San Francisco: The Perfect Vacation

If you are looking for an exciting, unique and fun-filled vacation, look no further than San Francisco.

It doesn't matter what you love to do, this city has it all. Stay in luxurious hotels, taste amazing food, see breathtaking sites and experience the many landmarks that this city boasts of.

One of the first things to do in San Francisco is to ride a cable car. Cable cars are not just a means of transportation for you; it is your destination for a very exciting experience. It provides amazing views of the bay and unique architecture of the city.

While seeing the bay from the cable car is an amazing experience, you will be even more astonished with a Bay Cruise. While many locations offer a cruise, it is worth paying more money for a cruise where people are not herded onto the ship like sheep. Be sure and pick a great boat that limits seating.

The amazing sights in San Francisco are nothing compared to the tastes of the city. No matter what your budget is, there are amazing restaurants in your price range that will offer unique dishes that you will never forget.

You will also want to reserve an entire day for China Town. This venue offers everything to do from amazing sights and architecture to great food, shopping, tours and nightlife. It is a must see.

If you have ever seen a movie or TV show filmed in San Francisco, then you have most likely seen Lombard Street which is famous for the steep hill and winding road. You must stop by to see such a unique and famous place.

If you enjoy nature then you will love Golden Gate State Park with a beautiful view of the bay. It also has playgrounds, conservatory, arboretum and a museum all offering excitement and fun.

You can't miss the icon of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge. It is an impressive landmark that will provide you with memories that will never fade. Be sure and plan to spend time here as you will be pleasantly surprised by the time you will want to spend at this San Francisco classic destination.

The travel reviews all confirm the truth: San Francisco is a perfect travel destination. While many visitors boast of the amazing views, many speak more about the accommodations as many nice and affordable hotels lies in the city with Fairmont Heritage Place and Hotel Drisco receiving the most favorable reviews. The highest reviews speak of the "incomparable tastes" that the restaurants such as A16 and Bocadillos offer. All of this and more will make it the perfect vacation that you will never forget.  JeanPierre Prieur

Why Do People Travel?

Can you imagine what is life without traveling? Is it possible? Whatever your reason is, traveling is a part of people's life. We all travel. The reason behind that is up to you.

There are different reasons why people travels:.

1.) Most People Travel because they want to see their families and friends who live far away. Invitations from families and friends are seldom so you will decide to travel just to see them.

2.) People Travel because they want to see their soul mates. Some people believe that there is only one person for them and if they haven't had much luck searching in their area, they figured it out that even though there are millions of people around the world, they can still find it in other place.

3.) People travel to seek for work because they want to experience how to work from another place. We must admit that earning money is hard and some people decide to work abroad because they are looking for greener pasture. Other place pays bigger rates than their own place. We may also say that their expertise is not favorable in their own place. Unfortunately, they have to leave their families for awhile for a job opportunities abroad.

4.) People travel because they want to learn others cultures. They want to see the difference between their culture and other cultures. They want to learn others culture because for them traveling is fun while learning. One particular thing about the culture is the food. They want to know how food is prepared and how it is done. Obviously, we all love to eat.

5.) People travel because they are writers. They want to give the readers relevant article to their readers especially when they are making story in that particular place.

6.) People travel because they want to see all beautiful scenery of different countries. Others would want to take pictures because it serves as souvenirs.

7.) When opportunity arise, it is hard to decide whether to leave your family and open a business far away your place. Some businessmen would rather put up business in other place because they want gain and it is more profitable than staying in their place. Business is nothing without profit.

Traveling is not only for rich people. Whether you are poor or in the middle class, you can travel as long as it fits your budget. Some travel for their goals, some travel for fun and relaxation and some travel for experience.  Ramvie Santiago

Bangkok in Brief

Welcome to Bangkok : The city of culture.

Welcome to the metropolis of Bangkok, one of Asia's most thriving commercial centres. Many first-time visitors to Bangkok have little idea of what they'll actually encounter, Bangkok metropolis, accommodating around 8,000,000 residents, is a sophisticated, fast-growing and occasionally traffic-jammed city.

 

 

Referred to today as the City of Angels (Krung Thep in Thai), Bangkok was once called the Vanice of the East because of its many canals. Although many canals have been filled-in, taking away some of the city's old-world charm, it's still one of the most intriguing places worth visiting in Asia. Numerous visitors keep coming back to the city, some for vacations, some for business and some even to settle down here. Without doubt, modern-day Bangkok is a tourist destination of the East offering a greater variety of things to see and do than any other city in Asia.

Established in 1782 as Thailand's capital, the official full name of the city is probably the longest in the world:

Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Maha Sathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathatthiya Witsanukam Prasit.

Bangkok (City of Angels) offers an abundance of sites and attractions for tourists and is famous for its Buddhist Temples (Wats) including the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo), adjacent to the Grand Palace. This temple and other beautiful examples of carefully-preserved Thai architecture are referred to in more details in the following section. Bangkok, located in the center of the country, is also an excellent stepping-off point for visiting other parts of Thailand. Although the measured pace of old Siam is now a thing of the past, the country's rich cultural and natural heritage still survives.

Accommodation in the city covers a variety of price ranges, but all offer high standard of service presented by friendly staffs. The city probably has the highest concentration of luxurious hotels in the world.

Currently, hotels and shopping venues offer amazing bargains, following the depreciation of the Thai baht currency in 1997. And for those in search of bargains, Bangkok has excellent examples of Thai handicrafts, Thai antiques, paintings, T-shirts in-fashion accessories, high-grade Thai silks and high quality jewellery.

 

The city also boasts a cornucopia of inexpensive restaurants featuring mouth-watering dishes from all regions of Thailand and international cuisine from just almost everywhere in the world. Many gourmets of Thai food, now rated No. 5 in the world's culinary top ten, considering Bangkok to be on a par with Hong Kong for gastronomic experiences.

 

The city offers a broad variety of restaurants, ranging from simple noodle stands to the most elegant dining rooms. Visitors from Europe and North America who consider themselves connoisseurs of Thai food will find Bangkok a gastronomic paradise. Despite the country's economic downturn, Thai people continue to be outwardly friendly, greeting visitors with their usual gracious hospitality and sincere expressions of friendship-traits which have earned Thailand the title of "Land of Smile". 

 

And that is no gimmick as you will discover by the time you have to leave Thailand. When the time comes, we hope you will leave the city of Bangkok feeling a deep warmth for its many charms and find it fascinating enough to enable us to welcome you back again and again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bangkok Geography:
Located in the center of the country, quite close to the Gulf of Thailand, the greater Bangkok Metropolis (including the former capital of Thonburi on the other side of the Chao Phraya River) covers an area of 1600 km2.

The city is situated right in the middle of the rice bowl of Asia, also known as Chao Phraya River Delta.

Bangkok Weather:
If you like the hot weather, Bangkok is the place for you. Average temp. rarely dip below 25 degree Celsius during the city’s 3 seasons. Between Nov. and Feb. the weather is warm and dry with temp. from 19 – 33 degree Celsius.; Mar – May is hot with temp rising to as high as 42 degrees, and from Jun – Oct (rainy season) it is warm and sometimes wet, but never cold. Even the rain is warm.

Cities in Thailand to Savour

The tourist in Thailand can probably trip a carillion of famous Thai cities off their tongues although their claims to fame may well be more notorious than famous and remembered for reasons that may well be better forgotten. Clearly Bangkok, being the capital city, holds its own claim to fame. Chang Mai, being the ancient Siam capital, also holds a claim to fame. Thailand's peninsula offers names to travellers to Thailand that many know by heart, whether they have visited Thailand or not: Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui.



Udon Thani, to the north-east of Thailand, amidst the Isaan countryside, is really only a town but it has a couple of claims that ought to bring it to the attention of the traveller to Thailand. Hua Hin, Krabi, Khon Khan and Surat Thani are all cities in Thailand and known to a greater or lesser extent. Other famous cities in Thailand include Koh Phangan, Koh Phi Phi, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Ratchasima although these are lesser known to the international world outside of Thailand.

City of Angels and Rose of the North
The city of Bangkok, is the capital city of modern Thailand, colloquially known as the City of Angels. Meanwhile, Ayutthaya and Chang Mai each share historical claims to being capital cities from ancient Siam. Rose of the North is the title given to the ancient city of Chiang Mai. As with any capital city Bangkok reveals a cosmopolitan diversity, five star hotels rubbing shoulders with dilapidated roadside food-stalls.
This diversity is further exhibited in Bangkok's wide range of excellent hotels and restaurants offering a truly international range of cuisine. Shopping offers the tourist a truly absorbing pastime, especially as Bangkok lays claim to some of the biggest shopping malls in Asia. If shopping malls seem rather tame, you can always visit Chatuchak, a particularly large outdoor market held at weekends, or other outdoor markets with similar characteristics.

The famous Thai city of Chiang Mai lies along the Ping River. It has long spread its suburbs out from around its original 700 year old limits. Apart from being the old capital city of Thailand, Chiang Mai is particularly noted for its innumerable Buddhist temples, each one surpassing the previous one in exquisite decor. The oldest of Thailand's temples, Wat Chiang Man, is located here. Another 'must-see' for any visitor to Chiang Mai is the lake, Huay Tung Tao, nestling amongst a mountain-bound terrain. There is also a zoo which cares for the welfare of more than 7,000 animals.

Pearl of the Andaman Sea and other Coastal Cities
Phuket has the honour to be known as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea. Other coastal cities include Hua Hin, Krabi, Pattaya Beach, Patong Beach, Rayong, Chumphon: in fact, with Thailand having 3,219km of coastline there are far more cities than could possibly be included here. Much of Thailand's coastline could be designated as areas of outstanding beauty, especially Hua Hin and Krabi. Many beaches cater for the family; there are some areas where young people party all night and sleep all day, however.

 

Different Cities Reflect Diversity of Provinces
Thailand has many different provinces, each one different from the next. Some of this difference can be due to a range in temperatures, some due to specific handicrafts being traditional to that village or province: there are silk villages where silk material is produced and woven and other villages where this silk is tailored into beautiful garments. The temperature in Chiang Mai is vastly different to the temperatures experienced in the beach resorts to the south of Thailand so naturally this would be reflected in how different the cities in the north are to those in the south.

Nevertheless, regardless where tourists to Thailand go, they cannot fail to be moved by the beauty and history each of Thailand's famous cities evokes. Busy these cities might be, but the evocative aura experienced as travellers visit each city is something that will always remain in their memories: these cities will provide the traveller to Thailand with a lifetime of never-to-be-forgotten reminiscences to savour in the future.

 by Soophott Lert

New Layout, New Destionations and More!

 Summer Vacations 2011 are finally here!

Isn't it a great occasion to introduce a few changes on my blog? As you have probably already noticed, the website has undergone a major redecoration. I hope you will like the new layout as well as new navigation and search options.

Additionally, several new articles appeared in the Asia section, as it is one of the most popular travel destinations. I'm sure you will find something just for you among all the new resources. Don't be surprised if it inspires you to plan new trips!



Remember, any feedback is welcome. If you have any suggestions, do not hesistate to write.

Oh, and one more thing... happy reading!

Choose The Best African Safari Holidays

If you go on African safari holidays you will experience a land of sunlight, spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. You will have an opportunity of a lifetime that will remain in your wonderful memories.

The stunning panoramic vistas, the game reserves including the Masai Mara and the beautiful plant life will all combine to give you an exciting adventure holiday you dreamed about.

Popular Holiday Choice

Safari holidays are extremely popular and people come from all over the world to experience this unique adventure and activity filled experience. You can plan African safari holidays in any of the countries that have game reserves. There are almost fifteen countries in the African continent where you can experience safari holidays and there are varieties of safaris to suit your preferences and budget. Established and well recognized companies which design safari holidays can provide you the best packages for well-planned holidays in the African continent.

Adventure Activities And Sightseeing

If you set off for a Kenya safari holiday there are plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and adventure. There are some of the continent's finest beaches, magnificent wildlife and scenery and rolling savannah and much more. There is plenty you can do or see in this golden land which will remain etched in your memory forever.

• Mount Kilimanjaro is a perfectly shaped volcano which can be climbed from five different routes. It is one of the most accessible summits of the world compared to other mountains in the world. Everyone dreams of conquering the summit and stand on the 'roof of Africa'.
• Masai Mara National Reserve: This is one of Kenya's best known wildlife areas and offers you a chance to see the famous wildebeest migration and see the 'big five'. Highly trained game rangers will escort you through safari vehicles on drives and you can see hippos, jackals, giraffes, antelopes, cheetahs and many animals in their natural habitats.
• Bird watching safaris: This is one of the highlights of your African Safari Holidays. You can arrange an ornithological safari in many of the national wildlife parks and reserves in Kenya including Nairobi National Park and Ngong Forest Sanctuary among others.
• Tsavo East and West National Parks: This is one of the largest parks in Kenya and you can view around 500 species of birds, see rhinos, hippos and a number of species of game.
• Safari Beach Holidays: You can combine the thrill of the wildlife African bush and a romantic stay by the Indian Ocean at the stunning palm-fringed beaches that line the east coast.

Different Choices Of Safaris

There is an interesting and extensive range of safaris you can choose in your African safari holidays. You can choose among many kinds of safaris each one designed to suit your preferences.

• Cultural safaris
• Balloon safaris
• Honeymoon safaris
• Scenic safaris
• Adventure safaris
• Luxury safaris
• Road safaris
• Fly-in safaris
• Bike safaris
• Family safaris
• Walking safaris

Whichever kind of safari you choose, you can be sure that you will love your African safari holidays. The key element to enjoying your safari holiday is to choose an agent with experience of understanding your choices and who provide the best holiday packages.  Bruce Puckett

Great Places to Visit in Mallorca

Taking a villa holiday to Majorca can give you and your family a great opportunity to discover new and exciting locations and things to do. Many people choose to spend their holiday basking in the sun during a break in the Balearics, but there are also many that like to get out and visit some of the resort's popular and unique points of interest and attractions.

Here are just a few of Majorca's most popular places to visit, even if you aren't keen about visiting museums, historical ruins or nature reserves you may well be pleasantly surprised.

DionisBennassar MuseumHouse, Pollenca

For those that are interested in arts and painting in particular the Dionis Bennassar Museum House is a wonder to visit. The artist Dionis Bennassar has been called the illustrious son of Pollensa and was born in the Pollenca region in 1904 and trained and improved upon his artistic skills in the city of Palma. The museum features a vast collection of artwork not only by Dionis Bennassar but by many other major artists and sculptors from the Balearics. There are regularly new displays and exhibitions held at the 17th century house as well as seminars and classes.

Palace de l'Almundaina, Palma de Mallorca

The Palace de l'Almundaina is located next to Palmas cathedral; the site itself has hosted a palace on it since the Muslim wars back in the 14th century. The palace is surrounded by wonderful gardens that are a joy to explore, in the afternoon visitors can find shade when the sun is behind the towering cathedral next to it.

Can Planes Contemporary Art Museum, Sa Pobla

Mallorca has a great selection of museums and art galleries that not only depicts the islands many great resident artists but also influenced individuals from around the world. The Can Planes art museum exhibits and centres upon the interesting and fascinating niche of contemporary art, both inside and in its grounds, visitors can find sculptures and artwork by Mallorcan artists. A toy museum is located on the top floor of the museum and is another reason to head to Sa Pobla.

S'Albufera Natural Park

Majorcahas plenty of nature and the S'Albufera Natural Park has more than enough to enjoy. The wetlands are home to a whole host of birds and wildlife, a visitors' centre is on hand to give more information on the residents of the park and how they live within the nature reserve.  Thom Sanders