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23 Apr 2011

Thailand – Travel in Pai

Ever thought about traveling to Southeast Asia? Well, Thailand is the obvious place to start. Bangkok might as well be a bus station because in order to get to all the wonderful places in that part of the world, you will undoubtedly end up there at one point or another. It doesn’t matter what you decide to do, whether to take a slow boat down the Mekong in Laos, go to Angkor Wat in Cambodia or see the Petronas towers of Malaysia, you will be hard-pressed to avoid the hustle and bustle of Bangkok!

That said, Thailand has lots of little nooks and crannies that will make you very sad if you missed them! One of the most amazing of these little towns for me was Pai! Pai is located in Northern Thailand, close to the border of Burma (Myanmar). Don’t worry about all the crazy things you heard about Burma as Pai is completely isolated. This quaint little town is in the mountains and it’s unlike any place I have ever seen. The entire population measures about 3,000 residents and most of them are expats. The center of town is only 3 streets filled with bars, clubs and restaurants ranging from decadent opulence to the streetside peddlers. And patrons of these establishments vary from Thai vacationers to travelers of all ages from around the world. Should you choose to stay there a week you will feel like you know everyone! In fact, after 5 days, you’ll spot the starry-eyed newcomers as if you’d been there for years.

As most small towns go, this one is very different! People who go there for a few days, usually end up overstaying their initial plan. As small as this town is, there is a plethora of things to do and that is the magic of this enchanted little mountain town. A scooter should cost you no more than 80 bhat ($3 US) per day so renting one and exploring the area is an absolute must. Within a 20 minute ride, the magic will be at your fingertips. Picturesque waterfalls, rejuvenating hot springs, ancient temples and an elephant park are just a few of the many escapes to indulge in during your stay.

As small as this town may seem at first, the sheer volume of entertainment is mind-blowing! Hip little bars are found in places you never could imagine! You have poi-spinning dancers as entertainment, while the ultra-cool decor will draw you to others. If live music is your thing, there is an amazing jazz bar with live performances nightly that are actually really good! If you’re lucky and a bit savvy, you’ll find bars that are so hidden that only someone special will be able take you there. This is a place that will capture your imagination and surprise you every moment that you are lucky enough to spend there.

In short, the experience I had in Pai change my entire trip to Southeast Asia! I initially planned on staying for no more than a couple of days. But when I finally returned the motorbike, I was shocked to see the bill. I lost all track of time and spent close to a month there. But having made several great friends, I ended up traveling with them through Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and saw other people I met in Pai in every one of those countries. I don’t regret a single minute of the time I spent there! And should you decide to go there, I guarantee you will feel the same way! Happy travels my friends!

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15 Apr 2011

Top Trends in Cruise Travel

Cruise lines have their own distinct personalities and ships that reflect them, but there are some definite trends that are spreading across the fleets within the cruise industry.

More homeport cruising

Being able to drive to a cruise offers great convenience, not to mention tremendous cost savings by not having to buy airline tickets. All total, there are some 30 close-to-home departures in the United States and Canada. With so many ships in these close-in markets, in 2010 the competition for your cruise dollar will be fierce.

Bigger cruise ships

Cruise lines have gotten the message from travelers and they are delivering more for 2010 – more space, more options, and more fun on the largest cruise ships ever to hit the high seas. Larger ships mean a wider variety of features and amenities from which to choose.

Cruise ship makeovers

The refurbishment of the older ships makes sense for cruise lines, since most aren’t investing huge sums of money to build newer vessels. By “remodeling” what they already own they can add all of the features of the new ‘mega-builds’, which many cruisers appreciate. Older ships are emerging from their new makeovers with new balconies, improved pool areas, updated children and teen areas, more dining venues, and larger spa facilities.

Greener cruise ships

Cruise lines are taking advantage of the latest environmental technology to reduce their carbon footprint. A number of lines have launched initiatives including advanced wastewater purification, shore power, LED lighting, solar power and products made from recycled materials.

More adults-only areas

A number of cruise lines are increasingly catering to passengers seeking al fresco tranquility with the introduction of quiet, adults-only areas on their ships. These areas are usually in quieter parts of the ship and offer relaxation with abundant plush loungers and access to spa treatments, Jacuzzis and bar service.

More enrichment

Cruise lines continue to offer more and more sophisticated programming. Many cruise lines offer informative shipboard talks by famous lecturers on a variety of topics. Additionally, a number of premium and luxury cruise lines also invite arts and culture specialists to lead educational programs. Lectures aside, there are abundant enrichment offerings onboard and the list of options keeps getting bigger. Cruise travelers can take classes in languages, cooking, Web design, advanced digital photography, art history, maritime history, calligraphy, even pottery. There are even active enrichment programs like dance classes and theater.

More theme cruises

Are you a baseball fanatic, into politics, crazy about rock or jazz music? Believe it or not, you can indulge these passions – and a host of others – on a cruise vacation. Theme cruises are growing in popularity as they provide an entertaining and enriching venue for guests sharing the same interests. Best of all, the shared exuberance fosters an easy spirit of camaraderie, making for a great cruise vacation and sometimes lifelong friendships.

More wellness options

Cruise lines are chasing the fitness trend and have incorporated more comprehensive fitness options into their shipboard offerings, including larger pools, and gyms with state-of-the-art equipment that offer popular workout programs like aerobics, Pilates, circuit training and yoga.

Of course all the activities are balanced by the total relaxation guests find in modern shipboard spas. New indulgences include such treatments as an bamboo massage, Thai poultice massage, exotic coconut rub, body wraps, and acupuncture, to name a few. These are just some of the many therapeutic options available should you wish to turn your cruise vacation into a complete health makeover at sea.

More epicurean delights

While the typical cruise ship remains a vessel of culinary indulgence fueled by 24/7 buffets, pizza stands, and ice cream parlors around every corner, many cruise lines have added more gourmet fare for the more sophisticated palate. Most lines offer alternative dining venues where, for an additional fee, guests can indulge in premium fare with many of the menus designed by famous chefs.

With all the new ships, new on board amenities, educational, health, exercise, and epicurean offerings it’s clear that cruise lines are working hard to make the cruise vacation experience the best it can be. And, that will surely make guests want to come back for more.

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16 Jul 2009

Travel Destinations

If you want some adventure on the road, ElderTreks has been offering senior-oriented trips for almost two decades. With both land and sea vacations, ElderTreks features some pretty exotic destinations, including Mongolia, Ethiopia, and Antarctica. Most of the offerings tend toward the strenuous, but the Activity Level rank gives an idea of just how active a particular tour is.

A Level 3 (most physical) voyage in Ethiopia, for example, could include climbing down the base of the Blue Nile Falls, a three-hour hike in Lalibela, and camping in the Omo Valley after some serious off-roading. ElderTreks are not for the faint of heart or the physically unfit, and can range from about a week to a month or more. If you’re adventurous, and looking to meet someone else who is, too, consider joining up with ElderTreks.

SINGLES ADVENTURE CRUISES

While the “Adventure” moniker may be a bit misleading considering this company’s emphasis on large-ship cruising. Still, for seniors aged 55+, it could be a good way to meet others. Senior singles in need of a buddy or wingman might like the “Travel Mates” program, which can help to start friendships and meet up with a roommate to avoid a singles supplement charge. Do be careful when exploring Singles Adventure Cruises options, though — seniors should look for cruises specifically targeted to them. Otherwise, you could end up on a cruise full of single, hard-partying twenty-somethings. Their garishly-designed website doesn’t help, but seniors should look for cruises targeted at the “55+.”

They also offer “Ad-Lib Cruises” for folks who don’t like to be overscheduled with group activities. These cruises allow you to be on a ship with significant numbers of singles and participate in group activities when you desire, yet still give you the freedom to pursue your own schedule.

GOLDEN TRAVEL GUIDES

Golden Travel Guides isn’t actually referring to the “golden years”; the company was started in 1997 by Rick Golden. But they do have plenty of options for senior travel, providing seniors with a search engine for exploring options on their own over the Internet. Alternately, they offer a toll-free number to allow you to speak with an actual “travel specialist” to help make your plans. Not all of their trips are singles-oriented; however, a significant percentage of their travelers on nearly every trip are, in fact, single.

ELDERHOSTEL

With more than 8,000 all-inclusive trips in all 50 states and more than 90 foreign countries, Elderhostel has a global reach. But a couple of things make Elderhostel a bit different from other senior-focused tour companies. First, as a non-profit, Elderhostel is dedicated not to making money, but to providing meaningful experiences that help and educate both travelers and their hosts. Second, Elderhostel maintains a strong commitment to community service with many of its tours.

For example, seniors learn about habitat restoration and biological research by helping scientists study endangered Giant Otters and Hyacinth Macaws in Brazil’s Pantanal. Finally, Elderhostel is committed to education as a goal for travel, with many of their trips having significant cultural components to show seniors a more meaningful side to the country than they might otherwise see. Elderhostel also offers inter-generational trips, for grandparents looking for service-oriented vacations for the whole family.

ALUMNI CLUBS

One final idea for senior singles vacations…trips for college alumni. Many university alumni clubs will sponsor trips that can re-connect seniors to long-lost classmates and spark new relationships. The added bonus of these trips, aside from the fact that all the participants will have at least their college in common, is that it will often help the ol’ alma mater, too. Contact your former college for more information on joining an alumni club.

This Travel Tips article is provided by Articleteller – The Free Article Directory http://www.articleteller.com

Peter Greenberg is a preeminent expert on travel. His focus is on the journey, providing insider’s tips and recommendations to an increasingly savvy and demanding traveler. Peter is also author of The New York Times best-selling series, The Travel Detective, which uncovers secrets the airline, hotel, cruise and rental car industries don’t want consumers to know. Check out Travel Tips for more insider information.

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16 Jul 2009

India Tour Operator

Welcome to india
The exotic land of mountains, beaches, forts, monuments, palaces and a combination of modern and historical buildings. A land where you find different languages, cultures and a rich heritage of people. There is something for everybody in india – whether it is culture, people, adventure, wildlife, religion, ayurveda, yoga, spa, heritage travel, beaches or temples. One can select any of these numerous destinations by his own choice or preference.

Some of the most popular states of india include rajasthan, known for its rich culture and heritage. Sand dunes, wooded hills and amazing lakes, palaces and rugged forts, men and women in colorful turbans and skirts, bustling towns and quiet villages, camels, elephants and tigers, harsh sunlight and the cool evening breeze – are all there in abundance. Or kerala – the green state where you can find a combination of a rich culture, beaches, health travel and also the popular backwaters.

Some of the other popular destinations include the city of agra, which is quite close to new delhi – the capital of india.and famous for its most visited monument of love – the taj mahal. Others also include khajuraho – famous for its sculptures, varanasi – famous for the river ganges ghats and hindu religious temples, madurai for its temples, the state of orrissa for tribal tours, the buddisht travel circuit, ladakh for the himalayan adventure and trekking regions are some of the most popular destinations. The list is exhaustive and seems endless.

India is also famous for adventure tourism. Some of the major destinations includes:

Ladakh
located in the himalayan watershed, is a high altitude, mountainous desert. It has beautiful wildflowers, a wide range of mountain animals, hundreds of species of resident and migratory birds, and hospitable, hardy, cheerful and courteous people. The people are an amalgam of the tibetan, balti, dard and aryan ethnic strains. Isolated regions of zanskar foster the non – mongoloid drogpa tribe. In the indus valley between khalsi and battalik and the changpa, nomadic shepherds of the eastern plains are some of the most attractive and fruitful subjects of study.

Garhwal & kumaon
garhwal and kumaon regions of the uttar pradesh are collectively known as uttarakhand. The temples at badrinath and kedarnath, are all highly venerated pilgrimage destinations. The trekking route to mt. Badrinath and kedarnath, are all highly venerated pilgrimage destinations. The trekking route to mt. Kailash parikrama and mansarovar lake in tibet passes through uttarakhand. The awe-inspiring beauty of the central himalayan range and solitude of the mountain and forest retreats have inspired countless generations to seek spiritual enlightenment in this land. This is one more region of the himalayan range which provides a radical change of topography, climate and flora from the sub-tropical areas.

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16 Jul 2009

Travel in Germany: Great free pocket travel guide of Berlin by Flashbooking

For this and other reasons Flashbooking is becoming a recognized source of information and services for who loves creating a trip by him/herself and book bed nights securely online.

Berlin stands in the middle of the region that has been known since medieval times as the Marca of Brandenburg, and which is now the federal state of Brandenburg, with the River Spree running through the middle of it.

After a long slumber lasting fifty years, it is now once again the capital of a unified Germany, and is newly considered to be one of the most important European metropolis.

Flashbooking cheap lodging solutions are all available for online bookings and divided by Countries. Travellers have free access to the updated list of Europe hostels and budget hotels, North and South America hostels, Caribbean and Central America hostels as well as for Asia cheap accommodations, Oceania youth hostels and Africa hostels.

Flashbooking’s happy travellers can book their rooms and beds not only in cheap hotels or cheap hostel Berlin but also consider other budget accommodations in Bed and Breakfast, Guesthouses, Campsites, apartments, farm houses and much more.

Having the reservation final price is also convenient as it does give the transparency our users pretend while booking. Having the final total amount of your booking means you do not have to worry about other extra surprises!

Flashbooking accommodation database is easily available online and comes completed with all relevant information about youth hostel and hotel location and map, description, services, hostel contacts, customer ratings, six pictures and updated prices inclusive of taxes and services together with instant real availability.

With the monthly newsletter, Flashbooking puts at travellers, students, volunteers free disposal some useful pocket travel guides of major European cities: the Amsterdam City guide, the London City guide, the Prague City guide, the Paris City guide, the Rome City guide, the Florence City guide, and the freshly issued Berlin City guide!! For the Berlin travel guide Flashbooking staff efforts concentrate on making it simple to read dividing the Berlin centre in different districts with their relevant amenities.

Berlin is renown for its open and friendly international people, art museums and Art Galleries, the sea, the movida and cheap lodgings, classic itineraries and a lot more to make a visit worth wise.

After the Second World War, Berlin was left completely destroyed and demoralised, squeezed in between the East and the West, and divided both physically and metaphorically by a long wall that cut across the city.

Today, now that the Cold War and the events of 1989, which ended in the knocking down of the wall, begin to be just far off memories, Berlin is beginning to think about its own future. New buildings, designed by world-famous architects, have sprung up everywhere in this new Berlin, and although a large part of its historical and artistic heritage was destroyed during the last war, the city has kept its cultural identity and great wealth, with its museums and many monuments

In general, Flashbooking guides have been written for giving the essential information about the most visited cities in the world and in particular for any traveller or first-time visitor. For a short visit, a week-end, a city break, these free pocket guides are useful printable and downloadable tools available online.

In the Berlin City guide students, families and backpackers can get a large selection of cheap or low cost accommodation with plenty of low cost solutions in budget youth hostels, Bed and Breakfast, guesthouses, cheap hotel deals.

Flashbooking policy tends to privilege small and family-run hotels in order to promote an alternative tourism respectful of cultures and different societies.

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16 Jul 2009

Kashmir Honeymoon Tour

There cannot be a more beautiful destination than Kashmir for honeymoon. Kashmir, popularly called as ‘Paradise in India’, is perfect place to start your new life in the blissful company of each other, in anticipation of what the future holds for them and to plan for fulfillment of all the big and small dreams. Hold each other hands while strolling on the curved paths, give your shoulder to your spouse to lean on while relaxing on the hilltop and whisper sweet nothings into each others ears while enjoying a ride on the shikaras on the Dal Lake. These are the part of the things that you could do no Honeymoon in Kashmir.

With its perfectly maintained gardens, rows of golden chinar trees, sparkling rivers, alpine pastures and the backdrop of snow peaks, Kashmir is the most sought-after honeymoon destination for romantic couples the world over. This place is indeed the jewel in the crown of the Indian Republic.

While on Honeymoon in Kashmir, you must check out Srinagar, the capital city of Kashmir. The city is full of scenic beauty including some of the best lakes and gardens in India. Visit the world famous gardens in Kashmir to transcend back to the royal era of the Mughals. The Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Azim Bagh, Chashmashahi and Harwan Garden are worth a visit on Honeymoon in Kashmir. These gardens were laid down during the Mughal period and are maintained in typical style of the Mughal Gardens even today. In present time of deforestation and rapid construction, it is a rarity to find such lavish gardens with lush greenery, flowering plants, fruit-bearing trees and water channels.

The lakes in Kashmir enhance the beauty of state manifold. Enjoy a stay in the traditional houseboats or shikaras in the Dal Lake for lingering memories of your Honeymoon in Kashmir. It is the largest lake in Srinagar and offers various picturesque sights. Besides the Dal Lake, there are Nagin Lake and Jhelum Lake as well. Another important lake in Kashmir is the Wullar Lake. Spread over an area of 125 km, it is the largest fresh water lake in India. Situated 60 km from Srinagar, the lake has colorful variety of avifauna.

Honeymoon in Kashmir is assured to be a pleasurable experience with a surfeit of accommodation choices. Kashmir has everything from economy hotels to super luxury 5 star luxury hotels. The hotels are situated in picturesque location and offer a panoramic view of the snowy mountains and lush forests.

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16 Jul 2009

Hotels in Bangkok- Bask in luxury at a royal hotel in Bangkok

When it comes to finding hotels in Bangkok, there is no shortage of places that you can choose from. There are plenty of average hotels, and many more luxury hotels that don’t have as extravagant prices as you think. Make sure that you take the time to check out all of your options and don’t sell yourself short because you think you can’t afford a luxurious hotel. With the affordability of a vacation to Thailand, hotels in Bangkok are definitely going to be within your budget. Whether you choose the five star resorts or the three star basic hotels, there is something for everyone when it comes to hotels in Bangkok.

Because Thailand still has a monarch, many hotels are named after royalty. These royal hotels in Bangkok are perhaps the most luxurious places that you could stay on your vacation. Staying here is definitely worth the investment if you’re looking for a luxurious vacation. Hotels in Bangkok may seem expensive but in truth they are relatively affordable. Just imagine spending around US$50 a night and getting all the benefits of a five star hotel.

With the prices of vacations in Thailand being so affordable, it is no wonder that so many people seek out hotels in Bangkok for their vacation. Even those who come on a medical or dental vacation can find affordable amenities within the city to allow them to get the dental work done, and it may cost much less then what they pay for service alone in another country. It doesn’t matter whether you travel for need, pleasure, or even business, because you can find great hotels in Bangkok as long as you know where to look.

The best way to describe Thailand is exotic, but that doesn’t mean that the hotels in Bangkok are not modern and state of the art. Thailand gives you the ability to enjoy ancient charm along with modern convenience. The only difference is that you won’t feel like you are paying for the luxury that you are actually getting at royal hotels in Bangkok. This is why Thailand has been gaining in popularity lately amongst people from across the globe.

Thailand has always been a popular vacation destination, and has been growing in recent years. You can find it many different things to see and do while you’re in the country, and since you’re going to save so much money on hotels in Bangkok, you can afford to do so much more than you thought. Take the time to see what’s out there, and you should have no trouble finding a great hotel for you, whether it is one of the royal hotels in Bangkok or any other of the many wonderful hotels in Bangkok that you have to choose from.

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