Travel Fun

The Kingdom of Crystal in the southeastern region of Smaaland in Sweden is an enchanting place where nature and art glass make a lasting impression on visitors.

The natural environment

Entering Smaaland you are met with a wild environment consisting chiefly of dense forests, blocks of stones and waters everywhere. You are immersed in nature - life has its own rhyme and meaning there. This is certainly a place to go to if you need peace and time for reflection and healing.

Its natural resources were decisive in the choice of the region for creating a new industry in the kingdom of Sweden in 1742. These key raw materials were wood, peat, quartz, water power to which could be added ample manpower.

1742 to today

The Kosta glassworks was founded in 1742, initially using the services of glassblowers from Bohemia until Swedish manpower could take over. It was the only glassworks in the area for a long time. However, towards the end of the 19th century, about 50 new blowing rooms were established in the region. Over the years many glassworks had to shut down for financial reasons.

The term "Kingdom of Crystal" dates back to the 1960s as part of a campaign to market the region as a cultural hub to attract tourism.

Nowadays, one distinguishes between glassworks and studio glassworks.

Glassworks are for the most companies employing glassworkers to produce artifacts designed by an artist or a designer. As a rule, they produce high-quality utility glassware on a large scale. Orrefors Kosta Boda AB is the biggest entity resulting from a series of mergers

Studio glassworks are small entities operated by one or commonly several glass artists who handle the design, production and sale of their works of art themselves.

In reality, the line is somewhat blurred by the fact that artists from studios sometimes act as designers for the glassworks and glassworks can also commercialize art glass produced by the studios.

Producing glass

The materials - Glass is obtained by melting sand to which other raw materials have been added. The quality of the glass is determined by the mix of raw materials, with soda and crystal glass as the most common types. While soda glass is used chiefly for producing household glassware, crystal glass is more refined and better suited for cutting and engraving.

Together with the quality of the melt, the furnace and crucible are vital elements of glass blowing. The temperature in the furnace can reach up to about 1450 degrees Celsius. By 1200 degrees the glass is of the right consistency to be worked with, as it has become viscous, glossy as well as free of bubbles.

Who does what? Traditionally, the work was performed by a master and his assistant. Nowadays, the production of art and sundry glass can require teams of 5 people headed by a glass master.

The techniques - A number of more or less advanced techniques have been developed over time. Among the advanced techniques developed in the region are (i) the Graal technique or working with a glob of glass of different colored layers where blasting, painting or engraving can also be used and (ii) the Ariel technique where air is captured in a pattern within the glass.

By the end of the process, the glass has come down to a temperature of about 300 degrees Celsius. At this point, it is essential that it cools down slowly to avoid cracks in the glass caused by stress during the process. The time needed will depend on the size of the object, from about 4 hours for a bowl to several weeks for a large sculpture.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6758189

If you are planning a vacation to Alaska then there are a lot of factors that you need to think about before you book your tickets for Alaska. Going on a vacation should always be fun and you need to make sure that you make your vacation fun. If you go to a vacation agency then you will not have to get your research done as your vacation will be planned by your agent. All you need to do is tell him or her, what you are looking for in your vacation and the agent will plan your vacation accordingly.

If you are planning on doing everything by yourself then you will have to start with getting your research done. You need to get to know everything about Alaska in order to plan your vacation properly. There are a lot of things that you can do there and you need to get information on everything that you need to do.

If you love fishing then you are going to be in for a treat. Alaska is very famous for king salmon and king salmon fishing is one of the activities that you need to try out. If you live in an all inclusive resort then you won't have to go through the hassles of carrying your own fishing equipment along with. Everything will be given to you. If fishing is your hobby then, you will definitely fall more in love with this hobby of yours as you are going to have a lot of fun fishing for king salmon.

If you haven't heard about the king salmon Derby 2012, then you should Google it as soon as you can. This competition is for those who love fishing and the winner gets very high prize money. So you will have a lot of fun in the competition and you win by any chance, then you will have even more fun with the money that you make. You can get a lot of practice done before it is time for the competition. A lot of people visit Alaska during this competition so that they can participate in it.

So if you want to participate in this competition then you will have to take a look at the date and all the other factors associated with this competition. You will certainly have a lot of fun in Alaska and you should make the most of it.

The state hemmed between north western ranges of Himalayas is glorified owner of natural splendor and bliss which continues to inspire and delight thousands of travel-lovers. In a nutshell Kashmir tours are about romancing by the Dal Lake, taking quiet walks in the woods, rejuvenate amidst nature’s bounty, exploring rare vistas, experiencing that adrenaline rush, admiring exquisite art and architecture and so much more. You get whole lot of reasons to embark on tours to Kashmir for the land never displeases or disappoints its visitors.

Kashmir is the land where Mughal emperors escaped to enjoy some quiet time and artists would sit in meditation to draw inspiration for their work. Such surreal natural exuberance enchants all compelling to head for Kashmir tours again and again.

Romantic Shikara Ride: Like the irresistible Kashmir tours a Shikara ride is also forever. Obtrusively beautiful Dal Lake is edged with gorgeous Mughal Gardens on both the sides and the scenery is completed with a perfect backdrop of mighty Himalayas. Shikara ride on Dal Lake is thus an incredible experience. Riding a traditionally built wooden Shikara boat one can experience royal treatment while passing by boats selling exotic flowers and luscious fruits adds beauty to the perfectly romantic settings.

Soulful Nature Walk in Gorgeous Mughal Gardens: Lustrous chinar trees are lined perfectly at gorgeous Mughal gardens of Nishant and Shalimar. Decked with natural splendor the gardens are great specimen of zenith of Mughal horticulture. They are embellished with artificial streams, Mughal style pavilions, ornamental fountains and lush terraced landscapes. A leisurely stroll in the gardens proves to be most rejuvenating experience of Kashmir tour packages. Just sit back and let the serenity suffuse all inside your system and then breathe fresh on the banks of Dal Lake to be able to absorb a tranquil expression of Kashmir.

Taste of Adventure Sports for Real: What intrigues adventure lovers the most is the sight of mighty Himalayan peaks and it is no tout’s business, but adventure sports in Kashmir are for the real courageous enthusiasts only. The lush meadows, snow-capped peaks and powerful streams gives way to enjoy abundance of adventure activities which includes skiing in Gulmarg, trekking at Gulmarg and Amarnath, paragliding in Kashmir and more.

Shopping & So Much More: Kashmiri handlooms are known for their exquisite usage of colors and gorgeous designs. Shopping in Kashmir is so much more than that for it also brings an opportunity to have a closer look at the art and architectural trends of the region. Hand woven shawls and carpets are amongst some of the best buys while silverware, pottery items are equally irresistible mementoes.

After eventful Kashmir tours guests always leave with an abundance of delightful memories and a completely rejuvenated soul which compels them to repeat the journey year after year.

Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com/author-monicatarvelmasti-45295.html

Dubbed as the land of the rising sun, Japan holds best travel destinations of all seasons in its four islands. They hold attractions that range from historical places to natural sceneries to amusement parks to shopping centers. If you wish to visit the country, let us have a quick on look on how you can explore Japan according to your specific interests.

Historical Places

Japan is a rich country where history blends with culture. This fact can be seen all through out the four islands of Tokyo, Hiroshima, Yokohama and Osaka. They all have temples, historical buildings, museums and churches.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace Park is first in the list of the famous historical places to visit. It was once the home to many Japanese emperors. To understand more of the Japanese religious background, you can visit Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji - Golden Pavilion, Sensoji Temple Asakusa, Shibuya, Meiji Jingu Shrine Confucian Shrine, Ryoanji Temple, Tochoji Temple, Hokozaki Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

If you are traveling with your children and you want them to remember of a piece Japanese history, bring them to The Museum of Kyoto And Honda Museum.

Amusement Parks

A part of the family holiday destinations are its different kinds of parks. For those who just want to enjoy the beauty of a natural environment, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Nagasaki Peace Park, Ohori-Keon Japanese Garden and Hama Rikyu Garden which is considered the best garden in Tokyo. By visiting these parks tourists also learn bits and pieces of Japanese history. Hiroshima Park, for one, was then a port city that got destroyed due to an atom bomb explosion.

Should your children want some thrill and excitement, bring them to Tokyo Disneyland. The young and the young at heart will not only enjoy the different rides in the amusement park but also taking photos of its different parts. This is because the touch of Japanese architecture makes this Disneyland branch unique from its other branches worldwide.

Natural Sceneries

Hokkaido with its beautiful natural surroundings attract many foreign and local tourists. Mount. Fuji is one of the must see places in this island. Every year it attracts more than a thousand hikers to explore and reach its snow-covered zenith. Getting to the countryside during the Japan ski season would also be a great way for you to marvel at the country's natural beauty. Besides skiing down the snowy slopes you can also immerse yourself in hot springs which are usually found at the foot of some mountains.

Shopping Centers

Finally, Japan is also one of the best travel destinations for those who love to shop especially for modern gadgets. Most of the busiest Japanese stores are located in Ginza and Shibuya. Young people are the common travelers to these places because of the presence of cool and stylish shops. But no matter how contemporary these stores are they still exude a touch of Japan's past. To those who love the nightlife, Shinjuku is the best spot as it holds brightest casinos and gambling joints.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chase_Crawford

Many of the Tourism Business, Hotels, Nile Cruises, and even the camel vendors offering rides at the Pyramids have suffered drastically. Many not even able to feed their animals. Egypt was and is dependent to a large extent on the Tourism Business. It will return when Egypt stays out of the negative media, but for now it has devastated the industry completely.
The tourist industry hired a large % of the population and now these people are out of work, some have gone out of business, and many struggle to feed their families. Unemployment especially among the young people is the highest is has ever been, and people struggle daily just to feed their families. Egyptians in general are innovative, wonderful people, warm and hospitable, and it is sad to see them suffering.
Mubarak's autocratic rule controlled everything including the media and TV, and the average person was living on less than $2 a day. There wasn't a day go by when Mubaraks face wasn't plastered in the papers and TV telling the population how wonderful (he thought) he was.
Corruption in Egypt was rampant, its still there but now most of the Ministers have gone it has become easier to open a business. Previously you basically paid under the counter for anything you wanted to do with the government. It's not as prevalent as it was - previously to open a business and get the necessary licenses you had to know someone to get to the Minister and then needed to pay the Minister a large fee in order to get approval for the license, then pay under the counter down the line to get it processed and activated. Now many small businesses are popping up all over the place taking advantage of the fact that the old guard is gone and before any new rules come into place.
In the wake of the revolution we feel that Tourism will return as there is a pent up interest in Egypt, but it will take the halt of negative media to bring it back. Yes the demonstrations where awful with the hired thugs and security police attacking the peaceful demonstrators, but these where limited to specific areas in Cairo, Alexandria and Suez, and in general the rest of Egypt moves on with everyday life. Those tourists who have returned are enjoying the uncrowded sites.
I am convinced that most of the situations like the attack on the Israeli Embassy, and the attacks on the Coptic Churches where staged events in an attempt by the old guard to create fear and bad relations and in order to have an excuse to bring back Marshall law, which they reinstated immediately after these events.
People forget that there are 18 million people in Cairo so even a 100,000 people in the square is still a small number in comparison. When you consider that Egypt has 80 million people restricted to areas along the Nile and coast away from the desert, and that it is only the size on one of the Provinces of Canada or one US State and when by comparison you consider that Canada has 33 million people across Canada it helps to put it in better perspective.
The elections although welcomed have been difficult as Political Parties were not allowed to form under the old regime, meaning that once the old regimen was overthrown they had little time to get organized into the necessary political groups to really put forth the proper programs and people they actually need to run the country efficiently. Once a new Civilian Government is in place it is generally felt that with time there is hope for the future and that business opportunities will start to come with foreign investments.
Basically Egypt has always had a dual monetary system, one price for Egyptians and another much higher price for foreigners. I understand in general that they need new money to come in to help them build, but imposing high taxes on foreign investors is not the way to build. Hopefully the new Government when in place will look at foreign investments as a way to help unemployment and opportunities for growth. Only time will tell.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Avril_Betts

Australia is a safe country compared with almost anywhere in the world. Live and work in Australia because there are many working opportunities, crime rates are low and strict gun control laws provide a safe environment. Australia gives you the right to practice your faith without persecution and is protected by law. Live and work in Australia and enjoy the wealth of cultural diversity. Australian is open, friendly people and you receive a warm welcome once you arrive.

Australia is a young and vibrant country for you to live and work. Australia's beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. The beaches along the eastern side of the country are significantly more populated and well known globally leaving unspoiled havens to those willing to travel. After working in Australia for years you may be given the option to apply to an Australian training college. Australia has a world class health system and a fantastic lifestyle to offer. Australia has a lower cost of living in comparison to most western countries.

Working visa Australia allows those who wish to work in Australia for a specified period of time. The following are the different type working visa Australia:
• Skilled sponsored visa is for those who do not meet the pass mark for the independent visa and may be sponsored by a relative or participating state or territory government.
• Employed sponsored workers is for people with recognized skills seeking to work in Australia after being sponsored by an Australian or overseas employer.
• Skilled migration is for people who are not sponsored by an employer but who have skills in particular occupations required in Australia.
• Skilled regional sponsored visa is for those who want to live and work in a specified regional area of Australia and are sponsored.

• 457 visa is for those who have an offer of employment from an Australian employer to work temporary in Australia.
• Skills Australia events is designed to help meet the current skills shortages in Australia. They allow skilled workers to meet employers and state government about employment and sponsorship opportunities in Australia.
• Working holiday visa is for young people aged between 18 - 30 years old and the opportunity of a lifetime to enjoy an extended holiday in Australia combined by a short term employment.
• Skilled independent visa is a permanent work visa for individuals who have the qualifications and skills required to fill Australia's skill shortages. You need to acquire points in order to be eligible.
• Permanent residence entitles you to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis.

niches.http://globalvisas.net.au/

Thailand is known for its tropical climate, wealthy tradition, and excellent holiday getaway locations. With its diverse way of life and geography, it provides a wide range of actions excellent for your long-awaited vacation. You might want an extended stay if you need to encounter all of these. You could stay near to the famous tourist spots and leisure areas simply by renting Thailand villas. They are suitable options in order to have the most out of your Thailand holiday.

Listed below are some useful information when preparing your holiday and looking out for Thailand villas.

Of course, you ought to decide on the date before making a booking. You should know that season is a great aspect in the accessibility of rooms and accommodations. Summer months are commonly the peak time of year. Trying to find available luxury villas for rent can be hard because many tourists are on vacation mode as well. The Songkran, or the Thai New Year, is yet another busy season. Thus, it is going to be hard finding good hotels during your trip.

The easiest way to avoid this concern would be to book your villa during off-peak season. This is the period when it's possible to find many choices and more importantly, you may well have a more private vacation.

You don't have to worry about the cost as the villas also come in many affordable packages and prices. The rental fees ordinarily depend on the services. As an example, an accommodation with four rooms, four bathrooms, and a private pool is more expensive compared to a villa for honeymooners and couples. The rates also depend on the spot. A beach front villa in the secluded portion of an island has a higher rate than those in locations faraway from ocean views.

Luxury villas for rent have facilities much like five-star hotel accommodations; however, they're typically more cost-effective when compared with hotels. In addition, they feature Wi-Fi access and cleaning services. Some villas even have their very own private chefs. Privacy is another benefit especially for honeymooners and couples. You possibly can relax while dipping your toes in the warm waters of your private pool and sipping fresh fruit drinks.

Should you be travelling in a large group, hilltop and beachfront villas are ideal options. They feature housekeepers, chefs, and even live-in staff to serve you. These types of services usually come from warm and friendly locals who can converse in English. These kinds of options can be very expensive but since you're in a group, the individual expense may be lesser.

You might also opt for a villa close to the nightlife spots, restaurants, and shopping centres. Should you be travelling with your kids, you can choose one near fun-based attractions such as elephant sanctuaries and amusement parks.

Searching online for Thailand villas is not difficult since you are just a few clicks away from a wide range of options. In this way, you will have the chance to browse through customer reviews and testimonials to help you choose. More importantly, you have the chance to compare the rates. Booking for your chosen villa can also be easy once you do it online.

Article Source: http://goarticles.com/article/What-s-Good-About-Thailand-Villas-When-Spending-Holidays-in-Thailand/5940528/

Culture is breathed and experienced every day in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, located at 2,600 meters above sea level. The past and the present blend in this metropolis founded in 1538 to offer its visitors varied artistic expressions that include museum exhibits, dance, theater, music, and splendid cuisine.

From backpacker guesthouses to luxurious hotel chains, Bogota’s got a wide variety of accommodation facilities. Take your pick and stay at the best place to enjoy a wonderful vacation in Bogota. There are amusement parks and green spaces so take your kids or take your families for a picnic or simply to relax in this holiday in Bogotá.

Bogota boasts a diverse gastronomy hence plenty of eateries with variety of mouthwatering dishes. Try out some of the best at G Zone, T Zone and La Macarena. Fine dining in Bogota will tempt you to extend your vacation. Criterion, Leo Cocina y Cava, Nazca and En Obra are high end restaurants. If you visit Bogotá for shopping or pleasure, there’s plenty to satisfy you. Begin with Atlantis Plaza, Centro Andino, Plaza Imperial, Unicentro, Tintal Plaza, Palatino and the list goes on. So make it to Bogotá and have a great shopping spree with your families. Beat your shopping syndrome in Bogota.

There are plenty of items and souvenirs products, you’ll find worth bring back home for memoirs or the ideal gift for your friends, some of the popular items are leather hand bags, dress suits, shoes, jewellery, emeralds from the worlds’ best emerald mines and handicrafts. Other activities you can enjoy while in Bogotá are Bogotá Bike Tours, catch a football game at El Campin Stadium, and take your kids to the biggest park in the city –

Parque Simon Bolivar.

La Candelaria is the oldest Bogota neighborhood with many century old churches and museums. A landmark city with long list of historical events, La Candelaria is a place worth a visit. Walk along the narrow streets with quaint shops, houses and old buildings.
Visit the city of melting pot for its vast cultural reflections. National monuments erected around the city center together with sporting venues to watch some awesome games. Abundant museums closer to 50 are scattered in the city for interesting history lessons. For those who loves art and culture, over sixty art galleries will spell bound you with impressive and truly inspiring talent. It’s a paradise for book lovers to get lost in over twenty odd library networks with plenty of documentaries, rare articles and books.

Watch some live performing plays at stage theatres to get a glimpse of the live arts and culture of Bogota. Revealing about the culture of Bogota should be experienced rather spoken. It’s unbelievable and truly mesmerizing. Plan a trip and make it to Bogota to experience.
http://www.travelcenteruk.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-bogota.php

Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com/author-aaron-parker-40661.html

by: Aanchal Gupta

Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh is one of the fastest developing cities in India and the city is known as the preserver of the unique culture of India. It is surely one of the most visited place in South India and every year tourists from every nook and corner of the world travels in Hyderabad for a memorable holiday.

Well, there are many solid reasons to visit Hyderabad and here are some of them:

Images of the past: The city of Hyderabad is a living example of the images of the opulent days of its ancient rulers. This 400 year old city is a must visit destination for history lovers. There are many places to visit in Hyderabad that reminds of the glorious past like Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Golconda Fort and so on. There are also many attractions that have remnants of art and culture of the Qutub Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties

Mouth-watering dishes: One of the main highlights of the Hyderabad tourism is the Hyderabadi food which is a blend of Mughlai and Persian cuisines. It is famous for its rich and aromatic nature that comes due to the liberal use of exotic spices, ghee and fresh fruits. The Hyderabadi food uses fresh fruit instead of dried fruits. Biryani, one of India's most popular foods, is flavored rice with meat or vegetables and an important part of Hyderabadi cuisine.

Rich culture: Hyderabad is known for its rich history and culture with a rich and varied heritage in arts, crafts and dance that was formed during the rule of Nizams. One who travels in Hyderabad must visit the Salar Jung Museum to witness the cultural side of Hyderabad. It is one of the biggest one-man collections of antiques of the world who was Salar Jung III. Some of the top items here are Persian carpets, Moghal miniatures and daggers, Chinese porcelain, jade collection and Japanese lacquer and other fabulous items.

Paradise for shopping lovers: Hyderabad is surely the best place in India for shopping. In fact, the city has been a major shopping center of India for years, right from the Mogul kings to the British rule to the present day. People come here to shop for, antiques, jewelry items, beautiful dresses, rare semi precious gems, natural pearls and handicrafts. Due to a pleasant Hyderabad weather, there will be no problem for tourists to travel around looking for souvenirs to take back home.

Other attractions: Gandhipet Lake also known as Osman Sagar is one of the top places to visit in Hyderabad. Spread over an area of 46 square kilometers, here people come to enjoy the lush greenery. One important lake is the Hussain Sagar Lake where 33 statues of different celebrities is breathtaking sight for one who travels in Hyderabad. One can even experience skiing in sweltering summers by visiting the Snow theme Park. It is the only such park in entire India where you can enjoy skiing in artificial snow.

Apart from this, there are Film City Birla mandir and Osmania University which are amongst the top places to visit in Hyderabad. So, it’s time to plan your trip to this “City of Nizams”.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/travel_and_leisure/article_5908.shtml

By Catherine McCabe

For those organising school ski trips, there are many different options available across Europe, with plenty of value for those who want to shop around. Italy is becoming more popular as a venue for school trips as many of the French resorts that are comfortable for larger groups can quickly get booked up, and Spain, Austria, Slovenia and Bulgaria are a little further away. Italy offers the full package: great food, great facilities and a great selection of resorts. Accommodation can take the form of anything from small family-run establishments all the way to large hotels, many of which are close to the resorts.

Here is a rundown of the best Italian resorts for those organising school ski trips:

Beginners:

Folgaria - The resort of Folgaria is located on a plateau in Trentino, in Northern Italy, around 15 km southeast of Trento. Folgaria is well-known as a fantastic ski-resort and its well sheltered nursery slopes are great for those learning to ski. Alongside these nursery slopes, there are some fantastic pistes for more experienced skiers; so while ideal for beginners, Folgaria is also a very good option for mixed ability groups. The resort is home to around 100 km of marked runs, with the longest run around 2.5 km.

Mixed Ability Groups:

Andalo - Another resort in Trentino, Andalo is a top-quality medium sized skiing venue on the edge of the Dolomites. The facilities in the area are absolutely top-notch, and make it a joy for mixed ability school ski groups. There are enough slopes for beginners to find their feet, but intermediates with a taste for exploration should be able to cover the whole resort within a week. Andalo is home to around 60 km of marked runs.

Chiesa - A traditional resort that provides almost a kilometre and a half of vertical descent, Chiesa is a great place for school groups to learn to ski. It is popular with both snowboarders and skiers, meaning there is plenty of choice for school ski groups. A traditional mountainside village in Lombardy, Chiesa is a great all round destination.

Folgarida - Another great resort for groups of differing abilities, Folgarida is subject to a local micro-climate which, combined with the north and east facing slopes, means that the area can provide superior snow to other venues at this elevation. This beautiful resort links both the Madonna di Campiglio and Marilleva resorts and provides 52 individual pistes.

Advanced Groups:

Cesana - One of the resort better suited to more experienced groups, Cesana is home to a huge variety of runs - with particularly challenging and exciting advanced runs. The 'Milky Way' ski region is a huge complex of over 400 km of piste.

Catherine McCabe works for Slopping Off, a specialist winter sports travel service for schools, colleges and youth groups with a specific focus on school ski trips. Sloping Off offer a variety of affordable, good value packages to Austria, France and Italy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Catherine_McCabe

Author: Shawntrelly

If given choice to travel one city in South Africa, most of travellers pick Cape Town. The Mother City is home to endless of tourist attractions that make travellers booking cheap tickets to South Africa surely include Cape Town in their travel itinerary.

Top Sightseeing Spots
Travellers booking tickets to Cape Town get floored by the list of sightseeing attractions here. From striking views of the Table Mountain to natural wonders in Cape Point Nature Reserve, from far-stretched beauty of Atlantic Seaboard to rich heritage of Constantia Valley, the city brims with endless tourist attractions that please the eyes and calm the senses of the travellers booking cheap flight tickets to Cape Town.

Shopping Hubs
The city gives enormous options to the shopping lovers to fulfil their desire of shopping at the most exciting shopping spots in the world. The city offers loads of shopping options ranging from contemporary shopping malls like V&A Waterfront,
Cavendish Square, Tyger Valley and Gardens Centre to traditional street markets such as Milnerton Flea Market, Hout Bay Organic Market, Hout Bay Organic Market and Willowbridge Slow Market.

Eating Outs
Hordes of travellers book cheap tickets to Cape Town to explore the vivacious eating joints in the city. Cape Town flaunts a multi-ethnic mix of dining options that suites the taste bud of every traveller. All the restaurants in the city are known for their cheerful ambience and serve lip-smacking North Indian, Italian and Cape Malay cuisines. While counting the best eating joints in the city, the names of Africa Café, Table Mountain Café, Melissa’s, Empire Café, and Savoy Cabbage always top the list and offer a perfect backdrop to enjoy an evening with friends and family.

Best Hotels
Finding a good hotel in Cape Town is not at all difficult. From small budget hotels to larger than life lavish hotels, the city serves the needs of every sort of travellers and promises a comfortable and memorable stay. For luxury seekers, hotels like Mount Nelson Hotel, Taj Cape Town, the Table Bay At The Waterfront and the Westin Cape Town are fantastic choices whereas for budget oriented travellers accommodations like Blouberg Dolphin Inn, New Cumberland 108 – Apartment, Canterbury 501 Apartment and Balmoral Lodge are great picks.

Best Time to Visit
Though Cape Town never experiences extreme climates yet, the months between December-February are considered to be the best time to visit the city. Being the peak tourist season, Cape Town stays jam-packed with travellers during these months and seems like comprising of a whole world in itself. Moreover, for travellers who wish to spend some time in the ambience of serenity and calmness, the months of September and October are best visit Cape Town.

Getting Around
Travellers visiting Cape Town get numerous of options to travel around the city. From public Golden Arrow Bus service to convenient taxis, from car rentals to trendy bicycle rides, travellers may choose their own mode of transportation that may ease their hassles of travelling around and evokes a true holiday feel in their heart.

Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com/author-shawntrelly-34251.html

By Mayank N Gupta

If you are the kind of person that prefers to be intrigued and intellectually challenged by art, you cannot afford to miss out on The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in Dublin, Ireland. While not everybody can claim to have a fancy for contemporary art, those that do will find this trip worth their while.

Established in 1990 by the Government of Ireland, The Irish Museum of Modern Art was meant to be a successor to the highly popular and well-reputed Metropolitan Gallery of Modern Art, the foundation of which is credited to Sir Hugh Lane in the late nineteenth century.

Counted among the leading art museums of the nation, IMMA features contemporary as well as abstract art through its permanent and changing exhibitions. Among the notables displayed in the museum are Tony O'Malley, Rebecca Horn, Marina Abramovic, Stephan Balkenhol, and Damien Hirst.

The best way to visit the museum is to sign up for one of the guided tours that are conducted by museum mediators. The timings for these tours are fixed - Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM, 11:45 AM, 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM with the exception of Wednesdays when there is no tour at 10:00 AM.

The tours, free of cost and lasting 45 minutes each, need to be booked at least 3 weeks in advance. Participants are allowed to carry clipboards, sketchbooks, paper, and dry materials with them. Children or school groups are to be accompanied by at least one adult at all times throughout the tour.

Interesting as the art display is, the building that houses the museum has a charming history of its own. This stunning example of 17th-century architecture was formerly the Royal Hospital Kilmainmham. It was founded in 1684 by Sir William Robinson, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to King Charles II. Designed as a sanctuary and place of comfort for retired soldiers, the hospital was in function for nearly two and a half centuries before it was closed down.

In 1984, the Government of Ireland restored the Royal Hospital Kilmainham and seven years later it opened its doors to the general public in its new avatar as the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

Although primarily targeted towards contemporary art lovers, IMMA also attracts people who wish to revel in the old-age magnificence of the place. In addition to a meadow and a formal garden, the grounds of the museum also include a medieval burial ground. Smitten by its picturesque beauty, several producers have used the museum ground as a backdrop for their films.

The museum timings are as follows: Tuesday through Saturday - 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, Wednesday - 10:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Sunday - 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Admission to the Irish Museum of Modern Art is free.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6764623

By Tom Delmar

This museum is located on the popular street Carrer Montcada which is famous because many of the medieval landmarks are located at this street in Barcelona. Picasso is a world renowned artist who lived the initial years of his life in Barcelona from1901 to 1906.

This museum contains the collection of his artistic work belonging to his initial years of artistic hard work. This collection includes sketches from childhood, pictures of Blue periods and beautiful roses. This museum offers a free entry to the visitors on first Sunday of each month.

Fundacio Miro:

This museum is located near the famous Parc de Montjuic in Barcelona. This museum is famous for the great collection of contemporary work. Fundacio Miro is a priceless gift from the great artist Joan Miro to the city of Barcelona which is his native land. The building of the museum was made on the design of Josep Lluis Sert and it was first opened for the public in 1975 and this museum was further extended by the pupil of Sert named Jaume Freixa during 1988. The building of the museum is white and airy with great atmosphere of Mediterranean humor and lights. This museum remains open during the whole week except Mondays.

Palau de la Musica Catalana:

Palau de la Musica Catalana is among the famous and most visited landmarks of Barcelona. This is an amazing and out class museum with music halls and the facades of the museum are very beautiful and multicolor with amazing schemes of different forms. This building was designed by the famous name Lluis Domenech I Montanare during 1908 and it is known to be the flagship of modern architecture of Barcelona. There are number of concerts organized in this museum, but if you are not visiting the museum at the time any concert, than you can visit the music halls as the architect is worth watching.

Gaudi Casa Museu:

This museum was once used by the famous artist Gaudi and his niece as a residential house from 1906 to 1926, but now this house has been converted into a museum. This house museum displays the exhibition of furniture designed by Gaudi and other portraits, decoration and drawings of the famous artist.

The Barbier- Muller Museum:

This museum is the one and only place which contains the cultural heritage and art stuff belonging to Pre-Columbian eras. This is small museum but contains a great work of the artistic collection belonging to old era. The museum displays a number of sculptures on stone and wood, tapestries and prestigious publications.

Welcome to Clubvillamar.com: Find your perfect villa rental Spain. At villas in Mallorca your holiday starts already by having a look at our wide range of holiday homes.

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Author: Christina Lapworth

The very simple inescapable fact of the matter is impressive the City Of York happens to be an uplifting area which is loaded with wonderful life. It does make an ideal family vacation from any cultural point of view or just for that really romantic holiday that every single bride and groom look ahead to. The indigenous folk are extremely polite cordially receiving guests who show up here. That will make for a dynamic place to help you set eyes on the numerous terrific items that it has to reveal to anyone as travelers and tourists. Some of these points of interest are brilliant architectural wonders for example the brilliant York Minster, the well-known old cathedral at the heart of the town. Even assuming the main attractions listed here are splendid historic monuments, you should never ignore the terrific celebrations put on throughout the year.

Bear in mind, it is without question a good option to design your escape before you actually come. The prime rationality is a variety of celebrations may be on at a number of points in the year. To illustrate the amazing Festival of Mystery Plays happens through the summer months exclusively every four years. Aside from that the impressive Food Festival goes on during the fall. This astounding location encompasses innovative holiday attractions coupled with the traditional destinations. Fundamentally there are a great deal of fantastic options expecting to become spotted.

The essential sight-seeing opportunities during the winter season would be the indoor museums. These all have outstanding significance. Lets discuss 3 of these in a little more detail.

For starters you have the memorable Rail Museum. This fantastic point of interest is nicely situated in Leeman Road in York. It truly is one of the most renowned museums around the entire locale. This affords you the ability to know the history associated with the York rail businesses which is actually quite important. Furthermore it really helps to have a look around the great complexes which are covered in stories of train legends and old fashioned steam locomotives. A particular element that may make this superb museum so special for anyone is the fact that families can in truth leap on board the actual trains. Further true train buffs will probably love chilling looking at the engineers in the working area. Young ones tend to be on the whole entertained if they get to experience trains steaming away when they have fun playing outdoors within the gardens. It's actually one of many fine locations a person cant manage to ignore while right here.

Additionally you have the outstanding Jorvik Viking Center. This impressive attraction is situated in Coppergate, York. This really is a marvelous corner for archeology addicts. Within it you and your family will discover an excellent amsument park like train ride through the reconstruction of a breathtaking Viking Age town also known as Jorvik. This in fact was around here in excess of eight hundred years before. Checking out this fabulous sight-seeing opportunity can simply end up being labelled impressive. Its actual design has been developed with passion and can bring the sound, smells and furthermore the views out of this past age to life for you. You can also find exhibitions placed here as the best way of taking people back in history.

Finally we still have the stunning York Castle Museum. This remarkable place of interest can be found in the centre of York within the town walls and next to Coppergate shopping centre. It's quite possibly the most celebrated places of interest on the earth. Up to now it has received upwards of 23 million holidaymakers and visitors from almost all over the world. It's here that you receive to check out the accurate amazing characteristics of York England, with its tints, candies and uniforms. Addionally you will probably meet up with the quite welcoming individuals gainfully employed here. This visitor attraction provides superb exhibits with very well preserved ancient costumes for the gals and dolls coming from past times for the young children. You'll also find exhibits of antique weapons of battle for the boys. It could be the most unique point inside the museum would be the prison where well known hiway-man Dick (Richard)Turpin encountered his last slumber prior to being slain.

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Even a simple hotel has to be its best to be able to provide world-class services to the consumer who does not want to compromise at any level, at any cost. Several marketing tactics have been applied for a better business almost every now and then. The advent of e-commerce market has been revolutionary in this regard. It has turned out to be a boon both for consumers as well as the tourism sector. It has given a platform to these hoteliers to showcase their services. At the same time, the consumers are also able to find the best for themselves by making their own research straight from the Internet. They can have millions of options to choose from. So they can be choosy enough to get exactly what they want. Also, there increases better transparency for them as they get exactly what they want from their very own reliable sources and the genuine gets chance.

Lushtrip.com is a new name in the e-commerce space. It provides discounts on various travel deals in India and across the world. Carrying the concept of ‘Luxury at Affordable Prices’, the major objective of this website is to raise the level of middle-class affordability by providing them with great discounts on luxury holidays they could only dream of. With discounts ranging from 30% to 90%, you can get all sorts of deals on luxury hotels, resorts, weekend getaway tours and even short vacations. Lushtrip provides all discounted travel deals online. These discount vacation deals are made available on daily basis. The deals are also customized as per consumers’ needs. These packages are also made in accordance with the event, festival or carnival in major tourist cities or destinations. So, even a middle-class consumer can avail luxury hotel deals in India or weekend getaway tours at very reasonable price.

Lushtrip offers some vouchers or discount coupons which can be used to avail huge discounts on hotels, resorts and various themed properties. Not only this, Lushtrip also offers cash back in the form of Koopan points which can be redeemed on the next purchase made by the consumer. These Koopon points can also be earned by referring the deal or deals to friends.

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 by: Oman Tours & Travels

Tourism is a priority sector in Oman, since its potential for growth and popularity has been recognized the world over. The country possesses amazing historic heritage, perfect environment, splendid folklore, and traditional industries like fishing, in addition to its natural beauty. All these tourist assets have given this country its own status on the travel map for the Middle East for decades, and now this great sea faring nation is all set to mystify the world. Before you get ready to visit any foreign land, it is crucial that you know how you can get around, thus is it helpful to have tips on traveling in Oman.

Whether you enter the country by means of air, land or sea, it is very important to read up on Oman. This way you can make a list of things you want to do during your stay, you can plan your itinerary well, and know how you will be traveling to all the destinations you have in mind. There are a large number of websites on the Internet that provide all information about the country. You can even know about the weather conditions, activities, sightseeing, and dressing norms here to pack your bags accordingly.

Internal travel in Oman can be undertaken by plane, bus, or rental car. If the places you want to visit are near Muscat or Salalah, there are regular flights between the two airports by the national carrier, Oman Air. To connect bigger cities in the country like Muscat, Sur, Nizwa, Sohar, and Salalah, there are daily bus services. Buses here are punctual and never crowded, providing inexpensive option of transportation. The state-owned bus service also has air-conditioned modern buses. Private or shared taxis are available in Oman, and are fairly cheap and convenient, but the best mode of transportation to explore the place is by renting a car.

There are plenty of car rental companies in Oman. Most of them have offices at the airport as well. These companies are equipped to give you multiple options in type of car, brand, amenities, etc. If budget is not a concern to you, then a nice four wheel drive with GPS is advisable to explore the rough terrains of the country. No matter what mode of transportation you choose, traveling in Oman is a pleasure. The people are friendly and helpful, and who knows you might go back home with not just memories of adventure and sightseeing but even some memories of new found friends.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/travel_and_leisure/article_5901.shtml

By Alan Shelly

South Africa is a multi ethnic country. It's an amazing destination and offers a unique experience. It has various attractions to allure the tourists. The fascinating country is also described as a 'rainbow nation.' This term is coined as a tribute to the multiculturalism of the people.

Visitors travel to South Africa to enjoy its culture, attractions and wildlife. Numerous travel companies offer flight deals to this destination. Best flight deals are offered along with sightseeing tours and hotel bookings. Tourists should give considerable thought before deciding on a travel agent.

The country offers various attractions to the curious traveler. A visit to the historical Robben Island Prison Museum enriches the knowledge of tourists. Many apartheid era leaders including the great Nelson Mandela were imprisoned here. The island is a symbol of the triumph of human spirit against slavery and racism. It has been awarded World Heritage status. Varied sort of fauna and flora also exist in the island. Nearly 132 bird species have been observed here.

The Wild Coast is an untamed area of the country which has fantastic beaches, rugged coastline, hills and valleys. The area is rich in wildlife and nature lovers will thoroughly enjoy it. It is also dubbed as a bird watcher's paradise. One should enjoy activities like snorkeling and diving in the beautiful ocean.

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Autor: Bweiss

Anyone who thinks the days of getting something for nothing are over probably hasn’t yet taken advantage of discount vacation packages. Besides getting great deals on airfare, resorts, hotels, cruises, amusement tickets, attractions and more, you’ll find that many discount vacation packages sweeten the deal even more by including freebies.

Lots of free stuff!

What sort of freebies? Well, definitely not the kind you get from fast food restaurants, that’s for sure. The freebies being offered along with today’s discount vacation packages are items of real value. Free dinner tickets, free tickets to water parks, free amusement tickets to big-name places like bush gardens, and even free overnight stays at top-rated hotels and resorts in popular travel destinations are not unheard of.

If you know anything about the types of freebies listed above you know they can amount to a huge savings. If you’re unsure, go online and take a look at the regular admission price to bush gardens or any amusement park, golf course, or water parks in the area where you plan to travel. At the low end, tickets go for $30 and from there go up as high as $70 or more.

Savings galore!

Now consider what you’d pay to stay at top-rated hotels and resorts and the savings jump well over $100 – per night! And it’s rare to find regular-priced dinner tickets to those places that include entertainment along with a 4-course dinner for anything less than $50. But when they’re free, you pay nothing. Incredibly, as valuable as these items are, they’re the types of freebies being offered in conjunction with today’s discount vacation packages.

If you’ve taken time off from travel because you’re too busy, because you’re trying to save fuel, or because you think vacation packages are unaffordable, you have no idea the fun times you and your travel companions are missing out on. If you’re tired of saying no to vacation travel or if you need a quick escape to someplace relaxing where golfing, biking, fishing, sightseeing and all sorts of other leisurely activities are the norm, it’s time to check out the vacation packages – discount and otherwise – being offered to destinations all over the world.

Discount Vacation Packages are easy to find

The best part of all is that you don’t have go to further than your computer to find discount hotels, resorts, travel, amusement tickets, airfare and entire vacation packages. If you have a destination in mind, start searching for discount vacation packages to that area. If you know you’re in the mood for some serious golfing, search for golf discount vacation packages and choose the destination offering the best deal.

But if you’ve no idea where you want to travel or you don’t know whether you want to go biking, fishing or splashing at water parks, don’t worry. With a bit of creative cyberspace searching you’re practically guaranteed to find one or more vacation travel packages to suit your every need.

Source: Free Articles