Beijing city break

Few cities on earth are changing as fast as Beijing, the sprawling capital of China. New hotels, shopping malls and tourist attractions are springing up at giddying speed across the city. However, Beijing's high-speed physical makeover moves hand-in-hand with a firmly retained grip on China's rich cultural heritage. It is this pairing of faced-paced modernity and cultural richness that make Beijing one of the world’s most exciting cities to visit.

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is home to the Great Hall of the People, China's parliament, and the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, where the body of Chairman Mao rests. Just south of Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven (located within Temple of Heaven Park) is China's largest temple complex.

Slip back in time

Built in the 15th century, the Forbidden City (or Palace Museum) is a vast complex of courtyards, halls, pavilions and gardens, which was home to 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Artwork

To the northwest of the city, the 798 Factory Art District at Dashanzi is gaining global recognition for its portfolio of galleries and art museums showcasing the works of China's much-in-demand new breed of contemporary artists.

Great Wall

Away from the centre, go to Badaling to walk on the majestic and famous Great Wall.

Teahouses

As to be expected from a capital city, Beijing is leading the country's cultural revival, and a crop of teahouses have recently reappeared in the capital which showcase a variety of Beijing opera, martial arts and acrobatics and serve delicious selections of tea and cakes.

Musical fun

The Beijing Concert Hall is dedicated to classical music, with regular concerts by Beijing's resident orchestra, as well as visiting orchestras from the rest of China and overseas.

Introduction to Dallas

The "Big D," as Dallas is called, is a glittering city of skyscrapers in the flat Texas prairie. The city offers the quintessential Lone Star experience to those who want it -- barbecue and steaks, cowboy boots and live country music at Gilley's. However, Dallas is not stuck in the past. The city practically invented high-end department store shopping with Neiman Marcus, and an impressively sized Arts District. Head to Dallas to see the Texas you read about as a kid, but be prepared for a grown-up surprise. 
Things to Do
In a state known for cowboys and oilrigs, Dallas is a balance of cultural riches and big business. Head to the nation's largest Arts District to take in the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center. The Dallas County Historical Plaza brings visitors face-to-face with the city's history, and the John Neely Bryan Cabin recreates the settlement that became Dallas. Across the street the John F. Kennedy Memorial recounts a darker chapter: the assassination of America's 35th President.
Shopping
In Dallas, shopping isn't merely a means of replacing your worn-out duds; it's a sport. Take your can-do spirit and a full wallet to the original Neiman Marcus store downtown, where the newest shoes and clothing are displayed in the original 1960s building. As long as you're in Texas, you might as well invest in a good pair of cowboy boots. Wild Bill's and Western Warehouse sell boots as well as hats, belts and Western shirts.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Dallas' Arts District hosts the best of the city's performing arts at Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and Winspear Opera House. But Dallas kicks up its heels -- or, rather, its cowboy boots -- at Gilley's Dallas. This legendary honky-tonk institution features country music headliners, lots of beer and more than 90,000 square feet of boot-scootin' dance floor space.
Restaurants and Dining
Texas is a meat-lover's paradise. Dig into the city's best steaks at Bob's Steak & Chop House. Waiters serve monster-sized cuts of prime rib and sirloin with smashed potatoes in a dining room of dark mahogany and white table linens. Locals like to argue about which Dallas barbecue joint serves the best ribs and brisket, but Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse has clearly done something right. Since 1910, this humble restaurant has left satisfied diners licking their fingers and coming back for more.

Introduction to Berlin

Ask Berliners what they love about the German capital and their eyes will light up. Some will talk about the joys of post-Communist freedom, some about Kreuzberg's throbbing nightlife, others about Friedrichshain's exciting young designers. Berlin can fill you with wonder, contemplating the future in the crystalline Reichstag and high-rise Potsdamer Platz, and with horror, revisiting the past at the Jewish Museum and Berlin Wall. The nostalgic, the party lover, the trendsetter, today's Berlin is one city, many characters -- different every time you look but never looked at indifferently.
Things to Do
Berlin is a monster-sized capital, eight times the size of Paris. Plan wisely. First, head up to Norman Foster's panoramic glass-domed Reichstag (German Parliament), and join photographers for the obligatory twilight snapshot of the glowing Brandenburg Gate. You can spend days roaming Tiergarten park's lake-dotted woodlands and UNESCO-listed Museum Island's galleries, where Egypt's Queen Nefertiti hides. Trace Berlin's turbulent past at the Libeskind-designed Jewish Museum and walk the artiest stretch of Wall at the East Side Gallery.
Shopping
Individuality defines free-spirited Berlin. Go beyond the big-name designers on stately Kurfürstendamm to quieter backstreets studded with antique and specialty stores, like 1920s perfumery Parfum nach Gewicht where fragrances are still weighed by the gram on brass scales. Poke around hip Kreuzberg for urban streetwear, and Friedrichshain's cavernous Berlinomat for 100% made-in-Berlin creations from GDR-style pumps to quirky home design. The Hackesche Höfe's Art Nouveau courtyards make for a leisurely stop, with their unusual boutiques and people-watching cafes.
Nightlife and Entertainment
The fall of the Wall was the party of the 20th century, and even today Berlin still hasn't run out of steam. Glitzy 1920s cabaret lives on along Friedrichstrasse, while classical music rings out of Mitte's lavish concert halls like the neoclassical Staatsoper. Canalside bars with alternative attitudes and industrial-style techno clubs draw revelers to Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. Summer evenings are best spent chatting and sipping foamy wheat beer under chestnut trees in Prenzlauer Berg's Prater beer garden.
Restaurants and Dining
Down-to-earth and sociable, Berliners love lazy brunches in Prenzlauer Berg's bohemian cafes and fun street food. Join the queue in muticultural Kreuzberg for mustard-slathered Currywurst (curried sausage), pan-fresh falafel and shawarma. Foodies dine at Mitte's Michelin-starred restaurants and enjoy French food by candlelight in Charlottenburg's intimate bistros. For a real taste of Berlin, feast (as Napoleon once did) on fat pork knuckles with lashings of sauerkraut at the wood-panelled 17th-century tavern Zur Letzten Instanz.
Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/berlin/0046010001.html#ixzz1ZDJVhQZa

Quebec City Travel Guide

Quebec City - the 'cradle of New France' and a UNESCO World Heritage site - is the most charming city in North America.
This is thanks to a centuries-old city wall that encircles a thicket of spires and a web of cobblestoned streets, charming bistros and horse-drawn calèches and a grand copper-roofed hotel that overlooks an historic river.
The walled Upper Town sits atop strategic Cap Diamant, overlooking the spot where the St Lawrence River narrows. Those narrows - known as the kebec to the original Algonquin inhabitants - gave the city its name.
At the foot of Cap Diamant lies Lower Town, where Samuel de Champlain founded the city in 1608. Today, visitors strolling around the restored Place Royale can easily imagine they're back in the 1600s.
Although nearly all of the city's present residents are of French descent, nearly a third are bilingual, offering a friendly, warm welcome to visitors in English, as well as in French. Their joie de vivre is infectious and never more so than during the summer festivals, when the whole town seems to be one continuous stage.
The Quebec City Museum Card is valid for three days and gives free entry to 10 museums and attractions, reduced entry at many other venues (including the Parc Aquarium du Québec), discounts at some shops, and free bus transportation within the city. It can be purchased at participating museums, tourist information centres and some hotels.
Fortifications de Québec (Quebec Fortifications)
One of the city's most unique features is the 4.6km (2.9-mile) rampart encircling the Old Town, making it the only walled city in North America. It is possible to walk along the top of the fortifications, which offer sweeping views of the city and the St Lawrence River. Near the Citadel, at Porte St-Louis (one of the four surviving city gates) is the Centre d'interprétation des Fortifications-de-Québec, which includes displays on the city's history and a restored powder magazine. Continuing clockwise, the walls adjoin the Parc de l'Artillerie (Artillery Park), which was built by the French to defend the city from attack, before becoming the garrison for British officers until 1871, when it was turned into a munitions factory. Further along, cannons are ranged along the wall, overlooking the St Lawrence River and the opposite shore.
La Citadelle de Québec (Quebec Citadel)
The Citadel, dating from 1820, is one of Quebec City's most distinctive features and a legacy of the British occupation. On the heights of Cap Diamant, the star-shaped fortress was built to withstand a repeat attack on the city from across the Plains of Abraham to the southwest. Today, visitors can do a one-hour guided tour of the site (included in the admission fee), which includes the powder magazine and a former prison that now houses a small museum. Separate, free tours of the Governor General's residence are also available. In the summer, the daily 'Changing of the Guard' takes place at 1000, with the Regimental Band and the Citadel's mascot ('Batisse', the regimental goat) joining the garrison personnel. The pomp continues on selected evenings, when the Royal 22nd Regiment performs The Retreat as part of the flag-lowering ceremonies.
Musée de l'Amérique Française (Museum of French America)
The Museum of French America occupies part of the vast Séminaire de Québec. The museum details the history of the seminary and showcases part of its diverse collection of artworks and religious and scientific objects. Summer concerts take place in the former chapel. For American visitors, the highlight is the exhibition on the dispersal of their ancestors from New France throughout the USA.
Musée de la Civilisation (Museum of Civilisation)
One of the city's strongest museums, the Museum of Civilisation, in Lower Town, hosts excellent temporary shows in addition to its three permanent exhibitions. One of these focuses on life in the province of Quebec throughout the centuries of European inhabitation, with displays of artefacts, photos and recreations of historic and domestic scenes. Another is a tribute to the First Nations peoples who live in the province, with videotaped oral histories, birch bark canoes, teepees and many smaller artefacts. The third, produced in collaboration with the National Film Board of Canada, looks at Quebecers' relationship with the land.
Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec (Quebec National Museum of Fine Arts)
The most important collection of paintings and sculpture by Québécois artists is held by the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec. A selection of works are displayed related to three main periods - the beginnings of Québécois art (largely influenced by religion), the European-influenced modernist period up to 1945, and the period of figurative and abstract art from the mid-20th century onward. These are supplemented by travelling shows and permanent exhibitions that focus on the art of Quebec City, abstract painter and sculptor Jean-Paul Riopelle, and other topics, as well as the Brousseau collection of Inuit art. The museum's site at the southwest end of the Plains of Abraham is dotted with sculptures.
Observatoire de la Capitale (Capital Observatory)
The best view of the city is from the Capital Observatory, 31 floors above the Hôtel du Parlement. Information panels give a good recap of Quebec City's history, linking events to the buildings spread out below. From here, the plan of the defensive fortifications stands out, as does the layout of the Citadel.
Parc Aquarium du Québec
Visitors can see walruses, seals, polar bears and other animals from northern maritime regions in an open-air environment, as well as tropical fish and other delicate creatures indoors. The aquarium is divided into seven sectors, focusing on regions such as the banks of the St Lawrence and the North Pacific.
Parc des Champs-de-Bataille Nationaux (National Battlefields Park)
Southwest of the Citadel, the National Battlefields Park occupies the 108-hectare (267-acre) Plains of Abraham. It was the site of the decisive battle of 1759, which saw the British, under General Wolfe, defeat General Montcalm's French forces. Today, it is a wide green space popular for summer concerts and strolls. For those with a taste for history, the Discovery Pavilion (in the same building as the tourist office) has a large diorama of the site and the Odyssey historical multimedia exhibition. Midway through the park, Martello Tower No 1 has costumed guides who explain the role of these defensive structures (summer only). Abraham's Bus connects the sites, with the driver providing commentary as it winds through the park daily from late June until mid-September.
Vieux-Québec: Basse-Ville (Old Quebec's Lower Town)
The oldest part of Old Quebec, Lower Town, is clustered on the narrow streets between the ramparts of Upper Town and the Old Port, linked to Upper Town by the funicular, the escalier casse-cou (breakneck stairs) and the steep Côte de la Montagne. At its centre, Place Royale has been faithfully restored to its former glory, the 17th- and 18th-century houses surrounding the one-time market square now in pristine condition. The Centre d'interprétation de Place-Royale displays period artefacts and has panels that illustrate the area's history. The historic Maison Chevalier recreates domestic scenes in the 17th century. One block over, the rue du Petit Champlain is a lively and romantic cobblestone street full of shops and restaurants.
Vieux-Québec: Haute-Ville (Old Quebec's Upper Town)
The Old Town's Haute-Ville (Upper Town), where the towering Château Frontenac is located, is one of Quebec City's major draws. This hotel was built in 1893, although the tower that gives it its distinctive appearance was added in the 1920s. Tours are available (www.tourschateau.ca). It sits between Place d'Armes (a central square with the narrow lanes leading off it filled with street artists and an artist's market) and the Dufferin Terrace (a wide wooden boardwalk offering a terrific view of Lévis, on the opposite shore). The Dufferin Terrace is filled with street entertainers and visitors milling around or promenading past the cannons and kiosks that predate the Château Frontenac. Nearby, the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville is dominated by the Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Québec, the city's main Catholic cathedral.

Introduction to Cuba

What draws people to the Caribbean island of Cuba is much more than beaches and sun, though there are plenty of both. Soothing timba beats, Ché Guevara posters and 1950s-era Chevrolets pervade the crumbling capital Havana, where life happens outside, in the streets. Juggle the Communist country's two different currencies while haggling for tropical fruit at street-corner markets. In sleepy Trinidad, pastel-colored buildings line cobbled streets, where cigar-smoking locals draw you into conversations about economics, or turn up the music and invite you to dance.

Beaches
Playa Ancón's ivory-white sand and sparkling sea, minutes from colonial treasure Trinidad, is known for its adrenalin-inducing water sports. Broad expanses of glistening, white sand make Playa Paraíso and Playa Sirena, on the protected western end of the island, worth seeking. To find a secluded beach, drive to the small rocky coves, transparent sea and palm tree-lined beaches of the Bay of Pigs. Amble with locals along Havana's sea-hugging Malecón (boardwalk), situated between crashing waves and colonial buildings.
Things to Do
Beautifully restored Old Havana is home to the propaganda-heavy Museum of the Revolution, the perfect introduction to Cuba's contradictions. Venture into the gently-sloping emerald hills of Valle de los Ingenios to spot the rusting metal structures of closed sugar mills, rows of thriving tobacco plantations and billboards covered with Ché Guevara's most famous quotes. The lack of signage outside of the capital is more than compensated for by roadside wanderers eager to provide directions in exchange for a ride home.
Nightlife and Entertainment
After dark, head to Havana's swanky Vedado district for jazz accentuated by the lingering smell of cigar smoke. The Buena Vista Social Club's world-famous tunes, and those of its imitators, blare from windows in every town across the island. You might want to brush up on your salsa skills before your Cuban trip, as visitors are guaranteed to be offered a dance. The impressive, thriving Cuban National Ballet performs at Gran Teatro de la Habana.
Eating and Drinking
Try Cuban staple ropa vieja (stewed shredded beef) in a ramshackle restaurant almost anywhere on the island, or ceviche (lime-marinated raw fish) that would make a French chef's mouth water in smart La Guarida's romantically dilapidated colonial palace. The best place to drink Cuba's finest drink -- the rum-based minty mojito -- and admire the sea view from the rooftop terrace is Hotel Ambos Mundos. It's also where Hemingway started writing For Whom the Bell Tolls.

Latvia Travel

A small country located on the Baltic Sea, Latvia boasts diverse and beautiful scenery that belies its size. The obvious highlights are the serene Gulf of Riga and the wild Baltic Sea, which both have seemingly infinite, sandy and often secluded beaches. Meanwhile, the equally dramatic hinterland - much of which is protected in nature parks - comes replete with vast swathes of forest, tranquil lakes and gushing rivers.

The biggest of the Baltic capitals, Riga is at the top of the region's tourism chain. This varied city offers a UNESCO World Heritage-listed old core and the most impressive collection of Jungendstil (Germanic Art Nouveau) buildings in Europe. In stark contrast to this ancient history and fabulous architecture is one of the liveliest nightlife scenes on the continent.
Long a favourite destination for holidaymakers from the Baltic region, Latvia's charms are increasingly being discovered by visitors from further afield. Those who venture beyond Riga discover picturesque medieval towns, country castles, museums and folk parks, ruined fortresses and grand palaces. It seems certain that this incredible country, championed as one of Europe's hidden treasures, won't remain hidden for much longer.

driving routes

　　Wind in your hair, top down, and blue sky above, the ultimate driving experiences involve stunning scenery, great weather and a bit of road space. So rev up for our guide to the top five most spectacular driving routes worldwide.

Pan-American Highway, Trujillo to Lima, Peru
This is the big one, believed to be the longest driving route in the world at around 48,000km (29,800 miles), and we’ve picked a section of it for our top five. The Pan-American is a set of roads between Alaska and Chile, allowing you to drive the length of the continent. This section in Peru has something for everyone as it sweeps along the coast from the architecturally impressive Trujillo to the Peruvian capital of Lima. You get some great views, a touch of urban, plus wide-open, moon-style landscapes and crashing waves. Fellow travellers are often friendly and wave or chat as they pass. Many of the paved roads are great to drive on, but do look out for animals (and occasionally children) wandering on the streets. Take a side trip from Trujillo to the Pre-Columbian Chan Chan, the capital of the Chimu Empire, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Apart from the stunning desert landscapes, there is lots of animal life to spot along the coast, including sea lions and pelicans.
Top tip: If you pay a toll, do keep the receipt as you may be asked to show it later at another toll gate, and it may save you from paying again.
Garden Route, South Africa
Inhale fresh sea air in this stunning coastal setting as you cruise the celebrated Garden Route in the Western Cape in South Africa. Wildlife breaks are mandatory, as is enjoying great meal stops along the route. There are wildlife reserves throughout the Garden Route National Park you can swing into and spend a sleepy morning in a Jeep looking for giraffes and lions. And just over your shoulder in the big blue there are whales to be watched (if the season is right). Admittedly this is an old favourite, but a goodie, with lots of choices. Stop off in Hermanus, the whale-watching capital of the world, and from June to November you have a good chance of seeing some marine action. For those who really love the wind in their hair, you can rent a Harley Davidson and give the route the Easy Rider touch. Don't forget petrol stations can be hard to find though, so fill up when you can.
Top tip: Add a trip to the Eastern Cape to your Garden Route trip. It is much less known than the Western Cape and full of great landscapes.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
Sweep along this dramatic coastal road in Australia with views of the Southern Ocean from Geelong to Portland, in Victoria, and you won’t regret it. Anyone who has driven it just can’t stop talking about it, and with good reason. There’s loads to see and plenty of great stops. You’ll pass by beautiful beaches and surf crashing in. There’s stunning cliffs too. Don’t miss the Twelve Apostles, the large limestone stacks standing tall in the ocean. There’s whale-watching here too, and other natural life. You might see a kangaroo, koala, seals or even glow worms along the way. Take time out of your car and spend a morning canoeing with platypuses, an experience that you won’t forget. There are wineries along the route, so you could experience the odd tasting, or buy a bottle to enjoy later when you pull over for the evening. And to top it all, they’ll be plenty of good old Aussie hospitality when you pull in for lunch or a coffee stop.
Top tip: Rent an open-top car so you can really drink in that sea air.
Stelvio Pass, Italy
If you like switchbacks and mountain passes, you’ll love this. Stelvio in Italy, originally built by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is reputed to be the second highest paved road in the Alps, and has 60 hairpin bends, so you can grapple with your gear stick to your heart’s content. Roads are narrow, and views of other traffic can be limited, so it all adds to the challenge. The mountain slopes stretch away on either side of the road, with snow-topped peaks within sight. There’s a great view down the pass. And from the top, it’s just a short sweep away from the Swiss border, so if you are gripped by mountain road driving, you can drive from here down to Swiss ski resort of Davos. Stelvio has 48 hairpins on the north side and 12 on the descent to Bormio, so this route is not recommended for new drivers, or those with a fear of heights. This descent is often featured in the Giro d’Italia, the Italian version of the Tour de France, so you may have glimpsed it on the television.
Top tip: Take some Swiss Francs as well as some Euros, so you can make the trip a cross-border experience.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, USA
Feel the fear and drive it anyway. This 37km (23-mile) road is 9m (30ft) above the waves of the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, linking the Virginia mainland with its eastern coast, where tourists flock to see wildlife and wide-open beaches. The rollercoaster highway swoops up above the waves, then dips through long tunnels, and while the posted speed limit is 50mph (80kph), the traffic often moves at 70mph (112kph), so there's no room for waiverers. Views are amazing (for passengers), and there's even a service station, where you can stop for a bite to eat, a bit of fishing (bring your own pole) or buy a classic bridge postcard. Named one of the seven wonders of the engineering world when it opened in 1964, its challenging driving experience means local police regularly get called out to cases of "bridge fright", but for lovers of a challenge it is a treat.
Top tip: If you return within 24 hours, retain your ticket and you get a discount on the second journey.

Lanzarote Holidays

Lanzarote is the fourth largest of the seven islands that make up Spain’s Canary Islands. Tenerife is the largest island. Lanzarote is the easternmost island, located 79kms off the coast of Africa. It’s of volcanic origin and the central part of the island resembles a magnificent lunar landscape. The island gets very little rain and has a mostly arid feel. The north,however, is a little greener than the rest of the island. The south has some of the best sandy beaches.
For an island that’s 60 kms long and 20kms wide, there’s surprisingly a lot to do and see on your holiday travel. From culture, history, art, beaches and volcanic marvels, to diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing and snorkeling, you will have plenty to do during your Lanzarote holidays. The best way to explore the island is by hiring a car. There are a variety of package holidays available to suit every budget from the UK and the US.

Lanzarote Beaches

If you ask the locals, they will rate Punta del Papagayo and La Caleta de Famara as the best beaches in Lanzarote. Papagayo is on the southernmost tip of the island and is a collection of coves, while Famara is a long stretch of sandy beach with fabulous cliff views. Papagayo has ideal weather all through the year while Famara gets a bit cold for sunbathing in winter. Famara’s waves are rated as one of Europe’s best breaks and draw many windsurfers.
The tourist resorts of Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca have some nice beaches. But, as you can expect, get crowded during peak season. The beaches are generally well-maintained and have loads of bars and restaurants in their vicinity.

Lanzarote Attractions

Timanfaya National Park
This is by far the biggest attraction on the island. Volcanic eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries have created a stark and dramatic lunar-like landscape. The lack of rain has meant that there’s been hardly any erosion and the landscape looks much the same as it did after the eruptions.
A bus tour takes you on a 45-minute ride through the Montañas del Fuego, or Mountains Of Fire, where you can view volcanic craters, witness evidence of underground geothermal activity and admire the unusual fauna. Alternatively, you can go on a walking tour. The walking tours tend to fill up early so book your tour as soon as you land on the island. A 15-minute camel safari can also be a fun option to ride through the park.
Lunch is a must at El Diablo restaurant which is near the car park at the Park’s entrance. The restaurant uses a volcanic grill to cook chicken and other dishes. The volcanic grill basically uses the geothermal heat coming from the earth.
Atlantida Tunnel
Stretching for over 7kms, this is the longest volcanic tunnel in the world. It includes the la Cueva de los Verdes (the Green caves) and the Jameos del Agua cave systems. You can see both in one day. The caves were formed when Monte de la Corona erupted three thousand years ago and are an incredible example of natural architecture.
The Green Caves are beautifully lit to highlight the unusual rock formations. These caves were used by the local people as hiding places from pirates. In the area open to the public, sometimes a part of the cave is used as a concert hall.
Jameos del Agua has a 600-seat auditorium, swimming pool, gardens and restaurant, all of which are naturally integrated into the volcanic caves with collapsed roofs.
The Cactus Garden
El Jardin del Cactus is the creation of artist Cesar Manrique whose work is found throughout the island. At the entrance to the garden is his 8m-high sculpture of a cactus. Inside you will find more than 10,000 varieties of cacti, some are from the island itself and others have been brought from America and Madagascar. There’s also a restored windmill in the garden along with Manrique’s metal sculptures.
Other Attractions:
Charcos de los Clicos: A volcanic crater with a green lagoon filled with algae.
Salinas de Janubio: The largest saltworks in the Canary Islands.
Castles: San Jose Castle, San Gabriel Castle, Santa Barbara Castle and Coloured Castle or the Tower of Aguila.

Best time to visit Lanzarote:

September and October, when the average day temperature is around 29°C and the sea temperature is about 23°C.
The weather is generally mild throughout the year although temperatures can drop to 12°C at night in winter.

Florida family holidays

Florida is one of the most popular family holiday destination in the world, with ‘The Sunshine State' attracting legions of parents and children in search of fun, sun and thrills.  Orlando is one of the main draws, thanks to giant theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld, in addition to movie studios, water parks and entertainment facilities.
However, there is more to Florida than Mickey Mouse and white-knuckle rides. Winding waterways, freshwater lakes, hills, forests, exciting cities, 13,560km (8,426 miles) of coastline, countless bays, inlets and islands, and a legendary climate create a fantastic holiday destination for family breaks.

 

Wild encounters

Venture to Busch Gardens, a huge amusement park in Tampa Bay featuring African wildlife. Giraffes, zebras and antelope roam freely through the park's 24-hectare (60-acre) plain, next to thrilling rides such as the Kumba.

Jaw-dropping thrills

Experience the terrifying sight of a great white shark slicing through the water towards your boat on the Jaws Ride at Universal Studios, Orlando.

From safaris to studios

Take the family to Walt Disney World Resort, the biggest amusement park in the world. Visit Magic Kingdom; explore science at the Epcot Center; enjoy a safari adventure through Animal Kingdom; see the world of movies at Disney MGM Studios.

Underwater magic

Meet Shamu and his pod of fellow killer whales at SeaWorld Orlando, one of the country's largest marine parks featuring whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals and otters.

Life's a beach

Swim at New Smyrna Beach, billed as the ‘World's Safest Bathing Beach' and ‘Best Beach in Florida'. Enjoy backwater fishing, fresh seafood, historical sites and museums, and long seasons of sunshine. Alternatively, Fort Myers Beach is ideal for families, with its safe, gently sloping shoreline.

Swim with dolphins 

Frolic with these incredible creatures in Key Largo or sign on for Dolphin Camp and learn about these mammals from a resident marine biologist and trainers.

Taking to the water in Canada's kayak country

You can spot orcas, eagles and seals out and about in a Canadian kayak, finds Susie Henderson.
British Columbia boasts an astonishing 25,725km (15,985 miles) of coastline. When you consider there are nearly 28,000, mostly uninhabited, marine islands in the province (not to mention 100 river systems and a staggering 350,000 lakes), exploring by kayak seems the sensible option.
Add to these impressive figures British Columbia’s mind-blowing scenery (towering fjords, truly pristine wilderness, clear waters and numerous marine parks) plus abundant wildlife with orca whales, bears, sea lions and eagles and you’re probably ready to grab a paddle.
The first section of the new BC Marine Trails Network opened this summer. This officially links existing kayaking routes and campsites, with gaps filled on an ongoing basis. While the Gulf Islands and West Coast Vancouver Island North sections are complete, plans are for the network to form a loop around Vancouver Island, and extend further north to the Alaskan border.
I’m a city girl who enjoys her creature comforts, so Galiano Island, less than an hour’s ferry ride from Vancouver, seemed perfect for a kayaking experience. Named after 18th-century Spanish explorer Dionisio Galiano, who mapped much of the area, the 27km- (17-mile-) long, skinny island, with a population of around 1,200, feels distinctly rural, despite its proximity to the city.
Phew, there’s still a pub, grocery stores, eateries, a well-stocked bookshop, numerous artists’ studios and even a spa at the Galiano Inn. The inn also runs a free shuttle between the ferry terminal at Sturdies Bay and Montague Harbour marina, where my kayak tour begins.
I joined a three-hour afternoon paddle to explore the calm waters around the harbour, ideal for beginners or twice-a-decade kayakers like me. For more experienced, there are more challenging currents in Active Pass and Porlier Pass at either end of the island.
Alisoun Payne, my guide (whose CV includes crewing and performing on a theatre tall ship in the Adriatic), calmed our nerves. We stepped into spray skirts and adjusted our foot pedals, which steer the rudder, a handy addition to sea kayaks. Alisoun discussed the basic strokes, and we tentatively lowered ourselves into the boats.
Our group included a honeymooning couple from Vancouver Island, two university pals from Toronto and a Canadian biologist. “When my teenage nieces visited from Germany last year,” she told me, “I took them kayaking near Vancouver and they said it was the best thing they’d done.”
We weaved through simple sailing boats and jazzy gin palaces, then hugged the shore, peering down to spot oysters, sweeping aside chunky strands of bull kelp and craning up at the peeling crimson bark of native arbutus trees. Their berries are so sugary, over indulgent robins become tipsy. We gazed at Canada geese, herons, kingfishers and turkey vultures. A curious seal bobbed nearby, a sea otter darted past. We passed a midden, layer upon layer of seashells cast aside by the Coast Salish people who lived on the island 3,000 years ago.
A couple of days later, I headed out on a sunset paddle, with Ben Miltner as my guide. Ben, who’s been running these tours for over 25 years, suggested I might alter my technique.
“Imagine the sea is a large cake covered in chocolate frosting. Your mum says you can have as much frosting as you like, but no cake crumbs,” he explained.
Ben pointed out spectacular glacial rock carvings and told me about resident orcas named J pod, who pass the island most days. We watched a bald eagle chasing an osprey and paddled back on a millpond-smooth surface as the sun set to our left.
Kayaking seems the ideal way to enjoy BC’s scenery and wildlife while causing minimal impact. Next for me is a multi-day trip…but can I cope without luxuries?
Best kayaking for:
Softies: Try the clear, sheltered waters of the Broken Group Islands off the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Experts: Head for the remote Great Bear Rainforest on BC’s central coast. First Nations guides will take you to Princess Royal Island in search of the rare white Kermode, or spirit, bear.
Whale watching: Spy orcas in the Broughton Archipelago Marine Provincial Park on the northeast of Vancouver Island.
City lovers: Paddle beneath skyscrapers in Vancouver’s False Creek, stopping off at Granville Island Market for lunch.
Getting there: There's a variety of airlines with direct routes to Vancouver including British Airways and Air Canada. BC Ferries runs frequent services from Vancouver and Vancouver Island to Galiano.
Kayak tours: A three-hour afternoon or sunset group paddle with Galiano Kayaks & Gulf Island Kayaking costs C$55. Multi-day camping expeditions and late-night bioluminescence trips are also available. Hire a kayak for a self-guided tour from $32 for two hours. Make sure you schedule a stop at the bakery boat for cinnamon buns.
Where to stay: Oceanfront rooms at the Galiano Inn start at C$179. There’s also a lovely forested campground at Montague Harbour (no showers).
Quirky fact: Galiano’s oldest kayak (from the 1970s) features in an upcoming French film shot on the island – Soufflé au Chocolat.

Cuba Travel Guide

With countless pristine beaches, mountainous forests and vibrant cities all waiting to be explored, Cuba is much more than a generic Caribbean island getaway. The cocktails may surpass the food, and being the largest island in the Caribbean, getting around might be slightly more difficult, but what it lacks in polish it more than makes up for in captivating history, laid back charm and swinging salsa rhythms.

Time warped by its revolution, it feels like this is a sunny isle of contrasts. Historic Havana and Trinidad have undergone painstaking restoration and preservation; walking around them is like a trip back in time. At night, these and other cities like Santiago de Cuba, explode into a music- and rum-fuelled fiesta. Staying at a casa particular (a private home with rooms to rent) gives the traveller a glimpse at life for the average Cubano, and opens up parts of the country (but more importantly the local psyche) that were once off-limits.
Pure island indulgence lies at many of the gleaming resorts punctuating Cuba's glorious coastline, and, across the island, party-hungry travellers can delve head first into the music, dance and cocktails for which the country is internationally renowned.

Introduction to Paris

Mona Lisa's smile is for visitors who think they have seen everything in Paris. In the city of light, romance and Hemingway's "Moveable Feast" you can't help but have certain expectations. Paris is the capital of fashion, art and people-watching; a city where Chanel-clad ladies walk poodles along grand boulevards; a place where the waiters are rude but the food is délicieux. Paris is all of that and more. Your love affair begins once you look beyond the Eiffel Tower, explore the backstreets of Notre-Dame and make Paris your own.
Things to Do
Comfy shoes are essential for this city of a thousand walks, landscaped gardens and cavernous galleries. Reserve your ticket for speedy access to the Louvre, which sidles up to the sculpture-dotted Jardin des Tuileries. Across the Seine on the Left Bank, take your pick from Impressionist hangout Musée d'Orsay, Notre-Dame's Gothic grandeur and Musée Rodin's Kiss sculpture. OK, you really can't leave without seeing Paris light up from the Eiffel Tower, open till midnight.
Shopping
Parisians luxuriate in shopping -- bidding shopkeepers bonjour and pausing to lèche-vitrines ("lick the windows" or window shop). Saunter the boutiquey Marais for home-grown fashion, and voguish rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, home to concept store Colette, for haute-couture. Where else can you find such palatial department stores as Art Nouveau Printemps and rival Galeries Lafayette? Antiques, bric-a-brac, vintage Chanel -- it's all at Saint-Ouen's enormous weekend flea market; arrive early for bargains and stay for brunch.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Ballet at the glittering Opéra Garnier, Molière classics at the Comédie Française and cancan at the (in)famous Moulin Rouge -- Paris nightlife reaches from sublime to borderline sleazy. A young, trendy crowd parties around the Bastille, gay Marais and the effortlessly hip bars in Oberkampf, where DJs play at industrial-chic Nouveau Casino. Dress to the nines to slip past picky doormen in clubs around Champs-Elysées like celebrity-magnet L'Arc, and rock the Seine dancing to techno on moored party boat Batofar.
Restaurants and Dining
Good food is a birthright and its appreciation a rite of passage in Paris, where a meal --sometimes even coffee -- can last hours. For chandelier-lit opulence, choose an Art Nouveau brasserie in Opéra, or book weeks ahead for a table at Gérard Depardieu's exquisite La Fontaine Gaillon. Literary Saint-Germain and lantern-lit Marais overflow with appetizing little bistros. For Eiffel Tower views, nowhere beats Branly Museum's rooftop Les Ombres, where Arno Busquet gets seasonally creative in the kitchen.

Top Destinations For Christmas Breaks At Ski Resorts

The best way to enjoy a white Christmas is to hit the slopes. There are loads of great ski resorts but the only way to choose the right ones for your Christmas break is by checking which ones will have powder in December. Low-level resorts in the Alps along with famous high-level ones like Val d’Isere in France and St. Moritz in Switzerland have all been affected by global warming.
Below are a few resorts that offer great skiing and a lovely atmosphere for Christmas. All of them cater to beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and are sure to make your Christmas holidays truly memorable.

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Keystone, Colorado, USA

Keystone is just a 90-minute drive from Denver and covers 3,148 acres of skiing area. It gets plenty of deep dry powder in winter and is already packed with snow by the beginning of December.
Keystone has three mountain peaks: Dercum Mountain, North Peak and The Outback. Its diverse terrains have plenty to offer beginners as well as experts – open glades, fresh corduroy, moguls, steeps, bowls, trees and terrain parks. Keystone also offers night skiing.
There are some nice shops, restaurants and bars in the villages.
Nearby Breckenbridge is located higher at over 3,900 meters and has equally good slopes.

Val Thorens, France

It is Europe’s highest resort so snow is not a problem in December. There are 170 kms of ski pistes in Val Thorens and although all the skiing is above the tree line, the off-piste and powder skiing is fabulous. The ski lifts in Val Thorens can get a bit crowded but they are very efficiently run. The resort along with Meribel and Courchevel constitutes The 3 Valleys. The three resorts are linked, offering skiers some incredibly varied skiing. At 2,300m, Val Thorens is located considerably higher than the other two resorts.
Val Thorens has loads of boutiques and gourmet restaurants and really comes alive at night. Its many trendy nightclubs and bars are known to stay open till the wee hours of the morning.

Whistler-Blackcomb, Canada

As its name implies, Whistler-Blackcomb comprises the mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb. Often rated as North America’s best ski resort, it covers an astonishing 8,000 acres and has a vertical drop of 5,280 feet! It offers something for all level of skiers.
Blackcomb is steeper than Whistler with challenging back bowls, open powder fields, fast chutes and heavily treed areas. Whistler-Blackcomb hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics so it now sports upgraded facilities.
There are plenty of great shops, restaurants and bars. You can also catch some live bands.

Chamonix, France

Few resorts can rival Chamonix for its unique combination of varied terrain, wonderful scenery and a picturesque town. It’s often rated as one of the world’s top mountain sports destinations. Chamonix offers 11 separate ski areas on its lift pass so you can choose the one that suits you. Plus the vast spread ensures that the weather will be good for skiing in some place in the valley. Advanced skiers will delight in the area’s challenging breakneck powder-filled terrain.

The town is vibrant with great sports stores, fashion boutiques, bars, restaurants and two nightclubs. There’s also a superb Michelin-rated restaurant – Restaurant Atmosphere.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Although not as famous as Gstaad and St. Moritz, Zermatt is regarded by many as a better resort. Its high altitude means it receives ample snow and its long season runs from November to May. Zermatt is great for beginners and intermediate skiers but those wanting to go off piste should watch out for rocks. It is linked by lift to the Italian resort of Cervinia so you can actually go skiing from Switzerland to Italy!

The scenery is breathtaking and the village is car free. An array of pubs, wine bars, fine-dining restaurants, discos and shops make it a lively place.

Travel With You: California

Travel With You: California: 　　California, pronounced and often erroneously spelt as Califonia, is the 3rd largest state in the USA. It is one of the most geographicall...

California

　　California, pronounced and often erroneously spelt as Califonia, is the 3rd largest state in the USA. It is one of the most geographically diverse states with sunny beaches on the west coast, deserts in the southeast, snow capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada in the east and a fertile central valley.
The state of California is the centre of entertainment, IT, aerospace, wine and agriculture industries in America, making it the richest as well as the most populous state. From beaches to national parks, and from entertainment to technology, California is a heady mix which offers some fantastic options for your holiday travel.

California hotels, restaurants and clubs are some of the best in the country. Nightlife can be exciting and expensive and entry to some clubs is by invitation only. Element is the top rated California club along with The Viper Room, Arena, Zanzibar and Level 3 in Los Angeles. In San Francisco, try DNA Lounge, Medjool and Slim’s.
As you can imagine, there’s a lot to do and see in California during your holiday travel. Here are a few highlights of the most important cities and national parks to help you in planning your California vacation:
California Cities
Los Angeles
Home to Hollywood and the glitz associated with the movie industry, Los Angeles is also called La-La Land for some very sane reasons. LA is vast, complex and an incredible fusion of tastes and cultures. Beverly Hills and Sunset Boulevard epitomize glamour. Malibu, Venice and Santa Monica are its top beaches where you will see some seriously fit and sexy bodies. Chinatown and the Grand Central Market are in Downtown LA. The famous Disneyland Resort is in Anaheim. LA is also home to some great museums like the two world-famous Getty Museums. Take time to visit its opulent shopping malls, clubs and restaurants.
You will need more than two days to fully explore this sprawling city in southern California where traffic jams are a way of life.
San Francisco
You need an open mind to visit San Francisco or else you will be in a perpetual state of shock when you see what passes as routine. The city is beautiful with 43 hills, a fantastic bay area and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Some of the things to do include a visit to Alacatraz – the infamous prison where Al Capone was jailed, a walk along the Golden Gate Bridge, watching sea lions basking in the sun at Fisherman’s Wharf and cable car rides for some spectaculars views of the city.
San Francisco is located about 380 miles from Los Angeles in northern California.
San Diego
A pleasant weather and a wonderful 70-mile coastline means its resident prefer to live their life outdoors. It’s one city that is kid friendly and its Seaworld and San Diego Zoo attract loads of families from all over the world. Visit the Gaslamp Quarter and see lovely Victorian structures converted into fine restaurants and top boutiques. Stroll, swim, go kayaking, surf or watch seals at La Jolla, quite often voted the best California beach. Also explore the 1200-acre Balboa Park which is considered the cultural heart of the city.
San Jose
Once surrounded by farms and ranches, today’s San Jose is where top industrial and computer giants have their headquarters. Yet it still retains its small-town feel. It has some great museums, historical buildings, beaches, bars and restaurants. Silicon Valley attracts the top IT brains from all over the world and its unique population mix adds to the city’s cultural diversity.
Sacramento
The capital of California, Sacramento is best known for its Capitol building and its sprawling gardens. There are tree-lined avenues along the river with several Victorian houses. Because housing is more affordable, some people who work in the Bay Area or in Silicon Valley prefer to live here and commute to work. This is a surprisingly laidback city of southern California.
California National Parks
Although more famous for its glamour and beaches, the state of California is also home to some of the most stunning and diverse National Parks in the country. Below is our selection of the top four national parks in California.
Yosemite National Park
It is located just 200 miles east of San Francisco and covers a large area of the Sierra Nevada mountains. To put it simply, Yosemite National Park’s beauty just takes your breath away. Icy glaciers, tall granite mountains, crystal clear lakes, 1,000 feet waterfalls and wildflower meadows together create a park that’s stunningly beautiful. Giant sequoia trees, some presumed to be more than 3,000 years old, are found here. The Half Dome granite mountain rises up majestically to a height of 8,842 feet.
The Park gets overcrowded during peak summer but go in May and June so you can avoid the crowds and see the cascading waterfalls cascading as they are fed by the melting snow.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
The most incredible thing about the Park is that it is the site of an active volcano. The Lassen Peak volcano last erupted in 1921. When you enter from the south entrance you will arrive at the area known for its geothermal activity. Bubbling mud pots, hot springs and steaming fumaroles create a smoldering terrain surrounded by lush pine forests.
The Park is fully operational for only three months of the year but it is possible to access some parts of the Park all year round. Lassen is located north of the Sierra Nevada mountains and is 200 miles from San Francisco.
Death Valley
As its name indicates, very little grows here. Death Valley is vast – it is the second largest national park in the USA, and barren with sand dunes and rocky mountains. Its lowest point is 282 feet below sea level which is why temperatures rise to a boiling 130 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. The highest point however is above 11,000 feet so nights can get very cold and it also snows high up in the mountains in winter. This extreme climate makes for an interesting experience. Multi-coloured rocks and canyons stand besides pristine sand dunes and snowcapped mountains.
Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park
These two parks are located next to each other and have similar terrains. As their names indicate, Sequoia is famous for its clusters of the gigantic 200-feet plus tall reddish sequoia trees while Kings Canyon is known for its fantastic canyon and the gorges of the Kings river. The parks are less visited than some of the others in California but are definitely not less beautiful. They are located on the southern side of the Sierra Nevada range.

Beach Destinations

This was a difficult list to compile because there are many, many beaches that could make the list. Below are a few beach holiday travel destinations chosen for their scenic beauty and tranquility. They are perfect places for a summer holiday and most of them have great holiday resorts to make your holiday a little more special.

Anse Source D’Argent, Seychelles

Often rated as one of the top beaches in the world, Anse Source D’Argent is on the island of La Digue in the Seychelles. Fine white sand with imposing granite rocks give the beach almost a sculptural beauty. The beach backs into a lush palm forest and its turquoise waters are protected by an offshore coral reef.
Best time to visit: May to September

Frenchman’s Cove, Jamaica

This is a small cove with a white, sandy beach flanked by rocky coves. A river flows into the sea at one end of the beach and the calm sea near the beach becomes rougher where huge waves hit the rocks. The setting is absolutely spectacular.
Best time to visit: December to April

Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas

The beach is so named because its sand is a pale pink. The pink colour is derived from the shells of microscopic animals called Foraminifera. Stretching for 3 miles, the beach offers relative seclusion yet isn’t too far from the city.
Best time to visit: March to July

Tulum Beaches, Mexico

Some of Mexico’s finest beaches are in Tulum. Endless miles of fine white sand with Mayan ruins on a rocky outcrop make this location hard to beat. Apart from visiting the Tulum ruins, you can appreciate their majesty by swimming away from the shore and then turning back for a great view.
Best time to visit: December to April

Palolem Beach, India

Until just a few years ago Palolem remained undiscovered. A picturesque crescent-shaped bay, the beach has soft sand and two craggy outcrops. There’s also a small wooded island to the north that you can walk to in low tide or else you can persuade a local fisherman to ferry you across for a minimal fee.
Best time to visit: December to February

Myrtos Beach, Greece

The view of the beach from the top of the limestone cliffs is astonishingly beautiful. The sea subtly changes colour through the day, going from milky turquoise to deep indigo. A winding road takes you down to the mile long beach with white pebbles. Myrtos beach is on the island of Kefalonia and was made famous in the movie ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ starring Nicholas Cage.
Best time to visit: May, June, September, October

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Located on Whitsundy Island, Whitehaven beach is known for its brilliant powder white sand made of pure silica. The sand seems to gleam in the sun as crystal blue waves gently lap on the shore. The 7km-long beach is framed by a lush tropical forest.
Best time to visit: April to November
Here are a few other places to consider for their beaches: Corfu in Greece, Phi Phi Islands in Thailand, Kauai in Hawaii, Ipanema in Brazil and the beaches of the Caribbean islands

Seven Wonders Of The World

The New7Wonders Foundation announced the list of the modern seven wonders of the world on July 7, 2007, in Lisbon. The results were based on a worldwide poll in which about a 100 million people cast their votes. Of the ancient wonders of the world only the Pyramids of Egypt survive and have been named as an Honorary Candidate. These are must-see holiday travel destinations for anyone.

The Pyramid at Chichén Itzá, Mexico

The El Castillo Pyramid is an ancient Mayan temple built using precise astronomical calculations. It is a step pyramid of four sides, measuring 60 meters on each side and rising to a height of 24 meters. On each side there are 91 stairs leading up to a temple platform. The total number of steps is 365 steps – one for each day of the year.
On the Spring and Autumn Equinox, a magical play of light and shade takes place. The edges of the terraces cast a single shadow on the north staircase, creating the illusion of the feathered serpent Kukulcan or Quetzalcoatl descending from the temple to the serpent’s head at the base of the pyramid. This phenomenon occurs at the rising and setting of the Sun on Equinox.
Best time to visit: December, January, February

Christ The Redeemer, Brazil

The statue is located on top of the 700-meter high Corcovado mountain and overlooks the magnificent vista of Rio de Janeiro. White sandy beaches, bays with bobbing yachts, towering skyscrapers, Sugar Loaf mountain and also hills and forests create a fabulous view from the top. With hands outstretched, the statue seems to embrace its surroundings. About 39 meters tall and 30 meters wide, the statue was inaugurated in 1931 and remains a powerful symbol of Brazil’s Christianity.
Best time to visit: September, October

The Roman Colosseum, Italy

It is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of Rome. Completed in 80 AD, the Colosseum was the largest amphitheatre of the Roman empire and the grand stage for gladiatorial contests and animal hunts. Some of the contests involved the use of elaborate sets and were immensely popular with the local population. With a seating capacity of 50,000, the Colosseum runs 189 meters long and 156 meters wide and covers an area of 6 acres. A total of 80 entrances ensured that crowds could enter and exit with incredible ease.
Today the Colosseum remains an icon of Roman engineering and architecture.
Best time to visit: April, May, September, October

The Taj Mahal, India

Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in childbirth. It took 20,000 workers 22 years to build the mausoleum on the banks of the river Yamuna in Agra. The Taj houses Mumtaz Mahal’s grave, and Shah Jahan was later laid to rest beside her after his own death. The style of architecture is Mughal and reflects Persian as well as Hindu influences. Built entirely in translucent white marble, it is decorated with delicate motifs and with inlaid with precious stones. The beauty of this monument is unparalleled.
Best time to visit: October to March

The Great Wall of China

The Wall is not a single continuous wall but rather a series of separate walls measuring a length of about 8,500 kms. Construction of the wall began in the Qing dynasty in 221 BC. Fortification and extensions continued in the next millennia but it wasn’t until 1368 AD during the Ming dynasty that major extension recommenced. The older wall is made of rammed earth while the modern wall was built using stones and bricks and is as a result much stronger.
The Wall was built to protect the Chinese Empire from the Mongolians and other invaders. After Mongolia was annexed during the Ming dynasty, the construction of the wall ceased. Best time to visit: May, September, October

Petra, Jordan

The ancient Nabatean kingdom had Petra as its capital. Hidden by massive sandstone mountains, Petra served as the centre of caravan trade routes and hence flourished through trade. Approaching Petra from the east, make your way through the Siq, a one-kilometer long narrow, dark gorge formed by a split in the sandstone rock. At the end of the Siq, you will get the first dramatic glimpse of the Treasury through a narrow opening.
The façade of the Treasury, or Al Khazneh, is carved out of the rose-coloured sandstone mountain cliff. Rising to a height of 40 meters, the Treasury is remarkably well preserved because it is protected from the elements by the rock cliffs. Further ahead are an amphitheatre, various tombs and the Monastery.
Best time to visit: January to May

Machu Picchu, Peru

Located at a height of 2,450 meters in the Andes mountains, Machu Picchu is spectacularly located between two mountains. Built between 1460 and1470 AD, it was inhabited for about a century before being abandoned. Although known to the locals, it was never discovered by the Spanish Conquistadors and came to light in 1911 thanks to Hiram Bingham of Yale University.
Around 1,200 people, mostly priests, women and children, lived in Machu Picchu. There are about 140 structures surrounded by terraces used for growing crops. The main structures are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun and the Room of the Three Windows. The architecture is classic Inca involving stones cut into blocks and placed together without mortar. The stones are so tightly placed that not even a blade of grass can pass through.
Best time to visit: April and May

Holidays In Turkey

Despite the recession, people all over the world are not ready to quit plans for their annual holidays. However, they look up for a destination package that can give the best value for the money that they spend.

All inclusive holidays to Turkey are gaining popularity like never before. The reason for their popularity can be said to be because of the enjoyment that one can get in their vacations and holidays and at the same time, the great savings that they make. All inclusive holidays offer great comfort and are quiet convenient for the travelers as they eliminate the great worry of holiday cost. These holidays are relaxing as well because everything in your holiday is preplanned.
All inclusive holiday packages usually includes all trip related costs that ranges from air ticket costs to hotels in Icmeler, transfers and sightseeing to food and drinks. All inclusive holiday deals usually provide the visitors with facility to dine out in a resort which is usually served in a buffet style and food provided is of great quality.
Some packages also include various facilities for entertainment as well as city tours, trips to beaches or some famous attraction of the destination, so you need not worry about where you will go for your entertainment and how and which places you should visit for a city tour. But it is recommended to read all the details of all the inclusions. Some packages also provide facilities for adding more inclusions to your all inclusive holiday package.