Switzerland; The very mention of the name inspires visions of a veritable heaven on Earth – with its perfectly manicured landscapes, ever changing sceneries, amazing weather and one of the most advanced transportation networks in the world… Switzerland offers many worlds, each and every day, that one explores this country!

Be it in the shadows of the Swiss Alps, or by the river Rhine, or the Spa Facilities at Bad Ragaz & Leukerbad, or even quaint little Hamlets of Grindelwald & St. Moritz, the soothing pace and the climate of this paradise country, will not only fill your mind with fresh air, but the picture perfect country-sides, and the mere sounds of silence, will rejuvenate your body & soul.

What better way to explore and enjoy Switzerland other than go with the experts Swiss Holidays. With its experienced tour planners, its excellent track record of endless happy guests and its Swiss Roots -Having their own office in Zurich – The Swiss Holidays offers a unique opportunity to the people of The Gulf to spend an unforgettable vacation on this heaven on Earth.

Swiss Holidays offers you many exciting tour package options for you to choose from. You are spoilt for choice between the pristine cities of Interlaken, Luzern, Grindelwald, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Laussane and the mountain excursions of Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, Pilatus, Titlis Rotair, Mt. Rigi and many more. The terrific train journey to Kleine Scheidegg via Lauterbrunnen is full of fun and excitement. The famous Jungfrau Railways will take you to the highest station in Europe. The captivating snow peaks of Jungfraujoch, – from where Sunny Deol jumped into the depths, in his Bollywood Starrer “The Hero” are there to mesmerize you. You may visit the Ice Cave with its ice formations or else explore the snow on the glacier. A scenic train will take you to Luzern via the Br?nig Pass. You can enjoy a cruise on Lake Luzern, travel by boarding the steepest cogwheel rail in the world upto Mt. Pilatus (2’132 m/7’000 ft).

The spectacular snowcapped 4000m + Alpine peaks and beautiful lakes make the country a true heaven for tourists. Chocolates, Cheese and Clocks – one of the many things that Sweet Memories are made of, are all found here in their purest forms. You can visit the largest city in Switzerland, Zurich, the Capital and one of the most happening places in the country. The grandeur of the finest churches, contrasts with sparkling treasures like the frescoes of M?stair or the abbey complex of St. Gallen, both World Heritage sites.

Interlaken is a rich and one of the most popular cities in Switzerland. Nestled between the lakes of Thun and Brienz and at the foot the famous three Swiss Peaks: the Eiger, the M?nch and the Jungfrau, Interlaken beckons you with its breathtaking environs.

You may explore legendary city of Luzern by visiting the 700 year old wooden Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and of course the premium Shopping Establishments. A shoppers paradise, so do not forget to claim the VAT refunds when you depart from this vacation of a lifetime……..

The Swiss Holidays offers you the option of choosing from five star hotels to Luxury Apartments or private chalets for long stays with fully furnished interiors including cooking facilities and private car parks – so the next time anyone thinks of a holiday, pack up for Switzerland, and book your “Holiday of a Lifetime” with http://www.theswissholidays.ae/.

At one time in the 1920s, international companies wanted to buy land near Gullfoss, in the southwestern quarter of Iceland, and build a hydroelectric plant there. Sigr??ur T?masd?ttir, the daughter of a local farmer, helped lead the opposition to the plant. As a protest she walked all the way to Reykjav?k and even threatened to throw herself over the falls if the sale went through. Although the government did not intervene, she and her fellow opponents prevailed, and the land was given over to a nature preserve.

Iceland’s scenery has been shaped by fire and ice: it is a frozen land that is always letting off steam. More than 200 volcanoes, U-shaped valleys, jagged lava fields, hot springs and geysers and the largest icecap in Europe – bigger than all the mainland European glaciers put together – go to create a rugged, bizarre landscape unlike anything else on Earth. About 80% of Iceland’s land is lava desert, glaciers or lakes; the only arable areas are on the coast. Of the 300,000 or so Icelanders who sparsely populate this island, some two-thirds live in the capital, Reykjavik.

Until recently, the T?masd?ttir story was a one-off. Icelanders have been so used to having clean air, clean water, clean everything that they scarcely noticed when these marvellous assets were threatened.

Things Are Changing – For Worse

The colossal $3 billion K?rahnj?kar dam, due to be completed this year, will submerge under 150 metres of water a hitherto untouched 57 square km of wilderness, boasting gushing rivers, thundering waterfalls, multi-coloured mountains and mossy highlands ablaze with flowers. The project, designed solely to drive an aluminium smelter further down the valley at Reydalfjordur, has government support and will be paid for by Landsvirkjun, the national power company. The hydroelectricity it generates is contracted for sale for 50 years to the American aluminium giant Alcoa, which is closing two smelters in the US and relocating to Iceland as a cost-cutting measure.

After what it claims were extensive community input and environmental studies, Alcoa is fast completing construction of the Fjar?a?l (“aluminum of the fjords”) smelter, which is expected to create hundreds of jobs in Iceland, both in the facility and in supporting industries. Late in March this year, the first ship carrying cargo for the smelter arrived in Reydarfjordur. The Pine Arrow was bringing nearly 40,000 tonnes of alumina from Western Australia, after a voyage of 44 days. It takes almost two tonnes of alumina to produce one tonne of aluminium.

So far so good, it may seem. Four hundred jobs, an addition to the economy and the harnessing of natural power.

Karahnjukar Dam

But a movement called Saving Iceland, a coalition of groups opposing further development, is up in arms. The area of the dam is one of the main breeding grounds for reindeer. It is a protected nesting ground for thousands of pink-footed geese and a favourite haunt of the snowy owl, ptarmigan and the majestic gyrfalcon. The rock formations – red, black and all colours of the rainbow – are a unique record of 10,000 years of geological and climatic change, providing clues to scientists worldwide, studying, among other things, global warming. All this is to disappear under water. The environmental impact of the project spreads much wider than this highland wilderness and the fjord below. Other rivers will be disturbed, the habitat of animals such as seals will be destroyed and an officially protected area, Kringilsarrani, will be damaged. Many geologists fear catastrophic flooding may result from frequent glacial surges and eruptions in K?rahnj?kar’s catchment area. They also question the wisdom of building a huge dam on a substructure weakened by geothermal fissures.

“It is a very rare nature that we are the guardians of,” says Olafur Pall Sigurdsson, one of the organisers of Saving Iceland, “and we are squandering it.”

Last September, Omar Ragnarsson, one of the country’s most respected television reporters, announced that he could no longer cover the K?rahnj?kar project with impartiality and would campaign against it. Answering his call, more than 8,000 people attended an anti-dam rally in Reykjavik. In 2006 Andri Snaer Magnason, a poet, playwright and novelist, published Dreamland, an overwhelmingly convincing book that puts Iceland’s environmental issues into a global perspective.

Alcoa acknowledges that any human development cause changes within the environment. It claims to have a team of 60 people, all experts in their field, working to design the project in keeping with Alcoa’s long-term goals for sustainable development. 

Iceland’s Goals

What about Iceland’s long-term goals? It is hard to reconcile Alcoa’s words with the reality of this monster, which dominates the landscape – the main dam 190m high, 730m wide and 53 km of tunnels, the largest structure of its kind in Europe. Nor is it much consolation that Alcoa has launched its “Ten Million Trees” programme, starting with the planting of seedlings in the Reydarfjordur area. True, Iceland’s is a stark landscape, so deforested that the government used to (and perhaps still does) supply tree seeds to residents and ask them to scatter the seeds from their cars wherever they went.

Can Alcoa Forest possibly make up for Alcoa’s forced violation of the land?

Sensitive eco-tourists can contribute to Iceland’s economy and well-being, without doing damage, by travelling lightly, taking only photographs and leaving only footprints. AwimAway’s Iceland Gold tour (www.awimaway.com) takes in all the magical wonders of Iceland in a green and environmentally friendly way.

Mt. Huang in East China Anhui province is celebrated for having all the features of mountain scenery and known as the No. 1 Mountain under heaven. Its unique scenery of jagged peaks and twisted pines are often depicted in traditional Chinese paintings. Rocks, mist, trees, and waterfalls make it an unforgettable place. Xu XiaKe, a noted Chinese geologist and traveler in Ming Dynasty, praised Mt. Huang as the best of all mountains.

With many peaks and spectacular scenery, Mt. Huang is listed by UNESCO as a world culture and natural heritage area. There are over 400 scenic spots, making Mt. Huang one of the most spectacular areas in China.

It is characterized by the four wonders, namely, odd-shaped pines, grotesque rock formation, seas of clouds and crystal-clear hot springs. The best way to enjoy the mountain is hiking. The most popular route is to ascend via the Easter steps, and descend via the Western steps. It was about a 10-hour hike, if completed in one day and only recommended for those in excellent health.

Hiking here will include visits to unique attractions below:

Odd-shaped pines are the queer trees that exude an exquisite beauty. You will be amazed by their vitality and strength. Another feature of Mt. Huang pines is that many trees grow branches on one side only.

The Grotesque Rocks are extraordinary. Tiandu Feng (Celestial Capital Peak), Bright Top and Lianhua Feng (Lotus Flower Peak), all rise above 1,800 meters (5,600 feet). These rocks are so unusual that visitors will be struck not only by their beauty but also by the many images they represent.

The Cloud Seas seen from the peaks of Mt. Huang are truly mystical. The best time to see the cloud sea is in autumn or in winter. Lucky visitors can witness Mt. Huang spectacular sunrises. Get up early to view Beihai sunrise, you will be amazed to see a sea of low clouds blanketing the valley to the north and “island” peaks hazily reaching for the heavens.

The Hot Springs are constantly at a temperature of 42C. Visitors can have opportunity to take a soothing soak in the warm waters and have a lifetime memories of stunning mountain scenery.

Enjoy the Mt. Huang in different season:

Spring time is from March to May. You will view all flowers blossom, pines to vomit the green, the mountain bird flies and sing.

Summer time is from June to August. You will watch pines, cloud and mist and go to summer resort and has leisure.

Autumn time is from September to November. You will watch the landscapes of green pines, natural stone, red maple, yellow chrysanthemum etc.

Winter time is from December to February. You will watch flowers of ice and snow and fogs pine. In the good weather you can appreciate the strange pines and stones in Yellow Mountain; in cloudy day you can watch a sea of clouds transformation; in rainy days you can find to flow the spring waterfall and in snowy days you can see the jade tree, the breeze hears pines in empty valley.

Usually the whole Mt. Huang needs at least 3 days to go through. The perfect for many was to spend the night in the hotel on the peak.

Here we recommend hiking routes. Take the one you like and explore different elements of the Mt. Huang area:

Hiking Mt Huang is a real challenge for the aged and the weak, but it is nothing scared for those whole does everyday hiking about 3 miles.

Explore Paradise Philippines. Take a peek at Filipino’s culture and history as mirrored in century-old churches, ancient forts and modern museums. Paradise Philippines have the top of nature’s paradise pictured thru white-sand beaches and three-layered virgin forests.

Paradise Philippines is blessed with an extensive coastline, ringed with unspoiled beaches and first-class resort facilities. Paradise Philippines’ deep-blue, crystal-clear waters offers about 40,000 square kilometers of coastal reefs teeming with a variety of marine life.
Top Philippine Destination and Paradise Spots

Paradise Philippines is endowed amid a tropical climate offering perfect paradise treat to enjoy the sunlight. Lying in Southeast Asia and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Paradise Philippines boasts of unsullied beaches, spectacular sunsets, luxuriant pastoral lands, cool mountain weather, brilliant man-made paradise resorts, and dazzling 7,000+ islands.

Paradise Philippines boasts of one or two of the best beaches and scuba diving waters in the world. Witness the vast expanse of nature’s paradise Philippines’ splendor underneath the spell of cool paradise Philippines mountain breeze.

Here are some featured destinations and paradise regions that is living proof of Paradise Philippines reputation of being referred to as Paradise Philippines.

Alona Beach, Paradise Philippines

Panglao Island, Bohol (May 6, 2007) – The Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano has inaugurated the first age of a P600-million upscale resort complex that is riding on the tourism boom in this province. Durano said, referring to the 16-hectare Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa, which is making 70 luxurious villas catering to the rich Filipino tourists and visitors from Europe, the United States, Australia, Japan and Korea.

Donsol, Whale Shark Capital, Paradise Philippines

Once a sleepy coastal village located at the northwestern tip of Sorsogon province, this town now eyes to be a first-class municipality, thanks to giant sea creatures that are now attracting hordes of foreign and local tourists who infuse millions of pesos to the local economy.

Boracay Paradise, Paradise Philippines

Widely known as one of the best swimming destinations in the world, Boracay is blessed with unsullied fine talcum powder-sand beaches. Its tranquil crystal simple waters are best for swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing. Boracay in addition boasts of sapphire seas and spectacular sunsets. Countless hidden coves dot the island and tall coconut trees line up along the beaches. Boracay lies at the northwest tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea.

Captivating Guimaras, Paradise Philippines

Nueva Valencia, Guimaras – An Italian couple on a two-month holiday in the Philippines chose to include the present paradise in this itinerary and stayed at the Raymen Beach Resort in December 2006, unperturbed by to know about the oil spill that brought the island province to world attention in August of the same year. “We are just here to see good beaches,” said the Boldo couple, who are just among the hundreds of intercontinental guests who kept coming to Guimaras even in the aftermath of the infamous oil spill.

Wonderful Palawan, Paradise Philippines

The exotic beauty of Palawan remains undefiled. Branded as the country’s survive frontier, Palawan is a sanctuary to an amazing variety of exotic flora and fauna which are found nowhere else. With more as opposed to a thousand islands and islets, Palawan boasts of white-sand beaches, scenic rock formations, underwater rivers and magnificent caves. Palawan is additionally structure to Tubbataha Reef, the only nationwide marine park that made it to the World Heritage List and whose grandeur is comparable to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

Banaue Rice Terraces, Paradise Philippines

Traversing the rugged terrains of Cordillera highlands in a duration of one week is an adventure in itself and could be an immense learning experience for someone who has the guts to be on the look down to the depths of mountain cliffs to get a good view of the rice terraces. With tall rice terraces at the backdrop and cool breeze shuttling between mountain peaks, a journey across the Cordillera heap ranges exposes one to an atmosphere strangely different from the daily offering of Manila and its suburbs.

Amazing Coron, Paradise Philippines

Coron, a town in the Busuanga Island in Northern Palawan, can charm much the most insensitive amongst men. Its natural beauty can only be described as seductive, giving first-time visitors and repeaters alike a sense of wonder so is hard to shake off.

Cebu City, Paradise Philippines

Cebu City drew 403,326 worldwide visitors in 2005, making the “queen city of the south” the top provincial destination of worldwide travelers. Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) also showed such a Cebu City attracted 1,813 distant Filipinos and 712,938 domestic travelers.

Pagudpud, Paradise Philippines

If Aklan has Boracay, Ilocos has Pagudpud, its northernmost town bordering the South China Sea. The coastal town of Pagudpud is the perfect setting for panoramic movies and photoshoot for travel magazines cover. The town’s main attractions are Saud Beach, famous for its fine white sand stretching for hundreds of meters and Maira-Ira Point, which hides a secluded beach called Blue Lagoon. Other breathtaking landscapes in Pagudpud include Bantay Abot-abot, a natural sculpture carved by the wind and sea, the Mabogabog Falls and the Patapat viaduct that treats motorists to a scenic view of red lushes and green waters of South China Sea.

Bohol, Paradise Philippines

Bohol is one of the loveliest islands in southern Philippines. It is situated at the heart of Visayas and with coastline skimmed by gentle coves and white-sand beaches. Many highways snake along sparkling beaches or leafy rivers where one can stop at any point and jump in. With its rolling hills and plateaus, crystal springs and beaches, the province of Bohol is a picturesque province replete amidst ancestral structures and centuries-old churches.

Although small in size, this capital metropolis of Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is quite big on surprises. A Bookingwiz provides  flight to the Luxembourg City and you’ll be delighted by what you see. Lush green river valleys, more than hundred bridges, and beautifully juxtaposition of the old and the new, Luxembourg City is all this and more. Start a day on a historical note, exploring the old city with its impressive walls and cobbled streets, regale in the sights of ornate windows and jewel-like medallions. After you’re done with revisiting history, admire the contemporary architecture of glass and steel, housing various multinationals establishments. Cosmopolitan in every sense, its inhabitants are polyglot, warm and hospitable. You are never too far from good things in this city, be it good food, good conversations, good sightseeing or good entertainment. Indulgently great fares along with absorbingly fine conversations, find them all in vibrant cafes, Irish pubs, cozy bistros, and upscale restaurants. Keeping you enraptured and captivated through the length of your stay here, the plethora of things just doesn’t seem to run out on the enjoyment quotient. For the artistically inclined there is cinema, theater performances, opera houses and symphony presentations happening every month. In case you intend to discover the place by foot, be sure to wander through the charming galleries showcasing works by local and foreign artists. If you happen to be in Luxembourg City on a 2nd or 4th Saturday be ready with your shopping bags, the flea markets open up their gates on these days. Who knows, you might get lucky and chance upon an interesting thing here. Don’t miss out on the strawberry and apple festival in Steinsel, they are just the best of their kind throughout the world. What if we tell you that there’s a “Little Switzerland” hidden here somewhere? Also known as Mullerthal, this region is located around the medieval town of Echternach. Truly an explorer’s paradise, you can experience Mesolithic era at the Museum of Prehistory. A little closer in time but still archaic, catch glimpses of the vestiges of the first church and an old Roman camp. Mesmerizing to the hilt, Little Switzerland or Mullerthal’s valleys are as expansive, cliffs well-rugged, waterfalls with an awe-inspiring aura, and rock formations as quaint as they can get. Nonetheless, it provides a perfect ambience for hiking, cycling, walking, and rock climbing. Luxembourg City is certainly a great vacation destination, for it gives you double the bang for your buck. Explore the scenic historical spots and cultural sights through a guided tour, they’ll give you a more detailed understanding of the city. Don’t forget to buy yourself some fine china, you get some of the best out here. A place with such interesting things to see and do, shouldn’t it figure somewhere higher in your must-go list? Book a  cheap international flight to Luxembourg City and give yourself that much needed vacation.

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There is something about caves and caverns that can grab a child’s imagination and never let go.  Once a child has seen his or her first cave, the mind is suddenly full of aspirations to be a spelunker or an explorer.  The mystery behind a deep, dark hole in the ground is apparently just too much.  At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the staff has been in exactly that same position before, so they are ready to present programs and tours that are designed specifically for the little caver.
No matter where you are in the caverns, any child under twelve years of age should be accompanied by an adult.  There are plenty of caverns that offer safe and exciting exploration for the younger children, such as the Kings Palace.  Children must be at least four years old to join the tours of the Kings Palace, because there are a few dangerous places along the one-mile tour.  You and your children will see some amazing cave formations, such as helictites, draperies, soda straws, and columns.  At some point in the tour, the staff will turn out all of the lights, which leaves the whole crowd in the blackest darkness you will ever experience!
Younger children are also welcome to join the lantern-lit tour of the Left Hand Tunnel.  This cavern tour is chock full of history, as the guides will point out Permian-age fossils and tells stories about the formations of the cavern.  Even though the caves are considered safe enough for children, it is important that you remember to keep a close eye on them.  You should also watch your own footing, as well, because there can be some slippery spots, and you don’t want to fall into a cavern pool or break any of the fragile formations.  
There are a few self-guided tours that you can do at Carlsbad Caverns, but the ones mentioned here are Ranger-guided tours.  You should check the schedule for each tour so that you can plan your day around the tour times.  It is very important that you pay strict attention to your Ranger guides.  There is a good reason that the tours are guided, because the caves can be dark, dangerous, and unpredictable.  Respect all of the rules of the tour, as well as the people that are on the tour with you, and everyone will enjoy a safe and happy day at Carlsbad Caverns.

In order to experience your vacation in India, a dream, please read more of India Travel tips:
Do some reading before Voyage to India, so that your visit becomes an experience, something you never dream could happen to you.
Do not be worried about living in India. The 5-star and 4 star international standards and so supply and cooking, they compare with any in the world. The palaces and luxury hotels are a world apart and many have been granted before the hotels in the world “status. The 3-star hotels are there for the average budget travelers, and 1 star and 2 star hotels, inns Travel, tourism bungalows, holiday homes, youth hostels, YMCA / YWCA’s are for those with small budgets.
Your India Travel arrangements must be made well in advance, especially if you are traveling between October-March (high tourist season) and May-June, the Indian holiday season. Travel authorizations are limited relative to demand so prior bookings are a must.
English is spoken in almost all tourist centers, but you can also ask us to reserve the Government has approved the formation and guides who also speak German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Italian or Russian. The guides not only help you with your sightseeing, but also help you better understand India.
Indians are friendly and kind people, if they look at you, do not think it is rude, it is only a matter of interest. A tourist must not be lost in India; most people are ready to go out of their way to guide you to your destination.
As with any foreign destination, the tourist is advised to drink bottled water, bottled drinks, coffee or tea. Most of the first hotels have their own filtration system. Keep away from eating spicy food all at a time shortly after arriving in India. Take one Indian dish with each meal and ask the server to reduce the chilies. In a few days, your system will be used to Indian food, one of the most delicious of world cuisine. It is wise to stick to only cooked foods and eating fresh fruit including the skin, you can remove or delete.
Bring your medications, because all medicines in India are locally manufactured and May, you will not find the same brand. There are very good druggists and doctors everywhere, and they can advise on substitutes. If the obligation arises, ask your lawyer to administer a doctor.
Remember to remove your shoes when you visit a place of worship or mausoleum. Moreover, some temples do not allow us to all leather goods in their premises. Certain areas of temples are not open to non-Hindus.
It is safe to travel in India, as you will discover for yourself. Even if you have trouble reading in any city or region, do not be discouraged, since most of India is safe at all times.