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

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

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.