Saturday, October 31, 2009

Agra, The Chosen City for Taj Mahal


Agra was the chosen city of the Mughal emperors during the early years. It was here that the founder of the dynasty, Babur, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the River Yamuna. Here, Akbar, his grandson, raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort. Within its walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens. Shahjahan embellished it with marbled mosques, palaces and pavillions of gem-inlaid white marble. Agra is globally renown as the city of the Taj Mahal, a monument of love and imagination, that represents India to the world.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Travel in Lombok Indonesia

The island of Lombok which means 'Chilli' in Indonesian is located to the east of Bali. From the small black sand bays of Sengiggi, some of the most spectacular sunsets on the planet can be witnessed. The pace of life is slow to the point of stopping and the southern coast of Lombok has some of the most stunning beaches in Indonesia. From silhouetted palms, to mist ringed volcanoes, Lombok island is a haven of natural beauty and just the ticket for getting away from it all which explains the recent popularity of Lombok in recent years. Most tourists make the trip to here to get away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Bali and enjoy the serene beaches.

The flight from Bali to Lombok’s Mataram airport takes just 30 minutes but upon arrival its like stepping into a different era altogether. Getting around is quite convenient with reasonably priced Bemo (converted minivans) or the tourist favourite Cidomo (horse pulled cart).

The local inhabitants of Lombok are called Sasaks. They speak Indonesian as well as their local Sasak language. The other main ethnicity’s include Balinese, Chinese, Arabian, and Javanese. Lombok has three main districts with three capital cities: Mataram in the west, Praya in central and Selong in east Lombok. The majority of commerce is in the capital city of Mataram in west Lombok.

When it comes to souvenirs from Lombok, its a choice between their woven textiles or potteries which is being exported throughout the world. There are also many traditional handicrafts you could take back as a souvenir i.e; wooden masks, baskets made out of ketak grass, wooden boxes designed with bits of shells, or other things made from bamboo or rattan.

At the end of the day, Lombok's charm truly lies in its century-old, tranquil coastal areas with virgin white beaches and green mountains.

Some of the major attractions are:
  • Mt. Rinjani
  • Sendanggile Waterfalls
  • Gili Islands
  • Mayura Water Palace
  • Masbagik Village
  • Narmada Palace
  • Pura Meru Temple
  • Lombok Pottery & Weaving
  • Sasak Village
  • Mataram Museum

Trabel in Pattaya Thailand

Pattaya is a small coastal city located on the east coast of Thailand or about 165km southeast of Bangkok. Once a sleepy fishing town, it is now renowned for its exciting nightlife, street shopping and most famous for its go-go and beer bars, it's also one of Thailand's best locations for all manner of sports and water activities.

When it comes to wholesome family activities, there is none other than visiting the beaches or half-day island hopping. The 2 more notable beaches are Pattaya Beach and Jomtien Beach.

The main downtown area is definately all within walking distance and easy to get around. The highlight of the day would be the closure of South Pattaya Road between 6pm-2am daily to be transformed into the ever famous Walking Street which is in itself a major tourist attraction for all the food, shopping and nightlife. The safest and easiest way to travel around in the evening is by songthaews (pickup trucks converted to buses) which will cost approximately about 10 baht for foreingers. The largest shopping centre with modern shops and facilities would be Royal Garden Plaza located adjacent to the Pattaya Marriott Hotel.

Some of the other major attractions are:
  • Underwater World Pattaya
  • Oasis Seaworld
  • Elephant Village
  • Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
  • Buddha Hill

Travel in Bangkok Thailand

Ahh.. Bangkok... one of the most exciting and populated city in Asia. Upon arrival and while making the trip into town from the airport, you will a good impression of the city. You will be greeted by numerous high-rise buildings and busy expressways which stretches for miles.

Bangkok in recent years have embraced westernization and modernization but it still remain a very true to their traditional values and culture which makes this city an ideal tourist destination. In between all the skyscrapers and modern shopping centres, there's still the remarkable Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Dawn and many more grand monuments to awe your senses.

Getting about the city might be slow going due to all the traffic, but at least it's cheap and there's plenty of options. There is a comprehensive bus service that will take you all over the city in varying degrees of comfort, but the price is never more than about 25 Baht, and can be only 3.5 baht on the ordinary buses. Even when going from one side of central Bangkok to another, a taxi fare is rarely above 120 Baht, the only real exception being the journey to and from the airport.



There are canal and river boats that effectively act as buses on the waterways, which are also very cheap and fast. The Khlong Saen Saep Canal Boats, in particular, are sadly underused by tourists as they provide a very quick and useful service, right across the city from Sukhumvit to Siam Square to Banglamphu for only 10 Baht or so.

The best place to shop is at the Chatuchak Weekend Wholesale Market. This is a shoppers dream come true where everything from cheap souvenirs, clothes, handicrafts to antique reproductions and even exotic animals can be found here. The maze of narrow alley ways is not for the claustrophobic as a minimum of space is reserved for walkways and wallets and purses should be closely guarded. A good sense of navigation would also help as its not easy to look for a shop again if youve given up on a purchase. Bring cash only and be prepared to literally shop till you drop. Open from 9am-6pm and easily accessible by Sky Train exit at Mo Chit Station. Other wholesale markets include the garment market in Pratunam and Sum Pang in Chinatown. You can find all sorts of T-shirts, clothes and accessories at very affordable price but dont expect to find any high fashionable items here.

Opened in 2003, the Suan Lum Night Bazaar on wireless road is Bangkoks latest addition to the night market scene. The choices here are endless and although prices are slightly higher the experience is much more comfortable than the weekend Chatuchak market. Most stalls are opened from 6pm and some stay open till 10 pm while al fresco cafes are around till past 11 pm.

Khao San Road offers everything to suit all budgets from internet cafes, stalls selling second hand goods, jewellery and tie-dye to cosy boutiques and travel agencies offering competitively priced air-tickets. Restaurants spill out onto the streets creating a very laid back atmosphere. Formerly devoted solely to the student/backpacker market, in recent years, this area has changed much of its image to accommodate many different tastes and budgets.

Bangkok is decentralized to a much greater degree than western cities, and it makes identifying the city center a tricky task. Perhaps the most commonly accepted area is the Siam Square area, but it could also be thought of as the Silom road district or the Ratchaprasong area. No area is really dominant, and you can be confident that wherever you are there will be huge shopping malls, restaurants and the like nearby.

When it comes to dining in Bangkok, the choices are endless. Thai restaurants are at every turn and corner and while the street hawkers are by far the most authentic in flavor there are many modern and pleasant restaurants venues of choice. Sukhumvit Road and Siam Square are definately a worthy visit for their array of food choices and restaurants.

Some of the notable must see attractions are:

  • Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
  • Wat Pho
  • Suan Lum Night Bazaar
  • Floating Market
  • Jim Thompson House
  • National Museum
  • Safari World
  • Chao Phraya River Cruise
  • Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Reason to Buy Travel Inserance

Reasons to buy travel insurance
1. Your flight has been cancelled.
2. Your bags are lost and your medication is in it. You need to have an emergency prescription filled.
3. Your passport and wallet are stolen, and you need emergency cash and a replacement passport.
4. You're involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available. You need medical evacuation.
5. You need to cancel your trip due to illness.
6. Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. You need your non-refundable expenses covered and to get to your destination.
7. You have a medical emergency in a foreign country.
8. A terrorist incident occurs in the city where you’re planning to visit and you want to cancel your trip.
9. A hurricane forces you to evacuate your resort, hotel or cruise.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is insurance that is intended to cover medical expenses and financial (such as money invested in nonrefundable pre-payments) and other losses incurred while traveling, either within one's own country, or internationally.

Temporary travel insurance can usually be arranged at the time of the booking of a trip to cover exactly the duration of that trip, or a more extensive, continuous insurance can be purchased from travel insurance companies, travel agents or directly from travel suppliers such as cruiselines or tour operators. However, travel insurance purchased from travel suppliers tends to be less inclusive than insurance offered by insurance companies.

Travel insurance often offers coverage for a variety of travelers. Student travel, business travel, leisure travel, adventure travel, cruise travel, and international travel are all various options that can be insured.

The most common risks that are covered by travel insurance are:

* Medical expenses
* Emergency evacuation/repatriation
* Trip cancellation/interruption
* Accidental death, injury or disablement benefit
* Overseas funeral expenses
* Curtailment
* Delayed departure
* Loss, theft or damage to personal possessions and money (including travel documents)
* Delayed baggage (and emergency replacement of essential items)
* Legal assistance
* Personal liability and rental car damage excess

Some travel policies will also provide cover for additional costs, although these vary widely between providers.

In addition, often separate insurance can be purchased for specific costs such as:

* pre-existing medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes)
* sports with an element of risk (e.g. skiing, scuba-diving)
* travel to high risk countries (e.g. due to war or natural disasters or acts of terrorism)

Common Exclusions:

* pre-existing medical conditions
* war or terrorism - but some plans may cover this risk
* injury or illness caused by alcohol or drug use

Usually, the insurers cover pregnancy related expenses, if the travel occurs within the first trimester. After that, insurance coverage varies from insurer to insurer.[1]

Travel insurance can also provide helpful services, often 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that can include concierge services and emergency travel assistance.

Typically travel insurance for the duration of a journey costs approximately 5-7% of the cost of the trip.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Singapore Zoological Garden

Travel In Songapore, Singapore Zoological Garden


In its lush jungle setting, Singapore’s renowned ‘open’ zoo is a haven for both animals and visitors. More than 2,000 creatures are housed in landscaped enclosures, with rock walls and streams replacing cages. Special attractions include Children’s World, where kids can interact with animals and enjoy excellent playgrounds, the six island Primate Kingdom, the sealion and penguin gallery, the air-conditioned polar bear exhibit and a miniature railway. Feeding shows take place throughout the day; favourites include the primates, reptiles, elephants and sealions. Among the zoo’s many endangered species is the world's largest colony of orangutans, with whom you can enjoy breakfast or afternoon tea if you book in advance through your hotel.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Singapore Attractions Jurong Bird Park

Jurong Bird Park






Southeast Asia's largest bird park Jurong BirdPark is home to over 8,000 birds of 600 species from all over the world. Highlights include the world's largest collection of Southeast Asian Hornbills and South American Toucans, and the world's second largest penguin exhibit. Daily shows include Breakfast with the Birds (9am- 11am), Birds 0f Prey, Penguin Feeding Time and the JBP All Stars Birdshow. Allow half a day to visit the main attractions.

Travel in London - Tower of London

About Tower of London

The ancient stones reverberate with dark secrets, priceless jewels glint in fortified vaults and ravens strut the grounds. The Tower of London, founded by William the Conquerer in 1066-7, holds some of the most remarkable stories from across the centuries. Despite a grim reputation as a place of torture and death, this powerful and enduring fortress has been enjoyed as a royal palace, served as an armoury and for a number of years even housed a zoo!

Gaze up at the massive White Tower, tiptoe through a kings’ medieval bedchamber and marvel at the priceless Crown Jewels. The famous Yeoman Warders have bloody tales to tell; stand where heads rolled and prisoners wept.

The Tower held many famous prisoners, from the highest levels of society; some in astonishing comfort and others less so… Visit the places of their confinement and read the graffiti left by prisoners from over 500 years ago.

From 26 July 2008 replicas of mighty siege weapons will be positioned in the Moat, you may even be able to help shoot one! Imagine what it was like to attack and defend this powerful fortress, learn the stories of the Tower under attack and of the soldiers who defended it.

Ice skating will also be available from November to January (specific dates yet to be confirmed).

Facilities

Opening Times Open all Year. Summer: 1 March - 31 October: Tues - Sat 09.00-18.00 / Sun - Mon 10.00-18.00. Last admission 17.00. Winter: 1 November - 28 February: Tues - Sat 09.00-17.00 / Sun - Mon 10.00-17.00. Last admission 16.00. The Tower is closed 24-26 December (inclusive) and 1 January.

Tower of London Address

Address:
London
London
EC3N 4AB
Telephone: 0844 4827777
Fax: +44 (0)20 7488 4153
Email:
Website: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/hireavenue/default.aspx

Singapore Tour


Singapore is the most fascinating country in South east Asia which offers great sights and attractions of Singapore. It has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday. While in Singapore, take a tour to Sentosa Island, view the giant Merlion in Sentosa to know about the rich history of Singapore. The city has an array of tour destinations such as Chinatown, Orchard Road, Parliament House, Raffles Hotel, Singapore River, Supreme Court and City Hall and lots more alongwith 63 small islands within its territorial waters.

A tour to Singapore also showcases an interesting blend of traditional Chinese, Malay and Hindu cultures that have established themselves on this wonderland. It offers visitors an extensive range of attractions from cultural, natural to culinary delights. Other tour excursions in Singapore include the Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park, which is the largest Bird Park in Asia.

Singapore Sightseeing
A multi-cultural destination with a rough history, Singapore has much more to offer than shopping and skyscrapers. In Singapore, you will find a lot more than a globalization such as the beautiful temples, vibrant markets, natural beaches, lush green forests, colorful festivals, dazzling nightlife and exquisite cuisine which would probably leave you wishing more on a vacation tour to Singapore.

City Day Sightseeing Tour
It is always an excellent idea to take an escorted full day sightseeing tour to Singapore. It will give you an excellent overview of the city and where the main tourist icons are located. Comfortable footwear and clothing is essential while exploring the city. The following places are must to visit on a day tour:
Bird Park
Botanic Gardens
Chinese Gardens
Catch Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) to get an overview of the island.
National Orchid Centre
Sentosa Island
Zoo
Night Sightseeing Tour
Grab the chance to take the family on a Singapore Zoo Night Safari Tour through the jungle. There you will spot nocturnal animals in their natural habitat, from fierce predators to timid forest dwellers. Then take the plunge to follow a walking trail with your guide to see the animals at closer quarters. At the Singapore Zoo there is also the option to enjoy dinner at the Ulu Ulu Safari. Restaurant.

Excursions
The tourists can also visit Malaysia, which is just in north of Singapore. Across the border from Singapore is Johor Bahru, the visitors can halt andshop there. Only a six hour bus ride from Singapore is Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is home to one of the world`s tallest buildings, the Petronas tower. They are a magnificent work of art. Only an hour ferry ride away from Singapore is Bintan. Bintan is part of Indonesia and is a beach resort. During the excursion, you can also visit Bali from Singapore which is very near to the city and also part of Indonesia.

Italy Vacations


Ah, Italy! Land of vineyards and pasta, Roman ruins and Renaissance palazzos. Italy is a country brimming over with cultural gems and deep-rooted history. Discover medieval hill towns and unspoiled fishing villages, thriving metropolises and romantic floating cities on a Cosmos Italy vacation. From the scenic charm of Tuscany and sparkling coastal waters to the snowcapped peaks of the magnificent Dolomites, an Italy vacation will satisfy your senses on every level.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Doha - Port of Al Ruwais




Before the advent of oil, the main revenue source in Qatar for many centuries was derived from pearl diving. Throughout the country, one can find monuments to the pearl industry, and one particularly spectacular one can be found at the old port of Al-Ruwais. There you can also see a number of beautiful old open-air mosques.

This Bahamas Hotel is a Favorite vacation spot

A favorite for bahamas vacations and a landmark of hospitality in Nassau since 1901, the British Colonial Hotel reopened as the British Colonial Hilton Nassau in October 1999. Hilton's 18-month, $ 68-million restoration converted the Timeless classic into a thoroughly modern luxury hotel. At the same time, the renovation preserved the hotel's historic resonance and enhanced its tropical charm.

The British Colonial has reigned continuously over the waterfront for 100 years, longer than any other hotel in town. Its classic-colonial architecture, prime eight-acre location on the site of Old Fort Nassau, and beachside swimming pool provided some of the most memorable backdrops in James Bond movie history. The hotel played key rolls in 1965's Thunderball and 1983's Never Say Never Again.

Today's British Colonial Hilton claims the only private beach at Nassau's city center. An ideal home base for vacationers, it offers not only the beach and a freshwater pool but lush tropical gardens, a full fitness center, and an on-site scuba-diving and snorkeling facility.

Equally suited for business travelers in "the Zurich of the Tropics," the hotel presides at the heart of Nassau's financial district, just 20 minutes from the Nassau International Airport.

The city itself has been reborn in recent years, due to millions of dollars in civic upgrades. The spruced-up Old World-style plaza - flanked by Nassau's Nineteenth-Century parliament buildings - brings a new sense of vibrancy to a downtown that still employs horse-drawn surreys and directs traffic with bobbies in trim white jackets and colorful pith helmets.

Of course Nassau still boasts the other attractions that make it one of the world's best vacation destinations: a well-preserved history, lively nightlife, great shopping, and amazing beaches. From the Hilton, guests can walk to duty-free shops, the Bay Street Straw Market, and Government House. A five-minute taxi ride leads to championship golf courses, two world-class casinos, and unlimited water sports.

The hotel's own renaissance encompassed all seven floors of the building, everything from the 291 guest rooms and 7.500 square feet of meeting space to the five restaurants and bars.

The 58 sixth-and seventh-story accommodations come with oversized desks, data ports, fax machines on request, and nightly turndown service - plus exclusive access to the Executive Lounge, a comfortable spot for a private check-in and checkout, complimentary breakfast, evening hors d'oeuvres, and drinks on an outdoor terrace