World Travel Guide: November 2010

Chaouen Travel Guide

Tuesday, 30 November 2010 18:32 Posted by Blog Info

Chefchaouen (literally "look at the peaks" in Arabic) is an enchanting town sitting at the foot of the Rif Mountains. It is a unique place to visit for various reasons: it is small and manageable yet friendly to tourists; the mountain air and atmosphere are relaxing; and one can catch a glimpse of rural life while hiking in the surrounding mountains.

The well-preserved medina is a 15th century relic from the Muslim civilization of Andulusia. Narrow streets wind through blue-white walls where children greet you in Spanish. On the northern side, you’ll find ground-room floors crowded with weaving looms. Many of the artisans are friendly and will invite you in for a chat. (They may also invite you for a smoke; the town is filled with kif and hashish because of its location). The main square in the center of the medina (Plaza Uta el-Hammam) is a delightful place to sip fresh orange juice and look at the mountain peaks, the Grand Mosque and the Kasbah walls. The 17th century ruins of the Kasbah runs along one side of the square. The red-hued walls of the Kasbah enclose a beautiful garden and a small folk museum. Try to have a meal at Casa Hassan in the medina.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR SICK AND POOR VIETNAMESE KIDS

Monday, 29 November 2010 18:37 Posted by Blog Info

Hanoi December 13 - December 24, 2010

Volunteer project: International and local volunteers will organize Christmas and New Year festival for extremely poor children living in the Fisher village at the Red River and for the patients of the National Pediatric Hospital in Hanoi. The volunteers will make nice gifts for the children such as light stars.

In the fisher village, in collaboration with the local volunteers and the children, the international participants will organize a big party on the bank of the Red River (theatre, dance, BBQ, etc.). In the Hospital, the volunteers will visit the children in their rooms, dressed as Santa Claus, and will hand out candies and small gifts.

The smile of poor kids

Between the parties, the volunteers will cook for the children attending the Street children school, and will organize leisure activities for them after school.

The volunteers need to bring Santa Claus clothes. They will also collect second hand clothes to give to the very poor children who don’t have enough warm clothes for the winter.

Language: English

Accommodation: The volunteers will live in a house near the Red River. Kitchen and sanitary facilities available. Please bring a sleeping bag.

Location: Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, a thousand year old city, situated at the banks of the Red River, with an estimated population of about 4 million inhabitants.

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 150 Euro

The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.

Source: www.cadip.org

Vietnam tops travel polls

Sunday, 28 November 2010 17:33 Posted by Blog Info

Vietnam has emerged as one of the top destinations for travellers from Thailand, Australia, Japan, and Singapore, according to a recent survey compiled by Visa and the Pacific Asia Travel Association.

The survey polled 6,714 travellers in 13 countries and territories and found that, among those most likely to visit Vietnam in the next two years, 17% are from Thailand, 16% are from Australia, and 11% are from Japan and Singapore.

Most of the potential tourists listed natural scenery, new places, and affordability as their main motivation for visiting Vietnam.

Survey respondents say they plan to budget more than US$1,200 for their next vacation and pay more for good food and opportunities to experience a new culture.
Source: VNA

Nhan Tower – witness of time

Friday, 26 November 2010 20:08 Posted by Blog Info

Nha Trang City is famous for its ancient Cham icon - Ba Tower that looks over Xom Bong Bridge, but Tuy Hoa City in Phu Yen Province is equally proud of its own piece of ancient Cham architecture on top of the legendary Nhan Mountain.

Nhan Tower at nightime in Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Province. (Photo: SGT)

If you visit Phu Yen, the 800-year-old Nhan Tower is on the list of attractions with Da Dia Cliff, O Loan Lagoon, Xuan Dai Bay and Vung Ro Port.

The tower’s image is reflected on Da Giang River below, near National Highway No. 1. It was built by the Cham in the late 11th or early 12th centuries. The ancient brick shrine is 25m high, has four stories and each side of its square base is 11m.

There are some walking paths and roads to the site.

The valuable vestige of Cham culture has survived many conflicts through the centuries and much of many of the carvings are well preserved.

The view from Nhan Tower is awesome. It looks across endless rice fields, the magnificent Da Bia Mountain and the winding Giang Da River.

VietNamNet/SGT

Whitby Travel Guide

Thursday, 25 November 2010 18:06 Posted by Blog Info

A beautiful coastal city located in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom, situated 47 miles from York, Whitby is famous for Whitby Abbey, the statue of Capitan James Cook, it's whalebone arch, and it's Dracula museum.

Whitby is famous for Bram Stoker's story, Dracula, as a large portion of the story is based in this city. Using Whitby Abbey as the backdrop for the chilling tale and the harbor as the first step Dracula put in Britain, you can almost feel the chills going down your spine when you look up at the church that looms on the top of the hill, watching over the town. Walking up the famous 199 steps that lead up the hill to the Abbey, you can hear many people counting each step as they go up, sometimes losing their place as they turn around and look at the breath-taking view of the port.

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Whitby is a maze of steep hills and hidden alleys, revealing lovely stores with the most amazing fudge to stores packed with dried teas, jams, and rock candy. It also contains England's No. 1 fish and chip shop, Magpie Cafe, which has been in business since the 1930's.

So take a deep breath of fresh sea air, wolf down some delicious fish and chips, hike up the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey, and sit there amongst the tombstones and reflect on what it would've been like to live in this port during Bram Stokers time. You won't regret it.

Khanh Hoa protests National Geographic magazine’s list

Wednesday, 24 November 2010 18:16 Posted by Blog Info

The authorities of Khanh Hoa province has protested the National Geographic magazine’s listing of the Nha Trang beach as the beach of unsustainable development.

Nha Trang beach

At a press conference on November 23, Nguyen Anh Tuan, the representative of the Nha Trang city People’s Committee said that the city respected National Geographic magazine’s consideration of Nha Trang as one of 99 beautiful beaches in the world.

However, Tuan said, it is inappropriate to combine Khanh Hoa province’s Nha Trang with Binh Thuan province’s Mui Ne into one destination because the two beaches are more than 200km far from each others.

Tuan also said that the two provinces have different ways of managing their beaches, different economic, cultural, social and geographic conditions. The magazine used expert opinions which were not verified. Moreover, of the four opinions three were about Mui Ne and only one was about Nha Trang, but all were used as comments about Nha Trang.

Le Xuan Than, Khanh Hoa province vice chair questioned the picture used by the magazine. “What time was that picture taken and what proves that it is Nha Trang beach?”

Than said Khanh Hoa will send further information about Khanh Hoa to the National Geographic magazine to help it have a broader view about Nha Trang and the difference between Nha Trang and Mui Ne.

“However, from this case Khanh Hoa and relevant bodies have learned a lesson in managing and developing sustainable tourism,” Than said.

According to a recent ranking of world-wide beaches by National Geographic magazine, Nha Trang and Mui Ne reached 43 points, and according to the ranking system is a problematic level five. At the level 6 are the beaches of Mississippi and Lousiana that suffered from oil spill catastrophe.

Commenting about National Geographic’s rating, Khanh Hoa Department of Construction director said the beach is located inside Nha Trang city so urbanization will certainly “touch” nature.

The Khanh Hoa Department of Foreign Affairs said that National Geographic magazine published an article entitled “99 Coastal Destinations Rated”, which selected 99 beautiful beaches in the world by 340 independent experts, based on six standards.

The department said that it is inaccurate that Nha Trang was rated as the “worst beach destination”. The National Geographic didn’t choose the ten “worst” cities in 2010 but only “problematic” beaches.

Nanortalik Travel Guide

Tuesday, 23 November 2010 17:31 Posted by Blog Info

Nanortalik (pop. 1 500) offers well-kept gardens and scenic views of the surrounding granite mountains. The water around Nanortalik is good for kayaking and hunters returning in their kayaks with their catch are a year-round sight. In May and June visitors can witness the feverish activity caused by migrating hooded seals.

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A good number of the townsfolk move to old hunting grounds in the skerries (small rocky reefs or islands) where they live in tents and mud huts while hunting the seals. Attractions within the town include a churchyard from the colonial period (built in 1916) and a museum (housed in old buildings once used by the Royal Greenland Trade Department). A small area with planted coniferous trees lies six hours on foot from the settlement Tasiusaq at Tasermiut fjord. 350 mi/565 km southeast of Nuuk.

Grand bahama island Travel Guide

Monday, 22 November 2010 17:57 Posted by Blog Info

Grand Bahama is located in the North of the Bahamas. Contrary to what the name suggest it's not the biggest island, that's Andros. The island is the home of Freeport, aka Lucaya, the second biggest city of the Bahamas. Freeport has a faster pace and a more cosmopolitan atmosphere than the old-world sophistication of Nassau.

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Freeport is a sportsman's paradise, with many golf, tennis, scuba diving, pan handler dodging, and fishing facilities. The city was set up completely as a tourist resort. Forty years ago Freeport didn't exist; today, it's "a fantasy vacation made real on the shores of Grand Bahama".

We recently stayed at the Taino Beach Resort next store to the Ritz, and we enjoyed our stay immensly. Freeport is a great alternative to Nassau, having vacationed to both islands on several occasions. Freeport people are more hospitable and kind, the beaches are great and the two casinos and new resorts make for a lot of fun.

If you are looking to get laid bring condoms and double up this place has a high rate of aids. When attending the islands booze cruze don't drink too much punch there is something in it witch will get you so messed up they'll have to wheel you off the boat in a wheelchair without your wallet.

The best place in this hell hole to eat is LE CHICKEN SHACK the best bbq chicken i've ever eaten its worth getting riped off by the taxi driver to visit this place

Natal Travel Guide

Sunday, 21 November 2010 17:37 Posted by Blog Info

Natal (Portuguese for "Christmas", pronounced [naˈtaw]) is the capital city of Rio Grande do Norte, a north eastern state in Brazil. As of the IBGE 2006, the city had a total population of 789,896 ( 1,234,819 in its metropolitan area).

There are relatively few imponent buildings, like the Forte dos Reis Magos and the Museu da Camara Cascudo.
The main reason to come here is to tan, swim an have fun.

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With its dozens of sandy, white beaches, such as Ponta Negra and its famous Morro do Careca, Tabatinga - the cliff of dolphins, Pirangi, Redinha, and Jenipabú with its famous fixed sand dunes and imported dromedaries, tourism is the most important industry of Natal, attracting Brazilians, Europeans, and Americans alike.

The beaches stretch well over 9 km, from the Fort to the Lighthouse. There are snack bars everywhere and surf is really the must.

The Dunas de Genipabu Ecological Park is considered the second largest urban park in Brazil. It includes 1,172 hectares of land, and allows for observation of several vegetable and animal species, which are typical of the Atlantic Forest. The tour is along a trail, accompanied by trained guides. The park also has a jogging track, and stays open for visitors from Tuesday to Sunday.

In accordance with the IPEA (Institute of Applied Economic Research of Brazil), the city is the capital of Brazil safer

Vietnam takes top in list of must-visit destinations

Friday, 19 November 2010 17:54 Posted by Blog Info

HANOI/Viet Nam News/Asia News Network -- With its distinctive culture, beautiful natural scenery and affordable attractions, Vietnam has emerged as one of the top destinations for travellers in the next two years from Thailand, Australia, Japan and Singapore, according to a survey.

Results of the Asia-Pacific Travel Intentions Survey were shared by two conductors — Visa and the Pacific-Asia Travel Association (PATA) at a seminar in Hanoi.

Among travellers who were most likely to visit Vietnam in the next two years, 17 percent were from Thailand, 16 percent from Australia, and 11 percent from Japan and Singapore, the survey reported.

Nielsen conducted the online survey in May. The survey asked 6,714 respondents from 13 key Asia-Pacific travel source markets about past and future travel plans. The markets included Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, mainland China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the UK, and the U.S.

In each market, respondents were internet users, aged 18 years or older, had travelled internationally for holidays in the past two years and had the intention to do so again in the next two years.

Travellers most likely to visit Vietnam in the next two years ranked natural scenery, a new place and affordability as top attractions. They are also likely to be single and prefer to stay at four-star hotels compared with other types of accommodation. They will budget more than US$1,200 for their next vacation and pay more for good food and the opportunity to experience new cultures.

International tourist stays in Vietnam averaging at 3-5 days, according to survey results.

About 40 percent of respondents said they preferred to pay with credit cards because it allowed them to avoid carrying large wads of cash which can be cumbersome and risky.

Truong Minh Ha, Visa country manager for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, said: “With tourism emerging as one of Vietnam's key economic drivers, this survey is timely as it shows us where visitors to Vietnam are coming from, their plans and what motivates them. This information is very useful for the Vietnamese tourism industry to help identify opportunities and create promotional activities based on their preferences to attract more tourists.”

Using these survey findings, Visa will continue to work with the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), local tourism operators and retail merchants in its efforts to draw more visitors to Vietnam, she said.

To lure more the tourists to the country, Vietnam would make bold investments in infrastructure remodeling, tour guide training, service quality improvement and environmental protection towards sustainable development under the industry's development strategies by 2020-30, said Nguyen Manh Cuong, Deputy Director General of VNAT.

“Vietnam welcomed 4.2 million foreign visitors in the first 10 months of this year, up 40 percent against the same period last year and Vietnam posted one of the highest tourist growth rates in the region,” he added.

“With an estimated 420,000-450,000 inbound tourists expected each month in November and December, it is completely possible for the tourism industry to reach 5 million by the end of the year, 1.2 million higher than last year.”

Based on this, the number of international visitors to Vietnam was estimated to climb to 5.1-5.5 million next year.

“However, entry visa procedures into Vietnam are still complicated and we need to promulgate more online information because the internet is one of the most effective tools for the visitors to learn more about us,” Ha said.

St Paul lès Dax Travel Guide

Thursday, 18 November 2010 17:33 Posted by Blog Info

Here, one knows what epicurean means The world famous “foie gras” and other local food specialities, summer parties and festivals, bull fight games and corridas, brass bands are everywhere to be fully savoured. In the Landes, human relations are still authentic. The Landes country is definitely for nature lovers. The largest forest in Europe, chain of dunes along the fine and sandy beaches, mosaïc of countrysides : the typical Basque villages, the Pyrenées mountains, the sun of the nearby Spain . Ideally situated, St-Paul-lès-Dax, a pretty and blooming city, is a privileged spa and holiday resort. From the Christus Lake various shaded walking and cycling paths will take you to the nearby pine forest. All our efforts tend to offer the best quality services to the visitors : accomodation, modern spas, various events, looked-after surroundings. Come and enjoy a true hospitality.

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Well being and spa treatments

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Under an exotic wooden dome, alone or in family, enjoy Caliceo’s exceptional fittings in a glass and marbled decor. 4 swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), jacuzzis, swan necks, bubble seats and beds, high pressure jets, geysers, water falls, against current swimming, saunas, hammams, solarium, fitness room will reshape your mind and body. For 2 hours or a week, give yourself a chance to naturally gain energy and vitality. Various treatment packages to be discovered all year long to wholly benefit from a rich thermal experience. Reaching the highest standards of quality, Terdax, the local made mud is famous for its efficiency for rheumatologic cares. Smooth and creamy, it will certainly ease your pains. Other treatments as underwater massages and jets are also recommended and available “à la carte”. In cooled mineral water, make your legs lighter and thinner under phlebologic treatments such as specific bubble baths, jets showers, walking trails in pool, affusion massages, underwater showers.

Tourist paths often cross in 'Hello again' Hanoi, Vietnam

Wednesday, 17 November 2010 17:54 Posted by Blog Info

Chinapost

These days it's hard to feel like an independent traveler on the road from Hanoi to Saigon.

Anyone who tackles the around 1,145 kilometers from north to south, or in the other direction, will find themselves running into the same people at the pagodas, hostels, bars and restaurants recommended by the same leading travel guides.

“Hello again” might easily be the motto of the trip, although fortunately the familiarity of the travel companions underway does not detract from the many things this part of Vietnam has to offer.

Most tourists in Hanoi check into a hotel in the old part of the city where swarms of clattering mopeds roam the congested streets. Visitors allow themselves to be pedaled around in rickshaws and amid the chaos the odd chicken still manages to hop unscathed from one side of the narrow carriageway to the other.

Everyday tourism remains unaffected by Socialism, the only outward signs of which are the prominent red flag with the yellow star. Vietnam's national colors hang from almost every house, and not just in Hanoi either. Former Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh is also omnipresent. His embalmed body lies in state in a glass coffin at a mausoleum dedicated to his memory.

This grand example of Soviet-style monumental architecture is an essential stop on any Hanoi tour, just like Halong Bay. Getting there is straightforward, even if the only method on offer for tourists without a hire car is to board one of the numerous air-conditioned minibuses bound for the coast.

Halong Bay is one of the most photographed places in the whole of Vietnam and the images convey an accurate impression of a truly splendid coastal panorama. The limestone pinnacles rise up almost perpendicularly from the shimmering blue water. The bay can get crowded though. The harbor is packed tightly with the numerous tourist boats which ply the sights and the eye is offended by discarded pieces of rubbish bobbing on the waves.

The next stop on a classic Vietnam tour is the relaxing city of Hue. During a cruise on the Perfume river tourists glide past magnificent pagodas and tombs. The old fortified citadel with the Forbidden City was badly damaged during the 1968 Tet offensive by U.S. troops but still lives up to its status as a UNESCO world heritage site.

From Hue a bus goes to Hoi An, a shopper's heaven where it is possible to order made-to-measure versions of suits and outfits from the collections of world famous designers for a fraction of the usual cost. There are dozens of tailor shops here and some visitors bring along from home photos of garments they would like made.

Once the final stitches have been carefully applied it is time to head for Saigon. The city has a western feel to it with neon advertising hoardings, dubious-looking bars and rows of boutiques selling expensive clothes.

The prices are generally still lower than those in western Europe and many other parts of the world and so Saigon is ideal for those seeking some bargains before they board the plane for home.

In the Mekong Delta travelers can recover from the rush around the retailers on one of the river cruises which usually call in at a local coconut candy factory. Naturally guests have the chance here to buy some tasty souvenirs and say “hello again” to some of the old acquaintances they are certain to bump into.

Discovering one of oddest houses in the world

Tuesday, 16 November 2010 17:27 Posted by Blog Info

– Coming to the resort city of Da Lat in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, visitors should not forget to call at a very special house named Crazy House.

This unique architectural work has been selected by People’s Daily as one of the ten strangest houses in the world.

The house was built in 1990 on a plot of land of nearly 2000 square meters at 3 Huynh Thuc Khang road, by architect, Dr. Dang Viet Nga.

The house was initially called the Hang Nga villa (villa of the moon) and then Crazy House.

Below are some pictures of the house:

Raising the bar

Monday, 15 November 2010 18:18 Posted by Blog Info

Tourist numbers are recovering but Vietnam’s hospitality sector must be fully prepared for the more choosy tourist created by the financial crisis

The performance of Vietnam’s hotels and resorts has begun to stabilise over the last few months as tourist arrivals increase and business visitors return. According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, total international arrivals in the first seven months of 2010 stood at 2.92 million, an increase of 34.9 per cent over the same period last year.

International and local investors have re-entered the hospitality market, with new projects being launched. “Better medium- and long-term investment opportunities are appearing in Vietnam due to its stunning coastal areas, beautiful mountains and highly-populated cities,” said Mr Robert McIntosh, Executive Director of CBRE Hotels. “By capitalising on this unexplored country, a number of projects have been successfully completed and launched over recent years, making Vietnam an underrated market for hospitality investment.”

Accor, the largest international hotel operator and management group in Vietnam, with 14 hotels at present, has successfully cooperated with local and foreign investors to expand their brand names in Vietnam, such as Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel and Mercure. In Ho Chi Minh City, Accor have reached agreement with the investor, the Liberty Joint Stock Company, to manage the Novotel Saigon Center Hotel, which is being built on the site of the old Que Huong 1 Hotel, and construction of the Pullman Hotel will start in September on the site of the old Metropole Hotel in Tran Hung Dao Street, District 1. The Novotel Saigon Center Hotel, with 350 rooms, is to open in 2012, and Pullman Hotel in 2013.

In Hanoi, Accor have also reached agreement to manage the Horison Hanoi Hotel, which will be renamed the Pullman Hotel in the middle of 2011. According to Mr Patrick Basset, Vice President for Operations for Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan and Korea at the Accor Group, within the next two years it will manage 12 more hotels in Vietnam, including two Ibis hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, a Pullman Hotel in Vung Tau, the Novotel Imperial Hoi An, and the Novotel Imperial Phu Quoc. With these new projects, Accor will be managing 2,000 more rooms, double the number now under its management in Vietnam.

Vietnam’s hospitality market is moving to a more complex stage. Both international and local investors have made changes in cooperative relations with leading hotel management groups around the world, to enhance international standards and services. Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide will manage Le Meridien Saigon, which received investment of $120 million from Phuoc Tien Ltd and the 990 Trading-Manufacturing-Services Company. The 357-room, five-star hotel will open in Quarter II, 2011. Another brand of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Westin, has also come to an agreement to manage The Westin Resort and Spa in Cam Ranh, Khanh Hoa province, which is invested by the Phat Dat Real Estate Company, when it opens in 2012. Fei Yueh Vietnam (Taiwan) also signed a contract with JAL-Hotels (Japan), to manage the Nikko Saigon Hotel, which is now under construction with investment capital of $100 million.

Mr Mauro Gasporotti, Manager of Hospitality Services at CBRE Vietnam, remarked that Vietnam’s hospitality business has been changed by the financial crisis, with clients now becoming more demanding as more options are made available. New projects either under construction or near completion will have to face fiercer competition and more sophisticated clients than in the past. Vietnam’s hospitality sector is clearly advancing to a point where the market is ready for the development of more refined products targeting more refined clients. He added that it is necessary to have a better mix of design, quality, prices and services made possible by clear, meticulous and more informed development planning; something rarely seen before in Vietnam.

The inbound tourism market in the short- to medium term is still not clearly defined, as the client mix for city-based hotels and resorts continues to evolve. High unemployment rates in the US and Europe have had a detrimental effect on the number of westerners travelling to Southeast Asia. Conversely, the number of Chinese and Russian travellers to the continent appears to be increasing. “Looking at the short-term, the market suggests concentrating on developments and services tailored towards countries where visitor numbers are increasing,” said Mr McIntosh. “The focus will increasingly be on Asian demand.”

Significant demand is now also coming from Vietnamese travellers. “Vietnamese clients are not the same as they were a few years ago,” said Mr McIntosh. “They are more demanding, more conscious about value and services and better informed. Developers that simply replicate existing concepts will face many difficulties in a rapidly evolving market like Vietnam.” According to Mr Gasparotti, more accurate planning and preparation, including preliminary studies of target clients, the selection of an appropriate operator and reviews of existing investment strategies are keys to a successful hospitality project.

Source: VnEconomy

Battambang Travel Guide

Thursday, 11 November 2010 17:49 Posted by Blog Info

Battambang lies in the northwest of Cambodia, a four hour drive from Poipet (Thai Border, be aware a real rough road ;) or 4..5 hours by boat from TonleSap Lake (Siem Reap). It is a large regional city with strong ties to Thailand. Much of the trade between the two countries passes through Battambang. There are several interesting temples in the city and day excursions to surrounding areas can easily be arranged. Visit the Wat Banan, which is even older than most structure of Angkhor!

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The temples of Angkhor and the Tonle Sap lake are also easily reached from the city.

Battambang is Cambodias second largest town, but is unbelievable quiet: anno 2001: maybe there were no more than 100 tourists/travellers in the town, and it was best clean hotel comfort for "small money" (app. us$ 10 for a large and clean french-style hotel room)

If you do visit Battambang, try to arrive by one of the many boats that are continually coming and going. The sight of 20 or so touts (locals trying to get you to stay in their particular hotel or hostel) swimming out to be the first to hand you a business card is definitely a sight for travel weary eyes.

If you are leaving Battambang and travelling to ?????, there are many taxis that leave the central markets each morning. All prices are negotiable and get cheaper as the morning progresses. Vehicles range from the very cheap, open air utility type trucks to fully air conditioned, late model cars. You do get what you pay for though and the roads to ????? are littered with pot holes, so something with good suspension is adviseable.

Canary Islands Travel Guide

Wednesday, 10 November 2010 17:39 Posted by Blog Info

The seven islands that comprise the Canary archipelago are located more than one thousand kilometers (620 miles) south of the Iberian peninsula, and only 115 kilometers (71 miles) from the closest point on the African coast. Their volcanic origin and special position in the Atlantic ocean have granted them some unique features with regard to geology and vegetation, resulting in a landscape that is unlike any other found in Europe or Africa. These natural characteristics favour the existence of a temperate climate with mild temperatures (22ºC - 72ºF average on the coasts) with little seasonal variation in temperatures between day and night.

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The climate of perpetual springtime, which permits enjoyment of the beach during all the seasons of the year without extreme oppressive heat, has also shaped the easy-going and good-natured character of its inhabitants.

Since ancient times, the mild climate has been the most outstanding attribute of the Canary Islands. The Greeks located the Garden of Hesperides here, and during centuries, they were known as the "Fortunate Islands". The fame of the Canaries as a travel destination began with the great scientific explorations of the 18th and 19th centuries, when European naturalists frequently visited the unique volcanic landscapes and the varied native flora. At the close of the last century, the fame of these islands was increased as a place to rest, and they were recommended for the treatment of a variety of illnesses. Presently, the Canary Islands are one of the leading destinations of European tourism, welcoming more than eight million visitors annually who are drawn to the irresistible charm of these islands.

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The appeal of the Canary Islands for most visitors, 50% of whom return, is closely linked to the extraordinary climate of the islands, but it also has to do with the more than 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) of coastline, the magnificent beaches, and the numerous sports and water-related recreation available. The subtropical environment has also provided the allure of volcanos, forests and other spectacular scenery, with a variety difficult to imagine in such a small territory. The people, their traditions and cuisine, inherited from a culture blending traditions from Europe, Africa and the Americas, have also played a large part. All of these factors have contributed to the islands’ popularity, in addition to their easy accessibility, only a few hours by plane from the great cities of the Old Continent, and a complete tourist infrastructure, an example of quality for many places around the world.

Volendam Travel Guide

Tuesday, 9 November 2010 17:30 Posted by Blog Info

This Volendam travel guide will take you through all the wonderful attractions that Volendam has to offer. Volendam is a small village known for its fisheries and traditional clothing. It remains a busy tourist attraction for those who want to get away and relax in a simple setting.
History

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During the 1920s, Volendam was a part of the harbor which was near to the town Edam. Edam was situated next to the river IJ. But, during the mid of 1930s, a separate harbor was constructed and Volendam was considered no more a part of the harbor. This initiated the fishermen and local farmers to settle in the place and start the community Vollendam.
Accommodations

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As the city is literally next to the river, you will find a number of resorts in the place. Volendam has a place to offer to budget as well luxury travelers. Some of the best hotels of the area are Best Western Hotel, Hotel Old Dutch and Hotel Volendam. Most of the hotels offer amenities which include a restaurant, bar, terrace, free parking and many others. They also offer activities such as a sauna, tennis, fishing, windsurfing, massage, canoeing and horseback riding.
Places to Visit

As the city is next to water, visitors must go for boat rides across the harbor, where they can get a spectacular view of the area. Sightseeing by boat is often one of the highlights while visiting Volendam. Visitors can also learn about the history and culture of the city by visiting Volendam Museum, which displays traditional costumes, fishing boats and other nautically themed pieces. Another great place to visit is De Gouden Kamer, which is a unique collectible museum. Its walls are covered in millions of cigar bands arranged meticulously to form pictures of famous icons, such as the Statue of Liberty. This is truly a unique experience. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the great details of the De Gouden Kamer.
Restaurants and Nightlife

The city has a number of restaurants near the harbour, along the Dike (Dam). While walking along the Dam, you will discover an array souvenir shops. Some of the restaurants include pubs and bars. Joppekop Café Bar De is a well known bar there.
Off The Beaten Path

Wherever you decide to go in Volendam, the simplicity of the village will captivate you. There are many great places to visit and those in this guide provide only a small sample of the many wonderful things to do in Volendam.

Andalucia Travel Guide

Monday, 8 November 2010 17:40 Posted by Blog Info

Andalucia is a fascinating place for its spectacular Moorish monuments, beautiful white hill towns, sparkling blue coast and natural beauty of its mountainous country. The Moors were a mixed race of Berbers and Arabs that occupied Spain (Al-Andalus) for almost eight hundred years. They developed the most sophisticated civilization in the Middle Ages, centered in Seville , Cordoba and Granada . Every city, town and village, is a wonderful mixture of Christian and Muslim influence. Granada preserves the most beautiful Moorish monuments, the Alhambra palace, being the largest and most sensual building in Europe . Córdoba's old mosque with a cathedral built inside it and the spectacular remains of the ancient Moorish city of Medna Azahara shold be regarded as a mustsee whislt Seville boasts the most spectacular of all Gothic cathedrals and largest church in the world as well as its Moorish Alcazar.

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The white towns surrounding Ronda , offer an unspoiled view into Andalucian life with their surrounding natural beauty, delicious home-cooking and stunning appearance-clustered beneath Moorish/Christian castles and churches. There are some terrific walks in this area.

With the Sierra de Tejeda to the north, and the mountainous edge of Granada to the east, the rugged landscape of the Axarquía offers excellent walking and abundant wildlife. Historically it was bandalero (bandit) country for many years, which preyed on traders carrying goods from the coast to Granada.

The Torrox area lays claim to have "the best climate in Europe" sheltered as it is by the Sierra Tejeda and Sierra Almijara mountains. Thus it boasts an average annual temperature of 18C. The opening of the new N340/E15 autovía has improved the journey time to cover the 44kms from Malaga Airport to 35 minutes. Separated by 4kms of farmland, once the areas main employer, the Pueblo and Costa offer a pleasant combination of old traditional Spanish life and the facilities expected by the modern day tourist.

The mountains in the Sierra Nevada and, less known, the Sierra Morena [particularly its western projection in the Sierra de Aracena offer good trekking and skiing, while the coast between Tarifa and Cadiz on the Atlantic has some of the best beaches in Spain. Beware of Europe’s most developed resort area on the Costa del Sol as it is hard to find peace and natural beauty, without paying a high price. Finally, Spain’s largest and most impressive nature reserve, Coto Donana, can be found near Cadiz .

Although unemployment in the province is the highest in Spain (about 20%), it is still known as one of the most high-spirited regions of Spain as it is home to flamenco dancing, bullfighting and a gigantic April carnival (Semana Santa).

Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://www.sunnypalmproperties.eu/areainfo.php

Sicily Travel Guide

Sunday, 7 November 2010 18:08 Posted by Blog Info

Sicily is a mountainous arid island — an extension of the Apennine Mountains separated from the mainland by the Straits of Messina. Many powers have occupied this strategically important area: Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Phoenicians and of course the Mafia. Historical sites related to those powers are part of the island’s attraction. (A Mafia tour visits sites of various Family activities and the graves of infamous godfathers and victims.) But there are many other reasons to visit Sicily: water sports, beaches of rock and sand (including black sand), natural beauty, good food and friendly people.

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For touring the island can be roughly divided into the north-shore and south-shore areas. The north shore has reefs, olive groves, secluded coves and countless seaside resorts including Cefalu, a gorgeous Arab-Norman city with good beaches. West of center of the north coast is Palermo the ancient capital and the island’s largest city. Be sure to visit the central market and 12th-century Monreale Cathedral which is 6 mi/8 km west of town (it has impressive biblical mosaics). About 50 mi/80 km west of Palermo lies the ancient village of Erice atop a mountain: It still has remains of a temple dedicated to Venus. The southern coast has an even milder climate so there’s swimming most of the year (although it can get cold there between November and March).

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Among the areas not to be missed are Agrigento (to see the Valley of the Temples); Acireale (to see puppets); Taormina (a unique beautiful town perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean); and Mt. Etna (10 902 ft/3 323 m) an active volcano on the east coast—its crater is difficult to reach so bring a guide and dress warmly. In April 1987 two people were killed when Mt. Etna erupted. Although it can erupt at any time — most recently in 2002 — deadly incidents aren’t common. There’s good winter skiing with great ocean views from the mountain; drive the 120 mi/200 km around its base to see a wide variety of scenery. Among the ancient Greek and Roman ruins on the island are the Taormina Greek theatre and San Domenico Monastery near Messina the Greek theater in Siracusa the 5th-century BC Temple of Concord in Agrigento and the Casale Armerina (a jewel of a Roman villa with wonderful mosaics) in the town of Piazza Armerina near Enna. It’s also possible to visit the Pantelleria Islands, the Pelagian Islands and the Aeolian Islands from Sicily. There’s enough there to keep one busy for eight days.

Note: Be especially on guard against street thieves and pickpockets in Palermo and other large towns like Trapani.

Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide

Friday, 5 November 2010 18:37 Posted by Blog Info

Puerto Vallarta is a located in the western part of the state of Jalisco in central México overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The second-most visited resort in all of México, Puerto Vallarta attracts over 2 million tourists per year. You will find great beaches, and lots of bars, pubs restuarant along the bay. Luxury hotels, all-inclusive resorts, new golf courses, high-tech meeting facilities, upscale shops and restaurants have opened at rapid pace in recent years.

Fortunately though, the town has managed to retain some of its charm. Picturesque colonial and whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets that wind in and out, red spanish tile roofs differentiate Puerto Vallarta from other seaside resorts. The main sight is the Church of Guadalupe on the picturesque main plaza. The red brick bell tower is topped by a crown modeled after the one worn by Mexico’s 18th century Empress Carlota.

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The area around the seaside resort is very diverse. Tropical-forested mountains and mineral-rich volcanic slopes appear to literally rise from the sea. From the rugged Sierra Vallejo to the north and Sierra Cuale to the south, rich lush green slopes overlook the the bay.

Sleepy fishing villages - Punta gorda, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Bucerías, Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlán and Yelapa - punctuate the coastline to the north and south of the town, offering visitors a glimpse into the real Puerto Vallarta- the way it was, and the way it remains today. Nestled into the verdant valleys and jagged mountains that overlook Puerto Vallarta’s narrow cobblestone city streets, the idyllic colonial-era villages of San Sebastián, Mascota and Talpa invite travelers to experience yet another side of the region.

Liwa Travel Guide

Thursday, 4 November 2010 19:06 Posted by Blog Info

Liwa is an oasis area in the Abu Dhabi emirate of the United Arab Emirates. It sits right on the edge of the Rub Al Khali (empty quarter), the largest sand desert in the world (ie. there is more sand in this desert than any other). A number of small towns and villages make up the Liwa area. Farms back right up against towering dunes hundreds of meters high. The sand varies in color from golden to red and changes rapidly during sunrise, sunset, and the specific area. There is a substantial palace in the area and a very nice 4 star hotel, the Liwa Oasis Hotel. The highways to and from the city of Abu Dhabi (about 2.5 hours away) are in excellent condition though there is usually construction near Abu Dhabi.

Try to Visit Tal Mer'eb (usually written as Merheb Dune) where the high sand dune slipfaces are used for skiing, biking and four wheel driving.

The area is perfect for dunes safari but very dull in entertainment options.

National Tourism Year to be celebrated nationwide

Wednesday, 3 November 2010 19:52 Posted by Blog Info

LookAtVietnam - The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed to the Prime Minister that localities take turns celebrating National Tourism Year from 2012-2017.

Thua Thien-Hue will do in 2012, Hai Phong in 2013, Lam Dong in 2014, Thanh Hoa in 2015, Kien Giang in 2016 and Lao Cai in 2017.

National Tourism Year is the biggest annual event in Vietnam’s tourism industry and is intended to encourage investment in local infrastructure facilities and services.

It also helps to train human resources, promote products in foreign markets, diversify and develop tourism in different parts of the country.

Since 2003, National Tourism Year has been held in Quang Ninh, Dien Bien, Nghe An, Quang Nam, Can Tho, Thai Nguyen and Hanoi.

Phu Yen is scheduled to host the event in 2011.

Source: VOV

Source: http://www.lookatvietnam.com/2010/10/national-tourism-year-to-be-celebrated-nationwide.html

Electric cars ferry tourists around city's Old Quarter

Tuesday, 2 November 2010 18:38 Posted by Blog Info

by Nguyen Le Hung

Eastern promise: The O Quan Chuong (Quan Chuong Gate) has long been an inspiration for artists and is one of the stops along the electric car tour. — VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Hoa

Environmentally friendly battery-powered cars have begun offering tourists a new way to take in the sights in Ha Noi's Old Quarter.

Each car carries seven passengers, and the 30-minute tours begin every fifteen minutes between 7am to 9.30pm daily. Passengers can board at two terminals: across the street from the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre on Dinh Tien Hoang Street and in front of Dong Xuan Market. Tickets cost VND15,000 (US$0.75).

The cars are operated by Dong Xuan Joint Stock Co, which began offering two tours in July. But, after two months, the cars now follow only one route, making brief stops at 13 iconic cultural and historical spots in the Old Quarter.

"It's fun, it's cheap and it is a very quick way to browse through all of the many streets of the Old Quarter," said Mark Geller, an Australian tourist.

You are here: Bach Ma Temple on Hang Buom Street is another stop on the tour. The temple's festival takes place in the second lunar month. — VNA/VNS Photo Anh Tuan

E-ticket: Tourists enjoy Ha Noi via battery-operated cars. — VNS Photo Le Hung

"Foreign travellers, who were the target customers for the tours, have only accounted for 20 per cent of ticket sales," said Pham Tuan Long, an official of the Old Quarter management department.

"This tour not only gives us a quick view of all the major streets and cultural spots in the Old Quarter but also an experience with greener technology," said Pham Thanh Thuy, 27, a tourist from HCM City. "I really like this car – it runs very quietly. It's the perfect way to travel around the Old Quarter."

"I very much adore this," says Tran Van Hung, 67, a Hang Buom Street resident. "I get on these cars three or four times a week. I love to take my grandchildren with me."

Among the stops on the tour on the house in which President Ho Chi Minh wrote the nation's Declaration of Independence, now a museum in which visitors can learn about the history of Viet Nam; Cau Dong Pagoda, which was originally built during the Ly dynasty beside a stone bridge that spanned To Lich River; and Hang Luoc Street, which follows what used to be the banks of the river. Early in the 19th century, the river was filled in to broaden the street. Hang Luoc Street is also the location of the annual Tet flower market, an annual tradition that has been going on for centuries. Each year, the best blossoms from all over the country are gathered here for the nation's biggest holiday.

The tour also visits O Quan Chuong (Quan Chuong Gate), which has long been an inspiration for artists, representing the spirit of Ha Noi's historic architecture. The gate was first built out of clay in 1749 but was rebuilt in brick in 1881. The gate used to lie near the Red River, but the city gradually encroached on the river as it expanded.

The tour moves on to Dong Xuan Market, the mother of all Ha Noi markets. It has absolutely everything you might need, from jewelry, clothing and footwear, to household appliances and dried and fresh food. Surrounding the market are many restaurants, which have been famous for their delicious treats for years. Many of these eateries have received rave reviews from gastronomic writers such as Nguyen Tuan or Vu Bang.

Nguyen Thu Huong, deputy head of business planning for the Dong Xuan Joint Stock Co, says the company has been very pleased with the success of the battery car services.

"It's been so successful that we are thinking of expanding the tours to other tourist spots in Ha Noi, such as West Lake," Huong said. — Vietnam Travel Forum

Saxony Travel Guide

Monday, 1 November 2010 19:02 Posted by Blog Info

Saxony ("Sachsen" in German) has a rich history and cultural heritage. In former times it was one of the most important German kingdoms and between 1949 and 1989 Sachsen was the highest developed state in former East-Germany. You can comprehend, that Saxony had a varied history and was divided several times in the past before it became to the state it currently is. Saxony is highly industrialized and therefore not the cleanest German state, but besides this, it has a lot of cultural sights to offer.

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Dresden, situated on the river Elbe, is the cultural center and the former capital of the Saxon kings. It is still one of the most beautiful cities in Germany with a huge architectural heritage and very large cultural offers. In Chemnitz, formerly known as the Karl-Marx Stadt, Saxony's business heart pulses. Chemnitz is a modern city with extensive green areas and an exciting landscape all around. Meissen is worldwide famous for its precious porcelain. The town of Meissen, founded over one thousand years ago, likes to think of itself as the cradle of Saxony.

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But just as different as the sax are, are the regions of Saxony, in which they live: the pulse of urban Dresden - the more quiet regions of Saxony, like the Erzgebirge or the Sachsische schweiz or the hidden treasures on Saxony's Silver Road (Silberstrasse) or in Upper Lusatia with Bautzen and Görlitz.

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