Myanmar is stuck in a different era. Isolated from the outside world and with little infrastructure the country remains underdeveloped. This was my second visit and the purpose of the trip was to look at ‘all things new’…

Arriving late at night in Yangon I stayed briefly at the Savoy Hotel, a wonderful old colonial building with teak floors and Kipling memorabilia. The following morning I flew to Kyaingtong near the border with Thailand. This small town has a central lake and holds a buffalo market twice a week. It is the staging post for the 30km drive to the former colonial hill station of Loimwe. The road is now a track but during British times it had stone tram lines on which the cars ran. Anyone wanting a driving license and making it from Kyaingtong to Loimwe was granted one, an early test. Loimwe is in a shallow dip in the hills, pleasantly cool in summer. Surrounding the small hills are the colonial houses that the British stayed in. The hospital, the post office and a number of residences remain. There is also a Sikh temple here with a Sanskrit stone marker by the front door. Sadly it is in a terrible state.

In the far north of the country lies Putao. You are nearer to Bhutan here than you are to Mandalay; an isolated location and one that has only recently opened up to foreigners. The town is located in a long narrow valley surrounded on three sides by snow covered mountains and thick forest. On my first morning I met three lorry drivers who had just com from Mytchina, half way between Mandalay and Putao. They had just arrived with three six-wheel lorries and it had taken them 29 days to cover the 220 miles. Luckily I had flown in.

Putao is well worth the journey not least for the ten room Malika Lodge, which is fabulous. It is located at the base of the foothills on a bend of a river with impressive views of both the river and the mountains. Activities include gentle rafting, light or serious trekking (it is possible to trek for the day, stay away for several nights or do more serious treks of up to 2 weeks), biking or riding elephants.

Inle Lake was as magical as ever. Travelling by boat from the town of Nyang Shwe along a narrow waterway, the lake opens up to form a mirror in front of you. Crystal clear water with green weed a few inches from the surface is a haven for fish. The people rely on the lake. They create floating gardens held in place by bamboo poles on which they grow vegetables (beans, tomatoes, cucumbers), they fish using nets and large wicker baskets and live in floating villages, some which produce silk and cloth made from local lotus plants.

My final night in Yangon was spent at the Governor’s Residence, another fine old colonial building with a garden and veranda dining. A wonderful way to end a wonderful trip in an amazing country.

It seems like so many events and attractions cost so much money, that most families cannot afford to enjoy them. That is why the idea of something interesting and completely free is sure to garner your attention. In Great Falls, Montana, such a thing is just waiting for you. Because of the hard work of the community, the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art is free for visitors. You do not have to pay a penny to be able to enjoy the exhibits available at the museum.

While there are free exhibits to enjoy every day at the art museum, there are special events that you are sure to be interested in. This summer, a special exhibit that continues to be a favorite will be available at the Great Falls museum. You will not want to miss out on the garden walk. These events takes place in mid July and provide a whole afternoon’s worth of activity. This walk takes place away from the museum, allowing the visitor to enjoy the beauty of four different gardens within the city. These gardens belong to private individuals, so this is your only chance to enjoy their exquisite beauty.

Some people in Great Falls enjoy the garden walk simply for the elaborate beauty of the various plants, which will be in full bloom this summer. Others enjoy learning about the plans and being taught how to grow and cultivate them. During the garden walk tour, you would be given the chance to talk with the garden owners, and you can even learn how they make their plants and flowers a success. You may find yourself hurrying home to start planting as soon as the walk is over.

Of course, after you enjoy the fun of the garden walk, you may wish to cool down by taking in the fine art of the museum’s continuing exhibits. You will find multitudes of work by Montana’s finest artists along the walls of the exhibit. The Paris Gibson Square Museum is also home to a number of outdoor sculptures that are both interesting and breathtaking. Enjoying the exhibits is free as well.

As you can see, you can plan a whole day in Great Falls, MT with no more cost than paying for your lunch. You can spend the day touring fine gardens and then spend the afternoon browsing fine art. You do not have to spend money to enjoy an attraction.

First of all, don’t even contemplate leaving this bleak weathered, grey skied country without giving that tan a head start!

Around two weeks before you travel, get yourself to the corner shop and book some sunbed sessions, not enough to give you that shiny, papery leather look but enough to create a base layer from which you can build up a fantastic glowing tan.

Nip to the shops and buy enough sun tan lotion to not only last you for your holiday duration, but a bit extra too! You’ll need a small bottle of factor 35, an average sized bottle of 15, a larger sized 8 and a nice low-factor dry oil, perhaps a 2, and if you’re going for that dark brown, coffee look, buy one with keratin!

Don’t forget when packing your case, to individually wrap each bottle of sun tan lotion in a plastic carrier bag to not only avoid spillage, but to protect your clothes and your skin in the long run!

When you finally arrive, you’ll love every minute of it, but where to sunbathe for that maximum tan?! My personal favourite is the beach, not just for the stunning scenery and cool, refreshing sea, but because of that beautiful, brisk breeze. Not only will that lovely breeze cool you down but it also gives a stunningly seamless tan.

One faux pas which many of us make is forgetting to apply aftersun lotion every evening throughout the holiday. Without this added moisture, your skin can become dry and cracked and helps the peeling process start a lot quicker!

Start with your factor 15 lotion and see how you go, if you have any sore or blistering areas, pop a bit of factor 30 on to ensure it doesn’t worsen. As your holiday progresses, reduce the strength of your sun tan lotion, go down to 8 and then eventually you may feel brave enough to go for that factor 4 keratin oil!

Another helpful tip is to make sure you keep applying that sun tan lotion on a regular basis, every half an hour or so, apply a little here and there to ensure a burnt-free complexion. Although you feel fine and like your skin is not burning at all, it can be smouldering without you realising until later that evening when unfortunately, it’s too late.

So whether you’re looking at booking cheap holidays in the Costa Dorada, a scorching week in Santorini or all expenses paid trips to Jamaica, follow these helpful tips to avoid burning and breaking your lovely fresh skin. So whether you’re looking at booking cheap holidays in the Costa Dorada, a scorching week in Santorini or all expenses paid trips to Jamaica, follow these helpful tips to avoid burning and breaking your lovely fresh skin.

Safari Clothing – The clothes you bring on a trip are important because you want to be both comfortable and protected. In the wilds of Africa, a long sleeve shirt is a must to bring to protect you from annoying mosquito bites and to keep you from the hot sun as well. You’ll need long trousers too for the same reasons. Avoid also bright colored clothing because it can attract animals. For that reason, most safari clothing you will find come in khaki, tan, and light brown. Neutral colors are also effective in keeping you cooler during warm days. Back Pack – When you pack for your African travel, you have to carry your back pack not more than 25 pounds since you will be lugging it around from camp to camp. Make sure that the straps of your pack fit you comfortably. Thus it is also better to talk to your travel specialist of how many things will you be bringing because you may only need a few days of clothing supply since many of the camps and lodges have laundry facilities. Sun and Mosquito Protection – You have to keep in mind that you are not going to a beach, but to a Safari. Therefore you will most probably encounter mosquitoes so it is better to bring strong mosquito repellent containing DEET with you. Be sure to spray your clothes and exposed skin. Avoid also using perfume, hairspray, and other scented products because they may attract mosquitoes. Remember to also pack sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Polarized Sunglasses – Bring polarized sunglasses with good quality to protect you from the strong, bright sun. Good Walking Shoes – Bring comfortable shoes that fit you well. Pack good quality socks too. These can help you walk and roam around the place easy. Sun Hat – Bring a quality hat with a good brim to cover your face and ears. Camera – Capture the wonderful sceneries and as well as rare animals that you see in the Safari. Make sure to bring also extra batteries. Other things that you can bring are: Personal toiletries, binoculars, basic medical supplies, tissues, waterproof bags for camera and electronic devices.

One can choose the railways, the air route, waterways or a road travel in India, in order to reach southmost Kanyakumari from the chilling backdrops of Kashmir but, the little known thing is that anyone can spot an adventure amidst his/her travel throughout the whole country.

The above written fact explains that there are numerous places determined for adventure travel in the country known mostly for its heritage and culture.

Choose any point in the political map of India and you have the big probability of experiencing a thrilling experience nearby the same.

Taking a start from the northern part of this democratic nation, one can easily spot scope for adventure sports like skiing in frozen Dal Lake of Kashmir, para-gliding in Himachal’s Manali and river rafting in Ganges flowing through Rishikesh.

Going through some images as well as write-ups published over web one can generate some confusion related to unnecessary promotion of tourism in the country. But, as one reaches these destinations he can have a watch over naturally formed adventure sport spots in India.

However, it’s not easy to find every spot open 12 months a year as heavy snowfalls and higher level of water in river mostly plays a villian for one’s adventure dreams. But then, who said that the adventure graph declines as you reach south.

Near the green beauty of Kerala lies a bunch of 36 islands jointly termed as the Lakshadweep, which rarely leave anyone out of the adventurous mood, thanks to the water sports like scuba diving, glass bottom boat etc.

If one looks for raising the graph of adventure travel in a cooler place, then Bay of Bengal can very well be recommended with Andaman and Nicobar islands not far from there.

Taking the adventure to a higher level, one can experience rappeling, rock climbing as well as the breathtaking pleasure of valley crossing sport while he camp in Kantal where the several outings are arranged for corporate masses.

In case, somebody is recommending North-East for an adventurous trip, then he is not to be blamed as the sporty and deadly nature of caves situated near Cherrapunjee keep you on your toes until you come out of the lifetime experience of Caving in here.

As stated earlier, drive, sail or even fly through Indian continent, the thrill of adventure travel walks with the traveller from start to end.

Canada is one of the best destinations for versatility and adventure.  If you are on the lookout for a great place to take your family and get back to nature then the ‘other’ Quebec is a great option.  Many people choose to visit Montreal but never get a chance to see the rest of Quebec and all of the amazing things to do outside of the city including Quebec tours.

One great adventure, for example, is an exciting canoe trip.  You travel out to a remote setting in the wilderness for approximately 2 – 5 days on crystal clear lakes.  The wildlife is all around you from moose and barred owls to black ducks and bank swallows and you can leisurely observe all of the animals in their natural habitat.  The canoe trips can take place in Mont Tremblant Provincial Park, that is near Montreal, or possibly in the Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve.  Included in these tours are refreshing swimming areas, and shaded campsites that the natives of the area used.  The guides will also provide you with games and many things to do while you roast your marshmallows over the open fire.

But perhaps you are a bit more adventuresome and require more action than a leisurely canoe trip.  That’s when the whitewater canoe trip along the Dumoine River needs to be considered.  This is in the western side of Quebec and these trips are for beginners and include instructions.  Most people consider the Dumoine the best river for whitewater canoeing.  This river of water drops more than 500 feet from it’s beginning at Lac Dumoine to 60 miles away at the Ottawa River.  Along this river are 16 sets of rapids both class I and class II and each have a name.  Yes, they do have a few class III and class IV rapids but the beginner will need to be lifted or portaged around.  In addition, there is time for hiking, taking amazing pictures and all around fun.  Nothing is better than the beauty of taking a Quebec trip along this river.

As the weather is getting a bit cooler in Quebec you will want to look at other activities such as backpacking along the Saguenay River.  The mouth of this river has had cruise ships in their waters for quite some time but the shores provide great hiking trails that even have some newly built cabins for your convenience along the way.  You have a choice of a 4-day trip that will run along the northern side of the river or a 3-day hike on the southern side.  If you are really enjoying yourself you have the option to do both.  Each of the trips are quite different from the other as one travels close to the riverbank and the other is at a high altitude that is much colder.  All of the trails have been made safe with some stairs built into the sides of the steep cliffs and they are usually dry and well maintained.  It is recommended that the best month to take this backpacking trip would be in September.  You will be required to carry your food, a light sleeping bag as well as your own personal gear.  You will have the time of your life in this beautiful area of Quebec.

The Quebec tours have something for everyone and also something for every time of year.  When the weather becomes cold and winter settles in the most fun you can have in the snow is cross-country skiing that goes from cabin to cabin.  These cross-country expeditions begin and end northeast of Montreal in Quebec at a place called Reserve faunique de Papineau Labelle.  You can bring a group of your friends or family and choose your own dates.  The peaceful trails and the beauty of the scenery is enough to bring one back time and time again.  The views when you reach the hilltops are breathtaking and cannot be matched as you look out on the rolling hills of the Laurentian valleys.  You are, as they say, one with nature, amidst the wildlife that abounds all around you.  These tours have included in the price, the transport of your gear on snowmobiles, which will allow for freedom to travel.  The cabins along the way will accommodate from 4 – 12 people on this trip and there are options for side trips as well.

As you can see, taking Quebec trips can be exciting and exhilarating.  So get away from the city for a while and enjoy what Quebec’s nature and countryside has to offer.  You won’t be sorry that you did.

Every year as the cool weather of winter starts rolling in, potential vacationers begin dreaming of the warm, clear ocean waters and sandy beaches of a tropical paradise. This year, quit dreaming and make your fantasy of a relaxing island getaway a reality with a luxurious Caribbean vacation.
Offering some of the world’s most consistently beautiful weather, an amazing variety of tropical flora and fauna, fun filled island cultures and spectacular vistas, the islands of the Caribbean are an amazing place to vacation. Before you book the trip of your dreams, learn a little bit about what 5 of the most popular Caribbean destinations have to offer.
Puerto Rico
Known for its fun loving locals and incredible geographic diversity, Puerto Rico is one of the Caribbean’s most accessible and exciting places to spend your vacation. With dozens of top of the line luxury hotels and resorts clustered near bustling San Juan, you’ll have no trouble finding a spectacular place to stay—as long as you book early!
Excursions around the island abound in Puerto Rico, from back country guided tours of the tropical rainforest or unique mangroves to scuba diving through crystal clear waters with some of the most colorful and diverse underwater ecosystems in the world. Trips to San Juan offer up all night parties and dancing at popular clubs while protected sandy beaches provide a peaceful refuge during the day.
Aruba
Located just north of the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and maintains a distinct blend of European and native cultures. One of the southernmost islands in the Caribbean Sea, Aruba enjoys the same dry, warm climate as its neighbors but lies outside of the hurricane belt.
Home to plenty of its own world class resort villages, casinos and nightclubs, Aruba has a reputation for being a haven for fun loving vacationers. Because of its relatively dry climate, the island lacks the rainforests of its neighbors, but boasts some of the world’s most beautiful white sand beaches. Many visitors spend their days lounging by the sea while taking advantage of a special blend of European and Latin American cuisine in the evening before partying the night away.
Jamaica
Well known for its laid back lifestyles and gorgeous palm lined beaches, Jamaica has plenty to offer eager travelers. Once the staging grounds for Spanish conquistadors, the haven of ruthless pirates and the workhorse of the British Empire, Jamaica’s storied past has evolved into an interesting blend of cultures punctuated by reggae, Rastafarians and rum.
A beautiful place to spend a honeymoon or romantic getaway, Jamaica’s mountainous interior provides a breathtaking backdrop as well as an exciting alternative to its quiet, pristine beaches. Visitors often get a closer look at the terrain with guided ATV or horseback tours. Other travelers spend lots of time at local shops and boutiques or trying their hand at a bit of scuba diving along the fauna-filled shoreline. A romantic tropical paradise, Jamaica may be the perfect place for your next vacation.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is located on the eastern half of the island of Hispanola, visited and named by Columbus during his first foray to the New World. Known for its fun loving, festive and hospitable inhabitants, the Dominican Republic enjoys the same perfect climate as its sister islands but boasts a truly dramatic and breathtaking geographic landscape.
Offering some of the most affordable accommodations in the Caribbean, many visitors pack their first rate resorts year round. While some resorts are situated atop rugged ocean side cliffs jutting out of the sea, virtually all of them offer private access to pristine white sand beaches.
Bahamas
Last but not least, the Bahamas, an island chain and nation located just east of Florida, is one of the most visitor friendly destinations in the Caribbean. English is the predominant language in the Bahamas, where its heritage as an English colony is still evident. This vibrant nation is a fun lover’s dream come true and activities abound both on land and in the water.
Boating, sailing and otherwise, is a favorite national pastime in the Bahamas and there are plenty of island tours and dolphin sighting expeditions available daily. Many visitors try their hands and feet at scuba diving the warm waters while other prefer to enjoy the pristine natural environment on dry land.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a tried and true homebody, the Caribbean is a beautiful and exotic destination worth visiting at least once in your life. With each island’s distinct culture, breathtaking scenery and warm ocean breezes, you’ll swear you’ve landed in paradise itself. Take a few moments now to research and book the Caribbean vacation of your dreams so you’re not left dreaming through the cold this winter.

GrayLine New York Tours are one of a kind and with our coupon code, you can get a free skyride ticket for New York City. Hurry up and take advantage of this while it still lasts.

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Gray Line New York offers some of the coolest tours out there. Whether you want to go on a simply double decker bus tour or you want to take a helicopter ride around New York City, Gray Line New York has exactly what you are looking for.

Using Gray Line New York, you can find a tour within your budget. Not everyone can afford a private VIP limo ride around to all of the city’s hot spots but Gray Line has such affordable specials, it’s easy to find the right tour package for you.

They often have sales too and currently are running a special bus tour package, a 2 hour cruise, and foreign language specials. So if you are coming from another country, you can find a tour with a guide who speaks your native language!

When I went to New York, I booked a bus tour that included a stop at the empire state building so we could go view the city from the top of the building. This had to be the coolest vacation I’ve taken in awhile. The views were breathtaking and the double decker guides were friendly and knowledgable.

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The city of Yazd’s first mention in historic records predate it back to around 3000 years BC when it was related to by the name of Ysatis, and was then part of the domain of Medes, an ancient settler of Iran. In the course of history due to its distance from important capitals and its harsh natural surrounding, Yazd remained immune to major troops’ movements and destruction from wars, therefore it kept many of its traditions, city forms and architecture until recent times. During the invasion of Genghis Khan in the early 1200’s AD Yazd became a safe haven and home for many artists, intellectuals and scientists fleeing their war ravaged cities around Persia.  

For a brief period, Yazd was the capital of Atabakan and Mozaffarid dynasties (14th Century AD). During Qajar dynasty (18th Century AD) it was ruled by the Bakhtiari Khans.

The City and province of Yazd hold many wonders of  historic and architectural significance. A Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Yazd holds a traditional fire which has been kept alight by Zoroastrian priests, continuously for over 1100 years. The Fort of Naren is Iran’s largest mud brick structure predating Islam. Caravansaries, Islamic architecture including the Jamea Mosque and many other works and art forms go back over 1000 years. Yazd’s wind-towers, which act as natural cooling systems for homes and public structures, remain a marvel of world architectural design and innovation. In addition, the city sat on the path of the ancient Silk Road and was the lodging and visiting spot for many travelers and merchants. Marco Polo in his travelogues titles the city: “the noble city of Yazd”

Just about all boats are produced on a production basis as this is the most cost-efficient means of manufacturing. There are just one set of molds and quite a few boats from which they are produced, minimizing the expense of setting up tooling for each vessel. Generally, you can find a modest number of alternatives to allow permit assembly output even more economical in terms of cost.
Leaving behind the lines of production vessels, you will discover various types of customized design. There are actually lots of boats constructed with a limited budget, which is generally by new comers. In the event that you don’t plan to put together the boat by yourself, the next level available is what mariners call “semi custom” boats.
These part customs boats are generally made by compact or middle size merchants from one set of molds so that much of the boat may possibly end up being indistinguishable from another.

On the other hand the builder may make it possible for the client to choose the inside decor and various other options. The genuine custom built boat, or one of a kind boat, is exclusively fashioned and built from scratch for a single customer with an unlimited budget.
A true custom boat is a one on one venture, and can get very pricey before you know it. Before you make a decision to go out and order a custom boat, you really should give the used marketplace a further look.

These people who have made customized or partially customized boats often put them up to be sold at some time or another. This is a considerably less costly way to go, mainly because you will not be paying a professional to design and style the boat from scratch. You can easily locate used boats that provide you with one of kind features and options, all you have to do is look around, by searching for “cool water boats”.