Thursday, September 8, 2011

Start meditative about your family outing in 2012





As a summer transport deteriorate comes to a close, consider about subsequent year’s options. Here are 5 ideas.

1. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial, Washington. Plan a revisit to a nation’s collateral and see a new commemorative to a slain polite rights leader. After decades of planning, a memorial’s loyalty was behind by a new trembler and hurricane. The rite had been scheduled to coincide with a 48th anniversary of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The memorial, in a National Mall circuitously a FDR Memorial and framing views of a Tidal Basin, is open to a public. It emphasizes 4 of King’s primary messages: justice, democracy, wish and love.

2. Ski city in summer. Gather your house in a towering city such as Sun Valley, Idaho, where there are activities for each member of a family. From horseback roving and towering biking to fly fishing, tennis, golf and hiking, a fun covers only about each member of your gang. When planning, check dates for outside summer concerts, and art and song festivals. Don’t skip a weekly ice skating shows during a Sun Valley Lodge featuring world-class figure skaters and Olympic medalists.

3. The 2012 Summer Olympic Games, London. The U.K. collateral will horde universe athletes and fans Jul 27 by Aug. 12. Also on a calendar is a London 2012 Festival, a collection of some-more than 1,000 giveaway and ticketed events approaching to attract some-more than 3 million people. Billed as U.K.’s biggest festival ever, a showcase of music, dance, theater, visible arts, film and digital creation will run Jun 21 by Sept. 9.

4. Family reunion. Start now to devise a entertainment of your extended family. Whether your organisation is vast or small, your efforts will be rewarded when we assemble during a beach, in a mountains, during a inhabitant park or a circuitously cabin to share family stories. Pick a destination, afterwards deliberate a internal visitors business for assistance in anticipating suitable lodging, activities and assembly facilities.

5. Take a highway trip. Great scenery, story and practice are found along a National Scenic Byways. Scout outlaws, ghosts and castles as we transport by Oklahoma and Arkansas on a Talimena Scenic Drive. Find training and fun opposite a U.S., from Route 66 to a Santa Fe Trail to West Virginia’s Coal Heritage Trail. Pull out a maps, lift adult a websites and draft your family’s march for subsequent summer.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Some useful tips for flying with your pet:

Long international flights can be as hard on your dog as they are on you. If you have long layovers (more than two hours) think about checking your pet to that destination and picking it up.

Many European airports allow you to walk about with your pet on a leash - so it's a nice break for the dog to get out and walk and be with you.
Take a care kit in your carry on - bottled tap water from your home, baby wipes (good for accidents or when something 'comes up' - they are non- toxic and leave a nice smell behind), a small brush for drool mats, and a cookie or treat.

Place a shirt or some socks that have been well worn by you (i.e. odiferous) in your pet's carrier. It's a big comfort.

If you'll be staying overseas for a while, try to stick to your routine as much as possible. Keep walks on the same schedule. Find food that's as similar as possible to what your pet eats at home. Most of the pet stores and supermarkets in Germany, where I lived, had the major supermarket and premium brands.

Take advantage of the fact that many establishments allow (well-behaved) dogs inside.

Most of all, travelling with your pet can be a pleasant experience for you and your pet if you remember to PLAN AHEAD!! Don't buy your carrier or plane tickets at the last minute. Call the airlines and get SPECIFIC information about requirements AND charges. Not all airlines charge the same amount for the same size dog and costs can be high. Get the proper certifications for both your origination and destination, descriptions of which are available from the USDA/APHIS website. And certainly, gauge your travel plans on your pet's needs and personality.
Bon voyage and good luck to all you animal lovers!



Thursday, March 10, 2011

Travel Tips

It's always important to take care of your health, but there are additional concerns to keep in mind when you're traveling.

Whether you're taking a quick trip with your family or studying abroad for several months, it's easier to get sick when you're in a new place because your body hasn't had a chance to adjust to the food, water, and air in a new environment. Traveling can bring you in contact with things that your body isn't used to.

Here are some tips on keeping your travel experience as healthy as possible.

Don't Take a Vacation From HealthThe stress and excitement of travel can make you more likely to get sick, but if you follow a few simple tips, you're more likely to stay healthy throughout your trip — and your trip will definitely be more enjoyable. The good news is that as a teen, your immune system is as strong as an adult's, but lack of sleep and a poor diet can make it easier for you to become sick.

The first thing you should do if you're heading overseas is to find out what kinds of vaccinations you'll need in advance because different countries have different requirements. In the United States, contact your doctor or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a list of necessary vaccinations. You'll want to allow plenty of time for this step in case you need to get vaccines that require more than one dose.

Common Travel Troubles

Three of the most common health problems that you may experience when traveling are jet lag, altitude sickness, and diarrhea. When you fly across time zones, the differing amounts of light can change your internal body clock, resulting in a condition known as jet lag. Jet lag may cause some symptoms that are bummers on a fun trip, including upset stomach, insomnia, and tiredness.

There are some things you can do to combat jet lag; for example, if you're traveling from west to east, you should stay out of the sun until the day after your arrival. If you're flying from east to west, go for a brisk walk as soon as possible after you arrive.

Altitude sickness is caused by dry air, a decrease in oxygen, and low barometric pressure when you travel to a higher altitude than you're used to. As a result, you may have problems, such as headaches, dehydration, and shortness of breath. Some people are affected at 5,000 feet (1,524 meters), but others aren't affected until they reach altitudes of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) or more. Find out what altitude you're traveling to before you go to see if altitude sickness could be a problem.

The best prevention for altitude sickness is to gradually increase your altitude every day to get used to it. If that isn't possible, a drug known as acetazolamide can help relieve and even prevent symptoms of altitude sickness. If you think that you might get altitude sickness, talk with your doctor before you leave home.

The topic of diarrhea may seem gross, but it can be a serious problem. Traveler's diarrhea, known as turista, often occurs when a foreign type of bacteria enters your digestive tract, usually when you eat contaminated food or water. The best way to prevent turista is to be very careful of the food you eat and the water you drink on the road.

Safe Eats and Drinks
So what foods are safe to eat? Any foods that have been boiled are generally safe, as well as fruits and vegetables that have to be peeled before eating. Avoid eating uncooked or undercooked meat or meat that is not cooked just prior to serving.

Stay away from foods that require a lot of handling before serving. Here's an example: Nine friends ate at a restaurant when on a school trip overseas; eight had diarrhea the next day. The one who didn't get sick was the only one who had ordered a dish that didn't need to be touched by human hands right before serving.

One of your favorite foods at home is on the safe list on the road — pizza! Pizza dough, sauce, and cheese are foods that are less likely to spoil than others, and the high heat of a pizza oven tends to kill any harmful bacteria in the food.

You've probably heard that you shouldn't drink the water in some countries overseas, but did you know why? Water supplies in many developing countries are not treated in the same way as water supplies in developed countries; various bacteria, viruses, and parasites are commonly found in the water. Many experts suggest you drink only bottled water when traveling. If you need to use tap water, you should boil it first or purify it with an iodine tablet. Even if you're brushing your teeth, rinsing contact lenses, drinking a small glass of water to wash down pills, or adding ice to your drink, first take precautions to ensure the water is safe.

You Can Take It With YouWhen you're packing, you'll want to include any medications and other medical supplies you use on a daily basis because they may be hard to find in another country if you run out. Even if you can find them, there's a good chance the formulations will be stronger or weaker than the ones you're used to. These may include any prescriptions you already take, such as inhalers, allergy medication, and insulin, as well as contact lens cleaners and vitamins.

Packing an over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen and diarrhea medication is also a good idea. And pack some OTC allergy medication even if you don't take it at home. People sometimes unexpectedly develop allergic reactions to the pollens and other allergens found in a new environment. Those with asthma or other allergies can unexpectedly react to these new substances.

Write It All DownEven if you watch what you eat and drink and get enough rest while you're traveling, you might still get sick. The good news is that you'll probably be able to find competent medical care. The key is knowing where to go. Most travel guides suggest you go to a hospital where English is spoken or U.S.-trained doctors can be found. For this reason, it's wise to always carry a written copy of your medical history with you.

Having such important information available in one place can help health care workers make appropriate decisions, and you won't have to worry about forgetting important information at a time when you're likely to be upset and not thinking clearly.

Before you leave your home sweet home, create a medical history form that includes the following information:

•your name, address, and home phone number as well as a parent's daytime phone number
•your blood type
•immunizations
•your doctor's name, address, and office and emergency phone numbers
•the name, address, and phone number of your health insurance carrier, including your policy number
•a list of any ongoing health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, or AIDS
•a list of current medications you are taking and pharmacy name and phone number
•a list of allergies to medications, food, insects, and animals
•a prescription for glasses or contact lenses
•the name, address, and phone number of a relative other than your parent
It also helps if you have some basic emergency medical knowledge, not only for yourself but for helping others you may be traveling with. A great way to prepare for your trip is to take a first aid or basic life support course before you go; if you're traveling with a group, you should know where the first aid kit is and what's in it.

Basic Safety:It's easy to let your guard down when you travel. After all, you're more relaxed and there are so many new sights to focus on. In addition to paying attention to your personal safety (avoiding secluded places and not walking alone after dark), you'll need to reset your thinking when it comes to traffic safety, too. The rules of the road aren't the same overseas as they are at home. In some countries, people drive on the opposite side of the road and you'll need to be aware of this before you cross the street — look in the opposite direction from the one you're used to. Pedestrians don't always have the right of way overseas, either. Be sure there are no cars coming when you step into the street: If there are, they may not stop for you!

Practice these healthy hints and you can focus on the scenery — not medical emergencies — and return home with nothing more troubling than some tacky souvenirs!



Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Gurney Drive - famous local hawker food centre

Gurney Drive, or Persiaran Gurney, is famous throughout Malaysia and possibly abroad as synonymous with Penang food. Named in honour of Sir Henry Gurney, the British High Commissioner who was ambushed and assassinated by guerillas of the Malayan Communist Party on 6 October 1951 near Fraser's Hill in Pahang.

Gurney Drive has one of the best view of Penang sunset, is a favorite among families and lovers. This coastline stretch is a upmarket residential area, many bungalow lots, hotels, condominiums, and a shopping complex. Yet, in early mornings, people can be seen taking their walks along the coastline and have their breakfast at the restaurants there. Families enjoy spending their leisure time strolling or flying kites. In the evening, crowds will flock to the famous hawker food stalls at the roundabout, and lovers can be seen strolling along the coast.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Take an eco-friendly vacation in paradise in Costa Rica.

Over 27 percent of Costa Rica's land has been set aside for national parks, biological reserves, and wildlife refuges. At its core, there are 20 natural parks and reserves that populate the island. Bring out your inner hippie and experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica, with an eco-friendly trip around its tropical isles.

Lodging in Costa Rica

Stay in the Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in the heart of Golfo Duce in Costa Rica. This eco-luxury, tree-top lodge features yoga classes and swinging hammocks with views of the rainforest. For dinner, guests gather by candlelight inside of a thatched roof hut, dining on tropical-Latin infused grub. At nightfall, lodge guests retreat to deluxe cabins, snoozing in canopy beds and waking up to views of the jungle and sea that surround the lodge. This rainforest lodge offers a variety of Costa Rican exploration packages for the visiting adventurer, including deep see fishing, family trips through the rainforest and bird watching.

Heat Up Your Trip

The Arenal Volcano National Park , is home to the Arenal volcano and can be explored by land or by sky. Bold tourists explore the massive volcano on a canopy tour, strapping into a canopy and whisking along a zip line over the floral and lush fauna below. While you're visiting the Arenal Volcano National Park, don't miss the Tabacon Hot Springs Spa. These natural, thermal springs are a combination of rain water and magma that heats it and fills the water with healing minerals. The waters here have been found to have curative properties, such as improving oxygen flow in the tissues of the body and aiding in muscle relaxation.

Travel the Rainforest at Nightfall

Put a spin on your Costa Rican rainforest excursion and take a guided tour through the Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve at nightfall.
Engulfed by a canopy of clouds, the reserve is located in Puntarenas, about a four-hour drive away from San Jose, Costa Rica. The forest's reserve has a misty atmosphere which causes its 300 species of orchids to blossom vividly.

The tour begins as the sun sets, when animals that scour the jungle's floors and trees quietly during the day, come out to play. A tour guide leads guests through a jungle trail for two hours, exploring and taking in the sights of the jungle around them. For those afraid of the dark, tours are available during the day, in which guests can trek through the rainforest on bike, on foot or on horseback. During the day, visitors can also take a peek into the Monteverde bat jungle exhibit, where bats roost, mate and dine.

Sail with Sea Turtles in Tortuguero Village

The Tortuguero Village and its jungle canals are a must-see destination on any Costa Rican eco-tour. The Tortuguero National Park is located on the Caribbean coast and is famous for its green sea turtles and their hatching periods, when hundreds of tiny turtles can be seen scurrying out to sea. Guests visiting the village and the park can stroll along its beach, or tour the canals by boat, floating over murky waters where a variety of fish lurk, making it an ideal spot for fisherman as well.

Explore the Pristine Waters of Isla Del Coco

Dive into the waters of the Isla Del Coco. Just 532 km Southeast of Puntarenas, Costa Rica, whale sharks, snapper, moray eels and frogfish roam freely in pristine, blue waters. Steep cliffs surround the outer edge of the island, and waterfalls spout from its rocks, shooting water out onto the shores below.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Parliment Hill Ottawa, Canada.

Amaxing Scenery at Parliment Hill Ottawa, Canada..looks like a fairy tale

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Spain

Visiting Spain is one of my highlights of the year !

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Penang Butterfly Farm

Penang Butterfly Farm has about 400 flying butterflies from 120 species in an enclosure of 41 by 43 meters. The beautiful gardens are landscaped in such a manner to allow visitors to be surprised by exhibition station at each hidden nook and corner of the enclosure. Visit every station and read every highlight. You will miss a lot if you do not do so. Observe every small activity. You will discover the characteristic can be observed up to arm's length. You can observe the other exhibitions so closely that you can discern their secrets.

Watch out for the butterfly eggs, caterpillars and pupae. Observe butterflies coming out of their pupal case, still wet and just waiting to soar in flight around the gardens. See the giant grasshopper, the legendary scorpions and 10-inch long millipedes! Search for the phantom insects (phasmid)! At the snake corner, observe some species of tree snake, oriental whip snake, red tailed racers and pit vipers. Be astounded by frogs, water monitor lizard and other small exotic lizards from Malaysia rain forest on display in the other stations. Remember to watch the lively seed-feeding finches flying so swiftly in the enclosure, children will find it interesting to feed fishes in the Koi pond and the Mandarin and Wood ducks in the Duck pond.

If you happen to be at the farm at about 10.00am or 3.00pm on any day, hurry to the show time area and be exhilarated by the live handling livestock with a running commentary. You are allowed to touch and handle the exhibits and take photographs with them in your shoulder or in your arms. As you come to the exit of the enclosure, you will come to the Live Insect Room mainly showing easing live Tarantula, Beetles, a variety of geckos and lizards. Watch out for the orchid mantis especially.

After that, you will come to the Insect Museum where you will be surprised to see about 2000 specimen, which consist of 1400 specifies. This is not the end of your visit yet. Step into the Tribal Arts and Artifacts gallery. You will be thrilled by the wide range of historically and culturally fascinating objects originating from Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, china, Borneo Island, Papua New Guinea and the rest of the Malay Archipelago.


Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Kek Lok Si Temple

One of the finest Buddhist temples in South-east Asia . The Kek Lok Si temple stands majestically on a hill in Air Itam. This temple built in tiers culminates the beautifully crafted ''Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas''. It took more than 20 years to build which features gardens, a turtle pond, shrines and beautiful sculptures. There are many souvenir shops leading up to the temple which offers good buys. And as for food lovers, famous hawker food are lined up near the Air Itam market.

The temple was begun in 1890 and, from all appearances, construction really hasn't ever stopped. And it's still going on! The temple is supposedly the largest in Malaysia . The Kek Lok Si project was inspired by the chief monk of the Goddess of Mercy Temple of Pitt Street. With the support of the consular representative of China in Penang , the project received the sanction of the Manchu Emperor Kuang Hsi, who bestowed a tablet and gift of 70,000 volumes of the Imperial Edition of the Buddhist Sutras.

Without doubt the largest and best known temple in Penang, the Temple of Supreme Bliss , better known as Kek Lok Si, staggered on the hillside overlooking the town of Ayer Itam . Since the olden days, the hills of Ayer Itam are regarded as important geomantically. Known as He San, or Crane Hill, they are recommended as a retreat for Taoist practitioners striving for immortality.

Construction of the temple started in 1893, but it was only in 1930 that the Pagoda of Rama VI, named after the Thai king who laid the foundation stone, but better known as the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddha's, was completed. This pagoda combines a Chinese octagonal base with a middle tier of Thai design, and a Burmese crown, reflecting the temple's embrace of both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.!


Batu Ferringhi

Batu Ferringhi is a great place to enjoy the wonderful arrays of Asian food and great shopping. It also has some of the nicest beaches in Penang Island . The long stretch of beach is a combination of wide golden-sand, picturesque deep blue-green coves hedged by large granite boulders that seem to have tumbled from the hilly interior of the island, right into the sea.

It has all the conveniences a visitor would want for an easy, hassle-free holiday. All along the road, which runs parallel to the beach just a few meters away, you can find a great variety of shops including restaurants, cafes, bars, convenience stores and souvenir shops.

One unique feature is the exciting sidewalk bazaar that takes place every day from around 6pm until past midnight. The night bazaar is a busy and enjoyable shopping experience for visitors and plenty of haggling can be heard along the stretch of individual stalls. Trader & buyers negotiate in good humor for the best price for the variety of items on sale.

And if after you have done all your shopping and find yourself too tired to walk back to the apartment, you can hail one of many trishaws that ply the length of the sidewalk bazaar. There are a great number of restaurants and cafes offering incredible range of cuisine, from famous Asian sea food to popular Western spread to Mediterranean specialties.

Or just visit one of the many local hawker stalls selling their delicious, local delicacy. All that with just a minute's walk from the apartment and the beach.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Fall under the spell of the luxurious Rio de Janeiro.

Rio's beaches are world-famous, swarming with scantily clad beauties who tan along the shore. Take a trip to the beaches that have inspired songs. Then, take a dive into their inviting waters. In Rio, the possibilities of pleasure are endless, and in this eclectic paradise anything is possible; especially when it comes to showing your special someone the time of her life.


The best way to please your significant other while on a luxurious stay in Rio is to afford her the opportunity to indulge in the varied layers of shopping offered in the city. Shopping malls like Barra Shopping and Norte Shopping, grants the vendee a more traditional method of bulking up the closet. But outside of the average shopping center, Rio offers alternative ways to add to any collection that needs a special addition. From designer boutiques to street vendors, while in Rio, you'll have more than enough shopping venues to choose from.

Rio's shopping and best bargains can be found along the shore, or lining streets inside of quaint boutiques. Hit the Garota de Ipanema bikini shop and surprise your girl with one of Rio's famous string bikinis. Or, take a more classic approach to shopping and visit Rio Sul and Botafogo Praia Shopping, two of the city's most popular traditional shopping malls, both located in the Botafogo neighborhood.

Return from your trip with your own little piece of Rio. The city is well known for its high production of jewels, gold, diamonds, and beautiful art. Whether you're partial to souvenirs or enamored by precious gemstones, Rio is a treasure trove of unique trinkets and collectibles, just waiting to be purchased.

If it is precious gems that capture your interest, Rio is a grand location of choice for stone shopping. Visit H. Stern and enjoy an illuminative tour of Brazil's premier jewelry and gemstone dealer. The tour allows you to see how the jewels and gems are used to create the artistic masterpieces that fill this illustrious emporium.

Brazil is brimming with a bevy of graceful art shops filled with the eclectic works of local artist. The walls and shelves of these marvelous boutiques are lined with masterpieces veiled in vibrant colors and intricate design. For a wide selection of some of this locales amazing crafts, visit Brasil & Cia, where you can acquire some of the city's most popular art. Brasil & Cia sits near the beaches of Impanema, making it convenient and sensible to fit into your relaxing beachfront getaway.

After you've sifted through the shops, head over to one of Rio's famous beaches. Surfing conditions are often ideal, so grab a board and hit the waves of Copacabana and Ipanema. Bar hop around the beach of Barra da Tijuca, then hit the clubs for the ultimate Rio experience. Visit clubvibes.com to pinpoint the hottest night spots during your stay or head downtown and hit the Rio Scenarium, where the line is likely to be wrapped around the corner but well worth the wait.。


Sunday, April 11, 2010

Tour the islands of Tahiti in a virtual trip to the purest point in paradise.

Moorea, the sister island of Tahiti, is Polynesia's second-most popular tourist attraction. Its crystal-clear, blue waters, lush mountain peaks and miles of untouched land have brought it fame. In this guide, learn how to explore the island of Moorea by surf and turf, under and over the water, by land, by sea and by sky.



Moorea by Surf
Engulfed by a lagoon, this 51-square mile-island features white and black sand beaches and waters that beckon divers, fishers, surfers and snorkelers to explore its abyss. Head out on a Moana Lagoon excursion (albert-transport.net) and take a six-hour tour through the island's coral reefs. Go shelling on the ocean's floors, and feed the sharks and rays that swim right along the sandy shores, bobbing underneath the waves to snack on the food in your hands. After you've worked up an appetite feeding the sharks, head to the private islet of Motu and feast on the traditional Moorean barbeque that awaits

Scuba divers hungry for more underwater excursions can take a dive into the waters of Moorea and swim with black-tip sharks. Dolphins swim along a dive boat as scuba divers race to one of the most sought-after dive sites on the island. Watch in amazement as barracuda, grouper, snapper, lemon sharks and gray sharks swirl around you, coloring the ocean with vivid splashes of tropical fins.

For a more tame experience with the creatures of the sea, take a dolphin and whale watching eco-tour Explore the wild abyss of Moorea's waters with a dolphin and whale watching expedition. Travel through the blue-green lagoons of Moorea with marine biologist Dr. Michael Poole and take a peek as whales and dolphins pop up around you. Once you've had your fill of watching marine wildlife from a boat, hop into the water for a snorkeling exhibition.

A fun twist on underwater exploration in Moorea is sifting through the ocean in a small yellow submarine. In this small, yellow sub made for three, tourists can get an intimate look at the fish that slice through the waters below, and snorkel, fish and sail on the lagoon.

It can be difficult to see all of the beauty that the island has to offer underwater, so hop aboard a catamaran and take a circle island tour around Moorea , sifting through Oponoohu, Cook's Bays and the Belvedere.



Moorea by Sky
Strap into a harness and go parasailing high above the waters of Moorea. A boat speeds ahead, leaving parasailers flying high with a parachute floating above their heads. At this height, these high-fliers are able to see spectacular views of the lagoon below.

Helicopter tours around the island of Moorea also afford tourists the opportunity to get a bird's eye view of the water, mountains and lush forests that inhabit the island. Start the tour and the trip off with a champagne toast and roam above the lagoons of Moorea.

Moorea by Turf
Go hiking through the island peaks of Moorea. One of the best ways to experience the island is on foot, sifting through the jungle floors and the lush flora and fauna that coat the mountain's hills and valleys.

Continue your Moorean excursion with a dance with Polynesian natives at the Tiki Theatre Village. This famed village features Tahitian party nights in which fire dancers, traditional Tahitian dancers, musicians and artists put on an exciting show for guests. The village also features a pearl farm, in which partygoers can take a look at how pearls are farmed and cultivated..


Sunday, March 28, 2010

Discover Hawaii

With ocean temps that average about 70-80 degrees, Hawaii caters to those who crave water expeditions. However, not all of the cities within the water-drenched state of Hawaii rank supreme when it comes to water sports. Each pineapple-packed, palm-tree laden town has its specialty. For water sport adventure seekers looking for the ultimate way to take a dive into the crashing waves of Hawaii, look no further than this guide on where and how to hit the big island's waters.



Surf Big Waves in Oahu


Surfing pros head to Oahu's North Shore between November and March to ride towering waves that have made it a haven for surfing competitions. The infamous Banzai Pipeline is one of the more popular places to surf, with surfers attempting to cascade down and balance underneath, monstrous pipe-shaped waves. Inexperienced surfers may want to watch from the shores, however, as the breaks on these waves are strong, steep, have been known to take down or even kill the most experienced surfers.

Beginning surfers inspired by the surfers on the North Shore can get a dose of the surf at Waikiki Beach in the summer time, when waters are fairly tame. Those who would rather boogie board and body surf can test their skills in the treacherous waters of Sandy Beach, or enjoy the calm waves of Waikiki.

Scuba in Maui and Lanai, Snuba in Hanauma Bay

Take a dive or a snorkel under the blue waters of Molokini, an island located off of the Southwestern coast of Maui. Away from the island's coral reefs, barracuda, tiger sharks and humpback whales have been spotted. As divers drop down in the ocean, they'll also notice massive boulders coated with coral, colorful fish and slithering octopus.

While Molokini's waters are packed with wildlife, they are no match for Lanai's vivid underwater sights. Divers who get the chance to watch slithers of light peeking through lava domes underwater, as well as swim under the archways and over lava tubes that have formed here, consider Lanai to be the pinnacle of diving spots in Hawaii. This Maui island features over 25 dive sites and stunning coral formations that house hundreds of tropical fish.

For those who can't choose between scuba diving and snorkeling, they can snuba in Hanauma Bay. Snuba divers use a 20-foot air line that connects to a scuba tank to breath under water. It is a diving technique that merges scuba diving and snorkeling and is made for shallow water exploration. The waters in Hanauma Bay are crystal-blue and packed with marine sea life, like green sea turtles, moray eels, sea urchins and butterfly fish.

Hit the Black and White Sandy Beaches of Hawaii

Dubbed as one of the world's best beaches by the Travel Channel, Poipu Beach is one not-to-miss shore when visiting Hawaii. Beachgoers can snorkel, surf, dive, kayak, windsurf, kite board and go deep sea fishing here. Or, hit the waves for a quick-cool down after strolling the island's warm shores. Poipu Beach is located on Kauai's southern coastline and is known for its white, sand beaches, diverse water sports, and unique coral reef formations.

Hawaii beachgoers looking to put a spin on a typical day at the beach head to Punalu'u Beach Park. This black-sand beach is home to dozens of sea turtles that rest on its shores or swim beneath the waves, and is perfect for guests who want to stray from the beaten path and explore this beach's shores. This hidden gem can be found on the Big Island of Hawaii..


Sunday, March 21, 2010

Discover Russia

Inside of the idyllic lairs of Moscow, the largest number of billionaires in the world reside. Moscow’s socialites and heirs to massive fortunes hit the city’s hottest clubs at nightfall, wining and dining behind secret-password guarded doors. But for sightseers who lust for the traditional and historical sights of this Russian mecca, the Moscow night scene can wait. The architectural icons that line the streets and artistic sculptures that sit along its sidewalks are sights not to be missed. Moscow is rich with cultural history, and is a bustling city ready to be explored by the sophisticated globetrotter.

Take a trip to the eerie throws of Lenin Mausoleum located in Red Square. The tomb of Vladimir Lenin and his embalmed body have been on public display here since 1924, the year that he died. Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Revolution, was known as a Russian revolutionary and was named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. Lenin’s influence was the reason behind the pyramid-shaped monument that houses his remains, a reminder of his legacy. He is considered to be the mastermind behind the Bolshevik take-over of power in Russia in the early 1920s.

Outside of the Mausoleum, famed Red Square awaits. It is the oldest and most historical square in Moscow and is home to world-renowned landmarks like the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the State Historical Museum. St. Basil’s Cathedral is so picturesque that it is a popular sight on Russian postcards. This swirly, bright colored structure was built in the 16th Century and features eight onion-dome shaped chapels that hover around a central pointed structure. It is made out of stone, brick and stucco and is a symbol of Ivan the Terrible’s annexation of Russia to Kazan and Astrakhan in the mid 1500s.

The Kremlin has an appearance of a city standing on its own. Overlooking the Red Square to the east, and the Moskva River on its southern side, it is home to grandiose palaces, gold-domed cathedrals, and the Kremlin Wall which acts as a fortress to the area, guarding the residence of the President of Russia which also sits behind its walls. Glitzy and renowned for the architectural genius of its buildings, the Kremlin is one Russian landmark that every tourist should experience.

Across the Black Sea, the beachy resort town of Yalta, Ukraine is steeped with relaxation and specializes in decadent wines. With a variety of vineyards and orchards throughout the city, experiencing a wine tour through Yalta is one of the best ways to take in the city’s sights. The first stop on a Yalta wine tour should be the Massandra Palace, home to Yalta’s most famous winery. Founded in the late 1800’s, this winery was designed to cater to the wine preferences of Russian Emperor Nicholas II and his court, who expected only the highest-quality, sweet-tasting wines to touch their lips. The winery’s vaults now boast the biggest wine collection in the world, with some of its bottles aged over 200 years hidden in tunnels deep within the Crimean Mountains.

After sipping on the wines of the area, brush up on the history of the plays of renowned playwright, Anton Chekhov at Chekhov’s House. The Russian writer penned the famed plays “The Cherry Garden,” and “The Three Sisters” in this house, which was turned into a museum in the late 1920s..


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Indian Heritage Travel





Thursday, March 11, 2010

India Travel





Friday, March 5, 2010

New Zealand Travel




Monday, March 1, 2010

Discover Bora Bora

Bora Bora is legendary for clear turquoise seas and its wide variety of marine life. If you love watersports, no destination is more fitting. From swimming to snorkeling to SCUBA-diving, you can do it all in Bora Bora.

Start your H2O adventure on a SCUBA trip to the best diving sites in Bora Bora at TOP Dive. Famous sites include Tapu, where you’ll encounter native black tips and lemon sharks. You can also explore the twist and turns of underwater caves at Apo or float by incandescent schools of fish in the “natural swimming pool” of the Bora Bora lagoon. Feel daring? Dive deep into the ocean and come face-to-face with moray eels, sharks, and barracudas.

If it’s the giant Manta Rays that you want to see, then stay at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa. This luxury resort offers grand suites and premium overwater bungalows, which feature glass table tops opening up a direct view of the lagoon below. The resort also houses the Blue Nui Dive Center. Open year-round, the dive center hosts fun dive lessons for beginners. If you’re experienced on the other hand, try a night dive with a group of friends. After your late night dip, relax in the center’s cushy bungalow while and get a close look at the underwater shots of the island.

Want an all-encompassing tour of the famous Bora Bora lagoon? Bora Bora Discovery takes you on a 6-hour wet-and-wild expedition. Snorkel while touching the rays, feed the circling sharks, or simply swim around in the tropical sea. At lunch time, dine in the shallow waters to enjoy an authentic Tahitian Maa.

After a day in the surf, mellow out on a private island, known as a Motu in the Polynesian language. If you’re particular, Moana Adventure Tours will customize the ultimate excursion for you. From low key to high energy, Moana Adventure Tours will design a customized trip for you and your party. Take a glass-bottom boat trip, or soak up the sun while lying on a private Motu. And if spontaneity is your middle name, they’ll even set up trips at the spur of the moment.

Looking for some serious speed on the water? Well, look no further than the locals at Miki Miki Jet Ski. They specialize in getting your heart racing with personal water craft tours around the island. Or grab a champagne flute and hop on board a jet boat for a thrilling 2 ½ hour ride with Moana Jet Boat. Join French waterskiing champion Karen Bonnevie for wakeboarding and waterskiing at Lagoonaski, the only place on the island offering a waterskiing experience. Climb onto a Malibu 310 boat with Karen, and get ready to race across the waves. No experience? No problem! Private and group lessons are available.

Take a dip in the glassy waters of the Bora Bora lagoon. Dive deep into the ocean. Or freestyle on your jet ski. Whatever your pleasure, Bora Bora is the vacation destination anyone who loves luxury and adventure.