Sunday, May 25, 2008
Escape to the Pacific!

June is just around the corner. Though you might think summer is almost over, it’s never too late to book that last-minute getaway. You don’t have to worry if you’re tight on budget; there are many inexpensive places to visit in the neighboring southwest pacific.

First on the tourist list would be Fiji. This place offers many natural parks with stunning landscapes, giant waterfalls, isolated villages and extinct volcanic craters. Go explore Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, a rainforest park with melodic birdlife and tropical flora, or visit Fiji Museum— an interesting place in the heart of Thurston Gardens, where there are daunting exhibits of Fijian war clubs and cannibal utensils. This archipelago with 300 islands of paradise have mild and stable climate for most of the year; you can book online for Fiji Hotels located near coral coast and enjoy stunning coral reefs and azure waters – it’s the perfect haven for diving and snorkeling.


Second destination, Nouméa! Options for travelers in New Caledonia are vast, from diving on unspoiled reefs to dining out, from trekking in rainforest to partying; a visit to this place would truly be unforgettable. Stroll through the Place des Cocotiers embellished by centenary flame trees, go along the streets flanked by old colonial houses, the marina, or onto numerous Noumea hotels, restaurants and night-clubs around the Anse Vata Bay. This is the perfect getaway for everybody to enjoy, right in the heart of the city!

Vanuatu—located in the South Pacific Ocean, would be the third in our tour list. Imagine beaches, coral reefs, volcanic mountains, untouched forests and extravagant bird life… this place offers divine relaxation. Learn about their culture and visit National Museum of Vanuatu, take some fishing trips at Port Villa, bungee jump at the famous Pentecost Island, explore the ruins of a church built to hold 2000 people, or hike across mountains, with views to far-off smoking volcanoes. Don't miss Epi, north of Port Vila, for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with dugongs and turtles. On your way back, unwind indoors at the many available accommodations ranging from several deluxe resorts to basic thatched bungalows. It’s recommended to stay in Vanuatu hotels as possible, but it’s also worth the experience to stay in a locally run property, especially on the outer islands.

Last but not the least, we have Cairns, Australia. This place is an adventurer's paradise: with diving, white-water rafting, canoeing, horse riding, mountain biking, jet boating, bungee jumping, or skydive from up to 14000ft and experience the greatest adrenaline rush you ever had. Cairns is the heart of Tropical North Queensland and Australia's primary gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Vibrant and eclectic, this city is framed by spectacular twin backdrops of rainforest mountain ranges and the sparkling Coral Sea. The Cairns Esplanade is the city's main attraction with a lovely oceanfront promenade, saltwater swimming lagoon and beach. You'll find numerous restaurants, bars and Cairns hotels lining the Esplanade...all offering beautiful waterfront views.


 
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Saturday, May 10, 2008
Europe Invasion, Part 2

Here’s the part 2 on the best places to visit this spring:

Barcelona – With its pleasant weather and while numbers of tourist are manageable, spring or early summer is the best time to visit this city. Be dazzled with the buildings, especially with the works of the genius Gaudí, explore the art collections by Picasso and Miró, dance the night away or relax on magnificent beaches only a stones throw away. Barcelona is one of the most dynamic and stylish cities in the world, thus making it clear why Barcelona should be on your list of Europe tour! There are many Barcelona hotels in every price bracket throughout the city, visitors tend to head to La Rambla, but there are many accommodations elsewhere where you'll have more comfort for your money.

Venice - Wonder at the graceful palaces, scenic canals, and gothic churches; the exotic mix of Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance architecture adds greatly to the unique romantic experience of Venice. Whether you fancy taking in a bit of culture, taking a gondola down the Grand Canal, or hitting the tiles for a top night out, you will find this city inviting and magical. You can unwind on the islands and beaches of Venice or escape to the beautiful island of Lido. Living up to its large tourism activity, this city is swarming with hotels. Hotels in Venice range from simple family-owned accommodations to the luxurious ones that draw in celebrities. Exuding romance, history, picturesque views and great food, Venice is an experience that you will never forget.

Madrid – This city’s intense cultural activities and artistic vitality, puts it among tourists’ favorite getaway. During spring, the weather is generally agreeable and the city has a fresh feel to it. If you’re a party-goer, a visit during May would be perfect for Madrid's biggest fiesta. With a triad of truly great art museums, buildings like the Palacio Real, plus lively plazas, Madrid has plenty of sights to keep the eyes, ears and mind occupied. Madrid hotels offer styles that range from modest to five-star lavishness. Most places have endearing touches intended to inject some style into rooms, then there are budget hotels that are simple and situated in noisier parts of town. With its diverse range of activities like boating in lakes, visiting the well-known bullfights, shopping, or dancing, you will definitely find your Madrid adventure an unforgettable one.

MilanItaly's largest city, most of its attractions are concentrated in its centre. Its heart is the Duomo, a fantastic Gothic confection topped by the Maddonina, Milan's protectress. This city is all about worldly pleasures. Being the fashion capital, it provides an incredible shopping experience. Or if you’re tight on budget, this city offers top attractions costing little or nothing at all. You can unwind in the Giardino Botanico Hruska, or visit the church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie where Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper fresco is displayed. Milan is also home to a technical museum dedicated to the great artist, containing a selection of his diagrams and drawings.

Milan hotels are among the most overpriced in Italy and finding a room can be a challenge. The good old advice “reserve a hotel in advance” is the best way to go especially if you’re attending fairs or exhibitions.

So if you’re still having second thoughts on that Europe tour, you don’t need to worry now. With the inviting weather spring brings, it also offers cheaper airfare, hotel accommodations, and less rubbing elbows with other tourists. It’s about time you fully experience the European adventure without the money hassles.

 
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Thursday, May 08, 2008
Europe Invasion, Part 1

It’s spring time! If you’re planning to have a get-away in Europe, this would the best time to go. It’s that time again for bargains of airfare, accommodations and rental cars, and most importantly, fewer crowds for your sight-seeing. One of Europe's charms is the diversity of its cultures, expressed in the variety of lodging and broad range of attractions.

Below are lists of the best places to visit this season:

Paris - Take a boat cruise on the Seine River or fall in love with the ‘city of light’, the romantic city of Paris will leave you with tide of memories. You can enjoy a fun-filled day at Disneyland Paris, view the Arc de Triomphe, experience the magic atop Eiffel Tower see the beauty of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, or visit Opera Garnier— home to the notorious "Phantom of the Opera". Paris has something of interest for everyone! This city devoted to the pursuit of pleasure will guide you through its romantic architecture, culinary delights, cultural sights, and will surely tempt every one of your senses.

If you’re looking for a comfortable place to stay, you don’t have to worry. From economy to luxurious accommodations, Paris hotels have something available for any budget. Many hotel rooms are available near the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Latin Quarter, near airports and all major rail stations.

Venice - Situated on one of 117 islands in the Venetian lagoon, you'll be awed by this city’s magical beauty. Filled with art, fine shopping and excellent food, you can lose yourself in the unique maze of canals and winding streets of Venice. You can stroll from the train station to relax in Piazza San Marco, visit the basilicas, take a look at the Peggy Guggenheim collection or explore the innards of the Palazzo Ducale and head up to the top of the Campanile for views of the city. Consider an off-season trip so you can have more of the city all to yourself. Remember to book in advance to get better deals for Venice hotels.

Rome -The timeless beauty of this city is inspired by its uncanny ability to blend ancient and modern cultures. Spend your day touring around Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica, marvel at the Coliseum and the Pantheon, take a lunch around Piazza Navona, watch Vespas speed by on the ancient cobblestone streets, splurge a night in the lively Trastevere or dance the night away at one of Rome's famous nightclubs. Hotels in Rome offer a wide variety of accommodation, from those conveniently located near landmarks, train stations or airports to family-run pensioni, you can unwind without worrying about your budget.


Amsterdam – Visit in spring, and that’s the perfect time to watch the daffodils and tulips in bloom. Join the Holland Festival in June, take a look around the Van Gogh Museum which houses 200 paintings of the world’s favorite tortured artist, or if you’re interested in the war history and Nazi occupation, take a trip to the Verzetsmuseum and explore the House of Anne Frank. Amsterdam offers ample opportunity for shopping. It is not widely known, but Amsterdam competes with cities like London, Paris and Milan, one of the differences being that Amsterdam has more to offer to those with less to spend. As for the place to spend your nights, Amsterdam hotels range from that of travelers looking for comfort and value for money to those in luxury hotels.

 
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