Saturday, July 28, 2012

Top Ten Majestic Places to Visit in Asia

Asia is probably one of the most enigmatic continents in the world. Not only is it rich in very diverse cultures, but it is also rich in history. You will never run out of wonderful places to visit in this wonderful and mysterious continent.

1.) Indonessia's Breathtaking Bali

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Bali is one of the very beautiful places to go to once you are in Indonesia. Do not miss out on Batubulan Village, famous for sculptures made out of fine stone. Get to enjoy Bali's culture like the Barong Dance and enjoy the beautiful crafts of its goldsmiths and silversmiths.

Top Ten Majestic Places to Visit in Asia

2.) Exotic India

If India is in your Asia tour itinerary, then you will never regret it if you went on one of those boat rides in the Ganges River. Get to see, too, the devout citizens of India while they pray and bathe on the sacred waters of the Ghats. If you want to see their temples, then the Khajuraho Temples is for you, an architectural wonder

3.) The Wonderful Side of Pakistan

Pakistan, although an intimidating country, has a lot of sceneries that tourists will love. Get to see a majestic view of the Himalayan Mountains and the Monkial Ranges. If you want to know more about Pakistan's culture and people, then the Swat Museum is a must place for you to visit.

4.) Buddhas of Bangkok

There are a lot of statues of Buddha that you can see in Bangkok, and one of the temples tourist flock to is the Reclining Buddha Temple. You must also visit the Erawan Shrine as well as the Snake Farm of Bangkok that is located near the shrine. For a more modern tour, visit the Safari World and Bangkok's Pattaya and Coral Island.

5.) What Vietnam has to Offer

Vietnam is now one of the favorite destinations of tourists. Tourists love exploring the city on their own and tasting the different food Vietnam has to offer. There are also cruises that a tourist can enjoy like the cruises along the Mekong River, and they also get to visit the smaller islands to taste the wonderful fruits Vietnam has.

6.) Unforgettable Katmandu

Another unique place to visit is the Katmandu where you will get to know more about its culture and people by strolling in the Katmandu Durbar Square. Do not forget to visit, too, the Buddhanikantha Temple, another one of its famous tourist destinations. You can also go to Pashupatinath Temple.

7.) Big China

You cannot tour all of China in a week, but here are some of the top places to visit in China. The Yangtze River Cruise is one of the favorites of not only the tourists but the local citizens as well, and in this tour, one gets to have a closer communion with nature. The other places that you must not forget visiting is the Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City as well as the Temple of Heaven.

8.) Delightful Turkey

Turkey is one country you should not fail to visit. There are a lot of museums you can visit like the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. You can also visit famous archeological sites like Pamukkale's Hierapolis as well as famous mosques like the Blue Mosque.

9.) Enjoying Japan

Get to experience both old and new Japan in your Asian tour. Visit the wonderful and exciting City of Tokyo, a big contrast to Japan's mountain villages where the old culture is still palpable. Also, get to know more about its people and culture by visiting the temples, shrines and palaces of Japan.

10.) Modern Singapore

Singapore is one of the world's business regions. Also, this is famous for being one of the major shopping centers in Asia and is rightfully called Shopper's Paradise. Its stores' competitive prices as well as air-conditioned malls are one of the favorite places tourists go to.

Top Ten Majestic Places to Visit in Asia

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Myrtle Beach Rentals: From Candy Store to Candyland

Weather in Myrtle Beach

Seasons come and seasons go, or so the story goes. In Myrtle Beach, SC, winter hardly compares to Christmas in Maine. Winter here pleasantly surprises many first timers. The air is crisp, the humidity subsides; all in all it's the perfect atmosphere for getting out and around the town. For some, the fall and winter atmosphere is just more conducive for what they are looking for. Fewer crowds are preferred for some vacationers not looking to entwine their lives with others. With less crowds comes less lines at your favorite restaurants and golf courses. Somehow, even the air tastes better

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Summer has its alluring aspects as well. From parasailing and banana boat rides to nightly fireworks shows in Barefoot Landing, the Grand Strand is like a Mecca for family fun. With amusement parks in 5 locations along Myrtle Beach, there are literally thousands of new people to meet, greet, and enjoy a Ferris wheel or tasty treat with.

Myrtle Beach Rentals: From Candy Store to Candyland

Meet the Lange's. Todd and Mary have three kids, a body shop, and a mortgage. Mary cannot stop thinking about how to work harder, and it's starting to show with stress lines. Jessica and Ronnie have been dating for some time now and think it's about time to take their relationship to another level and recently retired Jack has been meaning to get the guys together and play a week's worth of golf. Does any of this sound familiar? They yearn for a vacation. Whether it is family oriented, a romantic getaway or a golfing extravaganza, Myrtle Beach rentals are primed to embrace everyone for a week, a month or hopefully permanently.

For every season, there's always an excuse to take a vacation. Some prefer the hot summer days relaxing on the beach while others prefer the cooler breezes as they tee off on the back nine. Whichever you prefer, there are Myrtle Beach vacation rentals for any occasion. From numerous 4th of July Parades just about everywhere to the Shrimp and Jazz festival in Little River, the Grand Strand is always alive and vibrant.

The following is a brief suggestion list for several types of vacationers here along the Grand Strand. Within this list you will find suggestions for three different types of vacations on where to eat, stay, and play during your Myrtle Beach stay.

Romantics- The holding of hands, the subtle kisses, everything is enchanting. And now it is time to plan for a Myrtle Beach getaway. For those of you with that special someone, take a look into one of the many fantastic Myrtle Beach rentals. Two resorts who offer an excellent location, moderate rates, and only 1 bedroom condos are Ocean Forest and Patricia Grand. You and your significant other will marvel at how close a proximity you two will be from the brand new Boardwalk & Promenade. Picture yourselves arm in arm strolling along the Boardwalk overlooking the ocean as warm Atlantic breezes bask you with comforting solace. For a romantic dinner, try Cagney's, renowned for its prime rib, or Greg Normans Australian Grille, with an outside patio with a fireplace.

Families- The Grand Strand is known for its premiere family oriented family beaches with plenty of beach front properties, family themed restaurants and activities; families will be hard pressed to run out of things to do. The Family Kingdom Amusement Park in downtown Myrtle Beach appeals to all age groups. From bumper cars to amusement rides such as a wooden roller coaster and the state's largest Ferris wheel, Family Kingdom and its sister Water Park, located across the street, only enhance the intrinsic experience for all families.

Eating with the family is a huge part of any family oriented gathering and many of Myrtle Beach's plethora of eateries satisfies this void. There are plenty of great buffets around such as Bennett's Calabash Seafood Buffet, East of Chicago and Empire Fire Mongolian Grill. Another great restaurant for kids is Spring House. Offering a variety of American fare, Spring House, every Monday, offers free meals for the kids. So mom and dad don't fret, Spring House knows what it's like for a family on a budget.

For Myrtle Beach rentals, resorts, condominiums, many come to mind. A few that stand out for premier service, luxurious accommodations and all around family fun are: Anderson Ocean Club, Ocean Blvd Villas, and The Ashworth. Featuring a kids only pool area, these resorts (and many more) offer great family entertainment without a huge financial strain on the wallet.

Golfers- Nothing satisfies the mind and soul like a solid week of nothing but some Myrtle Beach golf with the gang. With over 180 championship level courses within the Grand Strand, choose from a wide array of golf courses from Barefoot to Crow Creek-the greens are a-calling.

Golfing equals food, and boy do golfers eat. At the crack of dawn, hundreds of diners can be found packed in pancake and waffle houses everywhere. Myrtle Beach is one of the rare cities with 6 am traffic jams. Places such as Dino's, Plantation House, IHOP and Spring House are all fantastic spots to grab a bite before hitting the links. After such a tumultuous day of well spent energy, a golfer has to replenish those well spent calories. For an excellent dining experience with your fellow golfers, Joe's Bar & Grill, New York Prime and Forbes Steakhouse are all fantastic places to grab a drink and a nice slab of red meat.

Golfers tend to travel in packs and while resorts offer amazing oceanfront views, some lack the space needed to store 8 sets of clubs and people. For this, you may want to look into some of the larger homes and villas available. The Ambassador, Cherry Grove Villas, and Tahitian Princess all over a minimum of large 6 bedroom homes all either ocean view or second row.

With all of this being said; now is an ideal time to invest within the Grand Strand. Certain Myrtle Beach rentals are available for purchase and are a financially sound investment. Snow birds is a term created many years ago to denote those who travel south during the winter months to get away from the snow and ice. Others call them geniuses. Whether it's to escape the winter or in-laws, there may not be any better time than now to at least begin to plan living in one of the finest family destinations in the country.

And who knows what'll become of your Myrtle Beach vacation? One of the golfing buddies love it here, Marci couldn't stop talking about how convenient everything is around her. Discussions begin and one thing leads to another and all of a sudden they're new condominium owners. It all begins with Myrtle Beach rentals and ends when; well it doesn't really have to ever end.

Myrtle Beach Rentals: From Candy Store to Candyland

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Bangkok Tour - Discover Angelic Illusions of the City of Angels

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a cosmopolitan city endowed with ethnic beauty and social vitality. Emerging with fast-paced development, the city renders a unique charisma that can impress everyone's heart and mind. Exploring its opulent temple steeples, glittering shopping arcades and hulking skyscrapers, which stand beside of tented food stalls and small street-side shops, will make you realize just how overwhelming your choices are. Apart from that, scintillating discotheques, bustled night clubs and massage parlors drenched with red neon simply indicate that this vibrant city never sleeps. Definitely, your heartbeat will perceptibly be faster, actualizing that this is a place you will not easily forget.

Bangkok has long been fascinating tourists with its rich history & culture, superb architectures and mesmerizing natural beauty. Fragments of ancient charm within the urban chaos can be explored almost everywhere in the city. The Grand Palace, a place of festivals, Royal coronations, peace and spirituality, describes Bangkok's emblematic heart. Apart from that, Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn), Wat Pho, Wat Saket and Wat Traimit stand symbolic for excellent architecture and superb peace and divinity. Also, getting through the National Museum and National Gallery let the travelers explore recent Thai paintings and touring exhibitions.

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Shopping in Bangkok is so ubiquitous that it seems to be the hereditary traits of city's dwellers. Not even a single corner of the city is free from shops, spontaneously stalls, or small street-side vendors. However, needless to say that bangkok features some world class shopping malls and outdoor markets, which cater the shopping needs of the travelers as well as the locals. Bargaining is an integral part of shopping in Thailand, but only if you are purchasing at local shops and markets. In large shopping arcades and reputed markets, prices are already posted, so no negotiation is allowed. Some popular shopping destinations in Bangkok include Chatuchak Market, MBK Shopping Center, Pantip Plalza (for gadget shopping), Cinatown and Indiana markets. Also, don't miss delicious Thai cuisine at any of Bangkok's quality dining avenues.

Bangkok Tour - Discover Angelic Illusions of the City of Angels

Once you're in Bangkok, it's hard to avoid its notorious nightlife. There are hundreds of casinos, go-go bars and night clubs, which offer a throbbing nightlife experience. To explore more naughtiness in the dark, you can head to the night-markets of Patpong and Pattaya. Bangkok is infamous for its crazy traffic. You will find here the roads usually blocked with vehicles, and the shortest path between two points is hardly straight. In order to avoid this disordered and confusing traffic, you will be better availing a private taxi service while touring Bangkok. Doing this, you can have a comfortable and private riding experience. For accommodation, Bangkok has manifold options ranging from luxurious, pricy hotels to affordable inns and hostel rooms. You can buy the one to perfectly suit your requirements and budget.

Today, a number of travel agencies offer tour package to Bangkok, and assist people exploring this wondrous city without any hassle. A Bangkok tour package usually involves major sightseeing in/around Bangkok, and quality lodging and transportation facilities. However, one can buy a complete Thailand Package, and see other gems of Thailand along with a visit to Bangkok.

Bangkok Tour - Discover Angelic Illusions of the City of Angels

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Endless Happiness At Beach Hotel - Pattaya

Pattaya beach is really famous for tourists, not only for Thai travelers but also to people all over the world. Pattaya gains its reputation from the beauty of beaches as well as variety of beach activities. However, there are differences in terms of the style of travel of foreign traveler from different regions.

Firstly, we have to under stand the nature and characteristics of the travelers. As I am the person who is a tourist guide for almost 10 years and working in Pattaya and many part of the country. The difference of the tourist behaviour sometimes depends on the region that they come from. For example, travelers from USA and Europe are likely to prefer relaxing trip rather than sight seeing trip or joining many kind of activities. This is also depends on the climate of each region that they come from, for the one comes from the region that has long winter, they intend to relax with some countries in tropical zone like Indonesia (Bali), Thailand and so on. Mean while tourists from other country like Asia seem to enjoy activities rather lying on the beach and pleasure with sunbath.

Pattaya Hotels

The number of foreign tourists from western region who visited Pattaya city reaches million per year. According to this reason, many of hotels and resorts in Pattaya city have to provide excellent services to attract guest from this regions in order to survive in this very competitive market.

Endless Happiness At Beach Hotel - Pattaya

Beach hotel means the hotel that located close to the beach or have its own private beach to provide service to guests. It is the top priority for foreign travelers to look for hotel accommodation that has private beach for them to relax. Fortunately, there are quite number of luxurious five stars hotel in Pattaya which has private beach to ensure that guests are able to enjoy holiday.

However, in general, these hotels have online booking system of their own as well as having deals with travel agent or online hotel booking websites. However, for travelers who have to plan the trip in advance, they have to book for accommodation through local travel agent or make hotel reservation through websites. And the fact is that it is really important for them to make sure, if they want to book for hotel where they can relax on the private and cosy beach, they have to see the picture of the accommodation and the beach that the hotel has. This is because sometimes there is misunderstanding of the location and condition of the hotel.

As long as online booking system does not provide complete visual of the hotel, especially for the small hotel booking websites which usually provide basic pictures of accommodation and sometimes they are out of date. Therefore, you as a traveler may have to visit the hotel official websites to see the complete pictures of the hotel before you make decision to make a reservation. Also, if possible you may have to call the hotel to check the room availability especially if you plan to go during high season, which is about December to April.

Endless Happiness At Beach Hotel - Pattaya

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Pattaya Accommodation - From Low Budget Hotels to 5 Star Hotels

It is not difficult to find accommodation in Pattaya despite of what some travel agents overseas may want you to believe. Pattaya's hotel bookings are down 20-30% this year, compared to the previous year. Take advantage of that.

There is absolutely no shortage of Hotels from 5 Star to low budget in Pattaya and it is not difficult to find accommodation even without prior reservation. However, during high season it may become a little more difficult, but you will always find a hotel with vacant rooms.

Pattaya Hotels

Negotiate A Better Rate

Pattaya Accommodation - From Low Budget Hotels to 5 Star Hotels

You do not have to book in advance. The political unrest in Bangkok and the occupation of the 2 international airports in 2008 have put a large dent into the tourist business. Hotel bookings are down 20-30%! This means it will give you the opportunity to save money because you may be able to negotiate a better rate.

In order to negotiate a deal you will have to be in Pattaya.

My suggestion is to book a hotel in advance for the first couple of days, that way you do not have to go hunting for accommodation immediately after your long international flight. Room rates do change depending on the season, but there is always an abundance of hotels with room rates starting at around 500 Baht for the "Sawasdee Sunshine Hotel", and the high end is 8,000 Baht for the "Sigma Resort Jomtien Pattaya".

The quoted prices are high season rates and will be lower during off season. High season in Pattaya is from the end of November to Aril.

Use The Internet Hotel Search Engines

The internet makes it very easy these days to book a hotel online within minutes, if you decide to book online. The largest online search engines search over 30 booking sites and return almost 200 hotels listings with pictures, details, rating, location, popularity, and of course prices in just seconds.

This will give you a very good idea about how much you can expect to pay when you are in Pattaya. At times you may even be able to find a hotel online which offers a special deal or runs a promotional offer. These do exist, even in Pattaya. Knowing very well that many Pattaya visitors only stay for 3-7 days, it may be best to book online or with a travel agency in your home town.

For the single male visitor it may be fine and maybe of an advantage to book a hotel in Pattaya City. I have seen families book a hotel in south Pattaya and not being overly happy about the location. Families are best advised to read about Pattaya first before making a decision on where to stay in Pattaya. Jomtien and Naklua, the neighboring beach towns may be a better option because they are family friendlier.

Let's not forget, Pattaya is and has been foremost a single male destination for the past 4 decades. The Nightlife that Pattaya offers and the literally hundreds of adult entertainment venues speak for themselves.

Pattaya Accommodation - From Low Budget Hotels to 5 Star Hotels

Monday, July 2, 2012

Ten Important Places in Greece That You Have to Visit

Greece has always been a favorite tourist destination of visitors from all over the world. Not only are they fascinated by the many historical buildings that Greece has, but the visitors are also mesmerized by its history. This is, as we all know, the land where the gods and goddesses once walked on earth.

1.) Acropolis

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If you are going to Greece, then surely the Acropolis is in your top ten list because this is a very great historical site in the country. Here, you can see the Temple of Athena called the Panthenon. The perfect hour to visit the Acropolis is in the late afternoon, or you can even visit it early in the morning when it is not as crowded.

Ten Important Places in Greece That You Have to Visit

2.) Athens' National Archeological Museum

In this museum, you will surely have a wonderful time looking at artifacts from the ancient periods of Greece. You will surely marvel at the beauty of those kouroi statues. If you want to see some Egyptian artifacts, there is also some on exhibit here.

3.) The Temple of Poseidon

Once you reach the cliff top where this temple is located, prepare yourself for the magnificence of this ancient structure. From this vantage point, you will also see the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. There is also a restaurant here where you can have a quick snack.

4.) The Island of Santorini

Almost every one of us has been captivated by the story of the Lost Atlantis. Well, it is said that the Island of Santorini is the Atlantis. Enjoy its history as you walk along the site where the city of Akrotiri was once buried and imagine yourself during that time.

5.) Mykonos Island

If you are tired of old buildings and in need of some modern relaxation, then head on to Mykonos Island. It is a popular tourist destination with lots of modern restaurants as well as trendy bars and discos. There are also nude beaches in the island, perfect for those who want a perfect tan.

6.) Epidaurus Theatre

You can see this ancient theatre in the Peloponnese Peninsula. The best time of the year to visit this though is during the Epidaurus Festival in the summertime. You will surely love the plays and orchestras here.

7.) Mycenae Fortress

Majority of the golds and silvers that are being displayed in the National Archeological Museum came from this site. Here, you will see beautifully carved stone walls, like the gate were two lions are carved, as well as majestic tomb shafts. You can also have a quick snack in this site's snack bar.

8.) Crete Island

You should definitely visit this place. Here, drop by Matala if you want fantastic beaches as well as energetic nightlife. Visit also Gortyn and the Phaistos Palace, or better yet, visit the Heraklion Archeological Museum for more fascinating history about this island.

9.) Knossos Palace

This is an ancient Minoan Palace that attracts a lot of visitors yearly. Here, you will surely feel how the ancient Greeks lived before. Be in awe also of the many rooms this palace contains as well as be enthralled with the beautiful statues that are still in the palace.

10.) Corfu

In this area, you can visit the Spianada where you can take a leisurely walk as you stroll along the cafes. You can also visit the fortresses that had protected this island from invaders those many years ago, and you can also visit the Saint Spyridon Church. One more place that you have to see in Corfu is the grotto that can be found in the island's cliffs, and anybody who ever sees it will marvel at the beauty of the place.

Ten Important Places in Greece That You Have to Visit

Sunday, July 1, 2012

The Top 5 Cities to Visit in France

France is an amazing country with some truly wonderful cities. I've taken on the difficult and controversial task of narrowing the list down to a top 5 cities you should see on a luxury holiday in France.

Nancy

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Nancy is a must visit on a holiday in France mainly because it carries an air of dignity and refinement rarely found in cities in England. As well as some lovely architecture and some fascinating museums, the city offers a sophisticated feel all the way to its shops which feel almost designed for window shopping.

The Top 5 Cities to Visit in France

Avignon

If you're looking to explore Provence, there's only one choice of where to book a hotel in France. Avignon is an old graceful city, full of jaw dropping art and architecture. The experience begins from the approach, when you take in the wonderfully preserved stone ramparts which circle the city, and won't end until you've seen the famous bridge (the Pond d'Avignon), the medieval fortress and the Palais des Papes (the papal palace). But perhaps the ultimate pleasure is people watching - now a thriving student city, it almost rivals Paris as a place to sit and watch the world go by. A must on any luxury holiday in France.

Lyon

When you're faced with a city the size of Lyon, you can be sure there's a huge amount of things to do to appeal to all tastes, and the city does not disappoint. As France's second largest conurbation, it's no surprise to see that the city contains outstanding art galleries and museums, a thriving nightlife, fantastic shipping and plenty of gourmet evenings out. If this all sounds too fast paced, there's also the historic old town, which has enough cultural significance to be designated a UNESCO heritage site. Lyon is essential for someone looking to experience big city life outside of the capital on their luxury holiday in France.

Strasbourg

Pretty and cosmopolitan, Strasbourg is a cultural haven, and a must-visit if passing through Alsace. You can feel the taste of Europe in so much of the city, from the European Parliament to the Franco-German TV network which bases itself here, and it's this welcoming international feel that makes Strasbourg such a great place to wander around. On top of that it has some splendid restaurants, cafes and excellent museums - all great ways to punctuate visits to the towering cathedral and old city. Just make sure that you're not looking for accommodation here when European Parliament is in session - you may need to look elsewhere in France for a hotel!

Paris

Paris really needs no introduction, and is the first call on most luxury holidays in France. The best thing about it is that it can be so many different things to so many different people - it's a shopping wonderland, a cultural epicentre, an architect's dream and the best place in the world to enjoy a gourmet meal. It's also got more iconic buildings and landmarks than many entire countries manage! All of these elements combine to ensure that Paris is the best city to visit in France, if you've somehow managed to miss it so far.

No doubt many people will disagree with my list, because a luxury holiday in France offers so many different things to different people. Whether you feel others should have been included or not, one thing is certain: all five of these places are well worth any tourist's time. Consider this list when you book a hotel in France, and the luxury holiday you have will be truly memorable.

The Top 5 Cities to Visit in France