World Travel Guide

The cosmopolitan capital of Africa is surely not to be missed at any time of the year. Nairobi sits in the middle of East Africa , and its high altitude (about a mile above sea level) makes for a mostly mild climate year-round. Tourists will not encounter the searing heat of other parts of Africa, such as Morocco and Egypt .

Kenya has four distinct seasons: mid-December to mid-March (hot dry season); mid-March to mid-June (long rainy season); mid-June to mid-October (cool dry season); mid-October to mid-December (short rainy season). February has the most sunshine and ten hours of day light, but in August the sunshine time is cut in half, just five or six hours. The wettest months tend to occur between March and June, with April often having up to eight inches of rain. However, no season is always wet or dry – rainfall can occur during any month, and sometimes seasons fail to occur. The average highs in the summer months are in the upper 70s and lows are in the mid 50s; in the winter months the average highs are in the upper 60s and lows in the low 50s. In short, it’s best to go during the dry seasons to avoid being rained out on your safari or hike. But be aware of the crowds.

Most safaris and tours in and around Nairobi happen year-round, but here are a few specific dates, each with their own celebration in the capital: Madraka Day (June 1), Moi Day(October 10), Kenyatta Day(October 20) and Jamhuri Day/Independence Day (December 12). The Gallery Watatu and theNairobi National Museumoften hold arts festivals at the beginning of March. Early April is the time to see rugby matches and horse races.

This professional travel guidelists specific events happening at different times of the year (scroll down to see the calendar of events on the right side of the page). But keep in mind that many events only occur when there is funding available. No matter what time of year you come, there will always be festivals, performances, and museums to attend.

The best year-round events include:

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center, an orphanage that takes care of long-lost wildlife, is located in Karen, a small town right outside the capital.

The Nairobi National Park, full of wild animals such as lions, rhinos, and zebras against a backdrop of skyscrapers, can be visited at any point of the year.

The Kenya National Museumshowcases everything from native plant life to the country’s native ethnic groups. Each gallery is devoted to a specific aspect of Kenyan life, such as Swahili art and pottery and stuffed artifacts. Other galleries are devoted to geology and science. Attached to this museum is Snake Park, which consists of lizards, crocodiles, mambas, and vipers, among other reptile-life

Its recorded history starts with the Roman invasion halfway through the first century A.D., but it had its heyday in the 17th century when it disputed hegemony of the Seven Seas with the English and the Spanish empires. In that period New York, parts of India, a series of forts along the African Coast and the Colonies in Indonesia formed part of the vast Dutch Empire.

Though most historic town centers in the Netherlands date back to the Dark Ages, most building was done in the era of oversea expansion and in the nineteenth century when the industrial revolution started. In Amsterdam, Leiden or Utrecht you can see the big 17th century mansions once owned by the commanders of the Dutch fleet and those of the rich merchants who financed the wars with their overseas gains.

They were the Dutch elite. They preferred small items of great value stashed away in their mansions over baroque palaces. Though the Dutch never were really extravagant and did not have a real court like there was in Germany, France and Spain, they were very proud of themselves. This can still be seen in the countless portrait paintings they commissioned. Many of the world's famous painters are Dutch, such as Rembrandt, van Gogh, Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer.

Apart from the glory days of the 17th century there is much in the Netherlands to attract the present-day visitor. Visitors will find a very open, relaxed and international atmosphere, and some great museums with both modern art and historical chef d'oeuvres. Due to the bombardment that levelled the city and the renovations that followed, Rotterdam is the only real modern town of the Netherlands (not to mention, the largest seaport in the world), not counting boring suburbs like Lelystad or Almere( unless you like birdsanctuary and polders) . Especially compared to megacities like New York, London, Paris or even Cologne, the Dutch cities are very hip and relaxed. Places like Den Bosch ('s Hertogenbosch) and Arnhem are also certainly worth a visit, with the latter being close to the national park 'Hoge Veluwe'.

Maastricht is the most important city of the South. The atmosphere is quite different from the North. The town is pretty and is a good base for exploring the countryside as well as making daytrips to Aachen and Liege.

Because of its size and flatness the Netherlands is a great country to explore by bicycle. Public transport is another good option because parking is problematic in most town centers. Trains and buses provide excellent transport in the entire country.

Finally, the young mainly visit the Netherlands for two characteristics: the permissive attitude towards erotic activity (prostitution is legal) and drugs (possession of small quantities of soft drugs for personal use is legal, and marijuana - in small quantities for personal use - is for sale legally in 'coffee shops' throughout the country). This, however, does not mean hard drugs are tolerated - nor is illegal prostitution. Both examples of leniency were instituted to better control these problems. The result is less crime and better working conditions for legal prositutes - a recipe slowly being picked up by the rest of the world. The Dutch seem always one step ahead, and for several years now gay couples have been allowed to marry legally and properly, like any couple.

The Netherlands is the 'big' small country you have to visit at least once in your life to ride a bike, see all the fantastic paintings by the Dutch painters such as van Gogh and Rembrandt and see how liberal law works in daily life.

The South Asia travel guide encompasses an area which stretches from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean. Tropical islands such as the Maldives also form part of the region. Countries situated in South Asia include Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. South Asia is densely populated and has been the site for political conflict. Each country is unique and boasts a variety of attractions, making this a fascinating region to visit. The diversity of the area reflects both extreme poverty and astounding beauty.

Climate

The majority of South Asia has a tropical climate. Monsoon season generally falls in summer. Winters usually have a low rainfall. As this is a diverse region there are differences in climatic conditions from country to country. The Himalayas have a completely different climate to the rest of the region. Visiting the Himalayas during summer offers a respite from the heat.

Language

There is a diverse range of languages and India, in particular, has many different languages. Hindi and Urdu are spoken by many people. Most well-educated people speak English. It is possible to get by with English in most big cities and tourist areas.

Attractions

With so many things to do in South Asia there is no time to be bored. In India a popular activity is to go trekking in the Himalayas. Camel safaris are a good way to explore the desert and enjoy an experience of a life time. For peace and quite visit a meditation center or ashram in India. Goa boasts a famous nightlife and party lovers flock to Goa from all over the world. The beautiful beaches are the perfect backdrop for parties. In Pakistan there are magnificent mosques that are must sees when touring the region. The mosques are not only beautiful buildings with historical significance but they also offer insight into the culture of Pakistan. White river rafting, canoeing and water sports are other activities that tourists can enjoy in Pakistan. Skiing is possible and the Karakoram Range has skiing resorts. In Nepal you can buy Tibetan crafts from Bodnath Stupa. It is also possible to hire a hot air balloon or to go hang-gliding. The conditions in the area are good for rafting and there are rafting facilities.

Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: wikipedia

Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: www.wikipedia.com

Thanks to the different regional princedoms, earldoms, monarchies and states Germany did not unite until the last centuries. Thus Germany has not one but many major cities. And each city has its own unique character, formed by its history and the surrounding region. Each is a whole new world unto itself in which you will experience not only different architectural styles and art treasures but also a very distinctive lifestyle. Local traditions and mentalities are clearly reflected everywhere - in the arts, the nightlife, the shops, the pubs and restaurants and the way people work and live.

To start in the north, spend some days in Hamburg, Bremen or Lübeck, those old "Hanse" cities, whose prosperity arose from the independent shipping trade. Berlin, the capital, is of course one of the top travel destinations in Germany - no matter if you are going there for business, cultural or political reasons, or just to enjoy yourself: Berlin has everything!

Right in the centre Hannover is worth a visit. In the eastern part of Germany, you can find real jewels: Leipzig, Weimar, Schwerin and even Dresden , although it was bombed horribly, saved lots of their prewar architectural heritage, and the latter has just restored the famous Frauenkirche. Continue going southwards, maybe with passing Nuremberg, you will sooner or later arrive in Munich, the capital city of beer, but also of art, with the famous Pinakothek. It is a good starting point to find the treasures of Bavaria.

Germany's cities have endless pleasant surprises in store for those who enjoy good food and drink. In addition to top-quality international cooking each region has its own local specialities, ranging from hearty country fare at simple inns to modern light cuisine at star-rated restaurants. Accompanied by our world-famous beers and wines, all this plenty is guaranteed to make your tour of Germany's cities an unforgettable culinary experience.

Discover the beautiful Southwest of Germany with cities like Freiburg, Heidelberg and Tübingen. In the western part cities still have some french influence, discover Bonn, Düsseldorf, Cologne- the heart of the Rhineland, Trier, the oldest city of Germany and a former capital of the Roman Empire or Aachen with its impressive cathedral and history back to Charlemagne.

Today, Germany is also an industrial powerhouse. In the Ruhrgebiet ( Essen, Oberhausen, Duisburg and surroundings) there is heavy industry, different car brands like Porsche, Mercedes (near Stuttgart ), BMW and VW make Germany one of the world's biggest car producers and Frankfurt is the country's bank and finance centre, called also "Mainhattan" ("Main" is a river in Frankfurt). All this makes the standard of living one of the highest in the world.

To make the different cities and sights more accessible to you, we have divided Germany into regions. Click on the regions to find more info about them and the cities that are in them.

After years of separation between West Germany and the DDR, the country is now growing together back again, a longer and perhaps more painful process than many expected. At the same time has Germany become a more normal country. If you look at the history of Germany this century, being normal is not a bad thing.

Morocco (the full Arabic name is Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah which translates into "The Western Kingdom" ) is located on the North West coast of Africa and has ports in the North Atlantic Ocean as well as the Mediterranean Sea. It is the third most populous Arab country.

Morocco shares the largest part of its border with Algeria to the East and Western Saharah to the South. Morocco is divided into sixteen regions Each region is further divided into provinces and prefectures. The capital of Morocco is Rabat and its largest city is Casablanca. The national Currency is the Moroccan Dirham.

For U.S. citizens and British citizens, passports are required for entry into Morocco, but a visa is not required for stays up to three months. Mohammed V International Airport (CMD) is the main international airport and is located in Nouasseur, which is approximately 25 km (15 miles) from Casablanca. There are also some 60 regional airports throughout the country. Royal Air Maroc is the national air carrier. For U.S. travelers, Delta and Continental offer regularly scheduled flights. From the United Kingdom and Europe, flights are offered by Air France, Easy Jet, and Ryanair into many Moroccan destinations. For domestic flights within Morocco, travelers rely upon the company called Regional Air Lines. Travelling to Morocco is also accomplished by ship with cruise lines, such as Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, offering itineraries with regular stops at Morocco’s main port in Casablanca. For more information about travel, see our flights and hotels sections.

There is certainly no shortage of great attractions in Morocco. The Country enjoys a strong sense of culture and a long and ancient history. The cool blue water flowing over the sand of the beaches is a direct contrast with the hot white sands of the desert, while the greens of fertile valleys contrast with the browns and whites of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The country is romantic and mysterious and there is little wonder that Morocco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa.

There is a never ending list of Moroccan attractions for the average visitor to enjoy and you will really need to do your homework to ensure that you make the most of your travels in this vast and varied country. The main starting points are the more popular cities such as Marrakech, Tangier, Fes and Casablanca. At each of these places, you will find the usual hodgepodge mixture of medinas, bazaars and riads. You will also find superb beaches and classy hotels where a hubbly-bubbly pipe may be arranged with relative ease. All these things are an essential part of the Moroccan experience and should not be missed. There are also a number of excellent attractions in Morocco that a visitor should definitely make the effort to See.

Cuba offers not only some of the world's finest beaches but also a rich cultural heritage and vibrant, passionate approach to life that has been enticing visitors throughout the ages. With a population of 11 million - the largest in the Caribbean - 20% of Cubans live in Havana.

Situated between Jamaica and the Bahamas, Cuba has a delightful tropical climate with year round sunshine, a daytime temperature that rarely falls below 26°C and warm, clear waters that gently lap against idyllic beaches of fine white sand and shady palm trees.

Further out to sea this fine sand gives way to some of the most exquisite coral reef to be found anywhere in the Caribbean, providing a perfect natural habitat for a wide array of underwater life... a mesmerising spectacle which no visitor should miss.

Yet if you do manage to drag yourself away from the sea, you'll find a fascinating country, one that beguiles it's visitors with a heady combination of Spanish, African and Caribbean influences, evident wherever you go, in its sights, sounds and tastes. Most of all though, you will remember Cuba for the people. Naturally open and friendly, you are assured the warmest welcome in the Caribbean, a welcome that lasts from the day you arrive till the day you leave... awaiting your return.

Cuba is Caribbean destination without comparison, tropical splendour. Islands of Cuba are pristine and exotic, remains safe for tourists. Hiding many secrets, warm climate and vibrant nightlife hot Cuban Salsa. All about Cuba on Netssa.com

Another side of the coin is the "National Quest for Dollars". The people are very friendly indeed, but almost all people who start talking to you just want your money. They may have good reasons for this, but I will tell this. There are people who live in the slums, and go ask around people they know if they can borrow their most dirty clothes. Then they go to central Havana to beg. They only beg from tourists, because the Cubans don't give enough. If five tourists give them one dollar (which is what they always ask for), they have earned what normal honest Cubans have to work a month for. I'm not saying that Cubans are dishonest, it's just that the people you are most likely to come in contact with are going to annoy you. If you know that's going to happen, it'll bother you less. Next time I go (I will go again), I know I'll enjoy it more. Also, I won't be going in summer: I practically died of heat. Of course, that may be because I spent most time in Havana, where the heat reflects between the buildings.

One more thing: prices are terribly inflated. Because of the irrational government policy, you have to do your best to pay less than 15 dollars a night. Compared to South American standards that's crazy, compared to Europe or America it's acceptable.

The girls are wonderful. But as a tourist you have to be careful. Cubans are not allowed to get involved with tourists.

The 'casa particulares' are a wonderful way to save money and to meet Cuban people of all kinds. There is an underground network of contacts so if you decide to travel to another city, tell your hostess and they'll arrange another casa in the city you wish.

The food is local and very fresh, of course you have to pay for that but it's great. We even got some lobster which was caught a few hours earlier! Everywhere you go, there's fresh fruit.

Try to rent a scooter and go your own way, into the countryside. We saw some huge mango and pineapple plantation. We did some horsebackriding and went to a tobaccofarm to roll and smoke our own cigars.

Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Netssa.com

Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Tsutomu

In the 15th century, explorers from the Netherlands and possibly from parts of the Arabic world and other European countries are believed to have landed in the far North and West of the country. However, due to the severity of the climate, the poor soil and the complete absence of conditions required for living, gave up and went somewhere better.

In 1770, Captain James Cook landed in Botany Bay, which today is part of Sydney. (in fact Sydney Airport juts out into Botany Bay) This commenced with the landing of the First Fleet in Sydney Cove (now Sydney Harbour, near Circular Quay railway station) on 26th January 1788. The British government decided to use convicts to tame the newly discovered continent and did not care a lot for the people that were already there (for example, the land where Melbourne now stands was sold by the aborigines for a handful of beads). Deportation to Australia lasted for about eighty years. After this all immigrants went more or less voluntarily.

Australia became an independent nation on 1 January 1901. The British Parliament passed legislation allowing the six Australian colonies to govern in their own right as part of the Commonwealth of Australia. In 1986 history was made again when parliament passed legislation that ended the power for the Britsh Partliament to legislate for Australia.

Today a growing proportion of Australians were born overseas. Their combined cultural heritage makes the Australian culture a real global one. However, most cultural groups tend to live in enclaves with little interaction and real multiculturalism such as in London, New York or other major cities does not exist. Australia has also discovered the value of the Aboriginal culture and uses it to sell trinkets to a strong tourist market.

While Australia is a nation in its own right, it is also a technically a continent, with large differences between regions. It has a reputation as a land of leisure, with sun, sea and an enviable 'Crocodile Dundee' outdoor lifestyle, but this is just a very narrow conception of a continent. The reality however, is that most people work all day, and then spend the weekend running around trying to pack life into the 2 days on the weekend. Only the homeless and tourists have time to sit around on the beach, or laze away days watching sport on TV.

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

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

Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: first hand information

A city-state in Southeast Asia, Singapore is one of the most successful areas in the world. Singapore was founded in 1819 and currently has an average population of 4.5 million people and is the second most densely populated area in the world. Singapore combines the big-city elements of skyscrapers, subways and bustling streets with traditional Chinese, Indian and Malay food, culture and goods. An all-inclusive city, Singapore is diverse enough to please anyone of any age and background.

Districts

Singapore is broken up into multiple districts that all have specific meaning and purpose. The Orchard District is the best for shopping with miles of shopping malls where the Riverside (also known as Civic) District is the historic district of Singapore. This spot is where you want to come to view historic architecture and statues, tour museums and theaters. Chinatown and Little India are 2 districts that are heavily influenced by China and India, providing even more ethnic diversity on this island.

Language

Malay is the national language of Singapore but English is spoken throughout so you won't have to worry about not being able to get around. The major religions in Singapore are Muslim, Hindu and Taoism. There are places of worship all over the city. A visit to one of these culturally enlightening locations is not one you will want to miss.

The biggest attractions in Singapore are the museums in the Orchard District, the Singapore Zoo, beaches on the East Coast or Sentosa as well as a hike through the lush, tropical rain forests. The Esplanade Theater is another huge tourist attraction. Located in the Riverside District, the theater is home to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and is visited regularly by local bands and touring artists.

Prices

When budgeting your stay in Singapore, it is important to know the currency and what your money is worth. Singapore uses the Brunei. Compared to 1 Brunei dollar, the U.S. dollar is worth about $1.40 and the euro is worth about $2.01. It is definitely cheaper to travel to Singapore than to other Asian or European countries. Being that this is the case, shopping is easily the most popular pastime in Singapore. Accommodations vary in price so it will be easy to book a hotel based on what your budget will allow. Food is priced based on where you go. There are high-end restaurants as well as street markets--which are always the best places to get your fill of ethnic cuisine.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) occupy a triangle of land and sea on Arabia's eastern flank. It is closely situated to the entrance of the Persian Gulf with extensive coastlines on its west and north facing shores, together with easterly coastline bordering the Arabian Sea. The UAE has approx. 700 kilometers of coastline, including 100 kilometers on the Gulf of Oman. Along the Arabian Gulf coast are offshore islands, coral reefs and salt marshes. Stretches of gravel plain and barren desert characterize the inland region. To the east lie the Hajar mountains, close to the Gulf of Oman, which reach north into the Musandam peninsula, at the mouth of the Arabian Gulf. The western part of the Federation, most of which is Abu Dhabi territory, consists mainly of desert interspersed with oases. One of the largest oases is Al Liwa, beyond which is the vast Rub al-Khali desert, or Empty Quarter.

Established on 2 December 1971, the UAE is a union of seven sovereign sheikdoms: Abu dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah.

Travel agents are beginning to promote the UAE as the hyped 'land of contrasts'. There is some truth in the cliché, for it boasts mountains, beaches, deserts, oases, camel racing, Bedouin markets all packed into a relatively small area. The legendary duty free shopping of Dubai is marred by the difficulty of finding any real bargains anymore due to the low double digit inflation in the UAE. If you only visit one country in the Gulf, the UAE is your best choice: it has the most relaxed entry regulations in the region, the best tourist infrastructure and it is extremely accessible to independent budget travellers.

Due to its location, the UAE has been able to establish a link between Europe and the Indian subcontinent, the Far East and Africa for a long time. It is still playing the role of intermediary between these vastly different cultures. The country's deep-rooted cultural heritage, accessible in the many cultural centres and at traditional sports such as falconry, camel- racing and horse-racing, has been a powerful attraction for tourists. The UAE has also become a popular venue for conferences, regional and international exhibitions and major sports events such as the Dubai World Cup, the Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament as well as polo and cricket competitions.

Today, Abu dhabi and Dubai with their impressive skylines are among the most modern cities in the world and the country itself has become one of the world's fastest growing tourist destinations. Both cities are increasingly becoming renowned worldwide as providing world-class tourist facilities, and are developing at an incredible pace with some of the world's most ambitious architectural projects springing up out of the desert all the time.

Dubai is also famous for its annual one-month Shopping Festival. As gold is a major symbol of UAE, there are numerous drawings during this time where they give 24-karat gold bar and other merchandise to lucky ones. In the heart of Dubai, traders and merchants from all over the world gather at the Global Village, also a huge part of the Shopping Festival. The sky is glittered with fireworks every night during this amusing time. There is no exception to not enjoy your time in Dubai!

From the world-class hotels and shopping of the big cities to the more laid-back atmosphere of the smaller Emirates, including the cities of Fujairah and Al Ain, the UAE really does live up to its name of a 'world of contrasts'.

Building sites are a key feature of the landscape. Be careful if you book a hotel.

Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: liwa

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

Spain can be enjoyable any time of year. The ideal months to visit are May, June and September (April or October in the south). At these times you can rely on excellent weather, yet avoid the heat of July and August.

In a relatively small area, Costa Rica has everything one could want in vacation paradise. There are secluded white sand beaches with great surf and amazing SCUBA diving. There are active volcanoes and towering rain forests. And, eco-tourism is a speciality of the house. Getting around is easy via rental car, plane, or public bus, and the warm and friendly people make travel safe and fun.

Some of the principal mountain ranges are volcanic, and visitors can easily access many of these areas. In the province of Cartago, for example, which is not far from the capital of San José , you will find Irazú volcano which erupted in the early sixties. Poás volcano, located in the province of Alajuela, has one of the largest active craters in the world. And, Arenal volcano, in the northwestern region, treats thousands of visitors each year to a constant stream of red, hot lava rocks tumbling down its slopes.

Beautiful forests grow in the crater of the dormant Barva in Heredia. Arenal, a young volcano in the northern part of the country, is constantly active (and is the site of a spa with natural hot springs). The country's highest peak, Mount Chirripó, is not volcanic; it measures 12.412 feet (On a clear day one can see both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans from atop Mt. Chirripo).

The bulk of Costa Rica's borders, sixty-five percent, is made up of coastline. Costa Rica has some of the world's most beautiful and idyllic beaches. Although the coast is not heavily populated, a variety of tourism projects provide access to a great deal of the nation's beach areas... Within Costa Rica, the longest distance you will ever have to travel to get to a beach is 75 miles. So in a way, the country is like a large tropical island.

Jaco Beach, located on the West Central coastline of Costa Rica is the most popular and visited destination in Costa Rica. It's close proximity to the airport in San Jose, and it's mecca of nightlife, tours, activities, restaurants, casinos, surfing and variety of accommodations makes Jaco Beach the top destination in the country.

You'll find Costa Rica's Fishing capital only 10 minutes North of Jaco Beach, at the Los Suenos Resort & Marina.

Source: world66.com

The following is a Canada travel guide for those who have the desire to visit this great North American country.

Canada consists of 13 provinces and covers 4 million sq miles. It is the northern-most country in North America. Canada's population is currently over 33 million. The country has 2 official languages; English and French. English is the language spoken in most of the country, while French is the main language spoken in the province of Quebec. Canada is considered a constitutional monarchy and the Queen of England is the true head of the government. However, her role is mostly symbolic; the country is governed under the Parliamentary system and has a Prime Minister. Each province has a premier. There are 3 main political parties--the Progressive Conservative Party, the Liberal Party and the National Democratic Party.

Canada has a lot to offer to travelers. The country has some of the most beautiful natural areas in the world and has many cities that offer cultural activities and sporting events to citizens and tourists alike.

Whether tourists choose to visit Canada during summer, fall, winter or spring, they will find activities that are sure to entertain and amuse them. Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia offer world-class ski resorts for those looking for that sort of excitement. They also offer great hiking trails during the warmer seasons.

In addition, Canada has much to offer to those traveling on a budget , those traveling alone and those traveling with a family.

In the west, British Columbia also offers some of the most breath-taking views anywhere; driving from Vancouver to the Okanagan takes a visitor through beautiful valleys and on incredible mountain roads in the middle of the Rocky Mountains.

In the east, Toronto, Ontario is a large metropolitan area that offers live theater, several art galleries, several museums, fine restaurants, world-class spas and cultural festivals throughout the year. Tourists staying in Toronto can take day trips to such areas as Niagara Falls, Windsor and Stratford (home of the world famous Stratford Shakespearean Festival). Montreal, Quebec is also a large metropolitan city that offers many cultural attractions and historic areas.

Going farther east, many tourists like to travel to Prince Edward Island and visit the house that the book, Anne of Green Gables , was based on.

Canadians are known through the world for their friendliness and their civility. They are a very welcoming people who will help to make any tourist feel immediately at home. For tourists visiting from the United States, the only real difference you will notice is the money and, possibly, that many of Canada's metropolitan areas are very clean.

Egypt does not need an introduction. It was the introduction to human civilization itself, and has all the evidence to show for it.

Tour Egypt from the live Nile Valley , to the solitary deserts, to the diversity of the Sinai desert , to the lush oases, to the exotic underwater life of the Red Sea , to the Mediterranean beaches. "Now, let me talk more of Egypt for it has a lot of admirable things and what one sees there is superior to any other country." - Herodotus, 50 BCE

"...In Egypt all the operations of the powers which rule and work in heaven have been transferred to earth below...It should rather be said that the whole cosmos dwells in [Egypt] as in its sanctuary..."

"There will come a time when ... the gods will return from earth to heaven; Egypt will be forsaken, and the land which was once the home of religion will be left desolate, bereft of the presence of its deities."

- Ascleptus III (25 BCE), Hermetic Texts, zeeshan avais moustapha

Even though much of what Herodotus witnessed has been ruined by the cruelty of later generations, his statement is still valid to this day. Today's Egyptians have abandoned their ancient heritage for a mostly Moslem Arabic-speaking nation. Happily, they have maintained their friendly, hospitable, and warm characteristics.

Cairot , the capital is the place to start. It has the Pyramids, the Sphinxs, the Egyptian Museum, many more sights and more than ten million cairenes to share the experience. Alexandria , the two hundreth city of the country has its fare share of historic sights as well and with its location on the Mediterranean it is an ideal spot for your holidays.

The north of Egypt has many impressive temples and graves from Pharaonic times. Luxor , Aswan and Abu Simbel should all be on your to do list.

The Nile River has great scuba diving : Hurghada is world famous for its under water world.

Em Hetep (Peace Out, in ancient Egyptian language).

Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http:/hebataha.110mb.com

Malaysia is one of the so-called Asian Dragons, of rapidly-growing economies. Located in the heart of South-East Asia, it comprises two parts: Peninsular Malaysia, bordering with Thailand in the North and Singapore in the South, and East Malaysia, with with the states of Sarawak and Sabah sharing the island of Borneo, with Indonesia and Brunei.

Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in South-East Asia. Malaysian society is based on a vibrant and interesting fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs. The Chinese are mostly active in trade and Malays mostly in government. Government policies initiated in the 1970s have somewhat blurred that distinction and one can find representatives of all races in one field or the other.

Peninsular Malaysia is the most popular among visitors. Even the peninsula itself is divided into the East Coast and West Coast, by the Titiwangsa mountain range. The West Coast is more developed and holds more attractions while the East Coast boasts a rustic charm. The leatherback turtles make annual visits here to lay their eggs on parts of the East Coast shores..

The country's capital city of Kuala Lumpur is located on the West Coast and is the ideal starting point to the rest of Malaysia. The city, best known by its acronym "KL", is bustling with activity and holds many pleasant surprises for visitors, be it shopping, sightseeing or relaxation.

When you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of KL, you can head for the hills, or more precisely, Cameron Highlands or Fraser's Hill. Both were developed by the British as retreats during the colonial era, and have maintained their charm as a cool and relaxing gateway. Alternatively, you can take a break to Langkawi Island, visit historic Melaka (once called "Malacca") or Penang (also dubbed the Pearl of the Orient). Both Melaka and Penang are rich in culture and history, being the sites where the Portuguese and British first set a foothold on ancient Malaya. All the major towns and cities are easily accessible by expressways and roads.

If you are the adventurous type, your destination should be Sarawak or Sabah (in East Malaysia), with their spectacular wildlife, native longhouses, the awe-inspiring Mulu caves and Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia. The mountain offers a spectacular view of the sunrise to visitors who are game enough to make the trek. Pulau Sipadan offers some of the best scuba diving in the world.

Food is always, one of the main attractions in Malaysia. Wherever you go, food will provide the sensations to your eyes, nostrils and of course your tastebuds. A melting pot of cultures between the Malays (local), Mamak ( Indian Muslim), Chinese (Far East), Indian (South Asia) as well as from the West makes Malaysia the gastronomy heaven all the locals and visitors will attest. (Warning: Prepare your tissues and order lots of drinks because it can get really sweaty and hot).

Source: world66.com