Preparing for a Croatia Vacation

by Goran Zinic

When people are visiting Croatia they often come by car, especially considering that Europeans tourists make up the largest percentage of visitors to the country each year. When travelling from Northern Europe most people come through Munich, into Austria, cross the border into Slovenia and then head towards Croatia through Maribor. Those that travel by plane have a choice of 5 main airports which are positioned in and around major cities. Should you be concerned if you need a visa for travelling to the country then you should visit the Croatian Embassy where you live.
Rather than dollars or pounds, when you go to Croatia, you will need to have Kuna. A Kuna is split into 100 lipas. If you want to find out about the value of Croatian currency then you should check out the Croatian National Bank website. There you can find out today's current values against GBP, USD and most major currencies that are used throughout the world. Rather than exchanging money, one great method is to use a credit card for your Croatian money instead. This will mean that you can use an ATM in the country to withdraw money, and therefore you do not have to worry about carrying large sums of money on your person. One problem associated with this is that when you put your card into the machine you will have to be able to change the language to English through the menu. You should not be too concerned with this - you should be able to get it eventually through using common sense. If you do not want to use a credit card, or you cannot work the ATM, then do not worry. Unlike some countries, where you firstly need to exchange into USD before being able to change into the native currency, Croatia allows for direct currency exchange. If you do decide to use a currency exchange you should avoid the services offered by the hotels; they tend to try to charge too much. When in Croatia you should not be too worried about being able to get medical help if you need it; especially if you have medical insurance. It is also worth showing the medical professionals your passport when you visit the hospital. The reason for this is that many countries have reciprocal medical arrangements where by they will willingly treat tourists as long as their tourists get treated in their country.
If you are worried about safety in Croatia then do not be. Croatia is, for the most part, very safe. Like any country, there is chance of theft and other crimes however no more so than anywhere in the West. One problem with Croatia is that men have a strong tendency to wolf whistle at women and girls; however this will be overcome by showing them that you are not amused. Should you need to speak to someone Croatian in English then you are best to target those in their 20s or younger - Croatians are now strongly encouraged in learning English at school

http://www.adriacentar.com/

Indian Elephants

by William Nickel

Elephant is the largest living land animal in the earth today and they can be categorized into three major types. African bush elephant, African forest elephant and Asian elephant are the three main types of elephants. Asian elephants are also popularly known as Indian elephants. In Asian countries, elephants are often worshipped and are considered as sign of wisdom. Elephants are also used for elephant safari and wildlife tours. Though it is an animal, studies revealed that memory and intelligence of elephants are high.Today, numbers of elephants are decreasing as a result of human intrusion inside different forests. At present it is a protected species in most of the countries. Actually African and Asian elephants are different species, the African elephants are bigger in size compared to the Asian ones and the sizes of the ears are much larger. On the basis of genetic differences, the African elephants are further classified into two major types. Both kinds of these elephants are basically herbivores.Trunk of elephant is the fusion of upper lip and the nose. Few biologists suggested that, the elephant's trunk muscles are sensitive enough to pick up a single blade of grass, and the trunks are strong enough to rip the branches off a tree. The second upper incisors are the tusks and these tusks grow continuously. An adult elephant's tusk can grow even seven inches per year. The elephants use these tusks to dig for water, roots and salts to maintain hydration of body. With these tusks the elephants can even debug trees and branches. These tusks are even used as weapons. Teeth of the elephant highly differ from teeth of other mammals. There are no baby teeth in case of elephants; the teeth remain throughout its life. Elephant skins are tough and around 2.5 cm thick. But, the skin, near to ears and mouth are very thin and soft. Legs are like strong pillars and the feet are almost round. The elephants can swim and climb to some extent but they hardly have any other movements. Usually an elephant spends around sixteen hours per day to accumulate food. In terms of body mass, an elephant is almost five times than a human being. The largest areas of elephant's brain are used for hearing purposes. It is indeed an interesting fact to note that the hearing receptors are located inside the trunk. And again in feet, which have special receptors for low frequency sound and these are exceptionally well innervated. Elephants have high level of self-awareness and they are very cautious about the surrounding environment. With repeated elephant hunting over the centuries, today elephants are under threat of extinction. Elephants play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, so preservation of elephant is indeed crucial.

http://www.goarticles.com/

Monaco Opens New Shipyard for Yacht Tourists

by Roger Munns

Monaco is opening a new facility for the upkeep and repairs of the world's megayachts, and enhances Monaco's already fabled image.
The shipyard, which has taken two years to build, will be the largest megayacht facility in the Mediterranean and is an impressive 35,000 square metres capable of taking fourteen 40 to 80 metre yachts.
Bearing in mind the size and weight of the yachts, the new facility can hoist and transfer one in half an hour.
The owners of the shipyard have invested 45 million Euros to make sure it is state of the art, and as well as major repairs can do painting and full servicing as part of its services.
The number of megayachts has increased dramatically in recent years, and Monaco has been quick to ensure that the wealthy owners, often nouveau riche, see her as in the same light as old money and the established European and US wealthy families, who frequent Monaco and the Monte Carlo casino.
Monaco ensured the attention of the yacht owners by cleverly staging the annual Monaco Yacht Show, the only one of its type, specialising in Megayachts, held in the principality each September.
As well as the legendary Monte Carlo casino, Monaco is a tax haven and home to the Monaco Grand Prix, F1's most prestigious race in their calendar.
For a country with a long tradition of welcoming the wealthy, it comes as a surprise to many that Monaco is also in the forefront of the battle to save the environment.

Monaco Yact Show
The environment campaign began shortly after Prince Albert became Sovereign with the Monaco Yacht Show 2005, held each September, with the event successfully becoming carbon neutral. To encourage the thousands who commute to Monaco every day from neighbouring France and Italy the railway station is one of the best in Europe, with frequent and reliable services.
'For those who work in Monte Carlo and travel in from Nice and her surrounding villages five days a week, it's both cheaper and quicker to take the train - the trains are modern and comfortable and it's rare for seats not to be available even during the rush hour', claim a Monaco travel guide, 'Once people are in Monaco the local transport service is equally quick and efficient. Virtually all routes are well planned and easy to understand, and the most you have to wait for a bus is ten minutes, often it's just a couple of minutes - which isn't exactly a hardship given the weather in Monte Carlo!'
With many major companies and the banks in Monaco also looking to see how they can improve their own environmental records the business community view the steps as prudent ones.
The routes are planned to incorporate tourist needs, with many passing by the Hotel de Paris in Casino Square and the Columbus in Fontvieille, two of the best known and popular Monaco hotels. Fares have been reduced to one Euro, making public transport in Monaco among the lowest priced, comfortable and frequent in Europe.
With the overall aim to increase bus usage by 20 per cent, the Principality is also funding five new duplex trains with a thirty per cent increase in train services, and in an innovative attempt to persuade commuters to leave their cars at home will provide free electric cycles at car park schemes.
'The one time of year you might see fast cars being encouraged is of course for the Monaco Grand Prix in May', conclude the guide for Monaco, 'But overall it's Prince Albert who will be able to claim the winners rostrum among European leaders for the environment.'

Jump over to Kangaroo Island

by Jenny Brewer

If you are after an unspoilt paradise, Kangaroo Island, being Australia's third largest island, is right up there with unforgettable experiences. Located just over two hours from Adelaide, drive to Cape Jervis for a ferry ride that will take you across to its stunning coastline where your driving adventure will begin.
The climate is fairly mild, with cooler nights and the average temperature by day of 23C. It gets a hotter in the middle of the island with temperatures up to 40C. There are plenty of camping spots around the island, but it is on a first in, best dressed basis. It is best to pick up your permit at Kingscote but remember it is busy during holidays.
Be prepared for some amazing wildlife experiences. There are plenty of kangaroos, as well as koalas in the gum trees, echidnas, goannas, penguins, seals and all varieties of birdlife imaginable. Bring your camera as you are sure to capture some incredible moments. If you are looking for a great beach, head to D'Estrees or Pennington Bay which is excellent for surfing, or just fossicking on the shore.
The main town centres are American River, Kingscote, Penneshaw and Parndana, and there is an accessible sealed road which runs around the island. You will still need to be very careful driving especially on the smaller roads.
You are sure to find an uninhabited stretch of coastline if you want to relax for some of the day to enjoy a completely unspoilt existence. Why not take an underground tour of the cave systems starting from Kelly Hill. There are so many places to visit that make you feel like you are the only person around for miles.
The Flinders Chase National Park has to be seen as is known as the gateway to the island for locals and tourists. There is an information centre at Rocky River, and camping is permitted here. With its isolated and rugged coastlines, incredible views and abundance of wildlife you won't want to leave.Remarkable Rocks are just as their name depicts, and worth the trek to see them up close. Follow Snake Lagoon right through to the ocean for a relatively easy bush walk. You will get your share of lighthouses here, with a number of them spread over the island. One of the best known is situated at Cape Willoughby, which is also the oldest in South Australia. Cape Borda and Weirs Cove also have fascinating historical remains, with their lighthouses welcoming all travellers to come closer.
There are nightly trips to see the cute penguins, a favourite with tourists. You can't miss the Kangaroo Island Marine Centre, based in Kingscote, which also has a large number of marine life common to the island on display. During daylight hours, there are tours available to visit the Seal Bay which will bring you to a multitude of seals basking in the sun on the rocks. You can also see Admiral Arch rock formation from here, great for that Kodak moment.
For the bird lover, head to Murray Lagoon to see thousands of ducks, swans and birdlife that will take your breath away. There is even a platypus waterholes walk for those who want to see more of this shy mammal up close. It doesn't matter where you explore on Kangaroo Island, you are sure to come across natural wildlife and striking wilderness in every direction.
There is also a vast array of culinary choices here, with cooking demonstrations at the seafood shop, boutique wines and famous cheeses found at the Island Pure Sheep Dairy. Cliffords Honey Farm is known worldwide for its pure honey produced by bees imported from Italy.
Being so close to the capital city, Kangaroo Island really is one of the major natural wonders of South Australia. Even for a few nights getaway you are guaranteed to return home invigorated by the salt air, long uninhabited beaches and panoramic scenery. It will be an adventure you will always remember, and a place to visit again and again

http://www.goarticles.com

Songkran Festival

Of all the feasts and festivals in Thailand, which are many, the Songkran Festival is the most striking, for it is widely observed not only in this country but also in Burma, Cambodia and the Lao State.
Songkran is a Sanskrit word in Thai form which means the entry of the sun into any sign of the Zodiac. But the Songkran in this particular instance is when the sun enters the sign of Aries or the Ram. Its full name is Maha Songkran or Major Songkran to distinguish it from the other ones. But the people call it simply the Songkran for it is the only one they know and in which they take interest. It is their traditional New Year when they can enjoy their holidays to the full with no economic hindrance. Songkran is a fixable feast on the solar calender. It begins on the 13th April and ends on the 15th April, but occasionally in certain years on the 16th April. The Songkran is in fact the celebration of the vernal equinox similar to those of the Indian Holi Festival, the Chinese Ching Ming, and the Christian Festival of Easter. The beginning of spring when the sun crosses the equator is now on the 21st of March which is due to the precession of the equinox. The Songkran Festival is in a certain sense like April Fool's Day, when the maids of the village play pranks on any gallant who happens to pass by their way. He will be caught and bound by the united strength of the maids and they will daub him with blacking.

Information from: "Essays on Cultural Thailand" by Office of the National Culture Commission.

Pattaya Thailand

by Robert Rystrom
Pattaya is one of the largest cities for tourism that can be found in the country of Thailand. Physically, Pattaya is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is Southeast of the country's capital, Bangkok. With wonderful attractions offered, much of this city's economy consists of tourism. If you are interested in visiting Thailand, chances are that you may want to think about visiting the city of Pattaya. This city is known to have a lot to offer to its tourists, which is the reason that it has become such a popular tourist attraction recently. Here, we will take a much closer look at some of the main attractions that Pattaya has to offer to its tourists, in order to help you determine whether or not vacationing in this city may be a decision which you may want to make in the future. Pattaya Beach is a favorite spot of many tourists, and it is also the most popular beach that Pattaya Thailand has to offer. Since it is located near shopping centers, bars, and hotels, it has become very popular among tourists. Unfortunately, it is often hard for many to get a spot on the sand, due to its popularity. Jomtien Beach is another one of the beaches which Pattaya Thailand has to offer. While it does offer some hotels and restaurants, Jomtien is mainly an area where people own summer homes. It is typically easier to find a spot on the sand at this beach than at Pattaya Beach. Jomtien Beach is especially loved by who enjoy taking part in water sports. It has a large entertainment center which offers water park attractions, a roller coaster, a monorail and fun attractions for children - which has helped with it become a popular area for people who are vacationing as families to want to visit. Of course, the beautiful beaches that Pattaya Thailand has to offer is not the only thing that this city has going for it. There are many other attractions which Pattaya has to offer that tourists all find to be quite appealing. Some of these attractions include golf courses, places for go-cart racing, the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo, Pattaya Beach Resort Water Park and Funny Land Amusement Park, a submarine, a crocodile farm, and various museums. There are also various shopping centers and stores which anyone may be interested in visiting while they are in Pattaya. Go go bars and strip clubs occupy the time of many tourists. As you can see, there are so many different tourist attractions that Pattaya Thailand has to offer. Ranging from its beautiful beaches where you can spend the day relaxing, having fun in the sun, or taking part in water sports to its amusement parks and other entertaining activities that the city of Pattaya has to offer, there is no doubt that Pattaya has gained some much well deserved appeal from tourists. No matter what you are interested in doing while you are visiting Thailand, Pattaya has just about everything that you could possibly be interested in to offer. There is no doubt that Pattaya Thailand is a city which you may definitely want to think about visiting.
http://www.goarticles.com

My Bangkok Adventure

by Evan Moss
My personal experience of Bangkok is that it is one of the most fun, vibrant, culturally infused and delightfully exciting places that I have ever visited.
For those brave enough to undertake, driving into Bangkok is an experience in itself. With the sizzling food stalls, the open shop fronts, the omnipresent orchids, the rattle of the three-wheeled tuk-tuks, the saffron of the Buddhist monks, it's one of Asia's biggest cities, population seven million and growing.
Bangkok, however, is an Asia with one eye firmly on the West, and on Britain in particular. They like, for instance, the fact that our two countries have royal families, our conservative dress, and understated British manners. But more than that they love our football, with highlights of Premiership matches to be seen hours before we see them here. From what I knew of Alex Garland's The Beach, Bangkok's Khao San Road, the international back-packers' first stop in Asia, was a dangerous, druggy place of sexual sighs behind paper-thin walls, where Western junkies hid from the real world.
While as with most developed societies that that scene may well exist, my visit to the Khao San Road provided me with a very different experience. What I saw was a lively, 24-hour, bouncing place of inexpensive hotels, Internet cafés, clubs and travel agents. I was staying in the glistening, towering new Peninsula Hotel, on the Chao Phraya River, in the centre of Bangkok, across from the old city. I was bedazzled by the river. This extremely busy jugular functioning as a highway for speedboats, river taxis, junks and the occasional jet ski for the very brave. I took a riverboat ride upstream from the old port, the Farang Quarter (a foreigner is called a farang in Thai) with its hotels, embassies, shops selling antiques, jewels and fossilised dinosaur droppings, past the beautiful old, dilapidated European customs house and on to the Park Khlong flower and vegetable market. Nowhere in Bangkok is far from a shrine or a statue of the Buddha and, as we pulled upstream passing slums and temples the spiritual presence followed. Some of the best Buddha statues are in the Grand Palace in central Bangkok, where the 15th century Emerald Buddha, made from a single piece of jade, is the most revered.
While I had expected to find a society living spiritual life, my misconception was quickly corrected. Everyone who visits Bangkok will have heard about its sexy image and every night thousands of Western tourists are drawn to the Patpong area. While some visitors are either tempted by, or visit Bangkok specifically for the carnal pleasures on offer, many like myself find themselves in little more risqué that haggling over the price of a fake Rolex.
Not being so inclined I did not experience any of the sex clubs and similar establishments. But after a quick look around, I was making my way around out of Patpong when a smiling Thai tout in a Manchester United T-shirt emerged from a house of ill repute. "Would you like a beautiful young lady, sir?" "No, thank you," I replied politely. He hurried after me. "What about a handsome young boy then?" "Don't be ridiculous," I said, somewhat taken a back. With a philosophical shrug, the tout dropped back, obviously thinking, "There's no pleasing some folk."
But it was not all hedonistic. Hiring a tuk-tuk I sped back into the centre of town where earlier I'd spotted my own carnal speciality. Slipping inside a doorway down a riverside alley, I prepared myself for something really decadent. A beautiful young woman in a long, white dress padded over. She carefully removed my shoes and gently washed my feet. I had a blissful moment that I will more than likely never forget. My feet after a day and a half legging it around Bangkok, were screaming with pain. The young masseuse anointed my feet with sweet-smelling oils, simultaneously pointing out to me, on a map of a foot, how every bone of the foot represented a different organ of the entire body. This, at last, was the exotic East. Later, on the green-canopied ferry as we made our way back across the river to the Peninsula Hotel, I realised that for what seemed the first time for ages I was standing and my feet weren't hurting. It was all I could do to refrain from dancing with joy.
http://thai-smile.blogspot.com

About Airport Security

by James Brown
In the modern day, traveling by airplane can be a tricky business. With all the new security regulations since the 9/11, attack the rules and regulations frequently change. It is important to know what the rules are before you travel, but there is so much confusion it is hard to know what is and is not allowed. Let's make the rules a little clearer and try to cut through the confusion.
There has been a lot of fuss in the news about liquids and gels in carry on bags, so lets start with these products. There is a three ounce rule concerning gels, liquids, and aerosols in your carry on luggage. Any person who has a baby or small child is not limited to the three ounce rule for liquids concerning baby formula or breast milk, but the container must be screened and examined. Another exception to the rule is medications, whether prescribed or over the counter. The three ounce rule applies to all of these items that are not exceptions. The bottles must not be larger than necessary to hold three ounces. This means no six ounce containers that are only half full. No rolled up toothpaste tubes are allowed either. All of these containers must be placed in one single zipper lock quart clear plastic bag.. It must be quart size, no gallon or pint sizes will be allowed. The bag also must have a zipper lock, no fold over top bags will be allowed through. For items that meet the exception rule, they must be kept separate from the items in the clear plastic bag, and declared to the security officers. The exception applies to necessary and reasonable limits that are only needed during the duration of your travel.
Lighters and matches are another big news item. Lighters with or without fluid are never allowed on your person or in your carry on luggage. It does not matter if the lighter is a refillable Zippo or a throw away disposable, lighters are not allowed in the passenger compartment of an airplane. Lighters are allowed in your checked luggage, however there are some exceptions.
There is no limit to the number of unfilled, or unfueled, lighters that are allowed in your checked baggage. You are allowed two fueled Zippo lighters in your checked luggage if they are in an approved Department of Transportation, or DOT, case. If you are not sure whether you can bring a lighter, it is better not to bring it. The airline security can not return prohibited items and must dispose of them.

The Best Resorts for Family Vacation in 2007

by Caitlina Fuller
It is almost summer time and the kids will be out of school soon. That means it is time to start planning your summer vacation! However, you want to be extra careful with kids when planning a family vacation because you want to wind up in a place that is kid friendly and where the entire family will have a great time. The following resorts are some of the best places to take your family on vacation in 2007.
A Cabo San Lucas resort is a wonderful place for families. In fact, a Cabo resort is a wonderful place for anyone. There really is something for everyone in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and the warm water and white sand are certainly drawing points for families. Many of the resorts offer family packages where quite a few family oriented activities are included. This is perfect for families who want to know what they should anticipate when they arrive. A Cabo San Lucas resort is a wonderful place for families. Cabo really is a place for everyone and the beautiful weather makes it a perfect place to take kids because there are few days when the beach, pool, or other outdoor activities are rained out.
A Florida resort is also a great idea if you don't want to travel to Mexico because of passports, flights, or time. Most people can drive to Florida without too much trouble and there are so many theme parks in the area that there is always something to do. In fact, you will probably find that you would need to stay in a Florida resort the entire summer to see half of what's available. Seeing it all would take a really long time and a whole lot of money. But, in Florida you can see your favorite places one time and save the others for the next Florida vacation.
If fun in the sun is not your idea of a great family vacation then consider a Colorado resort where you can go and enjoy the mountains and lots of snow activities. There is a lot going on in Colorado during summer and winter so no matter when you travel or what you are looking for you will find just that.
These are just a few suggestions of resorts you can visit for a great family vacation in 2007. There are of course plenty others out there that are great too and you can ask around to find the one for your family.

Top 5 Winter Getaways in 2007

by Caitlina Fuller
When summer is over and winter starts showing its ugly face most people dream of taking a vacation to somewhere warm and beautiful. Winter getaways are fantastic because they allow tourists to recharge their batteries and do something that will help get them over the winter blues. One of the best ideas for the winter blues is a trip to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. There are so many different Cabo San Lucas vacation rentals available that you can find something that is just right for you and that works with your budget as well. It may take you some time and searching but the Internet can help you find the perfect Cabo San Lucas resort for your winter vacation.
Another great place to visit is Cancun. It is also in Mexico, just on the other side and it offers white sand beaches with clear blue water. Who wouldn't want to escape the cold of winter for Cancun, Mexico?
Winter getaways to the Bahamas are also popular. That's because the Bahamas are really close to the United States so trips can be made quickly and affordably. Not to mention the islands are gorgeous and the island air is just what you need to relax and enjoy your 2007 winter getaway.
The Florida Keys are also popular during the winter and will likely continue to be during the winter of 2007. That's because the Keys are south enough to experience beautiful weather all year round. That means you can lie out on the beach or swim in the ocean.
New York City is another great winter getaway. Of course, it is cold here but it offers outstanding shopping, dining, and the arts. You will probably need a heavy coat but there are so many things to see and do in New York City that you will want to make time for a visit.
There are of course many other destinations that are outstanding for 2007. So, you should ask around and see if anyone has ever been to one of the locations on this lit. Find out the details of each place and compare them to what you are looking for to see where you want to spend your vacation. If there are other places you would like to visit feel free so. These are just some popular destinations for those on vacation alone, with family, or even honeymooning!
http://www.goarticles.com

Top 5 Cities to see during a holiday in China

By: Stuart Cheese

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to ensure every client has the best tour possible, so here are my top 5 suggestions for cities to visit in China during your holiday.1.Shanghai is a magnificent city whose culture changes almost before your very eyes. The City has reshaped itself since the market restrictions have been lifted and offers a new and inspirational atmosphere.The Bund (Zhongshan Road) has remained virtually unchanged and is instantly recognised as one of the famous landmark waterfronts in Shanghai for many, many years. There are various temples and gardens within Shanghai, some of them in the past were left unattended which enabled the forces of nature to reclaim them. These temples and gardens have since been restored and have now become tourist attractions from people all over the world.Like Any major city, Shanghai has a very impressive sky line. One of the buildings which is a must to see is the stunning Oriental Pearl TV Tower. If you have the chance it is worth visiting one of the upper observation platforms to capture a magnificent view over the whole of the city.In my opinion Shanghai should be totally avoided in the Chinese New Year; as the city comes to a full standstill and public transport becomes a complete nightmare. During the rest of winter there are fewer tourists and better deals in the hotels. Summer is obviously the peak season and it can become hot and humid. September to November is a good time to visit as there are many festivals and fairs of great interest to witness. 2. Beijing is the capital city of China. The city has fantastic historical places of interest which are embraced in beautiful surroundings. The Forbidden City is the largest and well looked after ancient structure. There is also the beautiful Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace where the Emperor would escape from the rest of the world. One pleasant surprise was a beautiful boat made completely of marble on which the Emperor indulged himself in the stunning surroundings. Another major attraction is the Ming tombs and of course the Badling Wall (Great Wall) which is worth climbing to see the beautiful views. 3. This ancient city Xian, is surrounded by the city wall in this area there are 4 main attractions. There is the Great Islamic Mosque, The Bell Tower, The Drum Tower and the Provincial Museum. Goose Pagoda, a fantastic example of stunning architecture and a definite must see.The temples in Xian are Buddhist and Taoism temples. If you are more of a scenic lover then the Huashan mountain is the place for you. It is one of 4 mountains in China. Of course you cannot go to China without visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. The pure magnitude of the 3 separate viewing pits are well worth seeing.4. Guilin was a personal favourite for me, from the moment I stepped out of the airport, it was evening and everything was gloriously lit up with colourful neon lights.All of the traditional landscape Chinese paintings that I have seen must have been inspired by this idyllic place. My lasting memories are of the stunningly beautiful caves which all have secrets and which the guide was only too eager to share with me. The only more stunning thing than all of this was to be able to see it from above on a cable car.5 Hong Kong. Aberdeen, is one of Hong Kong Island's main attractions. It is interesting to see the junks in which people live and fish the clear blue water. Ocean Park is like an upgrade of many Sealife centres. There is plenty for the whole family to see and do including Atoll Reef, performing animals, a roller coaster, etc. Stanley is more a place for the woman with it’s bustling shops and markets, a perfect place for the shopaholic.By far the best beach in Hong Kong is at Repulse Bay but be warned it can get pretty hectic at weekends.
Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com

The Top 5 Places To See On Holiday In Jordan

By: Stuart Cheese

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to ensure every client has the best tour possible, so here’s my top 5 places to make sure you include in any Holiday in Jordan…1. Amman. Amman is a city of contrasts. Its vibrant history lives side by side with a modern day metropolis. Amman was originally built on 7 hills and was at one point a village, yes a village of just 2,000 people. Amman became the capital in the 1920’s and now has a population of over 2,000,000. Served by numerous international airlines, it’s the perfect place to start and finish any trip to Jordan.2. Petra. No trip to Jordan would be complete without a visit to Petra. The amazing structures carved into the rocks are truly a site to behold. In 1985 Petra became a world heritage site and recently a visitors centre was also opened. Petra is often talked about as the 8th wonder of the world.If you are travelling alone there are staff and guides available to assist you at the Petra Visitor's Centre at entrance of the site. Guidebooks and maps are also available. Otherwise if you are on an organised tour, then you will be guided by your tour guide.Either way we suggest you make sure you take in the one kilometre long Siq, as well as Al-Deir and the High Place of Sacrifice.3. Dead Sea. Literally the one place on the planet where even if you can’t swim, you can go swimming! The dead seas salt content is so high that you will actually float, so whilst possibly not the best place in the world to go diving, this just has to be on your ‘Jordan to do list’. This is also a great place for those of you who enjoy spa visits as The Dead Sea area enjoys a large array of treatments on offer.4. Wadi Mujib. A huge gorge which enters the Dead Sea 410 m below sea level and this fact alone means that it’s the lowest nature reserve in the world, not perhaps relevant to your visit, but interesting never the less.Wadi Mujib measures in at an impressive 220 square kilometres and is internationally known for its fine range of bird life. It also includes over 300 species of plants, 10 types of carnivore and a wealth of migratory birds too. A few of the valley areas are difficult to get to, and these offer homes for rare species of goats, cats and other mountain animals.5. Wadi Rum. Wadi Rum is one of Jordan most popular spots and is a real favourite with western visitors. It’s a great place to rock climb, hike, camp and the always popular Arab horse riding. The highest peak in the area, Jabal Rum, must be included in any visit as on a clear day you can sea the Saudi border and the red sea.
Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com

Leicester Markets, Museums And Art Galleries

One attraction no tourist to the city should ever miss is the Leicester Market. With history going back almost 700 years and also with the prestigious title of being Europe's largest covered market, it is always a hive of activity. As you stroll through the market you will see people from all corners of the globe. It has the most varied ethnic mixture of people throughout England and the United Kingdom.
Look through the stalls and experience unusual mixtures of vegetables and exotic fruits from around the world, not forgetting to seek out the excellent fish market in the Market Centre for a mouth-watering array of quality fresh fish and other foods.
Just outside the city centre is the Beaumont Leys Market - a popular local market within Beaumont Leys Shopping Centre, opened in 1984 and still growing rapidly.
New Walk Museum and Art Gallery are situated within the historic New Walk area of the city. In 1849 the Literary and Philosophical Society formally presented to the town its various collections, which have grown and developed over the last 150 years into one of the premier museums in the region.
New Walk Museum has been the inspiration for many people including Lord Attenborough and Sir David Attenborough, who pursued their love of art and natural history as a result of spending their formative years as regular visitors to the galleries. You can spend hours looking at a wide variety of art from Leicester and all over the world.
Leicester's oldest museum has wide-ranging collections spanning the natural and cultural world. The museum has a coffee shop, and is also a venue for musical performances and weddings. This museum is very popular with tourists especially when the weather is not too good outside!
Leicester's Guildhall is a very old timber framed building that once acted as the town hall for the city. The building dates from the 15th century (parts are earlier), and is in the old walled city on a street now known as Guildhall Lane. The Guildhall is a Grade I Listed Building, and the surrounding area, also including the Cathedral of St Martin's and is a conservation area.
Belgrave Hall provides an oasis of peace and quiet in a busy city. It was built in the early 18th century, in what was then a small village 3 miles from the town of Leicester. Now city traffic passes, almost unnoticed, just beyond the garden walls. It has changed hands many times but the owners have always played a major role in the economic, social and charitable life of the community.
The city of Leicester is an ideal place to discover England. It is easily accessible by road and rail. It has its own railway station which provides regular and reliable train service to the rest if England.
It is just over an hour by car to London, Birmingham and Manchester. Leicester has a great rail service and you are within an hour's reach of most of England's heartland.
Leicester is only twenty minutes away from Midlands Airport and only ninety minutes from Stanstead and Heathrow Airports.
The Leicester people pride themselves on making tourists feel welcome in their city. Make sure that when you visit England you also spend a few days in one of England's oldest towns.

by Zubeir Dassu
http://www.goarticles.com/