Рубрика: Travel

Smart Sightseeing – Save Time, Money and Energy by Following These Tips

Smart Sightseeing – Save Time, Money and Energy by Following These Tips

The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes ‘sight-seeing’. – Daniel J. Boorstin

Practical information

If you want to get inspiration for what to see go to a place that sells postcards an check out the things which seem interesting.

Take some snacks (e.g. an apple) with you while sightseeing to keep your energy level going.

You can sometimes pay entrance fee only once and then return on consecutive days without having to pay again. In order to be able to do this you may have to get a special stamp with the date or write your name on the back of the ticket. In some destinations such as Cancun, Mexico there are time share agents. They can offer you free food, discount tickets or even cash if you go and listen to a presentation (and to the endless argumentation from sales guys afterwards). If you can handle this it can be a good way to save money, but you have to look reasonably rich in order for them to give you the offer.

Personal Experience – The Punjab Plague Ploy

In Dehli a very nice gentlemen approached me as I was trying to find a place to buy train tickets. He kindly informed me that he came from the “Official Tourist Office” – something the metal badge strapped around his arm ensured. Perplexed by his badge and a being a newcomer in India I nicely took a stroll to the “Official Tourist Office”, which turned out to be nothing more than a regular travel agency. I said I wanted a train ticket to Punjab. People in the office were shaking their heads. “No, no, you can’t go to Punjab. People are dying there!” They were referring to a plague of some kind. And quickly offered a 10-day sightseeing tour to Rajastan instead. Well, I realized in time this was a bunch of crooks and found my way down to the official ticket office. Not surprisingly situated at the railway station, a few steps away from where he hooked me up.

In general, showing up at times when there are few people there is usually rewarding. Going to Taj Mahal in India in the early morning can offer great photo opportunities, while going there in the afternoon will give you a tourist invasion to cope with.

Tours

If you plan to visit sites which are visited on day tours (e.g. Petra in Jordan) but would like to avoid the crowds you can consider taking the tour day 1, stay overnight in a local hotel, go to the site early before the tour buses arrive day 2 and go back with the tour company on day 2. If you want to take tours the advice from fellow travellers is worth a lot more than that of the tour operators (who will try to sell you the tour where they get the highest commission).

If you travel alone going on a tour is a great way to meet people and to get advice on other things to do.

Personal Experience – The Balaton Blunder

I was staying in a private home near lake Balaton in Hungary. The house consisted of two floors with a common entrance door. The owner of the house showed me around the place and left me the key before he left. I was preparing for a nice afternoon sightseeing trek but when I tried to open the front door I found it locked. I tried to unlock it but the key did not work, the owner had left me the wrong key! The windows did not open and here was no back door. I gave up trying to pick the lock (I am an honest guy after all) and proceeded to yell out the window and wave. There were several people passing by but they all just smiled at me and waved back. After one hour the neighbour started to wonder what all the noise was about and finally got hold of the owner who came back and unlocked the door.

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Ваш отзыв , 12 Jan 2012

Рубрика: Travel

Yunnan Tour – Ten Must Sees of Yunnan

Yunnan Tour – Ten Must Sees of Yunnan

Yunnan is a truly fascinating place to visit. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing, leisurely vacation or one filled with activity and adventure, the spectacular landscape and exotic ethnic minority culture in Yunnan can accommodate all your desires. In this list of 10 must sees of Yunnan, you can have a real insight into the beauty and charm of rural China.

1 . The Stone Forest
As the local says going, if you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time. The Stone Forest was contains peaks, pillars, stalagmites, depressions, underground rivers, and caves. The quintessential karst landscape makes every tourist lost in wonder.

2 . Dali Ancient Town
‘Feng (Wind), Hua (Flower), Xue (Snow), Yue (Moon)’, the Chinese phrase used for romantic, are the four outstanding characteristics of Dali scenery. Dali Ancient Town is endowed with the distinctive feel by traditional Bai houses, grand city wall, marvelous scenery and brilliant red camellias.

3. Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
The Three Pagodas are the symbol of Dali. With more than 1,800 years history, Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle. This is unique in China.

4. Lijiang Ancient Town
Praised as the “Oriental Venice” and “Suzhou on the Plateau”, Lijiang Ancient Town has been listed in the World Cultural Heritages by UNESCO in 1997. Strolling around this charming ancient town, you will be attracted by the unique atmosphere and surprised by its ancient yet simple sense of “Harmony of Heaven and Man.”

5. Concert of Naxi Ancient Music
The ancient music, called ‘Dongjing’, or ritual music, was traditionally sung by Taoist monks in mountain caves in most areas of Yunnan province. It has been called a ‘fossil of Chinese music’. A centuries-old Naxi minority group custom of performing their folk music, has become the must-see for many travelers in Lijiang.

6. Naxi Baisha Town
Exploring the Baisha town to enjoy the ancient murals is a great experience and one that visitors should not miss. Baisha Frescos in the town of Baisha is the most famous and preserved frescos stored in Lijiang. These frescoes are both essential to the research of Chinese painting and important cultural heritage relics too.

7. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Looking from Lijiang Old Town in the south which is 15 kilometers (nine miles) away, the snow-covered mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence, the name Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The highest peak named Fan Peak, which is about 5596 meters above sea level. There are three cable cars in the mountain, the first to Glacier Park (4500 M), the second to Spruce Meadow (3200 M), the third to Yak Meadow (3700 M).

8. Tiger Leaping Gorge
The Tiger Leaping Gorge is believed to be the deepest gorge in the world. Legend says that in order to escape from a hunter, a tiger jumped across the river at the narrowest point, still 25m wide, hence the name. This is a great sightseeing stop with enormous photo opportunities Trek the Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the great highlights of any visit to this region.

9. First Bend of Yangtze River
The Yangtze River come down from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, toward southeast, but when it gets to Stone Drum, a beautiful little town in Lijiang, The Yangtze River suddenly make a V-shaped bend and flow to the northeast, thus formed the famous the First Bend of Yangtze River. It is a world-famous geological phenomenon and an unrivalled panoramic scene which makes tourists lingering.

10. Songzanlin Monastery
Originally built in 1681, the Songzanlin Monastery is the largest and the most important Tibetan Buddhist Lamasery in Yunnan province. It now has more than 700 Buddhist monks. The architectural style of the building is a faithful imitation of the Potala Palace in Tibet, hence the name “Small Potala Palace”.

All in all, Yunnan is the perfect destination for people who are interested in China’s ethnic minority groups and their culture, and viewing some of the world’s finest natural scenery. The travel experience in Yunnan just brings anyone fun and possible a little surprise!

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Ваш отзыв , 10 Jan 2012

Рубрика: Travel

Visit and Enjoy the Mauritius fine beaches

Visit and Enjoy the Mauritius fine beaches

Mauritius can be easily spotted on the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean and its well known for its marvelous natural magnificence. For all water sport lovers along with diver’s thrill, Mauritius is the best destination to make your dream come true. The climatic conditions are quite favorable and this makes it the most beautiful holiday target for all your family members.
For the newly wedded couples, doesn’t look further more Mauritius for your honeymoon. It’s the best place for lovers and those who may want to have their weddings done .Mauritius is famous for its golf centers, and still gives a wonderful scenic view of the area. In case you want to adventure with your family, Mauritius is the only ideal place for a holiday. Children are usually cared for and they will be entertained on their own as parents also try to do their own things without disturbance. The country has the best accommodation that will favor all people and still the exciting activities that will make your stay the best ever.
Mauritius has the best activities that will suite everyone, these include breathtaking and land activities that will only need you to pay a small sum of money. Each ever resort you decide to settle for, all these activities will be offered.
Below are some of the most popular beaches in Mauritius that you must visit prior to leaving the country. Bell Mare Beach is such a great place that is worth touring. The stunning beaches have been a magnet for many travelers. The water activities done include sailing, skiing, snorkeling, wind surfing as well as cat sailing.
Le morne Beach is a fashionable beach with beautiful coral reefs that are surrounded by the dense Forests that gives a nice view of Mauritius. The beach is enclosed with gorgeous attractions that will make you love the place.
Grand Baie Beach is located just close to Port Louis which is known as the capital city of Mauritius. This place is nice for water sport activities and also safe for sailing, diving, water skiing, wind surfing along with swimming.
Tour operators are the best people to organize for you flights from vital Airports to Mauritius. All Airlines globally will take you to Mauritius. Sir Seewoosagar Ramgoolam is a worldwide airbase in Mauritius. Its such a quick to respond destination that allows all kinds of holiday markers from different countries.

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Ваш отзыв , 10 Jan 2012

Рубрика: Travel

The Importance Of Mexican Auto Insurance During Vacation

The Importance Of Mexican Auto Insurance During Vacation!

There are many attractions in Mexico that pull in thousands of Americans annually. These include resorts in the mountains, tropical hideaways among others. There are also a significant number of fender benders. Mexico roads are not that much different than US roadways, but they take a little time to get used, to as the design standards are not as uniform in Mexico as they are in the US. An assumption that the standards and safety are the same as in the states among many Americans can also be partly to blame for a number of auto accidents in Mexico.

Mexico travel advisors strongly promote buying Mexican auto insurance before your vacation begins rather than waiting to purchase at the border. Purchasing Mexican Insurance Online allows you to make sure you get the policy you need at the lowest possible cost. In addition, you can print your policy instantly, so you are covered. Review Mexico Car Insurance for comprehensive, reliable Auto Insurance for Mexico which is important for everyones peace of mind on your vacation.

US and Mexico have different laws and different interpretations of the law. We have British Commom Law and In Mexico they practice Napoleonic Law. This has led to some conflicts and added complexities. It is therefore advisable to ensure your own personal needs by having the necessary Mexico car Insurance and health insurance before embarking on travel.

Napoleonic code forms the basis of Mexicos law. In this kind of set up, you are assumed guilty until proven otherwise. Unless you can write a check and cash it instantly, it is vital for drivers in Mexico to be in possession of an insurance policy procured from a firm that is authorized to carry out transactions in Mexico. This takes care of bodily injuries to others and property damage you may do to others.

Liability insurance from the US is not valid in Mexico. As a matter of fact, this includes most plans classified as comprehensive and collision. Any plan that includes bond and legal aid provision should be a good idea. The classification of accidents in Mexico as felonies mean that your car might be impounded and you can be detained while they establish who is at fault.

The health care system in Mexico is free to its nationals. This does not apply to visitors who can only have access to private medical care should the need arise. Medical Payments as part of any good quality Car insurance in Mexico will help you locate a health care facility and help pay for medical bills in a covered accident. They usually cover a maximum of four passengers or less in any one accident. It is important to scrutinize whether the Mexican car insurance has clauses that cater for medical issues.

A good Mexican automobile plan should at least have options for ; car occupants medical expenses, liability for third party, legal aid and bond provision, vandalism and partial theft, total vehicle theft and physical damage etc. P.S Be sure of the plans duration. Any Mexico insurance purchase should cover the entire vacation while within Mexico.

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Ваш отзыв , 08 Jan 2012

Рубрика: Travel

Avoid Airport Boredom With a Hand-held Games Console

Avoid Airport Boredom With a Hand-held Games Console

For many families jetting off to the sun, the time spent in the airport departure lounge is often one of the most arduous periods of any holiday experience. Keeping the kids amused while you wait for your flight can be particularly difficult – especially if your aeroplane is delayed for any reason. After all, kids really aren’t interested in browsing the duty free shops and they’ve already read the comics you bought them for the journey. So what else can you do to keep them amused?

Some airports have made attempts to help alleviate the problem of bored kids by introducing facilities especially for children, such as soft-play areas and arcades. While younger children might enjoy the soft-play areas, older children are still likely to experience boredom relatively quickly – especially when they realise that they could be spending all their holiday money in the arcade before they even get on the plane! Furthermore, some foreign airports don’t offer any sort of kids’ facilities, which can leave parents and children at loggerheads.

If you’re travelling with kids this summer, investing in a hand-held console could help banish those boredom blues and allow peace to reign in the departure lounge. What’s more, a hand-held console can also help keep kids occupied during the flight, and your holiday hotel stay as well. The two most popular consoles available are the Nintendo DS Lite and the Sony Playstation Portable (or PSP), with both offering a range of options to help keep your kids amused.

The Nintendo DS Lite has two screens, one of which is a touch-screen that allows greater interaction with in-game elements and is capable of Wi-Fi connections. This means that your kids can play games with other children from anywhere in the world, while the console’s ‘Pictochat’ feature allows short range instant messaging between users. The Nintendo DS Lite also boasts a large choice of games, including kids’ perennial favourites, Pokemon and Super Mario, as well as being backward compatible with games released for Nintendo’s older Gameboy Advance console. Music fans can also purchase a MP3 player, which can be added to the console to provide music playback capability.

Sony’s Playstation Portable (PSP) is a single-screen console and, like the Nintendo DS, also offers a Wi-Fi connection to other users as well as internet capabilities. In addition to having a wide range of games from which to choose, including favourites such as FIFA and Tomb Raider, the PSP console can also play movies, with many blockbuster films available for the gaming device. Furthermore, the PSP console can also play MP3 files so kids will be able to listen to their favourite music when they’re not playing games or watching a movie.

With each console offering so much, there’s never been a better solution to battling kids’ boredom. With games, films, music and chat capabilities aplenty, a hand-held console will ensure kids will be entertained for hours on end, enabling you to relax while you wait for your flight to finally be called.

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Ваш отзыв , 08 Jan 2012

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