Goa - A Wonderful Honeymoon Destination

Goa has always been a favorite destination for honeymoon, this place has its own charm and it is something special that makes people return for more. Beautiful and gorgeous Goa is honeymooner's dream, a land with amazing beaches. The accommodation ranges from expansive seaside resort to an all-inclusive, fashionable full-service hotel.

Visitors are attracted to Goa's green hills and cool blue waters, Churches, spice farm and paddy fields, sun, sand and sea etc; it is also surrounded by warm and friendly people. You will fall for Goa's lovely food, good music, spectacular beaches and hidden cove, lazy rivers for canoeing, birdsong and sparkling nights.

For sightseeing Goa has lots to show for example, The Church of Immaculate Conception is Panaji's main place of worship for the Catholics, also visit the impressive Se Cathedral of St. Catherine, the largest church in Asia, which has 14 altars, an 80m long aisle and 5 bells including the Golden Bell, supposed to be one of the best in the world. The remarkable Goa beaches Miramar Beach, closest to the capital Panaji (3 km), is conveniently located in the heart of the state capital which you would find a lot of crowd here, Dona Paula is a small, relaxing beach with the Dona Paula Beach Resort, Caranzalem (between Miramar and Dona Paula) is calm and safe for swimming, it has water scooters and other water sports facilities as there is no undercurrent.

North Goa has the hustling and bustling market town of Mapusa is the biggest city/town of North Goa. Calangute is the busiest town in Goa and now the centre of the 'package' tourist trade and has a long beach of coarse golden sand but there is a dangerous undertow that restricts swimming time. There are plenty of accommodations available here as well.-fringed Sinquerim beach is popular with tourist. You should visit the flea market at Baga where you can beat some fancy bargains in Kashmiri and other Indian handicrafts then you have Wednesday flea market, which Anjuna is famous for allover Goa. South Goa, the main cities of this part of Goa are the towns of Margao and Vasca da Gama. This is quiet area than North Goa and has numerous beaches as well as up market resorts, best for couples.

Goan food is something to relish on, the coconut based curries and stews using pork and beef and rich cakes and pastries are one of the popular dishes. If you can handle the spicy food, then do try a plate of the local food of fish curry and rice. For people who are foodie and like to try new taste, Goa is just the place to be. In local Pork Vindaloo is famous as well, its spicy and tangy taste is amazing and many more famous dishes you should try when you are in Goa. Also when in Goa drinks are not to be missed, should try the world famous Feni then you also have red and white wines. For refreshing coconut water is best, Alcohol is always available at an affordable price at all restaurants and even the cottages around the beach.  Aalia Khan

Finding the Ideal Beach Destination in Florida

Florida is an ever-popular destination for beach holidays, boasting a beautiful coastline and plenty of fun things to see and do. While the state is certainly famous for its sunshine and stretches of sand, you may be wondering what else there is do there - and where exactly would be best for your dream getaway.

The state is home to an array of wonderful beach destinations and you'll find that booking Florida holidays holds the promise of exciting activities and places to visit in addition to the renowned coastline.

A St Petersburg beach holiday is just one of the great breaks on offer in the state. This seductive suntrap holds the Guinness World Record for having the highest number of consecutive days of sunshine, which cannot fail to impress sun-seekers! Alongside that wonderful weather, St Petersburg plays host to 35 miles of white sand beaches, which provide the perfect place for relaxing and soaking up those rays.

While it may be hard to tear yourself away from the beach here, if you manage to do so you'll find the destination has plenty more to offer visitors. Golfing fans will discover they have some 50 top courses to choose from, while cyclists will be treated to a range of exciting trails to explore on two wheels.

Those keen to challenge themselves may want to give the Pinellas Trail a go. Spanning some 43 miles, this cycling trail is ideal for blazing through the Florida landscape.

Alternatively, why not make the most of the water and indulge in a spot of kayaking or canoeing? Swimming with manatees in Crystal River is another of the fantastic water-based experiences on offer - and certainly one of the most magical and memorable.

If you're eager to experience St Petersburg's cultural landscape, however, there are a number of fascinating places you can visit. Art lovers may be particularly interested in the Salvador Dali Museum, which houses more than 1,000 pieces by the Spanish surrealist. Simply browse the works in your own time or, to learn more about the artist, take a guided tour.

For an altogether different experience of St Petersburg, head to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This quiet-sounding destination is actually a combination of exhilarating attractions, ranging from incredible wildlife to thrilling rollercoasters!

Indeed, here you can see awe-inspiring creatures such as the Bengal tiger and orangutans, as well as go on some of the most impressive rides in the US. One of these - the SheiKra - holds the title of the being the country's first floorless rollercoaster.

Taking holidays to Sarasota is another great way to experience Florida and you'll find some absolutely fantastic beaches here. Indeed, many of these have won awards for their gorgeous clear water and soft white sand.

Sarasota's islands are also well worth a visit - especially if you are seeking some quirky experiences during your break. By heading to Anna Maria Island, you can try the latest adventure sport - horse surfing. Local experts will take you through the motions, which are sure to make for holiday memories you will never forgot!

However, if horse surfing doesn't take your fancy, why not spend some time getting to know some of Sarasota's most important history? The destination is known as the home of the American circus - something that stuck in the 1920s after top circuses moved their acts there.

Among these were Barnum & Bailey Circus and the Ringling Bros, who are known not just for their acts but for their impact on the local economy too. Today, you can browse the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art to learn more.

While you can find out something of the circus's history here, you can also see a staggering number of important artistic works. The collection was donated by John Ringling upon his death and comprises 21 galleries, featuring paintings, sculptures and sketches from across the globe.

You'll also have the chance to see the world's largest miniature circus, as well as stroll around the beautiful rose garden.

USA holidays are great for those seeking beach breaks - and for getaways in the sun, Florida cannot be beaten. No matter where you choose to spend your time in the state, you're certain to have a wonderful trip.  Dipika Patel

The Caribbean Islands Are A Must-Visit Destination

When the phrase tropical paradise gets mentioned one automatically starts to think about lush beaches with crystal clear waters, huge palm trees dotting the shore, and an endless stretch of powdery white sand that is such a joy to behold. If you are thinking about having a vacation in a tropical paradise then you should consider booking a ticket to the Caribbean.

What many tourists do not know is that the Caribbean Islands have a rich and colorful history. It was the great explorer Christopher Columbus who was said to discover the islands therefore it became the springboard for European invasion and domination of the Americas. The reason why the Caribbean has a very unique culture is because of the influences of the Spanish and Portuguese in the beginning and continued later by the arrival of the Europeans. Their arrival brought about what tourists see today as an eclectic mix of American and European influences on food, architecture, and way of life that is now considered as their own. During the sixteenth century the entire Caribbean region was dominated by the Spanish empire and during the seventeenth century the English, Dutch, and French also established colonies. It was in 1962 when the colonies became independent because of the rise of popular movements and labor organizations and the emergence of a generation of politicians who assumed leadership roles.

Today the Caribbean Islands boasts of a culture that is a melting pot of influences from the different colonies that settled in the beginning of their history. Tourists admire the laid back lifestyle of the people in these islands and they just enjoy hanging out with the locals sharing a few drinks with them and talking about their beautiful islands.

If you are unsure which island to visit first, consider Jamaica. It is the third largest island in the Caribbean and provides a home for about 2.6 million people; this beautiful island is where you will find the Blue Mountain Range. It is surrounded by a narrow coastal plain making it perfect for building beach resorts and hotels. Jamaica considers tourism as one of the biggest contributors to their economy. Because of its stunning white beaches, lush foliage, and warm, tropical weather all-year round, people from all over the world flock to Jamaica for several days or weeks of fun in the sun and total relaxation.

Regardless of which island you choose for your vacation, with the gorgeous beaches, comfortable and functional island resorts and hotels, and warm and welcoming people, the Caribbean is definitely one of those place you would not want to miss in your lifetime.  Dawn Schraeder

Spanish Vacations - An Overview

Location

Spain, an ancient Iberian country, is one of the best destinations in the Mediterranean, full of history, tastes, cultures and interesting people. Spain shares land borders with Portugal, its mainland partner, to the west, with France and the Principality of Andorra in the north, and Gibraltar in the south. In addition to these land borders, the peninsula has territories in Africa and some islands in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

 

Weather in Spain

Spain's climate is affected by the climate of the Mediterranean, the mountains and the sea, which means that, depending on the region, the temperatures vary to a great degree. However, at all times of the year, Spain is a good place to visit.

Times to Visit

In general, the best months to visit are May, June and September for mainland Spain with April and October as the best months to visit the south. During these months you can expect the weather to be very good as you will avoid extreme heat. The largest concentration of tourists, both Spanish and foreign, can be found in the months of July and August.

Winter on the southern coasts of the Mediterranean is fairly mild and is the perfect time to visit. Summer is a good time to visit the Northern Territory, the beaches or the high mountains.

Some recommendations

Spain is one of the countries of the European Union, so the currency used is the euro. Besides this, ATMs are found in abundance in the country, traveler's checks are easy to use and the use of credit cards is widely accepted. By law, a restaurant's menu prices include the service charge, so tipping is an option, not an obligation. In general, you should leave a bit of change if it you have been happy with the customer care with 5% of the total being sufficient. It is also customary to leave some change on the tables in bars and cafes.

Spain is a member of the Schengen Agreement, so visitors from countries included in the agreement do not need a visa to visit this country, regardless of the time of their stay. However, if the stay is over 90 days, visitors must register with the police. Residents of other countries not party to the Agreement, including Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United States, need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Schengen visas cannot be extended, so those who wish to stay longer than 90 days must apply for a green card during the first month of stay. You should check with the consulate of the country of residence about the requirements and the necessary documentation prior to travel, because in some cases, visa procedures may take some time.  Alan Marker

Top Honeymoon Destinations - 2011

Where you go on honeymoon is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning a wedding and is the chance to really indulge and enjoy yourself with your new spouse before you get back to the real world. If you are unsure of where to go, take a look at these top destinations that have love and romance in mind...

The Maldives

Possibly the most popular destination for newly-weds, the Maldives is paradise on Earth. White sandy beaches, turquoise seas and gorgeous weather all year round make this destination one of the most tranquil. Although a long flight, the travel time is worth it. Private, romantic and luxurious the Maldives offers everything you could ever want from a honeymoon; delicious food, various activities to enjoy with your significant other along with welcoming staff and relaxing spa treatments. It feels like your own secret island and you really won't want to leave.

Mexico

Another popular destination for couples is Mexico. The country is almost surrounded by big bodies of beautiful, clear water - the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Cancun is especially popular for it offers the best of everything that side of the Caribbean. Mexico offers you the best of both worlds. If you want to relax and enjoy the sunshine or you want to explore the historical Mayan ruins, there is something for you. Mexico is also great for water sports, so if you enjoy surfing or diving, Mexico could be the place for you.

Hawaii

Synonymous with relaxation and paradise, Hawaii is another favourite amongst newly-weds. The many islands of Hawaii have their own attractions to offer aside from beautiful beaches. The island of Kauai is gaining popularity as the top spot because of its striking coastline, crystal clear waterfalls and very scenic valleys. Forest treks are very popular with couples who want to explore the island where TV show LOST was filmed. It is also perfect for surfers, as many pros live and work on the islands. Perfect weather tops off this incredibly beautiful location, making it a serious contender for best honeymoon destination in the world.

The Seychelles

Amongst a smattering of 115 islands in the Western Indian Ocean lays the breath-taking Seychelles. Home to some of the best beaches in the world, the Seychelles are pristine and un-crowded. Marvel at some of the rarest flora and fauna on earth, with amazing sights to be seen above and below the ocean. The nightlife is mellow, but there is always something to do; enjoy a local bar and wonderful restaurants and end the night with a visit to a casino. The Seychelles is a great stop after a luxury African Safari, so you could combine these to create two honeymoons in one.

St. Lucia

Located in the East Caribbean near Barbados, St Lucia is a veritable nature park with lush tropical rain forests, exotic creatures and clear blue waters. If you love the great outdoors, the trekking, snorkelling and bird watching are a hundred times better here than anywhere else. Exploring this island is a must, but the option to relax and recline on a sandy beach is never far away.  Helen Unwin

An Italian Vacation

Italy, known to be the cradle of one of the ancient civilizations of the World is a top travel destination today. The country, located in South-central Europe has a large number of grand romantic ruins, millennium-old historical monuments and several stunning landscapes that attract tourists from all over the world.

 

The resplendent natural beauty of Italy is not limited to ancient architecture and natural landscapes alone. The travelers can have their fill from the three incredible Italian cities-Venice, Florence and Rome. These cities house some of the greatest architectural gems on Earth. These historical monuments reveal the amazing and incomparable marvels of early Roman architecture.

Italy boasts of more Unesco World Heritage sites than any other country in the World. Several photogenic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forums, the Pantheon, Grand Canal in Venice, the Sistine Chapel, St.Peters Basilica, Capitoline Museum, Trevi Fountain and ruins at Pompeii- contain major works of art and architecture. There are an estimated total of 100,000 monuments, which include museums, palaces, statues, churches, art galleries, fountains and archeological remains.

Places like the Vatican City, referred to as the Eternal city and the Catacombs- the man made underground burial places are certainly some of the must visit spots during a trip to Italy. Besides the cultural and historical richness, Italy also offers an abundance of adventure mixed with leisure. Be it skiing on the Alps, hiking on the Dolomite terrain or diving off Sardinia's golden coast- these adventure trips make the ingredients of a perfect holiday. Adding to these attractions are the serene beaches stretched across South Italy and the white sandy beaches of the Elba Island, where tourists throng for a long relaxing holiday.

The Uffizi Gallery, in Florence exhibits great paintings by the legendary Italian artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli etc. forming one of the major urban attractions. Among the country's other lures, are the world famous Italian cuisine and the flamboyant fashion trends.

Shopping in the city is a great experience in itself. The city is lined with scores of fashion stores and shopping malls. Milan, Florence and Rome are the best places for shopping where everything from designer fashion outfits to fine stationary and gold can be found. The city of Milan hosts the Fiera Milano, one of the biggest design fairs of Europe, which attracts numerous fashion enthusiasts.

Travelling to this attractive European destination is quite easy and inexpensive with frequent cheap flights. Many international flights, packed with thousands of tourists from around the world arrive daily at Italy's' major international airports- Leonardo da Vinci and Ciampino Airport. The splendid city offers profusion of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to idyllic farmhouses and modern apartments.

 

Besides hotel accommodation, a wide array of beach side resorts, bed and breakfast inns also provide budget accommodation. As with most major tourist destinations, surface transport is also well maintained. Bus, tram, express trains and taxis ply to specific destinations within the country making it easy for tourists to access their preferred destinations. As Venice is surrounded by water, water buses or water taxis are also abundantly available.

A compelling combination of art, history, stunning natural landscapes make Italy one of the most alluring holiday destinations in the world. Being one of the most culturally rich nations of Europe with a proud history, outstanding architectural and various landscapes, Italy definitely offers its travelers more than just a pleasant stay and lingers in their experience forever.  Sumathi Yuvraj

Popular Vacation Destinations

There are some really exciting vacation destinations throughout the world just waiting to be discovered by you and your family. Here are just a few great ideas for a truly fascinating journey.

The Ice Hotel

Visitors are attracted from all over the world to a small village in Lapland. It is 200 km north of the Arctic Circle in Jukkasjarvi, along the Torne River. It is called the Ice Hotel and is what the name suggests. A hotel built of ice and snow. It apparently is the largest in the world and the first of its kind.

The building must be done each year and much work goes into the making of the Ice Hotel, but it is much more than that. It is an amazing work of art. The process starts as soon as winter begins around the middle of November. Ice blocks are harvested from the Torne River and it takes a team of artists from around the world to design and create this magnificent structure.

The first part of the hotel is open by the middle of December with the opening of the Main Hall, Lobby and the Absolut Icebar. The Ice Church is completed next and the construction is completed by the end of December with a total of 60 rooms.

Thousands will visit the Ice Hotel to sleep in the rooms made of ice and snow, many of those people are couples who used the Ice Church to make wedding vows.

As spring arrives the hotel is closed for another season until the work can begin again and another work of art can be produced.

The Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park is located in north-western Arizona and is considered a Heritage Site. There are so many things to see and do no wonder there are close to five million visitors to the park each year. The park itself covers 1,218,375 acres with a spectacular view of the forces of nature at work through erosion, which has shaped the landscape and continues to do so.

The South Rim of the park is open all year, but the North Rim is closed from late October until May. There are many activities available at the park including hiking, fishing, camping, backpacking, rafting, mule rides and more. There is a visitor's centre with maps and brochures, programs for children and exhibits to view about the history of the park. Only the very adventurous get to the bottom of the Canyon. Those who are backpackers, or hikers or river rafters travelling down the Colorado River get to see what lies below the Rim.

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is considered one of the eight wonders of the world. It's beautiful white marble construction is magnificent and the architectural design is beyond compare. It was built as a monument by Shah Jahan, the Emperor of India, to immortalize his wife the queen who died in childbirth. The name Taj Mahal is a derivation of her name. It was built as a Mausoleum and in the lower chamber lays the grave of the queen as well as her husband.

The construction is a blend of Islamic, Persian and Indian architecture. It took twenty-two years to construct it and thousands of workers. There are five principal elements of the complex, a main gateway, garden, jawab, mosque and mausoleum.

These were designed according to the Mughal building practice, which allows no additions or alterations. There is a central dome flanked by four minarets. The mausoleum has chiselled into it passages from the Qur'an and the entire area is decorated with inlaid flowers and gems. There is an elaborate garden with several reflecting pools to set off the magnificent landscape and buildings.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls doesn't just have a spectacular view of the Falls, There are attractions to keep the whole family busy both summer and winter. Considered the honeymoon capital of the world, it is a place where many couples go for a romantic getaway.

There are many attractions on Clifton Hill that can keep a family busy all day. If you are a flower enthusiast you might like to see the Botanical Gardens or the Butterfly Conservatory. See the Niagara Falls and surrounding area from the Skylon Tower or try your luck at the Fallsview Casino. The whole family will enjoy the day at nearby Marineland.

You can have a ride on the Maid of the Mist for those adventurous ones who want to get a close up look at the Falls. The winter is a great time to visit as well to see the Winter Festival of Lights which draws over one million visitors each year. There are three million ground and tree lights as well as over one hundred animated light displays to amaze and dazzle you.

These are just a few of the fun and exciting places you can check out as a couple, family or single person for an experience that is well worth exploring as you search for your own vacation destination.  Valerie Shortt

Honeymoon in Thailand and Best Time to Visit Thailand

A vacation in Thailand is an ideal way to use a holiday. Starting your holiday in Bangkok, you can travel around other regions in Thailand counting Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui. 

The world's most romantic hideaways are to come in Thailand. Discover our luxury honeymoon options that encompass the stunning scenic and cultural delight of this unique country. 

 

Thailand has a natural asset in breath captivating scenery, feature spectacular green mountain, white sandy beaches, and sparking blue sea. 

Combine that with our world class range of complicated somewhere to live options, elegant dining and diversity of activites and you will experience Thailand at its greatest.

The peak months for tourism are August, November, December, February and March, with inferior peak months in January and July. 

You should consider traveling during the least packed out months (April, May, June, September and October) if your main purpose is to avoid holiday makers and to take advantage of inexpensive rooms and other low-season rates.




Honeymoon Hotels in Thailand

Thailand offer a wide range of globally acclaimed hotels and resorts for a contented accommodation. 

All hotels and resorts in Thailand from high-end to low end hold out an array of amenities to make your honeymoon the most brilliant event of your life. 

The Hotels in Thailand offer private honeymoon suites and wedding suites for a dream honeymoon.

Honeymoon Beaches in Thailand

Nature has bestowed this entire honeymoon beach in Thailand with all stunning hues and fragrance. 

Once to visit these honeymoon beaches in Thailand, you will certainly feel like coming here once more and again.

Most of honeymoon beaches in Thailand are located in the places like Pattaya. Some of the honeymoon beaches in Thailand can be name here. 

They are Ao Phang Nga Beach, Haad Rin, Hat Chaweng, Hat Mai Khao, Ko Pai, Pattaya Beach, Rawaii, Ao Phra-Ae, and many others. 

Apart from these beaches the beach like Ao Nang, Karon Beach, as well as the Railay Beach are also just right for the cause of honeymoon. 

Honeymoon Thailand Package

From the mountains in the north to the beaches in the south, there is no place in Asia that can offer such a diverse blend of top-notch experiences. 

Furthermore, the Thais are renowed for their graciousness and charm that makes every visitors feel at home. 

Our Amazing Thailand package is the result of 15 years of explorations and refinements and what you see is completely the best high-end Thailand route available.

Best Time to Visit Thailand

Looking for the best time to go to Thailand? Wherever you travel in the world, it is significant to get the time right. 

As far as Thailand is worried, there are no absolute extremes. If you can avoid the rainy season (July to October), it would almost surely be best, but if you can't, the rain isn't permanent - it comes in bursts and cools belongings down after it has gone!

The weather in Thailand is rational most times of year, although it certainly gets hot during the summer! November from end to end February is the coolest times of year and there is definitely less rain then than at other times in the year.


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Destination Bali

Land of Extremes

Mother Nature is full of notable extremities. There are places on this planet Earth like El Azizia in Northern Africa, where temperature soars upto 66°C and it is in this very planet lies Antarctica, where temperature freezes to -89°C!!

Talking about extremes, there is an island in the Asian continent which is quite notable for the extreme creation of Mother Nature. Yes, we are indeed talking about Bali! Located as an island within Indonesia, Bali is known worldwide for its volcanic eruptions. It is also one of those places in the world frequently prone to earthquakes. Bali was in the news in the beginning of the 21st century because of the Bomb blast incident in one of the famous tourist place.

A look at the other extreme of this earthquake prone island would certainly make anyone forget nature's mischievous acts and rather start appreciating the natural scenery, cultural heritage of Bali. Renowned for its largest tourist attraction from around the world, Bali is famous for its sculpture, painting, dance and other art related works.

Holiday Destination

Bali has all it takes to be one of the world's exotic tourist attractions. One might wonder about the reason for this island being a centre of attraction. It is not a mysterious myth. It is rather a simple math! Statistics and survey reveals that a foreign tourist spends approximately 50% less than he/she would spend in other exotic locations. This doesn't mean that the services offered by the Hotels and resorts are any lesser than countries elsewhere. The cost of living in this part of this world is so less.

"Who practices Hospitality entertains God himself"- Balinese are among the most visitor-friendly people. The hospitality offered by the locals to the foreigners is one rare gift that these local people possess. And for this particular reason, there are quite a few regular foreign visitors to Bali.

A vacation means to relax your mind and body. Beaches in Bali unlike other busy beaches in the world are a quiet place without much of the commercial complexes nearby. It is a spectacular sight to watch the Rice terrace throughout Bali! Rice being their staple diet, 20% of their land is being used for growing Rice.

Anybody who is a nature lover must make a trip to Bali. There are some dead volcanoes in this island which are a major source of attraction for the tourists. It is also converted as a trekking spot among the misty craters.

If you are looking for a holiday destination with a serene environment and less of commercialized and crowded atmosphere, go ahead and book your tickets to Bali. It is a place one can visit at an affordable budget!  Nigel Fine