Thailand Travel - December Events

December is a great time to take a trip to Thailand as the area is packed full of celebrations, festivities, and holiday traditions. Over eleven million people travel to this great country each year, and December is one of the busiest months for tourism.

The Ayutthaya World Heritage and Red Cross Fair takes place in Mid December at the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Histirical Park. There are exhibits, booths, a showcase of Buddhist art open to tourists, and a food fair. This is for sure a great family event that the whole gang will enjoy.

Late December is the Star Of David festival that celebrates Christmas, the holidays, and even Santa! There are beautiful light displays, religious displays, and a parade. See religious statues and set ups like you won't believe. This area has some of the prettiest holiday decorations you will ever see.

The 7th annual Chantaburi World Gem Show will take place this month. See stunning gems and one of a kind jewelry creations. Brag to your friends about all the great treasures you will see on display.

December 5th will be the celebration of the King's birthday, his majesty will be turning 83! There will be a fun ceremony followed by a festival of music. Expect a big turnout for this event.

The Laguna Phuket Triathlon takes place in December. This is an "iron man" competition with contestants from all around the world. Watch the competition as the competitors swim, cycle, and run a marathon.

One of the most popular celebrations of the year is Thailand's New Year Countdown. There are celebrations is almost every area, but Bangkok goes all out. If you attend one of these celebrations you can expect classical dance performances, folk songs from the many provinces, and musical concerts. It's a sight to see and everyone enjoys themselves.

The great country of Thailand has amazing white beaches, blue clear water, and lush tropical rainforest. If you are one of the many tourists who visits this year, don't forget to turn out to one of the many parties, gatherings, and festivals. The people are friendly, and there are many free and low cost things to do.

Yukorn Chanmanee: http://www.thhotelbooking.com/

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The Development of Tourism in Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea is a small country in the Western part of Africa. It makes up for its relatively small size with its rich vegetation and the beautiful picturesque scenery that is abundant across this amazing country.

The tropical forests and snow capped mountains add to the beauty of the place. It attracts tourists from all corners of the world to this country full of culture and breathtaking scenery.

The capital city is Malabo, which is in the Bioko Island, overlooking the gigantic volcano referred as Pico Malabo Volcano. It is a Spanish colonial town, that is filled with lively friendly people, and lovely flora and fauna, each coexisting in harmony.

The neighboring town of Luba, is about an hour's drive away. It has some of the world's best white beaches and sights that will take your breath away. Bata, the main town in this area has some of the best beaches in this side of the world. Mbini is a must see destination with tourists amazed by its beauty.

The Bioko islands are filled with hills and mountains that are becoming more and more popular with tourists. Many come here looking for adventure and find that the challenge of climbing and exploring these mountains is unlike any other experience in the world.

There are plenty of hiking trails, which are led by guides who are familiar with the tropical forests and the rough terrain around the area. If you are lucky enough to get a permit from the government you are able to get up close to the Pico Malabo volcano.

Monte Alen national park is a national preserve that is a well kept secret in Equatorial Guinea. It consists of nearly 1400 square kilometers of stunning scenery, with an abundance of wildlife and natural habitation.

Visitors can walk along the trail within the national park, spot the evasive Gorillas or maybe the crocodiles lurking about in the ponds. There are also varied species of African elephant, lions and other wildlife. Since the place is like a desert, it could gets very hot and so it is advisable to carry enough water and be prepared for long walks.

Ureca is another popular tourist destination. This is where the turtles come on to the shore to lay their eggs. Though there aren't many cottages or canopies for visitors to lounge in, it does have a few guest houses where tourists can spend a day or two, hiking in the jungles nearby or just soaking in the sun.

Unlike other beaches around the world, the sand here is pristine white, and so smooth, that it will flow through your hands like silk.

If you drive down a few hundred kilometers you will reach the beautiful gulf of Guinea. It stretches all the way to the Pacific Ocean and so one gets to witness not just one but two oceans coming together.

It is little wonder that Equatorial Guinea is growing in popularity each year as a tourist destination. It is a beautiful unspoilt country that leaves a lasting impression on those tourists lucky enough to have visited it.

Unlike other beaches around the world, the sand in Equatorial Guinea is pristine white, and so smooth, that it will flow through your hands like silk. If you drive down a few hundred kilometers you will reach the beautiful gulf of Guinea. It stretches all the way to the Pacific Ocean and so one gets to witness not just one but two oceans coming together. It is little wonder that Equatorial Guinea is growing in popularity each year as a tourist destination staying in holiday rentals. It is a beautiful unspoilt country that leaves a lasting impression on those tourists lucky enough to have visited it and stayed in holiday cottages.

Holidaying in Thailand

Thailand shares its borders with Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Malaysia. It presents ample opportunities to discover to the tourist. One can travel and explore the country by any means sea, air or road, whichever means suit the traveler's pocket. Thailand is divided into four key regions, namely North, Central Plain or the Chao Phraya River Basin, North East (Korat Plateau) and South or Southern Peninsula. Thailand holidays are synonymous with complete freedom to live, learn and enjoy. So in Thailand you actually enjoy like a free bird. When a person comes to this beautiful country for a vacation, he can expect to see plethora of breathtaking sights and spots to behold such as the country's beaches, culture, and heritage areas. Well-known for its out of this world natural beauty, stirring temples, and the finest beaches of the world, Thailand is one of the best, most economical places for a seaside vacation. Thailand's beaches and islands offer a mixture of thrill, unusual locales, recreation, entertainment and leisure that one longs for. From Stupa-studded Mountains of Mae Hong Son to the limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, from dance clubs of Bangkok to the tranquil villages, Thailand has enough to offer to every type of traveler.

A bountiful land replete with green rice paddy field, heritage palaces and well known temples, modern Thailand may come as a nice surprise for the international traveler. Thailand presents traditional architecture with a picturesque backdrop of beaches and islands. It has shop-till-you-drop kind of extravagant and budget malls and shopping centers. It offers amazing variety of local foods and gourmet cuisine. Exotic hills, tribe villages, age old ruins for the touch with history, it has everything what a traveler can ask for.

Air travel to Thailand is the chosen mode for most travelers with majority opting to arrive through Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport, connected by daily flights to almost all-major airlines. Trains links are also present between Singapore and Bangkok with intermediary stops at Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth and major southern Thai towns.

Phuket, Koh Samui, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Chang and Koh Samet are favorite stops in this rich and vibrant country. Accessible by boat, places such as Krabi, Koh Libong, Koh Hai offer beautiful landscape for photographic memoirs of Thailand as a tour destination. Pattaya and Bangkok are famous for local and international products like hand-embroidered/woven fabrics, decoration pieces, jewelry, house hold items, souvenirs, exotic foods etc.

Author is an associate editor for Holidays International. Get all possible information about Thailand Travel Packages and International Holidays Packages. We also provide information about online hotel reservation, Holiday Packages in India and Flights Booking in India.

Top Travel Destinations in Europe - A Brief List

Europe is a beautiful place to visit. There are a number of locations of historical interests as well as scenic beauty, if you want a little change in the daily monotonous routine of life. Moreover, Europe is an ideal place for a long vacation as well. But Europe is so large and developed a continent with many attractions that the variety itself is enough to confuse those planning a visit. Here is a brief list to help you chose a suitable destination.

London

It is a historical city. The tourist will find such a large number of attractions that he will rather be bewildered. You may be attracted towards St. Paul's Cathedral. Many are spell bound by the beautiful sunset as viewed from the Waterloo Bridge. The Tower of London Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace - all are noteworthy. The visitors to London are fascinated by the medieval architecture.

Rome

Rome is known for its artistic and aesthetic achievements that are scattered all over and never fail to attract a tourist. As far as the aesthetic and artistic tastes of Romans are concerned, they even seem to be leading the entire Europe. Who can forget the masterpieces by Michelangelo and a number of other artists? Sistine Chapel is famous in the whole world and people visiting Rome never forget to visit it. There are a number of masterpieces produced by Romans in the field of music, theatre, history, architecture, and culture.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is famous all over the world for the delicious food served in its restaurants. While passing through the streets, you will breathe in the tantalizing aromas of several kinds of foods prepared and served in its restaurants. The people of this city seem to be great food lovers.

Moreover, you can watch a life rich with cultural activities when you mix up with the local people. You will also come across several reminiscences of Amsterdam's history. The outdoor markets, beautiful canals and wide flower spreads will not fail to attract you.

Moreover, the capital of Germany is full of flourishing businesses as well as artists. The beautiful greenery in the Southwest Berlin, the historic center of Mitte is one of the major centers of attraction for tourists. Another one is Prenzlauer Berg located in the northeast.

Vienna

Vienna is often referred to as one of the most beautiful of all the capitals in Europe. Art, economics and even politics in Vienna are quite rich in traditions. This respect for traditions is rarely found in the modern world today.

Florence

This highly charming city of Europe is known for its small but luxurious accommodations, stylish eating houses, and a rich and impressive display of Tuscan hospitality.

Venice

The environment in this city oozes romance. You can spot a number of honeymooners over here. Moreover, it is easy to spot couples over bridges. There are several canals in Venice. The nooks, crannies and even the intriguing Venetian architecture provide a kind of a little heaven to the love birds.

Barcelona

It is almost a curious kind of a combination of Spanish art, fashion, life styles especially the food habits etc.

A Few More European Attractions

Paris

Paris is famous all over the world chiefly for the large number of fashion designers and fashion shows. Almost 24 million people visit Paris every year. Apart from the fashion industry, there are a number of other attractions that attract the tourists. There are a number of museums as well as monuments famous all over the world.

Some of these are as listed below.

Eiffel Tower

It is one of the most beautifully built monuments of Europe. It is almost a peerless landmark as far as European architecture is concerned. Eiffel Towel is always in the lime light whether it is the sight of Cruise and Holmes proposal or the highlight in almost innumerable Paris postcards.

Arc de Triomphe

Though it cannot be compared with Eiffel Tower, it does provide some of the best views of the city and is among the major attractions for the tourists. A large number of people touring Europe come here ever year to enjoy the magnificent views of the city.

Louvre Museum

It is one of the most famous museums not only of Europe, but the entire world. It is here than an art love will find Mona Lisa, the masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci.

Centre Pompidou

Even the modern art lovers will not be disappointed. Centre Pompidou is a magnificent work of art in itself. It offers multiple activities such as films, concerts and a number of shows based upon various types of art.

Cite des Sciences at de l'Industrie

It is an interactive museum that can satisfy your curiosities if you are more interested in Science rather than art.

Bibhash Sharma is an expert writer for a variety of subject matters, including internet, web design and development, computer technology, internet marketing etc. Please visit http://www.obiyanits.com to browse his present activities.

Enjoy the Beach of Phuket

Phuket Island is a little paradise in South Thailand which is hailed for its fine looking beaches and landscapes. Kingdom of Thailand is an exotic country with the ideal combination of living culture, warm tropical weather, and a lavish gorgeous natural environment. Phuket Island is not only found on tourism brochures, this graceful island is also frequently found in movie screens. Phuket presents so many beautiful beaches that certainly would attract a lot of holidaymakers. With its fantastic natural beauty, no question Phuket gets the choice for film scenes production.

You will be able to find numerous Hollywood films filmed in Phuket Island. It ranges from James Bond movies to Bridget Jones, and off course the box office The Beach starred by Leonardo DiCaprio. You are able also feel the same ambience the Hollywood stars feel while you are visiting Phuket. This island and surrounded little islands have extraordinary luxury Phuket villas that become the choice of world famed celebrities to stay. If you want first class accommodation and the top grade views, you can rent one of Phuket villas. You can easily find luxury villas near all Phuket beach. Since most villas are beachfront, it gives you easy access to private beach and off course five stars rated facilities.

Do you want something more private and luxurious? Well you are able to select several of the top rated private Phuket villas. You can find them in many little islands surrounding Phuket, including the famous Phi Phi Island. Yes, this is the very same island as appeared in The Beach. This is a great choice to sense the same romance in good looking beach as featured in The Beach movie. Really got hit on movie buffs? Don't forget that Phuket also has Phuket International Film Festival this year. So, call your travel agent and book one of the best Phuket villas for your best Phuket experience.

Dharma serves as online marketing consultant of Phuket Villas and Phuket Villa

Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Connecticut - A Great Vacation and Travel Destination

If you live in Connecticut or will be traveling through and have kids then you must make time for a visit to the Stepping Stones Museum for Children. Parents usually want a way to keep their kids entertained when they are traveling or visiting relatives and this museum will help them do just that. The museum is specially designed for children 10 years old and younger. This hands on museum allows kids to learn and have fun in the five different interactive exhibits. There are also educational workshops and performances that help kids keep having fun and learning new things.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children has also been named as one of America's Top 50 Children's Museums, which makes it worthwhile to check out and even visit regularly if you are in driving distance. There are four main galleries that are for children up to age 10 and then one area that is specifically for toddlers. The museum offers kids up to 100 different activities to enjoy, which is a lot to do in one day and leaves plenty to explore during future visits.

This museum focuses on learning by doing, which kids do best, and every activity and exhibit at the museum is designed specifically with kids in mind and they way they learn. There is one whirlpool exhibit that teaches kids about the water cycle and another that allows them to build a house to learn more about construction and design. One exhibit that is popular with kids is the one where they learn more about tropical rainforests and how to conserve them.

Another great aspect of Stepping Stones Museum for Children is that it located in Mathews Park, so families can get outside, play in the grass, and even have a picnic! The building itself has also won awards and it is an exhibit in itself. The tower draws kids in immediately since the windows make up eyes, ears, and a mouth while a sundial makes the nose and a birdcage makes a hat.

There is a café where you can eat lunch or enjoy the park with a picnic of your own. Feel free to let the kids play on the playground called Devon's Place to get some of their energy out before heading home for the day. Admission is $9 and kids under 1 are free. Visit soon because it will be an experience of a lifetime!

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business since the 1970's on the C64, AMIGA, and WINDOWS Computer Systems. He has won magazine awards for the 'Game of the Month', and more, in several European computer magazines.

Dog and Cat Facts

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Sailing Solo Or on the Prowl - Either Way is Fun on Singles Cruises

Are you single and loving it or all alone and looking for someone?

Whatever - if you go on a singles cruise you'll be sure to enjoy yourself. Singles cruises are geared towards singles. And whether you want to fly solo and have a great vacation or meet a lot of new people, a singles cruise will work for you.

Are you a hermit or a socialite?

Many people enjoy their status as a single, and wish to keep it that way on their vacations. If that's you, singles cruises can be a perfect solution! If you're a single just looking to relax with negligible disruptions, these cruises have options that can facilitate this craving.

You can enjoy the spas, leisurely lounge on the deck, or sun by the pool - there are a multitude of ways to relax in solitude if that's your goal.

On the other hand, other singles go on singles cruises for the exact opposite reason. They want to party - make new friends and meet other singles.

In this case singles cruises are like floating singles resorts. There are tons of group activities like dances and concerts - or you can just hang out with your new buddies and/or lovers.

It's so easy to find people with common interests. When you disembark the cruise you will have made a lot of new friends that you'll be in touch with for a long, long time.

Where To Make Reservations

When it comes to destinations singles cruises are no different than other cruises. These cruises can take you just about anywhere you can dream of - Alaska, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Greece, Hawaii, and Japan.

Chances are any cruise line that offers regular cruises will also offer at least one singles cruise as an option. So check out some of your favorite cruise companies like Costa, Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Line and you'll find that they'll all be able to meet your needs.

Spending Like A Single

One of the big perks about singles cruises is that you'll get most of the entertainment and amenities that you'd get on standard cruises but they're only a fraction of the cost. These singles trips are a great way to save money.

Tons Of Fun, Alone Or Together

So whether you want to relax alone on your vacation or make it a whirlwind event and meet a lot of new people, singles cruises are a great option. With tons of fun activities, huge opportunities to get to know other people, and saving money a singles cruise is a terrific vacation choice.

And who knows? You could come on board single and leave the ship at the start of a brand new relationship.

Would you like to book a cruise and get the same deals that travel agents get? Read my review of Save on Airfare Secrets where a travel agent claims to reveal inside information about how to get the lowest prices on airfare, car rentals, hotels and cruises - and see if it's really possible. And to make sure you find hot deals every time you take a cruise check out Discount Cruises at www.TheGreatestDreamVacations.com

(c) Copyright - Steve Schulman. All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Great Caribbean Islands - Curacao

Curacao is the largest of the three southern Caribbean islands forming the Netherlands Antilles A B C islands along with Aruba and Bonaire, with an area of approximately one hundred and seventy square miles. This interesting island is located twelve degrees north of the equator.

Curacao is the least tourism reliant of the three sister islands, although there are still plenty of reasons to visit, not the lease of which is its warm climate. The relative lack of rainfall means that the landscape is arid, with cacti in abundance rather than the lusher flora that is associated with most of the other Caribbean islands.

The capital of the islans is Willemstad, whose architecture is decidedly reminiscent of The Netherlands.

There are thirty five beaches on Curacao, so the island does offer something for the bathers (both in the sun and the sea) but it is better known for its diving. There are coral reefs and the diving, particularly to the south side of the island, is a real must. There are over sixty designated dive sites on Curacao.

In addition to the beach and marine activities during the day, a lively nightlife is available in Curacao, with several casinos providing entertainment for those who like to take a flutter on the roulette wheel or the blackjack table.

The local languages are Papamiento (which has strong Dutch and Spanish components, reflecting the island's past) Dutch, Spanish and English. What is the most interesting thing about Curacao is that it manages to combine its ability to create a national income that is not entirely based upon tourism with a really effective programme to evolve itself into one of the more popular Caribbean tourist islands.

The official currency, as is the case with all of the islands of the Netherlands Antilles, is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder, although the United States Dollar is also accepted in a great majority of shops, nightclubs, automobile rental agents and, it goes without saying, casinos.

The easiest way to get to the island is by air to Curacao International Airport, which is. Scheduled flights are served from the North America, South America and Europe.

This innovative Caribbean island is, on any analysis, a distinctive resort, where many of the locals speak four different languages! It is steeped in history and soaked in tradition for those who want something that is a little different from the conventional Caribbean island vacation.

Author: Billy Phillips. Check out a Great Caribbean Resort in his Best Price Travel Comparison Websites directory, with links to the Best United Kingdom Comparison Site.

Florida 5 Star Resort Requires Planning To Find The Right One

Sometimes the worst part of the vacation planning is finding the right places to stay. For example, finding a Florida 5 Star resort sounds easy enough, but it depends upon where you plan to stay, what you plan to do, and how much money you plan to spend.

There are other factors that you have to view as well such as what kind of activities you want, the variety of onsite entertainment, the size of the rooms, if there are activities for children and teenagers if that is of concern to you, and what other types of services are included within the price of your stay.

Even with a Florida 5 Star resort, there can be a vast difference in the type of accommodations and the amenities depending upon the location and the resort where you are staying.

A 5 Star resort can vary in many different ways, so you want to be sure to check with the location where you will be staying. Even if you stayed previously with the same chain of resorts, if it was in a different location, do not assume that you will be entitled to the same services.

For example, if you stayed with the same chain last year and they offered childcare services that allowed you to do some adult activities, don't assume that a different location also has this optional service.

You will be very disappointed if you make that assumption and find out that it is not available. When it comes to vacation planning, many frustrations can be overcome by learning to ask questions rather than by making assumptions.

Take the time before you leave home to reiterate with the Florida 5 Star resort exactly what is included in your price and what is optional. Sometimes there is an all-inclusive package, especially if you are flying, that includes meals as well.

Try to get everything in writing if possible so that if anything happens, you have something to verify what they told you.

Fired Travel Agent Reveals How To Get Dirt Cheap Airfare Tickets! This Angry Ex-travel Agent Will Reveal The Deepest, Darkest Secrets Of The Airline Industry To Show You How To Obtain Tickets, Accommodations, Plus Much More At Ridiculously Low Costs! Listen To Him At: http://www.resortsmaniac.com

Indian Summer in Seattle

When other areas of the good ole USA are preparing for winter, Seattle is enjoying what they lovingly call Indian Summer. What this means it is the calm before the winter rains and/or snow and the weather can be clear, crisp and clean.

Visiting Seattle can be very friendly on the travel budget as all the scenery is absolutely free, they have marvelous parks that you can get fantastic views and eat a picnic lunch, one of these parks is Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill. You may want to plan a late picnic, as the view from here at night is spectacular. And of course, free.

Pike Place Market is also absolutely free unless of course you buy some of the wonderful food, including salmon. Talking about salmon, don't miss the salmon tossing contests and all of the other entertainment that abounds in this area, there are street musicians, vendors and performers, that are playing in many areas of the market and all for your enjoyment and loving it if you leave a gratuity.

For some additional history right there by the market is the original Starbuck's Coffee and all of this is close enough to downtown Seattle to do some restaurant hopping or shopping. Seattle is also know for their happy hour specials and you can sample some of the best cuisine of the city for the price of a drink, during their happy hours specials.

Outdoor sports abound in and around Lake Washington, Green Lake and other marvelous parks in and around Seattle, and then there is things to do that require you taking your wallet out, but that is only if you feel like it really isn't vacation unless you spend some money.

You can even stay in downtown Seattle for $31-86.00 per night at a hostel called the Green Tortoise, included in that price is free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast and free dinner on three nights during the week. What a deal for the thrifty traveler, and if you have never stayed in a hostel, you can even add adventurer to your travel memoirs.

For other travel places and ideas check with your Personal Website Travel Agent and see what other areas and travel ideas you can come up with together.

Dale have enjoyed extensive travel and on one of their trips said to each other, we should do this for a living. With that said, they are now operating a travel website where you can plan a wedding on the beach in Tahiti including a Bridal Registry; a Golf Vacation including reserving tee times; Spa Vacations; Outdoor Adventure Vacations. They offer full personalized service online 24/7 at b.montz@comcast.net Let them be your Vacation Specialist Dale's Travel YTB.

Some Thai Food Has Six Legs

Many people enjoy Thai food worldwide: spicy soups and salads, flavorful rice dishes are abundant. But in Thailand, fried or roasted insects and scorpions are also popular, readily available, and inexpensive.

Insects have traditionally been a rich source of protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals in the Northern Thailand diet. They are also prized as delicacies. In fact, it is unusual to find an insect which is not eaten in one form or another by local people. Among the most popular are:

o cicadas, locusts, mantises, crickets, and grasshoppers which are all deep fried and are rather crunchy;

o bamboo worms, which are also deep fried;

o giant water bugs, which are steamed; they are also ground into a paste with chili and eaten with sticky rice;

o weaver ants (red ants with a painful bite) and their eggs; sticky rice is dipped into a mixture of ants, eggs, and chili;

o dung beetles; which add a wholesome flavor to curries; however, many people will not eat them because they live in and on excrement.

In addition, Thai people will eat

o the pupae of silk moths and other moths and butterflies; you must first remove the pupae from their cocoons, then boil them until soft with a pinch of salt, finally sautée them lightly;

o the larvae of wasps and bees; these are deep-fried;

and arachnids:

o poisonous scorpions, which are grilled;

o giant tarantulas, which are also grilled.

I have not seen other spiders eaten, but I suspect if it moves, it is considered food somewhere.

Also, termites (large white ants) are grilled and their eggs are a delicacy used to make a flavorful soup.

Where I lived in Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 4, every night starting around 5:00 PM, there was a street vendor with half a dozen kinds of fried and grilled insects and scorpions; her customers were mainly the bar girls in the area. Every night she was quite busy as the girls consider these insects a tasty snack, and munch on them as frequently as Western people munch on potato chips.

The lady vendor does not speak any English, but will pose with her wares for a photograph if you give her a 20 baht (about 60 cents) tip. And if you're brave, you could always buy a bag of deep fried bamboo worms.

About the Author:
Doug Anderson is a retired Canadian programmer. He first visited Thailand in 1988 and has been back many times since.
More information about Thailand at Thai Culture Publishing
Also see Photography Help! for tips and techniques to help you learn digital photography.

Top Nightclubs in Florianopolis, Brazil's Party Town

When most people think of Brazilian beaches and islands, they think of the famous sandy white beaches of Rio de Janiero, or the quiet tropical islands all along the coastline. But Florianopolis, an island south of São Paulo located just off the coast of São José, is a Brazilian island unlike any other. Connected by a huge suspension bridge, the island is not entirely cut off from the mainland.

There are many skyscrapers in the downtown business district, which are the offices of Brazil's "Silicon Valley." After work, these businesspeople flock to the many beachside nightclubs and enjoy music, dancing, and drinks long into the night. The surfing community, locals, and travelers join them in a typical Brazilian night-long festival.

Those who want to join in on the fun should first find out what social scene they fit in with the most. Florianopolis is split into about 40 neighborhoods, and there are also about 40 beaches, and each one has its own personality. There are plenty of nightclubs, lounges, and bars open into the early hours of the morning at nearly every one of these locations. Some of the most popular clubs are those in the El Divino chain. The El Divino Lounge is located in the city center, while there is also one on the Jurerê Internacional beach.

Not only known for its great capirichi cocktails but also for its great techno music, Florianopolis has several music clubs that can compete with the best. Besides the Circuit, The Week International, a LGBT-friendly club, is another one of the best electronic music establishements on the island, or anywhere else for that matter.

In the winter, partyers move in from the beaches to the lagoon area, Lagoa da Conceição, located in the middle of the island. This lagoon is popular for water sports like sailing and windsurfing, but also for its club scene. Confraria das Artes and Circuit - an electronic music club - are the most frequented.

This description of a Brazil Vacation was written by a Brazil Travel expert at Brazil For Less.

Georgia Vacation Rentals - How Convenient Are They?

For people who aim to take quick vacations and for those who could not spare adequate time to lose on long travels for vacation, Georgia can be a great vacation spot. The state offers many areas that are deemed special and effective getaway spots. That is why the sector for Georgia vacation rentals is really thriving. Every year, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of vacationers book reservations and actually go to Georgia for their breaks.

Because of the growing market for Georgia vacation rentals, it is not surprising that nowadays, there are many rentals that abound in the state. All of which are aiming to get a bigger pie of the rising market for Georgia vacations. It could be good for you, the vacationer, because that means there is a wider array of choice. And you know that when there are more choices, you have a greater hand to choosing and securing great deals and discounts.

Fierce competition

As mentioned, the market for vacation rentals in Georgia has always been increasing. That is why there are practically more and more rentals that are going their way. Currently, there are hundreds of vacation rentals offering travelers and vacationers more and better accommodations and packages. All you have to do is to be discerning when taking such rentals.

The competition within the vacation rentals in Georgia is becoming stiffer as the volume of market players thicken. In a free market, you know that when there is a healthy competition, you, the consumer would be given more choices and more opportunities. In the end, you would realize that because you have a wider array of choices, you could easily find the best and most practical packages there are. This could translate to bigger savings.

Supporting leisure activities

Another important feature of Georgia vacation rentals is its proximity to the areas where leisure and physical activities are facilitated. In the state, the common and popular recreational tasks are hunting, fishing and rock climbing. The state is also full of sports arenas for football, basketball and other games.

You could choose vacation rentals that are close or at walking distance to facilities for recreational activities. For example, you could choose a beach vacation rental if you are out to enjoy the beach in the state's southeast portion. For rock climbers, booking accommodations at rentals near the cliffs would be much advisable.

Ease of booking

What is more interesting about vacation rentals in Georgia is that they could easily be accessed. You do not need to drop by the area prior to the vacation for booking and reservations. You can conveniently do so online.

Through checking out Websites, you could secure contacts with Georgia vacation rentals. This way, you could directly book accommodations via the telephone or via the coordination of your own travel agent. Thus, doing so in the comfort of your home would be more than possible.

Learn how to find the best San Diego vacation rentals by visiting http://www.vacationhomerentalsguide.com, a popular vacation home website shows where to find idyllic Outer Banks vacation rentals.

Planning a Trip to Phuket? You Can Afford to Stay at the Best Phuket Beach Resorts Even on a Budget!

Finding luxurious Phuket beach resorts is not hard if you are traveling to this gorgeous destination located in the heart of Thailand. Phuket is one of those travel destinations in the world which has a lot to be explored. There are numerous pristine beaches and green woods that are awaiting the first footstep of a visitor. Located in Thailand, Phuket features lovely tropical climate and multihued Asian culture. There is so much to do in Phuket. Staying atone of the many lavish Phuket beach resorts will enable you to experience ultimate luxury and comfort making your trip absolutely perfect.

If you prefer to stay at the Phi Phi Island, a great option would be the Holiday Inn Resort. Applauded across the world, Phi Phi Island is a part of the Maritime Park. The sandy beaches fringed with palm trees and striking monoliths formed by limestone are two of the major attractions that keep visitors coming back to Phi Phi Island every year. The panoramic landscapes of the beach were showcased in the Hollywood movie 'The Beach' which is another reason behind it popularity. The Holiday Inn Resort, being one of the most lavish Phuket beach resorts, has 77 rooms and the price starts from 6500 Baths. You can also stay in an almost equally pleasurable Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel at a more reasonable price of 4950 Baths a room. This hotel has 162 rooms, all equipped with modern amenities and best facilities. Some more affordable but less luxurious beach resorts in Phuket start at only 1500 Baths which is equivalent to $45 USD per night!

Katathani is another gem of all Phuket beach resorts and it is the choice for tourists who are looking for magnificent beachfront sea view and ample arrangements of luxury. Those who are done with their sea bath and sun tanning sessions, can simply chill out at the cozy poolside in this resort. Choose your preferred cuisine from the servings at 6 different in-house restaurants. Authentic Thai and European cuisine is made available to meet the expectations of tourists from all over the world. Here, the attendants will pamper with adequate personal care and rejuvenating spa sessions. Plenty of recreation and sports options are available for your daily dose of entertainment.

Some other Phuket beach resorts catering outstanding services to the visitors include Le meridian, Andaman Sea View Resort, Cape Panwa Hotel and Spa, Thara Patong beach resort and spa and many more. Stay in any of these resorts and you will surely enjoy a memorable trip on this island for its multifaceted luxury and entertainment.

Are you ready to go on your dream vacation but don't want to spend a fortune on airfare? Find out the top secrets on how you can take a vacation to the most exotic islands without breaking the bank on airfare! Guaranteed!

Go to Secluded Island Getaways to get your FREE report now! For EXCLUSIVE information on how you can go on private island getaways to the worlds most exotic destinations on a budget go to http://secludedislandgetaways.com

Top 5 Beaches in Southern California

Southern California is known for having the best climate in the country, with beautiful beaches to match. San Diego is a popular vacation destination because of its many attractions, as well as a wide variety of beaches along the coast. Whether you like to sunbathe or surf, California certainly has a beach for you.

1. 
   Coronado Municipal Beach: People from all over the country flock to Coronado's white and gleaming shores throughout the year. The long stretch of beach is rarely crowded due to its size, and there is even a dog beach at the northern end of the island. Famed Hotel del Coronado abuts the sand, while quaint Coronado Village is only a few short blocks away. There is generally ample street parking, and if you are lucky you might even see dolphins frolicking in the waves offshore.
   
   


2. 
   Pacific Beach: For those of you who enjoy a livelier scene, Pacific Beach might be the place for you. There are plenty of bars and restaurants along the main streets of Grand and Garnet, as well as a great spot for fishing on the end of Crystal Pier. Plenty of people enjoy biking, jogging, and skating along the cement boardwalk down the to Mission Beach Jetty at the end of the peninsula.
   
   


3. 
   La Jolla Shores Cove: If you are looking for a beautiful view, La Jolla is the place to go. There are plenty of different beach spots in La Jolla, but the Cove is a place you simply cannot miss. There is a spot for kayaking, snorkeling, and shallow diving, as well as a grassy knoll for picnics, and room to lie out in the sand.
   
   


4. 
   Ocean Beach: One of the oldest beach towns in San Diego, this area still has the San Diego hippie feel that most areas have lost. If you are looking for a down to earth place to spend the day, and you do not mind loiterers and solicitors, Ocean Beach is the place for you.
   
   


5. 
   San Elijo State Beach: For a surfer's paradise, head up the coast a little way to San Elijo State Beach. Just between Solana Beach and Encinitas in Cardiff by the Sea, this beach is a favorite among local surfers and sunbathers, as well as tourists throughout the summer months.

For more information on where you can find great San Diego vacation packages, check out http://www.missionbeach.com.

Holiday in Egypt Offers a Very Unique Experience

Egypt has attracted visitors for many years, centuries because of its unique treasures from the amazing archaeological treasures to those iconic pyramids. However there are many other reasons to holiday in Egypt from experiencing the vibrant culture and beautiful scenery. Here is a guide to the Egypt highlights of Egypt.

Egypt's world wonder

The last surviving world wonder is the pyramids at Giza. This will be on everyone's lists, a truly magnificent and engaging item. It's hard to describe until you've been there and seen it for yourself but once you have you'll understand. It is recommended to see the sunrise if you can, the sun casting its light over the Valley of Kings is a sight to behold as well as the brilliant sound and light show to be found at the tombs of Abu Simbel.

The Nile - the world's longest river

The Nile flows for over 4,000 miles through the whole of Egypt where many visitors will spend a day travelling down and take in the amazing scenery. Many excursions can be organised for here so you certainly won't have trouble organising a trip.

Vast desert landscapes

The pyramids are certainly the main draw however holidays to Egypt would mean you can take in the amazing physical beauty of Egypt. The amazing iron like mountains of the Sinai to the hard rock formations of the white desert should be on your planner as should be the underwater world of the red sea to complete your Egypt holiday.

Modern Egypt

Egypt is a vibrant place with plenty of hustle and bustle which you can experience in the busy markets, in one of the many busy coffeehouses or the call to prayer that takes place at sunset. Residents fill the streets throughout the day and in the busy markets there is the opportunity to barter terms and try and get a real bargain.

I hope you find this information useful and you enjoy your holiday Egypt.

Danny Jones has been working in the travel industry for over 15 years. He enjoys writing about travel destinations, especially Greek holidays.

Thailand Holiday Homes - Better Than Staying in a Hotel

Thailand is one of the world's foremost holiday destinations. That millions of people visit the country each year is testament to that. The number of people traveling abroad in search of Thailand holiday homes to buy or rent is also increasing. The argument for owning or renting a Thailand holiday home is quite obviously clear cut when you consider the high costs of staying in hotels and the lower standard of accommodation.

Phuket and Pattaya are the most popular places for Thailand holiday homes. This however has meant that the costs for properties in these areas has increased recently, though good deals are still available with proper research. Great deals are to be had if you are willing to avoid these very popular cities, as the property prices on the market there are disproportionately high to the size of the lot.

Whichever location you eventually to decide upon for your Thailand holiday home, the process of buying or renting it is easy enough. You do not need to speak any Thai and you do not need to contact any homeowners directly. The reason is that there are real estate companies in Thailand which will do all of the hard, time consuming work for you.

These companies specialize in finding their clients the Thai holiday home of their dreams. They have massive portfolios of properties, which include pictures and detailed descriptions. You can ask them to make recommendations to you, or you can browse their websites, where all available properties are just a click of the mouse away.

Once your choice of property has been made, all communications will go through an agent who can organize everything for you. You do not need to contact anybody except the agent. It is as easy as that! The agent will be your point of communication for any questions or problems you might have with the transaction.

Now Try: Thailand Holiday Homes

McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic Center

Located in North Scottsdale just a few miles east of the 101 freeway and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd is the McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic Center. Opened in early 2007, the center has quickly become a favorite of children and adults alike.

The aquatic and fitness center account for approximately 17 acres of the 75 acre campus. The aquatic center is anchored by a 13 lane competition pool with dive well where visitors can lap swim. Make sure to give the facility a quick call before heading to the pool for your lap swims as local high school swim teams, diving teams and synchronized swim teams make use of the pool for practices and competitions.

For the kids (and kids at heart), the aquatic center includes a leisure pool with beach like zero-depth entry and spray pad, 600 foot lazy river, and the city's first tube slide. There are also several grassy areas with plenty of shade and a party island with seating at the lazy river.

Scottsdale Healthcare and the City of Scottsdale parks and Recreation have teamed up to provide a first class fitness center. The facility includes free weights, cardiovascular machines, machine weights and a variety of fitness, nutritional and wellness classes.

The McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic center is also home to a 16,000 square foot skate park which features the city's only "street course." Kids love the 6 rails, 7 ledges, 9 stair and the fact that the pool is right next door. The facility is fenced, lighted, and better yet, free! All skateboarders and inline skaters are welcome, but bmx bikes are not allowed due to safety concerns.

Additional facilities you will find at the park are 4 soccer fields, and 2 ball fields. Some of the fields are lighted, and public restrooms are available.

The City of Scottsdale has done a great job keeping the aquatic and fitness center affordable for residents and nonresidents alike. No membership is required and daily fees for adult lap swim are $2.00 resident, $3.00 nonresident per visit. Children, age 17 and under pay just $1.00 resident or $1.50 nonresident per visit. Adult public swim is $6.00 resident and $9.00 nonresident per visit. Children under 18 public swim is $4.00 resident and $6.00 nonresident per visit. The city also offers a Scottsdale Summer Family Pass to the facility which can save families a considerable amount of money.

For those looking for some alternative activities while their children enjoy the offerings of the park, we would suggest playing a round of golf at the Sanctuary Golf Course, enjoying a book at the award winning Arabian Library (a quick walk from the park), or sampling some cuisine at some of the locals favorite restaurants such as Flo's Chinese or Nick's Italian Restaurant.

McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic Center
Address:
15525 N. Thompson Peak Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: 480.312.6677

Barry Cox is a Scottsdale Real Estate agent who has lived and worked in the Phoenix metropolitan area for over 11 years. Barry enjoys working with a select number of clients who are interested in purchasing or selling homes in the Scottsdale area, and specializes in the communities of DC Ranch, McCormick Ranch, Grayhawk, Troon and McDowell Mountain Ranch Real Estate [http://www.relocatetoazhomes.com/mcdowell-mountain-ranch-real-estate.php].

International Transport Links in Manchester

The main international transport link to Manchester is by air. Manchester airport is located just outside the city and it takes 20 minutes by car to get to the airport by the M56 motorway. Manchester airport is the second busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers in the United Kingdom. Flights arrive from and depart for all parts of the world, which include the Far East, south East Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe, Caribbean, Latin America, United States, and Canada. There are three terminals that handle the arriving and departing passengers at Manchester airport. Cargo flights also operate regularly from Manchester. Imports to Manchester come mostly from the Far East and exports are sent to America.

Manchester airport is connected to the city by road and by rail. Not only is Manchester city linked by rail to the airport, but trains from as far away as Edinburgh also come to the airport railway station. The railway link to the airport station is being expanded further and new platforms are being added. There are taxi stands at all the three terminals of the airport.

Manchester city is connected to the rest of the United Kingdom by road and rail. Manchester has two main railway stations, Victoria and Piccadilly, which link Manchester to the rest of the United Kingdom. There is an hourly train service from Piccadilly station to London.

Manchester is located in the center of the United Kingdom and has one of the best road networks linking it to the rest of the country. Five motorways the M56, M61, M63, M65 and M62 link Manchester to the rest of Britain.

Getting to and from Manchester to any destination around the globe is very easy. Manchester being an industrial and commercial hub of England in very well connected to the rest of the world and the airport alone handles more then fifteen million passengers every year. Cargo flights land to and depart daily from the airport.

The Manchester ship canal links Manchester to the sea. There are over 40 berths and the port handles over two thousand ships every year. The port is served directly by a motorway and rail link. The ships are lifted over sixty feet by a system of locks to reach Manchester.

Manchester is the second largest city of England and commercially perhaps it rates as number one. This is the reason that Manchester has very good, established international transport links. It's because of these links that Manchester continues to thrive economically. There are plans to expand the airport facilities, so more traffic can be handled. The transport links to Manchester are reliable and getting to and from Manchester does not take long.

All the major cities in the United Kingdom are a few hours drive away from Manchester. London is a three-hour drive from Manchester. Manchester is the industrial center of England and that is why so much emphasis was laid on providing it the best international transport links. The city leaders of Manchester are constantly planning and evaluating future expansion of the international transport links to the city.

James L Harrison is a real estate agent. You can rent luxurious and comfortable leftbank apartments at a affordable price from estate agents Manchester.

My Experience With Reading Travel Reviews to Book My Hotel

In anticipation of an upcoming trip to Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) I was on the search for accommodation. With so many options to choose from - bed & breakfast, motels, lodges, serviced apartments and hotels (to name a few) - I eventually decided to choose Auckland hotel accommodation. Now my issue went from: What kind of accommodation do I want to stay in? to: Which provider do I choose?

It's fair to say that had I booked my trip through a travel agent they may well have been able to suggest the right provider for me, but in this day and age of online travel bookings, I had no need to talk to a travel agent. So keeping in line with my online flight bookings, I decided to book my accommodation online too. First though I decided to find out what other people were saying about Auckland hotels, to see if anyone had some good suggestions for me.

I've heard all this talk about user reviews becoming more and more popular in today's online environment, and I can now see why. It's much like talking to your family or friends and asking if they can recommend somewhere to stay, but in this event you have access to a wider range of opinions. The other advantage is that the feedback which is posted on the site is no longer filtered by the providers so that you only read good reviews, instead they are a much more transparent and honest assessment of the hotel.

There are many online travel review sites available, but I must say that it's important to find one which isn't just a general site allowing people to sign up and post comments unanimously, as these are open to unverified reports and even overly positive and sometimes fraudulent comments from accommodation providers themselves. So my first step was finding a trusted Auckland hotel review site/s.

This came in the form of an online booking site. The comments on these types of sites can only be posted by people who have actually booked and stayed at that particular Auckland hotel. This results in me being able to read honest reviews from actual guests. Not only that but it was easier to read the reviews on the same website I could end up booking on, than having to read one site and then find another for the actual Auckland hotel I chose.

Most of the reviews I came across, had a 1 to 5 star rating system where :
1 = poor
2 = below average
3 = value for money
4 = great value for money
5 = excellent experience

This method of rating means I could easily gain a general idea of the value without having to read every review over the past twelve months. From there, further investigation of the hotel was required, which involved reading each of the reviews that caught my attention. At this point it was very important for me to remember that one or two bad reviews did not necessarily reflect poor service on the part of the hotel. People do have bad days, and unfortunately hotels do to. But if dripping taps, poor showers, noisy rooms or bad service is mentioned in a number of the reviews, I considered it safe to assume that the majority of guests are right.

In the end, the one trend that showed up in the majority of bad reviews, is that at times people were expecting more from the hotel than it provided. Such complaints as "the restaurant was closed at 11pm", "no room service" or "I had to carry my own luggage", all show on investigation that these services were not offered by the Auckland hotel in the first place. There is still the perception that a hotel has 24 hour front desks and bar, pools, gymnasiums and spa. Where as today's demands have removed the non essential offerings and services in order to provide a better price to the consumer.

So after reading numerous reviews and now feeling more informed than when I started, I managed to locate an Auckland hotel which meet my needs, not only in terms of service, but in terms of location, price and facilities. Ultimately the reviews were one component of my decision and needed to be viewed alongside my own personal criteria, in order to make my final decision.

ShortRates is a website that specialises in last minute accommodation rates for locations in New Zealand such as Wellington, Christchurch & Auckland hotels, motels and serviced apartments. Currently listings are only within New Zealand knowing and understanding that many loyal customers prefer and take comfort in dealing with a local supplier.

http://www.shortrates.com

Marine Life in Palau Islands

The Palau islands are a group of small islands that lie east of the Philippines. These islands have still not tasted commercialization and hence their beauty is unmatched and untouched. The sea water is so clear that you can see right through. No wonder it is one of the best destinations for scuba diving and exploring the marine life below the sea. You can go to Palau during those months when it does not have many visitors. The islands of Palau get frequent visitors from Japan who just love scuba diving.

In order to reach Palau Islands you can make reservations for a direct flight from Taipei. Do make reservations in advance so that you are not disappointed due to full bookings. You can also make your resort reservations in advance. There are excellent resorts at Palau suiting the budget of all travelers. The temperature is quite warm in Palau throughout the year and it is advisable to carry light clothes. However do carry a windcheater as sometimes it also rains in Palau. People of Palau speak the local Palauan language and also English. There are about 340 islands that make Palau. You can choose your scuba diving activity when the day is clear and the seas are calm.

Palau has one of the largest coral reef covers in the world after Gold Coast, Australia. Apart from the reefs you can also check out several of the 1,500 different species of fishes. However it is advisable not to venture too deep as there are dangerous predators ahead. You will be astonished to see the corals and fishes living in harmony with each other. Many small fishes have also made corals their home as they can safely hide in the coral away from the eyes of the predators.

The marine life in Palau is out of this world. Many experts say that Palau is a natural sea life wonder of the world with so many species of fish that have gained importance as they also form an important part of the discoveries made by experts. Deep sea divers explore the depths of Palau looking for newer species and also finding out more about the already discovered species. The diverse species of fish will fascinate you totally.

There has been nothing much that has changed in Palau since the last 20 years and this is largely due to conservation efforts followed by the government. The president has banned shark fishing since the last 4 years and people understand the importance of coral reefs that protect nature. Collective government efforts have laid to the island maintaining its natural environment. And you also have the Tketau Lake here which has about 20 million golden jellyfish that don't sting. You can also spot a school of sharks with barracudas and silver swordfish.

You can also visit the Milky way cove where you can rub white mud from volcano on your body as this mud is said to have healing properties for skin diseases

Kunal Vahalia is a travel agent based in Mumbai and he is a specialist at conducting Mumbai sightseeing tours and excursions around Mumbai. He has put in a lot of effort in researching the Mumbai tours and has come up with 14 types of different Mumbai tours. You can visit his Mumbai sightseeing tours website at http://www.namastecitytour.com.

The Happy Islands

The splintered archipelago off the African coast forms the outermost rim of the European Union. These little islands and islets that are also part of the Spanish Autonomous Communities have two capitals, Santa Cruz and Las Palmas. Volcanic in origin, this paradisaical archipelago was annexed in 1496 when Columbus set out to discover El Nouvel Mundo or the New World.

The Canary Islands are a great favorite with honeymooners and holiday-makers because of the mild temperature that prevails throughout the year. It is not for nothing that the place has been billed as 'The Happy Islands'. Incidentally, the word 'canary' is a derivative of the word 'Canes' which means dog and has nothing to do, whatsoever, with little yellow bird.

Lovely long beaches, long extinct steep volcanoes, coral reefs... the Canary Islands offer all this and much more. No wonder nature lovers and naturalists throng to these islands which are also home to four of Spain's national parks.

With a population of two million, the Canary Islands are well-connected with a highly upgraded communication system, ports, and airports. The population comprises mainly Europeans, South Americans, and sub-Saharan and northern African. There is also a fair sprinkling of Koreans, Indians and more recently, Russians.

Traveling around these islands you should think of renting a car instead of hiring a taxi which can actually lighten your pocket. And if you travel between islands you are best off catching a ferry which is comfortable and relatively inexpensive compared to the ships dotting the docks.

Apart from their rich bio-diversity, the region is also rich in art, culture, and tradition. The islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and La Palma house as many as 40 museums showcasing archaeological ruins and aboriginal art. The Museo Canaria and the Museum of Science and Technology are worth a visit in the island of Gran Canaria, for instance.

Among the eagerly anticipated events in this archipelago is the classical music festival attracting the most prominent orchestras from the world over. The Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra have made frequent appearances in these islands with resounding success.

Apart from steeping yourself art and culture there plenty to do on these picturesque isles. You could go wind or kite surfing around Fuerteventura's blond bleaches or you can take a ride in the cable car in Tenerife right up to Mount Teide, the highest summit in all of the Spanish territory in the world. You can also take time off to visit the Teide National Park which, in 2007, was declared a World Heritage Site.
Tenerife is a terrific place to park yourself in with its four and five star luxury hotels. Of particular interest to the wealthier set is the Jumeirah Hotel with its five star facilities, luxury spa, and other goodies like the club executive lounge, breakfast, complimentary internet access and so on.

Lovely sights, great communication, fabulous beaches.... the Canary Islands offer a treat beyond the ordinary. Call your travel agent NOW!

Mike Greaves is a self-made entrepreneur, a well known travel consultant and internet marketer. Over the years he has travelled across the world and has numerous writings credited to his name in many renowned publications. His areas of writing include travel experiences including reviews of Los Angeles Luxury Hotels, Beach Resorts and World Best Hotels.

What You Need to Know About US Tourist Visa Application

While it is easy for Americans to come to Thailand for a holiday, Thais and other nationalities have to undergo a thorough procedure in obtaining a tourist visa that they may be able to enter the US for vacation.

Nature of a Tourist Visa Obtaining a travel permit to visit the US proves to be very difficult to obtain particularly for ordinary Thai applicants relying on the invitation of their American friends, fiancé, spouse or relatives. The US government's rigorous immigration procedure may be accounted for their inherent assumption when dealing with non-immigrant visa applications. The officer when evaluating the application immediately assumes that the tourist visa applicant who is seeking admittance to the US is in fact eyeing for a permanent stay in the country.

As such, this assumption needs to be overcome successfully by the applicant in such a way that he/she will be issued the necessary entry permit. However, it's important to note that the application is evaluated subjectively and its approval or denial is entirely on the discretion of the officer evaluating the application. This is the reason why compared to other entry permit types a tourist visa has a lower success rate. It is also the reason why an application is still denied despite the applicant's providing all the necessary requirements to substantiate his/her visit to the US.

Preparing for the Application As the evaluation of the tourist visa application is solely based on the applicant's capacity to prove that he can support himself financially through out his stay in the US and that he comes back to Thailand after his allowed visit, it's a must that the applicant has the following qualifications in support of his entry permit application. First would be a decent and a stable job in Thailand.

An employment letter or contract, income tax and pay slips are some ways to substantiate this. A 6-month job stint might not be enough to establish the stability of your employment but it's definitely better than nothing. A job involving prostitution or working in a bar or night club doesn't add appeal to your application so it might not be good declaring it. Second, you have to show assets and properties in Thailand. Assets can be in the form of cars, a piece of land, a house among others. Land or House Title deed, Mortgage agreement, Car registration certificate and other documents can be submitted to prove your possession of these assets. Supposing you own a business in Thailand, you would need to show your business registration certificate, income tax, balance sheet among others. A savings account with substantial amount of deposit in it could also serve as one of the evidence to prove your financial capability.

You can ask your bank for your latest 6-month bank statements or you can show your passbooks for this matter. Just a note on the savings account, having a big money in your bank account doesn't guarantee a successful application though it helps establish your financial status. However, if your sponsor abroad plans depositing an amount of money in your bank account just to show that you have money, make sure that the funds have been deposited discretely not in a lump sum as this will be obvious.

Finally, if you have your family or children in Thailand, then you can mention them as your dependants to support your visa application. Don't also miss to provide an outline of your itinerary detailing the whereabouts of your trips i.e. accommodation and places to visit. What if you don't have most of the above qualifications as you rely on the sponsorship of your American relative, boyfriend or friend? This would considerably make your chances even more slimmer. However, you can still proceed with the application. As mentioned above the approval or denial of your application is entirely on the discretion of the officer. For family members visiting their relatives or families in the US their situations are viewed differently.

The Application Process After familiarizing yourself with the requirements and procedure of the tourist entry permit application, you may now start collecting the required documents. You have to collect as many evidence as you can to support your application. If your documents are in Thai, make sure to translate them into English. If you are going to the US via sponsorship, make sure that your sponsor provides sponsorship letter detailing your relationship and his intention to support you while you are in the US. He might need to provide bank statements or employment certificate to validate his good financial status in the US.

When everything is in order you can already contact the US embassy to schedule the submission of your documents and for the interview. The US embassy in Bangkok as well as the US consulate in Chiang Mai accepts and processes tourist visa applications. The processing time normally takes 2-3 business days and the result of the application is issued accordingly. During the interview, be prepared to answer questions like how will you support your stay in the US, what will you do in the US among others. A confident applicant would likely give a better impression on the visa officer than a nervous one. In this regard, you have to anticipate all possible questions that the officer may ask you in relation to your visa application and practice answering them. Using a Visa Agent

If you want to increase the chances of your tourist visa application getting approved, it might be good enlisting the services of US visa professionals to assist you with this endeavor. You would greatly benefit from their expertise in going over the visa application therefore ensuring better chances for your visa application. Be mindful though about unscrupulous visa agents. Look for the established and registered ones with proven track of record in US visa assistance.

Summary

Obtaining a US tourist visa proves to be a difficult ordeal especially for ordinary applicants. Apart from proper planning and familiarizing yourself with the requirements and procedure, it would also be good to consult with US visa professionals to personally guide you with the visa application. A money you spend for them maybe worth it if you don't need to do the application again the second time.

George M. Londob works as a Business Correspondent for Siam Legal International, Thailand's largest legal service network with offices in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Samui. The firm has international locations in London and Los Angeles. Siam Legal is a full-service law firm and licensed US visa attorneys that provides a wide range of legal and visa services. Reach Siam Legal at +(66) 2-253-8100, or info@siam-legal.com.

The Best of the Bush - African Safari

An African Safari will conjure up many images and preconceptions that one cannot truly appreciated until they have stayed in the bush and seen the amazing animals up close in their natural habitat. Traveling to South Africa and staying at the Umlani Bush Camp is an incredible adventure that is truly an experience of a lifetime.

Arriving at what might be the tiniest airport ever, the Hoedspruit Airport in South Africa, your adventure begins. Not a tremendous amount of security going on here as your luggage is unloaded by a tractor and brought to the front of the airport where a driver waits to take you and possibly a few other campers out to the bush.

The drive to the secluded Umlani Bush Camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Preserve and part of the Kruger National Park is an introduction to the terrain that makes up this area. Upon arrival you are immediately greeted by a warm and welcoming staff that presents a short orientation about your stay and then escorts you to your hut. The simple huts have thatched roofs and are very comfortable and pleasing. Enchanting beds with mosquito netting and oil lamps give the hut a very appealing ambiance. No electricity here, the entire camp is lit by oil lamps and candles which adds to the charming atmosphere. Each hut has its own bathroom facilities including flush toilets and an intriguing open air bush shower that is heated by wood fire.

The camp can accommodate 16 people, but offers families, couples, and individual travelers a serene setting with many of the amenities that you expect while on vacation. There is a pool and double hammocks for relaxing while in camp. All huts are equipped with towels, bathroom amenities, bottled water, and even insect repellent in case you forgot yours. The bush bar and deck is available all day for you to enjoy a drink overlooking the riverbed, have a bite of breakfast and lunch or to just socialize. Before dinner, try a drink at a traditional boma around the fire and enjoy hearing all the stories about the days events and sightings. Then enjoy dinner under a covered open air dining room or under the stars with a variety of gourmet award winning food served by candlelight.

Early morning and late afternoon game drives or morning bush walks are available to make the most of your time. Experienced and knowledgeable rangers and trackers provide opportunities to take in as much as possible; see amazing animals and birds, learn about the animal's natural habitat and surroundings, and discover South Africa's cultural heritage. This time spent in the open Land Rovers is packed with anticipation and excitement as you search the range for the wild animals. Your guides will go beyond normal measures to make sure each guest has the best possible experience and to see the greatest variety of animals possible, taking time to insure everyone get those treasured pictures to take back home.

Everything from arrival to departure is so well done that it makes it hard to leave. Between the delicious cuisine, exciting game drives, relaxing surroundings, friendly staff, and the company of the guests who quickly become acquainted it is hard to decide on the best of Umlani. Perhaps one trip isn't enough!

http://www.umlani.com

Sandy McDowell

http://www.specialtytravelagents.com

How to Spend Luxury Holidays in India

India, a country with rich heritage, culture, cuisine, nature and history, displays more diversity that is hardly seen anywhere else in the world. It puts forward a perfect blend of the modern culture and the history. It is one of the prime destinations and a land to travel to which is an ecstasy of tourism delight and pleasure.

The tourists from all over the globe are enthusiastic for spending their holidays in India. India's cultural strength and diversity cannot fail to impress even the less frequent visitors. This multi ethical country is a perfect holiday destination for those who love traditions spread all over the beautiful states. Indian states have their own charm and distinct culture.

Being the only country all over the world that has incredible and inconceivable diversity in the castes, religions, people, forests, trees and wildlife, India is the place where the tourists can have a beautiful and memorable experience. Each state has distinguished attractions drawing the people for spending a holiday both luxurious and relaxing.

Beginning from the snow covered Himalayas, enormous deserts in Rajasthan and affluent cultural and artistic heritage sights to beautiful hill stations with amazing natural beauty and to the untouched beaches in Goa and the serene backwaters in Kerala, India has variety for all the tourists to spend a luxurious holiday that is worth remembering.

Talking about how to spend a luxury holidays in India, the travel agent is the best option available to you who will arrange the best luxury trip for you. Some of the luxury tours include golden triangle tours, honeymoon tours, wildlife tours, North India tours and luxury India lovers' tours. For the tourists who wish to spend their holidays in beaches and enjoy the natural beauty, there are tour packages available that are offered by various travel agents that can let the viewers have an amazing experience.

All these luxury tours include exploring various unique and spell bounded destinations, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Agra, Udaipur and many others that have the famous tourist destinations. The major attractions that are possessed with these states include the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Mysore palace, Elephanta Caves, palaces in Jaipur, India Gate, Red Fort and Ellora caves. The Chandni Chowk Bazaar of Delhi is also famous mainly amongst the international tourists.

The luxury holiday's tours are not just limited to exploring sightseeing attractions but also incorporate lavish accommodation in classic hotels and resorts. For the tourists who wish to spend luxurious holidays, there are luxury tour packages that ensure meeting the standards of comfort and luxury for tourists. There are some splendid and wonderful hotels in the popular tourist destinations that offer the best and contemporary amenities to the tourists. Some of them are the superb heritage palace hotels that along with offering the modern facilities have the charm and excellent old world hospitality.

India luxury tours cover exploration of the best locations in the most splendid regions of the country to make sure that the tourists enjoy and feel on the top of the world.

You are interested in a India Luxury Tours and India Luxury Holidays Find out more at luxurytoursindia.net

The Zambezi River - Zambia's Finest Safari Feature

The Zambezi is Africa's fourth largest river; flowing for about 3000km across central Africa. The river hails from a small brook at the upper Northwest corner of Zambia and it then flows through Angola and borders Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe before finally cutting through Mozambique where it empties its waters into the Indian Ocean through a Delta. 

The Zambezi River ebbs and flows depending on season. If there is prolonged rain, the river swells up and bursts its banks in particular areas displacing thousands of people. On the other hand if there is no rain, the waters recede. The river is divided into three sections; the upper Zambezi, middle Zambezi and lower Zambezi.

Though the river, has a lot to offer with every square kilometer it passes through, it has the best of its features in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Perhaps the most spectacular feature along the Zambezi is the magnificent Victoria Falls. Known locally as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" (the smoke that thunders), the Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The deafening roar of the falls as millions of liters of water cascade down its rocky cliff can be heard from metres away. From the falling water rises a glistening blanket of mist which makes the sight all the more enchanting.

The best time to tour the falls is during the dry winter season which runs from July to August. Around the rainy season, the blanket of mist gets so thick that it makes it impossible to catch a glimpse of the falls. The peak of the dry season is also not best because the falls are at their dullest during this time. If you wish to, you can catch a helicopter ride and get a bird's eye view of the falls. However, most people prefer the experience from the ground where they can feel the spray of the falls on their faces. If you plan to view the falls from the ground, carry a raincoat as you are bound to get soaked, most people get a kick out of this though.

Not far from the falls stands the grand Victoria Falls Bridge. The bridge is a prized piece of fine architecture that joins Zambia and Zimbabwe while also providing an expansive view of the Zambezi and the adjacent rain forests. The most popular activity at the bridge is bungee jumping. The fall is 111 metres long making it the second longest bungee distance in the world. Other notable sights along the Zambezi include the expansive Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams.

The Kariba dam in Zambia, boasts a vast 300km. The Cahora Bassa dam lies in Mozambique and is 20km smaller than the Kariba making it 280km wide. Both dams are deep and quite popular for their sport fishing activities. You can choose whether to fish from the banks or go out into the water in a canoe. The most common fish in these areas are Tiger fish which can grow to as much as 10kg, the yellow-belly bream, and the red-breasted bream among others.

Besides fishing, the dams also provide the local community with enough water for irrigation for those who practice farming along the river. The dams are also a source of hydropower. The Kariba dam supplies power to Zambia and Zimbabwe while the Cahora Bassa dam supplies power to both Mozambique and South Africa.   

There are a number of game parks and reserves dotted all along the Zambezi and offering some of the best Africa safaris. The most popular of these include the Zambezi National Park, the Victoria Falls national park, the Mana pools park, and the Wide horizons elephant camp. Here, visitors can watch a wide array of wild animals along game drives or in fenced and controlled reserves. The activity that the Zambezi is world famous for is its eventful white water rafting expeditions. The rocky riverbeds of the Zambezi and the steep, gorged terrain as well as pressure pools provide an excellent flowing strip for the exciting rapids.

The Zambezi rapids have been classified as grade five, meaning that they are very difficult to negotiate, very fast, violent and unpredictable as they have no clear pattern that a negotiator can get used to therefore making each trip different from the next. The rapids are also popular because they have little bare rock allaying fears of injury therefore allowing kayakers to make the most of the experience.

There is a wide array of hotels and lodges to choose from along the Zambezi. They range from outdoor tent and mattress camping lodges to luxury five star hotels. Whichever you choose, they all promise different adventures that are bound to make your stay memorable. A couple of the most popular hotel and lodges include; the Royal Livingstone hotel, the Tongabezi lodge and the Thorn tree lodge at Victoria Falls. The Mwambashi river lodge, Kasaka river lodge and Mtondo river camp are good choices for those who want to be close to the river and around wild game. And for those who want to spend their days fishing in Lake Kariba, the Chete Island deluxe tented safari lodge and the Chikanka Island hotel would be good choices for you.

There are a number of towns and settlements along the Zambezi River. The major ones include; Katima Mulilo in Namibia, Mongu, Lukulu and Livingstone in Zambia, Victoria Falls and Kariba in Zimbabwe, and finally Songo and Tete in Mozambique. Interestingly, over 70 different languages spoken by the people along the Zambezi. Most of these natives depend on the Zambezi for their livelihood and have a fascinating culture as well as unique practices. The Bundu people of Zambia, for example, believe that there is a live spirit called Nyaminyami in the river. They believe that the spirit offers them protection and therefore regularly perform rituals at the river bank to appease the spirit.

Samuel Maina is online travel writer for Africa Point Limited, an Africa specialist travel agent, offering online reservation services for hotels, airline tickets, rental cars, tours and safaris to 13 African countries. Read some of his works on Africa Tours & Flights Guide.

A Look at Madrid Vacation Packages

Madrid. This city is capital of Spain and one of the most important cities in Europe, it is also a great travel destination filled with history and the entertainment you expect to find in a modern city. When wanting to travel to Madrid for the first time, perhaps the best choice is to do it by taking advantage of the available Madrid vacation packages.

A vacation package to Madrid includes in a single price all you need to enjoy the city without having to worry about anything else. Packages include the most time the airplane tickets, the hotel or accommodation of your choice and tours to the best touristic attractions Madrid has to offer

Finding a good Madrid vacation package will depend on how and where you are looking for. Nowadays, it is very easy to find this type of packages thanks to the Internet. There are various online travel agencies that offer airplane tickets, accommodations and travel packages to almost anywhere in the World, and since Madrid is an important World destination they will have available many offers.

You can also make use of search engines, this perhaps will be better to tailor the results you want to get, like for example when you are looking for a luxury vacation package in Madrid.

If you can't find a decent package that fits your needs, you can also try visiting your local travel agencies. In general, agencies are more flexible, and a travel agent will try to make your needs come true - after all, they want the commission right?

I'm sure you'll find the right Madrid vacation packages, I 100% recommend it for first-time travelers to the city, because you'll get to know it and have a chance to look at it has to offer, you can also check out online travel guides to find more information about the city.

We invite you to find everything for your Madrid vacation package [http://www.guidetomadridtravel.com] at [http://www.guidetomadridtravel.com/] where you'll find all the information about Madrid attractions, hotels, travel options and more!

Cheap Palma Majorca Holidays to Save Money For the Family in 2009

The average person in the United Kingdom in 2009 is facing up to the grim reality that the UK is harder hit by the global credit crunch than either the USA or the Europe. With families income severely cut and unemployment rising the holiday industry has reacted accordingly by across the board price cuts on Mallorca holidays. For over 50 years Palma de Majorca has been a supremely popular tourist destination for the British that go there to take some weeks in the sun, to relax and enjoy the warm Mediterranean climate. 2009 is a year when many will be weighing up whether a holiday away this summer will be possible or not. The answer indeed seems yes when considering a cheap holiday to Palma, capital city and major port city of Majorca. Cheap flights to Palma are now at a lower level than they have been in years and many British people are taking advantage of this right now.

For £50 you can now get a return to Palma and enjoy a holiday that has something for every tourist. Although sales of UK property and overseas property to British people have fallen away, holidays are proving to be the one luxury that people really will strive to protect. In addition to the cheap flights on offer there is also a wide range of cheap Palma accommodation, Palma self catering flats, cheap hotels in Palma and cheap car hire in Palma all on offer to the tourist in a buyers market. With Majorca relying heavily on the British for a large percentage of its annual tourist profit, the local businesses have dropped prices in the light of the situation that the UK is in. With so many great deals to Palma on offer it is a strong recommendation that you take full advantage of this. Booking in advance now will save you more money, although there will no doubt also be some Palma late deals available in June, July and August 2009.

When visiting Palma for your holidays, you arrive in a modern cosmopolitan city center that also has a historic side to it with history dating back to the Roman Empire and before. There is a massive array of historical cathedrals, churches and castles to visit, then on to the modern attractions of bars, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, art galleries and places of public interest to visit. You will never be short of something to do in Palma, but when you are tired of all the activity, go and relax on the beach of Palma, sit back and soak up some Mediterranean sunshine.

When looking for information on the best cheap Palma holidays deals try an online tourist forum where UK tourists swap helpful tips on finding the best quality cheap Majorca holidays, maximising the quality of their stay by being smart and doing their research. Friendly online tourist forums are beating the online agents by this culture of information sharing between tourists, getting one back for the consumer in 2009.

Obtaining a UK Fiance Visa For Your Thai Fiance

Settling in the UK with your Thai fiance proves to be your best option if your bread and butter in the UK is keeping you from permanently relocating to Thailand. A UK settlement visa in the form of a fiance visa is your key to bringing your Thai fiance to stay with you in the UK for good. This is true for those couples contemplating of getting married in the UK then proceed in adjusting their fiance's immigration status after marriage.

UK Fiancee Visa Requirements

Applying a UK fiancee visa for your Thai fiance necessitates meeting two important requirements: your relationship with your Thai fiancee and your financial status in the UK. Establishing a believable and an on-going relationship between you and your fiancee requires your having known each other and being together for a period of time not less than 6 months. This should be seen as a logical requirement after all you are sponsoring someone to the UK who will hopefully become your long time partner in life. The longer you have known each other, the better. Apart from this, you also need to show tangible proofs of your genuine existing relationship in the forms of email exchanges, photos together in various places, money transfer receipts, telephone bills, boarding passes to Thailand and any other pieces of evidence that could validate your existing relationship. You would also need to provide proof of your freedom to marry certificate and if you have been married before a divorce certificate or spousal death certificate should be provided to attest the dissolution of your previous marriage.

Finally, you would need to write a letter detailing the milestones of your relationship, how it started and developed to become what it is now. This in turn becomes a literature for all the pieces of relationship evidence you have so far collected. Just recently the British embassy also started requiring a letter of intent to marry from a registrar in the UK for the visa applicant and the British fiance. This, however, would require the presence of the foreign fiancee in the UK at the registrar's office before this letter is issued. Contacting the municipal registrar in your area on how to go with this is the best thing to do to be able to address this requirement. Your fiancee also needs to undergo a medical check up to check her health status. They are particularly concerned with checking if she has Tuberculosis. You would need to call the IOM center in Bangkok to schedule her check-up and anticipate corresponding medical check up fee. She would also need to secure a police record to prove her being a good citizen. This needs to be obtained at the Royal Thai police which can take up to 2 weeks to have it finally issued. Your financial position in the UK is the next crucial requirement in question. The rational behind this is that the UK government wants to make sure that you would be able to support your future wife's stay in the country without any recourse to public funds. To show them your financial capability, you would need to provide your last 6 months bank statements; at least 3 recent pay slips, employment letter, House Title deed or Mortgage Agreement and photos of your house. This is aside from the sponsorship letter which confirms your desire to sponsor her stay in the UK. Speaking of the sponsorship letter, it's advised to include in it your sincere intention of marrying your fiancee once she gets there and supporting her financially and morally and purchasing her airfare ticket and travel insurance after she has obtained her visa successfully.

Process

The UK fiance visa application follows a simple process. Nonetheless, it is advised to take it seriously as remedying a refused visa application proves to be a more difficult ordeal. A good way to start the process would be to familiarize yourselves with the details of the whole procedure i.e. expected time frame, costs, required documents among others. It would be good to list down all the required documents from both ends and start collecting them the soonest possible. In filling out the visa application forms it would be prudent to start with a draft and if there are questions unclear to you, it's always good to ask UK visa professionals. You can also call the British embassy to clarify confusing items in the visa application forms. As for your fiancé's important documents in Thai i.e. Birth certificate and Single Certificate, they would need to be translated into English and legalized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Once the aforementioned required documents are collected and fully prepared, you can proceed with submitting your visa application at VFS in Bangkok which will turn over to the UK consular Section. It would take approximately 3 months to process the visa application before the result of the visa application gets issued. If interview is required, the processing time would expectedly take longer. Your Thai fiancé is initially allowed to stay in the UK for 6 months if she gets the visa. After marriage in the UK, her immigration status can be adjusted accordingly that she may be able to stay and work there for good. Costs Aside from the service fee of the visa agent, you would also need to anticipate other fees like embassy fees, medical check-up fee and translation fees.

Summary The UK fiancee visa application demands a thorough preparation of the required documents. It is therefore advised to enlist the service of UK visa specialists to guide you and your Thai fiancee with the visa application process. UK visa professionals who speak both Thai and English and have broad experience in assisting UK visa in Thailand are recommended to carry out the task for you.

George M. Londob works as a Business Correspondent for Siam Legal International, Thailand's largest legal service network with offices in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Samui. The firm has international locations in London and Los Angeles. Siam Legal is a full-service international law firm and provides a wide range of legal and visa services. Reach Siam Legal at +(66) 2-253-8100, or info@siam-legal.com.