neon lights is also an exciting option in Hong Kong. Come to Hong Kong and have a swell time watching film, nightclub, bars and pubs, music and drama .
-
Indonesia Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/Indonesia-e1365221905549.jpg)
Ulun Danu temple , Beratan Lake in Bali, Indonesia
The equatorial country of Indonesia offers a tropical getaway that features beaches, islands, mountain peaks, wildlife, history, and a variety of Southeast Asian cultures. A melting pot for several Southeast Asian religions and immigrants, Indonesia covers an area of almost two million kilometers of different regions and their distinct subtleties.
Located almost between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the Indonesian archipelago’s neighbors are mostly nearby islands, except for Malaysia in the north, and Papua New Guinea and East Timor in the east. Indonesia’s proximity to Australia, India, and the Southeast Asian countries of Vietnam, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand makes it an attractive vacation destination for people of these countries.
Indonesia, known for being the largest archipelago in the world, has about 17,508 islands under its control, of which 6,000 are inhabited. Owing to its equatorial location, Indonesia’s climate in the plains and seaside is tropical with dry (June to September) and wet (October to May) seasons. In the regions with high altitude, like the mountain peaks in Papua, Sulawesi, and Java, the weather is cooler. The country’s official language is Indonesian, but you may find other Southeast Asian languages, like Chinese, Arabic, etc., being spoken in different regions. Similarly, holidays in Indonesia are also region specific. For instance, in the Chinese-dominated Borobudur, major holidays are the Chinese New Year and Lord Buddha’s birthday (Waisak). Then again, Indonesia has the largest Muslim settlement anywhere in the world. Hence, Ramadan, and Id-ul-Fitri or Lebaran is seen being celebrated all around the country.
Map
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/indonesia-travel-map.png)
Getting In And Around
The Indonesian archipelago can be best entered by air or sea.
By Air: The international airports in Jakarta, Surabaya (East Java), and Denpasar (Bali), are connected with the major destinations of the world, like London, Paris, Amsterdam, Seoul, Tokyo, Dubai, Moscow, Los Angeles, Rome, and Sydney. In addition, other cities in the country as well have regular flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. There are a large number of national and international airline companies servicing Indonesia, including Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, China Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Tiger Airways, Korean Air, Air New Zealand, and Air France.
If you wish to travel between cities or islands of Indonesia, you can easily find a domestic flight to a nearby airport.
By Sea: Ports in Singapore and Malaysia have regular ferry services to Indonesia. With about 300 public ports in the country, traveling by sea is a rather preferred mode of reaching Indonesia as well as moving around its islands. According to statistics, about 14 million passengers use the sea for traveling around the islands yearly. Many of these ports cater to international and domestic import and export of different kinds of cargoes. Some of the ports are also specialized for special commodities like rubber and oil. The Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta is a convenient way to sail to Indonesia. If you wish to reach any of the other islands, here is a list of important ports that you can ferry to:
Java – Semarang (central), Surabaya (east), and Cirebon (west)
Kalimantan – Samarinda (east), Balikpapan (east), Pontianak (west) and Banjarmasin (south)
Sumatra – Padang (west), Palembang (south), Medan (north), Belawan (northeast), and Panjang (between Java and Sumatra)
Batam – Sekupang, Pulau Batam, and Nongsa
Maluku – Ambon
Sulawesi – Bitung and Ujung Pandang
Irian Jaya – Sorong
Karimun – Tanjung Balai
Kundur – Tanjung Baju
By Road: If you wish to travel in the same island, a select number of buses are available from Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, and East Timor. You can also drive across the land borders. You must carry a valid visa for entering Indonesia. The main crossing points between the countries are:
Wutung – between Vanimo (Papua New Guinea) and Jayapura (Indonesia Papua)
Entikong-Tebedu – between Kuching (Sarawak, from Malaysia) and Pontianak (West Kalimantan in Indonesia)
Mota’ain – between Batugade (East Timor) and Atambua (West Timor in Indonesia)
There are buses plying between cities and provinces in Indonesia as well, especially between Sumatra and Java. You can find both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses for the travelers’ comfort and budget needs.
Leisure & Entertainment
There are a wide range of leisure and entertainment options for travelers to Indonesia. The archipelago offers something for everyone, from a laid-back to an adrenaline-packed vacation. There are a number of spas and spa resorts in the islands of Bali and Java. The spiritual monuments, serene natural surroundings, and meditation or wellness centers allow tourists to cleanse and rejuvenate their body and soul. You can also try the delectable spread of spicy Indonesian curries, fresh seafood preparations, and succulent exotic fruits. The local street food in Jakarta is a must-try for foodies. Other renowned culinary places include Bandung in West Java, Boulevard Area in the Manado City in North Sulawesi, and Semarang in Central Java. If you wish to experience Indonesia’s tribal culture, you can head to Tanah Toraja in Sulawesi, which is home to the Torajan tribe.
Indonesia prides in having one of the largest tropical forest areas in the world. Nature lovers, therefore, have an array of nature trails and cruise options in the country. A river cruise along the Sungai Kapuas River in Borneo provides a great way to see the dense mangrove jungles. The country is also home to several interesting and exotic fauna like the Orangutans, Komodo Dragon Lizard, and Tarsiers. Famous natural sites in Indonesia include Barren Komodo, Bukit Lawang (Sumatra), and Tangkoko Reserve (Northern Sulawesi). You can also visit the Bali Bird Park, and the Bogor Botanical Garden to see the wonders of nature.
The Ancol Dreamland in Jakarta is a popular amusement park in the country with attractions like a water park with options for fishing and boating, and art center featuring puppet shows, paintings and wood crafts.
Trekkers can take the hiking routes in the islands of Lombok, Borneo and Papua. The Gunung Rinjani summit in Lombok is renowned for a crater lake. The 2,392 m high Mount Bromo in the Bromo-Tengger Semeru National Park has a dramatic landscape and a volcano crater. Lake Toba is famous for its volcanic lake, believed to be the largest in the world.
In addition to these, tourists can enjoy a variety of water sports in Indonesia, like sea surfing in the Grajagan Bay in East Java, scuba diving in Bunaken, and snorkeling and diving in the Wen Island.
Places To See
Each island in Indonesia has distinctive features, making them more attractive to travelers. Listed below are the must-visit ones.
Bali – Bali has gained global popularity for its beautiful beaches, unique culture, spiritual sites, and entertainment facilities. The town of Ubud prides in conserving the Balinese culture through its dance events, art galleries and festivals.
Java – A visit to Indonesia is considered incomplete without visiting Java. Famous places to see are Jakarta (capital city), Krakatau (for its caldera), Borobudur(considered as the largest Buddhist temple in the world), Prambanan (has World Heritage Sites), and Yogyakarta (famous for its art and culture).
Sumatra – A popular island for nature enthusiasts, Sumatra is home to a large number of endangered species of flora and fauna.
Sulawesi – Sulawesi features diverse tribal settlements, national parks, and diving sites.
Tips
Listed are the things to keep in mind while traveling to Indonesia:
It is best to avoid traveling to Indonesia during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and the Id-ul-Fitri festival. In many places during this time businesses close earlier and many remain closed for about two weeks.
Carry a bottle of water while touring. The tropical weather is Indonesia can be difficult. Therefore, keeping yourself hydrated will reduce any problems due to the heat and humidity. Moreover, tap water is considered non-potable in the country.
Indonesia is a traditional country and take their customs seriously. Knowledge about the customs can be helpful. For instance, eating or giving something to someone with your left hand is considered impolite.
There is a departing fee, when you are leaving Indonesia. So, have some money in hand when reaching the airport.
Travelers must beware of petty to bigger crimes in the country. Owing to its infamous status as one of the world’s most corrupt countries, it is best to avoid showing off any expensive jewelry, watches, iPods, etc., or even money in a public place. Make sure to keep your belongings in a secure place and carry as little stuff as possible while on the streets.
Drug use and trafficking can attract a death penalty in the country.
-
Jordan Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/02/petra-jordan.jpg)
Petra in Jordan
Jordan is one of the most fascinating and clean cities in the entire Middle East and its capital is Amman, which features numerous tourist attractions like old Roman theater, an ancient Citadel, an archaeological museum, and numerous dazzling shopping malls to grab the attention of the tourists.
The extensive list of sightseeing destinations that meet up your expectations with flying colors. Jordan is surrounded by Syria in the north, Iraq in the northeast, Saudi Arabia in the east and south, and Israel in the west, and it also shares the coastlines of the Dead Sea with Israel and the Gulf of Aqaba with Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
The ideal season to visit the country of Jordan is spring or autumn, as during this season the tourists don’t face either the scorching heat of the sun or the freezing winds of winter. They can take part in various outdoor activities and catch a real glimpse of the country.
The premier sightseeing destinations of Jordan predominantly comprise of Amman, Petra, Jerash, Irbid, Aqaba, Al-Mrrajam, Wadi rum, Ajlun, Rum, Umm Qais, Iraq al amir, and Karak. Other significant highlights for the tourists include Jordan River and Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth.
Getting In
This country in the Middle East is comparatively small in size. The transportation network is quite appreciating and gives a lot of choice to get in. The tourists can avail from the number of world class airlines serving three quality airports of Jordan. Apart from the Queen Alia International Airport, Jordan has two other international airports viz., the Marka International Airport in East Amman and the King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba. The Amman International Airport has direct flights from many of the major cities of the Middle East like Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, etc. Royal Jordanian Airlines is the national airlines of Jordan. Along with that Jordan is served by a number of foreign carriers, which includes British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, and Egyptair, etc.
You may even reach Jordan via trains. There are trains twice a week from Damascus (Syria) to Amman. Trains connect from Damascus at the Mahatta junction to the Marka International Airport in Amman. If you are arriving from the neighboring countries of Israel, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, you are welcome to avail the car facilities to Jordan. From Israel the visitors can get into Jordan by car. The main crossings are at King Hussein Bridge. The Syrians can take long distance taxis from Damascus to Amman. Although it is not much comfortable, yet it is cheap and takes around 3.5 hours to get into Jordan. You may also choose to travel to Jordan from Saudi Arabia by bus. The trip can take anywhere between 3 to 20 hours. Long distance bus services operate from a number of Middle Eastern destinations like, Tel Aviv, and Damascus, etc., which promises a swift and a comfortable journey. This cheap mode of transport may not provide a good amount of comfort.
Jordan is served by both ferries and speedboats. The Egyptians can easily have a direct access to the port of Aqaba from the port of Nuweiba. Ferry charges somewhere around $30 and around $60 for the speedboat except the Egyptians (They are not required to pay the extra added charges). The trip to Jordan by ferry might take up to 8 hours.
Transport
There is a wide range of options for the travelers within the country. Jordan with an area of 92,300 sq km has an extensive network of roads. The highway accounts for 8,000 km, which are all paved. The visitors find it easy to access to different parts of the country by air, although the only domestic route in Jordan is between the cities of Amman and Aqaba. The travelers can also choose from the bus, car, taxi, and other local modes of transport available to make it convenient for the tourists to reach to their favored destinations. While you are roaming in the country, the efficient transport system assures you of a safe and cheap journey across the country.
The JETT bus company connects with the places like Amman, Aqaba, the King Hussein Bridge, and Hammamat Ma’in. Private buses are available for those willing to visit Amman, Irbid, and Aqaba. Minibus services can also be availed by the tourists, although they are generally irregular and connect with the small towns of the country. The taxis operate in the main cities. This mode of transport is more expensive than the bus service, but they are a better traveling option in terms of swiftness and comfort.
The yellow-colored regular taxis are available in plenty in most of the places of the country. The charges can be negotiated if the taxi does not have a meter. The visitors can find a reliable driver with the help of the Hotel reception desk. This is basically a convenient mode of transport, which can take you to your destination. Owing to smooth national highways in Jordan, renting a car is a wholesome option.
Sometimes the visitors might witness careless drivers and un-repaired vehicles, so it is better to avoid driving outside the capital, Amman, after dark. As the fuel price is quite low, you can have a great time driving. The Desert Highway, which connects Aqaba, Ma’an, Amman, is the commonly used road by the visitors.
Leisure
If you consider the area of the country, it is much smaller than the other most attractive countries of the world. But, once you get the touch of Jordan soil under your feet, you realize that the country has a galore of fun and beauty to share with you. This landlocked country of the Middle East has all the ingredients for the tourists to drench themselves in entertainment.
The best way to seek entertainment in Jordan is to visit some of the ancient architectures and the beautiful cliffs. It is advisable to visit the places like Jerash (one of the largest Roman ruins in the Middle East), Madaba (renowned for its mosaic map of Jerusalem), Wadi Rum (a barren, isolated and beautiful, granite cliffs contrasting with desert sand), Dead Sea, etc. The tourists will easily get a grasp of the natural and artistic beauty that Jordan possesses. Apart from these favored tourist destinations, there are some notable places where the visitors must pay a visit.
Petra, the city of Jordan can be a major element leisure in Jordan. This great attraction of Jordan is an ancient city which was completely carved out of sandstone. The ancient architectures found in this region are mesmerizing and obviously makes you engrossed. The Dana Nature Reserve gives you the privilege of hiking in an offshoot of the Great Rift. Keeping aside the natural beauty, Jordan is rich in the fields of art, music, and entertainment. Do not forget to have a glimpse of the brilliant artistic displays in the museums. The music of Jordan is soothing and melodious.
In addition to these, some noteworthy places to enjoy in Jordan are Wadi Rum desert, which is full of mountains and hills located south of Jordan. It is popular for its sights along with a variety of sports that are practiced there, such as rock-climbing. The tourists can spend their leisure time in the capital city of Amman, which has lots of shopping malls, shopping centers, hotels, and an ancient Roman amphitheater.
-
Maldives Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/maldives-e1365163102452.jpg)
Villas on piles on water in Maldives
If you are keen on finding out your dream destination which will have picturesque silvery white sandy beaches, clear blue sky, never ending lines of shady palm trees and translucent water, then Maldives can be your next dream destination. Maldives is situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean and it is made up of 1200 tiny coral islands. Numerous natural wonders of the Maldives, immaculate in every sense, grab the attention of thousands of tourists from different corners of the world. Maldives with its tranquil tropical island, lush green palm trees, exotic white beaches, and gleaming turquoise lagoons leaves all its visitors spoilt for choices. Whatever may be your preference and choice, Maldives offers something for everyone.
The best time to visit the Maldives Islands is during the months of December and April when the climate is ideal for getting engaged in outdoor activities. The most popular option of reaching Maldives is to fly down as there are regular flights which connect Maldives to Colombo (Sri Lanka), Trivandrum (southwest India), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
There are numerous sightseeing destinations in the Maldives which include Male, Bolifushi, Thulhagiri Resort, Ari Atoll, Rasdhoo, and Male Atoll. Start packing your bags and head for your dream vacation in Maldives.
Map
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/maldives-travel-map.jpg)
Getting In
Airways is the only way of reaching Maldives from anywhere in the world. The two international airports of the country are the Male International airport and the Gan International airport. Other than these two airports, Maldives has three other domestic airports, namely, the Kaadedhdhoo airport, the Hanimaadhoo airport and the Kadhdhoo airport.
The domestic carriers such as the Island Aviation Services, the Maldivian Air Taxi and the Trans Maldivian Airways, facilitate getting around the country. Many foreign airlines, however, operate flights to Maldives.
Arriving in Maldives requires no former visa application. A tourist visa would be issued on your arrival, which would be valid for a period of 30 days. The Emirates have daily flights to Maldives from locations like Dubai, Colombo, Paris, Zurich, etc. Air Lanka and Pakistan International Airline have flights from Colombo, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Rome, Zurich, Frankfurt, Dubai, etc.
The Malaysian Airlines and Singapore Airlines operate flights to Maldives from destinations like Mumbai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, etc. The Thai Airways operate flights to Maldives from destinations like New York, Bangkok, Tokyo, Mumbai, Zurich, Sydney, etc. The Indian Airlines operate flights to Maldives from Mumbai, Calcutta, Dubai, etc.
Transport
The different modes of transportation in Maldives are listed below:
Planes
Planes are the fastest means to travel in Maldives. The country has five airports, of which two are international and three are domestic. The Male Airport and the Gan Airport are the two international airports and the three domestic airports are the Kaadedhdhoo airport, the Kadhdhoo airport, and the Hanimaadhoo airport. The Island Aviation Services, the Trans Maldivian Airways, and the Maldivian Air Taxi are the domestic carriers functioning in the Maldives. The planes, of the Trans Maldivian Airways, and the Maldivian Air Taxi airlines, usually carry about 10 passengers.
Boat
You can move from one island to another in the Maldives by ferries. You can pick your preferred boat from the available choices ranging from the charter boats to high-speed boats. The resorts also help their guests in booking the boats.The Four Seasons resort offers cruisers with food and drinks on-board. The traditional boats are known as Dhoni. These are run on diesel. The Vedis are larger boats than Dhoni and are used for long distance journeys.
Cars
The capital city of Maldives, Male is where you would be able to hire a cab quite easily. The roads in Male are quite well maintained and a journey by taxi would not be uncomfortable.
Some of the other interesting options to get around Maldives include cycles and motorbikes.
Leisure
Tourists visiting this nation can try out various water sports like diving, snorkeling, scuba-diving, swimming, fishing, etc. The resorts in the Maldives would take care of your entertainment during your stay there. They would also provide you with the necessary equipment to carry out the activities. You could also indulge in traditional sports like football, tennis, etc.
The capital city of Maldives, Male, boasts of cafes, shops, and restaurants to keep you busy for the whole day. Some of the items that you could buy are sea shells, jewelry, reed mats, and lacquered boxes made of wood. The shops remain open from 8:30 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. On all days of the week, the shops keep their shutters down five times a day, each for a period of 15 minutes, for praying. On Fridays, the shops open at 1:30 p.m.
Visit the country during the festival of Eid to see its full bloom. A major festival in the Maldives, Eid was first celebrated in the country during the beginning of the 12th century. Things have changed since then, but the enthusiasm for the festival remains undiminished. Nowadays, the festival is celebrated with western music shows. Various cultural shows are held throughout the Maldives during this time.
You could also visit some of the major tourist destinations and attractions located in Maldives. Some of them are listed below:
The National Museum
The Hukuru Miskiiy
The Mulee-aage
The Islamic centre
The Male Fish Market
The Local Market
-
North Korea Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/north-korea-e1365163739729.jpg)
Tomb of King Tongmyong in Pyongyang, North Korea
North Korea is located in the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Officially, North Korea is named as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. With its capital city of Pyongyang, North Korea comprises a total area of about 120,410 square kilometers. The water bodies that surround this country include Yellow Sea and Korea Bay in the west and the Sea of Japan to the eastern side of Korea. The main river that flows along the country is Amnok River.
The climate of North Korea is pretty comforting and favorable. North Korea has a temperate climate. The precipitation is higher during the summer season, while the winter season is chilly cold. The winters are long, dry, and cold. The summer season is marked by the humid, short, and hot climate. The climate of the country greatly depends on the varied and rich geography of North Korea, which is a highly centralized communist state. It got its independence from Japan on August 15, 1945. On September 9, 1948, it got separated from the Republic of Korea.
People of North Korea follow the religion of Buddhism and Confucianism. But the capital city was a major center for Christian activities before the Korean War. The people of Korea speak the Korean language. You can, however, find a number of dialects of Korean among the people.
The culture of North Korea is rich and has a heritage of its own. Literature, theaters, music, and film are some of the major aspects of the enriching heritage of North Korea. This country celebrates a popular event known as the Mass Games. This game involves dance, choreography, and gymnastics. These games are held at different venues of the capital city of Pyongyang.
Coming to North Korea, you can visit various places of interest and spend a quality time out here. Some of the major tourist attractions include Koguryo Tombs, Mount Kumgang, the state circus, Revolutionary Opera, Tower of the Juche Idea, Triumphal Arch, etc.
This country of communist dictatorship follows a strict policy of inviting tourists. Full of mountainous regions, narrow valleys, and coastal plains, the country offers some valuable sightseeing options to the tourists. Considered as one of the homogenous countries of the world in terms of ethnicity and linguistics, North Korea mainly has Buddhist population.
The best time to visit the country is either during the spring or in the autumn. The country is blessed with a temperate climate and sometimes it is prone to suffer from severe drought or can be affected by occasional typhoons.
When it comes to food and accommodation, North Korea has a limited number of varieties in their cuisines. They prepare some typical cuisines and the restaurants serve some popular dishes like Korean fare, kimchi, noodles, etc.
This country is reputed for some kind of political unrest and insurgency. Korean is the official language of the people. The tourists can assure themselves that this country is almost free from any sort of crimes. It is safe to drink water from the local taps. The country has a basic medical facility, which is not much developed. The country pays enough reverence to their former leaders Kim II Sung and Kim Jong II. The punishments meted out to the offenders are really harsh. It is considered an admirable gesture if you bring gifts like cigarettes for the men, and doughnuts or skin cream for female guides, etc. Before visiting the country, adapt your tongue to some Korean words and phrases.
Map
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/north-korea/maps/north-korea-map.gif)
Getting In
Apart from the Asian countries which get an easy access to North Korea, other countries of the world can have an unhindered entry to this country. The country allows the tourists to enter with the help of flights, trains, buses, and boats. The country covers a big area and also offers the opportunity to the visitors to enter the country in various modes of transport suiting their pocket and taste.
Planes are the preferred option for most of the tourists. The country has some 4 to 5 international airports, where flights from the different parts of the world arrive. Some of the flights that carry people from all over the world to North Korea, are Air Koryo (all special government approved charters only – Busan, Macau, Moscow-Sheremetyevo, Prague, Seoul-Incheon, Shenzhen, Sofia, Yangyang), Asiana Airlines (Seoul-Incheon), China Airlines, Mandarin Airlines (Taipei-Taoyuan) Far Eastern Air Transport (Taipei-Taoyuan), Korean Air (Seoul-Incheon), etc.
The trains from Pyongyang connect with Beijing in China via Tianjin, Jinxi, Dandong, and Shinuiju, for four times a week. The country also has a railway link with Russia, which is not being used in the recent past. The bus service is there for the people of China, which forms a link between Dandong (China) across the Yalu River to Sinuiju. The visitors might find it a little difficult to board these bus services, as it does not have a fixed schedule. Japanese can avail an extra mode for reaching North Korea. They have the privilege of boarding ships from Nilgata in Japan to Wonsan in North Korea. The ship service is often noted to be disrupted, due to some political unrest between these two countries.
Transport
Transportation in this country is quite convenient and easy. There are about 78 airports in North Korea. There are 35 airports with paved runways and 43 airports with unpaved runways. This country is well connected with other countries through ports and harbors. The railways and roadways in the country are also quite convenient.You can even avail metro rail service, which connects to various parts of the country.
Leisure
The country with its rich collection of attractive mountains and other natural beauty, has got the capacity of attracting people from all over the world. The temperate climate of the place also makes it comfortable for the tourists to visit the country. The country has an abundance of wilderness in the form of national parks. Some of the common tourist attractions in North Korea are Kumgangsan, Myohyangsan, Paekdusan, Panmunjom, etc.
North Korea offers a whole range of things to entertain the visitors. While in North Korea, you can expect to find some fascinating Diamond Mountains in Kumgangsan. This second highest mountain in North Korea offers some breathtaking sceneries like waterfalls, lagoons, mineral springs, and Buddhist temples, and hermitages. Samil Lagoon is also a top spot to visit in Kumgangsan. Myohyangsan is the mysterious fragrant mountain of the country. This mountain is a hiker’s paradise. Country’s highest mountain Paekdusan, is an extinct volcano. This mountain has a huge crater lake called Chonji (“Lake of Heaven”) at the summit. The lake is surrounded by bare rocky crags. It is one of the deepest and coldest alpine lakes in the world.
North Korea has something more to gift to its visitors. The city of Pyongyang is worth visiting for the famous Juche Tower and the bronze statue of the great leader Kim II-sung at Mansudae. The visitors will be able to see some ancient temples and tombs of the Koryo rulers, in the city of Kaesong. A major form of entertainment, which the tourists must look forward to is the Arirang Mass Games, held every year in Pyongyang. The mass gymnastic and artistic performance create a great sensation. Besides, the country has some great musical operas, and dance clubs, where the tourists can have a gala time.
-
Philippines Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/Philippines-e1366004454399.jpg)
Tropical sea at El Nido, Philippines.
Philippines is an abode of more than 7,000 islands, with a fertile culture and scope for pleasant explorations.
This republican country is a productive fusion of ancient tradition and modern uniqueness. Encompassing an area of 300,000 sq km, this Christian dominated territory, has its capital in Manila. Some important cities are Angeles, Bacolod (known as the City of Smiles), Batangas (full of Dive sites, resorts and beaches), which will serve an immense pleasure. El Nido in Phillipines is a charismatic place, and missing it would be a crime.
Leaving the summer months, the rest of the year remains pleasant, frequented with festivals. In the Philippines, you realize that this country has not been able to break the shackles of poverty and run freely down the road to development. Local people are very congenial and hospitable to the visitors. Use either English and Filipino while speaking with them. The warmth, which is surely to be found among the natives attracts a large number of tourists every year. This one of the less expensive country of Asia guarantees fun at a cheap bargain.
Map
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/philippines/philippines-map.gif)
Getting In
As the country is surrounded by water on all the sides, it is difficult to get an access to this country by means of travel other than the airplanes. This island nation has been transporting people of various countries with the help of a strong connectivity of airways in almost all the places of the world, except the Latin American and African countries. The tourists must keep this in mind that the country is one of the cheapest destinations of the world, so they can expect a reasonable air fare on their way to the country.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the primary airport, which serves the city of Manila. Air Macau, Air Niugini, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Continental Airlines, Emirates, EVA Air, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, Jetstar Asia Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International, etc., fly to the Philippines. The airports receive around 420 international flights of United Airlines, Swissair, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, and Air France. These flights operate on a weekly basis.
Philippines is never short of international airports. Some major international airports of the country are The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark which receives airlines like Air Asia (from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu), and Tiger Airways (from Singapore and Macau). International airplanes from Malaysia, Qatar, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea, operate in the Mactan-Cebu international airport in Cebu on the island of Visayas. The Francisco Bangoy international airport in Davao City, on the island of Mindanao receives direct flights from Seoul in South Korea, Singapore, Manado, and Gorontalo (Indonesia). You may also land at some other airports like the Kalibo Airport in Kalibo, the Laoag International Airport, the Subic Bay International Airport in Subic, the Basco Airport in Basco and the Zamboanga International Airport, where airlines like Asian Spirit (Koror), Mandarin Airlines (Taipei-Taiwan Taoyuan), and SilkAir (Singapore), operate.
Transport
You may get around Philippines using boats, ferries, bus, and trams.
Leisure
The country has a winning combination of idyllic sights and innumerable events and festivals, which will surely make the fun lovers restless. The breathtaking beaches, along with great weather, make it a perfect place to drill out all your hidden desires. The country boasts of providing some natural wonders, adding to that warm and congenial people, makes the tourists feel at home. City of Baguio has some nice parks and views, vegetable gardens, etc. Batangas has lovely beaches, which provide dive-sites, resorts, and heritage sites. If you want to go for whitewater rafting, Cagayan de Oro is the ideal place.
The country is a proud host of some of the finest feasts like The Black Nazarene, which is held in Quiapo Church Manila in January. Panagbenga, known as the flower festival, is held in Baguio every February. Ati-Atihan is another major event known as The Queen of Philippine Festivals. The visitors can expect to find some rare species of flowers displayed during the festival Flores de Mayo, which is held in every May, and many more events happening in almost all the parts of the year. The visitors will find it difficult to manage enough time to witness all the grandeur of the country. To have a great leisure, the visitors are sure to find some great beaches. The beaches Boracay, located off the island of Panay, is known for its White Beach. Reputed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it makes an excellent spot for spending a leisurely afternoon. You can witness thousands of species of marine life and the endangered White Breasted Eagle in Danjugan Island.
The Philippines has some other tourists destinations in some of its cities. In the city of Davao, the visitors will witness the country’s tallest mountain (Mount Apo), the endangered Philippine Eagle, and one of costliest orchids in the world, the Vanda Sanderiana. If you are in Makati City, you can expect to have a vibrant nightlife and shopping delight. Those who are looking forward to have some adventure and sports, are cordially invited to come to Subic city. Visit some other destinations like Angeles, Coron Group, Malapascua Island, Negros Island (Negros Occidental & Negros Oriental) Panglao Island, Port Barton Coastline, Tagaytay, Taytay, etc.
-
Qatar Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/Qatar-e1365413316719.jpg)
Zubarah fort, Qatar
Qatar was previously a poor country. But with the help of oil and gas fields, the country has made a rapid economic progress. Initially, Qatar did not issue visas for the tourists. From 1989 onwards, they have started issuing them. The land of sand dunes, brilliant architecture, wonderful hotels, and rock carvings is now open to outsiders. Qatar is divided into nine municipalities namely Ad Dawhah, Al Khawr, Al Ghuwayriyah, Jarayan al Batinah, Madinat ash Shamal, Al Jumayliyah, Al Wakrah, Umm Salal, and Ar Rayyan. The official language of Qatar is Arabic. English is also widely spoken in Qatar. The capital city of Qatar is Doha.
When you reach Qatar by plane, you are likely to land in Doha. The Qatar airways are the major airlines of Qatar. You can reach Qatar by car or bus from Saudi Arabia. Taxis, buses, and limousines will facilitate intra-country traveling. During the summer months the heat is unbearable. November and February offer pleasant weather for the tourists and are the months, when you should be looking to travel to Qatar.
Some of the major tourist attractions in Qatar are:
Qatar National Museum and Aquarium, Doha
The Corniche, Doha
City Center Mall, Doha
Doha Ethnographic Museum
Doha Fort
Al Shaqab Stud farm
Zubara Fort
Doha Golf Club
Getting In
Qatar attracts travelers with its unique beauty and host of other attractions.
Reaching Qatar by air is quite a convenient option because of the presence of an international airport in Doha. Here, the Qatar Airways has established a worldwide network. A large number of flights arrive here from across the world and the airlines operating here are Aero Asia Internatioanl, Air Arabia, British Airways, Emirates, Egypt Air, Indian Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch airlines, Turkish Airlines, etc.. Most of the international airlines operate through the Doha Airport and have daily or weekly flights to Qatar. Qatar Airways connects Doha to 66 destinations worldwide. The other major airlines operating in Qatar is the Gulf Air. From the airport, you will get complimentary bus or limousine services or you can also hire a taxi.
You can arrive in Qatar by land from Saudi Arabia, though be careful night travel by car is not advisable at all. Even traveling during the day one has to watch out for speeding cars and trucks. Proper caution like wearing seat belts and not crossing the speed over 120 mph should be maintained. There is also a bus service from Saudi Arabia. But, these don’t have fixed routes and do not provide a comfortable journey.
Reaching Qatar by sea is also another option and sea travel is possible because of the presence of the Arabian Sea. There is a service of small commercial boats plying in and out of Qatar. These are not often used by general tourists as they don’t have specified routes. Doha Port also finds commercial freights coming from all over the world. The other ports are Umm Said, Musayid, Ad Dawah, and Jazirath Halul.
Transport
Traveling in Qatar was a problem earlier, but when this country tried to project its image in the world arena, then it was decided by the government to develop the transportation system in Qatar. The government here has started in 2002 the Taxi Company – Mowasalat, which is solely owned by the government to facilitate “Integrated Ground Transport Services” for the whole country. Earlier there were as many as 3,000 privately owned orange taxi’s, but the emergence of the services of Mowasalat has made a significant change in the way people get around Qatar.
These new taxis are safer and more comfortable. But, you have to keep in mind one point that some of the drivers may not be proficient in languages like English. Mowsalat is currently operating 1,800 taxi sedans and there are also the airport taxis. The Doha Limousine Service operates 100 standard limousines and 200 (Jaguar XJ) VIP units which offer transfers from the Doha International Airport as well as from the major hotels.It was recently, in October 2005, that the bus service began in Qatar. By bus you can travel as far as Al Shamal/Al Ruwais in the north, Dukhan in the west, and Mesaieed (Umm Said) in the south.
The private taxis are a convenient way to get around. Though more expensive choices are Limos – which you can hire with prices starting at 30 Riyals. But, if you are looking for comfort then this is the perfect choice for you. You may also hire a car. There are many agencies that offer this option, though the prices can be anything around 1500 Riyals per month. You can bargain for a competitive price.
Leisure
The vibrant nightlife, an array of outdoor activities, shopping options as well as events and exhibition are the key areas of entertainment in Qatar. The exhibitions are a depiction of the cultural heritage of the country, as well as they promote sports. Noteworthy among them are the Doha Cultural Festival and the Qatar Open Tennis competition.
The Doha Cultural Festival takes place every year. The exhibitions of artworks and handicrafts showcase the true essence of the vibrant city, Doha. Other events, which are very popular are the Qatar Masters golf tournament and Doha International Trade Fair, celebrated on an international level.
Chic shopping malls coupled with lower duties make this region an ideal destination for shopping. The old souks are ideal for good bargains. The shopping hours in Qatar are usually from Saturdays through Thursdays, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., while the malls remain open until 9:00 or 10:00 p.m.. Some of the shops remain closed on Friday.
The tourists may indulge in adventure sports like wind surfing, parasailing, desert safaris, ice skating, etc. There are cinema halls in Doha where you can watch an English movie and also there is a National Theatre where you can view some live performances. Doha also has a vibrant nightlife and there are a variety of hotel bars ranging from classy cocktail lounges to casual Western-style bars. Food is also served and there are live bands performing every night. Another interesting option for entertainment and leisure in Qatar is rocking the night at the discotheques where pulsating beats and the DJs create a mood. Stage plays from London are hosted here, as well as dance groups from Europe and Asia perform here.
-
Saudi Arabia Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/saudi-arabia-e1365413910540.jpg)
Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a Middle Eastern country in Asia that occupies most of the Arabian peninsula. It has both Persian Gulf and Red Sea coast lines. The neighboring countries of Saudi Arabia are Jordan to the northwest, Iraq to the northeast, Kuwait and Qatar to the east, United Arab Emirates to the south east, and Oman and Yemen to the south. Saudi Arabia is world famous for the holy Muslim site of Mecca, a place that is not missed by any Muslim. Muslims visit Mecca at least once in their life.
Much of Saudi Arabia (about 98%) is a desert and largely uninhabited. Petroleum and the wealth it produces is the sole factor that allures people to explore and live in this harsh landscape. However, the scenario is not entirely this. Once the veil is lifted, one will come to know that the country has a lot to offer to tourists. Saudi Arabia has many beautiful oases and mountain-tops, beaches, and rivers. Its cities have no nightlife, but have plenty of cafeterias and restaurants. There are several shops ranging from the smaller ones to the huge department stores. It is not known to many that Saudi Arabia’s major cities are very modern with all kinds of facilities and amenities of a high standard. The tourists must remember the fact that as long as they respect and abide by the laws and customs of the country, they will be treated cordially.
Being the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad, Saudi Arabia contains the holiest cities of Islam. In this aspect, it is important to note that the Saudis take the responsibility of protecting the integrity of this holy land with true seriousness. Islamic laws are strictly enforced by the “mutawwa” or the religious police. Saudi Arabia also succeeds in being beautiful and praiseworthy. Thus, this country can also be a hot tourist destination.
Map
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/saudi-arabia/maps/saudi-arabia-map.gif)
Getting In
Normally entering Saudi Arabia is not very easy as Saudi Arabia has some of the most stringent and most restrictive travel policies in the world. Therefore, advance visas are required for all foreigners planning to enter or leave the country. The only important exception to this fact are the residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council nations like Oman, Qatar, Iran, etc. The entry of the Israeli nationals is very difficult in Saudi Arabia and those with evidence of visiting Israel are denied visa though in theory merely being a Jewish national is not the reason or disqualifying factor for entering Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, transit visas are limited to some long-distance truck drivers only. Hajj or pilgrimage visas are issued by the Saudi government through Saudi embassies around the world in cooperation with local mosques.
Most of the visitors to Saudi Arabia are guest workers. Thus, visas are provided by the Saudi government to employers of the country. If you are coming to Saudi Arabia, you should note that Saudi Arabia has a very rigorous ‘customs inspection’ at all entry and check points. Alcoholic beverages, pork, non-Islamic religious materials, and pornography are strictly prohibited in the country by all means. It is also to be noted that computers, VCR tapes, and DVDs have all been snatched from people from time to time. They are confiscated for inspection by the authorities. Thus, a tourist is expected to be prepared to get all his bags opened or x-rayed.
The best way of reaching Saudi Arabia is by flight. The country has three international airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Ad Dammam. According to reports, the airport at Dhahran is now closed to civil traffic. Therefore, all the passengers to the Eastern Region fly to Dammam. Saudi Arabia is served by the national airline named Saudia. The country is also served by Gulf Air, Alitalia, Air France, Lufthansa, Pakistan International Airlines, Air India, Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM), Qatar Airways and even Sri Lankan Airlines. British Airways did stop its service to the kingdom in March, 2005. During the Hajj months, several chartered flights carry on with the scheduled airlines. You can also fly to Bahrain and then come to Saudi Arabia by car. Because of the absence of railroads connecting Saudi Arabia with other countries, it is not possible to travel to Saudi Arabia by trains. However, there is a railway connection between Dammam, Al Hasa, and Riyadh. Automobile crossings exist on all the borders of Saudi Arabia.
You may choose to travel to Saudi Arabia by car or any other vehicle. Borders into Iraq are currently closed. The Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) operates intracity and intercity buses. It also operates international buses between the country, Bahrain, and the UAE. A passenger ferry runs between Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Transport
Planes, trains, taxis and bikes are used to get around Saudi Arabia. The national airlines of Saudi Arabia is Saudia. In addition to that, a low cost carrier Nas Air flies from Riyadh to Jeddah and Medina. It has some other additional destinations planned too. A new airline called “Sama Air” has also started its domestic operations covering destinations like Jeddah, Madinah, Riyadh, Dharan, Tabuk, Nejran, Abha, etc.
Another convenient means of getting around Saudi Arabia is the train. There are a number of passenger trains that run each and every day from Dammam to Riyadh. Tourists are advised to arrive early at the station as the trains are often so filled up that you would hardly get a place. Also, one must buy tickets at the station. Tourists planning a visit to Saudi Arabia must know that Saudi Arabia has several hundreds of kilometers of standard gauge railways which links the capital Riyadh with the Persian Gulf.
In the Saudi capital of Riyadh, taxis normally charge anywhere between SR5 for nearby distances to SR20 for city outskirts. Taxi drivers at airports use a fixed rate to take you for a drive from the airports. So, travelling by a taxi is quite often termed as the best means of travel in Saudi Arabia.
Moreover, motorcycles are very popular in Saudi Arabia and are rapidly growing all over Saudi Arabia. Thus, a tourist who is quite adventurous, can go for a ride around the whole country to see Saudi Arabia in a special way. It is popular even for the non- adventurous.
Highways in Saudi Arabia vary from eight lane roads to two-laned roads in rural areas. The city highways and other major highways are well maintained. This includes the roads in Riyadh. The roads are created in such a way so that they do not reflect the strong sun. In this way the roads resist the summer temperatures and high heat. The outer city highways such as those linking the coasts are not as great as the inner-city highways.
Some of the important intercity highways of Saudi Arabia are: Dammam – Abu Hadriya – Ras Tanura Highway (257 km), Khaybar – Al Ola Highway (175 km), Makkah – Madinah Al Munawarah Highway (421 km), Riyadh – Dammam Highway (383 km), Riyadh – Sedir – al Qasim Highway (317 km), Riyadh – Taif Highway (750 km), and Taif – Abha-Gizan Highway (750 km).
Leisure
Entertainment and Many people think that there is very little in fact no entertainment in Saudi Arabia. But the reality is different.
The main source of fun in Saudi Arabia is its food and drink. The local food is quite strongly flavoured and spicy. The most common meats are lamb and chicken; and beef is rarely found. As you know pork is prohibited under Islamic law. The main meal of the day is lunch. Cooking of your own choice is possible in the larger towns. A variety of international cuisine including fast food is available for tourists in the oil-producing Eastern Province and in Jeddah.
Smoking in public is prohibited during the fasting hours of Ramadan. This is the law of the country. If somebody breaks the rules he incurs strict penalties.
Restaurants in Saudi Arabia have table service. However, there are no bars. Alcohol is forbidden by law in this country and there are severe penalties for infringement of law. Tourists planning a visit to Saudi Arabia should note that this law applies to all nationals of all countries regardless of religion. The rare specialities in Saudi Arabia includes the staple diet which is pitta bread (flat, unleavened bread). This accompanies every dish. The other food items are rice, lentils, chick peas (hummus) and cracked wheat (burghul), Kultra (chicken or lamb on skewers) is a popular option for lunch. Kebabs are always served with soup and vegetables. Another item Mezze includes up to 40 dishes. The national drinks of this country are Arabic coffee and fruit drinks which are the popular alternatives to alcohol. Besides, alcohol-free beers and cocktails are definitely served in hotel bars. If you go to any restaurant of Saudi Arabia then you should know that tipping is prevalent in most of the eating places. In Saudi Arabia, the practice of tipping is becoming more and more common and waiters should be given 10%. Recently, it has become a rule. Nightlife as a form of fun in Saudi Arabia is just dining in the various plush restaurants. Shopping is a part of enjoyment in Saudi Arabia. Souks (markets) sell incense and holders, jewellery, bronze and brassware, and richly decorated daggers and swords. As you go to the Eastern Province, huge brass-bonded chests can be purchased. Bargaining is often expected in Saudi Arabia even for modern goods such as cameras and electrical equipments. The shopping time is from Saturday to Thursday 09:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Ramadan 8:00 p.m. to 01:00 a.m.). The time differs in various parts of the country.
-
Singapore Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/singapore-e1365414086458.jpg)
Singapore City skyline at night
Singapore is a popular tourist destination. This is an island city nestled at the southernmost edge of the Malaysian Peninsula in South East Asia. Some of the charming factors of this tourist destination are that it is not only one of the richest, efficiently organized countries in the world, it also has much to offer to the tourists. Singapore has 1,000 shopping malls to indulge in shopping spree. It is an island country with a panoramic skyline by the shore and where you would find great variation in lifestyle, culture, as well as religion.
What particularly impresses you about Singapore is its reputation as well maintained and trendy metropolis. Here you will find well landscaped parks, skyscrapers complemented with ethnic corners like Arab Street, Chinatown, Colonial District, Orchard road, and Little India. The picturesque islands south of Singapore and Sentosa island are two of the major highlights of the country.
Singapore with its perfect blend of old mystical charm and modernism beckons you to come and have exciting holidays here. Another fact which you must be aware about Singapore is that though here sale of chewing gum is prohibited, but is you can always bring chewing gum from outside and have it as well. Possession of drugs and narcotics is prohibited here and the punishment is death penalty if you have more than a Singapore fifty cent coin’s weight of narcotics.
Food lovers can try out Chinatown for Chinese delicacies, Little India for Indian cuisines, Kampong Glam (Arab St) for a Malay/Arab treat or the East Coast for delectable seafood. Historical monuments and museums that you must visit on your Singapre tour are:
Singapore Zoo
Night Safari
Jurong Bird Park
Butterfly Park and Insect Garden
Merlion Park
World War II Heritage Sites
Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom
Singapore Philatelic Museum
Night Safari
Map
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/singapore/maps/singapore-map.gif)
Getting In
Singapore is accessible by air, water, train, bus, etc.
By Air
It is convenient to reach the country by air. There are many airlines, which operate flights to Singapore. The Singapore Changi Airport is a place where East meets west. It has two terminals. The third opened in 2006 hosting 60 airlines. These terminals are connected by Skytrain monorail. The major airlines are: Air France, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Bangkok Airways, British Airways, Cathy Pacific, China Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Quantas, SAS Airlines, Thai Airways, and United Airlines. The airports are well managed and are connected to the downtown by various means of communication.
By Bus
Bus services are available between Singapore – Malaysia and Singapore – Thailand. These stations are: Ban San Terminal at Arab and Queen Streets, Lanender Street Terminal off Kalang Bahru, and the Golden Mile Complex at Beach Road. Traveling by bus between these countries is rather cheap than any other conveyance. More than 25 routes are there for bus transportation. The major routes are: Singapore-Johar Express), Singapore-Malacca Express, and Singapore-Kuala Lumpur Express.
By Car
The Woodland causeway is spread across the Straits of Johor linking Singapore with Johor Bahru, Malaysia. This crossing is popularly known as Second Crossing. While Crossing this causeway tolls should be paid and Vehicle Entry Permit(VEP) and ERP card should be presented. Thus, the car is one of the most convenient means for getting to Singapore.
By Train
Malaysia Railways runs three intercity trains between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and an overnight train, Express Timuran, running between Singapore and Tumpat. The trains arrive and depart on Singapore Train Station. E and O Services operates Orient Express between Chiang Mai and Singapore via Bangkok. Therefore, trains in Singapore are very much helpful in getting to Singapore.
By Water
Cruise ships provide a better alternative to reach Singapore. The main passenger port in Singapore is Singapore Cruise Center. More than ten lines dock in Asia Pacific around the year. Apart from cruise ships, ferries are also chosen to reach Singapore. There are many ferries departing from the Cruise Center for ports in Kukup, Tionman, and Sebona, Malaysia. Ferries depart daily from the terminal at Tanah Merah to the Indonesian resort islands of Bintan and Batam in the Riau Archipelago. Thus, there are several means by which Singapore can be easily and smoothly entered. So get ready for a wonderful tour to Singapore with your nears and dears without much harassment to your pocket.
Transport
Singapore teaches the world the lesson of unity, harmony, and brotherhood. Singapore is visited by many people every year.
Singapore has a large network of road. Almost all parts in Singapore are accessible by road. Even such islands as Sentosa and Jurong can be easily reached by land . Various ways of getting around Singapore are rail, bus, ferry, cable car, flight, etc.
Rail
There are Mass Rapid Transit and Light Rapid Transit rail System in Singapore. Mass Rapid Transit is a standard gauze system. It has 67 stations on 109 km long rail network. The three important lines are North South Line, the East West Line (both operated by SMRT Corporation), and the North East Line (operated by SBS Transit). Light Rapid Transit system has 14 stations and was ushered in Bukit Panjang.
Cable Car
The Singapore Cable Car runs between Mount Faber and Sentosa – the resort island of Singapore. It is an alternative means of reaching the tourist destinations.
Flight
The aviation industry in Singapore is under Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. There are 5 local scheduled service airlines. Singapore Airlines operates scheduled flights to 70 cities of 5 continents from Changi Airport. Silkair, the subsidiary of Singapore Airlines operates flights from Terminal 2 while new budget airlines like Jet star Asia,Tiger Airways, and Valuair operate from Terminal 1 of Changi Airport.
Bus
Public buses are a cheap and easily available means of transportation in Singapore. Before getting in to a bus, it is better to buy an ez-link card which can also be used on the Mass Rapid Transit. SBS bus 36 plies between Orchard Road and Singapore Changi Airport. There are public bus stations in Terminal 1 at Basement 2 and in Terminal 2 at Basement Level.
Taxi
Taxis offer a comfortable and hassle free travel at reasonable cost. More than 15,000 air conditioned cabs provide smooth transportation in Singapore. There are many private cars and SMRT shuttle services in Singapore.
Leisure
Singapore is known as a country of youthful vigor and charm. The land of Singapore is full of gaiety, merriment, and festivity. There are many places to enjoy during your Singapore tour such as, country clubs, bars, discos, cafe, and restaurants. Allof them are always ready to pamper you to the full.
There are many centers in Singapore which offer entertainment to people in Singaporean way. Big Splash is one and only sea water aquatic complex where you can have water slides, beach bars, restaurants and cafe, mini golf courses and beach valley ball courts, live sea food and diving courses. You can turn to Escape Theme Park that has bumper boats, choo choo trai, pirate ship, ferries, family coaster, water ride, and many more as its main attractions. This amusement park is quite near to Pasir Ris MRT station.
There is another option for entertainment in Singapore that is from the clubs which have facilities like bars/restaurants, library, play centers, etc. The renowned clubs of Singapore are NTUC Club, The British Club, The Tanglin Club, Aranda Country Club, Chinese Swimming Club, etc.
The entertainment centers in Singapore generally offer dining and shopping facilities, and venues for staging music, dance, theater, multi-arts, and visual arts festivals. Some of them have concert hall, recital studio, theater studio, and rehearsal rooms.
The night clubs promise full fun in Singapore. Zouk is the biggest night club in Singapore. It has three parts: Velvet Underground, Phuture, and Wine Bar. It plays music of all kinds like breaks, nu-jazz, hiphop, broken beats, drum and bass, down tempo etc; and has dance floors, DJs and Claire Brothers/JBL sound system.
You can also move to some theater of repute for a leisure time. There are Action Theater, Hi! Theater, Singapore Repertory Theater, etc. If you want to spend your time on some beach, Singapore offers you plenty of options. So, pack up to spend your holidays in Singapore and make the most of your life.
-
South Korea Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/02/everland-resort.jpg)
South Korea’s largest theme park, Everland, is home to thrill rides, a zoo, and a water park. Everland is one of the top amusement parks in the world with an attendance of 6.6 million visitors.
South Korea is not only one of the most beautiful countries, but it has also evolved as one of the richest countries in Asia and even in the world. Presently, it occupies the tenth position in the world terms of GDP.
South Korea is situated in Northeast Asia and it shares borders with North Korea. The capital of South Korea is Seoul and it is a huge dynamic city which blends the traditions of its ancestral past with the trends of a magnificent metropolis city.
The best time to visit South Korea is during the season of autumn, when the climate is superb with bright sunshine and clear blue skies. The international airport of South Korea is in Incheon and most of the travelers opt for direct flights.
Seoul, Ulsan, Suwon, Pusan, Cheju Island, Cheongju City, Songtan, Gyeonggi, Kyongju, Kangnung, Chonju, and Samcheonpo are the premier sightseeing destinations in South Korea.
Map
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/South-Korea-Travel-Map-977x1024.gif)
Getting In
South Korea has 8 international airports – the largest being Incheon International, located approximately 45 minutes west of Seoul. Among the others, only Gimhae (Busan) and Jeju field significant numbers of international flights. Korean Air and Asiana are the principal carriers to and from South Korea. United Airlines and Northwest Airlines serve Seoul Incheon (ICN) mainly through their connecting hub in Tokyo Narita (NRT). United Airlines flies non-stop to Seoul from San Francisco and Delta operates a non-stop flight from Atlanta.
You can also reach South Korea by train. A special treatment is given to travelers coming from or continuing on to Japan. For them, the tickets are available at discounts of 30% on KTX services and 9-30% on Busan-Fukuoka ferries.
There are many ferry connections from Busan to Japan. JR’s Beetle hydrofoil service from Busan to Fukuoka finishes the trip in just three hours with up to five connections a day. However, all the other links are overnight slow ferries such as Pukwan Ferry Company’s services to Shimonoseki which is a one-way tour. A Busan-Osaka ferry is operated by Panstar Line Co., Ltd. Besides, there are ferry links between Incheon and Weihai, Qingdao, and Tianjin in China. Reaching South Korea by land is practically impossible due to its location at the end of the Korean peninsula and the political situation with North Korea. The border between North and South Korea is considered the most heavily fortified border in the world. However, these days it is possible to do limited trips into North Korea from the South, but not vice versa.
Transport
South Korea is a small country and therefore flying in the country is more of a luxury than a necessity. Notable exception of connections by air is to the island of Jeju.
The National train operator Korail connects major cities in South Korea. Recently, trains in South Korea are quite competitive with buses on speed and price. Along with it comes safety. Trains are quite safe in here and comfortable too. However, services in the rural areas are not so good. A famous train service in South Korea is the high-speed Korea Train eXpress (KTX) that provides services between Seoul and Busan via Daegu and Daejeon. It uses French TGV technology to zip along at up to 300 km/h. The full trip currently takes around 160 minutes. These KTX trains have 18 cars with the first 3 being first class and the rest with reserved economy seating. There are drink vending machines on board and attendants who pass by with snack carts that includes beer, soda, cookies, candy, sausages, hard boiled eggs, and kimbap (rice rolls). Non-KTX trains are poetically ranked as Saemaeul though Saemaeul trains are extremely comfortable, having seats that are comparable to business class seats on airplanes. The extensive commuter train network also operates with the massive subway system.
Buses are frequent, punctual, and go very fast in South Korea. There are two kinds of buses running in the country. These are express buses and intercity buses. Express buses are faster, but intercity buses visit more places. Boats are also used sometimes by the tourists.
Leisure
South Korea has a peppy nightlife.. However, most restaurants and bars are required to close their doors at midnight. There are many hotels in South Korea, which are designated as “tourist” clubs. These can stay open later. Itaewon is a place in the country, maintained as a Special Tourist Area. It allows many establishments to remain open 24 hours.
Coffee shops and tea rooms (tabangs), another popular place to spend time, differ from their Western counterparts. Cups of coffee generally cost W3,000 and up with no refills. However, customers can stay and chat as long as they like. Many coffee shops have waitresses who will come to your home or office with a thermos full of coffee, then sit and talk with you while you drink. Nightclubs and “rock cafes” rock the show in South Korea. South Korean clubs expect the tourists to buy a minimum amount of drinks and food when one sits at a table. South Korea had 2 types of beer: Crown and OB (Oriental Brewery). Recently, each company has spawned a number of specialty beers and imported beers are becoming more popular giving beer drinkers a wider selection from which to choose. Soju (a potato-based liquor) and makgeolli and dongdongju (rice-based liquors) are popular among Koreans. Korea Folk Liquor Museum in Gyeonggi Province is the best place for traditional South Korean drinks.
Pojangmacha is an outdoor food stall usually on wheels. The owner can move it easily to different locations. They usually open up shortly before dusk near river fronts, college districts, and shopping areas. No matter what the weather or temperature, these little stalls always do a brisk business. Hostess Bars also called Room Salons cater to groups of men who want to have female companionship while they drink. The women are very attentive to their clients and a small group can spend over a million won in one setting. Karaoke is another form of entertainment in South Korea. No matter where a tourist goes, one can always find at least one noraebang (singing room). Most of them offer the same selection of songs for tourists. If you go with a bunch of Koreans, you will be forced to sing. A dallanjujeom combines a noraebang with a hostess bar setting. Patrons take turns singing like in singing rooms. This is the most enjoyable part.
Movies can also be enjoyed in South Korea. Western films are most popular, especially from Hollywood. Korean movies are shown mainly in their native language. Imported movies are shown with Korean subtitles and blockbusters are usually released in Korea, shortly after their home country openings. Besides, you can also do good shopping in the country, whether books, clothes, or accessories.
-
Sri Lanka Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/srilanka-e1365414790540.jpg)
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is the tiny island nation, which is located at the southern tip of India and serves as a significant naval link between West Asia and South East Asia. Though presently, Sri Lanka is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation, but it attained huge popularity as the hub of Buddhist religion and culture since the ancient days. Sri Lanka has attained widespread popularity as a premier tourist destination among the tourists belonging to all parts of the world.
Colombo and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte are the capital cities of Sri Lanka. They are the center of all sorts of attractions for the travelers. This beautiful country of the world offers some of the most exciting beaches in the whole world.
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is during the months of December through March and the most popular choice for arriving in Sri Lanka is to fly down directly at the Colombo International Airport. It has direct flights from Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. For the further convenience of the tourists, cheap flights are also available between Colombo and Madras, Trichy, Trivandrum, and Bombay.
The most interesting places to visit in Sri Lanka and Colombo, Unawatuna, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Trincomalee, Nugegoda, Ella, Negombo, and Galle are the premier sightseeing destinations in Sri Lanka, which are most frequently visited by thousands of travelers every year.
Getting In
Sri Lanka is a beautiful and glorious island in the Indian ocean. It is pampered with dense jungles, wildlife, tranquil and sky-touching mountains, and delectable beaches. Many tourists get attracted to this pied beauty and they venture the country during the holidays. Reaching Sri Lanka is possible only by flights because of its location. From the UK and other European countries, there are direct flights to Sri Lanka.
From Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Bombay, and New Delhi, there are frequent flights to Sri Lanka. Flights from Middle Eastern countries regularly arrive at to Sri Lanka. Flights are also available from Los Angeles and New York via Bangkok or Singapore. SriLankan Airlines operate flights to more than 50 destinations across the world. Srilankan Airlines operate small seaplanes to Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Galle, and to many other destinations. SriLankan Airlines provides services to and from Colombo and Bandaranayake. Flights are also available from Japan, China, and Pakistan. SriLankan Airlines codes a share with Emirates Airlines of the United Arab Emirates. As a result North America is easily accessible. Some other airlines also operate flights to Sri Lanka. These airlines are Singapore, Malaysia, Thai, Cathay Pacific, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and LTU (Germany) Airlines.
Aero Lanka operates flights between Colombo-Ratmalana, Jaffna, and Trincomalee. SriLankan Airlines has an all Airbus fleet, which is one of the modern fleets in the region. This airline has gained the pride to be called the first country in Asia to fly the Airbus A340 and first in South Asia to order the Airbus A330-200. Thus, flights are the best and only medium for getting to Sri Lanka. You can make your holidays memorable by undertaking tour to Sri Lanka.
Transport
Sri Lanka is a beautiful island with oceanic charm and grace. Standing on the unspoiled golden beaches of Sri Lanka, one can feel the presence of the spirit of the sea. Besides, there are many other things in Sri Lanka which attract people. Getting around Sri Lanka is smooth, pleasant, and easy.
Flights
Flights are helpful not only in taking people to Sri Lanka from different parts of the world, but are also helpful in taking people to various tourist destinations across the country. Sri Lankan Airlines operates many flights to help tourists to reach their destinations. Some small Seaplanes operate to reach to such destinations as Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Galle, and many more locations. This is the best for photography trips, as you can have a full view of the island.
Tuk- Tuks
Three wheelers are generally known as Tuk -Tuks because of the noise of their motors. These three-wheeled automobiles are the best mode of transportation in Sri Lanka. Renting cars is also a comfortable and cheap option.
Buses
Buses are available everywhere in Sri Lanka. But, traveling by a bus might be a bitter experience as they are massively crowded and packed. However, they are the cheapest mode of transportation in Sri Lanka. If you give priority to your comfort air-conditioned buses are for you. Although charging a fare double of the common bus fare, they provide you with a guaranteed seat. The thing to be remembered is that bus stations are confusing places, so there is every possibility of discomfort.
Trains
In Sri Lanka, there is an extensive railway system, which connects all major towns and cities. In the North and East part, the rail system is absent. The trains are slower than the buses, but offer scenic and picturesque journey, especially, when entering the hill country. On the Badullu-Nanu Oya line, you can experience something new and wonderful, because of the winding tracks running along the mountains.
Tour Operators
Better transportation in Sri Lanka is also offered by tour operators. In Sri Lanka, there are many tour operators who provide you with a van and a driver. The drivers are local residents and are well aware of the location of different tourist destinations in the country. But, it would be wise on your part to see day-to-day planned tour map before agreeing to a tour operators offer of seeing Sri Lanka. Otherwise, there is chances of being duped by them.
Leisure
Sri Lanka is an island of vibrant and vivacious energy and youthful vigor. This island, situated on the southern tip of India, has a plethora of delectable palm-lined golden beaches. Sri Lanka has a wonderful gift of soft sand beaches, covering an area of 1,600 km. This may be a dream for a dweller of the western country, but it’s true. So lying on the beaches for hours is really the best way of spending your time in leisure. The temperature is refreshingly comfortable. There are innumerable ocean wooden huts, which you can rent for a night or two. These huts charge 5 pounds a night.
Negombo is situated north of Colombo and is one of the most loved fishing towns. On this beach, you will get sea food in plenty. You will also come across some old – world fishing craft, like the outrigger canoe and the catamaran, bring seer, skipjack, herring, mullet, Pomfret, and amberjack. In the lagoon lobster and prawn are caught. There are some other beaches of repute. They are Mount Lavinia, Kalutara, Beruwala, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, and Koggala. These beaches are easily accessible. Hikkaduwa is the first beach in Sri Lanka developed and maintained for tourism purpose. On this beach, you can enjoy fishing. The reefs run parallel to the seashore. The reefs can be easily investigated by snorkel and flippers. Sri Lanka is known for rich spices. Here, you will have spicier and delicious food. Traveling by train adds a unique experience to your tour to Sri Lanka. The network of rail lines has covered a part of the hill country. The rail lines are running along the mountains. The speed of trains is even slower than buses, so you can have a close view of nature beauty in hill area.
There are some sports like Canoeing and Kayaking, White water rafting, Hiking and Trekking, Mountain Biking, Safari and Elephant Safari. If you are spunky enough, you can be a part of rock climbing and diving. Camping is very popular among the Sri Lankans. You can get a camp set on some picturesque beach and enjoy several beach sports. Apart from these there are sports like Wind Surfing, Paragliding, Banana Boating, Ballooning, and National Cycle Trail is there to rejuvenate your senses. Sri Lanka is a country, which is popularly known as the teardrop of India. Wish you a happy and exhilarating tour to Sri Lanka.
-
Thailand Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/thailand-e1365415875370.jpg)
Buddha Stone statue, Thailand
Thailand is an exotic destination where you get stunning locales, rich cultural heritage. There are many places to explore like Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Khao Lak, Krabi, and Phi Phi Island. What is more impressive of Thailand that here on one hand you get a bustling metropolis with all the trendy malls, skyscrapers, et al.; and on the other hand you have the serene locale at Trang or for that matter Krabi.
Some of the must visiting places in Thailand are: Ayutthaya Historical Park – which is declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Chiang Mai – where you will find more than 300 temples, and Koh Samui – which is a scenic island full of verdant greenery and coconut plantations or the exotic beaches in Phuket.
The country was formerly known as Siam, which is a hub of commercial activities. Thailand is a paradise for tourists and here you have the landscape full of sun drenched beaches, island fringed with swaying palms, and quaint hilly villages.
The entry visa in Thailand is for a maximum of 30 days.
The various places which you must include in your tour itinerary are:
Ko Chang – a serene island developed as a tourist destination
Ko Lanta – quiet island near Krabi
Ko Pha Ngan where you would find Full Moon Party
Ko Samet beach island
Ko Samui
Ko Tao – scuba diving destination
Phuket – Thai paradise island
Rai Leh exotic beach
Ko Chang National Park – in Trat Province
Tarutao National Park – in Satun Province
Similan Islands – in Phang Nga province
Map
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/thailand/maps/thailand-map.gif)
Getting In
Due to its immense popularity as one of the premier tourist destinations of the world, Thailand has carved a distinct niche for itself in the hearts of millions of leisure travelers who assemble here from all across the globe. As a direct consequence of the booming tourism industry in Thailand, there are numerous options for reaching Thailand and by availing these various choices, millions of tourists visit this country every year. The most popular option for reaching Thailand is undoubted the airways, as a host of international airlines operates regular flights at the international airports of Thailand. Apart from its innumerable domestic airports in Thailand, the world class international airports in Thailand primarily include the Bangkok International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Hat Yai International Airport, Phuket International Airport, Chiang Rai International Airport, and Suvarnabhumi Airport. All the international airports in Thailand are well connected to the cities by buses, taxis, and shuttle cars. Some of the airports in Thailand even have more than one terminal for domestic and international airlines.
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and it is also the largest hub in the entire continent of Asia and thus all the international airlines which have flights to Bangkok and major cities of Thailand like Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Ko Samui, Phuket, and Pattaya also have direct international flights to and a host of premier cities of the world. The travelers can thereby avail any of the flights for reaching Thailand at a reasonable cost. Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Orient Thai Airline, Singapore International Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, KLM, Royal Brunei, Qantas Airways, and Air India are premier international airlines which serve the various international airports of Thailand. Thai Airways International along with being the national flag carrier of Thailand is also one of the founding members of the Star Alliance network. Thai Airways International primarily operates from the Suvarnabhumi Airport and just like Singapore Airlines provides longest non-stop commercial flights from Bangkok to New York and Los Angeles; it also won the ‘Worlds Best Cabin Staff’ by Skytrax in June 2006. Apart from the national airline of Thailand and premier international airlines of the world, many low-cost carriers also serve Thailand and make it convenient for the budget travelers to opt for flights forgetting to Thailand.
Another popular option of reaching Thailand is by traveling through road and Thailand shares border with Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Myanmar and the travelers can reach Thailand by crossing these borders in long distance buses and cars. Another option for getting to Thailand is by traveling in trains and Thailand’s only international train service has routes which connects Butterworth and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and then stretches till Singapore. Traveling in trains is a good option as tickets are really affordable and if someone is interested in opting for luxury travel, then they can avail the luxurious Eastern and Oriental Express, which operates once a week and is provided with exclusive facilities like gourmet dining, personal butler service, etc. Another exciting choice of traveling to Thailand is to opt for ferry services and ferry services operates between Satun province in southern Thailand to the Malaysian island of Langkawi and there are also occasional cruises from Malaysia and Singapore to Phuket and Bangkok.
Transport
The travelers enjoy a hassle free trip in Thailand. Thailand is well linked by air, rail, and road transport and all the premier sightseeing destinations are well connected with each other. The travelers do not require to waste a lot of time in getting around from one place to another. The most popular vehicle for getting around within most cities predominantly comprises of the three wheeled ‘tuk tuks’ and the ‘songthaews’.
One of the most frequently-opted modes of travel in Thailand is airways and Thai Airways International, which is also the national airline of Thailand operates service to all the eminent towns and islands. It provides flights to 22 domestic airports of Thailand. Bangkok Airways, another premier airline in Thailand also provides regular flights in seven additional routes, while PB Air and Phuket Air also operate domestic flights for the convenience of the visitors who choose to spend a grand vacation in Thailand every year from all across the world. Special discounts are also available during off seasons and during special promotional periods by some of these airlines and if the tourists avail domestic flights in Thailand during this period, then they would save a considerable amount of money.
Thailand has a vast network of rail and metro systems. The State Railway of Thailand operates 4,070 km of 1.000-m gauge railway line, but the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok can take the advantage of the metro system, which consists of Bangkok Skytrain and the Bangkok Metro subway. Bangkok, Surat Thani, Phetchaburi, and Ratchaburi are the cities of Thailand that are linked with railways. There are primarily four main trunk routes to the northern, eastern, southern, and northeastern regions of Thailand and these four main routes are also accompanied by another line which serves Thon Buri, River Kwai Bridge, and Nam Tok. For the convenience of the tourists, there are innumerable daily services available on each route and the travelers can choose from air-conditioned, sleeping, and restaurant cars on the principal trains according to their preference and convenience.
Another exciting choice of traveling in Thailand is by waterways, as Thailand has 1,600 km of navigable inland waterway. Services for using the waterways are available between Thanon Tok and Nonthaburi, and luxury cruises are also available on the Oriental Queen. Long-tailed motorboats and taxi-boat ferries also operate on these routes of Thailand.
There are interurban routes to all provinces of Thailand and privately owned, air-conditioned buses operate on these routes and their charges are highly reasonable. Though conventional bus services in Bangkok are operated by the Government Mass Transit Authority, but there are also widespread private minibus operations and passenger-carrying trucks. Other than buses, there are abundant taxi services, which provide service all throughout the day and there are primarily three categories of taxis: taxi-meter; taxis which are unmetered; and 3-wheeled, open-air tuk-tuks. If someone is not interested in hiring taxis, then he or she can easily opt for car rental facilities in all the main cities of Thailand. So don’t dare to waste anymore time and simply plan your next trip to Thailand and spend a rocking time exploring the numerous tourist attractions of Thailand and you will be offered numerous choices for getting around comfortably in Thailand.
Tips
Be aware of the established social practices and norms in Thailand to prevent yourself from getting into unnecessary problems. It is really beneficial for the travelers to get a basic idea about a country before actually paying a visit there.
The present practices of Thai society are deeply influenced by centuries of cultural interchange with China and India, but recently one observes stronger influences from the west and this is particularly true for the younger generation of Thai people. In modern day Thailand, a western visitor is greeted with cordially shaking hands, however the traditional way to greet people is by wai, closing hands and slightly bowing the head and the Buddhist monks are always greeted in this manner. While traveling in Thailand the travelers should keep it in mind that the Thai Royal Family is regarded with an almost religious reverence and the visitors are supposed to respect this. The Thai people consider it extremely bad manners to make public displays of anger and public displays of affection between men and women are also not accepted with too much of appreciation and are often scowled at. It is considered to be extremely rude to touch anyone on the head or to point one’s feet at someone. If you are invited to someone’s house in Thailand, then don’t forget to remove your shoes before entering the house and the same should also be applied before entering temples. Men seldom need to be attired in formal suits as informal wear are widely acceptable in all over Thailand and in any sort of official function men are usually expected to wear traditional Thai shirt. Beachwear should be restricted to the beaches only and topless sunbathing is not acceptable in Thailand. There is no restriction regarding smoking and it is widely acceptable in Thailand.
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels, in major cities and towns and bureaux de change. The banks offer the best exchange rates in Thailand and the hotels usually charge high commissions. The visitors can relax as all the major credit cards like American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted in hotels and tourist resorts in Thailand, but it is always better to check it out with the credit card Company to obtain the details of merchant acceptability and other services. To avoid any sort of additional exchange rate charges, the travelers are advised to carry traveler’s cheques in US Dollars, Euros, or Pounds Sterling while they tour in Thailand. The import of local and foreign currency is unrestricted and both Thai and foreign travelers are allowed to take a maximum amount of THB50, 000 per person without any prior authorization and while visiting any neighboring country the amount becomes THB500, 000 per person. Thai silks and cottons, batiks, silver, pottery with celadon green glaze, precious and semiprecious stones, dolls, masks, lacquerware, pewterware, bamboo artifacts and bronzeware, are some of the most-shopped items in Thailand..
-
Turkey Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/Turkey-e1365490545143.jpg)
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
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/turkey/maps/turkey-map.gif)
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.
-
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/United-arab-emirates-e1365488544811.jpg)
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
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/united-arab-emirates/maps/uae-map.gif)
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
-
Vietnam Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/Vietnam-e1365489580903.jpg)
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
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/vietnam/maps/vietnam-map.gif)
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.
-
Egypt Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/Egypt.jpg)
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
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/egypt-travel-map.png)
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.
-
Kenya Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/Kenya-e1365162686895.jpg)
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
-
Madagascar Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/Madagascar-e1365162804549.jpg)
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.
-
Mali Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/mali-e1365163183369.jpg)
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.
-
Mauritius Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/mauritius-e1365163264894.jpg)
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
-
Morocco Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/morocco-e1365163600158.jpg)
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.
-
South Africa Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/south-africa-e1365414374775.jpg)
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
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/south-africa/south-africa-map.gif)
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.
-
Seychelles Islands – Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/Seychelles-e1366004696436.jpg)
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
-
Tanzania Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/tanzania-e1365415788427.jpg)
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.
-
Uganda Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/uganda-e1365490287693.jpg)
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
-
Zimbabwe Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/zimbabwe-e1365490834458.jpg)
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.
-
Austria Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/austria.jpg)
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
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/austria-travel-map.png)
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.
-
Belgium Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/Belgium.jpg)
A Picture from Bruges, The largest city and Capital of Belgium.
You will find Belgium richer in history, art, culture, architecture, and food as compared to some of the other well-known countries of Europe. The best time to visit Belgium is during the period from May to September. As this is the busiest period of the year in Belgium, you might find it a bit difficult to find accommodation for yourself.
Be mindful about the weather conditions in Belgium. The weather in Belgium is very tricky, particularly during the month of April. Both, enjoying sunshine and getting wet in the rain, are possible within the space of a minute. The winter months are irritatingly wet. But the months from May to September are perfect for tourists.
Belgium shares its borders with Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, and Germany. For a short distance, it is also bordered by the North sea. Dutch and French are the widely spoken languages in Belgium. English is also spoken and understood in Belgium.
A majority of international flights to Belgium will take you to its capital city Brussels. Belgium is well connected by road, rail, and air. Traveling within the country will be comfortable and easy. For intra-city traveling, a convenient mode of conveyance is the taxi.
To avoid falling into trivial problems, you must keep in mind the important travel tips for your Belgium travel. As per visa rules and regulations, traveling to Belgium will require a visa and you also need to furnish the all the necessary details.
A few travel destinations in Belgium are:
The Grand Palace in Brussels
Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels
Groeninge Museum, Brugge
Saint Peter’s Church (Sint-Pieterskerk), Leuven
Headquarters of Wellington & Napoleon, Waterloo
Tongeren Flea Market, Tongeren
National Genever Museum, Hasselt
Map
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/belgium-travel-map.png)
Getting In
Belgium is a cherished tourist destination for its picturesque locales, rich culture and fine art galleries, museums as well as host of other attractions. Reachingf Belgium is very convenient by all means: air, rail, car, bus, or ship.
Airways
Brussels Airport or the Zaventem Airport is the main airport here located in the suburbs of Brussels in Flanders. Here the national airline of Belgium, Brussels Airlines operates and there are other airlines as well like Vueling and SkyEurope. There is also the Charleroi Airport where you have scheduled flights like Ryanair which is from Ireland and Wizzair. Antwerp Deurne airport is another airport with flights connecting to London.
Train Services
You can avail direct trains between Brussels and
Antwerpen, Brugge, Gent, Mechelen and Leuven which are available every hour
Amsterdam, Luxembourg
Paris, Köln/Cologne, Amsterdam (Thalys)
Lyon, Bordeaux, Paris-CDG airport and many other cities in France
London
Frankfurt, Köln/Cologne (ICE).
Berlin, Hamburg (night train).
There is a direct train linking between Lille Flandres to Ghent and Antwerp
Car
Reaching Belgium by car is also a feasible option because of the presence of European highways like E-19, E-17, E-40, E-411 and E-313 which cross Belgium.
Bus
Eurolines coaches makes it convenient for travelers from all over Europe to come to Belgium. These buses have stops in Antwerpen, Brussels north-station, Leuven & Liege.
Ship
Options for getting to Belgium are many and you can come here by ferries connecting Zeebrugge and Hull in England and Rosyth in Scotland. Also, there is daytime service from Oostende to Ramsgate in England.
Transport
Belgium is a small country and here the farthest place is at a distance of 300 km. In fact you can reach most of the places in two hours. Connecting the large cities there are frequent train service while the buses ply over smaller distances.
Railways
Belgium is well linked by trains which are managed by NMBS and the destinations covered are Antwerp, Namur or Brussels. In fact, Brussels is the focal point of trains arriving from international destinations as well. The trains are noted for there punctuality and are trendy and comfortable. Tickets for the same can be bought online or in stations. The train schedules on a routine change around December 10.
Bus/Tram
Buses connect the whole country and you can even go to other cities by bus. Apart from the buses, there are trams and metro as well in the big cities. Most routes cover short distances, but it’s possible to go from city to city by bus. You also have the Kusttram, which crosses the Flemish seaside from France to the Netherlands. This is an enjoyable trip which you can try out in the summer. In Belgium, local transport is provided by different companies – MIVB in Brussels, De Lijn in Flanders, and TEC in Wallonia.
Car
There is a sound network of modern toll-free motorways, but be careful of the secondary roads as they may not be in the best of conditions. Here the driving follows “priority from the right” rule.
Leisure
Belgium is alluring for the travelers not only for its scenic locales as well as stunning architecture, but what is most charming about the country is that you get so much in so little space. You may be in any part of Belgium, but there is always whole lot of opportunity for enjoyment and the party starts from 8:00 p.m. continues till 8:00 a.m. People just indulge in merriment with a chilled beer and a piping hot waffle to accompany and Belgium’s nightlife is so lively that people don’t think twice before skipping their sleep for joining the party scene.
Jazz festivals, rock concerts, exotic nightclubs, conventional brown pubs, and casinos are some of the favorite places of fun lovers. There are 80 bars in Brussels. Some of the excellent choices are A La Mort Subite – a local Brussels favorite, or Le Grand Mayeur – where you can enjoy Hungarian music in a bistro background, or watch a play at Theatre Royal de Toone – a marionette theater which is there since 1834 . Here you also have the added attraction of Belgian beers.
Belgium hosts film festivals as well like the Brussels International Fantasy Film Festival, Brussels European Film Festival, and International Short Film Festival.
Some of the places you must not miss for extreme fun are:
Bars like A la Mort Subite, Au Bon Vieux Temps, etc.
Nightclubs like Bazaar, Le Cercle, Le Fuse, etc.
Live music can be enjoyed Archiduc, Café Belga, Bizon, etc.
Restaurants which provide entertainment are H2O, Le Bazaar, Le Grand Maveur, etc.
Some of the facts which you must be aware that here in Belgium specific dress codes are followed and sneakers are not allowed as well as jeans are not permitted in some places. Also you have to be at least 18 years of age to drink in Belgium.
-
Czech Republic Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/Czech-Republic.jpg)
A Picture of Jested Mountain and Hotel in Czech Republic.
If you are one of those travelers who prefer to enjoy diversities, then the Czech Republic is the right place for you, as this fascinating country includes a plethora of diverse attractions like the pulsing capital Prague to the primitive villages of Moravia, beautiful mountains to lounging in spas, so whatever may be your choice and preference, the Czech Republic offers it all. The Czech Republic is replete with an impressive blend of majestic architecture and Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque facades.
The best time to visit the Czech Republic is from the month of May to September as during this period the climate remains mild and favorable for traveling.
Several popular destinations in the Czech Republic and Moravské Slovácko Region, Prague and Sumava attract a huge bulk of tourists every year. However, if you are interested to find out some of the most fascinating tourist attractions in this country, then Karlstejn, Kladruby, Konprusy Caves, Prague Castle, and Tel Chateau won’t disappoint you by any means.
Map
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/czech-republic-travel-map.png)
Getting In
The different ways of reaching the Czech Republic are listed below:
Plane
Most tourists prefer to travel to the Czech Republic by air. Specifically, they fly to the Prague Airport, which is the hub of the official airlines of the Czech Republic, Czech Airlines. Brno, Ostrava, Pardubice, and Karlovy Vary are the other major international airports of the Czech Republic.
Train
It is possible to reach the Czech Republic via train from some of the neighboring countries. You can reach the Czech Republic from most locations in Europe by train. Slovakia, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria, and Poland have direct rail networks connecting them to the Czech Republic. It will take you about 16 hours to reach Prague from Paris, about an hour to reach from Berlin, and about 6 hours to reach Prague from Vienna.
Bus
Reaching the Czech Republic by bus is another option. The bus services are available from countries like Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, Switzerland, etc. The Eurolines bus service operates throughout the whole of Europe and is a convenient bus to take to reach the Czech Republic.
Car
You may also reach the Czech Republic by car. Provided you have the required documents with you and finish all the paperwork necessary to make the journey, then you can drive from countries like Germany, Poland, Austria, and Slovakia.
Transport
The different modes of transportation in the Czech Republic are listed below:
Cars
Getting around the Czech Republic by car is quite convenient, but you need to be careful as the country has some strict driving laws which if not followed, could lead to heavy fines. Naturally, it is needless to say that driving under the influence of alcohol could land you in big trouble. Get well acquainted with the driving rules of the Czech Republic just to be on the safer side.
Planes
The national airlines of the Czech Republic, which fly to almost all locations in the country offer comfortable flights.
Bus and Train
You can also traverse the length and breadth of the Czech Republic by bus. The country boasts of some excellent bus services which ply to all major places in the country. Student Agency is one such bus service which operates between Prague, Liberec, Brno, etc. Traveling by trains in Czech Republic is pretty expensive, but the trains will take you to every nook and corner of the country. You could often find your train delayed and reaching scheduled locations quite late.
You could also try cycling through some of the designated cycling routes in the Czech Republic.
Leisure
Once you are in this country, you can try out some of the adventure sports like rafting, skiing, hiking, trekking, cycling, etc. You can also try your hand at various other sports like football, ice hockey, squash, etc., at the numerous clubs found in the Czech Republic.
If you are a music lover, then you can ensure your quota of entertainment by visiting the Klub Lávka, Prague, a popular Tequila bar which plays music. Or you could also visit the Lucerna Music bar in Prague. You can enjoy rock, jazz, and many other types of music. You can also do your shopping at various shops, department stores, supermarkets, bookstores, etc., located in the country. The shops in the Czech Republic remain open from 8:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m.
You can also visit the towns Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázne which are famous spa towns located in the Czech Republic. At particular locations in the cities of the Czech Republic you would discover castles dating as far back as the 14th century.
Your entertainment in the Czech Republic can never be complete without paying visits to the various lakes, national parks, mountains, etc., found in the country. You are also bound to find some wonderful places in the Czech Republic, where time seems to have stopped. There are many UNESCO world heritage sites located in different parts of the country.
-
Denmark Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/Denmark.jpg)
A Picture of Frederiksborg Castle in Hellerod, Denmark
Denmark is situated in northern Europe and it remains surrounded by the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and Germany. Most of the landmass of this country is occupied by the Jutland peninsula and the remaining 500 islands cover the rest of the country. Denmark, one of the smallest Scandinavian countries, sprinkles a distinct charm with vivacious cities and quiet rustic villages.
The most fascinating attraction in Denmark is the capital Copenhagen, which is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Intriguing sightseeing attractions of Denmark include Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Sonderborg, Aalborg, Ribe, Vejle, Randers, Skagen, Fredrikshavn, Billund, and Silkeborg. Apart from these major tourist destinations, the whole country of Denmark is stuffed with various attractions like parks, gardens, squares, and fountains entertain the tourists who assemble here from different corners of the world.
Denmark Travel Guide Map
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/denmark-travel-map.png)
Getting In
Generally, people visit Denmark by air, but one can also prefer the sea or land route. Denmark is served by two major and several minor airports. The airport is connected by train to Copenhagen Central Station, and further to Malmo and the other towns in Sweden. Buses and taxis are also available from here for tourists. Sterling, SAS Scandinavian, and others connect Copenhagen with many cities in Europe and beyond. Easy Jet serves Copenhagen from London and Berlin. British Airways offers regional services to Oslo, Gothenburg, and Stockholm. Sterling and others connect the region with several cities in Europe.
If you wish to reach Denmark by train, you must know that there are five direct trains per day from Hamburg to Copenhagen. It is for approximately every two to three hours. These trains are loaded onto a ferry for the sea passage from Puttgarten to Rodby. The total journey time is around 4.5 hours. There are also two train lines to Jutland from Hamburg, one via Padborg and the other via a place called Tonder. Trains run every twenty minutes from Malmö to Copenhagen.
Buses are another option to travel to Denmark. Graahundbus, Eurolines, and Midttrafik run buses between all the European, and Danish destinations.
Tourists coming to the country for a holiday or business may choose ferry to reach here. Scandlines run ferries from Puttgarden to Rodby on Lolland and from Rostock to Gedser on Falster. They ferry from Sassnitz to Rønne on Bornholm also. These rides are enjoyed by tourists.
Transport
In general, people refer trains to travel around Denmark. Long distance train travel is done with DSB (Danish State Rail system). Along with it, a number of long distance bus companies operate. Every region in Denmark has its own local public transportation company. The DSB uses a system of klippekort for travel in the Oresund region. Some of the long distance bus companies offer klippekort that are valid for a specific route across regions. Long distance bus-service between Jutland and Copenhagen is possible for tourists with a charge of 240 DDK.
Other than DSB there are several small rail lines operated by other companies. However, Danish trains are very comfortable, very modern, and very expensive. Most trains have 230V power outlets.
Travel in Denmark is also possible by ferry. This is the best way to reach the smaller islands. Ferries are the easiest way to get to Bornholm, a Danish island in the Baltic Sea, though it can be reached by plane also.
Car and bicycle are two other means of getting around. There are many no toll-roads except the two big bridges: Storebæltbroen between Zealand and Funen (DKK 200 one way), and Oresundbroen between Copenhagen and Malmo (DKK 235 one way). Biking in Denmark is also safe and easy. All major cities have bike trails along most roads. However, biking on the highways is prohibited which includes the Great Belt Bridge and the Oresund Bridge. Scandinavian Airlines, Danish Air Transport, and Cimber Air are the airlines that operate domestic routes in Denmark.
Leisure
The Night Film Festival, also called the Natfilm Festival, takes place over 10 days in March. It features more than 100 Danish and international films in their original languages. The three-day Copenhagen Carnival is held over the Whitsunday weekend. Usually, that falls at the end of May or early June. During this time the streets are filled especially that of the city center with parades, samba dancing, and other organized festivities.
Beach bonfires are also a common sight. The beach bonfires are lit up all around the country on the midsummer eve. It is also called Sankt Hans Aften. The adventure seekers should head towards the north of Copenhagen. It is here that Denmark’s most important horse race, the Danish Derby is arranged. The Copenhagen Jazz Festival continues for 10 days in early July. Tourists who like a chamber or classical music can hang out for the Sommerkoncerter i Vor Frue Kirk. This means Summer Concerts in Vor Frue Kirk in English. These summer concerts are held throughout August.
In late August, the Danish capital plays host to the Golden Days in Copenhagen, with art exhibits, poetry readings, and theatre focuses on Denmark’s ‘Golden Age’. Christmas is a big celebration in Denmark. At this time it is hard to escape the numerous feel-good community fairs, no matter where one is. Public holidays in Denmark include New Year’s day, Maundy Thursday (Thursday before Easter), Good Friday (Friday before Easter), Easter Monday, Common Prayer Day (fourth Friday after Easter), Ascension Day, Whitsunday (the 7th Sunday after Easter), Whitmonday (eighth Monday after Easter), Constitution Day (5 June), Christmas Eve (from noon), Christmas Day and Boxing Day (26 December). So, travelers can pay a visit at this time for unlimited fun.
-
England Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/England.jpg)
A Picture of County Hall and London Eye on River Thames, in England(UK)
England is one of the four ‘home nations’ that make up the United Kingdom. England is the largest of the four nations in terms of surface area and population. In the north of England, you will find Scotland and Wales is located to the west of the England. Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland lie across the Irish Sea to west of England. France and the Channel Islands lies across the English Channel to the south and to the east of England is great The North Sea.
The vast country of England has many things to offer ranging from vast plains to unruly mountain ranges, sandy deserts to soaring skyscrapers, dazing coastlines to impressive scenic beauty and flourishing cultural panorama to vibrant nightlife. Being the largest country in the United Kingdom England offers a wide scope of excitement and fun. The country is a traveler’s paradise.
You can reach England by taking Flights to England. The Island has many airports like, the London airport or Southampton airport that bring tourists from other cities of the world to England.
There are several car ferries routes from various countries of Europe. From the country of France, the Euro tunnel runs a frequent train service from Calais, France, to Folk stone which carries vehicles and their passengers. A number of well-maintained roads cross England’s borders with its British neighbors.
The travelers will get the best of resorts, hotels, and lodges for accommodation in England. For the international tourists, there are internationally famed accommodation units that offer superb room and hotel facilities and services to their guests. Plan to stay at any city in England and you will get the finest of accommodations waiting to welcome you in a warm manner.
The resorts and hotels have spacious and airy rooms that are tastefully designed and fitted with contemporary in-room amenities. The hotels also provide excellent dining and recreational facilities to make you feel at home away from home and enjoy your vacation whole heartedly.
There are several restaurant chains scattered all throughout England. Enjoy and savor the local cuisine of England like, deep-fried, battered fish with chips, Yorkshire pudding, sausages and a hearty vegetable and meat stew.
Some of the famous bars are located in England that serves world-class wines and drinks in a warm ambiance and at affordable rates.
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/england-travel-map.png)
Getting In
The country of England is well connected with whole of the world and there is no dearth of communication in this country. The brilliant airways, railways, and roadways of the country keep it well connected with all the major cities of the world. Reaching England by air is very convenient, the country has 470 airports. London is the capital of the country and includes five airports. The Heathrow Airport of London is the major and largest airport of London. Everyday several airlines from all over the world operate from the various airports of the city. The British Airways, Ryanair, British Midland, Easyjet, and Go are some of the popular domestic airlines providing flights to England. Everyday you will get thousands of Flights to England.
Travel to England is very easy as you can choose from a variety of trains operating throughout the country. The major railways operating in the country are Anglia railways, Arriva trains, Central trains, Chiltern railways, Virgin trains, Silverlink trains, National rail, C2C, and Connex Rail. There are a number of railway stations in the major cities of the country including Southampton, London, York, Manchester, and Birmingham. All the major states of the country are conveniently connected with each other. The most cheapest and convenient way to access various regions of the country of England is through roads. There are the long distance express buses or the coaches that will carry you to your destination. You may also choose double or single decker buses for getting around England. Apart from this, shuttle taxis are also operation on the roads of the country.
To reach England, from outside Great Britain, you may opt for car ferries that take you to England or else get into the Island by the Channel Tunnel.
Transport
England is well-connected by well-planned roads, an efficient network of railways, ferry services, and numerous world-class airports. Statistics reveal that the ports in the southern and southeastern portion of England are busier than the ports in Manchester and Liverpool. Some of the other important ports which are used mainly for commercial purpose are Tilbury, Thamesport, Southampton, and Liverpool.
England transportation is easy and effortless as there are strict traffic rules and regulations. LNumerous highways connect England with other countries of Europe. The whole of the country is well-connected with an efficient railways network. Apart from the speedy freight trains, yne can avail of the services of the “Tube” or the underground railway. The Channel Tunnel has been instrumental in connecting England and the rest of Europe. Journey between the countries have become faster and less tiring. The holidayers can avail of the services of Eurostar (Le Shuttle) and Eurotunnel.
The bus services, Underground services, and the cab are some other choices to travel around the country. The Gatwick Express has daily services from Gatwick Airport to the famous Victoria Station at an interval of half an hour. The other option is the Stansted Express which leaves the Stansted Airport for Liverpool Station every one hour.
The ferry ride or Seacat ride is an enjoyable affair and the boat trip to Dover, Folkestone, Calais, and Boulogne will take only 90 minutes from London. Ferry services to Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, and Scandinavia are available from England.
Leisure
Entertainment in England is as vibrant and as colorful as the country itself. The various entertainment options will appease the holidayers. Various regions in England have their own specialities and it is the diversity that has made England one of the favorite tourist destinations for the world traveler. If you start exploring England from the western tip you will be mesmerized by Cornwall, the region with a stunning coastline. Tiny villages, old smuggler’s inns, and the world-famous cream tea are not to be missed at any cost.
Among the numerous tourist attractions in England Brighton with its trendy resorts and Gloucestshire with its natural landscape have captured the attention of the holidayers. The countryside of England turns green and inviting and the small villages which dot the countryside looks as if they come straight from the picture postcard. Verdant valleys, large lakes, historic forts, lush greenery, and mystifying waterfalls are simply irresistible. The culminating point is of course the Yorkshire Moors which is wild and the crisp mountain air, which sweeps over the vast area will remind you of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. Northumberland Cumbria are the places where you can get the best deals in tiny market towns.
Entertainment in England comprises of shopping and you will find some of the finest brands in England. Shopping in England can be fun as you shop to your heart’s content and check out the latest fashion trivia in Blueberry or Stella McCartney. China and porcelain products are found galore in Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Crown Derby, and Royal Worcester. If you are searching for the perfect souvenir, then you can buy chocolates and luxury food from Fortnum and Mason, and Harrods which are huge departmental stores. Nightlife in England is as vibrant as the city itself. Apart from traditional Shakespearean theatres, music concerts, and opera ballets, the nightclubs are hip and happening places where the young crowd can enjoy different types of music.
Even when you are not doing anything, you can hire a car and visit the lovely countryside. The winding country lanes, the sudden patch of green, and the cricket grounds where you can come across would-be cricket players honing their skills in county crickets add to the charm of England. If London amuses you with its vibrancy, then Leeds will please you with its trendy nightlife and Lake District will make you fall in love with the tranquil beauty of the place.
Some of the major attractions in England comprise the famous Windsor Castle, ancestral home of the Princess of Wales, Hadrian’s Wall, Hampton Court, Hatfield House, Norwich with its enchanting castles, Suffolk which is famous for its quiet nightlife, and the Caister-on-Sea.
-
Finland Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/Finland.jpg)
North Harbor in Helsinki, Finland
Finland is situated in northern Europe, and it is one of those fascinating countries where you can spend some delightful time away from the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan city life with your family and friends. Finland is the seventh largest country in Europe with an area of 338,000 square kilometers, and it is situated between Sweden and Russia. The Gulf of Finland divides southern Finland from Estonia and in the north Norway isolates Finland from the Barents Sea. Boreal forest occupies almost two-thirds of Finland and the remaining one third of the country is located at the north of the Arctic Circle.
The most popular option to reach Finland is to fly down as there are excellent flight connections to Finland from all through the world and Finnair and SAS have scheduled flights to Helsinki from most of the major cities in Europe as well as the other important cities of the world.
If you are planning to visit Finland during the winter, then you can enjoy a fantastic skiing holiday or visit the Santa Claus and get engaged in a reindeer tour but, if you visit this country during the summer season, then you can enjoy a plethora of activities like trekking to exotic destinations or simply relax at a hidden summer cottage at magnificent locations.
Various sight seeing destinations of Finland are Helsinki, Turku, Savonlinna, Espoo, Rovaniemi, Oulu, Vaasa, Tampere, Porvoo, Mikkeli, Kokkola, and Punkaharju.
Finland Travel Guide Map
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/finland/maps/finland-map.jpg)
Getting In
The different ways of reaching Finland are listed below:
Plane
Tourists preferring to reach Finland by air are likely to land at the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Some of the major airlines operating flights to Finland are Finnair, Ryanair, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Czech Airlines, and Air Berlin. You will find that about 30 foreign airlines have flights to the Helsinki-Vantaa airport. Finnair, the national airlines of Finland, operate flights from almost all European countries, Asia, and North America.
Train
From Saint Petersburg and Moscow you can reach Helsinki by a direct train. You can reach Finland from London by train. But it would take you a little more than two days to reach your destination. The rail network also connects Belgium to Finland. No direct rail network exists between Finland and, Sweden and Norway.
Bus
The least preferred way of getting to Finland is by bus. The bus line from Stockholm to Finland is quite popular.
Boat
Reaching Finland by boat is perhaps the best method available for the tourists. The journey from Estonia and Sweden by boat is hugely comfortable with facilities like department stores available on the boats. You will get the most excellent, first view, of Helsinki, from the deck of the boat you are traveling in.
Transport
The different modes of transportation in Finland are listed below:
Cars
Getting around Finland by car is one of the more expensive options of transportation in Finland. It would be, generally, costly for tourists to rent a car in Finland. The roads are well maintained and are good for driving purposes. You must remember to keep the headlights of your car on, throughout the time you drive, even if it is daytime. Cars hitting wild animals, is a common occurrence in Finland, particularly along the countryside routes. So, be wary of that while driving.
Planes
The fastest mode of transportation in Finland is by air. This is by far the most expensive, though convenient, way of getting around the country. Finnair, the national carrier of Finland, operates flights to 15 domestic locations. Blue1airlines is its only competitor in this regard.
Bus and Train
Transportation in Finland is also facilitated by the extensive bus and rail network of Finland. Traveling by bus, on most occasions, is costlier than by train. But if you want to reach Lapland in Finland, then you would be required to take a bus, since trains do not operate there. The Matkahuolto bus service connects all locations of Finland. The trains, on the other hand are more comfortable and faster than the buses. You would find facilities like cafes, play rooms for kids, etc. on the trains.
The flights, buses and trains in Finland are always on time which is hugely convenient for the tourists in Finland.
Leisure
In Finland you would have plenty of opportunities for entertainment and leisure in Finland. In Finland you can visit the various concert halls andtheaters. If you love dancing, then you could also pay a visit to the numerous discos and night clubs found in Finland, particularly in Helsinki. Music lovers also have a wide range of options to choose from.
Sports lovers need not worry. They can have their share of entertainment and leisure in Finland. The country holds the Olympic record of having the highest number of medals per capita. During the summer season you can indulge in outdoor sports like sailing, canoeing, horse-riding, cycling, etc. During the winters you can try out skiing, skating, etc.
Theatre and literature festivals to jazz, rock and music festivals, you would have a gamut of options to choose from. You can also do your shopping at Helsinki where you would discover big department stores, shopping centers, boutiques, etc. Some of the famous shopping centers include Forum, Market Square, StockMann, etc.
You could also visit some of the major tourist destinations and attractions located in Finland. Some of them are listed below:
The Santa Claus Village
Suomenlinna Fortress
The National Museum of Finland
-
France Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/France.jpg)
Eiffel Tower in Paris, France
France is acknowledged as one of the top five premier destinations in the world. France is also home to some of the world’s most romantic destinations and is considered as the haven for romantic couples from all over the world.
France is the country which presented the world champagne, casseroles, and Camembert. It has also carved a distinct niche for itself among the food lovers due to its delicious cuisines, and it is the right place to savor your taste buds with a variety of mouth watering delicacies and to taste some of the best wines in the world.
The ideal time to visit the magnificent country of France is during the spring as the weather remains perfect for getting around for the visitors. Air France and along with a host of other airlines connects France with the rest of the world. Rail services link France with every country in Europe and traveling by railways can be fascinating options for those travelers who want to enjoy the exquisite beauty of the French country side.
France is fascinating country which comprises of superb city like Paris, exotic beaches, grand monuments, spectacular natural beauty, breathtaking mountain scenery and romantic ambiance that is sure to make all its visitors spell bound. We Provide extensive information on the eminent sight seeing destinations in France and Paris, Marseille, Grenoble, Lyon, Montpellier, Bordeaux, Alp d’Huez Strasbourg, Lille, Cannes, and Le Havre are some of the all time favorite destinations in France.
France Travel Guide Map
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/france-travel-map.png)
Getting In
There are numerous choices for reaching France and undoubtedly the best means of transportation to reach France are the airways. France is connected with all the major cities of Europe as well as the other major cities of the world. The visitors can easily opt for any of the several international airlines that have regular scheduled flights to France.
Roissy – Charles de Gaulle is the main international airport in France and for most of the passengers flying to France from outside of Europe have to get down directly at this international airport. Many international airlines operate in France such as Air France; the national airlines in France, AeroMexico, Alitalia, US Continental, NorthWest, and Delta Airlines are some of the popular air travel options to France. The visitors can also avail several cheap airlines which offer low cost flights, and Ryan air and Volare are two such low cost airlines. You may also reach France by train. The French rail company, SNCF, offers direct and regular rail services from most of the European countries. Reaching France by bus is not really a very convenient option as there are no national bus services, but Eurolines is a private bus service that connects more than 500 destinations, and thus you can opt for it if you are interested in traveling by bus.
Transport
A tour to France includes a host of attractions like Eiffel Tower in Paris, Versailles, Louvre Museum, Disneyland Paris, Cannes International Film Festival, Fontainebleau, Le Mont-Saint-Michel, Rhone-Alps France, Loire Valley, and a sizzling array of exotic beaches and spectacular museums. It is important to have a sound system of transportation in France so that it becomes easier for the tourists to get around in France without any hassles. France offers a number of commuting choices for the travelers who are paying a visit to France.
Several international airlines operate regular flights to France, and there are several domestic airlines in France which provides regular flights to different cities and regions of France. Other than flights, trains are also a popular in France. The French National Railways is renowned in the whole world for its excellent service and in France there are more than 12,000 kilometers of electrified tracks. France is served by SNCF, an extensive net work of national rail system which offers a variety of passes for the convenience of the tourists.
Since France takes pride in its well-developed net work of highways, therefore, car is a comfortable as well as convenient mode of travel in France.
Leisure
France is packed with a dazzling array of options for entertainment. Hit the night clubs as France boasts of pulsating night life that immediately catches you in its electrifying frenzy. Night life attractions in France include live rock and jazz bars, pubs, theatre, opera, and concerts. Catch the real untamed spirit of the French people.
There are numerous options to participate in outdoor sports, and if you are interested in some sort of sports or the other, you will surely find it heart warming to spend a great time trying out the adventurous sports in France. Cycling race is one of the most popular races in France and boating is also getting huge popularity in this country presently. The most popular water sports in France are fishing, hiking, and river rafting. Apart from these water sports, rock climbing and mountaineering are also getting enormous preferences from the sports lovers in France.
France is no doubt the paradise for shoppers belonging to any corner of the world. Paris is the best place to start your shopping in France and lace, crystal glass, cheeses, coffee, wines, spirits, and liqueurs are the all time favorites for the shoppers. Paris is also the home for a number of antique centers where you can get a variety of beautiful antique stuffs at a reasonable price. For those who are interested in acquiring branded designer staff, Paris will meet up to their expectations with flying colors.
-
Germany Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/Germany.jpg)
Skyline View Of Cologne City in Germany
Germany has a distinct charm of its own which allures tourists and here you will find landscape as if lifted out of the story book. Majestic Alps in the South, the Bavarian plain and hills in central Germany, and the Baltic Sea washing the shores of the North give Germany an interesting destination. Germany is a perfect blend of old towns, medieval houses, gothic churches, and small villages as well as contemporary cities.
The country has a unique facet with cities featuring a distinct flavor of their own and the reason is not hard to fathom. This was due to its past where various regional princedoms, earldoms, monarchies, and states co-existed. The unified concept was unheard of till the last centuries. When you come to Germany and visit each city, then you are actually exploring a world of its own with unique different architectural styles, art as well as way of living.
The major attractions here in Germany are not only to enjoy the delectable food and drinks, but also discover the subtle taste of food in each city. Here you can pamper your taste buds with filling country fare offered at plain inns to a sumptuous spread at luxury hotels. Not only that, here you will get much popular beers and wines which are indeed a connoisseur’s delight.
You can explore the Southwest of Germany and visit cities like Freiburg, Heidelberg, and Tübingen. Get the feel of French influence at Bonn, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Trier, which is the oldest city of Germany or come to Aachen to see its cathedral and history dating back to the era of Charlemagne.
Germany Travel Guide Map
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/germany-travel-map.png)
Getting In
Germany is one of the premier tourist destinations of the world. It is well connected with airways, railways as well as roadways. The travelers who are keen on paying a visit to Germany can easily opt for any of the several international airlines that operate regular flights to Germany to and from most of the major cities of the world.
Traveling by plane is the best option and most of the international airlines operate flights to the airports at Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Cologne, and Hamburg. Frankfurt is the main air hub of Germany and is also considered as one of Europe’s four major hubs and it is unanimous destination of most intercontinental flights and visitors can avail flights from any corner of the world and then opt for connecting flights of Lufthansa, the biggest as well as the most respected airline of Germany. If you are getting worried about budget, then you can cool down as Germany has several budget airlines which operate regular flights to almost every city of Europe.
You may also choose to travel by trains or cars. Regular train services connect Germany with all neighboring countries and Germany is also well connected with an excellent network of motorways and trunk roads, and there are car-sharing agencies in most of the major cities of Germany which provides shared car traveling to all European cities on the basis of shared costs.
Transport
With a colorful blend of ancient towns, spectacular medieval villas and gothic churches; Germany has got a distinct charm of its own. Visitors are able to explore the numerous sightseeing attraction as well the diverse mélange of spectacular landscapes comprising Alps in the south, Bavarian plain and hills in central Germany, and the Baltic Sea washing the shores of north of Germany.
The most popular mode of travel is airways and there are several international airlines which operate regular flights to Germany. There are also several domestic airlines in Germany which provides regular flights to different cities and regions of Germany. There are also numerous budget airlines in Germany which operates regular scheduled flights to various cities of Germany. Germany has an extensive railway system which reaches to almost every corner of the country.
Germany boasts of extensive network of excellent roads and motorways and thus undoubtedly traveling by car is highly comfortable in Germany and you will come across various car rental agencies in most of the cities of Germany. Every year increasing number of tourist comes over here to enjoy a grand vacation.
Leisure
Germany is full of choices for participating in a wide variety of out door activities, and it is the best place to enjoy a multitude of options for fun. The most popular option is to visit the night clubs and Germany takes immense pride in its pulsating nightlife that immediately engulfs you in its electrifying frenzy. All the major cities of Germany have numerous choices and the guests are provided with various options like theater, opera, nightclubs, bars with live music and discos and Berlin is especially noted for its euphoric nightlife.
The visitors get options to participate in the various outdoor sports, and if you are interested in some sort of sports or the other you will surely find it heart warming to spend a great time trying out the adventurous sports in Germany. The most widely popular sports in Germany include horse riding, fishing, rock climbing, cycling and boating and you will definitely spend some divine moments while participating in any of these exciting sports in Germany.
While shopping in Germany don’t forget to buy optical equipment like binoculars and cameras, porcelain, handmade crystal, silver, steel ware, Solingen knives, leatherwear, sports equipment, toys from Nuremberg and Bavarian Loden cloth or those who are interested in music can also opt for musical instruments and keep it in mind that except for bakery shops, all shops in Germany remains closed on Sundays.
-
Hungary Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/Hungary-e1365161950709.jpg)
Chain Bridge and the Parliament in Budapest, Hungary
Hungary is ensconced between seven countries: Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Montenegro in Central Europe. Hungary is a cherished tourist destination which attracts visitors from all over the world for its finest of wines (red, white, and rosé) and Baroque towns.
The country is a bit larger in size than Ireland. Here the relief features consist of plains in the east, low hills in the west, and small mountains nestled in the north. In fact the highest mountain Kékes Mountain (the blue mountain), has an altitude of only 1014m. You will find here rivers like the Danube and the Tisza. Hungary has been incorporated in the European Union (EU) since 1 May, 2004.
Here you will find Budapest – a metropolis, which is known as the Paris of Eastern Europe with a vibrant nightlife. The railway station here called the ‘Western Station’ (Nyugati Palyaudvar) was designed by Gustave Eiffel who has the honor of designing Eiffel Tower.
You will also find broad avenues and beautiful parks an ideal place to stroll. There is the Castle District and the Royal Palace as well as the Óbuda area which has some Roman relics and also the Kiscelli Museum here is worth visiting. Don’t forget to take an enchanting cruise along the Danube when you are in Budapest. Lake Balaton is nestled at a distance of 100 km from Budapest. There are many high-rise hotels and beaches along its shore. You can also visit the city of Pécs between the Danube and the Dráva rivers. This city has the unusual monument called the Mosque Church, built by the Turks.
The best time to visit Hungary is during spring and autumn, though summer is the peak season here.
The top destinations to visit on your Hungary tours are:
Budapest
Szentendre
Szeged
Pecs
Lake balaton
Debrecen
Gyor
Esztergom
Sopron
Zalakaros
Eger
Visegrad
Hungary Travel Guide Map
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/hungary-travel-map.png)
Getting In
Tourists are advised to do some pre -travel planning before arriving in Hungary. Knowing the large area of the country and places of attractions scattered in various parts of the country, it will be prudent to check your mode of transport and the destination. It is quite effortless to travel to Hungary from its neighboring countries of Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. Located centrally in the European Continent, it becomes easy for almost all the European countries to get an easy access to this country. People can avail flight, train, car, bus, and ship facilities to get into Hungary.
Hungary has an effective network of International airports like Budapest Ferihegy Airport in Budapest, Airport Debrecen in Debrecen and FlyBalaton Airport in Sármellék. With loads of Airlines like Austrian Airlines (Austria), Germanwings, Lufthansa (Germany), KLM (Netherlands), Norwegian Air (Norway), Swiss International (Switzerland), Finnair (Finland), Brussels Airlines (Belgium), British Airways (UK), and Air France coming to this country it becomes a hassle-free traveling.
There are direct connections of trains from the neighboring countries of Austria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Ukraine. Countries like Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Russia, Switzerland and even Turkey, which are bit farther from Hungary can get there through an advanced railway facility. Volánbusz, the national bus company of Hungary is responsible for providing bus service to their neighbors. The bus service is very efficient and more cheaper as compared to the flight fares. You may avail international shipping lines on the Danube (Duna) or Tisza rivers. The service is scheduled to operate to and from Vienna and Bratislava on a regular basis between early April and early November.
Transport
With so much diversity in landscapes and scattered location of some attractive places it becomes crucial to have a good connectivity all around the country. Owing to its central location in the continent, Hungary is easy to be reached by train or bus. It is to be noted that Hungary has no provision of domestic flights to fly within the country. Other transport facilities like train, bus, boat, car, and taxi are available in good number. The tourists can avail any of these modes of transport, which are all efficient in their own way.
There is an extensive network of railways in Hungary. Hungary’s MÁV and GYSEV train company is owned by the government. Covering an area of 7,606 km, Hungary has its major railway stations countrywide, including Tiszai Railway Station in Miskolc and the stations of Pécs, Szeged, Györ, and Székesfehérvár. Intercity (IC) trains are the fastest train service. The train service is well maintained. They connect to the major cities with Budapest. Budapest also boasts of having the only underground metro railway in the country. Having a total area of 188,490 km, the highways are quite smooth and simply a joy to travel.
Trams and Light rail are another option for traveling in Hungary. The tram lines connect the cities of Budapest, Miskolc, Szeged, and Debrecen. This mode of transport is quite popular in Budapest. Buses are more preferred by the tourists. Several bus companies operate within the country which gives a quick service and that too at a very cheap rate. They are clean and quite efficient in transporting passengers. The visitors can rent a car if they wish to have a comfortable journey. Boats although are an option available for travel in Hungary, but it is advised not to count much on it. The good hydrofoil boat connecting between Vienna and Budapest operates from the month of April to October.
Leisure
Hungary is heart filling and cherishing for the tourists. This historically old country located in central Europe is always a treat to visit. Accompanied by both hilly terrain and plains, the country gifts you some fairy tale landscapes and intricate creation of nature. Having a continental climate, it has extreme summers and winters. Surprisingly, both the extremities have their own charm, which is difficult to resist. Be it towns, cities, or natural sights, everything is appealing in their own style.
Hungary has majority of its cities known either for their artistic talent or the natural blessings. Among some of the important cities, some of them are Nyíregyháza – a small city blessed with a water resort, museum village and Kecskemét – a town renowned for its vivacious music scene, plum brandy, added to it is some glorious architecture. Some smaller towns of Hungary are also worth visiting. The visitors will find the small town Eger – known for its wines.
Hungary will not deprive you of the ecstatic beauty of nature. The visitors must visit the Aggtelek, which is the home to some beautiful caves with dripstones and stalagmites. Hungary is proud to have Lake Balaton, which is considered as the biggest lake in Central Europe. If you are a wine lover, then come to Tokaj, a famous town producing high quality white wines.
Hungary has a great taste for entertainment and people here are often prone to be lavish. They often celebrate major native festivals before the advent of any season. The tourists can dance to the melody of Hungarian music, and watch some great acrobatic performances done generally during the winter. Thus, visitors can look forward to a lovely stay.
-
Iceland Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/Iceland-e1365162071195.jpg)
Jokulsarlon Lagoon Iceberg, Iceland
Iceland is rapidly gaining importance in the tourist destination. It was in the 9th century that the Norse Viking settled here and it is in Reykjavik that you would find the majority of Iceland’s population. So make a point to visit Reykjavik on your Iceland tours. Here you will find vibrant nightlife, aesthetic arts scene, and you can also explore the picturesque countryside at Thingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir.
Nature lovers will find their dream come true at Iceland. This huge island nestled in the North Atlantic is full of rugged topography with volcanic formations such as black lava, hot blue geysers, rivers, cascades, and lush valleys. There are bays and fjords along the coast. You would be amazed to know that Iceland was the testing station for the lunar landing module by the US before reaching out to the moon.
You can come here in summer, when you can avail guided bus trips offered by many tour operators which will take you all around. The best places to see are Thorsmoerk and Snaefellsjoekull. Another exciting option is to ride on horseback across the highlands. There are no trees and but just one small forest which is a prominent landmark of the country. Whether you want to spend time in the serenity of nature, or watch the birds and the whales, or you want some adventurous activity such as skiing, glacier Skidoo, or horse ride, Iceland is the place to be.
There are a good number of hotels here in Iceland though most of them may be costly, but it can be well understood considering the adverse conditions under which life goes here.
Getting In
A convenient option of reaching Iceland is to fly to Europe and then to Iceland. In this aspect, it is perhaps best to use UK as an entry point to Iceland. This is because UK faces less rigorous checks than some other European countries. Iceland is easily reached by air. The international airport is Keflavik, which is in the South West of the country about 40 km from Reykjavik. An airport transfer bus service called the Fly Bus runs between the airport and Reykjavik bus terminal via various hotels. A return is 300 Kr cheaper than 2 singles. Another great option is to take the bus which stops at the Blue Lagoon either to or from the airport. It then continues every half an hour or so to Reykjavik. Direct flights from New York City, Boston, Minneapolis, Orlando, Baltimore, San Francisco, and most major European countries namely, Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Helsinki, London, Oslo, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris, Stockholm, and Zurich airports are available. This is mainly because Iceland Air uses Keflavik as a hub.
Another option of travelingto Iceland is to take the low cost airline Iceland Express, which flies from Copenhagen and London (Stansted) to Keflavik. It gives additional service during the summer months to Frankfurt Hahn, Berlin Schefeld, Friedrichshafen, Alicante, Gothenburg, and Stockholm Arlanda. New connections have been added in 2007 from Copenhagen directly to Akureyri and Egilsstadir. Additionally, reaching Iceland will be much easier as British Airways offer flights from London and SAS from Oslo.
You may also reach Iceland by boat though it takes longer as compared to plane.
Transport
Traveling by flight, by car, by bus, and even by cycle seems to be difficult for a new tourist. Quite naturally, aircraft in Iceland are like buses or trains elsewhere. They are the main form of transportation in Iceland other than the roads. The scheduled service to domestic destinations including Greenland and Faroe Islands is provided by Air Iceland.
You may also travel by car through the roads. Driving in Iceland is on the right-side of the road. There are excellent car hire desks from Hertz and Avis at the airport as well as a local company, Alp. Hiring and renting of cars is, however, expensive. There are two signs that foreigners should pay attention to. First, “malbik endar” means that the road changes from a paved road to a gravel road. Slow down before these changes for one can lose control easily. Also “einbreio br” means that a one-lane bridge is approaching. Arrive at the bridge slowly and assess the situation. If another car has arrived at the bridge, first allow them the right-of-way. In spite of such precautions, driving in Iceland is an amazing experience with all the proper precautions.
The BSI Travel Runs regular bus service to most parts of the country, especially around the Ring Road (Route 1). Cycling is another way of experiencing Iceland. It provides a different cultural experience to the other means of transportation in Iceland. Cycling in Iceland is great fun though traffic in and out of Reykjav is heavy.
Leisure
There is no dearth of recreation options in Iceland. Hiking is one of them. However, only a few places in Iceland have marked walking paths. The Iceland Touring Association operates walking tours all year round. Besides, a number of travel agencies and tour operators organize trips to Iceland’s glaciers, which cover 11 per cent of the country. Transport is mainly by 4-wheel-drive vehicles, snow cats, or snowmobiles. The best time for Skidooing is between January and March when the snow is fresh and plenty.
Skiing is a year-round activity and Iceland’s most popular winter sport. Ski resorts offer both downhill skiing and cross-country skiing throughout the country. The main skiing season is normally from January until May or June. Summer skiing is also possible on the glaciers. Swimming is very popular in Iceland since there are many natural and man made pools in Iceland such as the Blue Lagoon near Reykjav, heated by geothermal springs. Many places also have saunas, jacuzzis and hot pots with water temperatures of up to 44 degrees Celcius/112 degrees Fahrenheit. Other than these, fishing is a common sport in Iceland. Iceland is famous for this particularly, salmon fishing, for which it is reputed to be among the best locations in the world. The main salmon fishing season is from around 20 June to mid-September. There are around 55 courses in Iceland, all of which are open to visitors.
Wildlife in Iceland is another attraction Birdwatching, whale watching and tours to the best spots around the coast are widely accepted by tourists all over. It is also possible to see dolphins. Icelandic horse trekking is another in Iceland. River rafting in the midst of a variety of rivers and beautiful is another popular activity.
The country is host to plenty of nightclubs, bars, cafes, and cinemas though most of them are in the capital. During the tourist season, there is an attractive light entertainment show in English called ‘Light Nights’ with traditional Icelandic stories, and folk songs.
-
Italy Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/03/Italy-e1365162390641.jpg)
Grand Canal and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute in Venice, Italy
If you want to tour a romantic destination and travel through the pages of history, then Italy is the perfect destination for you. Italy is famous for its olive oil, pasta, wine, Roman relics, and Renaissance palaces.
The topography of Italy is marked by the two mountain chains, the Alps and the Apennines. The majestic Alps form an arch in the north and stretch from east to west. At its foothills, you have the Po Valley. The Apennines forms the backdrop of the Italian peninsula. In Italy the major islands are Sicilia/Sicily and Sardegna/Sardinia. In the archipelago you will also find Tremiti Islands, Aeolian and Egadi Islands, the Tuscan Archipelago, and the Pontine Islands.
The enchanting country has something reserved for everyone. You can stay for a long duration at the tourist centers, as you have something new for you everyday.
And even if you want to go on off beaten track Italy has options for that as well. One of the places which you can visit on vacations in Italy is Lombardia, the capital of Milan - a business hub as well as a fashion capital. Bergamo is quite near to this place, about an hour’s drive. Further, you may undertake a romantic trip to Venice and Verona. You will be impressed by the picturesque landscape of Verona, and if you want to feast on delectable Italian cuisines, then go to north-west of Italy. For the connoisseur, Piemonte is an ideal choice for the finest of wines. Here you can taste Barolo and Barbaresco, which are the choicest wines made from the Nebbiolo grape. Apart from these, there are museums, modern art, music and book fairs, which give you the feel of the culture of Italy.
A visit to Italy would be incomplete without a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a testimony to medieval engineering. The tower, more popularly known as the bell tower, stands 60 feet tall, and is famous for leaning at an approximate angle of 10 degree. This eight story tower, is one of the four buildings that make up the cathedral complex of Pisa. Now that tourists are allowed to climb up the tower, it attracts a high number of visitors every year.
Travel Map
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/italy/maps/italy-map.gif)
Getting In
The age old charm of Italy to the international travelers has resulted in the fact that presently there are numerous choices for reaching Italy from all corners of the world. The visitors can opt for airways, railways, roadways, or even waterways, according to their convenience and preference. The most popular means is undoubtedly by availing any of the numerous flights that are operated by a host of international airlines. Adria, Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, Air Berlin, Air Baltic, Air Europa, Air Madrid, Albanian Airlines, Atlas Blue, Belle Air, Condor, Croatia Airlines, Cyprus Airlines, Carpat Air, Bulgaria Air, Panorama Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Climber Air, Iceland Air, Montenegro Airlines, Norwegian Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Tyrolean Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Swiss International, TAO Portugal, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Kuwait Air, and Yemen Airways are the premier airlines which operate regular and scheduled flights to Italy from various countries of the world.
The visitors can also take trains from France, Croatia, Austria, Geneva, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, and Spain and reach Italy by relishing an extremely comfortably journey. For those travelers who want to avail an adventurous mode of transportation, can opt for ferry service from Greece, Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia.
Transport
Italy is one of the premier tourist destinations of the world which offers a dazzling mélange of pictorial landscapes, magnificent cultural heritage, spectacular art and architecture, bustling cities, and splendid countryside. .
The fastest and most convenient mode of traveling in Italy is air travel and there are several budget airlines in Italy, which operate regular flights to most of the cities of Italy. The Italian rail system operates different types of trains like TBiz, EurostarItalia, Eurostar City Italia, IntercityPlus, Intercity, Espresso, Interregionale and Regionale, Eurostar and Italia, and TBiz falls. If someone is traveling in train a lot, then he or she can avail the TRENITALIA PASS, where he or she will get the opportunity to travel a lot at a discounted price within the time period of two months.
Italy takes pride in its well-developed road system. Thus, the travelers can also opt for cars or buses and both these modes of transportation are not only convenient, but comfortable as well. You can also prefer traveling by yachts for charter, skippered and bareboat or they can simply hire a motor boat, sailing boat, exclusive mega yacht, wooden gulet or motor sailer and enjoy a grand time with your near and dear ones.
Leisure
Italy is considered as the paradise for holiday goers, and this beautiful country does not restrict its appeal to a plethora of natural wonders and a multitude of magnificent sightseeing attractions in Italy, but also includes a sizzling array of choices for entertainment. You can go to night clubs, bars, and dancing pubs. The electrifying nightlife in Italy immediately catches you in its frenzy. For those who want to try out something different, can head towards the vibrant street theater or the Grand Opera Houses and the Academy of Santa Cecilia.
Italy is teemed with numerous choices for enjoying various outdoor activities and those who are interested in outdoor sports, can try out the innumerable water sports as well as winter sports. Apart from the well-known winter and water sports, there are vast stretches of well-maintained golf courses in most of the major cities of Italy, which allow the golf lovers to play golf amid the spectacular natural beauty of the sparkling Italian towns.
Many tourists indulge in vigorous shopping spree, and while touring in Italy, one comes across of loads of beautiful stuff and antiques are particularly widely available in Italy.
Each region of Italy has its own specialty and while you visit these places in Italy, don’t hesitate to shop the regional specialties.
-
Ireland Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/Ireland-e1365409272363.jpg)
Dromoland Castle in Ennis, Ireland
Ireland, a country in Europe, is an enchanting place with its scenic locales and glorious past. This country comprises of four provinces and there are a number of counties in every province:
Leinster has 12 counties in the south-east Ireland.
Munster having 6 counties in the south-west Ireland.
Connacht comprises of 5 counties along Ireland’s west coast.
Ulster has 9 counties in the north of Ireland and also 6 counties in Northern Ireland.
Tourists who arrive here in Ireland need travel guide when they make a tour of the counties as in this country the provinces have special names assigned for promoting tourism. Provinces instead of called by names are called as “Sunny South East”, “The West”, “The North West”, “The Shannon Region”, and “The Midlands”. So, when you come here, be sure of the county names, cities, towns, rather than thinking of which province you are making a tour.
Some of the places which must be included in your tour itinerary are:
Dublin / Baile Átha Cliath, the capital city. Here you will find night pubs, excellent architecture and shopping hubs.
Cork / Corcaigh nestled on the banks of the River Lee.
Galway / Gaillimh – a city located on the banks of the river Corrib.
Kilkenny / Cill Chainnigh – a medieval City is called the Marble City – home to ‘the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, hosted every year in early June.
Limerick / Luimneach – a city on the river Shannon
Travel Map
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/ireland/maps/ireland-map.gif)
Getting In
Ireland is called the land of sublime nature beauty and rich culture. This country, with its varied beauty, attracts a bulk of tourist every year. There are some highly developed Airports in Ireland. These airports not only give better domestic services, but also praiseworthy international services.
The major airports of Ireland are:
Belfast City Airport
Belfast International
Cork Airport
Derry Airport
Donegal Airport
Dublin Airport
Galway Airport
KerryAirport
Ireland airlines are mainly from Australia/New Zealand, Europe, and USA/Canada. People from the rest of the world may adopt routes to UK for Getting to Ireland.
The Airlines flying from Ireland are:
Aer Arran
Air Caledonian
Aer Lingus
Air Wales
BMI Baby
BMI British Midlands
British AirwaysEasyjet
Eastern Airways
Euromanx
Flybe
Flykeen
MyTravelLite
Ryanair
Thomson
Trains are second best means to reach Ireland. Here the network of rail tracks reaches to every region of the Island. In the capital city of Ireland there are two central stations. The Heuston Station is in service of the south and west region and the Connolly Station is in service of the north and the north west of the country. In Belfast, the Great Victoria Street Station is the center of rail travel in Northern Ireland.
Bus Eirean, the Ireland’s national service and Ulster Bus are helpful for the tourists to go round the city. You may also take a rental car and roam about the country according to your will. Cars can be hired from the Irish car rental reservation system.
Transport
Ireland can be reached by flights within few hours. For getting to the tourist destinations across the country trains, bus, car, and taxi offer convenient and cheap journey.
Flights
Ireland has several well-developed airports from which numerous flights take off for other countries and on which numerous flights land from different corners of the world. Aer Lingus is the official airlines of Ireland. It operates a good number of flights to UK, US, Canada, The long-haul division of Aer Lingus serves Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Dubai. It operates 41 Airbus Aircraft which serve Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Apart from this, there are several other airlines giving international as well as domestic services. Some of them are Delta Airlines, Aer Arann, Bmibaby, etc.
Bus
Bus is another convenient means to reach your destination across the country. Bus Eirean the Ireland’s national service and Ulster Bus are helpful for the tourists to go round the city.
Trains
Airports are connected by trains to different regions. There are two central stations in the capital city of Ireland. The Heuston Station is in service of the south and west region and the Connolly Station is in service of The north and the north west of the country. In Belfast the Great Victoria Street Station is the center of rail travel in Northern Ireland.
Rented cars are also available to travel in Ireland.
Leisure
Situated on the outskirts of western Europe, Ireland is acclaimed for its history, culture, geographical beauty, and youthful energy. Every year a large number of tourists come to visit this land of saints and seers. The people of Ireland are widely known for their congeniality and hospitality. Their real pleasure is in getting together and take part in some social celebration. Apparently if you come, you will get abundant choices to enjoy.
The Great Fishing Houses of Ireland, established by the National Cooperative Marketing Group have 21 of the best game fishing establishments in Ireland. Here you may get the real excitement and vigor of fishing.
Horses are the real passion among the Irish people, so you may have intended opportunity of horse riding. You may ride on country lanes or mountain tracks and the beach at Waterville or on the golden beach of Rossbeigh.
Angling, fishing, sea angling, cruising, sailing, windsurfing, surfing, canoeing, climbing, hill walking, golf, equestrian, horse racing, hang gliding, etc., are some other entertainment choices.
The people in Ireland are fun loving. They have a long list of colorful festivals. Listowel Writers Week is celebrated from May 30 to June 30. It is the first festival in honor of writers. The cat Laughs Festival, Kilkenny is the best comedy festival in the world. Colonel Junction is another important festival of Ireland.
-
Portugal Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/Portugal-e1365405692600.jpg)
Belem tower at Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal is located in the southwest region of Europe and shares its border with Spain. It is also bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal is a European Union nation since 1986. Demography was introduced in Portugal in the year 1974 and was one of the principal reasons for the country’s progress from poverty to prosperity. Portugal is divided into 18 districts, but the procedure of classifying country regions in terms of districts could be phased out. Portugal has green mountains, Rocky Mountains, amazing diversity of landscapes, waterfalls, etc., for its tourists. Most of the tourists in Portugal are seen between June and September. Easter is a major event in Portugal. Portuguese is the official language of Portugal.
British Airways, Air France, and Lufthansa have direct flights to Portugal. Lisbon, Faro, and Porto are the major international airports of Portugal. Intra-country traveling is cheap and convenient, if you use the highly efficient and well-developed railway network of Portugal. Traveling by train will be frequently cheaper than by bus. Try to avoid driving when you are in Portugal, a country infamous for reckless driving.
Some of the tourist attractions in Portugal:
St. George’s Castle, Lisbon
Oceanarium, Lisbon
Gulbenkian Museum, Lisbon
The Island of Madeira
Sacred Art Museum, Funchal
Botanical Gardens Madeira, Funchal
Bahia Beach Bar, Lagos
Travel Map
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/portugal/maps/portugal-map.gif)
Getting In
The people can easily connect with this country as it has a good connectivity with an efficient transportation network. Though it was considered one of the poorest countries in the world, it maintains a wide link to almost all the parts of the world. The tourists can expect to get into this country with various modes of transports including, flights, trains, buses, cars, and sometimes boats. Not only with the European countries, but the country has a frequent connection with other continents. People from almost every corner of the world have all the convenience to visit this wonderland. The country, which is well known for its rocky mountains, waterfalls, beaches, and near-desert landscapes, takes full care to see whether everyone is having the access to this country.
The country has a good number of airports like Portela Airport (Lisbon International Airport), Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, Évora Airport, Faro Airport, etc., which receive a large number of International Airlines. The tourists can opt from the following airlines like Aer Lingus (Dublin), Air Berlin (Palma de Mallorca), Air France (Paris-Charles de Gaulle), British Airways (London-Heathrow), Brussels Airlines (Brussels), Egyptair (Cairo), Finnair (Helsinki), Germanwings (Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart) Lufthansa (Frankfurt, Munich), Monarch Airlines (London-Gatwick), Scandinavian Airlines System(Oslo), Swiss International Air Lines (Zürich), TAP Portugal (Madrid, Munich, Oslo, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Prague, Rio de Salvador, Stockholm-Arlanda,Venice, Zagreb, Zürich) Tunisair (Tunis), US Airways (Philadelphia), etc. Reaching Portugal is a bit difficult for the visitors residing in most of the African and Asian countries.
Apart from flights you may also choose to arrive in Portugal via car, especially, from the neighboring countries like England and Spain. Owing to a good number of modern roads and Highways, the tourists from England and Spain can easily enter the country via Plymouth-Santander or Portsmouth-Bilbao in Northern Spain. The capital city of Lisbon is a well-connected network of railway to Madrid and San Sebastian in Spain. Bus services like ALSA and Auto Res connect the major cities of Spain with the cities of Lisbon, Oporto, and the Algarve, in Portugal. Though boats are available for a limited number of tourists, it is preferable to avoid taking a ride to this transport service, as it is often prone to get disrupted.
Transport
Portugal, an exquisitely beautiful country, has its attractions scattered throughout the country. The tourists will surely get a lot of options to choose. The visitors may choose to travel in Portugal via plane, rail, metro, bus, car, and tram. As it is not a big country, it spares the tourist from the hassle of long traveling from one part of the country to another. The major cities of the country like Lisbon, Guimarães, Évora, Faro, Porto (Oporto), Coimbra, Cascais, Portimao, Lagos, Viseu, etc., are well connected by most of the modes of transport available in the country.
A large number of domestic flights operate in the major parts of the country. The major number of domestic flights of TAP Portugal fly between Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and the Azores, and also between Madeira and Porto Santo. SATA has regular flights between all the islands of the Azores and from the Azores to Madeira and mainland Portugal. ATA also connects various major cities of Portugal. The country is backed by a good railway network. The tourists get a guaranteed swift and cheap journey across the country. CP – Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses, the Portuguese railway company, offers an extensive rail network covering the whole country. The tourists can opt to take a ride on Alfa pendular trains, which offer the fastest and most comfortable rail link between Lisbon and the Algarve, Porto, Braga, or Guimarães. The Intercidades or Intercity service covers the Lisbon-Porto-Braga, Lisbon-Guarda, Lisbon-Covilhã, Lisbon-Alentejo, and Lisbon-Algarve routes. These trains are quite cheap as they run on the subsidy given by the government.
Metro Railway is clean, developed, and air-conditioned. This underground railway system saves the congestion in the cities of Lisbon and Porto. These metro rails are quite efficient and fast. Owing to a large number of good roads, it becomes tempting for the travelers to rent cars and move around the country. Trams are a very delicate mode of transport and have a limited range within the city of Lisbon. The tourists will find that Companhia de Carris de Ferro de Lisboa is the one and only monopoly tram company of Portugal. The tram network is there in the city of Porto as well. Buses are available, but in limited number. Taxis made in traditional Portuguese style are another choice of traveling within the country. They are generally found all over the country, and provide the convenience of reaching you at any of your favored destination.
Leisure
This country in Southern Europe is bestowed with some beautiful countryside places, vibrant cities, and other landscape diversities. It has everything to thrill the visitors. The tourists will be enchanted to see the luxurious mountain ranges and glamorous near-desert landscape. The warm and comfortable climate, adding to some scintillating sceneries, make it a hunting ground for the tourists. Some of the major regions like Minho, Madeira Islands, Azores Islands, Alentejo, Algarve, etc., are worth visiting.
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is gifted with some ancient architecture, which includes, St Jorge’s Castle, Belem Tower, Santa Justa’s Elevator, Belem Tower, etc., along with Museums, Zoos, and historical districts. The visitors must visit the Roman ruins in the city of Evora. Faro, the most sought after destination for its reputation of having some well-dressed beaches and the city far away from the humdrum of daily life, is a place where the visitors can expect ultimate peace of mind. Porto, the second largest city of Portugal after Lisbon, also shelters some notable places of attractions. This hilly city has both medieval and modern architecture. The tourists can have a great time spending in multipurpose pavilions with nice gardens. The city also has a huge collection of shopping complex, which sells some quality handicrafts. Make it mandatory to visit the bookshop of Livraria Lello and the art museum of Soares dos Reis.
Portugal does have some garnished spots, which will make you repent if you don’t visit. The cape of Cabo da Roca, lying on the western coast of Portugal is a bliss in disguise. The country has an active night life, especially in the cities of Setubal, Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. If you wish to observe wildlife in its natural state, Madeira and Azores Islands are places to remember. One thing that the tourists can have to their fill is playing Golf. The perfect climate along with a lot of investments in the golfing infrastructure in recent years, has turned the country into an ideal place for golfing. If you are willing to indulge in activities, you can enjoy surfing, kite-surfing, and aerobics. This country is also an ideal place to go cycling through the mountainous terrains and go for water rafting. If possible, be in Portugal during some of the best festivals like International Film Festivals, Festas dos Santos Populares (Festivals of Popular Saints), Festival do Marisco (Festival of Shellfish) in Algarve, etc. This less expensive country of Europe provides you entertainment at an affordable rate. Some other cities like Coimbra, has a wide range of attractive places like Old Cathedral, Mondego river, Botanical Garden, Saint Cross Church, etc. If you are planning to visit Portugal, visiting some of the cities like, Albufeira, Funchal, Viseu, Lagos, Portimao, will be a nice experience.
-
Netherlands Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/netherlands-e1365409621955.jpg)
Night view of Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Netherlands is bordered by North Sea, Germany, and Belgium. This north western country of the Netherlands, often called as Holland, is renowned for its cheese, tulips, windmills, and wooden shoes. This densely populated country has its capital Amsterdam, which has its popularity as one of the most refined cities of Europe. Visiting this beautiful city will take you back to its royal past. Covering an area of 41,526 sq km, this country is a bliss if you explore it by cycling. This daringly liberal country is progressive in all aspects and more relaxing than other major cities of Europe. Rotterdam is a pleasant city, which is also a modernized city of Netherlands.
Netherlands is a destination of some mind blowing attractions. Celebrating festivals like Pink pop Festival, Heineken Dance Parade, etc., every year, it is an ideal place to spend for fun. Accompanied by its artistic beauty, this Dutch speaking country is also rich in magnificent viewpoints found all over the place. The people of the Netherlands are very informal and so it is least expected to offend them. Although expensive, a large number of traditional and modern hotels will assure you of a fun-filled time. Traveling within the country and visiting museums and other local attractions, is less expensive.
One thing you have to be sure of is to carry a good amount of winter clothes.
Travel Map
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/netherlands/maps/netherlands-map.gif)
Getting In
Netherlands is a beautiful country in Western Europe, which faces North Sea and the United Kingdom and shares border with Germany and Belgium. Due to its increasing popularity among the international travelers there are presently many ways to travel to the Netherlands. The Schiphol Airport, near Amsterdam, is the biggest international airport in Netherlands. British Airways, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Air Alps, Air Berlin, Air Malta, Bulgaria Air, Austrian Airlines, Alitalia, Croatia Airlines, Cyprus Airways, Egyptair, El Al Israel, Condor, Finnair, KLM Dutch, Malaysia Airlines, Malev, Lufthansa, Polish Airlines, Ryanair, Ukraine Airlines, and Swiss Airlines are the premier international airlines that serve millions of passengers every year who visit the Netherlands. KLM was the national airlines of the Netherlands before it got merged with Air France and it provides domestic as well as worldwide scheduled passenger and cargo services to over 90 destinations. So while visiting the Netherlands, the visitors can also opt for any of the flights of KLM and arrive directly in the Netherlands. Other important airports include, Rotterdam Airport, Aachen Airport, etc.
Excellent railway connections are available in the cities of Hague, Amsterdam, and other large cities of Netherlands. Train facilities can also be availed by the countries like, France, Belgium by The Thalys. Germany has some high-speed train called ICE, which connects it with the Netherlands.
The visitors can also get cheaper and more convenient railway trips from Brussels or Antwerp. Intercity trains run from Berlin and Hannover to Amsterdam via Osnabrück, Hengelo, Deventer, and Amersfoort.
Another less frequently opted option for reaching Netherlands is by availing international buses, which are predominantly operated by Eurolines. Boats are also available from various parts of U.K which reaches them to Amsterdam. There are three ferry services from the UK: Stena Line between Harwich and Hoek van Holland; DFDS Seaways between Newcastle upon Tyne and IJmuiden; P&; O Ferries between Kingston upon Hull and Rotterdam Europoort.
Transport
The fastest and most convenient mode of travel in the Netherlands is undoubtedly the trains and since the Netherlands is a densely populated and urbanized country, therefore the train services are genuinely regular and frequent unlike many other countries. The railway network in the Netherlands is so vast that it can accommodate 12 trains per hour on main routes. There are primarily two types of trains: 24 intercity lines and ‘Sprinter’, trains which halt at all the stations. Usually a single train is available in an interval of 30 minutes in the Netherlands. The Nederlandse Spoorwegen is primarily responsible for operating most of the routes; however, some lines in the north and east are operated by Syntus and Arriva. The tourists who are planning to get around by train in the Netherlands can easily opt for the Eurail pass with the Benelux package as it allows unlimited railway travel within Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg over multiple days. The Europeans are not eligible for Eurail passes, but that should not pose any problem as they always have the option of opting for Inter Rail Passes for their discount train travel.
Travel via buses, which are comparatively cheaper as compared to other transport. Within the country, it has an extensive connection of Railways with an interval of 5 min to the main routes. If you have decided to travel by bus, then you can get hold of “buzzer” tickets which will cost you 10 Euros per day and it remains valid after 9:00 a.m. on every single Connexxion bus for two adults and up to three children. For those travelers who are interested in enjoying bicycle tours can opt for bicycle tours, as this not only provides immense satisfaction to the travelers, but also provides them full independence, which may not be possible in other modes of transportation.
Leisure
One of the most popular choices of entertainment in the Netherlands is to opt for the bars, pubs, and nightclubs. If someone really wants to get the true flavor of the electrifying nightlife in Netherlands, then undoubtedly the best place is Amsterdam. Amsterdam offers a sizzling array of international standard of entertainment for centuries and is considered as one of the premier centers of culture in Europe. The city is also noted for accommodating innumerable venues of stage performances in the hundreds of venues that remains dispersed throughout the city.
Whatever may be your budget and preference, the nightlife in the Netherlands and more specifically Amsterdam offers something for everyone. Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District, Leidseplein, and Rembrandtplein areas bustle all through the night with multitudes of crowd and these places are the hubs of nightclubs, restaurants and cafes, theaters, cinemas, and casinos. Amsterdam has more than 50 cinema venues and in these places films are shown in their original language with Dutch subtitles and each and all through the year, every day of the week. The tourists also come across superb theater performances in the English language. The city boasts of a rich tradition in classical music and opera and the visitors can also watch ballet dances, as there are two world-class ballet companies in the Netherlands.
Take part in various outdoor sports and cycling is the most accepted sport, as the Netherlands is popularly referred to as the ‘the land of bicycles’. With its 17,000 km of special cycling lanes and paths, the country provides superb cycling facilities. If the travelers want to get hold of bicycles while touring in the Netherlands, then they can simply hire it from anywhere, as bicycle hiring facilities are available in every part of the country. A list of local bicycle hire companies is available from The Netherlands Board of Tourism. The classic Dutch upright single-speed hub-brake bicycle is the most frequently used bicycles in the Netherlands, but other popular types of bicycles include mountain bikes, children’s bicycles, and tandems.
The visitors also enjoy various water sports at the Dutch coast on the western shores of the Netherlands and here you can take part in all types of popular water sports like swimming and windsurfing. Sailing is highly popular on Friesland Lakes, the Ijsselmeer, Loosdrechtse Plassen; Catamaran sailing and parachuting is possible on the islands of Ameland and Texel, but water-skiing is not allowed on inland lakes. Walking trips are also very popular in the Netherlands, as the country is teemed with fantastic walking routes amidst the splendor of nature.
Netherlands is renowned all over the world for its famous flower markets and Amsterdam, Delft, and Utrecht are the ideal places to buy flowers in the Netherlands. The Floriade, is one of the world’s most famous flower exhibitions in the Netherlands and it is held once in every ten years. It was last held in 2002 in the city of Haarlemmermeer. The traditional cheese market of the Netherlands takes place in Alkmaar on every Friday from mid-April to mid-September. The Nine Streets located between the famous Princes Gracht and the Singel is the most famous shopping district in Amsterdam as well as in Netherlands and is the hub of designer boutiques, art galleries, jewelers, fashion shops, and cafés.
-
Norway Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/Norway-e1365409949156.jpg)
Norwegian Mountains during daytime.
Norway is officially known as the Kingdom of Norway. It is a country in the Northern part of Europe and it occupies the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The neighbors of Norway are Finland, Sweden, and Russia. The country is all the more famous for its extensive coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean and its famous fjords.
Since the World War II, Norway has had rapid economic growth, and today it is amongst the richest countries in the world. This economic progress of Norway has been caused by exploiting the oil and gas reserves off the coast. It also now also rated as the most peaceful country in the world survey conducted by Global Peace Index.
Travel Map
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/norway/maps/norway-map.gif)
Getting In
Norway is visited by tourists for more reasons than one and it’s not only the natural beauty of the country which allures travelers, but also the facility of getting to Norway. As this country is an integral part of the Schengen countries, so getting to Norway from any other Schengen country involves little or no border checks.
Via Plane
The Oslo Airport Gardermoen is the largest airport in the country and is also the focal point for flights arriving from across the globe. Scheduled flights fly to 71 international destinations and 24 domestic destinations in Norway. Some other routes which were introduced are Naples (SAS Braathens), Madrid (Norwegian), Rijeka (Norwegian), Florence (Sterling), Palanga (FlyLAL), Saint Petersburg (Norwegian), Bourgas (Norwegian), Heraklion (Norwegian), Rhodes (Norwegian), Varna (Norwegian), Kos (Norwegian), and Ibiza (Norwegian). In Norway there is the Sandefjord Lufthavn, Torp which is a base for Ryanair. This airport offers flights to 14 destinations in Europe and 3 destinations in Norway. The Norwegian Low Cost Airline flies from Stansted to the main Oslo Airport, Gardermoen and the Bergen’s Flesland airport. KLM provides flights to Norway via Amsterdam Schipol, or you can catch flights from Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, and Norwich.
Via Train
The train services are available from Sweden to Oslo, Trondheim, and Narvik. Oslo offers a daily service from Stockholm, regular night train from Gothenburg. In Trondheim, there is the facility of Nabotåget service from Östersund and in Narvik, two trains ply daily from Stockholm via Kiruna. NSB, the Norwegian State Railways, has also special facilities for the physically challenged and they have separate coaches for them.
Via Bus and Car
The international bus services connect Oslo and Sweden. The main operators are Eurolines, Swebus Express, and Säfflebussen Service to Gothenburg and Copenhagen. In fact, the service to Stockholm is also at more frequent interval than the train. You can also avail the minibus service between Kirkenes and Murmansk, which ply three times per day, as well as express buses connecting Sweden to Bodø and Mo i Rana, as well as Denmark to Stavanger. You can use the land route to get to Norway, from Sweden, Finland, or Russia by car.
Via Boat
There is a daily ferry service run by Color Line from Kiel to Oslo. The ferry departs at 1:30 p.m. from Kiel and arrives in Oslo at 9:30 a.m., the next day. You will find the ferry terminal situated on Norwegenkai, within walking distance from Kiel’s main railway station. In Oslo, the terminal is at Hjortneskai. In fact, the ferry service from Oslo to Kiel departs at 1:30 p.m.
Transport
Norway is a cherished destination of the travelers. It would be good if you have your own vehicle to explore the various sights of this country, but if you don’t have one, need not worry as there are a wide range of options for getting around Norway.
The rocky coastline here makes journey by roads and trains quite slow. Thus, in Norway you would find that the domestic flights are much popular. Among these, the largest operators are Coast Air, SAS Braathens, Norwegian, and Widerøe. In the smaller airports you may not find too many flights and also it can be expensive as well. Another fact is that the flights in southern Norway are much affordable than in northern Norway. The surprising fact is that even though this area has better roads and rail network, it will be more convenient for you to take a flight. You can opt for Widerøes, if you are flying to smaller towns in Northern or Western Norway.
As far as the railways are concerned, the Norges Statsbaner (NSB) links main cities, even to the extreme north at Bodø. Though this mode of transport in Norway is not much popular as there is no rail connections between most of the cities on the coast because of the presence of fjords, but one thing you should know that traveling by train has a charm of its own as you enjoy breathtaking scenes. There is high-speed rail system between Oslo and its airport and you should be aware of the fact that long distance trains will need a prior reservation like from Oslo-Bergen, Oslo-Stavanger, Oslo-Kristiansand, Oslo-Trondheim, and Trondheim-Bodø .
The ferry is very much included in the road network here because of the presence of fjords. The car ferries operate for the same. There are catamaran express boats shuttle between Stavanger to Tromsø coast. You can also avail the week journey from Bergen to Kirkenes by the Hurtigruten ferry, which is an enjoyable journey.
A wide number of express buses connect cities all over Norway. The major operators are Norway Bussekspress and Timekspressen. Timekspressen also operates the Oslo-Drammen-Kongsberg-Notodden hourly service. The city bus system operates in the major cities. Other towns are linked by local buses.
Traveling by car is an expensive option, but it helps in reaching the rural areas. Travelers from Europe can bring their own cars, though you need to be acquainted with some basic details like winter tires are needed here and required by law. Yielding from right is the driving rule in Norway. The road sign M means that two cars can pass on a mountainous road. Also, you need to turn on the headlight even during the day.
Leisure
Norway attracts travelers, not only because of its breathtaking scenic beauty, but also because of many other attractions. Entertainment in Norway finds expression in a variety of things ranging from nightlife, events, and festivals, as well as a range of outdoor activities.
In Oslo nightlife is concentrated in Rosenkrantz’ gate where you will get a wide variety of bars music pubs and clubs. You can also try out Karl Johans gate. The famous nightclubs to hit are Rebekka, Smuget, and Head On. Enka is the largest venue of gays. Bergen has a number of bars located on the harbor and Ole Bulls Plass like the Scruffy Murphy’s, Finnegan’s, and The Dickens Bar. If you have a penchant for listening to live music, then Banco Rotto on Vågsallmenning is an ideal choice. This is a café by day and an energetic bar at night. Rick’s Café og Salonger on Veiten offers bar, disco, and live music venue at one place. Maxime, Den Stundesløse, and Det Akademiske Kvarter are the popular nightclubs.
There are lots of events to set the mood like the Polar Jazz, a jazz festival taking place at Longyearbyen in Svalbard. Lillehammer Winter Festival in February is also much popular with a variety of outdoor concerts, and snow and ice sculptures. If you are a skiing enthusiast, then you cannot miss the Holmenkollen Ski Festival in February of the suburbs of Oslo well known for international ski-jumping competitions and Norway’s biggest amateur cross-country ski race.
Stavanger celebrates Garlic Week in the beginning of April. Here you will find garlic in all shapes and sizes and there are also drag queens, garlic music, and garlic competitions. The Florø’s herring festival in June lets the visitors relish all kinds of herring dish served on the longest table in the world. The Shellfish Festival at Mandal is held in early August. You need to pay only the entrance fee and then have your fill from half-mile-long table.
There are many other festivals celebrated in Norway like the Easter Festivals celebrated by the Sami in Kautokeino and Karasjok where you can enjoy concerts, theatre, art exhibits, snowmobile rallies, and reindeer races.The Bergen International Festival held in late May and early June is a great option for art lovers, as in this the artists from all over the world congregate. If you want to enjoy dance and concerts, then just see the North Cape Festival at Honningsvåg in mid June. A host of other events for entertainment and leisure in Norway are the Midsummer Night on June 23rd replete with picnics, boat parades, and bonfires. The Molde International Jazz Festival offers top performances. The Bergen Tall Ships Race is held in July and the Dragon Boat Festival at the end of May.
The shops selling Norwegian handicrafts are popular with the collectors. You can also shop for items like furs, printed textiles, woven articles, knitwear, wood carving, silver, enamel, glass, and porcelain.
The choices doesn’t end here only, you also have a whole range of outdoor activities for entertainment in Norway like:
Hunting and Fishing: Here you will find a wide variety of wildlife in the forests like moose, wild reindeer, deer, hare, grouse; and if you love fishing then you can catch cod, coalfish, and mackerel.
Biking on the tough terrain of Norway has its own thrills.
Hiking in precipitous mountains and dense forests,
Skiing at Morgedal in Telemark.
-
Romania Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/romania-e1365413424622.jpg)
The Hunyad Castle, Romania
Romania is all about mountains, seas, beaches, great culture, and history. Romania shares its border with Bulgaria, Moldova, Serbia, Hungary, and Ukraine. The Black Sea also borders the country. Romania, a country belonging to the European Union, is witnessing great economic progress. It became a member of the European Union in January 2007.
Romania is divided into 40 counties and one municipality. The country was previously a part of Turkey and proclaimed independence in the year 1877. The people in Romania speak the official language Romanian. English nowadays has also become popular in Romania. It is best to visit Romania during the summer season. The winters in Romania, like in Russia, are usually very cold. The temperature during summer hovers around the high 20s.
Here are some places of interest for the tourists to visit:
Palace of Parliament, Bucharest
Palace of Parliament, Bucharest
Peasant Museum, Bucharest
Saints Paul and Peter, Constanta
Constanta Beach, Constanta
Astra National Museum Complex, Sibiu
Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle), Brasov
Getting In
Romania is situated in between Central and Eastern Europe and of late Romania has started gaining widespread acceptance as a premier tourist destination which is teemed with spectacular mountain scenery, historical cultural sites like the Painted Monasteries, beach resorts, and magnificent medieval towns. Due to its present popularity as an eminent tourist destination in Europe, there are numerous choice of transportation for getting to Romania.
You can reach Romania by plane, train, bus, or even by boat. The most popular means of transportation for getting to Romania is by availing international flights that are available from numerous major destinations in Europe. Romania has 17 civilian airports and of these 17 airports, 9 airports are being served by regularly scheduled international flights. The Bucharest’s Henri Coanda Airport is the largest as well as the busiest airport in Romania and it is served by a host of flights which provides direct service to Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Oradea, Satu Mare, Sibiu (Transylvania), Constantans, Bacau, Iasi, Suceava, Targu-Mures, and Baia Mare. TAROM is the national airline of Romania and provides excellent flight services to a host of major international airlines and it has got its base in Bucharest Otopeni. Carpatair is another airline, which is based in Timisoara and links the city with eight Italian and three German destinations. Another popular option for comfortably getting to Romania is by trains and Romania is considerably well connected with the European rail network and there are daily trains to Munchen, Prague, Venice, Vienna, Budapest, Zagreb, Belgrade, Sofia, Thessaloniki, Istanbul, Kiev, and Moscow. Trains are particularly ideal for arriving in cities in western and central Romania like Brasov, Sighisoara, Oradea, or Cluj-Napoca. International trains to Romania are also inclusive of Euro City trains, which are of a moderately high standard and there are also night trains facilities. International trains to Romania include Euro City trains which are of a relatively high standard and night trains. Romania also forms an integral part of the Eurailpass offer.
The buses are emerging as one of the most popular ways to reach the country from overseas and especially from the Balkans and the former USSR and also from some countries of Western Europe like Germany and Switzerland. A large number of private operators are offering quicker and more comfortable coach services to and from cities such as Kiev, Odessa, Sofia, and Istanbul. If you want to travel by boat then you can simply opt for Cruises on Danube, but these cruises are usually pretty expensive and they start from Passau or Vienna and halt at major destinations like Austria, Hungary, Serbia, and Romania.
Transport
Intra-country traveling is highly convenient if you use the trains. Cars are also a good option for getting around within the country. Buses offer the cheapest mode of conveyance in Romania. The railway network in Romania is one the largest and most dense network in Europe and the regular trains connects every city of Romania with the other cities and villages of the country. Most trains in Romania are run by the state carrier, Caile Ferate Romane which is abbreviated as CFR and the visitors get the tickets at the railway station or at a CFR agency, which are usually available in the city center. One of the most popular modes of transport, CFR offers the following four main types on trains in its route network:
“P” Personal: Slow trains which stops at every stop on the rail line and these trains are extremely cheap
“A” Accelerat: Semi-slow trains which often cross-country routes and stops in all towns but skips any halt at the villages. The cost of travel in these trains is cheap, but is twice as expensive as personal.
“R” Rapid: these trains are better, more comfortable, and faster trains used on trunk routes from Bucharest, but they are more expensive as well.
“IC” Intercity: these trains are the best of the CFR’s network and are cheap when compared to Western standards.
People also choose airways to get around the country. TAROM is the national carrier of Romania and it serves most of the major cities from Bucharest at least once a day. Carpatair is another popular airline in Romania which provides domestic flights to a host of popular cities of the country. Traveling by bus is the cheapest mode of travel to other towns of Romania and in each and every town and cities of Romania, the travelers are bound to come across the bus terminals from which buses and minibuses depart for the towns and villages in the nearby area as well as to other cities in the country. Traveling by buses are also the best solution for a number of routes that are badly served by the railway network like Bucharest – Piteti – Râmnicu Vâlcea, Bucharest – Alexandria, Bucharest – Giurgiu, and Piteti – Slatina.
The easiest way to get around in Romania is definitely by car or coach, but rentals can be pretty expensive in Romania and you must be above 25 years old to rent a car in Romania. Taxicabs are another option and they are highly reasonable. Before getting into a taxi it is best to check out that whether the taxi is using meters and whether the driver has a proper license or not. If the taxi doesn’t have a meter, then it is better to be accompanied by a Romanian guide as otherwise the drivers can cheat the visitors by charging higher.
Leisure
Romania is a magnificent country which is considered as the perfect retreat for the holiday goers and is teemed with innumerable options for entertainment in Romania makes it unanimously appealing to tourists of all age groups. The most commonly opted choice for entertainment includes going to night clubs, bars and dancing pubs and the pulsating nightlife in Romania immediately catches you in its whirl. The best place to participate in the exuberant Romanian nightlife is its capital city, Bucharest and this city takes immense pride in its increasing number of discos and nightclubs which remains particularly crowded during the weekends. In these nightclubs you can shake your legs or enjoy live performances and casinos also form an integral part of the sparkling nightlife in Romania. Gambling creates electrifying nightlife ambiance. If you want to try out something different in Romania, then you can watch operas or enjoy performances by orchestras and if you have any interest in folk entertainment, then you can enjoy it in Romania.
Another popular mode of enjoyment is to indulge in the plethora of adventurous sports activities that are the prime attractions of Romania and water sports are more particularly popular in Romania. The sea is clean and since there are no tides in the sea, therefore it becomes ideal for swimming, windsurfing, and many other types of water sports. Sailing is widely practiced on the coast and many of the rivers in Romania are perfectly suitable for kayaking. If anyone is keen on exploring the waterways of the protected and UNESCO-listed Danube Delta, then he or she must abide by the strict conservation regulations and the travelers who are arriving with their own boat must pay a fee at the Tulcea Harbor Station and they need to produce their passport, a sailing license and valid registration papers for their craft. Fishing is another sport that is widely popular among the visitors and Romania has many easily accessible sites for fishing like the Danube Delta and on lake shores around big cities.
Winter sports are also another popular option for leisure and there are numerous facilities for skiing in almost all mountain resorts and most of them are even with equipped with cable cars. National and international skiing and bob-sleighing competitions are held every year in Romania and sledging tracks, skating, and ice hockey, are primarily popular at most of the mountain resorts. Entertainment options also include elaborate facilities to enjoy health spas and in Romania the visitors may choose from 70 health centers as well as 3000 mineral-rich thermal springs. The most eminent health resorts in Romania are Baile Herculane in the Cerna Valley, Baile Felix, and Sovata. Traditional folk music and dancing is still very much popular in Romania and the tourists can catch shows of traditional folk music and dancing in many hotels and restaurants of Romania. For many tourists, shopping is the best option for entertainment in Romania and if you want to relish some new shopping experience in Romania, then head to the weekly traditional countryside shopping fair and here you can get everything from live animals to clothes and vegetables.
-
Russia Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/Mother-Motherland.jpg)
Mother Motherland Monument in Russia
Russia is a land of snow and deadly winters, a fact known to almost everybody. However, it is also a land of rivers that meander across meadows and a midsummer sun that never sets. Its people love to party and can be very generous and hospitable.
The best time to visit Russia is from the month of July to August that are the warmest months and the main holiday season. If some tourists do not want the crowd, then May-June or September-early-October is the best time. In the early autumn the leaves tend to fall and one can pick mushrooms and berries. Although winter is very bitter in Russia, it is at this time that theaters open, vodka flows throughout the country, buildings are warm, and the snow is beautiful. Spring is slushy and muddy.
It’s best to avoid late February, March, and early April. Having made the decision, travelers are advised not to pay a trip to Chechnya, Dagestan, and the neighboring Ingushetia because military clashes, kidnapping of aid workers and foreigners, violent crimes, and muggings are prevalent in these parts of the country. Other areas of concern include North Ossetia, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya. Events in all these places change rapidly. In other words, consular support regarding these destinations is almost non-existent. Even the Russian authorities have warned tourists about the possibility of terrorist attacks in these parts of Russia.
One can explore Russia’s landscape through some of the most beautiful waterways found in the country through an adventurous river rafting tour. If somebody prefers wildlife tours, then there are exciting jeep tours to the Republic of Sakha in Yakutia. This has got the largest hunting grounds in Russia. It also has a high population of brown bears.
Besides, Moscow and St. Petersburg have an abundance of museums and art galleries. Russia also consists of some of the oldest lakes in the world, such as Lake Baikal, which is estimated to be around 25-30 million years old. Winters in Russia are very bitter, but it is at this time that the country becomes more adorable. In winters, Russia is covered in snow and the lakes are covered with a dense layer of ice. These are the best and most favorable conditions for those who are fascinated by winter adventures like skiing, snowboarding, ice-diving, and ice-skating. In the evenings one can make oneself comfortable with some of the most lip-smacking Russian cuisine in delightful restaurants. Some of the other areas of sightseeing involve the renowned Russian attractions such as The Kremlin,
St. Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square with the State Historical Museum, the KGB Museum, the Moscow Circus, etc. Russia’s very own St. Petersburg is a masterpiece of 18th century design. Some buildings such as the Winter Palace and the Hermitage are laden with canals and broad boulevards. Some of Russia’s natural attractions such as the Black Sea, Siberia, and Lake Baikal are truly awe-inspiring.
Travel Map
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/russia/maps/russia-map.gif)
Getting In
Reaching Russia is possible by plane, train, car, bus, or boat.
Plane
The important international airports in Russia include the Pulkovo Airport, the Domodedovo International Airport, the Sheremetyevo International Airport, the Vladivostok International Airport, the Vnukovo International Airport, and the Irkutsk International Airport. The national airlines of Russia, the Aeroflot-Russian Airlines, operate flights to Russia from destinations in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America.
Other airlines of Russia with international flights include the Ural Airlines and the S7 Airlines. The foreign airlines with flights to Russia include Air Berlin, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, EgyptAir, Eurofly, Niki, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International, etc. Moscow and St. Petersburg are the cities in Russia, where the tourists are likely to arrive by plane. A plane journey provides the fastest and most comfortable way of getting to Russia.
Train
Reaching Russia is also possible by train from some of the neighboring countries of Russia. If you want to reach Russia from China, then the Trans-Siberian Railway would make it possible for you. The same train connects Mongolia to Russia. Some of the other countries from where you can get to Russia by train include Germany, Poland, Hungary, Finland, etc.
Car
You can also reach Russia by car, but it is not advisable. You may cross the border by driving, but in this case you are most likely to be harassed by the border officials. The end result would be that you may be allowed to enter Russia, but poorer by large amounts of money. The officials would not allow you to move on till you bribe them. The journey could also be dangerous, particularly if you do not speak much of Russian. It is better to reach Russia by train or plane than by car.
Bus
Eurolines operate buses to Russia from its neighboring countries like Poland, Germany, Finland, etc. While getting to Russia by bus, you are likely to reach the city of Moscow or St. Petersburg.
Boat
One can also reach Russia from Turkey by boat. Ferries are available which would take you from Trabzon in Turkey, to Sochi in Russia. Ferries can also be availed of from countries like Japan, Korea, Georgia, and Ukraine.
Transport
Getting around Russia is not a problem. You may choose any of these:
Planes
Transportation is hugely serviced by the large number of international as well as domestic airports. The major international airports of the country include the Pulkovo Airport, the Domodedovo International Airport, the Sheremetyevo International Airport, the Vladivostok International Airport, the Vnukovo International Airport, and the Irkutsk International Airport.
The major airlines operating domestic flights in Russia include the national airlines of Russia, Aeroflot-Russian Airlines, the Ural Airlines, and the S7 Airlines. The Aeroflot-Russian Airlines connect almost all parts of the country. As Russia is a large country, it would be logical to take a domestic flight if you are traveling long distance, within the country. Transport in Russia by train, for long distances, would take much longer time and would also be tiring.
Cars
If you don’t speak Russian and are from a country where the roads are a driver’s paradise, then it would be difficult for you adjust to the driving conditions in Russia. The roads are not well maintained and most of the places in the cities remain un-marked. Getting acquainted with all the traffic rules in Russia is impossible for a tourist and you are likely to be caught for breaking any one of them. It would be better if you let a Russian acquaintance drive rather than doing it yourself.
Train
Besides the planes, the trains are a very popular way of getting around Russia. The rail network is extensive and traverses the length and breadth of the country. The fare for the journey depends on the destination and the type of train.
Bus
There are numerous bus services which ply to almost all parts of the country. Some parts of Russia are not accessible by train. Thus, buses are the only way of reaching them. Some of the drawbacks include chaos at stations and poor standard of the buses. The bus journey is likely to be more uncomfortable than the train journeys.
Leisure
The Russians play all kinds of sports including basketball, volleyball, football, tennis, table tennis, boxing, skiing, hockey, skating, etc. The girls in Russia indulge in sporting activities like gymnastics, figure-skating, etc. The tourists in Russia are likely to get ample of opportunities to take part in all the sporting activities mentioned. You can also try out water sports like swimming, diving, canoeing, etc. Fishing is also one of the ways of spending leisure time in Russia.
The tourists can visit the various yoga centers, gyms, etc., located in the capital city of Moscow. There are numerous theaters in the country which would give a very good idea of what traditional Russian cinema is all about. Some of the theaters in Moscow, show English movies, with Russian subtitles. You could also pay a visit to the casinos and bowling clubs located in Moscow.
For your entertainment, you could also experience and participate in the nightlife of the country. There are bars, discos, nightclubs, etc. where you can hang out in Russia. You could also pay a visit to the Russian circuses once you are in the country. Exhibition halls and golf clubs also contribute to the leisure time of the tourists in Russia. Some of the popular nightclubs in Russia are listed below:
Boarhouse
Friday
Papa John’s
Propaganda
Your entertainment remains incomplete if you miss the ballet performances in Russia. Russia ballet dancers are quite famous throughout the world. Some of them include Anna Pavlovna and Tchaikovsky. The ballet dancers would ensure your time of leisure and entertainment in Russia by performing ballet versions of classics like Romeo & Juliet. Moscow and St. Petersburg are two of the places where the best of the ballet shows in Russia are held. The numerous bars, cafes, restaurants, etc., would also take care of the tourist’s entertainment. The cuisine offered by some of the top restaurants located in the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg, include Chinese, Italian, Japanese and quite obviously, Russian cuisine. The food is largely non-vegetarian, but the vegetarians also get numerous wonderful options to choose from.
Shopping is another activity which would, no doubt, contribute to your leisure. The bigger shops in Russia, accept well known credit cards. The shops in Russia offer to the tourists, various articles which would act as good memorabilia for your Russian holiday. There are supermarkets and department stores which cater to the needs of both the locals and the tourists. Some of the items which you could purchase include crystal balls, leather bags, sweaters, and jewelry. The tourists in Russia could also visit the following places of interest to complete the experience of leisure in Russia:
Kremlin
Manpupuner Rock Formations
St. Basil’s Cathedral
Kamchatka Peninsula
State Hermitage Museum
Valley of the Geysers
Wrangel Island
-
Spain Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/spain-e1365414590548.jpg)
Cybele’s Square, Madrid, Spain.
Spain, nestled in the Mediterranean, Europe, is a cherished tourist destination. The prospering capital Madrid, the bustling coastal city of Barcelona, the bull fights of Pamplona, and the city of flamenco – Sevilla, always allures travelers.
Holidays in Spain are surely going to mesmerize you, as this country has the feel of Ireland in its north with rolling, green uplands; while the southern part has much of an essence of Moroccan landscapes and architecture. Go on exploring the glorious past of this country in the prehistoric cave paintings, Moorish palaces, Roman ruins, Gothic and Renaissance cathedrals, each telling saga of their own. Spain has a distinct charm, which is an assimilation of separate kingdoms varying in language, culture, cuisine, and art.
You will love spending time at the serene beaches near Malaga, Huelva, and Almería in the south as well as near the coasts of La Manga, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and Euskadi, or go on exploring the unique architecture in Córdoba, Salamanca, Granada, Toledo, Madrid, the futuristic architecture of Antoni Gaudí and the Picasso museum in Barcelona.
The places you should visit on your Spain vacations are:
La Sagrada Familia
Alhambra
Barcelona Zoo
Park Güell
Retiro Park
Casa Mila
Gran Via
Royal Palace of Madrid
Travel Map
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/spain/maps/spain-map.gif)
Getting In
Spain allures visitors with its pristine natural beauty as well as various other attractions like the Carnivals and the bullfights. Reaching Spain is possible not only by air, but also by road, rail as well as sea routes. You have the option of getting here by rail and road.
By Plane
There are a number of international airports, which connect to destinations across the world. The names of these airports are Madrid, A Coruña, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, Murcia, Barcelona, Jerez de la Frontera, Sevilla, Valencia, Bilbao, Alicante, and Santiago de Compostella. Reaching Spain by air from London to Barcelona takes 2 hours; London to Ibiza is 2 hours 20 minutes; London to Madrid is 2 hours 20 minutes and to Málaga is 2 hours 45 minutes. The journey from New York to Madrid is 8 hours 35 minutes.
By Train
There is well-developed rail network in Spain, which is a reliable mode of transport. The trains are spic and span and are one of the most punctual in the whole of Europe. There is only one deterrent, not all the places have railway stations like the small towns. The Spanish Rail network is developed such that all its branches disperse in a radial way and head to Madrid. Sometimes, it may happen that even you are going to a city close by, but it takes much longer by train than by bus, if it’s not in the same line. So, you need to find out which mode of transport will be more convenient for you to travel the bus or the train. There is the Talgo Day train service from Montpellier in France to Mediterranean destinations in Spain such as Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, and Cartagena. The journey time from Montpellier to Barcelona is 4 hours and 15 minutes, Montpellier to Valencia is 8 hours, from Montpellier to Alicante is 10 hours, and from Montpellier to Cartagena is 12 hours 40 minutes.
By Bus and Car
You also have the other option of going to Spain by rail route and the main route is from the UK via France. You can drive by car through motorways connecting Spain and France via Bordeaux or Toulouse to Bilbao (northern Spain) and via Marseille or Toulouse to Barcelona (eastern Spain). The affordable mode of getting to Spain is by bus. The European Union funding has facilitated for the development of Spain’s road network, thus bus journeys are quite speedy nowadays. You will find here a number of private bus companies plying buses to all important Spanish cities.
By Ferry
Reaching Spain by Ferry is also a convenient option and there are various routes and three operators which you can choose from like the Brittany Ferries operating ferries from Plymouth to Santander twice a week and three times a week in high season. You get a host of facilities like a reclining seat as well as deluxe cabin and the total time taken is 18 hours. Then you have P&O Ferries, which connect Portsmouth to Bilbao, every 3 days during peak season. The journey time is between 29 and 35 hours. The next choice is the AT Ferries (Acciona Trasmediterranea), which is a major Spanish ferry company. Here, you will get ferry services between Portsmouth and Bilbao on the ‘Fortuny’. This has a capacity of 1000 passengers and can hold up to 330 cars, caravans, and coaches as well.
Transport
Spain tours are an enigmatic experience. Getting around the country is not an issue.
The RENFE (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles) train is the national rail carrier of Spain. The long-distance trains are punctual, but there may be some delays in case of short-distance trains (called Cercanías) particularly in the Barcelona area. The majority of the railways are managed by RENFE, while the narrow-gauge lines are functioned by FEVE (Ferrocarriles de Vía Estrecha) and other carriers.
There are a number of cities, which have metro or light rail like Alicante (Alicante Tram), Barcelona (Barcelona Metro/Barcelona Tram), Bilbao (Bilbao Metro/Bilbao Tram), Madrid (Madrid Metro) and Valencia (Valencia Metro). These are the fastest mode of travel in Spain. You can avail special tickets, which also includes a cheap day return, a Metrocard allowing three / five days unlimited use, and weekly and monthly passes.
The most convenient mode of transportation in Spain is by bus. You will find here bus routes reaching point to point, and at frequent intervals. For each route there is a separate operator and usually not more than one operator is there for each route. The bus services in the cities start from 6:00 a.m., and continues till 11:00 p.m. There are bus terminals in most of the towns.
There are taxis as well to take you to your desired location, but you should use only that taxis which display a special license. These types of taxis maintain stringent rules as formulated by the government. They will flash a green light when they are free. You can avail them at the taxi rank as well. Though they are metered, but usually they have a set price for certain journeys. You need to give them a tip of 5-10%.
You can also opt for the boat as a convenient way of travel in Spain. A journey on a private yacht is an enchanting experience. The best time to do so is in the month of May when you can tour the regions of Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, and the Balearic Islands. If you want to avail of bareboat then a US Coast Guard License is needed by Americans, while others need to present a RYA Yacht Master Certification or International Certificate of Competence. You will get all kinds of yachts for charter, skippered, and bareboat in Spain. Hiring a motor boat, sailing boat, fashionable mega yacht, wooden gulet, or motor sailer is also possible.
Leisure
Holidays in Spain mean not only visiting the tourist attractions or enjoying the thrills of bullfight or going on enchanting cruises, but vacations here also are charming because of the various options for entertainment in Spain.
If you want an affordable entertainment and leisure in Spain, then come to the streets and the small “tapas” (snack and wine) bars are situated in a row along them. In Spain, walking across the streets has a different connotation. It is known as the “paseo”, usually seen in small towns and some of the large cities as well. In this the entire Spanish families, immaculately dressed proceed clapping out Flamenco rhythms. What is appealing is the way the whole thing is managed faultlessly and how you will be greeted by them. An ideal occasion to know Spanish culture better. The paseo varies from region to region, it is a graceful and elegant paseo of Serrano Street in Madrid to the boisterous, shouting, Flamenco clapping, guitar carrying paseo of Sierpes in Sevilla.
If you want some indoor options for fun in Spain, then you will find here a number of them. Come to the movie-houses, which are spacious and luxurious and provided with bar service. Here, you can watch films dubbed in Spanish and be prepared to watch horror films, cowboy films, etc. If you are an English-speaking tourist, then go to small cinemas in the cities, called “Cines Arte y Ensayo”, here you can enjoy foreign films shown in your original language.
There are typical nightclubs called “sala de fiestas”. They are not as wild as you may find in other countries, though exceptions are those in Barcelona like the “Barrio Chino”. The nightclubs are open till – 2:00 a.m. or 3:00 a.m., and you need to be formally dressed up to come here. Spain also offers the choice of discotheques, mainly in the resorts of the south coast, like Mojacar and Torremolinos. Expect the nightlife to be on the wild side here.
If you have a penchant for drama and plays, then you can enjoy performances in theaters in Madrid and Barcelona. Here, you can watch plays of Spanish authors as well as translations of foreign plays. Also, in Madrid you can enjoy “Zarzuela”, a type of musical comedy described in the section “Literature”. You will surely love the music, though you don’t understand the words.
There are “circuses” of very high quality and also a lot of options for sports lovers. The sport of Soccer has attained much more popularity than even bullfight in Spain. The games are mostly played on Sunday. Then, there are other sports like boxing, bicycle races, horse races, and, in the Basque region, “pelota” (handball). You will also find here American-style bowling alleys in many cities.
Unique options, typical only to Spain like the “verbena ‘ which means a fair or amusement park, are also popular. This is a permanent set up like that in Barcelona, or of temporary stature being a part of a festival. You will find in a verbena all types of mechanical rides along with a variety of food like ham, cheese, marzipan, candied egg yolks (“yemas”), candied quince (“membrillo”), sugared fruits, etc.
Tips
There are some social customs which you should keep in mind when you come here like a handshake is regarded as a form of greetings. It is courteous to present a small gift if you go to a private party. You should send flowers only at times of special celebrations. Casual wear is acceptable, but in some hotels and restaurants, men need to wear jackets and black tie is required at formal dos only. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and poolside. Another important custom here as informed by Spain travel tips is that here evening meal is taken late, that is between 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.. Also, when you are addressing a person you should use the first name.
A new law banning smoking in offices, shops, schools, hospitals, cultural centers, and on public transport has been imposed on January 1, 2006. Avoid smoking in these areas. When you go out for dining, your food bill is inclusive of the service charge, but a little extra tip is accepted here and increasing the amount you want to give as a tip is solely at your discretion.
There are different kinds of police to help you; ‘Policía Municipal’ or ‘Local’ (metropolitan police) maintain law and order and manage the traffic inside cities. If you are lost,then these are the right persons to consult. ‘Policia Nacional’ are the authorities to whom all the offenses/crimes are reported. ‘Guardia Civil’ manages the law and order outside cities as well as control traffic in the roads between cities. Spain is generally a safe country, but you need to be quite cautious and avoid unnecessary display of expensive cameras, money in a wallet or purse, etc. Also, when going to a crowded area like Puerta del Sol beware of pickpockets. In case of emergency, dial telephone number (police, firefighters, ambulances) is 112 and is toll free.
There are no health risks here. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, thus free emergency health care at State run hospitals are offered. Travelers from the UK should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Though you may think that this country is warm, but it can be very cold in winter, so you need proper clothing when you come here. Further, direct exposure to sunlight for long durations should be avoided to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
-
Sweden Travel Guide
(http://images.mapsofworld.com/travel/2013/04/Sweden-e1365415315152.jpg)
Orebro Castle in the autumn sunny day, Sweden
Sweden is located in Northern Europe. Stockholm is the capital city of the country. Sweden shares its borders with Finland, Norway, and the Baltic Sea. Swedish is the official language of Sweden. The country is divided into twenty-one counties. Along with Swedish, English is also widely spoken in Sweden. Sweden is a member of the European Union since 1995. Sweden can be visited during both the summer and winter months. Remember to pack some good winter clothes, if you are going to Sweden during winter. The standard of living in the country is high and Sweden is an expensive country to visit. Sweden is a major exporter of articles like timber, copper, iron, etc.
Some of the important international airports of Sweden are: Stockholm Arlanda, Göteborg Landvetter, and Copenhagen Kastrup. If you are in any of the neighboring countries like Denmark, Norway, Germany, or France, then you can reach Sweden by train. You can also reach Sweden by boat. Though Sweden is a big country, traveling by plane is an expensive affair, and it is better to travel by train or bus.
Some of the tourist attractions in Sweden:
Lapland wilderness
Gripsholm Castle
Skokloster Slott Castle
Sareks National Park
The Swedish Museum of Natural History
The Kingdom of Crystal
The Nordic Museum
Travel Map
(http://www.mapsofworld.com/sweden/maps/sweden-map.gif)
Getting In
The different modes of transportation for reaching Sweden include plane, train, bus and boat.
Plane
Airways is perhaps the most comfortable way of reaching the country. The major international airport of Sweden is the Stockholm-Arlanda International Airport. The other important airports of Sweden include the Goteborg Landvetter and the Copenhagen Kastrup. Some less important airports in Sweden include the Stockholm Skavsta Airport, the Stockholm Vasteras Airport, the Goteborg City Airport, and the Malmo-Sturup Airport.
The national airlines of Sweden, the Scandinavian Airlines, operate flights to Sweden from international locations in Asia, Europe and North America. The same airline would prove helpful while traveling within the country. Other foreign airlines which would help you in getting to Sweden are: Air Berlin, British Airways, Finnair, Aeroflot-Russian airlines, Air China, Air France, Austrian Airlines, Blue1, Czech Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Thai International airways, etc.
Train
Reaching Sweden by train is also possible, provided you are located in any of the three following countries Denmark, Norway, and Germany. From Copenhagen in Denmark to Malmo in Sweden, you can reach by train in less than half an hour. Trains are also available from Copenhagen to Stockholm. From Norway, you could enjoy a train ride from Oslo to Stockholm or Gothenburg. From Germany, trains run from Berlin to Malmo in Sweden.
Bus
Eurolines or Safflebussen are the options of buses that you have for getting to Sweden. These buses would take you to Sweden via Copenhagen.
Boat
It is also possible to reach Sweden by boat. From Denmark and Germany, the Stena Line and Scandlines would take you to Sweden. The DFDS Tor Line operates boats from Belgium, Russia, and the United Kingdom to Sweden. The countries from where you can reach Sweden by boat are listed below:
Belgium
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
Latvia
Germany
Norway
Poland
Russia
United Kingdom
Transport
You may choose to get around Sweden using any of the modes.
Planes
The national airlines of Sweden, Scandinavian Airlines, operate both domestic, as well as, international flights in the country. Other domestic airlines of Sweden include Skyways, Direktflyg, FlyNordic, Malmo Aviation, and Gotlandsflyg. The domestic flights in Sweden connect most parts of the country. The Stockholm-Arlanda International Airport is the major international airport of Sweden.
Car
Some of the places where you can try out this mode of transportation in Sweden include Svealand, Gotaland, and Norrland. But, it is advisable to go by air or by train, if the distance is too long. You should also be wary of wild animals, while driving at night in Sweden. Some of the animals you should look out for are moose, deer, etc.
Bus
There are excellent bus services in the country. The bus journeys would be cheaper than the one made by train. Some of the popular bus services which ply in Sweden include Swebus Express, Y-buss, and Harjedalingen. The Swebus Express would take you from Gotaland to Svealand. The other two buses would take you from Stockholm to Norrland.
Train
The railway company SJ is owned by the Swedish government. The SJ operates trains to major locations in the country, through an excellent railway network, which exists in Sweden. It would be advisable to book your tickets early; the tickets are a lot cheaper that way. Other trains are Skanetrafiken and Connex. Tourists can also avail of a Swedish Rail Pass. The train timetables are also displayed in English. Thus, the tourists would not find it difficult to find their trains.
Tips
The best time of the year for visiting Sweden is during the summer months. It is during this time that most of the tourists are seen in the country. Most of the museums in Sweden open their doors to the visitors at this time of the year. The winter season in Sweden, the off season, is best avoided. It could become difficult for the tourists to find accommodation in Sweden during the peak season. Thus, you should make your hotel bookings, early.
You need to be careful, if you are driving in Sweden. You could find your car crashing into one wild animal or the other. The wild animals which you need to look out for include moose, deer, etc. The moose is perhaps the most dangerous, as it could crash right through the window of the car while you drive. The moose warning signs on the roads would, no doubt, make you aware of how serious the problem is. Be extra careful when you drive at night. The deer could be equally troublesome.
Say thank you at every opportune moment in the country. The people of Sweden would appreciate your saying ‘tack’, which is Swedish for thank you. It is quite all right if you over do it, but not doing it at all could be insulting for the people you meet in Sweden. The Swedes are known to be very honest and upright people and they would expect the same qualities from you.
Always, is to be punctual. The Swedes dislike people who do not live up to their words. So, if you have an appointment with someone, then make it a point to be on time. This should be beneficial for you, since you can expect them to be punctual too. You must also remember to take off your shoes when you enter the house of any of the Swedes.
Some of the places in Sweden which the tourists must visit:
The Royal Djurgarden
The Royal Palace
The City Hall
The Museum of National Antiquities
The Stockholm Archipelago
The Gothenburg Botanical Gardens
The Liseberg Amusement Park
The Elfsborg Fortress
The Gota Canal
The Gothenburg Archipelago