Travel blog

Cruise Vacation Checklist

2010-02-21T22:19:00.000-08:00

A cruise vacation is the dream vacation for most of us and we work hard and save, for it to be a reality in the near future. So, when you finally get it planned, you must be expecting, every bit of it, to be perfect. To have the perfect cruise vacation, one has to plan it perfectly and in advance. Cruise trips require a lot of planning. This article is intended to help you in your quest for the perfect cruise, with a detailed cruise vacation checklist, which will include all the stuff, that you'll need. You can use it to get an idea about, what all to shop for in advance. All the items listed are your ingredients for the perfect cruise vacation recipe!

Cruise Vacation Checklist: Travel Documents
Here is a list of all the travel documents and essentials which are absolutely necessary to make your voyage hassle free. All the ticket reservations for your vacations, that you need to be made are included.

Passports and Visas (May be required)
Airline Tickets (these should be booked in advance). In case, you are planning to travel cheap, read 'Cheap Airline Tickets'
Cruise Tickets and Documents (absolutely essential, unless you are planning to be a stowaway!)
Vaccination Certificates (required by some cruise companies)
Medical history report as well as medical insurance documents (absolutely essential if you are traveling alone)
Your Debit/Credit Cards
Driving License (in case you are planning to drive, when ashore and it also serves as a photo ID proof)
Traveler's Checks or Cash
Pre-Paid Phone Card (comes in handy)
3 Back up photocopies of your cruise tickets, airline tickets and passport (should be preferably kept in different bags)
Sewing Kit
Coffee Mugs
Tooth brush and paste, dental floss, mouthwash
Comb or Brush

Cruise Vacation Checklist: Other Essentials
A cruise ship is going to be your home for some weeks. So, you have to be prepared for life on cruise lines which are floating islands. Here is a checklist for your cruise vacation, which includes all those small but essential things on a cruise, which we usually forget, without fail!

PDA, Cell Phone along with chargers (essential, unless you are planning to totally disconnect from the mundane world)
Journal and Stationery (in case you are planning to keep a travelogue)
Digital cameras with extra batteries for the same
Sunglasses or reading Sunglasses
Binoculars (will guarantee breathtaking sites on cruise)
Disposable Under Water Camera with extra memory cards (great if you are planning snorkeling)
Strapping Tape
Travel Alarm Clock
Flashlight
Swiss Army Knife
I-pod or MP3 player
Sunscreen Lotion
Small first aid kit

Cruise Vacation Checklist For Men
Here is a cruise packaging checklist for men. This includes, items ranging from the absolutely essential to the optional. I personally prefer traveling light but essentials must be included. Here is the cruise vacation checklist for men.

Underwear (boxer Shorts or briefs)
Pajamas and bath robe
Stock of socks
Belts
Walking Shoes, Evening Or Dress Shoes, Sandals
Tuxedo with jacket and pants (never leave without a Tux!)
Swimsuits
Casual Shirts
Hooded raincoat
Razor plus shaving cream

Cruise Vacation Checklist For Women
Women are better at packing for vacations, as they usually know what they'll need and are realistic about it. Here is a cruise vacation checklist for women

Bras (should include strapless ones for evening dresses)
Panties
Pajamas, lingerie, bath robe and night gown
Pantyhose or trouser socks
Slip or Camisole
Tops and Capri pants
Walking socks, walking shoes, rubber sandals, evening shoes
Gloves, Belts and scarves
Costume Jewelery
Swim suit, bikini or sarong
Appropriate dresses for informal, formal and casual nights on ship
Windbreaker jacket
Hooded raincoat
Sweatshirt
Sweater
Make up stuff

Plane Tickets
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Best Beaches in California

2010-01-11T22:12:00.000-08:00

Beaches are one ultimate destination to wind up with friends, family or even when alone. They are one of the most majestic creations of mother Nature, where she shows the land slowly disappearing into the vastness of the water. The wide blue ocean lying stretched to endless miles and touching the sky at its horizon, is one cool and soothing sight for the tired eyes. How does it feel to stand knee deep in the cool clear waters of the beach and and gazing at the approaching waves of the sea? Splendid, isn't it? Sun sets may be a common feature for everyone. But, watching a sun set at a beach is just another awe inspiring illusions of Nature. It seems as if the great red sun which lights the entire world, is becoming weaker and helpless infront of the depths of the ocean; so helpless that it shrinks into darkness and deep sleep. Such and more amazing showcases of nature awaits you at some of the best beaches in California, which have been described in the following.

Best Beaches in California for Surfing and Swimming

Clean water and good waves are among the most important requirements, which people look forward to when deciding to go for swimming or surfing in beaches. Here are some which are the most popular and most visited of the best beaches in California for swimming and surfing.

Ocean Beach
Located about 3.5 miles along the western shore of San Francisco, the ocean beach is the favorite for hard core surfers. This is due to its characteristic strong currents and fierce waves. Having said that, it does not go with beginner's luck and so not suitable for drop-in surfers.

Windansea Beach
Windansea Beach is among the best beaches in California due to its scenic attractions. It is also one of the best surfing beaches, however, not for the ones who have little experience. If you make up your mind to visit this beach, not only surf the waters, but also enjoy whale-watching.

Rincon Beach
You may find a good crowd of surfers on the weekends. This long, sandy beach attracts surfers due to its continuous hits of waves which keep coming and favoring the surfers. The Ricon beach has been attributed as America's top surfing destination as surfers from all around the world visit this place to have a wild time on the waves.

Zuma Beach
Talking about clear waters and good waves, the Zuma beach has been a favorite among the locals. It is located in Malibu and is one of the most visited beaches in the Los Angeles county. It is also known for being the healthiest beach in the county. No wonder, it attracts all those health conscious surfers and watchers!

Best Beaches in California for Families

The following beaches are among the best spots in California where you can have some leisure time with your kids and family.

Redondo Beach
If you can plan out your visit to this beach on a weekday, then it would be a better choice. Weekends are generally crowded and seems busy. It is one of the three beach cities in Los Angeles County and located in the South Bay region of the greater Los Angeles area. The beach's long, paved path and abundant heaps of sands make it ideal for a family time out and for the kids to play.

Rodeo Beach
One of the best beaches in California, the Rodeo beach stretches as far as 1000 yard long and it is of a crescent shape. The beach is a store house of dark pebbly sand (red and green in color) and a popular spot for kids to collect semi-precious stones.

Monterey State Beach
The amenities provided by this protected beach in California, include fishing, tidepools, scuba diving, kite-flying, volleyball and beachcombing, making it one of the beaches which is a family's favorite.

Coronado Beach
The beach has the hotel del Coronado and the downtown Coronado located nearby. After spending a good time on the sands and water, you can enjoy biking, rollerblading and shopping at the hotel. Now to mention, you can treat yourself and your family with some delicious scoops of ice cream at the hotel. The beach adheres to complete safety for its visitors, by detaining people to drinking alcohol on the beach and also from carrying any kind of glass, as well. Read more on California vacations.

So these were among the best beaches in California, which you can make a visit to and enjoy the tranquility and peaceful atmosphere provided by nature. So, the next time you plan out for a holiday, just chill out at these amazing beaches in California!

Beach Vacation Destinations

2010-01-04T22:09:00.000-08:00

the first time I saw an ocean; it was Madh Island in northern Mumbai. I thought that was the most beautiful beach I had ever seen, till I went to Malibu beach in California. And the list keeps growing and growing, as I visit one beautiful beach after the other. My family and I are always on a lookout of cheap beach vacation destinations as we love to travel and of course, we adore beaches. You can do that as well with your family and friends, and make a list of your top beach vacation spots. If you're game, then what are we waiting for? Let's get right to the point and check some of the most amazing beach vacation destinations in US and across the globe. Get additional information on different beaches.

Beach Vacation Destinations in US
Tired of going to the same old beach every summer holidays? Then you might want to renovate your date planner with these amazing family beach vacation destinations. Here are my top travel destinations and vacation spots.

Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii Now I know that Hawaii is always the one beach vacation spots when it comes to white-sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. Hanalei Bay in Kauai runs along beautiful palm trees and has a breathtaking view of waterfalls. Although, Hanalei Bay has more rainfall than any other Hawaiian Islands, this 2 mile string still has the magnificent qualities of being the best beach vacation destinations in US. Read more on Hawaii beaches.

Coronado Beach, San Diego, California: San Diego's Coronado beach is also called a "veritable oasis by the sea". It gets mild surfs which is great for surfing if you are a beginner. Try your hands at bodyboard, sail, or bike around the coastline. With tons of recreational activities in and around Coronado beach, San Diego makes any beach vacation spots top pick. Read more on California vacations.

Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida: I have to say, Siesta beach has one of the whitest sandy beaches in the world. And you will agree with me as well, if you visit Florida's Siesta beach and see for yourself. Not only Siesta beach is great for scuba diving and snorkeling, it also has one of the best unpolluted sand in the world. Read about best beaches in Florida.

Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, North Carolina: Named as the first U.S. National Seashore, Cape Hatteras sets aside coastal areas for preservation. It has many famous fishing villages along with fabulous surfing opportunities. Cape Hatteras presents itself as an affordable romantic getaway for couples as well.

Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina: Beachwalker Park is a public beach that offers kayaking and canoeing through its tidal inlets. This 10 mile long coastline makes for an adventurous getaway for families.

Other Beach Vacation Destinations in US

Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Islamorada, Florida
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Malibu Beach, California
Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida
Santa Monica, California
Panama City Beach, Florida
South Padre Island, Texas
Cape May Beach, New Jersey

Best Beach Vacation Destinations
Explore superb top beach vacation destinations this summer from one of these beaches mentioned below. Hunt for new beach vacation spots and spend some quality time with your family and friends. Get more on best vacation spots in the world.

Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania: Guess where Freddie Mercury is from? Yes, Tanzania. And it also has the gorgeous Nungwi beach, which is virtually the best romantic beaches in the world. Take long walks along the tall banana and coconut trees with your loved ones, and relax under the sun with some piña coladas.

Phi Phi Island, Thailand: With all the hustle and bustle on our fast-paced lifestyle, it's nice to vacate yourself to a remote location where no one can reach you. Phi Phi Island beaches give you just that, a perfect getaway where you're surrounded with reggae bars and restaurants. Indulge yourself with not just one, but two islands in southern Thailand: Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Leh.

Tamarama, Sydney, Australia: If you've been to Bondi beach before, or have heard how popular it is, you may want to try Tamarama beach just south of Bondi. The beach is lined with huge sandstone boulders and cliffs that home exquisite sea-facing houses. Sydney also offers 4 nude beaches like Lady Bay, Cobblers, Washaway, and Obelisk.

Antigua, Caribbean: Now it may amaze you, just like it did to me, but locals claim that there are 365 beaches in Antigua; one for each day for an entire year. Need I say more? With tons of beach activities to choose from, Antigua caters to swimming, snorkeling, and games like beach cricket.

Aqia Napa, Cyprus, Greece: The western peninsula of Cyprus's beaches offer mysterious coves, with the eastern peninsula unleashing splendid beaches. Aqia Napa beach offers the best family beach vacation destinations, as it has stunning transparent, shallow waters and white-sandy beaches. Read more on beach vacations.

Other Best Beach Vacation Destinations

Maldives, Asia
Palm Beach, Aruba, Caribbean
Anse Source D’Argent, La Digue, Seychells
Larvotto Beach, Monaco
Matira Point, Bora Bora, Tahiti
Galapagos, South America
Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Los Cabos, Mexico
Beachcomber Island, Fiji
Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Austria Off The Beaten Path

2009-10-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

Mention Austria and everyone thinks of Vienna and Salzburg. In addition to great names, Zell am See, Innsbruck and Bad Gastein are great locations off the beaten path.

Zell am See

Zell...am...See. The name just rolls off the tongue, but it pails in comparison to the place. Often described as heaven on earth, Zell am See is a dream location in the mountains of Austria. With towering mountains on one side and a lake on the other, the town looks like something out of a postcard. If you pull up photographs of the town, you'll swear they have been touched up with a software program. This town is simply that beautiful. In the winter, Zell am See is all about skiing with numerous resorts for glacier skiing. In the summer, one can lounge on a boat on the lake or hit the mountains for hiking, camping and rock climbing. The Krimml Waterfalls are extremely impressive. Zell am See isn't the cheapest of travel destinations, but it should top the list if money isn't a concern. The best month to go is December when skiing is good and winter festivals occur in the town.

Innsbruck

Built on the Inn River, Innsbruck was the home to the 1976 Winter Olympics. And for good reason. As with much of Austria, the town is picturesquely set against mountains and ripe with street cafes and surrounding areas that look like something out of the movie Heidi. As the Olympic designation would suggest, the town is a good launching point for hitting the slopes, but there is much more to it. The historic district has the cobblestone atmosphere you've come to expect from town in the Alps. In addition to atmosphere, you can visit historic locations such as the tomb of Emperor Maximilian 1.

My only gripe with Innsbruck is the boring, modern developments around the core of the town that were brought on by the Olympics. They sort of kill the mood, which brings us to Bad Gastein.

Bad Gastein

Bad Gastein definitely gets a nomination for name of the year. It just sounds like a town where bikers would hang out. Admittedly, it is hard to image Austrian Hells Angels, but you get my drift.

Bad Gastein is an old Austrian village without the droll modern fixtures of Innsbruck. Built overlooking a valley, the town has some incredible views. Historically, Bad Gastein is the spa town of Austria with emperors and other VIPs taking in treatment. For atmosphere, the town feels like it hasn't changed since the 19th century. If you're looking for old world Austria, this is the place. Make sure to hurry though as the town is supposedly grabbing the attention of developers who are thinking casinos are a must.

If you visit Austria, Vienna and Salzburg are definite destinations. Just make sure you get out to the incredible towns in the mountains.

Insider’s Guide to Malaysia’s Best Beaches

2009-09-25T21:51:00.000-07:00

Thailand is not the only country in southeast Asia with stunning beaches. Malaysia has dozens of tiny islands on both the east and west coast that rival the beauty of southern Thailand. Plus, the beaches in Malaysia have the added advantage of being relatively unknown (read: cheaper, less crowded, more unspoilt).

One important fact to keep in mind when planning a trip to any of Malaysia’s beaches is the monsoon season - do not visit the east coast of Malaysia between November and March, unless you like rain. Lots of rain. That one caveat aside, here are my top picks for a beach-hopping Malaysian adventure.

Beast Beaches: East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Malaysia’s east coast is the top spot to catch some rays for those living in Kuala Lumpur (KL) – it’s cheap and easy to reach by plane on one of the country’s budget airlines, even for just a long weekend. The water is crystal clear, the beaches are powdery soft and blindingly white. My favorites on the east coast are:

Redang.
The most expensive of the east coast islands, Redang is truly paradise. Very few Malaysians actually live on the island, so you pretty much have the whole place to yourself. Snorkeling is available off any beach; if you’re lucky, you might even see some sea turtles. Redang is well known as a turtle sanctuary, they usually lay their eggs on Turtle Beach on the north of the island. Berjaya Air makes it very easy to get to Redang from KL’s Subang airport (a 45-minute flight, and you’re on the beach within five minutes of arriving).

Perhentian Islands.

A selection of smaller islands just north of Redang, the Perhentians are very popular with budget travelers. The beaches are totally unspoilt, with a wide variety of beach huts right on the shore, for just the right price. A favorite for diving and snorkeling, the Perhentians are a great place to earn your scuba diving certificate.

Tioman Island. Part of Malaysia’s protected marine park islands, Tioman is a snorkeling and divers paradise. The abundant coral reefs off the northern coast of the island are home to a huge variety of colorful tropical fish within easy reach of the shore. Tioman is quite close to Singapore, towards the south of Malaysia’s east coast and sees quite a few tourists from both Singapore and Malaysia each year. You will find larger, more budget-friendly hotels all around this popular island. Berjaya Air offers quick and easy flights directly to Tioman or you can take the bus to the coast, and then a ferry to the island.

Best Beaches: West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Langkawi. Malaysia’s duty-free island, Langkawi is the most touristy and lively island on the west coast. Although the beaches aren’t quite as beautiful as those on the east coast, there is a much wider variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops on this tourist hot spot. Langkawi has the added advantage of being available all year round – no monsoon closures for this northern island.

The island is big enough for more than just beach sports, which make it especially attractive for more active travelers. There is a beautiful hike up to the Seven Wells (waterfalls) on the north of the island or the absolutely beautiful cable car ride up to the top of the highest mountain on Langkawi – providing breathtaking views of the ocean and nearby islands. Langkawi is also home to the most luxurious hotels Malaysia has to offer – the Datai and the Four Seasons. If you’re looking for a weekend of pampering, look no further than the beautiful island of Langkawi.

Pangkor Island. Although not the most beautiful of Malaysian beaches, Pangkor is within an easy drive from KL – a great option for a weekend escape. There are several large hotels around Pangkor Island, but most expats opt for the Pangkor Beach Resort. If you’re looking to splurge, Pangkor Laut is a privately owned island resort with stunning over-water bungalows, 5-star service, and door-to-door transportation included. An easy weekend get-away from the hustle and bustle of KL.

Borneo. The island of Borneo, shared between Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia is quickly becoming a hot spot for well-traveled divers. On the west coast of Borneo, Turtle Beach and Golden Beach are part of the Similajau National Park. Both beaches are turtle nesting grounds, within a larger nature reserve full of tropical wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls and plenty of animal residents. The natural parks of Sarawak are the perfect place to enjoy an invigorating jungle trek, bird watching, or just relaxing on the many perfect beaches. Sipadan, on the east coast of Borneo, is one of the top dive spots in the world, by far the best in Malaysia. The island is an environmental reserve area so there are limits to the number of visitors per day. Diving in Sipadan is an amazing experience – you may see schools of greenback and hawksbill turtles, barracuda, manta rays, even hammerhead and whale sharks! The island is best for diving, rather than snorkeling or sunbathing, so make sure you plan in advance for a full-on diving experience.

Travel Tips & Precautions

Not to sound like your mother, but…

Pack plenty of sunblock. While sunblock should be available at most resorts, some hotels on the smaller islands can be understocked. Since Malaysia isn’t far from the equator, just a few minutes in the midday sun can leave you scorched.
Bring mosquito repellent and walking shoes. Even if you plan to vegetate on the beach every day, you might find yourself trekking through Malaysia’s abundant and colorful rain forest at some point.
Don’t lose your cool. As in most Asian societies, Malaysian culture values polite interactions which allow both parties to “save face�?. Courteous persistence with resort staff or locals will probably get you further than getting visibly upset. Note that Islamic tradition dictates that you should hand things to Malays using your right hand, not your left.
Safeguard your valuables. Regardless of how secure your resort might seem, tourists’ piles of expensive cameras and telephones can be tempting to locals, and things do occasionally go missing. Use the safe in your room, or leave valuables at the hotel desk, and keep an eye on your goods while bathing.

Enjoy A Weekend Break And Visit Newcastle!

2009-09-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

Newcastle-upon-Tyne is situated on England's North East coast between Yorkshire and Scotland. With the continuous growth in the business and industry sectors in the north of England, Newcastle has seen its popularity grow, with more and more people visiting each year!

Newcastle hotel

Are you interested in spending a little time away from work and recharging your batteries in a lively yet relaxing city? Perhaps you have a business meeting or networking event coming up in Newcastle and you need a hotel to meet your requirements and budget? Searching online will save you time and money. There are a select few hotels in Newcastle websites that offer vital information on not only the best Newcastle hotels, but a whole host of other helpful topics.

A top Newcastle hotel website should offer the following:

" Information on hotels ranging from two star to five star hotels
" Newcastle weather
" Transport Details
" Information on what's on in the local area - local theatres, restaurants etc.

Newcastle and what is has to offer

Newcastle is a busy place full of interesting historical attractions, an endless array of shops, several sports stadiums and helpful people. Enjoy shopping? The impressive Metro Centre in Gateshead is the largest indoor shopping complex in Europe, meaning you'll never be bored! If football is your thing, Newcastle has one of the best stadiums in the UK and definitely one of the best atmospheres when playing at home.

If you're exhausted from visiting all those shops, why not check out the numerous bars and clubs located throughout Newcastle? Newcastle has a reputation for hosting great stag and hen parties, so why not check out what all the fuss is about! Remember to try at least one pint of the famous Newcastle Brown Ale, one of the city's most well-known exports.

Top 5 Things to Do in Paris with Kids

2009-08-22T21:25:00.000-07:00

Paris may be the city of love, but this stylish vibrant metropolis will also enchant younger travellers with a myriad of delights and adventures. This is especially true in spring and summer, when the streets of Paris come to life with street fairs, kid-friendly shows and concerts, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep young travellers entertained. Here are my top 5 picks in Paris with kids:

#1 Paris with Kids: Ride the carousels

The carousels are gorgeous, old-style painted wooden horses and carriages, lavishly decorated with familiar music to swirl by around and around and around. These pop up unexpectedly all over the place, and will help turn your day into a spontaneous carnival, giving a sense of the city as a funfair.

They can be an enchanting moment of nostalgia for parents, climb on board too, and wave to the kids as you pass them!

If you don’t stumble across any in your travels, head for Luxembourg Gardens, the Jardin Des Tuileries, Parc du Champ de Mars, and down the hill from Sacre Coeur in Montmartre.

#2 Paris with Kids: Go underwater & visit the dinosaurs

CinéAqua - The Trocadéro Aquarium is a tropical water wonderland, filled with colourful fish and exotic underwater species, and a favourite with my 8-year-old friend, as it contains a crocodile pit. See if they live up to the promise of 9,000 fish and 26 sharks, go on, count them all! Intriguing list of activities include an underwater sound studio, the ‘green wall of incrustation’, underwater robots a film program, cartoon workshop and daddy day camp. Located in the historic Trocadero area, you can eat in the museum at Cafe Petit Jules Verne or for more experimental food, try the gastronomic Japanese restaurant Ozu.

The main building in the Jardin du Plantes houses the perennially enchanting dinosaur museum, the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle. Don’t let the description of “comparative anatomy, mineralogy and paleontology” put you off, this is where living reptiles can be seen in the reptiles gallery of the Ménagerie at the Jardin des Plantes. The fossil gallery contains objects that were part of the Cabinet of Curiosities of King Louis XIII. Explore their collection online with the kids before you leave home, and decide which exhibits they are most interested in seeing.

#3 Paris with Kids: Picnic in the park

Step back in time with a trip to Buttes Chaumont, built in the early 1900s, this park has an extraordinary landscape to explore, with panoramic views over Paris. The man-made river runs through mountains, into caves and down along waterfalls, and there are plenty of gorgeous picnic spots at the many grassy verges along its banks. It’s located in the 19th arrondissement at the Rue Botzaris, near two metro entrances: Botzaris and Buttes Chaumont.

Parc de Belleville is perfect for a summer afternoon picnic, and with a little exploring, you can find a spot for swimming along the river. This former village and 18th-century gypsum quarry, has been transformed into a beautiful garden which opened in 1988. The Maison de l’Air located inside the park offers educational workshops for children with explanations and demonstrations on the theme of the air, the atmosphere, and pollution. Give the kids an environmental perspective to write up in their school report. Rue des Couronnes. Metro: Couronnes.

The famous Jardin de Tuileries is a favourite with French families, dating back to the 17th Century. The public garden has great entertainment for kids, including a puppet show, ferris wheel, carousel, playgrounds with trampolines and toy sailboats for sailing on the pond. Between the Louvres to the Place de La Concord, the garden houses the only remaining structures of the original Palais de Tuileries, Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume and the Musée de l’Orangerie, which displays Claude Monet’s water lily paintings, and will appeal to budding artists.

I highly recommend a trip to one of the markets for fresh bread, fruit and cheese, or you can stop into the many small grocery shops around for supplies. The kids will love to stop for authentic french crepes at one of the many stands selling them, and of course the perennial favourite ice cream is available everywhere. Berthillon, next to the bridge between Ile de la Cite and Ile St-Louis, has fabulous flavours of sorbet and ice-cream in raspberry, strawberry, lemon, pear, vanilla and chocolate, and offers a view of Notre Dame as you enjoy them.

#4 Paris with Kids: Science, industry, cinema

Kids will love the Cité des sciences & del'industrie

The Parc de la Villette houses the Cité des sciences & de l’industrie, a fascinating world of invention and technology, with a real submarine to explore, a satellite dish, and summer events including performances and music nights. There is a science museum designed for kids, the Cité des Enfants, you can also work on their language skills, as many of the explanations are in French, and it’s free with the Paris Pass.

The wide-open grass area is a perfect place to let the kids run around and expend some energy, especially on those hot summer days. Three of the gardens are built specifically for kids, the Jardin du Dragon with a wonderful playground and dragon-shaped slippery slide, the Jardin des Brouillards featuring water curtains and fountains, and a self-driven windmill in the Jardin des Dunes. A fun way to reach the Parc de la Villette is a boat trip along the canal, which also offers a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery. The 3 hour trip starts at Quai Anatole France and ends at the Parc de la Villette, bring your own food as there are no refreshments for sale on the boat.

In case you need to escape the rain, or as a relaxing alternative to another day of sightseeing, the Forum des Images offers film programs for a variety of ages from Touts-Petits Cinema to les scolaires. The button ‘Activities Enfants’ on the website has listings for all the films in the children’s programs at Cinema le Latina, 20, rue du Temple 75004. Métro Hôtel-de-Ville or Rambuteau.

#5 Paris with Kids: Theme parks & shopping tours

Sometimes, you have no choice but to give into your kids’ desire for Mickey and friends. Fortunately you can cover both the familiar options - namely, Disneyland Paris - and something entirely French, Parc Asterix, which is the 2nd-largest theme park in France with a distinct Gaulish theme to its rides and attractions.

Not your typical theme park: Parc Asterix, just outside Paris

If you have an older child, consider a Paris walking tour aimed specifically at kids, or Paris shopping tour aimed at teens.

If all else fails, consider a stroll along the Seine and let the kids decide. As a child, the Adventures of Madeline was one of my favourite books, the row of tiny yellow uniforms tramping up to the Eiffel Tower has always intrigued me, and I recently had the joy of visiting the Pont Neuf, where she falls in the water.

Entice your children’s imagination with their own French adventures before you head to the city of light, and they will walk around enchanted by being alive in this wonderful fairy tale city. You can buy them a Madeleine, and try some other authentic French treats, like Croque Monsieur, sure to appeal to a young palette. Strolling along the Seine from the Debilly Footbridge, which goes across to the Eiffel Tower is perfect for an afternoon walk, that will give you a new view of the city from the river, and allow you to experience the streets of Paris from another perspective as you wander.

City Walks with Kids: Paris is a wonderful book of cards with child-oriented maps, plenty of pictures and delights for young travellers. Let the kids take charge of the itinerary, giving you a break from making the decisions. Parents with teenagers might suggest a trip to the Pere Lachaise cemetery, to visit Jim Morrison’s grave, along with the many French artists, writers and musicians buried here.

Cote d’Azur – Life of Luxury

2009-08-08T21:16:00.000-07:00

The Cote d’Azur, more commonly known in English as the French Riviera makes up the south eastern corner of France’s coastline. While this beautiful stretch of coast became one of the original resort regions in the world, it has always been a destination for travellers from other countries. The ancient Greeks came here to sell their wares to the local people and in the 1700s aristocrats from Britain used the Cote d’Azur as their favourite holiday area. In the 19th century the Russians made it into their summer retreat from St. Petersburg. The 20th century saw famous artists and writers frequently visit, as well as wealthy families from America and elsewhere in Europe. Some now refer to the Cote d’Azur as the “playground of the rich and famous”.

The Cote d’Azur sits on the Mediterranean Sea with the Alps in the background. The name comes from the beautiful azure color of the sea. The entire coastline can be travelled in 3 hours from St. Tropez to the Italian border. Some of the most glamorous beaches in the world are along this stretch of coastline. They tend to be narrow stretches of beach made up more of rock and pebbles than sand bordered by busy streets or highways.

St. Tropez – The best beaches of St Tropez villas cover a 3 mile stretch that can be accessed easily by foot from town. Many people prefer the sandy expanses of beach farther from town called Les Salin and Plage de Pampelonne.

St. Maxime – The beaches here are on a waterfront that is crammed with tall buildings, apartments, luxury villas and hotels. But it is considered to be a very affordable beach resort ideal for families.

Cannes – Most of the beaches of Cannes belong to hotels and restaurants where visitors can rent lounges and umbrellas. There are also public beaches and facilities that rent sailboats.

Antibes – This area boasts 48 beaches that include small inlets and rocky steeply sloped beaches located at the base of cliffs.

Nice – These are probably the most well known and popular beaches of the Cote d’Azur. Some run along a public promenade and others are luxurious private beaches that offer restaurants and bars as well as equipment rental for a variety of water sports.

There are a number of wonderful reasons to visit the Cote d’Azur besides the beaches themselves.

gardens, the well known Formula One Monte Carlo Grand Prix, and the Monte Carlo Opera.

The entire stretch of the Cote d’Azur is full of excellent art museums like the Musee Picasso in Antibes, the Fondation Maeght in St. Paul, and Musee Matisse in Nice.
Nice is known as the “Queen of the Riviera” and is well worth the visit to see its palaces, museums, mansions and extravagant hotels. A path along the sea called Sentier Tirepoil offers spectacular views.

Western Riviera sites:

Moustiers St. Marie is an old village that sits at the base of a rocky cliff. A stream runs directly through the middle of the village, dividing it into two halves with a rocky canyon dotted with small waterfalls.

The Verdon Gorge is a canyon that may the most beautiful one in all of Europe. Formed by River Verdon, it is 700 meters deep. The area is popular to those who like to hike and rock climb as well as kayak.

No matter your destinations in the Cote d’Azur or the time of year that you travel, you can count on the Mediterranean climate to be perfect for your visit. The summer days are hot and dry and the winters are quite mild.

Taking Holidays to Turkey - With a Difference

2009-07-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

Having spent the last 15 years taking holidays in Turkey my wife and I are always looking for a nice place to relax and escape the hordes that descend on Turkey's beach resorts during the summer months. Both of us are in the service industry so we are always desperate to "get away from it all". Why Holidays to Turkey all the time I hear you say? Well, my wife is Turkish and she wants to go there at least once a year so I do not really have much choice in the matter.

She always has an excuse to go whether it is for visiting family or friends; there is always someone whom she has not seen for a while. This year we decided on a cheap family holiday and chose to visit a friend who runs a camp site in a secluded valley about 20 miles away from the nearest major holiday town of Fethiye. Due to the fact that we were traveling with our 1 year old son, we decided to go on a schedule flight from London Gatwick to Dalaman in Turkey. The airline we chose for this occasion was an obscure schedule airline called Cyprus Turkish airlines which I had never flown with or heard of anytime in the past. The reason we chose to fly with them is that they offer a whooping 25 kilograms of luggage per person; whereas a lot of the other cheap holiday charters to Turkey offer a tiny allowance of only 15 kilograms.

Due to the fact that we were well and truly stung the previous year, when we thought we had purchased a cheap flight to Turkey only to find out that we had to pay £90 pounds worth of excess luggage (the flight only cost £123) - not a pleasant start to our first family holiday! This time we did our research and I must admit it paid off even though we paid a lot more for the fare; we received free food and drink on board, which a lot of the other cheap holiday airlines do not offer. In fact we were 10 kilos over our allowance as my wife likes to take most of our fixtures and fittings from our family home to our family holiday.

The flight was pleasant enough, no in-flight entertainment, but who needs that with a 1 year old baby in tow. On arrival to Dalaman we were picked up by a Turkish gentleman called Ahmed in a massive jeep type vehicle which looked like something like a monster trucks. It was a very pleasant drive! We drove through beautiful Turkish holiday resorts such as Gocek, Calis beach, Fethiye and Olu-Deniz.

After crossing the holiday resort of Oludeniz and going past the huge Resort of Lykia World, the road turns into a dust track. The road between Olu-deniz and Kabak (the campsite) is carved into the side of huge cliffs, 300 meters above sea level with no barriers to stop vehicles from plunging in to the azure sea below. Thankfully our driver could see the terror in our eyes and drove very calmly and carefully. On arrival to Kabak bay our driver let the 4x4 kick in and we started to descend using a road very similar to a donkey track, in the pitch black.

Once we arrived we were shown our accommodation which consisted of a wooden hut built around a tree, with a balcony and also the added bonus of a shower and toilet! Turan camp consists of 16 bungalows, 6 of which have shower and toilet facilities.

My first night was spent eradicating our mosquito problem with my bare hands. I finally managed to sleep and I was greeted by the most magnificent view in the morning, there in front of me I was presented with the beach and the towering mountains all around us; it was truly awe inspiring. Unfortunately this place really does not know the meaning of health and safety. We were constantly chasing our baby boy all around, who always seemed to find the most dangerous areas to play in. To top things he came out with chicken pox on our second day of the visit.

Kabak bay is on the ancient Lycian way which is a path along the southwestern coast line of Turkey. My plan was to walk some of it, but I did not get any chance since my days were spent looking after baby and keeping him out the sun and away from dangers. Although we were in a truly amazing place, it was not what I had in mind for a cheap family holiday. After 6 days the chicken spots had started to fade and my wife and I thought that enough was enough and decided to check in to an all-Inclusive family holiday resort nearby Fethiye.

Memorable Honeymoon Tours In Kerala

2009-07-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

Situated on the southern tip of India, Kerala is one of the most beautiful states in the country. Curving alongside the sapphire majestic Arabian Sea, Kerala is a great land of great nature beauty located in south India.

Nowadays Kerala has become a globally renowned destination for an ideal and memorable honeymoon tours in India. It attracts newly married couples from around the globe with its truly romantic atmosphere formed by tranquil and picturesque backwaters, pristine palm-fringed beaches, verdant hill stations, lush plantations, exotic wildlife sanctuaries & national parks, thick forest, etc. Ayurvedic & spa resorts, health centers, wonderful art forms, tradition & culture, kind hearted people, etc also mesmerize couples on their memorable honeymoon tours in Kerala, The God’s Own Country.

Kerala these days offers some stunning & scenic destinations which make Kerala the most sought after romantic holiday destination for honeymooners from India and abroad. Honeymoon is the most unforgettable moment of one's life. If you are a nature enthusiast then why are you waiting for..?

Go for a memorable honeymoon tour in Kerala to experience the incredible and beautiful sun-kissed beaches, relaxing backwaters, wealthy culture and tradition. Kerala almost has got the every charming spots where you can enjoy the extraordinary memorable moments of your honeymoon vacation with your spouse. The misty and attractive landscape of the famous hill resort Munnar, vast stretched out open beaches of Kovalam, Varkala, Poovar, Fort Kochi etc. and the amazing, extraordinary experience of Alleppey and Kumarakom houseboat cruise will be an addition to your memorable honeymoon tours in Kerala.

For a memorable honeymoon tour in Kerala, you can opt for various tour packages that include the incomparable natural beauty and charm of various hill stations like Munnar, Wayanad, Ponmudi, Idukki, Peermade, Wagamon, Devikulam, Lakkadi, Malampuzha, Echo Point, etc. These pictorial hill resorts of Kerala are very special and famous destinations amongst the honeymoon traveler domestic as well as foreigners. Honeymoon couples, on their memorable honeymoon vacation in Kerala, love to enjoy their precious moments on various enthralling backwater destination of Kerala. Backwaters of Kerala are very attractive and the best way to explore them is a luxury houseboat cruise. During your memorable honeymoon vacation in Kerala, we suggest you not to miss to enjoy the charm of tranquil and beautiful backwaters with houseboat cruise. Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kochi, Kollam, Kozhikode, Kuttanad, Thiruvallam, etc are popular backwater destinations in the state.

There are various scenic beaches in Kerala, the God’s Own Country which attracts a large number of honeymoon couples every year from all over the world. Kerala has got several beautiful, well maintained serene beaches and equipped with international standard of tourist facilities. Beaches of Kerala are very much perfect for a memorable honeymoon holiday which offers in fact delightful and absolute romantic atmosphere mingled with full of fun and water sport activities.

Kovalam is an attractive and internationally well-known beach resort in the state with clean sandy beaches, pleasant waves and excellent accommodation facilities. Varkala is also a very famous and developing beach destination in the state of Kerala and also known for the religious significance of the people of the region. Fort Kochi, Mararikulam, Cherai, Alleppey, etc are amongst the other popular beach resorts in the state of Kerala where you could think to spend your memorable honeymoon tours in Kerala in an extraordinary way and amidst absolute romantic ambiance.

Top Attractions in the Cape Town City Centre

2009-07-05T08:36:00.000-07:00

The Cape Town city centre offers a wealth activities and attractions for visitors. Be sure to explore the city bowl when you visit the city!

If you're travelling to Cape Town, one of the best places to explore is in the vibrant city centre, where the streets are lined with museums, restaurants, craft markets and boutiques. In the colourful city bowl, visitors are invited to discover a smorgasbord of cultural attractions, as well as some of the cities top dining establishments, trendy bars and nightclubs.

Below, find out more about Cape Town's top tourist attractions, and don't miss out on these next time you visit the beautiful city of Cape Town.

• Greenmarket Square
Greenmarket Square is one of Cape Town's oldest markets, and hundreds of years ago, was the place where slaves were sold and vegetables were traded. Today, the paved square, which is located between Shortmarket and Longmarket Streets in the Cape Town CBD, is a popular craft market featuring a variety of African curios, arts, crafts, fabrics, music, clothing and trinkets. Here, you'll be able to haggle with sellers for the best possible prices, and it's the ideal place to pick up souvenirs and authentic African goods.

• Cape Quarter
The Cape Quarter is one of the city's most fashionable enclaves, featuring an eclectic mix of bars, boutiques, restaurants and lifestyle stores. Here, Capetonians and visitors in the know can be found enjoying in this hidden corner of the city. The Cape Quarter, whilst fashionably modern, has managed to preserve the historic charm of old Cape Town, and the area has been built around the architecture and design of yesteryear. Enjoy meals in the outdoor piazza, shop for quaint keepsakes at the boutiques, or simply enjoy the charm of this hidden gem in the city centre.

• Noon Day Gun
When the Noon Day Gun is fired every day at noon, even locals pay attention! For more than 200 years, the Noon Day Gun has been used to signal the time - initially, for ships anchored in Table Bay, and today - many like to think - for those working in offices in the city centre! Visitors to the Cape are fascinated by this ritual, and are encouraged to experience the daily tradition at Lion Battery on Signal Hill, from 11.30 Mondays to Saturdays (excluding public holidays). There are, in fact, two cannons (in case one fails), and they're the oldest working guns of their kind in the world.

• Gold of Africa Museum
The Cape Town city centre is home to so many museums that it is sometimes referred to as the “Museum Mile”. There are many museums worth visiting in the city centre, including the South African Museum, Bo Kaap Museum and the Slave Lodge. A lesser-known museum - and one that is slightly off the “beaten-track” of the Museum Mile - is the Gold of Africa Museum, which showcases gold artworks and designs, and features magnificent gold exhibitions. There's also a shop, a restaurant and a goldsmiths' studio in the building, which is believed to be one of the finest examples of old Cape architecture still in existence today.

• Cape Town city centre nightlife
The Cape Town city bowl is famous for its vibrant nightlife, which starts up as the sun goes down, and often keeps going until the early hours - especially on the weekends. Long Street is a particularly popular spot for trendy bars and clubs, and there are plenty of late-night spots for tireless revellers. For those seeking a tamer evening out, enjoy world-class fare at any of the top restaurants in the city bowl, or sip refreshing drinks at a quaint pub or fashionable bar. But, for a true taste of Cape Town nightlife, throw on your dancing shoes and head out for a night of disco lights and dance tunes.

Central holiday accommodation in the Cape Town city bowl
Make the most of your Cape Town holiday by booking accommodation in the lively city bowl. You'll be within easy reach of these, and other, top tourist attractions, and you'll experience cosmopolitan Cape Town from the heart of the city. Book accommodation at a luxury Cape Town hotel now!

Grand Canyon National Park - The Pride of Nature

2009-06-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

The vicinity of America is like a paradise for tourists with hundreds of destinations to explore and admire. Another such location is the Grand Canyon that epitomizes power and pride of nature.

Along with the gorgeous, natural panoramas, the Grand Canyon National Park also endows with ample of adventures and leisure activities. This blend is quite overwhelming. However, adding spice to its feel, the wildlife and wilderness ambiance is what completes the definition of Grand Canyon.

Traveling to the national park is as interesting as the vistas there. The northern rim of Grand Canyon can be reached from northern areas like Las Vegas. However, most of the tourists prefer explore the southern rim first. It’s quite popular and can be accessed by driving north of Flagstaff for about an hour.

This national park is something that America is, and will always be, extremely proud of, as it conserves some of the most beautiful and extinct wildlife creatures of the world. However, the most spectacular attraction of this place is the Grand Canyon itself. Even after spending 800 hours, a tourist may not be able to watch and enjoy everything that Grand Canyon has to offer.

An activity that cannot be missed while visiting Grand Canyon National Park is hiking. And if you want to experience the ultimate pleasure of this adventure, the best time to visit this place is spring and fall. During these months the temperature is quite pleasing as it isn’t much hot. However, autumn months provides you the opportunity of counting the endless variety of hawks that migrate to south in this period.

Staying overnight is never a problem, if you are at Grand Canyon National Park. In fact, it’s a pleasure. This vicinity embraces 4 historical hotels and about 5 contemporary, chic inns to choose from. With more than five million people visiting this place every year, you cannot expect not to be a good residing destination.

With so much to offer, Grand Canyon adds another appreciating activity to the list – wildlife watching. Don’t fret if a raven crosses by your car, or a vulture sits besides. It’s too common here. Other birds like jays, hawks, and golden eagle can be effortlessly spotted from the rim. Animals like bobcats, coyotes, black bears, mule deer, squirrels, and mountain lions are abundantly available here. However, desert bighorn sheep occupies most of the places of this national park.

If you are an avid explorer, this is definitely a haven for you. Along with places like Tusayan Museum and Kolb Studio, you will also enjoy the views of Painted Desert, Kaibab National Park, and Desert View Watchtower.

Millions of tourists visit Grand Canyon in Arizona due to this extensive blend wildlife, adventures, panoramas, arts, and weather. Being here is definitely the best way to revitalize and re-energize.

Mauritius Island Tours

2009-06-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

Mauritius Island, masked with plentiful forest, impressive streams and waterfalls, bordered with coconut palm trees, sparkling white sands and isolated coral reefs, lies in the East of Madagascar just south of the Equator. One has every basis to opt for Mauritius island tours because probably it is one of the earth's most accepted hotspots not only for couple tour but also for individual traveler, family tours and group tours. There is something for everybody! If natural beauty is to your weakness, you will discover it beyond your wildest dreams! The unique beauty of Mauritius Island's shoreline, viewing all of the untouched splendors will be an once-in-a-lifetime experience for you which can never be forgotten. When you're organizing your unique holiday tours to Mauritius you may wish to consider a nature adventure trip as one of the highlights to see the various kind of wildlife. Casela Nature and Leisure Park will provide you an exceptional experience and the opportunity to get some of the best nature and wildlife photography that one can possibly imagine for a Mauritius holiday trip.

The Global Vision Tours exposes a pleasant trip to Mauritius, equipped with modern Mauritius villa rentals, carefully designed to conserve the beauty and ecology of the Mauritius Island. Do you want to get away from the crowded city life and have a wonderful change from your daily routine? Would you like to go for a vacation which is absolutely unusual from everything in your daily life? If your answer is yes! Then we suggest you to go for Mauritius Island tours. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden is located in the charming town of Pamplemousses. Pamplemousses (a French word which means grapefruit in English) is one of the famous places in Mauritius with a produce-inspired name. You can also find other places in Mauritius with such names like Plaine Des Papayas (Papaya Plain), Riviere Citrons (Lemon River), Butte a L'Herbe (Herb Butte), Rose Belle (Pretty Rose) and last but not least, Pointe Aux Piments, Pepper Point. in addition to the profusion of fruit and vegetable points on the map, let's not overlook the mischievous town names of Flic-en-Flac and Curepipe, or the more ominous places of Cap Malheureux (Cape Sadness) and Baie du Tombeau (Tomb Bay), mutually recognized for their risky shipwreck-prone seas and Le Morne Brabant (The Mournful One), a peak with cliffs so steep that no one could clamber it without dooming themselves. Port Louis, aka the Mauritius city, the capital, has poches of colour and charm: in the outdoor marketplace, where fine ground spices pervades the air; along the refurbished waterfront, where a Western-style shopping mall has sprung up; and, best of all, at the Champs de Mars racecourse.

Mauritius Island is fully equipped with tourist resources. Anything you wish to view and practice, you shall get many options of tours that will put you in link with anything attracts you the best in the wonderful tropical Mauritius temperature. Mauritius island tours are compared to a Mauritius luxury escapade in "heaven on earth" or the "pearl of the Indian Ocean". In the sultry mood of Mauritius, each day will be jam-packed with hours of tender relaxation, soaking the sun, there are simply no other variety of adventures that will perhaps sufficiently measure up to a Mauritius beach. You may choose among the retreat of lengthy, peaceful Mauritius beaches, Mauritius beaches with shops and energetic holiday-maker life or a Mauritius beach with a choice of sea sports.

You will find the surfing centre of Mauritius Island at the Baie du Tamarin, on the Mauritius world map. If you haven’t experienced the surfing yet, it is amazing to view and full of adventure to go for it! If you are thinking of a sea-kayaking programme, two of the main relevant details to yield in mind is that sea-kayaking is limited to individuals over the age of 12, and that the exclusive places range in amount of difficulty. For most guests who are in good vigor, there will almost certainly not be any viable struggles on your Mauritius island vacations.