Want to experience heavenly beauty under water? En route to snorkeling in the Caribbean and you will discover how exciting the water world is. The beauty of aquatic life is explored using a tool called snorkel, having a mask attached to it. Snorkeling thus offers you an amazing opportunity to explore underwater life. However, there are a few essential things that one must exercise during the activity.

Snorkeling gives you an opportunity to relax. So make sure you make most of it without indulging yourself in too much analysis. Check out some of the tips to make your snorkeling even more enjoyable. These tips have been suggested considering that you already have well-fitting equipment.

1. Ensure that the mask fits your face perfectly but allows you breathing through the nose. Make sure that no air leaks in, as this will also allow water to seep in. Also, it’s best to shave off your moustache or apply generous amount of Vaseline or sunscreen to act as a gasket. Do not tighten the strap too much as this might also cause the water to leak in after breaking the seal. The snorkel should be placed in front of the ear.
2. Fins should be chosen with discretion. It is better to opt for snug ones than those that are too tight. Big fins will slip in easily when the feet are wet.
3. You must have some defogging products for a clear view under water. Gel products, dog drool, plant extracts growing by the shore, or even a baby shampoo (with salt water) work well to get rid off the fog.
4. Breathing practice through the snorkel with your head out of water is highly vital prior to experiencing the real sport. Suck the mask into your face and breathe through the mouthpiece throughout the length of the mouth. It’s also advisable to practice calm floating in face down and horizontal position.
5. In case you flood your mask by accident, raise your head by pulling the lower edge away from the mouth to drain out the water.
6. Use your fins judiciously, keeping your knees and ankles relaxed. Avoid using bicycle type kicks and treat your fin as though they were the soft flowing tail of a mermaid!
7. Last, but the most vital of all,be relaxed during the entire activity. If you panic, your movements might create an alarm in the aquatic environment. On the contrary, while you stay calm, the aquatic animals too remain calm and resume their normal activity.

Some of the best locations for snorkeling are found in the various beaches of the Caribbean. Out of them, Roatan surpasses all others in terms of beauty and space. There has been a gradual rise in the number of people booking for Roatan tours. A trip to this beautiful island will also allow you to experience the fun the thrill of Roatan snorkeling. So get into the groove to be a part of the amazing sport- just keep a good ear to the afore-mentioned advice.

I have stumbled upon this brilliant new website specialising in helping people who are dog loversand wanted to share it with everyone so that you don’t skip past it without a second thought. I take my dogs away with me and did when I went to Cornwall recently. I do travel a lot and I wanted to write about it here.
They put you in touch with the perfect dog friendly accommodation places to stay in the United Kingdom. You can easily look up the area that you want to holiday in and pick the accommodation type too. Guest House
There aren’t any pay per click adverts distracting you, the site is thought out well and laid out cleanly The pages can be easily printed for use later. As well as a detailed description and map of the area, each web pagehas details of the areas that you are allowed to take your dog. e.g. living areas.
Travel the easy way and be organised to boot. You want to be happy in the knowledge that when you get to your destination that there won’t be any unforseen problems relating to travel with your dog.
If you like what you are reading, then click on the link and see for yourself. Dog Friendly Accommodation.
If you are a Hotel, Guest House or Campsite, it is possible to add your own listing. The site has been up and running for two months and is still relatively new. As we speak the site ranks # 6 (and climbing) for “Dog Friendly Accommodation” in Yahoo! Click here for more Dog Friendly Accommodation information.

If you are thinking of going to Blackpool, you should start planning your vacation in advance. Blackpool is the most popular coastal resort in the United Kingdom and europe, visited by over 1 million tourists every day specialy on the months of august september and november the (illuminations periode), and if you don’t plan your trip thoroughly you may find out there is no vacancy since it is the peak of the tourist season.

Therefore we are offering you a number of tips and hints about Blackpool hotels that will ease your planning activity.

The first thing you should take into consideration is the fact that hotels are divided into four locations and categories based on their location: North Shore hotels, Promenade hotels, Central hotels and Promenade hotels. All of these hotels are situated along a 10-15 minutes walk from Blackpool’s main attractions, so any location would serve you well.

categories: hotels, self catering (apartments) and guest houses.

You should also know that all hotels have a traditional looking style as the town has succeeded in preserving its Victorian aspect. Nevertheless all hotels are offering services and facilities of best quality that can satisfy any expectations and most are family run hotels 10 to 40 rooms.

If you are looking for some special services, like bringing your four-legged best friend, many Blackpool hotels are willing to accept it as their guests. There are approximately 223 small pet friendly hotels and aprtments that will have you and your animal as their guests. Guide dogs are allowed in every Blackpool hotel.

Many Blackpool hotels are welcoming or/and organizing hen or stag parties, so, if you are looking forward to spending a nice and calm vacation in Blackpool, you should check this facility first to avoid loud music and noise. And if you are travelling with children, you will be relieved to know that some Blackpool hotels have children entertainment facilities

There is also luxury accommodation in Blackpool for those looking for a fancier vacation. A number of four-star hotels are waiting to have you as their guests.

Blackpool hotels are also offering a large variety of features and facilities like: swimming pools, handicap facilities, games rooms, library rooms, ironing rooms, conference facilities etc.

So, spending your vacation in Blackpool will definitely satisfy any expectation and you will go back totally refreshed!

Blackpool Hotels is one of the fastest growing hotel booking sites on the Internet. provides consumers the best medium to quickly and efficiently compare price, quality, location,Reviews, amenities, and availability of hotel rooms and reservations are confirmed in just seconds. Blackpool Hotels – Hotels In Blackpool England United Kingdom, Visit Blackpool Hotels at http://www.blackpool-hotels.me.uk

Best of Europe Tour

Day 1 : Paris

Best Europe Tour capital of fashion, culture, cuisine and style is the starting point of your tour. Upon arrival meet your coach and transfer to the city centre, where your local guide will meet you. Your introduction of this amazing metropolis begins with a half day guided city tour taking you through the famous grand boulevards ‘the Champs Elysees’, the Arche de Triomphe, the famous Opera Garnier, the Grand Cathedral of Notre Dame and Louvre Museum. A visit to the third level of the world famous Eiffel Tower is the concluding highlight of your tour, late afternoon at leisure. Overnight.(L/D)

Day 2: Paris – Disneyland – Paris

Become a child for today and get ready for a fun filled day at Disneyland Paris and meet all your favourite Disney world characters in the five theme parks and enjoy fun filled rides for the whole day. Early evening transfer back to Paris. Experience the breath taking views of Paris by night with a cruise on the River Seine. Overnight. (B/D)

Day 3: Paris – Lucerne

This morning you leave Paris and drive across France taking in the breathtaking scenery to Switzerland. Early evening arrival in Lucerne, in time for dinner. Overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Lucerne – Mt Titlis – Lucerne

Today you have an excursion to Mt Titlis and a ride on the Titlis Rotair the world’s first revolving cable car. Experience the stunning sights from the snow-capped mountains. Early afternoon return back to Lucerne and have an orientation tour of this beautiful medieval tow, including the famous 14th century chapel bridge, the Lion Monument and the Jesuite church. Time to explore Lucerne and the quaint cobbled streets, which are dotted with fountains and picturesque churches. Overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 5: Lucerne – Jungfraujoch – Lucerne

Experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps by taking the cogwheel train to the highest mountain railway station in Europe Jungfraujoch. Visit the amazing Ice Palace and the beautiful ice sculptures. Early evening return back to Interlaken the pretty town nestling at the foot of Jungfrau. Time at leisure dinner at an Indian restaurant in Interlaken and then head back to Lucerne and overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 6: Lucerne – Florence

Leave behind the magic of Switzerland and its breath taking scenery and head towards one of the most historical and majestic countries of Europe; Italy late arrival in Florence in time for dinner .

Overnight (B/L/D)

Day 7: Florence – Pisa – Rome

Begin your morning with a ? day walking tour of this magnificent city with your local guide. Amongst other sights you will see the Signora Square, the colourful marble cathedral and the beautiful narrow streets where you can enjoy the splendour of the architecture and the amazing sculptures. After some time at leisure you leave Florence and head to the majestic capital Rome En route you stop to marvel at the magnificent Leaning Tower of Pisa, arrival in Rome for dinner. Overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 8: Rome

Today unravel this historical metropolis with your local guide who will guide you to, the amazing views of the Colosseum, the Pantheaon, where you can marvel at the Trevi Fountain, walk along the Piazza Navona and join the locals at the Spanish steps. After a short break in the afternoon you continue your discovery of Rome with a visit of the Vatican museums and including the famous Sistine Chapel by Michel Angelo. Overnight. (B/LD)

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Day 9: Rome – Venice

This morning you leave majestic Rome and head to one of the most enchanting cities of Europe: Venice. Early evening arrival in Mestre, in time for dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 10: Venice – Innsbruck

Today you take the Vaparetto (water bus) from Mestre to Venice Island where you will meet your local guide for a ? day city tour. This will include St Mark’s Square, Doges Palace, the famous Bridge of Sighs and your sightseeing will end at a glass blowing factory. Then early afternoon depart for your journey to Innsbruck and en route stop at Wattens and visit the world famous Swavrosky Crystal World. And then head to Innsbruck to arrive in time for dinner. Overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 11: Innsbruck – Heidelberg – Mannheim

Today your short orientation tour of Innsbruck will include the famous Maria Teresa Square in Innsbruck, after which you leave Austria and drive through the Bavarian Alps and continue your journey to Heidelberg Germany’s oldest university city, A short orientation tour will include to the famous castle ruins and the Jewish quarter. Overnight (B/L/D).

Day 12: Mannheim – Amsterdam

Today you drive through the picturesque Rhein Valley and also have a cruise on the river Rhine, passing by the beautiful castles perched on the leafy hilltops. Then you continue onto Cologne where you have a short stop to visit the majestic ‘ Dom’ cathedral. Then you proceed to Amsterdam or area. Overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 13: Amsterdam – Brussels – London

Today you head to the city Amsterdam and have a 2 hour guided city tour of this amazing city of Bridges including a cruise on the canals and see the Dam Square and the Royal Palace and the beautiful 17tthcentury houses. You then continue to visit the world famous Tuilip Gardens ‘Keukenhof’ or ‘Madurodam’ the model village of Holland in miniature. Then you continue to Brussels and take a Eurostar to London. Arrival in London and transfer to the hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 14:London

Today your local guide will take you for a half day city tour including the famous Buckingham Palace (and the Changing of the Guards), Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, and Piccadilly Circus to name a few. Visit Mme Tussauds the world famous Wax Museum. Afternoon is free to shop along the famous.Oxford Street or Bond Street or at Harrods in Knightsbridge. Dinner at an Indian restaurant Then you have a ride on one of London’s most popular attractions, ‘The British Airways London Eye’ from where you will have breathtaking views of London. Transfer back to your hotel and overnight (B/D)

Day 15: Departure

After breakfast transfer to the airport with magical memories of your trip.

Tour cost includes the following:

– 14 nights accommodation in 3* hotels based on twin share basis

– 14 continental breakfasts + 12 lunches + 14 dinners

– Entrance to Eiffel tower level 3, Seine cruise ticket, Entrance to Disneyland Paris

– Entrance to Mt Titlis, Jungfraujoch

– Entrance to Vatican Museums, Vaparetto return ticket

– Entrance to Swavroski

– Rhine cruise ticket

– Entrance to Madurodam or Keukenhof

– Canal cruise ticket in Amsterdam

– Eurostar train from Brussels to London single journey 2nd class

– Entrance to Madame Tussauds, Entrance to Londosn Eye.

– Local English speaking guides for full day city tour of Rome and half day city tours of Florence,

Venice, Amsterdam, Paris and London.

– Coach at disposal from day 1 to day 13

– Day 13, Transfer from Waterloo station to hotel.

– Day 14, Coach for ? day city tour of London and evening transfer to dinner/ London Eye and hotel

– Day 15, Transfer to Heathrow airport

REMARK

– Drivers tips is customary to tip the driver 2 Euros per person per day

-Discount Of Rs.10,000/- per adult if booking done before 28th February 2009

– All prices are based on the present fuel prices, fuel and road taxes on publish date. Should the same

increase Lohana’s Tours & Travels. will reserve the right to increase the tour prices accordingly.

– Tours operated are subject to RBI / BTQ regulations

Luxury Travel has just launched an Unique Package to Sapa and Bac Ha Sunday Market in Vietnam.

Tucked high in Vietnam’s remote northern mountains, close to the Chinese border, the former French military outpost of Sapa offers some of Vietnam’s most colourful experiences.

The views are breathtaking. Vietnam’s highest peak, the 3,143-metre Mount Fansipan, looms overhead, while the surrounding valleys feature terraced rice paddies and blazing green fields cut by fast-flowing streams.

Layer upon layer of green ridges fade into the distance, edged by sharp, rocky peaks. The region is home to several ethnic minority groups, all wearing their traditional and colorful attire.

Guests will be picked up from hotel in Hanoi and transfer to Hanoi Railway. The Victoria Express departs at 10:00 pm at 120 Le Duan Str., Hanoi. The luxury adventure trip starts with an overnight train journey from Hanoi to the border town of Lao Cai.

The train arrives at the Lao Cai train station at approximately 6:00am. There will be a vehicle waiting to transfer guests to Sapa. The drive to Sapa is only 33 km but it takes around 1.5 hours.

Once at Sapa, guests will check into Victoria Hotel and have breakfast at the Ta Van Restaurant of Victoria Hotel and then enjoy a free morning to explore around town. Meet guide in the hotel lobby at 2 pm for a walking tour to the hilltribe villages of Cat Cat, home to the H’mong ethnic minority peoples.

As walk to the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa, guests will meet some of the local minority people on their way to and from Sapa. Here guests have the opportunity to share cultural experiences with the families that live in the area. Diner at Victoria Sapa Hotel. Overnight at the unique and charming Victoria Sapa hotel.

“This is a special tour package combining the luxury and local charms for a memorable mountain experience in Vietnam. Guests will have the best in term of accommodation, colorful markets experience, fun, adventure, walking to hill tribes to get inside of their daily life. Each day guests wake up knowing that the day could be full of fun and adventure,” Tonny Pham, Product manager of Luxury Travel said.

Awakening to the sounds of a new day, guests eat breakfast at Victoria hotel and head out for a stunning spectacular weekend market.

Bac Ha is considered one of the most wonderful and colorful markets in extreme north Vietnam where thousands of local people in their traditional attire buy and sell the local products. Dogs, cats, pigs, horses… are all on sales.

This is a golden opportunity to take your best photos! In the afternoon, guests will take a pleasant walk to Ban Pho village, home to the flower H’mong people. This is a great opportunity to interact with the friendly locals and have pleasant walk amongst tribal villages.

Transfer to Lao Cai station for overnight Victoria Express back to Hanoi. Overnight at Victoria Express where you arrive at 5 am. Tour ends in Hanoi Station.

Luxury Travel (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) is offering this weekend package departing on every Friday, includes almost every thing and priced at only 464 USD per person, from 2 persons up, only good before 31 September 2009. English speaking guide, all transportation and transfers, all accommodation on twin share basis at Victoria Hotel, return Victoria Express train on superior cabin, meals as indication, admission fees and permits where applicable, drinking water during the trek.

Botswana is a land-locked country of southern Africa that is surrounded by neighbors South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. It is one of the most prosperous countries in Africa and its economy is fueled by its robust tourism and large-scale diamond mining. It also has the longest uninterrupted democracy in the African continent. Botswana’s landscape is dominated by the vast Kalahari Desert which home of the indigenous people is called the San Bushmen who has been there for over 20,000 years.
Apart from being the largest producer of diamonds in the world, as it is aptly tagged as the Gem of Africa, Botswana is also famous for its safaris. The country has diverse areas of wildlife habitat. It also is home to the world’s largest inland delta, the Okavango Delta, which can be seen from outer space. The main safari destinations for tourism are the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, and the Chobe National Park.
The Okavango Delta has large numbers of animal population such as crocodile, elephant, hippopotamus, giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyenas, antelope, rhinoceros, buffalo, and the endangered wild dogs, as well as other common mammals and hundreds of bird species. The best time for game viewing in the delta is during the May-October period. Game viewing on a vehicle is used on land, as well as walking safaris.  On the other hand, rainy season is best for bird watching since migratory birds are returning because trees and plants are lush. Safari by the water in a “Mokoro”, a dug out canoe, is the best way to appreciate the waterways of Okavango.
In Chobe National Park, Botswana’s first national park, is home to the largest elephant herds in the world. These elephants are also of the largest in body size of all living elephants. Lion, leopard and buffalo are also residents of the park.
To experience the Botswana safari, a traveler can get in to the country by plane in Gaborone, the country’s capital or through the town of Maun. Flights come from Johannesburg since there are no international flights aside from South Africa and Zimbabwe. By land, all road access are good as all primary roads are well-maintained. 
When taking the Botswana safari, it is advisable to have the national currency handy, which is called the pula, which in Botswana language means “rain”. And before taking the trip, it is also a must to visit a doctor for health precautions. A well planned adventure is required if one wants to get the best out of the Botswana safaris.

Collective Names:

Antelope – herd, cluster, tribe
Apes – shrewdness, troop
Badgers – cete, colony
Cats (Wild) – destruction, dowt, dout
Cheetah – coalition
Elephant – parade, herd
Giraffe – tower, corps, journey, group
Hedgehogs – array, prickle
Hippo – raft, pod, bloat, thunder, school
Hyaena – clan
Impala – rank
Jackal – skulk
Leopard – leap, lepe
Lion – pride, sault, sowse
Monkeys – shrewdness, cartload, troop, troup
Mongoose – business
Pigs (Wild) – sounder
Rhino – crash, stubbornness, herd
Wild Dog – pack
Wildebeest – implausibility, herd
Zebra – dazzle, zeal, cohort

Name Origins:

Aardvark: Afrikaans word translation “earth pig” as ears and nose resemble those of a pig, also burrows a lot.
Bat-eared fox: Refers to the big ears resembling those of egyptian slit-faced bat
Blesbok: Afrikaans word translation “bald buck” referring to the white blaze on the face
Bushbaby: Lives in the “bush” and their call sounds like that of a crying baby
Caracal: From the Turkish name “garah-gulak” meaning black ear, with reference to the black ear tufts
Cheetah: Hindu word “chita” meaning “spotted one”
Duiker: Afrikaans meaning “diver” from the action of the antelope when running away
Eland: Dutch word for elk, thought to be related or similar
Elephant: Greek word “elphas” and latin word “elephantus” for the species
Gemsbok: Dutch word “gems” meaning chamois in reference to colour
Genet: Name of area in Spain the species inhabited in the 18th century
Giraffe: Arabic word “xirapha” meaning “one who walks swiftly”
Hartebeest: Afrikaans word translation “heart cow” with reference to the shape of the horns
Hippopotamus: Greek “(h)ippo” meaning horse, and “pot-amus” meaning flowing river ? a river horse
Honey Badger: Eats honey, badger from French word “becheur” meaning digger
Impala: Zulu name “imphala” and Tswana name “phala” for the species
Jackal: Persian name “sagal” for the golden jackal
Klipspringer: Afrikaans word translation “stone jumper” with reference to the bounding action in rocky habitat
Kudu: Khoikhoi name for the species
Leopard: Greek words “pardus” for panther and “leo” for lion, shortened to leopard from leopardus
Lion: Greek word “leon” for the species
Mongoose: Indian name “mangus” for the species
Nyala: Zulu name “iNxala” for the species
Pangolin: Malay name for “peng-goling” for the species, which means “the roller” from their habit of rolling into a ball for protection
Porcupine: Greek word “porcus” meaning pig and “spina” meaning species, direct translation “spined pig”
Rhinoceros: Greek word “rhis” meaning nose and “keras” meaning horn, direct translation “nose horn”
Springbok: Afrikaans meaning “jumping back” in reference to their unique jumping action called “pronking”
Warthog: Refers to the outgrowths or warts on the face
Zebra: Portuguese or Italian name of the species in the Congo region

So it’s time for you to take get a trip, whether it be for business or pleasure now and again our pet has to come too. It could be that you have no person to take charge of him while you’re out or maybe even you just simply don’t want to be away from him for any extent of time. Therefore if you are thinking of taking a trip with your dog, and you are going to be traveling by air then that means you will need to check out airline approved dog carriers before you schedule your flight.

Before you start your research on which airline permitted dog carriers you should be deciding amongst, you first ought to find out what limitations your particular airline wants you to adhere to. Quite a few airlines have fairly straight forward flying boundaries with regard to your dog carriers that you will be having on board with you. Nonetheless it is still a good idea to call or go through their website even before shopping for your traveling dog carrier. 
You will certainly want to ask a couple of questions when it comes to the airline approved dog carriers for your decided airline. Questions that you wish ask are:
What size regulations do you include for carry on carriers?What weight limits do you have for traveling pets?Do you maintain comfortable stow areas for over sized dogs?Does my dog have to be in the airline approved dog carrier for the whole flight?Might I feed and water my dog at some stage in the flight?

Those are only a selection of questions to get you started, you can most certainly ask as many as you want, and I highly advise it. You don’t want to arrive at the gate with what you are imagining is one of the airline approved dog carriers and it isn’t. Doing this will make you miss your flight and be delayed for either a business meeting, hotel check or whichever reason you are actually traveling for.

On top of that when taking a look at these airline approved dog carriers you want to ensure they will be relaxing for your dog. If you dog isn’t comfy during the flight then she or he can end up being stressed, thus making you stressed. When you are anxious it could begin affecting other passengers, causing a very uncomfortable flight for almost everyone including your dog. In conclusion get something that suits your dog’s size, with space for a blanket and his treasured toy to keep him quiet and occupied for the duration of the flight.

Top Ten lists are a dime a dozen on the web and one that crops up more often than most is travel-related lists with outlandish titles such as Top 10 Places You Must See Before You Die and other such morbid titles. This list is similar however we don’t see the necessity to insert the Before You Die bit, although it would be useful to visit these cities before you shuffle off this mortal coil.

When it came to choosing the appropriate criteria for selecting these cities, many statistics and facts were taken into account, before being readily dismissed in favor of the most crucial method of consideration of all … my humble opinion. So forgive me if your own favourite city is not included. I know how you feel as despite my best efforts to sneak one of my own personal favorite cities Dublin into this list, logic dictated that a Top 10 list would look a bit weird if it had 11 cities.

Now the next hurdle to overcome was to decide whether to categorise the cities on a graded basis from 10 down to 1 or take the lazy way and just sort them alphabetically, suffice to say, the lazy way was the landslide winner.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a massive sprawling city that offers charms galore. Bangkok is dotted with historical palaces and temples that offer a glimpse into the city’s ancient history, yet Bangkok offers much more than beautiful temples and glorious palaces. It comfortably nestles at the forefront of Asia’s most visited cities attracting millions of tourists each year. Majestic sites such as The Temple of the Dawn and The Marble Temple should not be missed. Lumphinee Park offers a diversion from Bangkok’s bustling city streets. Bangkok is a modern city that encompasses a bustling nightlife, supreme shopping experiences, delicious aromas that fill up the senses from the many gorgeous restaurants and marketplaces. Bangkok’s wonderful architecture and soothing climate solidifies its deserved place in this list and indeed why it so frequently crops up on similar lists.

Las Vegas

Well it had to be didn’t it? Surely no list of this nature could be complete without Sin City itself, Vegas. Vegas falls into the category of love it or hate it for most people and with visitor numbers increasing each year it seems most people love it. The Entertainment Capital of the World does not disappoint. Where else can you go for a gondola cruise in the morning, see the Grand Canyon in the afternoon and be back in time to see shows such as Siegfried & Roy, Cirque du Soleil and similar headline acts in the afternoon? Ok it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but it is a city that has to be seen to be believed. Oh, and did I mention you can also gamble there apparently.

London

Ok the weather is not ideal, and the food can be mediocre but no list of this ilk would be complete without including London. It has attractions and sights for people of all ages and is a cosmopolitan city on a grand scale. Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Eye, Tower of London is just a few of the majestic attractions in England’s capital city. If it’s good enough for The Queen well it’s good enough for me, just don’t forget your brolly.

New York City

So good they named it twice as the saying goes and there few cities in the world that offer the amount of iconic landmarks and attractions that New York can. Even leaving aside world famous attractions and sights such as The Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty, and Times Square, New York is such a vibrant pulsating city that it has more than enough to tempt visitors going back time after time. It is one of the world’s great shopping cities, has a nightlife second to none and has often been referred to as one of the world’s great cities. You won’t find an argument here.

Paris

I would like to say it was the romantic side in me that welcomes Paris to this list, but it is not, it is because it deservedly nestles here as it as a European heartbeat of culture, beauty and indeed romance and offers some of the most beautiful and majestic sights on the planet. The Eiffel Tower one of the most famous landmarks in the world proudly stands tall in this city that also is graced by Champs Elysees, Notre Dame and The Louvre. The Louvre is home to The Mona Lisa whose ageless beauty bewilders generation after generation. Paris should not be missed.

Rome

This historic city, known as The Eternal City, has some of the most historical sights in the world such as The Pantheon, The Coliseum and The Roman Forum. St Peter’s Basilica is just one of the many glorious churches in Rome, and is an essential visit while in the city. Trevi Fountain is yet another treat in this majestic city. And no it wasn’t built in a day.

San Francisco

The Bay area of California is home to one of America’s most popular destination retreats San Francisco as well as being one of the country’s most liberal cities. The hilly streets are as familiar as perhaps the city’s most famous landmark, The Golden Gate Bridge. The Bay itself sparkles under the warm sun whilst San Francisco is also renowned for its famous cable cars. The twisty streets in Lombard Street are another essential visit whilst harbor tours often include a trip to Alcatraz, the famous, though now inactive, prison. San Fran is a warm wonderful city with a new treasure each time you come, and no, you don’t need to wear flowers in your hair.

Sydney

Beautiful beaches, breathtaking sights and the famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge entwined with the beautiful weather and cosmopolitan cuisine make Sydney an unmissable city. The city is a hotbed of activity and one of the friendliest on the planet. Darling Harbour offers enthralling sights and attractions including museums, stunning hotels and shopping whilst The Rocks provides charm in abundance. Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognisable buildings of modern times and is an essential visit. Sydney has it all culture, arts, scenery, climate, and often tops Most liveable city polls. It’s not hard to see why.

Tokyo

A metropolis city on a grand scale Tokyo is a vibrant almost futuristic city that engulfs one’s senses from the start. Tokyo revels in shrines, museums, temples and the city’s Imperial Palace. Sensoji Temple reigns amongst Tokyo’s enduring sights along with The Meiji Shrine and The Imperial Palace itself. Museums align the streets competing with restaurants and shops of all descriptions. Those seeking a more modern approach have options like Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Dome City and Tokyo Disneyland. There’s truly something for everyone in this great city.

Venice

Many cities claim to be unique, and indeed many are but few can compare to Venice’s quirky charm and decidedly unique canals that transcend across the city. Romantic gondola rides alone do not capture the entire beauty of this marvellous city. St Marks Basilica is a glorious church that often has long lines to visit. It nestles in St Marks Square a wonderful open square with charming coffee shops and is a hive of activity as it is one of the most photographed parts of Venice. Doges Palace, The Bridge of Sighs, and The Rialto Bridge are further landmarks of this extraordinary city.

Find out more…

To read more about these and other cities, including great tourist sites, shopping destinations and accurate street maps, visit Go Street Maps at: http://www.gostreetmaps.com/.