Famous Destinations in India

By Shikha Priyadarshini

India has always enticed the tourists with its mystical historic monuments, its serenading mountain peaks, its lively beaches, its holy pilgrimage sites, its diverse landscapes, its palate tantalizing food and the vibrant festivals. It treasures some of the priceless architectural gems, some of which are bestowed with the title of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Be it the forts and palaces of Rajasthan, the Himalayan peaks of Ladakh, the exquisite carvings of Ajanta and Ellora Caves, the backwaters of Kerala or the fun-filled beaches of Goa, India is just the starting point to a long happening track of adventure and leisure.

The first footsteps of travelers in India fall in Delhi, its capital city. Their tour commences from here and ends here on the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The state is not just famous for the umpteen number of world class facilities available and easy access to other locations from here, but also for its rich history engraved on the stones of many architectural marvels like Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Jama Masjid, etc. and temples like Lotus Temple, Birla Temple and Akshardham Temple. Apart from these popular tourist sites, there are also leisure parks, shopping destinations, museums, embassies, important institutions and organizations.

Enjoy shopping in the ethnic backdrop of Chandni Chowk or in the sky scraper malls of the state, have a leisure walk in the sprawling garden of five senses and taste the delectable delicacies of Delhi Haat, relax in a comfy suit in the luxury hotels and get set for a peek into the past as you enter the gigantic gates of Humayun Tomb, Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Come back in the evening to India Gate lawns to enjoy a picnic in the illuminated splendor.

After witnessing the distinctiveness of Delhi, come to experience the royalty of Rajasthan. Listen to the legends of valor, courage and liaisons of the sands from the rugged walls of the forts and grand ornamented palaces. The major attractions of Rajasthan are palaces such as Umaid Bhavan Palace, Hawa Mahal, Lake Palace and City Palace, forts like the Amer Fort and Jaisalmer Fort and religious sites such as Ajmer Shareif Dargah andDilwara Temples.

Sand Castles, heat waves, women in vibrant attires and heavy antique jewelery, men in large turbans and dhoti-kurta, camels wandering around or relaxing, are a characteristic sight in Rajasthan. The state is rich in art and culture. The folk music and dance of Rajasthan will make you tap you feet and shake a leg along with the ever-smiling and humble locals. If you visit the state during the festival season like Pushkar Fair, Summer Festival, Gangaur Festival or Camel Festival, you can catch the state in real action.

Moving from the architectural heritages of Rajasthan to the gaiety of Goa and its brilliant beaches. Goa is synonymous with parties, fun, food, churches and beaches. The shores of the golden beaches of Goa are aligned with groves of palm trees. There are all kinds of facilities available on the beaches to take full fun on the blue surf and golden sand like dinghy sailing, wind surfing and water skiing. Anjuna Beach and Dauna Paula Beach are the most popular beaches here. One can go for lavish cruises or enjoy the exciting night life on the beaches and explore the unlimited fun attached with the sand and the surf.

Going down south, after a splash in the waves of Goa, we find the quiet backwaters of Kerala. An unparalleled experience awaits you here, on this picturesque land known as 'God's Own Country'. Get on a houseboat and surrender yourself to the tranquility of the soothing waves, as your boat maneuvers through the network of narrow channels and lanes surrounded by a cluster of coconut trees from both the sides. Apart from the backwaters, Kerala is also known for adventure trails of Periyar Wildlife Sanctury, Ayurveda and other natural treatments, hill stations like Munnar, Wayanad, Idukki, Lakkadi and Peermade and delicious south Indian cuisine.

So, explore the magic of India, the treasure trove of travel destinations and remarkable attractions which will guarantee you an overflowing closet of memories, experiences and souvenirs.

Wildlife Holidays in New Zealand

By Isabella Olsen

New Zealand is a country surrounded by lush and beautiful scenery, the very reason why Peter Jackson chose it as the location for the famous Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. It has the distinction of being the last land mass on earth to be discovered, as well. Because of this, New Zealand has many amazing wildlife species, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Indeed, it is a great idea to spend wildlife holidays in New Zealand and enjoy many fun and unique ways of exploring and interacting with nature.

One of the most popular wildlife activities in New Zealand is bird watching. After all, before it was discovered, New Zealand was a land of birds, with only bats for mammal inhabitants. Today, it is still home to hundreds of species of birds, both flightless and capable of flight, as well as several migratory seabirds which are protected and can be viewed at various sanctuaries, zoos and bird parks.

Aside from bird watching, whale watching is also a popular part of wildlife holidays in New Zealand. Sperm whales, the largest of the toothed whales, can be seen all year round off the coast of Kaikoura while the smaller killer whales can be spotted from December to March and humpback whales can be seen in the months of June and July. According to experts, whales frequent the waters of New Zealand because of its deep underwater canyons and the right temperature of its currents.

There are opportunities for seal and penguin encounters, as well. Fur seal colonies are especially common on the rocky coastline of the South Island, or at Castlepoint and Cape Palliser on the North Island, although elephant seals and leopard seals have been known to come ashore, too. Little blue penguins or kororas, on the other hand, which are the world's smallest penguins, can be seen at Akaroa Harbour and Oamaru, while the rare yellow-eyed penguin or hoiho can be found on the Otago peninsula.

Swimming with dolphins is another popular wildlife activity, and is, in fact, one of the top-rated tourist activities in New Zealand, so make sure you try it during your wildlife holidays in New Zealand. Many consider this a privilege, as well, since dolphins are intelligent yet gentle creatures. There are many dolphin species in New Zealand, including the common dolphin, the bottle-nosed dolphin, the playful dusky dolphin and the Hector's dolphin, one of the rarest and smallest dolphin species in the world, which is exclusive to the waters of New Zealand.

Exploring the underwater wildlife in the network of marine reserves around New Zealand is recommended, too. These reserves consist of dive wrecks, kelp forests and sub-tropical reefs, all of which provide sanctuaries for hundreds of schools of fish. The most popular reserve is the Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve, which was also named by the legendary diver Jacques Costeau as one of the five best diving locations in the world.

There are also several places in New Zealand that offer an opportunity to go shark cage diving. After all, sharks frequent the New Zealand waters, too. The mako shark and the blue shark are the most common shark species in New Zealand, although the fearsome great white shark can also be found lingering in the Bay of Plenty, along with the giant stingray.

There are many excellent zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks to visit, too, such as the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, the Orana Wildlife Park, the Wellington Zoo and the Seahorse World Aquarium. Some of them even offer a chance to feed and pet the animals. After all, the purpose of these establishments is not just to persuade tourists to spend wildlife holidays in New Zealand, but more importantly, to help everyone understand and care for animals all over the world.

Kenya Safaris

By : African Safaris Ltd
A wonderful selection of African safaris and tours to Kenya that bring you closer to the wildlife and local culture from Samburu National Reserve in the north of Kenya to the world famous Masai Mara, in the south.

Kenya is famous for its high concentrations of wildlife. Kenya lies on the equator and shares common borders with Tanzania and Uganda, which make up the region of “East Africa”. Kenya is roughly the size of Texas or Spain. There are over 40 tribal ethnic groups, each with their own dialect though most people in the country speak Kiswahili as well as their own tribal language. English is commonly spoken in the major towns and at all lodges and hotels.

It hard to rival the range travel choices Kenya offers from scenic tours to cultural immersion; from lounging on pristine beach to adventure travel; from a broad range of sporting activities to an endless list special interest opportunities.

Panama City Beach

By : Eric Morris

With over 27 miles of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Panama City Beach boasts sugary white sand and impressive green waters. Panama City Beach provides pleasure for everybody; from swimming to sunning, from parasailing to jet skiing, from boating to fishing, from sailing to shopping, the list of adventures and the kind of thrills available at Panama City Beach are unlimited. Panama City Beach can be truly called ‘a well-groomed and well-maintained paradise,’ as it is sometimes referred to as.

Located in the Northwest portion of the state, Panama City Beach is rated the number one beach in the1995 survey of the world’s beaches and number four in America by The Travel Channel in 2000.

With its parks, restaurants, sand houses, wide variety of accommodations, sporting events, and water sports, Panama City Beach attracts all. The town’s beaches consistently rank high for their cleanliness, fishing, waves etc. Beach lovers come to Panama City Beach just to relax on its clean white sandy beaches and to participate in water sports like fishing and scuba diving.

A variety of choices await the boating or sailing enthusiast -- a high-speed powerboat ride or a leisurely sail aboard a pirate ship or a dreamy dinner cruise yacht. Shell Island, popular for shelling, beaching and snorkeling, is a popular destination for many who choose to sail these waters.

The best of Panama beach attractions lie on the Front Beach Road, which includes Museum of Man and the Sea, Coconut Creek Family Fun Park, and Gulf World Marine Park. Aaron Bessant Park across from Dan Russell Pier and M.B. Miller Country Pier is another popular attraction in Panama City Beach. Junior Museum, which focuses on history, science, environment and cultural studies, is one adventure place worth visiting.

Nightlife in bars and clubs are lively, especially during the popular ritual called Spring Break. Other entertainment in Panama City Beach involves ocean music concerts and comedy shows, both which are popular with visitors.

Fiji Vacation Special

By: Kent Pinkerton

A Fiji cruise vacation is definitely worth going on. These cruise vacations come with a variety of themes, so to make the trip to the lovely islands of Fiji is an experience that you will remember.

Fiji can be considered to be the crossroads and the central hub of the south Pacific islands. Those on a Fiji cruise vacation are sure to get spoiled with the pure, natural, and cultural experience offered by the localities here. In fact, once you complete a Fiji cruise vacation, the longest lasting memory of the Fiji cruise vacation is the smiling facts of the Fijian friends you made on your cruise vacation.

When on a Fiji cruise vacation, you can choose the itinerary and theme of the cruise. This is because there are many destinations in Fiji, and by choosing the itinerary, you can experience a Fiji cruise vacation that suits your tastes. There are honeymoon cruises, Fiji ecotourism cruises, family sailing vacations, water sports, and kite boarding safaris.

Whatever choice you make for your Fiji cruise vacation, you will find that you will be immersed in a natural tropical wilderness area around you. You wake up to a new anchorage every morning to find beautiful, palm-fringed white-sand beaches. When on a Fiji cruise vacation, it is not necessary to have any sailing experience. There are short day trips for the inexperienced sailors that go behind the barrier reef into smooth waters. The more experienced sailors can go on an overnight, offshore passage to one of the distant and remote islands of Fiji.

When on an ecotour Fiji cruise vacation, you get to participate in a traditional experience. You are taken to visit untouched villages to learn and witness the lifestyle of the Fijians. They share hospitality that makes it worth visiting firsthand. You can also customize your Fiji cruise vacation according to your preferences. There are the sunset cocktails, gourmet theme dinners, dancing till sunrise, relaxing in a hammock at the beach, wreck snorkeling, beachcombing, and the list goes on and on.

Cultural And Historical Tourism

By Bill Pratt

Cultural tourism is referred to the kind of tourism, which is concerned with the culture of a specific region or country, particularly in the arts. It basically focuses on the traditional communities that have diverse customs as well as the forms of art and the distinct social practices that distinguish a certain culture from the others.

It would include tourism in the urban areas and even the historic and large cities, including facilities like theaters and museums. It also includes this in the rural areas, which showcase the traditions of the indigenous cultural communities like festivals and rituals, as well as their personal values and lifestyle. Generally, these tourists spend more than then the standard tourists do, since they usually have a program that would have them traveling to the cultural and historical sites, as well as living with the families for a certain period of time and even some language training. This kind of is actually becoming more popular in Europe.

Another closely related kind is cultural heritage tourism, which is a branch that is oriented towards understanding the heritage of a specific area or region. This is essential because of different reasons. It creates a positive impact economically and socially. It helps in the establishment and reinforcement of identity. It also helps to preserve a country or region's cultural heritage, since this is an instrument, which facilitates understanding and harmony among people. It is able to support the development of culture and can help in the renewal of tourism.

Top 5 Dubai Holiday Activities

By Rosella Colella

Dubai may exude a general aura of glitz, glamour and gob-smacking building projects, but many underestimate the simple good fun that can be had on a Dubai holiday. Here are the top five entertaining Dubai activities.

Dune Bashing

Bundle yourself and your friends into a four-wheel drive and hold on tight as the driver fearlessly speeds you off onto the dusty desert dunes for the bumpiest ride of your life!

This is an exciting Dubai excursion, not for the faint-hearted, although thoroughly enjoyed by many children - it really depends on your propensity for adventure. Dune bashing can be combined with a number of other desert-related Dubai activities such as quad biking, camel rides, barbeque and belly dancing for a truly fantastic day out.

Wild Wadi

The Wild Wadi water park is part of the Jumeirah Beach Resort. Residents of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel have unlimited access but anyone can visit for a real Dubai holiday treat.

You'll feel like a carefree child as you battle the 1.5 metre wave machine, swish through endless tunnels and water shoots and - if you're feeling brave - mount the largest water slide outside North America - all in the brilliant sunshine!

Additional benefits to this Dubai excursion include Wild Wadi snacks including tasty burgers - made all the more delicious by ravenous swimmer's hunger - and a host of unusual extras such as surfing machines and an 18 foot waterfall that goes off every ten minutes to scare the kids! The fearful should watch out, though, for the rather scary 'tunnel of doom'.

Champagne Brunch

Most Dubai residents work hard from Sunday to Thursday - then party hard on their treasured days off! Friday brunches, which take place all over the city, are a very chilled afternoon out and sociable Dubai luxury holiday activity. Most start around 12pm and go on until at least 3pm, sometimes into the evening.

Yalumba restaurant's indulgent champagne brunch at Dubai's Le Meridien Hotel is renowned for its unlimited Bollinger champagne, sushi, lobster, a la carte options and sinfully sweet desserts. This is one of the swankiest Dubai activities and guests often dress up for an afternoon of glamorous mingling in the sunshine.

Shopping at the Mall of Emirates

It seems as though nothing can exist in Dubai without being the largest, tallest or best of something, and Dubai's Mall of Emirates is no exception. This mammoth building - the mall takes around 6.5 million square feet - has the title of the largest shopping mall in the Middle East.

The Mall of Emirates is a popular meeting place and is packed with a huge variety of shops, from designer gear to local goods to your regular high street outlets, as well as a large supermarket and plenty of spots to eat, drink and take part in yet more extraordinary Dubai activities. The perfect place to shop your heart out on a Dubai luxury holiday.

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai offers the super-surreal experience of skiing in the desert on real snow and - if you're brave - charging down the world's first indoor black run slope! This mountain resort-themed ski centre is massively enjoyable as a special Dubai excursion or simply as part of your shopping trip, as Ski Dubai is actually inside the Mall of Emirates.

One of the largest indoor ski resorts in the world (no surprises there then), with 22,500-square metres of indoor ski area, Ski Dubai is kept at a chilly -1º to -2º. But don't worry - the necessary thermal gear is handed out to visitors at the entrance, along with a set of skis or a snowboard. Afterwards head to Ski Dubai's stylish St Moritz Café to top off this luxury Dubai holiday experience with après-ski cocktails or a slap-up meal.

Adventure Holidays in Australia

By Isabella Olsen

With its amazing wildlife and spectacular natural landscapes, it is no wonder that Australia is known as the outdoor adventure capital of the world or that many tourists come every year to spend adventure holidays in Australia. If you're planning one, here are some of the most exciting outdoor activities you can look forward to.

Diving - Australia is surrounded by many reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef on the northeast side, the largest coral reef in the world which stretches on for roughly 2,600 kilometres, and the Ningaloo Reef on the western side. These two reefs provide food and sanctuary for many colorful and interesting fishes, including whale sharks, doplhins and manta rays, and also create magnificent underwater spectacles which are certainly worth a diving expedition.

Kayaking and Canoeing - If you'd rather stay on top of the water's surface, that's fine, too, since there are many kayaks and canoes you can hire during your adventure holidays in Australia. You can go to the Bellinger river, for example, and book one of the many canoe trips there, which are available even at night under the light of the full moon. You can also go sea kayaking around Tasmania, one of the most picturesque islands of Australia.

Hiking - Australians are fond of hiking. In fact, they like it so much that they invented their own term for it - bushwalking. This is one activity you can certainly have fun doing, particularly in the Blue Mountains or Kakadu National Park. The Blue Mountains is just a 90-minute drive from Sydney and is littered with cozy cafes and surrounded by panoramic views. Though smaller, the Kakadu National Park up north is equally spellbinding, with rainforests and wetlands where you can easily lose yourself.

Skiing - Unlike most countries, winter in Australia occurs between June and August. It offers the same myriad of winter activities, though, including skiing. Skiing is especially popular in Victoria, which has over a hundred ski-runs in ten different alpine resorts, as well as in Tasmania, which is the state of Australia closest to Antarctica. In spite of its freezing weather, many tourists still come to enjoy winter in Tasmania, which offers breathtaking views of frosted rainforests, shimmering lakes and snow-capped majestic mountains.

Rock climbing and rappelling - Australia is littered with remarkable rock formations, especially on the eastern side, which make it a perfect place for rock climbing and rappelling - two of the most popular activities in Australia which you should give a shot at for more exciting adventure holidays in Australia. These rock formations vary in rock type. Some are made of sandstone while others are made of limestone, granite or rhyolite. They vary in difficulty, too, so whether you are a beginner or an expert climber, you should be able to find your own favorite rock to climb. After enjoying the view from the top, you can take your time rappelling or abseiling down.

Bungee jumping - Bungee jumping is not for the faint of heart, but it can definitely be a memorable experience. Choose from many different bungee jumping establishments, along with various tourist packages. Most offer body harnesses for the utmost safety while some offer leg harnesses for genuine thrill-seekers. Aside from the adrenaline rush, you're sure to enjoy the views, as well - if you keep your eyes open, that is.

Skydiving - You can enjoy even more stunning views if you go skydiving. In fact, if the freefall experience isn't enough to take your breath away, the views of Australia from thousands of feet above surely will. And since life, as they say, is measured by the moments that take your breath away, your adventure holidays in Australia is guaranteed to be a worthwhile experience, if not one of the best you'll ever have.

Holiday in Indonesia - Bali Beaches

Bali Vacations Guide

By Nyoman Dresta

There are many different reasons on why you decide to plan your Bali vacation. It might be that you have been working hard and decide that it is a good time to get a refreshing moment, or you are eager to please your loved one to go on the second honeymoon.

No matter what your reason is for planning your Bali vacation, it is a good decision to know what items need to be carried on your vacation. Making the list of possessions to take to Bali is important so you will not miss a thing. It is amazing that only few people spend some of their time, planning and creating a list of items they want to take on their vacations.

You should sit and spend some time to make a plan, so you can decide your luggage content precisely. This is an example how to plan your belonging, based on your destination.

Activity #1: Spend the Whole Afternoon at the Beach
There are many beautiful beaches in Bali such as Kuta Beach and Sanur Beach. You should visit these beaches during your Bali vacations. Do not forget that you should take a couple of things with you. However, first you need to ask yourself what you will do at the beach.

I presume that you will spend the whole afternoon at the beach, sunbathing and surfing. If so, then you should consider taking sun block, glasses, and a surfing board.

Activity #2: City and Village Tour
Ubud is one of the most famous Balinese villages. If you love art and paintings, this could be the best place to visit. There are also many other beautiful villages that you can visit in Bali.

If you plan to take the city and village tour, you should bring these things: Map, calculator, credit card, camera, cell phone, hat or cap, and sun glasses.

Those are the primary things you need to take to Bali, based on the activities done on your Bali vacations. You should develop the list as you plan to do more things in Bali. Without carrying appropriate gears, your vacation may not be as beautiful as you have planned. So, make sure to sit down and make your Bali vacation plan properly.

Bali Beaches picture

Bali Beaches


Bali Beaches Image

Holiday in Thailand - Phuket Beach

By Matt Crook

While Phuket may have at one time been the backpackers' destination of choice, the island has evolved to become a fun-filled tourist destination with all the trimmings, making it a viable contender for Southeast Asia's best holiday spot. Families, couples, groups of friends and solo travelers will all find various activities in Phuket to keep them entertained during their time on the island.

While Phuket certainly doesn't have the beaches and waves of Bali, there is an active surfing community on the island who make it out to the waves at every possible opportunity. What's even better is that the best time to go surfing in Phuket is during low season when there are less people around and the beaches aren't crowded.

Surfing is one of the Phuket's fastest growing activities and there are several beaches vying for your attention if you want to hang 10 in Phuket. The locals will tell you that best beach for surfing in Phuket is Kata Beach. The waves can get pretty high and there are boards and tuition available at the beach.

There are other beaches also worth checking out if you want to try this fun Phuket activity for yourself. Kata Noi Beach is another hotspot, and some people swear by the likes of Kalim Beach and Laem Singh Beach. If you have a little time on your hands, you should definitely explore all of Phuket's beaches and check the surf out.

Phuket is an established diving destination. It's regarded as one of the world's 10 best places to go diving. Visibility can peak at 45 meters and the water surface temperature is usually a warm 28ºC or thereabouts.

For diving around the coast of Phuket, Shark Point is usually a good place to start. Shark Point is aptly named because divers often report sightings of leopard sharks. Nearby is the King Cruiser wreck, which is the site of where an 85-meter catamaran ferry sank. Exploring the wreckage is one of the most exciting Phuket activities you can experience. Just north of Shark Point is Anemone Reef - a huge rock covered in sea anemones.

If you prefer to get your kicks on dry land, fear not, because there are lots of Phuket activities that don't require you to get wet. Phuket has bungee jumping, go-karting, shooting ranges, bowling, cinemas, Nature trails and lots more.

If you do a bit of research before you travel to the island, the number of Phuket activities on offer means that you should never find yourself bored or homesick.

Phuket Beach Picture

Phuket Beach

Phuket Beach Image